Latest from Android Central

Dolby Vision HDR support requires a licensing fee from Dolby.What you need to knowGoogle Play Movies is prepping Dolby Vision support in the app.A recent APK teardown by XDA Developers of the 4.17.22 version of the app revealed strings referencing Dolby Vision.Dolby Vision gives a superior picture quality over HDR10 by using dynamic metadata.Google Play Movies is apparently working on adding Dolby Vision HDR support for its app soon. The revelation comes after the talented guys over at XDA Developers uncovered it in a recent APK teardown of the Android app.While Google Play Movies has supported 4K HDR with HDR10 for years now, Dolby Vision is an entirely different standard and one that many say offers superior quality. The main reason for this being that Dolby Vision allows for dynamic metadata versus static metadata found in HDR10.With dynamic metadata, Dolby Vision makes it possible for the brightness, darkness, and color profile to change from scene to scene, while H...

There are improvements to be found, but this isn't a complete game changer yet.The early days of 5G networks are confusing, with the biggest annoyance being the explanation of what kind of 5G network a given carrier is using. There's mmWave, which Verizon is incredibly bullish on, and then there's Sub-6, which has been deployed by far more carriers around the world and is easier to launch quickly and comprehensively. (And then, there are differences in implementation with mid-band and low-band Sub-6 networks.) T-Mobile launched its Sub-6 5G network "nationwide" this week on its low-band spectrum, and I've been using it for a week on a OnePlus 7T Pro.The best part of Sub-6 5G is that carriers are able to (relatively) simply upgrade existing LTE towers, and use existing low-band spectrum. Performing to towers you already have, rather than deploying thousands of small cells necessary for mmWave, dramatically increases the rate you can launch the network. And running on very low-ba...

What you need to knowWithings Health Mate now supports key Android 10 features.Improved Google Fit and Strava Integration are along for the ride.The update is available directly from the Google Play StoreWithings Health Mate has picked up support for Google's most useful Android 10 features. The update, as spotted by Android Police, delivers a couple of key changes to users.The most noticeable one is the addition of dark mode. While not entirely a game-changing feature, the addition of dark mode is a crowd pleaser and one that has only accelerated ever since Google made it official with the Android 10 update. Withings says it'll work with your device's global settings.A bit subtler but still useful is the addition of the sleep sync to Google Fit. Users like me who make use of Google Fit to track their activity levels will be delighted to learn that Health Mate now automatically syncs your sleep times to Google's app. For Strava users, you can now export your Health Mate w...

One thing that Google did right with Stadia is open up connectivity options. Whatever your favorite controller is, Stadia likely supports it, at least on the PC (on the Pixel phones, it can be a little more selective). For those of us who like to use their PlayStation 4 DualShock 4 controller to play games, here's a handy guide on how to get it working on Stadia.Products used in this guideClassic controller: DualShock 4 ($47 at Amazon)How to connect your DualShock 4 to Stadia on your phoneMake sure your DualShock is turned off.Press and hold both the Options button and the PlayStation button until the light bar starts to flash white.Go to your Bluetooth page on your phoneTap on the wireless controller that appears in available devicesOnce the controller is connected to the bluetooth open up the Stadia app.Tap on the little controller icon in the top right-hand corner.You should see a generic looking PS4 remote and the words Supported Controller Linked.If you do,...

A new way to play.What you need to knowOculus Quest is a standalone headset that works without a computer.It's getting hand tracking this week. Hand tracking will only work in menus and Oculus apps initially. Developers need to update their games to take advantage of the feature. The Oculus Quest is a standalone virtual reality (VR) headset that has become quite popular in recent months. It allows you to experience the wonders of VR without attaching long cables connecting it to your computer.The Quest relies on two controllers for inputs, but that's about to change very soon. Today, Oculus announced that hand tracking was coming to the headset this week. The press release Android Central received said that the team wanted to "share that we'll be rolling out an initial version of hand tracking as an early feature for consumers on Oculus Quest this week."The initial release date was pegged in early 2020, but it's coming out sooner than expected. That's great n...

Samsung's 10th year of Galaxy flagships is something to behold.Every year, Samsung kicks off the year with its Galaxy S devices. These serve as a showcase of the very best that the company has to offer, and this year, we were treated to a total of three new devices with the Galaxy S10, S10+, and S10e.Whether you're looking for the latest news, want to know how the phones compare to other gadgets, need help finding a good case, or anything else in between, you're in the right place.First, start with the reviewThere are three phones this yearShould you upgrade from an older Galaxy?Let's compare the S10 to other phonesIf it's specs you need...There's a 5G version, tooThere are some amazing colorsHow much do they cost?Get the accessories you need for your Galaxy S10There's talk of a Galaxy S10 LiteWhat's going on with the Galaxy S11?Get More Galaxy S10Samsung Galaxy S10 ...

