Latest from Android Central

Google is already starting to require Android TV devices to ship with support for AV1 decoding.What you need to knowA new report suggests future content from both YouTube and Netflix will require AV1 decoding support.Google is reportedly already asking Android TV device makers to start adding support for AV1 on their gadgets launching later this year.AV1 is a royalty-free video coding format that also boasts significantly better compression than its competitors.AV1 has been the subject of much interest in recent years — at least as far as interest in obscurely technical topics like video encoding goes. And it's also gaining support from many of the most prominent players in the tech space, with YouTube and Netflix both adding at least partial support on their platforms.The two biggest players in the video streaming space may soon also require devices to feature built-in hardware-accelerated decoding for AV1, at least according to a new press release by Synaptics. In an ...

The SanDisk Extreme Pro 2TB USB-C portable solid state drive has dropped to $309.99 at Amazon. This is a great low price for this speedy drive, which normally goes for a street price around $350 and can peak as high as $400. You can actually find this price at a couple of different retailers, too, including B&H. While it did go lower over Black Friday, that's the only time today's price has ever been beaten.The SanDisk Extreme is a very portable solid state drive, and it's important that it's an SSD for multiple reasons. The first of which is that regular hard drives are notoriously less durable especially in portable form. The second of which is that SSDs with the right tech have the potential to be much, much faster.With 2TB of space you can keep all your music and other media real close by. Since it's an SSD, you don't have to worry about the same moving parts you'd find on a portable hard drive, so it's a lot more durable and can bounce around in your pack without you wor...

When you think of protecting your home from disaster, what crosses your mind? Fire? Burglary? Natural disasters? The best smart home security systems might cover these, but what about water damage? That often gets forgotten until the day you walk home and your basement is flooded. Smart water monitors were created to prevent these very situations. leakSMART is our pick for best smart water monitoring solution, as it can detect leaks throughout your home and automatically shut off your water in the event of a leak, all for a lot less than the competition.Best Overall: leakSMART leak detection starter kitThe leakSMART leak detection starter kit includes a valve, sensor, and the hub that controls all of them. leakSMART utilizes an included Zigbee hub to communicate with all of its components, meaning it's not reliant on Wi-Fi being available to work fully. It'll also work with existing Zigbee sensors, so if you already have one, you can save money by just buying the leakSMART valv...

Best answer: State Share allows players to share a link so that others can experience the game being played at a specific moment, exactly as the players are. It was one of the announced features for Staida, but has only recently become available in some games.Play on your TV: Stadia Premiere Edition ($100 at Best Buy)How does State Share work?In order to create a game state in a supported title, simply press the capture button to take a screenshot or video clip. In your Capture gallery, when you select a capture, it will also give you the option to copy or share the URL for State Share. It's that simple.The game's state will be encoded in a link that tells Stadia where to pick up the game at a specific moment in time. This link can then be sent to any number of players who can click on it and instantly hop into the game at the point it was shared.A State can include things like the specific level you're on, which items you've unlocked and equipped, and your difficulty set...

The Echo Show 10 is finally available for pre-order.What you need to knowAmazon just announced a launch date for the Echo Show 10.The company announced the devce last year at it's end of summer hardware launch.Now, it's set to ship from February 25 with pre-orders opening now. It'll set you back $250.Amazon is finally shipping the Alexa-powered Echo Show 10, its newest mega-sized smart display. It's the 3rd generation of this style of device, and while the company announced it last year alongside the Fire TV Stick, the Fire TV Stick Lite, and a host of other devices, it's just being made available for pre-order.The Echo Show 10 has an appropriately large 10.1-inch display with adaptive color and brightness. Paired with its large dual speakers, the company expects you'll be able to have a fun time streaming music and videos while in the kitchen or othrwise occupied. Its rotating swiveling base means you can place it anywhere and be confident your content will be able to fo...

Good Lock continues to make our lives better.What you need to knowSoundAssistant is a Good Lock app that now allows users to fix their Bluetooth audio.The module utilizes a metronome slider to help sync audio with video and reduce lag.The update should be rolling out to users on One UI 3.0, with extra features available for devices on One UI 3.1.Bluetooth has improved a lot over the years, but that doesn't mean the standard is perfect, and some old problems still seem to creep up every once in a while, even for some of the best wireless earbuds. One problem that Bluetooth still faces, perhaps now to a lesser degree, is the lag between audio and video that can make the viewing experience fairly bothersome. Fortunately, as Samsung continues updating its Good Lock apps for One UI 3.0, one new feature is giving Galaxy owners a way to fix this annoying lag.A user on Reddit noted one of the new features that have been added to the SoundAssistant app dubbed "Bluetooth Metronom...

Source: StackCommerceWith its twisting plots and brilliant characters, The Queen's Gambit has given many of us a new appreciation for the game of chess. If you would like to play, The Complete Chess Bundle for Beginners to Advanced Players offers 121 hours of tutorials from world-class players. Right now, you can get the bundle for just $99.99.In many respects, competitive chess is like football. Experts have a huge mental playbook, and they deploy tactics as the game develops. If you can memorize all the moves, you have a significant advantage.This bundle of 14 courses teaches you those set plays, from opening moves to endgame strategies. The tutorials start with the fundamentals and take you right through to advanced schemes.Along the way, you learn how to lay and identify traps, make use of pawn structures, and improve your defense. Your coaching team includes two grandmasters and four international masters.Order today for just $99.99 to get lifetime access to the training...

