Latest from Android Central

Google I/O is back, and there are some exciting things we might get this year.After canceling last year's event due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic that we're still in the midst of, Google has decided to go ahead this year with its annual developer conference. Google I/O will be a completely free and fully virtual event where the company will show off some of what it's been working on over the past 12 months or so. While that includes a lot of developer talk, there will also be plenty of consumer-facing products shown off as well. The good thing about Google I/O is that while it's a developer conference, regular folk and tech enthusiasts can enjoy it as well and get an insight into the cool things that may soon reach their phones, computers, or smart speakers. You can take a look at some of the top five features that were announced at Google I/O since 2015 to get an idea of the kinds of announcements and revelations that come from this event.The three-day conference will ho...

Because USB-C Power Delivery allows for higher charging speeds, when you're using the best USB-C charger, you should trust your devices to only the best USB-C cables because when they break, they can fry your device or start a fire. Back in the early days, you had to be extra sure your cables were properly made, but these days USB-C cables have reached a safe, stable standard (for the most part). Whether you need a USB-A port on the other end or you've gone full USB-C to USB-C, there are great, safe USB-C cables to be had out there without spending an arm and a leg!Best USB-C to USB-C cablesTop speedsAnker Powerline II CableStaff PickIf you want the latest spec and the highest data speeds, you want USB 3.1 Gen 2, which can support up to 10Gbps data speeds and up to 100W charging speeds.$22 at Amazon4K readyUSB-IF Certified Cable Matters 10 Gbps Gen 2 USB C to USB C CableThis unassuming black or white cable boasts the 3.2 Gen 2 spec, so it too can support 10Gbps ...

360 Reality Audio support on Android is currently limited to Sony's Xperia phones.What you need to knowGoogle and Sony are working together to bring 360 Reality Audio support to Android devices.Android's MPEG4Extractor system component may gain support for MPEG-H 3D spatial sound codec later this year.Amazon Music HD and Tidal are two of the major music streaming services that support Sony's 360 Reality Audio codecs. Sony's 360 Reality Audio technology, which is currently exclusive to its flagship Xperia phones, could soon be coming to the best Android phones from other OEMs. As reported by the folks over at XDA Developers, code reviews submitted to the Android Open Source Project have revealed that Google and Sony have joined forces to bring 360 Reality Audio support to more Android devices.The two companies are working together to add support for the MPEG-H 3D spatial sound codec to Android's MPEG4Extractor system component and bringing broader 13-channel audio layout s...

UEFA Champions League titleholders Bayern Munich travel to Paris in this quarter-final second leg needing to overturn an aggregate deficit against PSG to avoid elimination. Don't miss a moment with our PSG vs Bayern Munich live stream guide.This quarter-final matchup is a replay of last year's Champions League final, though the first leg provided a different winner with PSG coming out on top in a five-goal thriller.With three away goals plus home-field advantage going into this second leg, the Parisians will be confident that they can topple the German giants. Mauricio Pochettino will hope Kylian Mbappé is on form once again with his two goals in the last leg book-ending the victory.It was a spirited performance from Bayern Munich in the last leg with the Reds coming from 2-0 down to level the game on the hour mark before Mbappé notched his second to seal the win.With elimination a real possibility, Hans-Dieter Flick's side will need to up their game in the French capital i...

From performance problems and server instability to a complete lack of patches, Outriders players on Stadia are getting left in the dust.Maybe in a month or two, things will be better, but as of right now, it's hard to recommend Outriders on Stadia to anybody, and it has nothing to do with the quality of the game itself. At its core, Outriders features an extremely compelling gameplay loop full of looting and shooting that rivals the likes of Borderlands with some of the most inventive and fun-to-play character classes this side of Destiny. There's a full campaign that clocks in at over 25-hours and a robust end-game structure ready and waiting to be farmed for all its worth.But the complete silence from Square Enix and People Can Fly about the outdated and buggy state of the Stadia version over a week after launch makes it hard to put much confidence in the long-term support of the game on Google's cloud platform—even if it could eventually become one of the best Stadia games ...

Another Google Play service bites the dust.What you need to knowGoogle has announced that it is ending support for its Play Movies & TV app on some smart TV platforms.The move comes after the app was renamed on Android smartphones last year.Google Play Movies & TV will retire on several smart TV platforms on June 15, after which purchases can be accessed on YouTube.Google is killing off another app. After Play Music & TV was renamed on the best Android phones last year to Google TV, the company has decided to end support the Play Music & TV app on select smart TV platforms. The change was announced in Google Play support page: Starting 6/15/2021, the Google Play Movies & TV app will no longer be available on Roku, Samsung, LG, and Vizio smart TVs. The YouTube app will be your new home for movies and shows. Just log in with your Google account in the YouTube app today, you'll have access to all of your past purchases, and will be able to browse, purch...

