Technology and Life

From $599 at Amazon From $599 at Best Buy From $599 at B&H

Play and Watch with Google TV Package is the latest bundle that contains the Chromecast with Google TV and a Stadia controller to easily get into playing Stadia games on the television.

by Thomas J Meyer

Latest Google Camera update brings new features to the Pixel 6 series

2021-10-27T13:54:00.007-07:00

The latest Google Camera update currently doesn't work on older Pixel phones.

What you need to know

Google Camera v8.4.167 is now rolling out to Pixel phones.
The update finally brings support for Bluetooth microphones, along with new toggles for white balance and exposure.
You can download the update from the Google Play Store.

Google has released an updated version of its Camera app with some new features and improvements, just a day before the Pixel 6 series phones finally go on sale. Along with new features, the latest Google Camera update (v8.4.167) also brings performance improvements and other enhancements.

For now, however, the update appears to be limited to the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro. While you can sideload the app on older Pixels, the app crashes just a few seconds after being launched.

As you can see in the screenshots shared by Mishaal Rahman on Twitter, the update brings toggles for manual white balance and exposure controls. There is also a new Timer light feature that "flashes the back camera light during the timer countdown."

There are a few new features:
- Timer light
- Manual white balance toggle
- Manual exposure toggle

Hopefully Bluetooth mic support is also included: https://t.co/CiHErxPPRh pic.twitter.com/L7QJ8Q9Tgh
— Mishaal Rahman (@MishaalRahman) October 26, 2021

The most significant change, however, is the addition of Bluetooth mic support. This means you'll be able to use the best wireless earbuds and other Bluetooth devices to record audio on your Pixel 6 or 6 Pro while recording video. The feature was first spotted by XDA Developers in a teardown of an unreleased, internal version of the Google Camera app last month.

Earlier this week, Google told Android Authority that it plans to bring some of the Pixel 6's new software features to older Pixels in the future. However, it did warn that some features that such as Live Translate may not come to other Pixels as it utilizes the Pixel 6's Tensor chip on TPU.

Google Pixel 6

The Pixel 6 is an impressive upgrade over last year's Pixel 5, offering fast performance and significantly improved camera performance. It is also the first Pixel to be powered by Google's custom Tensor chipset.

by Babu Mohan

Android 12L is how Google fixes Android on foldables and tablets

2021-10-27T13:54:00.005-07:00

The latest Feature Drop isn't just for pixels.

What you need to know

Android 12L is a feature update to Android 12 specifically built for foldables and Android tablets.
With this new update, Android will better scale UI elements, make notifications and other information denser, and enhance multitasking in significant ways for devices with big screens.
Android 12L will debut early in 2022 to coincide with "a new wave of foldables and tablets."

Android 12L, a special version of Android 12 made just for tablets and foldable devices, aims to create a better UI for these large screen devices when it launches early in 2022. If you're using one of the best Android tablets or a foldable device like the Galaxy Z Fold 3, Android 12L could be the very thing you've been wishing for.

On devices with large displays, Android 12L will automatically scale information to better fit the display. The notification shade, for instance, will be split into two panels to show more toggles and denser notification previews. Likewise, the lock screen, home screen, and even overview screens will now include more information designed to better fit a larger display and enable more efficient multitasking.

Android 12L will add an optional taskbar for large screens that allow users to pin apps and split the screen more effectively with a single tap and drag. That's because all you'll need to do is drag an app's icon to the left or right side of the screen, and Android 12L will automatically split the screen with that app and another one.

And don't worry, apps won't need to be updated to support these new features. Google says it has built Android 12L to enable all apps to enter split-screen mode, regardless of whether they've been made to be resizable.

Google has also improved its compatibility mode to offer better letterboxed experiences on apps that don't properly support the full-screen aspect ratio that tablets and foldables allow. This includes more controls for developers to better optimize their apps for any size screen.

If you're interested in trying out Android 12L, Google is running a developer preview program on its Android 12L page. Google noted in the release time frame that Android 12L would be coming alongside the "next wave" of foldable and tablets, ensuring we should see plenty more to come from the company. Pixel Fold, anyone?

A totally unique experience

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3

From $899 at Samsung From $1590 at Amazon From $1800 at Best Buy

Fold it up

The Galaxy Z Fold 3 represents among the best foldable that Samsung has to offer, with a more durable, refined design, a new Under Display Camera for uninterrupted viewing, and S Pen support for better productivity.

by Nicholas Sutrich

Samsung ends enrollment into One UI 4 beta for Galaxy S21 owners

2021-10-27T13:54:00.003-07:00

If you were waiting to get in on the One UI 4 beta, you might be out of luck.

What you need to know

Samsung has ended One UI 4 beta enrollments for the Galaxy S21.
This comes just as the company prepares to launch the beta for its foldables.
Samsung is expected to launch the stable One UI 4 before the end of the year.