Using one of the best robot vacuums to help you keep your house clean may be one of the smartest decisions that you can make right now. Over the past few years, robot vacuums have become much smarter, they last longer, and clean better. Options like the iRobot Roomba 960, which happens to top the list of our best robot vacuums, lets you control it with just your voice. You can also set schedules and the sensors help prevent it from just bumping into everything.Best Robot Vacuums in 2020 at a glanceiRobot Rooma 960: Best robot vacuum overalliLife V3s Pro: Perfect choice for those on a budget Ecovacs Deebot Ozmo T8 AIVI: Best object detection and learning Roborock S6: Best battery life in a robot vacuumNeato D4: Top pick for cleaning corners What are the best robot vacuums you can buy today?There are a LOT of great robot vacuum models that are available right now, and picking the right one can be a difficult task. We've done the research, though, and narrowed down all the p...

The WD Easystore 1TB USB 3.0 portable hard drive is down to $44.99 through Best Buy's deals of the day. Since this is a deal of the day, you know the price is going to expire soon. The last time we saw this drive drop this low was back in early November and it only lasted for a day. The drive sells around $70 and sometimes goes as high as its MSRP at $85.The Easystore is just that... easy. It's a simple portable hard drive that you can use to store and transfer data, whether that'd be music, movies, photos, or video games. The 1TB of space is all there for you to use, and it's in a convenient device that won't let you down. Since its portable, you can take it with you as well, so it can be a great storage companion for your laptop.Connect via USB 3.0 for an easy-to-use interface that is super compatible with a wide range of devices. It's also backwards compatible with USB 2.0 just in case you need to plug into an older port. You won't get quite the same transfer speeds, but it wi...

New locations, new enemies, and a new set of puzzles for your puzzler to puzzle over.What you need to knowVR spy puzzler I Expect You To Die 2: The Spy and The Liar is coming to VR platforms in 2021.Players can expect a host of new environments, puzzles, and enemies as they play the role of a super spy trying to prevent the evil Dr. Zor from achieving world domination.Steam is the only announced platform for now, but more platforms are expected to be announced in the future.Fans of the original I Expect You To Die are expected to leap for joy at the announcement that their feigned death in the first game was a success. That means in I Expect You To Die 2: The Spy and The Liar, you'll be playing as a secret agent thought to be dead by your evil adversaries — although it seems at least one other individual knows your big secret. If you haven't yet played the original, it's one of the best cross-buy Oculus games you can find, totally playable on the Oculus Quest 2 natively o...

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 DealsSamsung UE570D 28-inch 4K monitorWhile this is a good deal, this monitor is back-ordered at B&H. You can find it for around $555 at Best Buy, which is the next best price. Other retailers sell it for around $600, and it has a street price of $620. With an IPS panel, you ge...

Midnight sweeps across the battle zone for this 10-day event.What you need to knowDarkest Days is the latest 10-day event, starting January 28, which will cover the battle zone in perpetual moonlight.Players can expect 9v9 battles including 4 new gun skins to unlock.BigBox VR is also teasing the upcoming Season One for Population: One.Population: One players better get their night vision goggles handy because perpetual darkness is about to envelop the entirety of the battle zone. Darkest Days, the latest 10-day special event from developer BigBox VR, will set the stage for never-ending midnight in Night Mode. That's sure to challenge players in an entirely new way and switch up strategies that have become too familiar in VR's most popular battle royale shooter. The best accessories for your Oculus Quest 2 will keep you extra comfortable for that extended Darkest Days playtime, which runs from January 28, 2021 until February 7, 2021.Population: One players can take part in...

The LG Velvet has a unique name but is the best-designed phone we've seen from the company since the LG G6. Since the Velvet is already one of the best 5G phones that money can buy, you'll want to keep it looking as good as it did when you took it out of the box. We've rounded up the best LG Velvet cases that you can find, taking out some of the guesswork when trying to find the best accessories.Our favoriteRingke FusionStaff PickThe Ringke Fusion is our favorite case for the Velvet thanks to its see-through backplate and raised lips around the screen and camera. Ringke also knows that you don't want to deal with a slippery phone, so it added extra grip with the TPU bumper. There are even lanyard holes on each side if you like to use a wrist strap.$11 at Amazon $11 at Walmart $10 at NeweggTried and trueSpigen Rugged ArmorSpigen makes some of the most reliable cases and the Rugged Armor is the king of the company's lineup. You'll get the classic TPU/carbon fi...