The Google Chromecast is hands down my favorite tech innovation of the past decade. It's one of the most affordable products you can buy that lets you easily stream media from your phone to your TV — as long as your Chromecast is set up and functioning properly. We've rounded up the best solutions for common Chromecast issues that you or a family member might be struggling with.How to fix Chromecast connectivity issuesThe most common issue to run into using a Chromecast is shoddy stream quality or an inconsistent connection with your home network that hampers your ability to stream media. Every Chromecast after the first generation supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz network frequencies, with the latter offering the fastest connection, although with a shorter range. The most obvious and frequently suggested solution to improve network connectivity is to bring your Chromecast and router closer together to ensure it gets a stronger and more stable signal.If that's not possible or...

And you thought it was just going to be some new camera effects.What you need to knowGoogle announced Pixel phones will be regularly updated with new features.The first feature drop will also include improvements to memory management. This opens the door for more frequent performance improvements. On December 9, Google announced the first feature drop for its Pixel smartphones, and in addition to new features that will be visible to users, Google also updated the way Pixel phones handle memory management. Google says the new memory update "proactively compresses cached applications so that users can run multiple applications at the same time — like games, streaming content and more." Specifically, Google calls out improvements to gaming and streaming content, but did not offer further details.While the first feature drop also offered updates to Google Duo video calls and a handful of other tweaks to system apps and features, the memory improvement marks a significan...

Currently rolling out via a server-side switch.What you need to knowThe ability to copy an event from one calendar to another is rolling out to Google Calendar.Previously, you had the options to copy or duplicate but that required deleting the original event.It is a server-side change, but some have had luck triggering it by force quitting the app and clearing the cache.Managing multiple calendars with the Google Calendar Android app has always posed a bit of a challenge when needing to move an event from one to the other. Previously, if you had an event you wanted to move, you could copy or duplicate it to the other calendar. While that was convenient, it still required the extra step of deleting the original event.Thankfully, that's all about to change, thanks to a new update that is currently rolling out for the app. With the ability to move the event, you'll no longer need to take this extra step in the future. Simply move the event from one calendar to the next, and ...

The first 'feature drop' for the Pixel 4 and 4 XL is expected to arrive this week.What you need to knowGoogle says it will be bringing "bigger updates" to its Pixel phones as part of new 'Pixel feature drops.'The first feature drop will arrive this month for the Pixel 4 and 4 XL. It will bring automatic call screening, improved video calls on Duo, and the ability to blur the background of your photos post-snap. Google today announced that it will be bringing new features to its Pixel phones on a regular basis with "feature drops." The first 'feature drop' will soon be rolled out for the Pixel 4 series phones and come with several new features and enhancements.Perhaps the most exciting new feature that will be part of the first feature drop will be the ability to turn any photo into a portrait by blurring the background post-snap. This means regardless of when a photo was taken, you can head over to Google Photos and blur the background with Portrait Blur.The second ma...

Plenty of us use File Managers to keep track of all of the many files we have. While there are dozens of them available on the Google Play Store, many don't offer the features or ease of access that you want — or need—in a file manager. That being said, the quality of these applications has improved vastly over the years and we have the best you can download today for your Android device.Simplicity at its finestSimple File Manager ProStaff PickIf you don't need all the extra frills that are offered by other apps, then Simple File Manager is perfect for you. The app offers a sleek design, with no ads and additional customization to make the app match your phone's theme.$1 at Google PlayMore robustX-plore File ManagerIn addition to having a throwback theme installed, X-plore File Manager doubles as a media player and even an App Manager. Additionally, you can view thumbnails for your various photos and videos, while also making it easy to access cl...

BioShock is back!What you need to knowBioShock is a series of first-person shooter from 2K Games.There hasn't been a new one since BioShock Infinite all those years ago. Cloud Chamber has been established to work on the franchise. The team is already developing the next entry in the beloved series. BioShock is an incredible first-person shooter franchise that deals with the collapse of various isolated communities. Many years ago, the previous developer was shut down by parent company 2K Games, but now, another team has emerged to take its place. Today, we received a press release that recognized the establishment of Cloud Chamber.According to 2K, Cloud Chamber is "a collective of storytellers eager to push the frontlines of interactive entertainment by making unique, entertaining, and thoughtful experiences." Cloud Chamber will build its team in San Francisco and Montréal. The bigger news is that Cloud Chamber is working on the next iteration of the BioShock fr...

The Galaxy S11 will have a total of five camera sensors at the back.What you need to knowAlleged hands-on images of the Samsung Galaxy S11 have surfaced online.The images show Samsung's next flagship phone inside a 'leakproof case', so all we get to see is the new camera layout. Samsung Galaxy S11's L-shaped camera setup on the back of the will include an all-new 108MP primary sensor. Popular industry insider Ice Universe has shared two 'hands-on' images showing the Samsung Galaxy S11 inside a "leakproof case." Since the case hides nearly every key design element of the phone except the rear camera layout, we cannot be entirely sure if the phone inside the case is indeed the Galaxy S11. However, Ice Universe does have a pretty good track record and the camera module appears very similar to what was showcased in recently leaked CAD-based renders of the phone. Even though the images are extremely grainy, we can still see the overhauled rear camera layout. They also show t...