There are more signs that Samsung is gearing up for the full stable One UI 4 (Android 12) launch on its best Android phones as the company puts an end to the beta program.

TizenHelp spotted a Samsung community post where a Beta Operator states that "the recruitment of S21 beta participants has ended."

While current Galaxy S21 beta users shouldn't be affected by this, it does mean that anyone who has held off on installing One UI 4 beta has more or less lost their opportunity to enroll.

This may only apply to those in South Korea, although it's likely that this will affect other regions as well, especially given how closely beta updates appear in other regions outside of Samsung's home country. In any case, we've reached out to Samsung for clarification and will update you when we hear back.

Meanwhile, Samsung is expected to launch the stable One UI 4 update before the end of the year, so it's not surprising that the company would put a halt on things. The third beta recently rolled out based on the final Android 12 build, so we can't be too far off from the final version of One UI 4.

Interestingly, this comes just after Samsung announced the impending beta program for its foldables like the Galaxy Z Fold 3. The program is expected to focus on enhancements to the foldable experience and should begin very soon.

Mainstream foldable

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3

From $899 at Samsung From $1590 at Amazon From $1800 at Best Buy

More reliable

The Galaxy Z Fold 3 represents among the best that Samsung has to offer, with a more durable, refined design, a new Under Display Camera for uninterrupted viewing, and S Pen support for better productivity.

by Derrek Lee

Get Verizon's coverage for cheap with these excellent MVNOs

2021-10-27T13:54:00.001-07:00

The best Verizon MVNOs all have great coverage on the Verizon network, with plans that work for most people. Instead of going through the expense of spending billions developing and maintaining a mobile network, these carriers use Verizon's network to deliver outstanding service and coverage without the cost of Verizon's plans. With these carriers, you can even use most of the best Android phones. When it comes to carriers powered by Verizon's network, Visible stands out as the best overall choice with unlimited data and great savings opportunities. Here are some of the best Verizon MVNOs.

Best overall: Visible

Visible is the first and most unique prepaid carrier on this list. Rather than going into a store to get started with your new phone service, everything with Visible is handled through its mobile app. This includes creating an account and paying your bill.

There's just one plan to choose from at Visible, and it costs $40 a month. For that price, you get unlimited talk, text, and 4G LTE and 5G data with up to 200Mbps. Mobile hotspot is included at 5Mbps, and if you have a supported phone, you can even connect to Verizon's entire 5G network.

If you sign up for Visible service, be sure to also join a party. Visible Party Pay allows customers to join a party to bring your total phone bill down to just $25 per month as long as your party has at least four members. This is easier than ever since Visible now hosts a community feature that makes it a breeze to find a party to join.

One downside to Visible is that it doesn't support as many phones as other carriers due to requiring a compatible VoLTE device. While this includes the biggest names in Android like the Galaxy S21 and Pixel series, less popular phones may not work. Perhaps the biggest downside to Visible is that it doesn't currently support any international calling, texting, or data use. That's a rough omission if you do a lot of traveling or have family in other countries, but if not, Visible is an easy recommendation.

Pros:

Unlimited everything for just $40/mo.
Taxes and fees included
Both LTE and 5G are included
Free hotspot
Party Pay offers big savings

Cons:

No international calling
Phone support is limited

Best overall

Visible

From $40/mo. at Visible

Not much to complain about

For just $40 per month and not a penny more, Visible gives you unlimited everything on Verizon's LTE network.

Best family plan: Total Wireless

Another great option to consider when looking for Verizon MVNOs is Total Wireless. Plans start as cheap as $23.70 a month for unlimited talking and texting with 1GB of LTE data (after that, it's downgraded to 2G speeds). Stepping up to the $33.20 per month plan upgrades you to 5GB of LTE data, with the highest-end $47.50 per month plan offering "unlimited" LTE that's pushed back to 2G if you use more than 25GB during the month. Yes, hotspot access is included.

Total Wireless is also a solid choice for families, thanks to its selection of various family plans. They work out as follows:

2 lines: Unlimited talk/text and 30GB of shared 4G LTE data (then 2G) for $57/mo.
3 lines: Unlimited talk/text and 60GB of shared 4G LTE data (then 2G) for $80.70/mo.
4 lines: Unlimited talk/text and 100GB of shared 4G LTE data (then 2G) for $95/mo.

Total Wireless lets you add 5GB of extra LTE data for $10 no matter which plan you choose, and any that's unused carries over to the next month without any hassle.

International calling isn't natively included with Total Wireless plans, but you can add it for an extra $10 per month. However, that $10 a month charge only gives you the option to make international calls. You'll still need to pay the per-minute rate Total Wireless charges, which can be anywhere from $0.01 per minute on the low-end up to $14.20 per minute.