In support of his sixth album Justice, Justin Bieber is taking the stage at the majestic Parisian hotel in Paris, France for a virtual livestream performance that fans from around the world will be able to watch for free. Though this is scheduled to be a rather short set with just five songs, the show will give fans the chance to see the star perform several tracks from his new album live for the very first time.After the performance, YouTube Premium is set to host an exclusive afterparty with Justin; unlike the free virtual concert, only YouTube Premium subscribers will have access to the afterparty event but you can also gain access with a free YouTube Premium trial. While the performance should be available to watch worldwide, you can quickly bypass any location restrictions that won't let you watch due to where you're located by using a VPN.Justin Bieber Live from Paris: When and whereJustin Bieber Live from Paris is airing live this Tuesday, April 13 at 7pm EST / 4pm PS...

One smartphone is curiously missing from LG's Android 12 update list.What you need to knowLG provides a list of smartphones that will receive Android 11, 12, and 13.The list includes devices like the LG Wing, Velvet, and V50 models.The LG V60 is curiously absent from the list of smartphones for Android 12 and 13.Since announcing its departure from the smartphone industry, there have been questions regarding support for LG's current smartphones, and understandably so. LG is not known to have the greatest track record for providing timely (if at all) updates for its smartphones. The company previously stated that it would support certain devices up to three years after their release, but that still left questions about which devices would be supported. Now, we have a better idea of which LG smartphones will continue to receive updates to Android 12 and Android 13.PhoneArena spotted a page on LG's Korean site that provides a list of devices that it expects to update to the n...

Best answer: Yes. Peacock TV has been available to download on Roku platforms since September 2020.New episodes and more: Peacock From $4.99 at PeacockHow to install Peacock on RokuWhile NBC's Peacock TV wasn't available on Roku devices when it first launched, you can now download the app on all Roku devices. Here are the simple steps you need to follow to get Peacock on Roku right now.Navigate to the Roku homepage and select Streaming Channels.Use the search function to search for Peacock. Select the Peacock app and select Add Channel. Sign in to the Peacock app using your existing credentials. If you've yet to create a Peacock account, you'll want to sign up at PeacockTV.com before downloading the app and signing in to the streaming service on your Roku device.In addition to offering a free tier, Peacock has two Premium tiers: the ad-supported Peacock Premium tier costs $4.99 per month and ad-free Peacock Premium Plus tier for $9.99 per month.Streaming by NBC...

Big changes could be on the way for Samsung's camera hardwareWhat you need to knowA new rumor suggests Samsung and Olympus have partnered on a new camera sensor.The sensor could be included as soon as the Galaxy Z Fold 3 or pushed to the Galaxy S22.This camera would feature technology similar to Apple's 'Sensor Shift' lens from the iPhone 12 Pro Max.With the Pixel 5 featuring years-old camera hardware, the Samsung Galaxy S21 family has come close to taking over the top spot for the best Android camera. In some respects, the S21 has overtaken the Pixel, only leaving the iPhone 12 Pro Max as the two big dogs for best smartphone camera overall. However, it seems that Samsung is gearing up to bring some new technology to either the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 or next year's Galaxy S22.A new rumor has been making its rounds, courtesy of Yogesh (via XDA Developers), suggesting that Samsung and Olympus have partnered up for a new camera lens that could be coming soon. The rumor was ...

You can be locked out of your WhatsApp account.What you need to knowResearchers have discovered a worrying vulnerability within WhatsApp.Users can be locked out of their accounts thanks to a massive flaw involving just a phone number.WhatsApp users are encouraged to enable two-step authentication on their accounts.WhatsApp has a big security issue right now, and it doesn't seem to be doing much about it. The app has seen its fair share of problems lately, including a mass exodus from the platform after it announced its new privacy policy requiring accounts to be connected to Facebook. It turns out that privacy isn't the only problem WhatsApp has to deal with, not that a huge security flaw has been discovered.A pair of researchers have uncovered a flaw (via Forbes) that allows attackers to lock anyone out of their WhatsApp account with just their phone number. It works because upon installing the app, the app will ask for a phone number. The attacker can input any number, ...

Google One just got a lot more important.Update, Apr 12 (11:45 am ET): New video editor is rolling out on Google PhotosWhat you need to knowGoogle has improved Google Photos editing capabilities.It's rolling out a new video editor to all Android users.Google is also releasing Pixel-exclusive features to non-Pixel users under a Google One paywall.Google last year rolled out a slew of Pixel exclusive editing features to Google Photos on Android. If you had a Pixel 4a or a Pixel 5, Google's AI would be able to apply select tweaks to your photos based on whether the subject was a person or a landscape.Now, the company is making them available to non-Pixel owners — for a fee. You'll need to have Google One access to try out some of these features as Google announced back in 2020. These include the new Portrait Blur and Portrait Lighting tools, as well as the ML-powered suggestions. You'll need to have an Android phone with 3GB of RAM running Android 8.0 and above, but as e...

There is no shortage of great VPN providers out there, and NordVPN happens to be among the best. Normally when something is at the top of its class that means it costs more, but that doesn't have to be the case here. You can actually get some pretty great coupons, deals, and discounts on NordVPNs service without trying too hard.With nearly 5,500 servers spread across 59 different countries, there's a lot to like about NordVPN. It's one of the best options out there for unblocking Netflix in various regions and has great security features.Today's best NordVPN coupons and dealsWhen looking at VPNs, security is always at the front of our focus as we test them. We have a full NordVPN review that breaks down all of the key parts but, as a whole, the service offers fast speeds, reliable connections, and works on almost every device out there.The best NordVPN deal available todayWith NordVPN, the longer you prepay for the service, the better the deal becomes. Right now, the smarte...