Let's chat with the AC forums.In the world of Android phones, two of the best ones that exist right now are the Galaxy Note 10+ and Pixel 4 XL.Both of these devices bring a lot to the table, and no matter which one you buy, you end up with an Android experience like no other. As you might expect, this has caused for some debate in our forums.Taking a gander at one conversation, in particular, here's what our members have to say about which of the two phones they prefer. mustang7757 12-03-2019 04:18 PM “ I do have them both The pixel 4 xl or pixel in general are different experience , it's pretty close to no bloat ,stock Android experience , I think the pixel 4xl is the best pixel to date . If you like features which Note 10+ then that's the way to go and the SPen a very handy tool. I believe the Note 10+ is the best all around phone but I do love pixel phones and can't break from that ....

Now, anyone can jump into a Skype call with ease.What you need to knowThe latest Skype Insider build has a new feature called "Meet Now."The feature allows you to easily invite anyone to a Skype call, including people who don't have Skype accounts.The recent update also allows you to edit and view videos and photos before sending them.The latest Skype Insider build has a new feature called "Meet Now" that makes it easy to invite anyone to a Skype call. With the feature, you can create a link to a call that can be shared with anyone, including people who don't have a Skype account. As pointed out by OnMSFT, Meet Now also creates a group chat for anyone that has a Skype account.A post from Microsoft breaks down all of the new features in the latest build, Meet Now on Skype:  With this new feature you will be able easily set up a call on Skype and share a link to friends, family or colleagues. They don't even need to have a Skype account to join the call! ...

Keeping your house clean isn't the easiest thing in the world. You have to find the time between running to work, taking care of family, and scheduling in that much-needed downtime. Something that can help keep your home clean is a reliable robot vacuum. I personally go with Roborock since the company creates quality products, like the Roborock S5, which come with several convenience features while still being incredibly good at cleaning my home. Here are the best Roborock vacuums on the market today.Best Overall: Roborock S5When it comes to balancing price with all of the best smart conveniences, you can't get any better than the Roborock S5. This robot vacuum has enough power to suck up AA batteries and increases suction when it moves from hard floors to carpets for deeper cleaning. It's ideal for use on anything from hard floors to medium-pile carpets. It even comes with a detachable mop and a water tank so it can mop your hard floors. Just note that it doesn't avoid carpets...

SwifKey Beta recently gained support for languages from Uganda, Tanzania, and Zambia.What you need to knowSwiftKey Beta on Android recently gained support for 49 additional languages.The keyboard app now supports several additional languages from Uganda, Tanzania, and Zambia.You can download SwiftKey Beta directly from the Google Play Store.SwiftKey Beta on Android recently gained support for 49 additional languages (via MSPU). The update brings support for several languages from Uganda, Tanzania, and Zambia. SwiftKey allows you to quickly swap between languages within the layout section of the keyboard.The Google Play Store listing for SwiftKey Beta lists all of the newly supported languages, 10 from Uganda (Adhola, Ik, Konzo, Lugbara, Ma'di, Nyankore, Nyoro, Teso, Tooro, Soga) 25 from Tanzania (Bena, Kwere, Gogo, Haya, Hehe, Hadza, Iraqw, Machame, Makonde, Kisi, Kagulu, Langi, Malila, Ndali, Nilamba, Nyamwezi, Nyakyusa-Ngonde, Mochi, Pogolo, Nyaturu, Luguru, Sa...

Keeping informed on the go is one of the many things that our smartphones are incredible tools for. During the everyday hustle and bustle, it's easy to ignore the world around you, but the news is everywhere, including on your phone. These are the best news apps for your Android device today!Get quick headlinesGoogle NewsStaff PickIn addition to giving you quick access to the top daily headlines, Google News has a "For You" tab that provides news that you care about. The app is free, and while it doesn't exactly replace Google Reader, it does a pretty good job at everything else.Free at Google PlayFully-featuredPalabre RSS ReaderPalabre is the de-facto choice for those who enjoy RSS feeds as you can get "plug-ins" to add various aspects to how you consume the news. With this app, you can quickly add articles to an offline reader, or even add specific Twitter accounts to your feed.Free (with in-app purchases) at Google PlayAvailable everywhereFeedly...

The Vivo V17 is powered by the same Snapdragon 675 chipset as the V17 Pro.What you need to knowVivo formally launched the mid-range V17 in India today.The Vivo V17 features a 6.44-inch hole-punch AMOLED display and has a quad camera setup at the back. It has been priced at ₹22,990 ($323) and is set to go on sale in the country starting December 17. Vivo today introduced a new mid-range smartphone in India, called the V17. Unlike the V17 that was launched in Russia last month, the Indian variant comes with a tiny hole-punch display and has an L-shaped quad camera array on the back.The new Vivo V17 sports a 6.44-inch E3 Super AMOLED display with a tall 20:9 aspect ratio and 100% DCI-P3 color gamut coverage. Powering Vivo's latest mid-range smartphone for the Indian market is an 11nm Qualcomm Snapdragon 675 chipset, paired with 8GB of RAM and 128GB storage.Vivo V17's L-shaped quad camera array includes a 48MP primary sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, 2MP macro lens, an...