Let's be real: printing from a smartphone is a fuss. We use our smartphones for everything. They're incredibly capable, and can even help us get plenty of work done. But, now and then, it always comes back to printing, and then the fuss begins all over. That's something the HP ENVY 6000 Series solves.With a basic printer, the process of printing from your smartphone might look something like this: You open a document on your phone. You save it onto your phone. You email that file to yourself. You open the email on your computer. You print the document off from the computer.That's too many steps for something that should be simple. If computer users can just hit Ctrl+P to print, Android users should have a simple option, too. That's what the HP ENVY 6055 and HP ENVY Pro 6455 provide.HP ENVY 6055 All-in-One Printer$129 at HPThe HP ENVY 6055 All-in-One doesn't need a computer to use, as a Wi-Fi connection will let you print, copy, and scan with only your smartphone in contro...

The Galaxy S21 Ultra's display uses 16% less power than Samsung's previous-generation AMOLED panels.What you need to knowSamsung has revealed more details about the Galaxy S21 Ultra's low-power 120Hz AMOLED panel.The company claims the panel consumes 16% less power than the previous generation, while being a lot brighter.In the coming months, the tech is likely to make its way to more flagship phones from Samsung and other manufacturers.When it announced the Galaxy S21 series phones earlier this month, Samsung claimed that the Galaxy S21 Ultra has its most intelligent and brightest screen yet. Unlike the Galaxy S20 Ultra, the Galaxy S21 Ultra's Dynamic AMOLED panel can adjust the refresh rate from 10Hz to 120Hz depending on the content you're watching. In a post on Chinese microblogging site Weibo, Samsung has now shared more details about the new low-power OLED panel on its best Android phone of 2021 (via GSMArena).Samsung says the Galaxy S21 Ultra's OLED display consu...

It makes you wonder why you'd ever need anything else.What you need to knowRing Video Doorbell Wired is an impressive $59.99 and will be available on February 24, 2021.The hard-wired power requirement enables 6-second Pre-Roll video before a motion event for better context.Additional features like People-Only Mode and Rich Notifications require a Ring Protect subscription.If you've been looking for which Ring Video Doorbell to buy but have been turned off by the price of entry, the new Ring Video Doorbell Wired might just be your go-to option. Last year, Ring introduced the Ring Video Doorbell 2nd-gen for $99, but today's Ring Video Doorbell Wired is even more affordable at $59.99. On top of being less expensive than last year's breakthrough product, Ring Video Doorbell Wired is the smallest Ring Video Doorbell yet.Surprisingly, while Ring Video Doorbell Wired comes in at a much lower price than Ring's other options, it doesn't skimp on features at all. Crisp 1080p HD vid...

The best monitor light bars can brighten your workspace for easier reading without having to boost the brightness of the screen, which can be taxing on your eyes. Light bars usually don't take up much, or any, additional space on your desk and don't cost a lot either. And this is especially important if you're using an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse with a computer, like a Chromebook, and thus have minimal desk space. As you look toward enhancing your home office with items that can help you be more productive and better organize the space, we've done the research to identify and rank the best monitor light bars for your home office or workspace.Best for customizationLOFTER Screen Bar LightStaff PickWith three lighting modes including warm, cool, and natural, and 10 brightness levels via a total of 84 LEDs, the slim and sleek design of this light keeps crucial desk space free. There's no glare or shadows thanks to the convenient angle and it's easy to set up, pluggin...

After a Coronavirus-enforced postponement and a change of hosting country, the grand finale of the badminton 2020 season finally takes place this week. Read on for our full guide to getting a Badminton World Tour Finals live stream and watch the tournament online wherever you are right now.The third annual running of the tournament had been due to take place last month in Guangzhou, China, but heightened Covid-19 restrictions in the region saw organizers push the event into the new year.The event has also been forced to move to the Impact Arena in Nonthaburiin, Thailand, and follows two back-to-back BWF World Tour Super 1000 tournaments at the venue in January.Boasting the sport's largest prize pot of the season, with a share of $1,500,000 up for grabs, the Badminton World Tour Finals covers men's and women's singles competitions as well as men's, women's, and mixed doubles competitions, with the top eight players from each category battling out to be crowned champions.Sadly,...

Millions of users in India can now use Google Maps in their preferred language.What you need to knowGoogle has rolled out automatic transliteration for search results in Maps for ten Indian languages.The search giant says it has added names in these languages to millions of places of interest across the country.Google is working on introducing automatic transliterations for more Indian languages in the future.India is home to the second highest number of internet users in the world. However, a vast majority of the country's population interacts with the web using local languages, instead of English. To make Google Maps more accessible to users in India, Google has created an ensemble of learned models to transliterate names of Latin script POIs into 10 popular languages spoken in the country: Bangla, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, and Telugu.Until now, names of nearly all major Indian places of interest (POIs) in Google Maps were only ...

You can save hundreds on a whole bunch of Hisense TVs from Target, Best Buy, Walmart, and others right now and be ready for the big game or just have one setup in a side room to distract the kiddos. These are 4K TVs with a variety of features and sizes ranging from 50 to 85 inches. Many of them have smart platforms, including Roku TV. The deals are all low prices with some being new all-time lows. Many of these prices might not last much longer, so grab them while you can.You can grab the Hisense 65H9G 65-inch H9 Quantum Series 4K Android TV on sale for $949.99. It's available at both Amazon and Best Buy at this price. The discount is $50 off what it normally sells for, but given how this TV has not been staying in stock very much we've seen the price jump as high as $1,500 from third parties.This TV includes support for a lot of Dolby tech including Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos, which can project sound in a cinematic way. You also get 180 full array local dimming zones and 1...