Pros:

Family plan savings
Plenty of data for most people
Data carries over to the next month
Hotspot access is free

Cons:

International calling is pricey

Best family plan

Total Wireless

From $24/mo. at Total Wireless

Lots of shared data at a great price

Total Wireless is a great all-around pick, but its affordable family plans with generously shared data are where it shines.

Best international calling: Straight Talk

If you live in a town that has Walmart, it's kind of impossible not to hear about Straight Talk Wireless. Straight Talk plans are sold in-store at Walmart and online. Like another pick on this list, it uses the service of all four major carriers to cover as many customers as possible — including Verizon.

There are four unlimited plans to choose from, with the cheapest costing $35 per month for 10GB of high-speed data. Jumping up to $45 a month will give you 25GB of LTE to use, and if you want to go big with the $55 a month plan, you'll have unlimited speeds for the entire period. The $55 unlimited plan also comes with 10GB of hotspot data. A $65 plan is available with 20GB of hotspot data, and 100GB of cloud storage included if you need more.

Straight Talk also allows you to add additional LTE data if you're running low for a particular month, selling 1GB for $5 and 2GB for $10. The 25GB plan is available for extended periods for a discount. You can sign up for 90 days, 180 days, or 365 days with increasing savings for each. Straight Talk keeps things relatively simple, and for many people, that's a great thing.

Pros:

Unlimited calling to Mexico, China, Canada, and India
Hotspot included with the unlimited plans
Unused data rolls over to next month
Physical top-up cards are available
Multi-month savings

Cons:

High prices compared to the competition

Best international calling

Straight Talk

From $35/mo. at Straight Talk

A solid choice if you make a lot of international calls

Straight Talk's international plan is an excellent option for people who often make calls to Mexico, China, Canada, or India.

Best perks: US Mobile

US Mobile is a Verizon MVNO you may not have heard of before, but it's one you'll definitely want to check out. It uses a combination of T-Mobile and Verizon to power its service. Still, if you bring over a Verizon phone, you can.

Service plans with US Mobile are highly customizable. You can pick and choose how much talk, text, and data you need with a Custom Plan, or go with the Unlimited Plan and get unlimited talk, text, and data with your choice of how fast you want it to be. The Customizable Plan is great for people that don't use their phones too much and can practice some self-restraint, but the real magic of US Mobile lies with that Unlimited Plan.

You start at $45 per month for unlimited calling, texting, and high-speed data. Then, you can add 20GB of hotspot data for $10 more. The unlimited plan is also discounted as a family plan with two lines bringing the price down to $30 per month and three or more lines at $25 per month.

The plan on its own is decent, but the real appeal comes from US Mobile's "Perks'' program, which allows you to get a free subscription with three lines. You get another perk with a fourth line. There are a lot of great options in music, video, and gaming. If you already pay for Netflix, Spotify, or PlayStation Plus, you can save a lot of money.

Pros:

Custom Plan is great for light users
Good value with the Unlimited Plan
Ludicrous data speeds are now included
Free digital subscriptions with more than three lines
Up to 10GB of international roaming

Cons:

Hotspot isn't free

Best perks

US Mobile

From $2/mo. at US Mobile

Free music, movies, and games

If you have a bunch of digital subscriptions, US Mobile can save you a good chunk of money every month with its Perks program.

Best for Wi-Fi: Xfinity Mobile

Xfinity Mobile is a mobile plan designed for those that already use Xfinity for their home internet. Xfinity Mobile comes with unlimited nationwide calling/texting and access to millions of Wi-Fi hotspots. For mobile data, you have a couple of options. First, you can go with Xfinity's By the Gig plan, with data costing $15 per month for 1GB, $30 per month for 3GB, or $60 per month for 10GB. The actual cost is prorated based on your usage.

There's also the much more appealing unlimited plan, which is $45 a month for unlimited data. However, whether you pay by the gigabyte or go unlimited, you may see reduced speeds after you hit 20GB during the month. Hotspot access is included for free, but it's limited to just 600Kbps. Xfinity also offers international calling with per-country rates and a $10 per month optional add-on for unlimited calls to Mexico and Canada.

Speaking of add-ons, Xfinity offers something called an "HD Pass." If you subscribe to the $45 a month unlimited plan, this increases your video streaming resolution from 480p SD to 720p HD and gives you "higher quality cellular service" — aka preference over other customers when the network is especially congested. Unfortunately, HD Pass costs an extra $20 per month, meaning you'll need to spend a total of $65 a month for each line if you want the best experience Xfinity Mobile has to offer.

That puts a damper on Xfinity Mobile's unlimited plan, but if you don't use much data per month, you could end up paying just $15 a month for your wireless service.