It isn't clear if the Galaxy S21 FE will also debut alongside the two foldables in July.What you need to knowSamsung will reportedly unveil the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 2 at an Unpacked event in July.Both foldables may pack slightly smaller batteries than their predecessors. The Galaxy Z Fold 3 is tipped to come with S Pen support, similar to the Galaxy S21 Ultra. Samsung's next foldable phones might arrive a little earlier than expected, according to a new report from South Korean publication The Elec. Despite the global chip shortage, Samsung is apparently planning to launch the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 2 at an Unpacked event in July.While both the foldables are expected to offer a slew of major upgrades, the report claims they will pack smaller capacity batteries than their predecessors from last year. The Galaxy Z Fold 3 is said to feature a 4,380mAh battery, which is identical to the original Galaxy Fold. Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip 2, on the other hand...

A small update to be sure, but a welcome one.What you need to knowChrome OS's media controls might soon look a lot like Android's.Google last revamped them with the big Chrome OS 89 update.A new change may seem them gain a more advance scrubbing bar as well as a background matching color theme. Google is working on a revamp of Chrome OS's media controls shortly after redoing them for Chrome OS 89. The company had given them a modern overhaul in the latest Chrome update and allowed users to pin them to the taskbar alongside its new tote feature.Now, the company plans to go a bit further as spoted by users on reddit (via Android Police). There are a few things to note. First, there's the scrubbing bar. While you can skip forward or backward on a Chromebook currently, you can't currently scrub like you can on Android. That's going to change.Second, Google is going to make the background color dynamic and have it match the color of the album being played. This used to be th...

Better than ever before.One of the many exciting new features of the PS5 is the ability to play games at 120 FPS (frames-per-second). The advanced specs of the PS5 and the rise in capable displays mean that developers have the option of targeting 120 FPS in games if they so choose. We've rounded up all the games directly confirmed to at least feature a 120 FPS option in certain modes, which we'll add to over time as more games are announced. Here's the full list of PS5 games with 120 FPS support — that we're aware of right now.List of PS5 games with 120 FPS support Game Resolution Free upgrade Upgrade release date Borderlands 3 1080p Yes November 2020 Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War 1200p No November 13, 2020 Destiny 2 Dynamic 1440p Yes December 8, 2020 Devil May Cry 5 Special Edition 1080p No November 2020 Dirt 5 — Yes November 2020 Fortnite 1440p Yes December 2020 Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingd...

The Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra has a curved AMOLED display covered with Gorilla Glass 6, but that doesn't mean it doesn't need a great screen protector. Curved glass is inherently more vulnerable than flat, and the Note 20 Ultra's massive screen leaves many opportunities for scratches and potential cracks. That's why you should buy one of the best Galaxy Note 20 Ultra screen protectors for your new, expensive phone.The glass wayVenoro Tempered Glass Screen ProtectorStaff PickVenoro is a name we often rely on for quality screen protectors for all major phone releases, and with the Note 20 Ultra, it's showing up to the plate yet again. This single-screen protector is of the tempered glass variety, offering incredibly scratch resistance, a 99.99% transparency rating, and a super slim design at just 0.2mm thick.$12 at AmazonComboBAZO Soft Screen Protector (2-Pack)If you're looking to stretch your dollars a bit more, you can't ignore this package from BAZO. It ...

One of the best smart thermostats just reached one of its best prices at Woot; now at $99.99, the ecobee3 Lite Smart Thermostat can make a serious difference in how you cool down at home with close $70 off its regular cost. It's offered open-box but has been tested to be in full working condition and comes with is a 90-day warranty.Rather than having to get up to fiddle with your AC ever again, the ecobee3 Lite lets you control it entirely from your smartphone once you've downloaded a free app. That'll even let you control it while you're away from home or schedule it to only come on during certain hours of the day.Best of all, it only takes about 30 minutes to install using the easy-to-follow installation guide that's included with this purchase. There's a walkthrough in the app as well, and a Power Extender Kit is included for homes that don't have a common wire (C-wire). This thermostat can even be controlled using your voice and a device with a compatible voice assistant like...

Google's out. Work's canceled.What you need to knowGoogle users are reporting an outage early on Monday morning.The outage appears to effect essential services like the Drive suit of apps and ClassroomReports spiked around 9am ET, the start of the work day.You're not the only one suffering from Monday blues. Google's Workspace services have also crashed for users worldwide, preventing people from getting work done. Users all over social media and Down Detector have reported that Google Docs, Slides, Classroom, and other services have gone down, a state of affairs that we've confirmed. Likewise, Google's Workspace status page concurs.When loading up an affected app, users report that the service displays an error message: Google Docs encountered an error. Please try reloading this page, or coming back to it in a few minutes. To learn more about the Google Docs editors, please visit our help center. We're sorry for the inconvenience. - The Google Docs TeamWit...