Best answer: AirPods technically work with Android phones, but compared to using them with an iPhone, the experience is watered-down significantly. From missing features to losing access to important settings, you're better off with a pair of wireless earbuds.Better than AirPods: Samsung Galaxy Buds Live ($130 at Amazon)The perks of using AirPods with an Android phoneThis is a multi-faceted question, so let's start with the positives. Whether you get AirPods or AirPods Pro, they both act as regular Bluetooth earbuds when used with an Android phone. You put them into pairing mode, select them from your list of Bluetooth devices, and you can start using them as you would any other wireless headphones/earbuds.You'll get the same sound quality and battery life that you get with an iPhone, meaning the core experience is mostly the same. Put the AirPods in your ears, pick a song or podcast to listen to, and you can enjoy your audio wherever you go.The regular AirPods are fair...

Are aliens among us? This is a question the residents of the sleepy town of Patience, Colorado should be asking as Syfy has adapted the comic book Resident Alien into a new series and we have all the details on how you can watch the show on TV or online.Resident Alien is based on the popular Dark Horse Comic series of the same name created by Peter Hogan and Steve Parkhouse back in 2012. The show stars firefly's Alan Tudyk who plays the role of an alien named Captain Ha Re who crash lands and gets stranded in a small town in Colorado. Interestingly, Tudyk actually took clown classes to help him prepare for the role of an alien pretending to be human.In an effort to blend in with the townsfolk, Captain Ha Re takes on the human identity of Dr. Harry Vanderspeigle. This is quite easy for him as he is a biologist with special empathic abilities that allow him to disguise his true appearance from most humans. Dr. Vanderspiegel then quickly finds himself helping the local police solve ...

Pei's new company seeks to bring back artistry and passion to consumer technology.What you need to knowOnePlus co-founder has finally announced his new venture, a new consumer technology company.The new company is called "Nothing" and is headquartered in London.Nothing will be launching its first smart devices in the first half of 2021.In October last year, OnePlus co-founder Carl Pei left the company to go independent and start a new venture. Three months later, Pei today formally announced his new venture, a new "consumer technology company" called Nothing.Carl Pei, CEO and founder of Nothing, said in a statement: It's been a while since anything interesting happened in tech. It is time for a fresh breeze of change. Nothing's mission is to remove barriers between people and technology to create a seamless digital future. We believe that the best technology is beautiful, yet natural and intuitive to use. When sufficiently advanced, it should fade into the background ...

Amazon Music HDBest valueFrom $13 per month at AmazonProsMillions of high bitrate songsGreat deal for Amazon Prime membersFastest-growing music serviceConsNumber of Amazon Music options is confusingDoesn't offer as many discount options for HD as Tidal HiFi doesAmazon Music HD offers millions of songs at up to 10 times the bitrate of standard-definition services and double that of other high-definition services like Tidal. Pair it with a high-end speaker like the Echo Studio, and special pricing for Prime members further sweetens the pot.Tidal HiFiThe OG optionFrom $20 per month at TidalProsArtist exclusives and concert live streamsDiscounts for military and first respondersConsStandard HiFi subscription is more than discounted Amazon Music HDTidal was one of the first, if not the first, music services to provide high-quality, lossless audio over streaming. While it may not technically have the highest bit rates per second for as ma...

Chatting with the AC forums.It's almost time, Galaxy fans! Samsung is set to launch the Galaxy S21 on January 29, but ahead of that date, people that pre-ordered it are already reporting that their new phone is set to be delivered sooner than that. And if you still haven't gotten your pre-order in, there's still time to take advantage of the best Galaxy S21 deals.I personally pre-ordered my S21 from T-Mobile, and looking at the UPS website, it's scheduled for delivery at some point later today! Taking a look through the AC forums, a lot of our members are also expecting their S21 today (if they haven't gotten it already). Kbnj123 01-26-2021 02:33 PM “ Mine is due for delivery tomorrow January 27 in New Jersey USA. Ultra unlocked model direct from Samsung Reply lattemaker 01-26-2021 03:16 PM “ M...

Everything you need, without the luxuries you don't.It's easy to get drawn in by the allure of über-premium devices like the Galaxy S21 Ultra, but if there's anything Samsung learned from last fall's shockingly performant Galaxy S20 FE, it's that for many users, the best Android phone isn't necessarily the one with the highest price tag. That's especially true now, as thousands across the U.S. are struggling to make ends meet amidst a global pandemic; for those people, dropping four figures on a smartphone is hardly a top priority.The Galaxy S21 feels like the right phone arriving at the right time. It's $200 cheaper than last year's S20 at launch, and with aggressive trade-in offers, it can be had for much less. While it makes a few concessions in order to reach that lower price, the S21 still offers a fully-fledged flagship experience that I think most people will be perfectly happy with — but make no mistake, this isn't just a smaller S21 Ultra by any means. And that's okay...