The phone's tech specs remain a mystery at this point.What you need to knowThe first renders of OnePlus' first mid-range phone since the OnePlus X have surfaced.It could be called the OnePlus 8 Lite and will have a centered hole-punch cutout similar to the Samsung Galaxy S11. On the back of the phone will be a dual camera setup, along with an LED flash and a ToF sensor. In October 2015, OnePlus announced its first mid-range Android smartphone, called the OnePlus X. Now, CAD-based renders showing a new mid-range smartphone from the Chinese Android OEM have surfaced, courtesy of popular leaker @OnLeaks and 91Mobiles.As can be seen in the renders below, the phone, which is expected to be called the 'OnePlus 8 Lite', will have a flat display with a centered hole-punch cutout. On the back of the mid-range phone will be a rectangular camera module housing two sensors, an LED flash, as well as a ToF sensor. The CAD-based renders of the smartphone also show a USB-C port on...

Reporting live from the Qualcomm Snapdragon Summit, Daniel Bader and Andrew Martonik have an in-depth, candid conversation with Alex Katouzian and PJ Jacobowitz. Alex is senior vice president and general manager of the Mobile Business Unit at Qualcomm, while PJ serves as senior marketing manager for camera technologies.Daniel and Andrew follow up after the interview with additional commentary and insight from the summit.Listen nowSubscribe in Google Play Music: AudioSubscribe in iTunes: Audio Subscribe in RSS: AudioDownload directly: AudioShow Notes and Links:The Snapdragon 865: The new chip where everything really is new and improved | Android CentralQualcomm allowing Adreno 650 GPU updates via the Play Store is a huge deal for Android gaming | Android CentralSponsors:Keeps: The easiest and most affordable way to keep the hair you have. For a limited time, receive your first month of treatment for free — Go to keeps.com/acp...

Every year around this time, the internet is inundated with roundups. Lists of the best movies, albums, TV shows, and books are everywhere, and people can't wait to catch up on all the award-winning titles they missed or overlooked when the weather was warm.In the tech world, things are a bit different. Most people don't consume phones the way they consume TV shows (though I know a bunch of our most loyal readers would beg to differ), but that doesn't stop people from passing judgment on those products, often without using them.There were two products released this year, though, that received almost universal acclaim: the OnePlus 7T and the Pixel 3a. In fact, both were almost unanimously picked to be the best phone and the best value phone of 2019 respectively, and everyone I've spoken to who bought one of them has been exceedingly happy with their decision.If you cast your mind back to May, when the Pixel 3a was announced, it was already the recipient of months of rumors and...

As the name would suggest, the Motorola One Action is the world's first smartphone with a built-in ultra-wide action camera. This awesome camera turns your smartphone into a GoPro replacement of sorts, which means you'll be taking it out with you on the go. For obvious reasons, you'll definitely want to keep it protected during your adventures.Flexible ProtectionOlixar FlexiShield CoverStaff pickThe Olixar Flexishield Cover is a great option for those who want a slim case while keeping the One Action protected. Coming with a Gel exterior, this will help make it easier to keep your phone in your hands and not on the ground.$10 at AmazonExtra VersatilityKalibri Leather WalletOur smartphones are extremely versatile, so why not have a case that keeps up with all those uses? The Kalibri Leather Wallet case offers a card slot, along with the ability to use it as a kickstand. There's even a magnetic lock to ensure that your case doesn't accidentally open up.$20 a...

There are so many awesome action games in the Google Play Store, it can be hard to sort the wheat from the chaff. But we've done the heavy lifting for you and after hundreds of hours of playing, we've rounded up the best action-packed games for Android that are worth checking out. Many of the games on this list are paid apps which might give you pause, so you'll need to trust us when we say these games are well worth the initial investment. Plus, it's always good to support those teams developing great games for Android!One-handed actionFowlstStaff PickIn Fowlst, you play as a loot-seeking owl that has somehow gotten itself stuck in Hell's underground labyrinth. Every time you play is its unique challenge because each chamber is randomly generated and filled with demons and other deadly traps to deftly dodge. With simple controls and near-endless gameplay, this is a great retro-styled action game you can play with one hand.$1 at Google Play StoreCarnival of Death...

Whether you’re illustrating logos as a graphic designer or sifting through charts as a data analyst, nothing boosts your productivity like a second monitor. However, if you need to get work done while on the go, whether at a coffee shop or on a plane, you’d be crazy to haul an entire monitor with you. That’s why Mobile Pixels has designed this portable dual monitor, which you can get for just $179.35 by using coupon code SAVEDUEXPRO at checkout.The Mobile Pixels DUEX Pro is a portable dual-screen laptop accessory that allows you to work with two monitors anywhere and everywhere. With a second 1080p display, you’ll have more screen real estate for video editing timelines, illustrations, data analysis, and more.Simply attach the DUEX Pro to the back of your laptop and swing the hinge out to double your screen space. The hinge rotates up to 270°, so you can extend or contract your second screen depending on how much workspace you have. You can also s...