The new "Heads Up" feature will remind you to pay attention to what's around you when you're walking using your phone.What you need to knowGoogle is rolling out a useful new Digital Wellbeing feature called "Heads Up."The feature will alert you to keep your head up while you're walking using your phone. It is part of the latest Digital Wellbeing beta update for Pixel users.Google's Digital Wellbeing app is getting a new feature that aims to prevent users from getting too distracted while walking using their phones. The feature, which is called "Heads Up," is now rolling out to Pixel users with the latest Digital Wellbeing beta. It was first spotted by XDA Developers in November last year during a teardown of the Digital Wellbeing app beta v1.0.342229637.Digital Wellbeing add "Heads Up", a feature that warns you to stop using your phone while you're walking. @xdadevelopers @thetymonbay @XDA_Forum_Admin @thetymonbay pic.twitter.com/5pEEgwuTMp— Jay Prakash Kamat (@jay__ka...

As the weather warms up, you're going to need some outdoor music. Whether you need it for your first pool parties or the outdoor barbecue, some powerful sound that doesn't get hurt by a little splash or a little rain is perfect for the spring time. Grab the Anker Soundcore Bluetooth speaker because it's on sale thanks to a $6 off on-page coupon that knocks the price from $28 to $21.99 total at Amazon. The drop to $22 matches a low price we've seen only a couple times the last few months, and you'd have to go back nearly a year to find it going for an even better price. Only the black version of the speaker is going for this low as the other colors are still at an inflated cost of $34.The Soundcore speaker is one of Anker's best. It has high-sensitivity drivers and a patented bass port. What that means for you is powerful sound, exceptional clarity, and zero distortion even at high volume. You'll be able to feel the bass if that's what you want.One of the great features of this sp...

Fly me to the moon.If you've ever wanted to be Spider-Man, it's pretty clear VR is the best way to go. While the free Spider-Man Far From Home VR experience is a novelty, Straylight's web-slinging-in-space concept promises to deliver a deeper experience — which it should since it's a $20 game — on all major VR platforms when it launches in Q3 of this year. For now, we got the chance to experience Straylight hands on — or, rather, beams on — in the Early Access beta build of the game on SteamVR using an Oculus Quest 2 with Oculus Link.Conceptually, Straylight is described as a first-person cosmic VR platformer. Essentially, you'll be swinging from point to point using the Straylight — a tool that allows players to grapple onto points of light strewn around the arena-style environments. These grapple points allow players to act a bit like everyone's favorite web-slinging hero, albeit with zero-gravity physics in wholly abstract environments. While it sounds simple eno...

Google's contact tracing API has prohibited location tracking since its inception.What you need to knowThe UK's update to the NHS COVID-19 app was rejected by both Apple and Google today.This is because the update would have requested location data from users.This move would have counter to the policies of both technology companies.Google and Apple have both blocked an update to the UK's NHS COVID-19 app today over privacy concerns (via BBC). The update, if it rolled out, would have allowed users to share details of all their recently visited locations to the government, This was part of the UK's strategy to keep track of contacts and prevent outbreaks as it lifted some COVID-19 restrictions on April 12.However, the update was blocked by the Play Store and Apple's App Store. This is because both Google and Apple restrict sharing of location data either via the contact tracing APIs to the companies themselves, or to public health agencies. The update itself would have brok...

You need a 4K monitor. Well, maybe you don't need it, but you definitely want it. There are a lot of benefits to having 4K resolution on a computer monitor, whether you are deep into photo editing, play computer games, or want the best way to watch movies and TV shows while sitting at your computer desk.Unfortunately, 4K is already a relatively expensive feature compared to 1080p or 1440p resolutions so the more extra features you add the quickly the price can rise. These monitors don't usually run cheap, and if they do it's because they sacrifice refresh rate, response times, or other tech. Whatever you're looking for in a 4K monitor, we have the best deals available right here.Best 4K Monitor DealsLG 27UD88-W 27-inch 4K USB-C monitor | $50 offThis monitor has 4K resolution, a 5ms response time, and a 60Hz refresh rate. It also has 350 nits of brightness and an SRGB over 99%. It is VESA compatible so you can mount it to an arm or a wall. The ports include a USB-C port wi...

When Google announced the Pixel 5 and Pixel 4a 5G, it didn't just launch two phones with impressive cameras. It introduced new Google Photos editing features as well. Improvements to machine learning, artificial intelligence, and user interface mean that users will now be able to do more with light and portrait mode after taking photos. They will also have access to more granular manual controls. We'll show you how to use the Google Photos editor with all its new features that will make your pictures look even better.Products used in this guide:New flagship: Google Pixel 5 $699 at AmazonPenultimate Pixel: Google Pixel 4a 5G $410 at the Best BuyJump to:Manual controlsPortrait lighting effectsEditing vidsAI suggestionsHow to use the new Google Photos editing features: Manual controlsOnce you receive the Google Photos app update, editing your photos (whether you just took them or they are already in your archive) is easier than ever. All you need to do is tap o...