The Moto G Power (2020) is a pretty impressive handset, and it continues to be a great option despite all of the recent phone launches, including the newer version, the Moto G Power (2021). So why not grab one and get one of the best Moto G Power cases for it? The handset sports a unique camera system on a budget, along with Motorola's near-stock Android software experience with some add-ons in the right places. In fact, it's one of the best cheap Android phones you can grab, so you don't want to miss out on this one.Slim and flexibleEasyACC Slim CaseStaff PickThe EasyACC Slim case, made from a matte TPU material, is made with protection in mind. On the back, you'll find perfect cutouts for the camera module and fingerprint scanner, along with a cross-hatching design to improve the overall grip. There's even a special design for the speaker at the bottom so that you can get the best sound possible when watching a video or listening to some tunes.From $9 at AmazonS...

My phone is my life: my music, my notifications, and my endless distractions are all controlled through my favorite Android phone. While phone batteries get better every year, there's no denying that we all start feeling that creeping anxiety whenever that little percentage in the status bar creeps below 30%. Whether you lost your old charger, it finally died after one too many yanks on the cord, or you just need an extra to ensure that you're never stranded with a dead phone, these USB-C chargers are the best phone chargers for charging at home, at work, or any errant coffee bar you find yourself holed up in while that storm passes.Perfect pocket chargerAukey Minima 20WStaff pickAukey has newer versions based on the Omnia line, but they're either bigger or lack folding prongs, which means the Minima is still the one to beat. Want a perfectly pocket-friendly charger for your purse, pocket, or gear bag? This one's for you!$8 at AmazonApple upgradeAnker Nano 20WAnke...

Garmin Lily is the company's smallest smartwatch made for women.What you need to knowGarmin launches its latest Lily smartwatch in two models; classic and sport, each with three different colorways.The new Lily smartwatch features a 34mm case with a T-shape lug and 14mm band.Health features include menstrual and pregnancy monitoring and logging.The Garmin Lily is available today starting at $199.Today Garmin is launching its latest smartwatch, the Garmin Lily, which is a stylish new smartwatch made for women. This is why Garmin aimed to make its smallest smartwatch with a 34mm case, and a 14mm band with a t-shaped lug. Along with the two stylish models and six colorways, Lily is an attractive smartwatch with plenty of health features that make it a compelling option against many of the best Android smartwatches.The two models are the Classic and Sport. The former is made with a stainless steel frame and comes with a classy Italian leather band, while the latter is made...

EPOS is throwing a gaming party, and everyone except Xbox is invited.For gamers who want immersive audio but dislike over-the-ear headphones, the EPOS GTW 270 Hybrid earbuds could be the answer. Designed specifically as wireless earbuds for gaming, these EPOS earbuds can connect to your PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch, Android / iOS phone, or PC (no Xbox unless you stream it to a phone or PC) using Bluetooth or aptX Low Latency (aptX LL).Looking through the best PS5 headsets or best Nintendo Switch headsets, you'll see stacks of massive headphones that smother you in warm padding and dig your glasses' frames into your head. And while the best wireless earbuds may work for mobile gaming, there may be noticeable lag between gameplay and audio, and they can't easily connect to non-mobile gaming devices.So after acknowledging that the EPOS GTW 270 Hybrid's unique connectivity makes it stand out from the pack, you'll want to know whether they're worth the $200 asking price. Social gamers ...

At first glance, the Nokia 5.4 may not seem like much more than another budget-friendly phone, but with its impressive 48MP primary camera, it instantly becomes a contender for one of the best cheap Android phones. Now that Nokia has released its latest device, you're likely going to be looking for the best Nokia 5.4 cases. Well, you're in luck as we've rounded up the best cases you can find for one of the best Nokia phones of the year.Everything you needQCMM Transparent CoverStaff PickWhenever you get a new phone, chances are you're looking for a case and screen protector, but thanks to QCMM, you get both in the same package. This clear case not only lets you show off the Nokia 5.4, but also includes two tempered glass screen protectors to keep your screen looking great.$10 at AmazonThe basicsOsophter TPU CoverThis TPU Cover from Osophter provides a more traditional look when it comes to getting a new case thanks to its carbon-fiber accents on the top and b...

Sony's veritable army of developers are working on a new slate of games for the PS5.The PlayStation 4 generation was an interesting one for Sony Worldwide Studios. It saw internal teams double down on blockbuster, cinematic games while also retaining experimentation from the smaller groups. U.K. developers at Evolution Studios, Guerrilla Cambridge and Manchester Studio were shut down, while Insomniac Games — longtime associate and partner of PlayStation — was finally acquired.With a new generation comes new games. This is a list of everything we know Sony Worldwide Studios is currently working on, or are at least fairly certain to be developing for the PS5.Current Sony studiosSIE Bend StudioForwardWorksGuerrilla GamesInsomniac GamesSIE Japan StudioSIE London StudioMedia MoleculeNaughty DogPixelOpusPolyphony DigitalSIE San Diego StudioSIE San Mateo StudioSIE Santa Monica StudioSucker Punch ProductionsSIE XDev EuropeRecently closed Sony studiosManches...