Never before seen footage!What you need to knowThe world of Star Wars and Fortnite are once again coming together.On December 14, J.J. Abrams will be showing off a never-before-seen scene from the upcoming Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker at Fortnite's Risky Reels location.The festivities start at 2 PM EST, but players are advised to show up earlier. The world of Star Wars and Fortnite's are once again set to collide, this time with some never-before-seen footage of the upcoming film Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.For some time now, Fortnite's Risky Reels location has been undergoing a bit of construction, and it looks as if we now know what is going to be happening.Announced earlier today, Epic Games will be partnering once again with the iconic film franchise to give fans a once in a lifetime opportunity. On Saturday, December 14 at 2 PM EST, players will be able to check-in at Fortnite's Risky Reels, along with J.J. Abrams — the director of the upcoming fil...

There’s never been a better time to work in graphic design. Startups and Fortune 500s alike count on skilled designers to create everything from websites to magazine covers that help them connect with their audiences. But, if you want to be competitive in this increasingly lucrative field, you need to have the right training under your belt.The Complete 2020 Adobe CC Certification Bundle will teach you how to work with some of the most celebrated tools in the industry, and it’s currently available for an additional 15% off at just $33.15 when you enter the coupon code MerrySave15 at checkout.With nine courses and over 60 hours of training, this bundle will help you get started as a professional graphic designer.You’ll learn how to create stunningly-accurate edits in Adobe Photoshop, how to draw realistic images in Illustrator, how to retouch your work in Lightroom, how to add visual effects to your projects in After Effects, and much more....

Chromebooks, for the most part, don't come with an abundance of storage. You won't be seeing a 2TB Chromebook anytime soon, but unless the Chromebook you buy is from Google's Pixelbook line, that's not a problem. Almost every Chromebook ever made has either an SD or microSD card slot that allows you to greatly expand the storage available for your downloads and data. However, your Android apps won't be able to see or use your SD card until you grant permission for all apps to read and write to external storage.Products used in this guide:Really expand your storage: Samsung EVO Select 128GB ($17 at Amazon)How to enable Android apps to use SD card storage on a ChromebookTap the time in the bottom corner of your screen to open the main menu.Tap the settings gear near the top right corner of the menu.Scroll down to the Device section to tap Storage management.Tap **External storage preferences*.Tap the toggle to the right of SD Card to give Android apps access to rea...

The first Mexican American Heavyweight World Champion travels to the Middle East for a rematch with England's deposed hero.This Saturday, DAZN fall "Fight Season" has the biggest rematch of the year, and this heavyweight title fight is an afternoon delight. This main event will be earlier because this fight is happening halfway around the world in Saudi Arabia. That's why it's being called the "Clash in the Dunes". Will the underdog champion prove that his first win was more than a lucky night, or will the humbled adonis show he has learned from his worst fight? You can find out when you watch Ruiz vs. Joshua 2 streaming exclusively on DAZN.When is the Ruiz vs. Joshua 2 fight?Andy Ruiz Jr. vs. Anthony Joshua will take place on Saturday, Dec. 7 from Diriyah Arena in Saudi Arabia. DAZN will have the live stream broadcast beginning at Noon Eastern. The Main Event fight between Ruiz vs. Joshua 2 should begin at approximately 3:45 p.m. Eastern.Ruiz vs. Joshua 2 — The Main Ev...

Oculus Quest is Facebook's last piece of hardware in its first generation of VR devices. It has six degrees of freedom, movement tracking so you can game throughout an area and two Touch Controllers, which facilitate a wide range of gameplay. The Oculus Quest now has over 100 games available, ranging from first-person shooters to musical saber swinging. The most recent titles are marked with "new," and at the top of the list, so you can keep track of all the latest games.New titlesAvailable nowSupported Oculus Go gamesFuture titlesNewSunny zombiesArizona SunshineNewArizona Sunshine is a VR classic, and I'm thrilled that it's coming to the Oculus Quest. If you've never played, it's a high action, high scare zombie shooter but based in the beautiful Arizona landscape.$40 at Oculus StoreVertigo inducingThe ClimbNewThe Climb is already a fan favorite with Rift users, and it will only benefit from the wireless freedom of the Oculus Quest. Having the fr...

Another huge wall is about to drop between PlayStation 4 and other networks, with the Minecraft Bedrock Edition looking virtually confirmed for PS4 complete with Xbox Live cross-play in the near future.One big development throughout this generation has been the gradual encroachment of cross-play between competing gaming networks. Major titles like Fortnite, Call of Duty, and others now have some form of cross-play between PlayStation and Xbox One, with other titles like Gears 5 picking up cross-play between Xbox and PC. One very high-profile hold out was Minecraft's Bedrock Edition, which is arguably the most cross-playable title of them all, connecting players from Nintendo Switch, VR, mobile, Xbox One, and PC via Xbox Live. Unfortunately, it looked as though Sony was holding out on bringing Xbox Live to PlayStation in order to enable cross-play for Minecraft to PS4 users, until now.Appearing in various stores online (thanks, @Rand_Al_Thor_19), gamers are spotting a new retail S...