In addition to Snapdragon 800-series chips, the upcoming Xiaomi tablets will apparently also feature quad rear cameras.What you need to knowA new leak suggests Xiaomi could launch three new premium Android tablets later this year.All three tablets will apparently feature Qualcomm Snapdragon 800-series chips and 120Hz refresh rate screens.Xiaomi hasn't launched an Android tablet since 2018.The premium Android tablet market is currently dominated entirely by Samsung. However, a new leak suggests things could finally change later this year. According to Xiaomiui Telegram group, Xiaomi is developing three new Android tablets that could give Samsung's Galaxy Tab S7 and Tab S7 Plus a run for their money (via Android Authority).The three tablets are said to be codenamed Enuma, Elish, and Nabu. As per the report, all three models will sport IPS LCD screens with the same 120Hz refresh rate as Samsung's best Android tablets. Enuma and Elish will be powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon ...

Amazfit's T-Rex Pro roars in the face of adversity and the elements to keep on going.When the T-Rex was released last year, it quickly became one of the best Amazfit Smartwatches available and made me really excited for an Amazfit T-Rex Pro. The smartwatch maker is known for its responsive software and long battery life, and with the T-Rex series, you get that at a lot more.At first glance, it's clear to see that the T-Rex Pro is made to handle a rough and tumble adventure. This isn't a dainty watch that is designed for the boardroom. No, this smartwatch is certified MIL-STD-810G, boasting 15 levels of durability to go along with 10ATM water resistance. Combine all of that with a battery that's advertised to last up to 18 days, a slew of sensors, and the ability to recognize over 100 different exercises, and it all looks great on paper.As we all know, what is shown on paper and what happens in real day-to-day wear can be very different. So, in the last couple of weeks, I wore t...

The Chamberlain MyQ smart garage door opener is our favorite device for opening your garage from your phone, and it works extremely well. Today you can get one for $19.98 at Amazon. This is a daily deal and is set to expire by tomorrow, so grab it while you can. The MyQ normally sells for around $30 with spikes as high as $40. While we have seen it go on sale before, we have never seen a direct price drop this low.This new version of the MyQ simplifies the setup tremendously. It doesn't even have to attach to the garage door opener anymore. It comes with a mounting plate so you can put it on any wall in your garage. All you're doing is taking what already exists and making it smarter. The product page can show you all the garage door openers the MyQ is compatible with, but it basically includes anything made after 1993. As long as you have the standard safety sensors and such, you'll most likely be able to use this.Of course, you also need a router with Wi-Fi strong enough to rea...

Chatting with the AC forums.With so many great devices and such a diverse software ecosystem, we Android fans have a lot to be proud of, but we also have a lot to argue about. People naturally form different tribes and camps around their favorite brands, and one of the most hotly contested measures of a brand or device is its camera chops. Google devices like the Pixel 5 are widely considered to be among the best, but Samsung's Galaxy S21 Ultra or the OnePlus 9 Pro may be the standard-bearers now. Heck, even our dearly departed LG has some great camera phones.As you can imagine, this topic has spurred some lively debate on the AC forums on which is the best Android camera phone. BigDisplay 04-10-2021 10:04 PM “ Which phone is the best pick if you say so. Best camera, best running software and hardware all together. Which one to buy in your opinion? Reply ...

You may have kitted your house out with a bunch of smart home tech, but have you spared a thought for your home security system? Instead of settling for an old or unreliable alarm, you really ought to upgrade to something like Arlo's Ultra camera system — especially with kits starting at just $250 at Woot today.The UHD Arlo cams have seen a few discounts since their release, and they have since been replaced by the Arlo Ultra 2 system, but these deals at Woot today are among the best we've seen with the 2-camera starter kit down to $249.99 and add-on cameras going for just $99.99.The biggest upgrade over the previous Arlo Pro 2 is in the resolution. This is Arlo's first security camera to have 4K resolution and HDR image processing. Arlo believes users will be able to use the resolution to pick up on critical details they may have otherwise missed, like license plate numbers or clothing, when identifying suspicious activity.The cameras have a 180-degree field of view, automat...

Have you ever been reading something on your phone only to have the screen turn off mid-sentence — super annoying, right? One solution is to tap the screen every few seconds, or the other option is to change your Android phone's screen timeout period. While phones like the Samsung Galaxy S21 series and the Pixel 5 each have a feature that keeps the screen on so long as you're looking at it, other manufacturers haven't hopped on that bandwagon yet. The one thing that can be counted on is that no matter what, even the best cheap Android phones will let you extend the screen timeout period.How to change your Android phone's screen timeout periodGo to your phone's Settings app.Tap on the Display option in the settings list.Select the option for *Screen timeout**.Choose the Length of time you would like for your screen to stay on.By extending the screen timeout period, you won't have to worry about your display going dark before you are ready. Do keep in mind, though, tha...

Google's had years to get WearOS together, so why do we think it's going to magically happen now?I am currently wearing a Fossil Gen 5E on my wrist, and while it's just okay, I'm longing for my Galaxy Watch Active. In fact, I'd be wearing the Watch Active right now, even though it's two years older than the Fossil Gen 5e, but my dad's Fitbit broke, so I'm letting him test drive it before we buy him something new.Wear OS has the best notifications on your wrist, but that alone can't help save it from the sluggishness of opening apps and updating Tiles. Wear OS needs major optimization and streamlining to help it just work better, and I'm firmly convinced Google will not do it alone. We know that OnePlus tried to make Wear OS work for the OnePlus Watch, but that eventually failed and OnePlus had to go it alone.Considering that the Google Hardware division is essentially cursed when it comes to its software — major bugs have impacted almost every Pixel generation as well as the ...