Hey baby, I hear the blues a-calling, tossed innards, and scrambled blood. Mercy.Yeah, it's really happening. Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 was announced in early 2019 to the shock and delight of fans everywhere, many of whom believed that after 14 years, there was no way the cult classic Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines would get a sequel. While there's still a lot we don't know, we do know that this new game is being developed by Hardsuit Labs and published by Paradox Interactive.Originally scheduled to release in 2020, any fans, nocturnal or otherwise, will now be waiting until 2021 to see this story of darkness continue. Here's everything you need to know about Vampire: The Masquerade — Bloodlines 2.Seattle awaitsVampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2$60 at Amazon$60 at Best Buy$97 at WalmartWelcome to a dark new worldIt's really happening. Over a decade later, the beloved RPG is getting a sequel that promises to take all the elements play...

What do those random strings of letters mean?These days with most people working from home, video conferencing is all the rage. Some platforms require you to create an account, while others let just about anyone join in, provided they have an invitation from the meeting organizer. The way Google Meet handles this is through meeting codes. We'll explain what these Google Meet codes are and just what you are supposed to do with them.Explaining Google Meet codesNow that Google is opening up Google Meet to non-enterprise G Suite users (a.k.a. the rest of us), more people are starting to use the service to connect with colleagues, friends, and family because it's honestly one of the best video conference software services available. As they do, many are noticing these strange looking alpha codes associated with the meeting invitations they receive.What are these random text strings? Basically, they are an arrangement of random letters that make up a unique code, providing access...

The Realme X7 could be the first MediaTek Dimensity 800U-powered phone to launch in the country.What you need to knowRealme will launch the X7 and X7 Pro smartphones in India on February 4.The X7 and X7 Pro were launched in China in September last year.The Indian variant of the Realme X7 is expected to be rebranded version of the V15 5G launched in China earlier this month.Realme today announced that its X7 series phones will make their debut in India on February 4. The Realme X7 and X7 Pro were both launched in China in September last year. However, teaser images posted by Realme India CEO Madhav Sheth suggest the Indian Realme X7 variant could be based on the Realme V15 5G, which was announced in China earlier this month.The Realme V15 5G features a 6.4-inch AMOLED display with FHD+ resolution and a 180Hz touch sampling rate. It is powered by MediaTek's Dimensity 800U chipset, paired with up to 8GB of RAM and 128GB storage. On the back of the phone is a triple-camera ...

We're big proponents of slapping a case on your smartphone in order to protect it, but some cases just aren't up to snuff. That's why we've compiled a list of the best heavy-duty cases for the Samsung Galaxy S21 so you can keep your flagship safe and protected from the elements and your own clumsiness.Thick skinnedArmadilloTek Vanguard CaseStaff PickThe ArmadilloTek Vanguard series has earned a reputation for providing maximum protection to your smartphone. Its dual-layered system is MIL-STE 810G-certified to withstand drops up to 20 feet, and its industrial design will scare off even the most stubborn scratches. Even though it's a bit thick, you can still take advantage of wireless charging and NFC payments with it on. Plus, it features a built-in kickstand so that you can prop it up and enjoy content without having to hold it in your hands.From $19 at AmazonIn DenaliZAGG Denali CaseThe ZAGG Denali features ZAGG's reinforced D30 material for enhanced durabi...

When it comes to finding the best Samsung Galaxy S21+ screen protectors, there are a few key things to be aware of. First, you should know that there's one already installed, but it's just a piece of plastic that can easily be removed. Next, you're going to want to make sure you find a screen protector that is compatible and works with the in-display ultrasonic fingerprint scanner. And if you already snagged the best Galaxy S21+ cases, then it's important to make sure that your screen protector lines up. Luckily, there are already some pretty great options available for one of the contenders for best Android phones of the year.Cut the glareMagGlass Tempered Glass with Matte Anti-Reflective FinishStaff pickThere's nothing worse than pulling out your phone outside only to not be able to read it over the harsh glare of the sun. This matte-finished screen protector cuts down on glare while also limiting smudges, scuffs, and shatters, keeping your screen pristine.$15 at Amazon...

Aloy is back in action for the next generation.One of the biggest games revealed at the June 2020 PS5 showcase was Horizon Forbidden West. Developed by Guerrilla Games, this PS5 title is bringing the Decima engine and everything it's capable of to next-generation hardware.Aloy returns as a protagonist, heading into the former western U.S. There are new threats, new machines, and new lush lands to explore. It's currently set to release at some point in 2021. Here's everything we know about Horizon Forbidden West on PS5 so far.Jump to:What is Horizon Forbidden West?Check out its trailersStory, gameplay, and featuresDoes it have multiplayer?Is it coming to PS4?Is it coming to PC?When does it release?What is Horizon Forbidden West?Horizon Forbidden West is a sequel to Guerrilla Games' Horizon Zero Dawn, released in 2017. It's an action role-playing game that takes place in the 31st century, in a world where humanity now exists in tribes and gigantic mechanical l...