The Outer Worlds is about to get even better.What you need to knowThe Outer Worlds is a first-person adventure game from Obsidian Entertainment.The title is also available on PlayStation 4 due to past publishing agreements. The developer is going to issue a patch next week which brings a Field of View option to consoles. The Outer Worlds is an upcoming first-person role-playing game (RPG) from Obsidian Entertainment. Despite the fact that the team is now a part of Xbox Game Studios, this game is available on PlayStation 4 — and will be coming to Nintendo Switch down the line.Just like any game, it has a number of odd bugs on consoles and PC. Luckily, a patch is in the works which should be available next week, maybe Monday or Tuesday. The team said the following on the Obsidian forums. We would like to thank you all for the continued feedback and reports for The Outer Worlds. We have been hard at work doing as much as we can to help improve your gaming experie...

The experimental feature is not up and running yet.What you need to knowChrome Canary just received a new way of sharing webpages with your phone.The experimental new flag generates a QR code for the URL of any page you are visiting.You can scan the code using your smartphone to access the page.While you can already send webpages from your PC to your phone — and vice versa — on Chrome, that currently requires you to be logged in to your Google account on both devices. It also requires the use of the Chrome browser on both ends. For the more privacy-conscious among us or those who prefer other mobile browsers over Google's offerings, the company might just have an awesome solution for you (via Techdows).A new experimental flag for Chrome Canary lets you ask the desktop browser to generate a QR code containing the URL of any page you are visiting. This, in turn, allows you to quickly open the same page from your phone using a QR scanner — many phones' bu...

The black and red-themed Star Wars bundle comes with great accessories and a fantastic custom-themed device.What you need to knowThe Note 10+ is the 256 GB variant with a black and red theme, including a red S Pen.The UI also is Star Wars-themed with custom icons, wallpapers, and more.Pre-orders are open now for $1,299 at Amazon, Samsung, and Best Buy, with a release slated for December 13.Fans of Star Wars and Samsung will both be delighted that the Star Wars Special Edition, announced mid-November, is ready for pre-order. The red and black colored Galaxy Note 10+ with 256GB storage is factory unlocked and can be pre-ordered for $1,299 and is slated to ship December 13.Not only are you getting an impressive device in the Galaxy Note 10+, but you'll have a very unique looking phone. The Star Wars Special Edition is sporting the dark side of the force as a black device with red accents and a red S Pen. Sealed up along with the phone in the Sith-inspired box are a set of ...

Protecting your watch's screen is necessary to keep it looking great — and scratch-free. In order to do that for your Galaxy Watch Active, your screen protector has to be 40mm, round, and not completely frustrating to install. Thankfully, there are some solid choices out there that check all of these boxes.Tough as nailsIQ Shield Screen Protector (6-Pack)Staff pickThe IQ Shield screen protectors offer an easy wet-install method for a bubble-free experience. They're made with self-healing durability so your screen is always protected. What's more, it's optically transparent once it's applied so you won't even notice it's applied to your watch.$10 at AmazonNo more bubblesSPGuard Screen Protector (6-Pack)The SPGuard screen protector is a light film protector that shields against scratches and drop damage while leaving your watch's face bubble-free. The film also has a coating that prevents smudging, and is fully transparent so that it won't affect the col...

There's also a fix for battery issues on OnePlus phones.What you need to knowWhatsApp's latest update adds calling waiting to the app.If you receive a second call while you're already talking to someone, the call won't automatically get rejected.You'll now get a notification for the call, and the option to end your current call to switch to the second one.WhatsApp just got a really neat feature with its latest update. And I'm not referring to the new [Any.do integration](/WhatsApp is making multiple calls less confusing with call waiting) that lets you automatically create reminders using the messaging app, though that's pretty cool, too. No, I'm talking about call waiting support (via Android Police).Previously, when you received a call while you were already on one, WhatsApp would automatically reject it for you, and notify the person on the other side with a message I'm sure you've already seen more than once: "[Your contact's name] is on another call." The recipient, ...

There were also books, batteries, and a tambourine.What you need to knowAmazon customers who bought a Nintendo Switch on Black Friday were in for a rude surprise this week.Instead of their console, some customers report receiving an assortment of items, such as condoms, batteries, and books.A tambourine also made the cut.It's Black Friday and you just splurged on a Nintendo Switch on Amazon. Well, unfortunately for you, the condom Amazon sent instead doesn't really let you beat up Mario. In a comically tragic story, Amazon is apologizing for sending would-be Switch owners books, batteries, condoms, and microphones, among other random items, instead.As The Mirror reports, one woman, who received a David Williams novel instead of a Switch, reported the following: "I want my money refunded. You have delivered and refused to take back (the) parcel which was smashed."Sophie Hamilton from Surrey lamented her daughter's disappointment and bafflement as to where the Nintendo S...