Google has some of the biggest AAA games out there on its platform, and the catalog keeps getting bigger and better. With more than a year on the market, dozens of games on Stadia are available to play instantly with no downloads, patches, or updates required. Whether you love shooters, RPGs, online multiplayer, platformers, indies, or something in between, there are undoubtedly games for you on Stadia right now. Here's our list of the best Google Stadia games available to you now!Featured favoriteCyberpunk 2077 for StadiaCD Projekt RED's open-world epic may not be the genre-defining revolution a lot had hoped for, but the Stadia version plays great. While the PS4 and Xbox One editions currently suffer from horrible performance issues and tons of bugs, the Stadia version is very comparable to playing on a gaming PC and is arguably the best way to play the game. I enjoyed it quite a lot in my review and am excited to see it get better.$60 at StadiaGather your...

One of Best Buy's deals of the day includes the Anker Roav Jump Starter Pro, and it's on sale for $69.99. That's a great low price and a match for a deal we last saw in January. If you missed it then, today's your day to take advantage of this low price. The same version is going for more than $110 at Walmart and regularly goes for around $100 at Best Buy when it's not on sale.Ever been stuck on the road with a dead battery? It's not a fun experience. It's even less fun having to call roadside emergency or call a friend to come help. It's a series of unfortunate events that leaves you feeling drained and frustrated. Having one of Anker's emergency jump starters around can alleviate some of the annoyance by giving you a way to jump start your car immediately.When fully charged, this device is capable of providing over a dozen jumps for your car. Just make sure the battery level is above 50% before using it and make sure the operating temperature is between 32 and 140 degrees Fahre...

Best answer: Yes. As of December 2020, the HBO Max app is available to download on all Roku devices running Roku OS 9.3 and higher.More content now: HBO Max $14.99 at HBO MaxHow to install HBO Max on RokuIf you already subscribe to HBO or HBO Max but have yet to add either app to your Roku device, these are the steps you need to follow to install HBO Max on Roku:Navigate to the Roku homepage and select Streaming Channels.Select New and Notable or Movies and TV from the Channel Store.Click on HBO Max and Add Channel to pin it to your Roku home page.Sign in to the HBO Max app using your existing credentials.If you're not currently subscribed to HBO Max, you should subscribe to the service at HBOMax.com before downloading the app on your Roku. It's also possible to register for HBO Max directly on your Roku and pay via Roku Pay.My HBO app didn't update to HBO MaxIf you used the HBO app before HBO Max's launch, the app should have automatically updated on your device. ...

We know all about great but inexpensive earbuds, and the 1More Stylish true wireless earbuds are right there on the list of some of the best. You can get those earbuds among several others for a low price in one of Amazon's daily deals today. The sale includes over a dozen different options, including the same models in multiple color variations. All the options are on sale with prices ranging between $40 and over $100, but even the headphones going for $101.99 are actually $48 off their street price and down to the lowest they've ever been. Save big and get a great pair of headphones today before the low prices disappear.The 1More Stylish true wireless earbuds are down to $50.36 in black and $50.56 in green. These earbuds normally go for $80, and today's deal matches the lowest we have ever seen.You can also get them in pink or gold. The street price is still $80 for these colors, so you're not saving as much. But it's still a $20 discount and one of the best prices we've ever s...

The most useful Alexa automotive accessory yet.As much as I've begged and pleaded for a truly mobile version of Alexa, the track record of Amazon and third-party accessory makers to bring the voice assistant out of our homes and into the wider world has not been all that great. Whether it was a half-hearted first-party attempt like the Echo Auto or a wearable version of Alexa found on devices like the Fitbit Versa 3 and Sense watches or the Wyze Band, the experience was never as fully-featured or useful as I'd hoped it would be.That's why I kept kicking the can down the road on this iOttie Aivo Connect review; I honestly didn't have high hopes for it. But once I finally took it out of the box and set it up in one of our older vehicles, I immediately realized I'd misjudged this gadget. Even if you don't use Alexa all that much on your phone, I will wager that if you pick one of these up for your vehicle, you'll quickly agree that it is one of the best Alexa devices around right no...

HBO's latest original series imagines what Victorian London would have been like with superpowers and we have all the details on how you can watch The Nevers on TV or online.Although The Nevers takes place in London in the year 1896 at the beginning of the end of the Victorian Era, a supernatural event which occurred three years prior sets the premise for the show. Following the event, all of "The Touched" woke up with a power and these abnormal abilities range from wondrous to disturbing.However, what sets The Nevers apart from other shows where the characters suddenly wake up with powers is the fact that the majority of The Touched are women. From the show's trailer, it's clear that they represent a threat to the establishment and the men in power at the time. The Touched are also viewed as London's new underclass and it's up to the quick-fisted widow Amalia True (Laura Donnelly) and the brilliant young inventor Penance Adair (Ann Skelly) to protect and shelter them.The show ...