We've rounded up the best Samsung Galaxy S21+ cases that we could find because we know how important it is to keep your prized and expensive new smartphone safe and protected for its entire lifetime. Some of these cases offer maximum protection, while others showcase that incredible Samsung style. When looking for a case from this list, consider the form factor, color, and thickness that works best for you.A pleasure to holdCaseology Paralaxx CaseStaff PickIt's not often that you find one of the best-looking, most-protective cases by a major brand at this price point, but that's exactly what you get with the Caseology Parallax. Available in Ash Gray, Indi Pink, Matte Black, and Purple-ish, this case blends in seamlessly with your S21+. The back's textured pattern is both visually appealing and grippable, and the case provides military-grade drop protection.$16 at AmazonFirst-party textureSamsung Kvadrat Cover CaseSamsung has been on a sustainability kick in ...

The best Samsung Galaxy S21 cases will not only keep your new smartphone protected, but they'll keep it looking as stylish as you are. Whether you prefer a clear case, a flip case, something colorful, or something rugged, with a phone as popular as the Galaxy 21, you have options. Here are some of the best Galaxy S21 cases we've found so far. The best part of all is that you don't have to spend a lot of money to keep your Galaxy S21 looking great for the long-term!Tough and texturedCaseology Parallax CaseStaff PickThe Caseology Parallax line is one of our favorite cases. It is affordable, stylish, protective, and a pleasure to hold. Plus, it comes in several interesting colors, including Matte Black, Ash Gray, Pink, and our favorite — Purple-ish.$13 at AmazonLow key caseSpigen Liquid Air Armor CaseThe Spigen Liquid Air Armor case is low-key one of our all-time favorite smartphone cases. It is thin and low profile while securely protecting your precious dev...

Many of us use our smartphones for just about everything. We can talk with our friends, chat with our parents, stream the latest movie, dive into virtual reality, and listen to all of our favorite music. We can do work, edit documents, and take pictures, too. They're powerful machines, but when it comes time to take the digital media of our phone and turn it into physical media by printing, we can run into a problem. A lot of the printers we run into are probably from a time when phones were meant for making calls. The clunky, old USB cables on those printers aren't meant for our phones. But, HP has the solution.The HP ENVY Pro 6455 All-in-One printer is an economical option at $149, and it's designed to fit seamlessly into the smartphone-first era. Not only does it offer up a means for printing off documents and photos, copying, and scanning, but it also delivers on a sense of style that's modern and subtle. Just as our phones and computers have become sleek devices without bulging ...

Samuel Tolbert swings by to chat with the crew about Resident Evil Village, aka the 'Tall Vampire Lady' game. They also discuss a pricing change to Xbox Live Gold, developer Vicarious Visions being merged into Blizzard Entertainment, and more.Hosted by: Jennifer Locke, Carli Velocci, and Rebecca SpearGot feedback? Hit up Podcast@androidcentral.com and tell us something!LISTEN NOW:LINKS:Tony Hawk remake developer Vicarious Visions merged into Blizzard Entertainment | Windows CentralXbox Live Gold pricing is going up to $60 for six months in the U.S, also adjusting in other regions Update | Windows CentralXbox Live Gold just became the worst deal in gaming Update | Windows CentralResident Evil Village coming to PS4, free upgrade to digital PS5 version | Android CentralTall Vampire Lady stole the show during today's Resident Evil Village showcase | Android CentralResident Evil Village 'Maiden' demo impressions: A tense showcase for what's to come | Android CentralSamu...

While there is no shortage of standout features on the Samsung Galaxy S21, the feature that is in your face all the time is its gorgeous screen. Presumably, you've decided to pick up a great case to protect the phone from accidental drops or falls, but have you thought about how you're going to keep the front of the phone free of scratches, knicks, and cracks? Take a look at this roundup of the best Samsung Galaxy S21 screen protectors so that your smartphone stays stunning for months and years to come.Value packTQLGY 3 Pack of Tempered Screen and Camera Lens ProtectorsStaff PickThis multi-pack not only comes with three tempered glass screen protectors, but it also includes three camera lens protectors. This is particularly important with the Galaxy S21 line, as the new camera housing is more prominent than ever. The protectors are 99.9% clear and are hydrophobic and oleophobic, so you don't have to worry about unsightly smudging or smearing. Plus, they allow for an unint...

The Moto G Stylus (2020) was an interesting proposition when it launched, as it provided a built-in stylus without breaking the bank. For a time, the phone was considered one of the best cheap Android phones, and it's still a pretty great option despite the release of a newer model. You probably already have one of the best Moto G Stylus cases to keep the back and sides of the phone safe from when life strikes. But you also don't want a scratch on the screen to affect the feedback while using something like, say, an included stylus. These are the best Moto G Stylus screen protectors you can get!No more fingerprintsSupershieldz Tempered GlassStaff PickSupershieldz makes another set of the best glass screen protectors thanks to their toughness, HD clarity, and rounded edges. Plus, if you need to remove an old one to install a new protector, you won't have to worry about any sticky residue being left behind.$8 at Amazon$8 at WalmartKeep it privateJanmitta Privacy ...