Best answer: Yes! The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 is water-resistant to 5 ATM, which means it's can withstand splashes, rainfall, showering, and even swimming.Just keep swimming: Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 ($279 at Amazon)Swim your heart outThe Galaxy Watch Active 2 was designed with durability in mind. The 5 ATM rating means it's water-resistant in depths of up to 50 meters. It's suitable for low velocity and shallow water activities, so you can take it swimming. However, it's not suitable for high-pressure water activities. It's also IP68 and MIL-STD-810G-certified, so it's been tested against various conditions, including drops from 4.9 feet, extreme temperatures, shock/vibration, low pressure/high altitude, along with its ability to withstand dust, dirt, and sand.As you might recall, its predecessor was released less than a year ago with the promise of a swim tracking feature to be released shortly after. Our prayers were finally answered in July with a software up...

It's still being rolled out in stages.What you need to knowOnePlus last month started a staged rollout of Android 10 to the OnePlus 6 and 6T.Unfortunately, it soon discovered there were issues with the software and halted the updates.The company has now started updating phones to the latest Android version again.OnePlus' rollout of OxygenOS 10 — built on top of Android 10 — to last year's flagships was unfortunately cut short last month, thanks to buggy software. The company seems to have worked out the kinks in its operating system now and is actively rolling out OxygenOS 10.0.1 to the phones.Global Product Operations Manager, Manu J. announced the update on the company's forums yesterday, with the following changelog:ChangelogSystemUpdated system to Android 10Brand new UI for Android 10Updated Android security patch to 2019.10Fixed the fingerprint identification issueFixed the animation lag for fingerprint unlockFixed the automatic reboot issue aft...

If you want to expand your Chromebook's storage, you can use an SD card and boom, you've got more space. Chrome's security model treats storage you can remove differently than storage you can't — and not all Android apps can use SD storage for data — but an SD card slot means extra storage space for photos, video, documents or anything else that you need to keep somewhere. Whether you need micro, full-size, or something in between, these are your best bets for dependable, affordable storage for your Chromebook.Go microSamsung EVO Select microSD cardStaff pickMost Chromebooks today ship with a microSD slot, and the microSD card we like best is the Samsung EVO Select. It's available in 32GB to 512GB capacities. This quick little card is a dependable name-brand.From $6 at AmazonAll the sizesSanDisk ExtremeSanDisk offers this card in an impressive variety of sizes, all the way up to 1TB, though that card costs more than some Chromebooks! Optimized for Andr...

Ever since the creation of the modern smartphone.What you need to knowCell phone-related injuries have risen dramatically over the past 20 years.The most common injuries include cuts to the face and head, bruises, and abrasions.The biggest uptick in injuries came after the iPhone was released in 2007.Authors of a recently published study in the journal JAMA have noted an increase in cell phone-related injuries over the last 20 years. The study analyzed data from national emergency rooms and shows that injuries were less frequent until 2007 when the iPhone was first released.Soon after, phone-related injuries began to rise dramatically, due to how distracting the always-connected glowing screen has become. Although mobile telephones were gaining popularity prior to that time point, their functions were limited and they were, therefore, less likely to be major distractions when compared to modern-day smartphones.According to the study, most injuries were to the neck,...

There's also support for Any.do, AnyList, and Bring!.What you need to knowYou'll be able to ask your Google Assistant to create a list and add items to it via voice commands.List and note services available will be Google Keep, Any.do, AnyList, and Bring!. The notes and lists feature rolling out today and will be in the services tab for Google Assistant settings.The holiday season can get hectic with gatherings to plan, shopping to do, dinners to cook, and more. Google's here to help with some of that with the Google Assitant and its new feature — notes and lists. In a blog post today, Google announced that the ability to take a note or start a list will be rolling out the feature to integrate Google Keep, Any.do, AnyList, or Bring! with your Google Assistant to help keep you organized.To see if you have this option available, you open the Google Assistant settings and go to the "services" tab. If you have "Notes and Lists" as an option, then simply select the ser...

Best answer: If your house is already equipped with low-voltage doorbell wiring, the Doorbell Pro is the best consumer-grade video doorbell in Ring's lineup. Otherwise, the Video Doorbell 2 can run off of a rechargeable battery, and offers most of the same features.Your wired future: Ring Video Doorbell Pro ($249 at Amazon)A battery marvel: Ring Video Doorbell 2 ($199 at Amazon)The most premium: Ring Video Doorbell Elite ($499 at Amazon)Peekaboo: Ring Peephole Camera ($149 at Amazon)What is a Ring Doorbell?Ring's line of Wi-Fi-connected video doorbells is a great way to secure your home and give yourself some peace of mind when you're waiting on a package or going away on vacation. They detect motion before anyone gets near your door, alert your smartphone, and start recording video.That footage gets stored in the cloud (with a subscription fee, of course), so you don't have to be watching live to catch a would-be burglar. There's also two-way audio, meaning you can talk...