A growing list that's only getting bigger.Xbox Game Pass for Android is here, and though the service supports over 150 games, only a handful of those support touch controls. The preferred method for playing these games may be to grab one of the best game controllers for Android, but you have the choice to go the old school mobile gaming route and just use the screen of your phone or tablet if you want to.Every game with touch controls on Xbox Game Pass (xCloud) for AndroidBeholder: Complete EditionBloodstained: Ritual of the Night Bridge Constructor Portal CelesteDead Cells Desperados III Donut Country Enter the GungeonFractured Minds Golf With Your FriendsDRAGON QUEST XI S: Echos of an Elusive Age - Definitive Edition Don't Starve: Giant Edition Gears 5 (in testing)Guacamelee! 2Hellblade: Senua's SacrificeHello Neighbor Hotshot RacingHyperDotIkenfellIndivisible Jetpac Refuelled Killer Instinct: Definitive EditionMinecraft Dungeons Morkredd Monster Sanc...

If you've been working from home during the current global pandemic, then chances are you've been subjected to the awful realities of daytime television. From cheesy game shows to ancient reruns, lunch break viewing can fast become a rather painful experience. This is where the best YouTube VPN comes into play. It can help save the day and unblock YouTube for you quickly and easily.Best YouTube VPN appsExpressVPN: Best option for most peopleIPVanish: Balance of speed and performanceNordVPN: Best for the security-consciousSpeedify: Best for beginnersVyprVPN: Best for superfast speeds1. ExpressVPN: Best overall YouTube VPN for most peopleThis is our top pick for anyone looking to get started with a VPN. It offers a great mix of speed, reliability, outstanding customer service, and affordability. There is a 30-day money-back guarantee, so give it a shot today.From $6.67/mo at ExpressVPN2. IPVanish: A great balance between speed and performanceFrom $3.75...

The Galaxy S21 FE is expected later this summer.What you need to knowRenders of the upcoming Galaxy S21 FE have been leaked.The renders show a similar design to the Galaxy S21 with a few slight changes.No specs have been revealed, but it's expected to rival many "affordable" flagships.The Samsung Galaxy S21 smartphones have only been out for a few months, but it's already time to start thinking about what's coming next. A few weeks ago, launch details of the Galaxy S21 FE were leaked, pointing to an earlier release in August. This weekend, we got the first images of what the "affordable" flagship will look like, and it's more or less what we expected.The renders, provided by prolific leaker Steve Hemmerstoffer aka @OnLeaks, show a design very similar to the current batch of Galaxy S21 devices. It will reportedly feature a 6.4" display, putting it between the vanilla S21 and the S21+. On the back is a triple camera setup that also takes design cues from Samsung's current f...

Defining the best gaming monitor for your PC gaming setup varies upon your budget, the type of games you play, and your level of competitiveness. You can find a large 4K monitor with a high refresh rate for over a grand, but most gamers have to choose between either high refresh rates for online gaming or high resolution for maximum graphical performance. Thankfully, a solid QHD monitor like the Razer Raptor 27 hits the sweet spot between the two, but we have several alternatives below for more specialized needs.Best Overall: Razer Raptor 27While discussing the Razer Raptor 27, we'll introduce all of the terms and features to look out for in a gaming monitor, as it basically has everything you can ask for. Its 144Hz refresh rate means the Raptor can refresh itself 144 times per second, making the gameplay smoother and ensuring your high FPS performance translates to the monitor. With a 1ms response time, your mouse movements will immediately translate onto the screen with no di...

The Vita and PSP may be dead, but mobile gaming is very much alive.What you need to knowA job listing for a Head of Mobile role at PlayStation Studios has been found online.Candidates will be asked to lead the studio's expansion from console and PC to mobile and live services.The listing indicates that Sony is looking at bringing its most popular franchises to mobile.Sony's found itself in the news frequently as of late. Following a report from Bloomberg that implied Sony only cared about its biggest blockbuster franchises — a move that I think is shooting itself in the foot — Push Square has found a job listing that indicates PlayStation wants to bring these very same blockbusters to mobile.The new Head of Mobile role at PlayStation Studios will be based out of its San Mateo office. According to the job listing, potential hires will "lead all aspects of the expansion of our game development from consoles and PCs to mobile & Live Services with a focus on successfu...

The Amazon Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen) was already an amazing smart speaker that could do a lot of cool things in your home. From serving as a smart home monitoring station to an entertainment hub, there's not much this device couldn't already do. However, Amazon took the next logical step and partnered with video conferencing giant Zoom to bring the popular service to our homes. I'll show you how simple it is to set up and use Zoom on your Amazon Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen).How to use Zoom on the Amazon Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen)Amazon has made it so easy to start or join a Zoom meeting from the Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen). All you have to do is make sure that the calendar your Zoom meetings are scheduled with is connected to your Amazon account. Here's how to get that setup:Open the Amazon Alexa app on your smartphone.Tap on the More button at the bottom right of the screen.Tap on Settings.Scroll down and tap on Calendar & Email.Tap on Accounts.Tap on Add Account to add the calendar...