Amazon is improving its smart security with Alexa Guard Plus.What you need to knowAmazon's Alexa Guard Plus is launching today for just $49 per year, and is included for Ring Protect Plus subscribers.Alexa Guard Plus can sense activity around your house, play barking sounds when a potential intruder is detected, and even give you voice access to emergency services. Amazon is offering a 30-day free trial for the service, and subscribers have the option of paying a monthly $5 fee.Amazon is finally launching its Alexa Guard Plus service after announcing the expanded feature last year. The new subscription service takes many of the features available in Alexa Guard and adds new ones that can better utilize the smart features of your Echo devices to protect your family and your home.With the new Amazon Alexa Guard Plus, subscribers can contact emergency services using their voice. Just saying "Alexa, call for help" will connect you with agents who can assist you in getting y...

The One by Wacom is the first 'Works with Chromebook' certified graphics tablet.What you need to knowWacom launched its first Chromebook compatible graphics tablet, the One by Wacom.It's been certified by Google's 'Works with Chromebook' program.The One will set you back $70 and is available on Amazo, Wacom, and select retailers.Wacom today announcedthe One By Wacom graphics tablet. It's the first of such tablets to be compatible with Chrome OS. The company's product is also certified as "Works with Chromebook", a label Google announced last year to highlight accessories that were optimized for the platform.Wacom is aiming this at artists and students. For students, the company is selling this as a way to make note-taking easier. Tablets like the Surface and the iPad Pro have proven valuable in educational environments, and as many Chromebooks don't offer built-in pen support, this is the next best thing. Wacom also notes that existing Chromebook users can use this witho...

More options for developers as Google steps back from VR.What you need to knowTilt Brush is a virtual reality painting application.Tilt Brush was acquired by Google in 2015 and released in 2016.Tilt Brush is going open source, with the code repository accessible for all interested developers.Google's Tilt Brush virtual reality painting application has been available since 2016 on HTC Vive, expanding to additional VR platforms. Today, the development team at Tilt Brush shared some major news: Tilt Brush is going open source.Speaking on why the decision was made, the developers stated that "we want to continue supporting the artists using Tilt Brush by putting it in your hands." Google will no longer be actively developing Tilt Brush, so moving forward no pull requests will be accepted.The archive of now-open source vode for Tilt Brush can be found on Github. It's completely free to use, distribute and modify as long as it is used under the terms of the Apache 2.0 License...

When you start shopping for the best Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 band, you'll be met with many different options. Depending on whether you purchased the 45 or 41mm model, your new Galaxy Watch 3 will require either a 22 or 20mm band, respectively. There are plenty of bands out there, so be sure to choose one that's going to match your style while also providing maximum comfort. Check out some of our favorites!Extreme comfortBarton Elite Silicone Watch BandStaff PickA band made of silicone material is a great choice for active individuals, like this option from Barton. It comes in both 20 and 22mm band sizes. You'll enjoy over 15 different color choices as well. The premium textured top, stainless steel buckle has a proprietary locking feature that ensures your band remains in place all day long.$20 at AmazonBest of both worldsBEAFIRY Canvas Nylon Watch BandAnother option to consider is this BEAFIRY canvas nylon watchband. It's affordable while still being made of...

The Galaxy S21 Ultra is one of the biggest and most powerful Galaxies ever, as well as being the first to work with the S Pen, traditionally reserved for the Note line. The camera module on the Ultra is just as big as it was on the S20 Ultra, but the design's been improved so that it looks more cohesive and meshes with the phone's metal frame, but that design also means that you're more prone to damage the cameras with a side-impact, so a case is more important than ever. The best cases for the Galaxy S21 Ultra are right here, whether you're after a clear case to show off the Ultra's design or a durable tank to keep it safe and secure.Colorful and durableCaseology Nano PopStaff pickAfter two years of the Nano Pop being exclusive to iPhones, it's finally coming to Samsung phones with the S21 series. The Blueberry Navy with its yellow accents is striking and classic, and the impact-absorbing pattern embedded in the back gives you slim protection.$15 at AmazonReady to work...

Three new games hit Stadia Pro next week, with new releases like Madden and Phoenix Point punctuating the end of January.What you need to knowJourney to the Savage Planet, Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light, and Enter the Gungeon enter Stadia Pro on Feb. 1.Madden NFL 21, Phoenix Point, TOHU, and Gods Will Fall all release this week.Six games leave Stadia Pro on Jan. 31, including Panzer Dragoon Remake, Hitman 2, and Sniper Elite 4.There is a lot of movement on Stadia Pro this week, according to today's Stadia blog post. Since it's the last week of the month that means games are leaving the optional subscription service while some other new games are coming in.Notably, Journey to the Savage Planet: Employee of the Month Edition headlines new Stadia Pro offerings for February.It's a very zany and colorful space exploration title published by 505 Games. This is a brand new iteration of the game that features 60 FPS for the first time and includes never-before-seen cont...