Terraforming Mars is one of the most celebrated strategy board games released in the past decade. A digital version of the game was released on Steam last year, and now fans can enjoy playing the game on their smartphones, too.While I never played the board game myself, my old roommates were absolutely obsessed with Terraforming Mars. I'd often come home to see our kitchen table taken over by a giant map of Mars and find them deeply focused on solving dilemmas and re-working their strategies for raising the planet's temperature.The smartphone version of the game captures all the same depth and strategy of the board game with a fresh UI that's designed to be played on smartphones or tablets.Your goal in this turn-based strategy game is the same as always: to transform Mars into a habitable planet for humans to colonize. Each player is the head of a corporation working towards that, and while you must work cooperatively to reach the shared objective, there's plenty of opportu...

Only available for Any.do Premium subscribers.What you need to knowWhatsApp can now set reminders after teaming up with the popular to-do list service Any.do.You'll be able to create reminders with messages or by forwarding messages from your contacts.The integration is only available for Any.do Premium subscribers.WhatsApp is one of the most popular messengers with millions of users worldwide, and thanks to a new partnership with the popular to-do list service Any.do, it's about to get even better.Now, not only will you be able to keep up with your friends and family while using WhatsApp, but you'll also be able to create reminders and tasks using the Any.do integration. Unfortunately, this feature will only be available for Any.do Premium accounts. If you happen to be a Premium subscriber, you can enable Any.do in WhatsApp by following the steps below.Go to Settings -> Integrations -> WhatsApp.Add your phone number and tap send.Enter the 6 digits code you rec...

Torrenting platforms have made it infinitely easier to download your favorite media content, but they’re also inherently buggy.This Bitport.io Torrent Downloader Tiny Plan safeguards the entire torrenting process from start to finish by offering full SSL-encryption, and it’s currently available for over 75% off at just $51 when you enter the coupon code MerrySave15 at checkout.This torrent downloader makes it easier and more secure than ever to download and save large media files like photos and videos to your personal cloud.You’ll be able to quickly and easily find and choose what torrents you want to download before downloading them directly to your individual Bitport.io cloud account, and it’s easy to stream multiple media files on all of your devices.All communication between Bitport.io and its users is protected by SSL encryption, and you’ll have unlimited access to 10GB of cloud storage.Don’t risk torrenting through an uns...

The case maker's first car accessory really impresses.I was introduced to Totallee for the very first time in the summer of 2018 when I reviewed the company's Ultra-Thin Case for the Pixel 2. As someone that's never been a huge case fan, I immediately fell in love. You can tell the Totallee creates its products with a lot of care and passion, and as such, the Ultra-Thin Case has become one of my new go-to's for any phone it's available for.Now, Totallee is trying something a bit different. The company just launched the Totallee Wireless Car Charger, a brand-new product that it hadn't previously offered. The Wireless Car Charger carries the same ideals of offering a premium experience with a price tag to match, and while there are some quirks I'm not a fan of, the end result is pretty great.Something newTotallee Wireless Car Charger ...

Heads up! We share savvy shopping and personal finance tips to put extra cash in your wallet. Android Central may receive a commission from The Points Guy Affiliate Network. Please note that the offers mentioned below are subject to change at any time and some may no longer be available.What you need to knowMarriott has launched a new 75K bonus points limited time offer.The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card is eligible.Cardholders also receive Silver Elite Status.Marriott wants to go on the road with you and reward you for doing so.If you are planning on traveling for the holidays and are a fan of Marriott and its huge collection of hotels under its brand, you have a chance to earn 75,000 bonus points for doing just that. With the Marriott Bonvoy Boundlessâ„¢ Credit Card, new cardholders will earn 75,000 Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, a hefty welcome offer that The Points Guy currently values at around ...

It may take a few days for the update to become widely available.What you need to knowHMD Global's flagship Nokia 9 PureView is now getting updated to Android 10.The update comes with all the new features that Google introduced with Android 10, along with the November security patch. The mid-range Nokia 7.1 is also expected to receive the Android 10 update before the end of the year. HMD Global began rolling out the stable Android 10 update for the mid-range Nokia 8.1 in October. Nearly two months later, the company has now started updating its flagship Nokia 9 PureView to the latest Android version.The stable Android 10 update for the Nokia 9 PureView comes with several new features like smart reply, gesture navigation, system-wide dark theme, improved privacy controls, locations controls, Family Link, and more. It also brings the November security patch.#Nokia9PureView owners, listen up! 🎉The latest Android 10 update has made its way to your phones. Tap into a...

A combined value of $60.What you need to knowGoogle has added two new gaming perks for Chromebook users.The perks include Star Wars: KOTOR, a $9.99 value, and in-app game items for Asphalt 9 worth $49.99.New and current Chromebook users can visit the Chromebook perks site to check if they are eligible for these two new items and more.One way Google likes to reward Chromebook users is with some exclusive perks, usually in the form of free apps or discounts. Recently, it added three months of Disney+ for new users, and now it has two new apps for current and new users that is sure to delight gaming fans.First up is Star Wars: KOTOR, a game that was first released on PC in 2003 and has a score of 93 on Metacritic. The game is set "four thousand years before the Galactic Empire and hundreds of Jedi Knights have fallen in battle against the ruthless Sith" with you as the final hope for the Jedi Order.You'll travel through eight different worlds, including locations such as T...