Arguably one of the best Nintendo DS games of all time, The World Ends With You was lauded upon release not simply due to its unique gameplay but also for its sprawling story, engaging soundtrack, and its colorful representation of Japan's Shibuya shopping district and surrounding areas. For nearly 15 years, fans have eagerly awaited a continuation to the story that many thought may never come to fruition — until the announcement of The World Ends With You: The Animation.Set across an undisclosed number of episodes, The World Ends With You: The Animation adapts the original game and brings Neku's story to the screen as an anime for the very first time. Fans have even more to look forward to as the series draws to a close later this summer, as the video game sequel Neo: The World Ends With You is set for release on July 27, 2021 for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and PC. Even though The World Ends With You: The Animation is only airing on TV in Japan, there are several ways to...

Best answer: Yes, but it's probably not what you think. There are no third-party Oculus Touch alternatives, but you can connect any Bluetooth gamepad to an Oculus Quest 2 controller to play traditional gaming titles.Oculus Quest 2 controller alternativesFacebook ships the Oculus Quest 2 with 3rd-generation Oculus Touch controllers that only work with the Oculus Quest 2. Previous Oculus Touch controllers cannot be paired with a Quest 2, and there are no motion controller alternatives for any Oculus headsets. If you find the 3rd-generation Oculus Touch controllers uncomfortable or just want a better grip, the best hand straps for Oculus Quest 2 will help keep it in place, give you a better grip and make them even more ergonomic than before.Depending on how you use it, several types of Oculus Quest 2 controller alternatives can be used, including popular gamepads, keyboards, and even mice. Any accessory you use will need to support Bluetooth 3.0 or higher to pair with an Oculus Qu...

Whether you are buying a PS5 or already have yourself a PlayStation 4, you are probably considering picking up a PlayStation Plus subscription. For those unaware, PlayStation Plus is Sony's online subscription service that allows you to play multiplayer games with friends, get discounts on games, and so much more. Normally, the service costs about $60 for the year, but you generally don't have to look too far in order to find a discount on it.What's really great about shopping for PlayStation Plus subscriptions is the fact that they can be stacked, so even if your subscription isn't due right now you can still buy a discounted one and then add it to the end of your current subscription. This means that you can even buy two of the subscriptions on sale and potentially get two years of PS Plus for the same cost as a single year would normally cost if you weren't looking for a deal.PlayStation Plus has a LOT of great benefits beyond just the ability to play online games with your fr...

Die, die, and die again.It's not Dishonored 3 or Prey 2, but a new IP is always welcome. On Bethesda's stage at E3 2019, Arkane Studios introduced Deathloop to the world. It looks awesome and trippy in all the right ways, and we can't wait to get our hands on it when it releases for PS5 and PC.Jump to:What is Deathloop?Developed by Arkane StudiosDeathloop gameplayDeathloop story & charactersMultiplayer or single-player?Release date and platformsWhat is Deathloop?Deathloop is a new IP developed by Arkane Studios. According to the studio, it will be a 1st-person action game that follows two assassins on an island who are hunting each other down. As the name suggests, our two characters appear to be stuck in a time loop, much like the movie Edge of Tomorrow — or Live. Die. Repeat., as the film was retroactively named.Deathloop Developed by Arkane StudiosIf you're unfamiliar with the name Arkane Studios, you may be familiar with their work. Arkane creat...

As a newcomer to the series, I can't help but feel other side-scrolling platformers just do it better.Oddworld: Soulstorm is the latest entry in the long-running franchise and a reimagining of sorts of Abe's Exoddus from 1998. I wasn't incredibly familiar with the series other than hearing about it in passing, but I do have a soft spot for side-scrolling platformers, so when Sony announced that Soulstorm was launching into PlayStation Plus on PS5, I was eager to try it out. It's... ok.I've seen several critics more familiar with the series praise Soulstorm's improved platforming, and if that's true, that's actually really concerning to me. I found the platforming in Soulstorm to be rather stiff and janky. Without great precision, I ended up dying all too often when I'd miss a jump or fall off a ledge only to find myself face to face with a Slig. Abe's arms are no match for a gun. Soulstorm's platforming is apparently an improvement, and that concerns me.Thankfully, you hav...

Looking for the best wireless earbuds for the Galaxy S21? You've come to the right place. The Galaxy Buds Pro launched alongside the S21 series, and they perfectly complement the phone. You'll also find great options across various price segments, so let's take a look at the best wireless earbuds for the Galaxy S21.The new standardSamsung Galaxy Buds Pro Bluetooth EarbudsStaff PickWith the Galaxy Buds Pro, Samsung is taking things to a new level. The earbuds offer active noise cancelation on par with the best Sony and Bose deliver, and you get a secure fit with excellent sound quality, wireless charging, IPX7 resistance. These buds also last eight hours on a full charge.$190 at AmazonAlso greatSamsung Galaxy Buds Live True Wireless EarbudsThe Galaxy Buds Live launched with the Note 20 series, and they continue to be a solid alternative, particularly at the discounted price. They also have active noise cancelation, a unique design that provides a tight fit, a...