Pros:

Affordable By the Gig plan
Access to millions of Wi-Fi hotspots
Mix and match plans for a family
International roaming in 200+ countries
5G access is included

Cons:

Only for Xfinity customers

Best for Wi-Fi

Xfinity Mobile

From $15/mo. at Xfinity Mobile

Always around Wi-Fi? Xfinity is worth a look

For someone that mainly uses Wi-Fi to stay connected, Xfinity Mobile has the potential to be a super low-cost wireless option.

Best budget pick: Ting Mobile

Ting Mobile uses both Verizon and T-Mobile for coverage, depending on what works best in your area. Ting started using the Sprint network before shifting to its current coverage partners, offering significantly improved coverage in the process. What's more, 5G is even included for free, so you can be ready for the next generation of wireless if you have the right phone and solid coverage.

Ting's plans are reasonably straightforward, with an introductory unlimited talk and text plan starting at just $10 per month. At this price, this is one of the cheapest ways to get basic phone service if you or someone on your plan doesn't need any data. Ting does have plans for more modern devices, starting with Set 5, which comes with 5GB of data that can all be used in a hotspot. The following two plans are unlimited, with 22GB of high-speed data for $45 per month and 35GB of high-speed for $60 per month. These plans come with 12GB and 30GB of hotspot data, respectively.

Ting will work with just about any phone thanks to using both networks, so if you want to keep using your phone, you more than likely can as long as it's unlocked. If you're looking to buy, Ting has a decent range of Android devices and iPhones available on its site, which can be financed with Affirm. Ting stands out for its basic plan and is one of the cheapest ways to get unlimited talk and text.

Pros:

Cheap basic plan
You can use either the Verizon or T-Mobile network
Plenty of hotspot data on unlimited plans
5G access is included

Cons:

Expensive unlimited plans
Network information is vague

Best budget pick

Ting Mobile (at Ting)

From $10/mo. at Ting

Great budget plan

Ting has a solution for just about any user but shines with its $10 talk and text plan for those that want to keep it simple.

Bottom line

These companies work well for certain groups of people, and 5G support makes some of them an even better value. Overall, we have to give our top recommendation to Visible. Visible goes out of its way to make things as simple as possible. Taxes and fees are included with Visible, meaning you won't find any surprise charges on your monthly bill. There's also no keeping track of how many minutes or data you've used, like everything with Visible is unlimited.

Visible's simple plan with unlimited data makes it an easy choice and helps it to be one of the best cell phone plans you can get. Visible's $40 a month plan is solid on its own, but things get really exciting when you factor in Party Pay. With Party Pay, your bill is just $25 per month, and with Visible's community feature, there's no reason not to join a party.

Credits — The team that worked on this guide

Samuel Contreras When Samuel is not writing about networking and carriers, he spends most of his time researching computer components and obsessing over what CPU goes into the ultimate Windows 98 computer. It's the Pentium 3.

by Samuel Contreras

Stadia now experimenting with free game trials starting with Hello Engineer

2021-10-27T13:18:00.009-07:00

Free trials are currently limited to 30 minutes but that could change.

What you need to know

Stadia now allows games to offer free trials so players can try a game before purchasing or subscribing to Stadia Pro if it is available on the service.
Multiplayer construction game Hello Engineer is the first Stadia title to offer a 30-minute free trial.
Google says it is experimenting with the feature and game trials could change time allotted or what players can access them.

Google Stadia is now offering free game trials for players to try a game before buying it, starting with one game and potentially expanding over the next couple months.

Play and Watch with Google TV Package

From $599 at Amazon From $599 at Best Buy From $599 at B&H

Play and Watch with Google TV Package is the latest bundle that contains the Chromecast with Google TV and a Stadia controller to easily get into playing Stadia games on the television.

Latest Google Camera update brings new features to the Pixel 6 series

2021-10-27T13:18:00.007-07:00

The latest Google Camera update currently doesn't work on older Pixel phones.

What you need to know

Google Camera v8.4.167 is now rolling out to Pixel phones.
The update finally brings support for Bluetooth microphones, along with new toggles for white balance and exposure.
You can download the update from the Google Play Store.

For now, however, the update appears to be limited to the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro. While you can sideload the app on older Pixels, the app crashes just a few seconds after being launched.

There are a few new features:
- Timer light
- Manual white balance toggle
- Manual exposure toggle

Hopefully Bluetooth mic support is also included: https://t.co/CiHErxPPRh pic.twitter.com/L7QJ8Q9Tgh
— Mishaal Rahman (@MishaalRahman) October 26, 2021

Google Pixel 6

Android 12L is how Google fixes Android on foldables and tablets

2021-10-27T13:18:00.005-07:00

The latest Feature Drop isn't just for pixels.

What you need to know

Android 12L is a feature update to Android 12 specifically built for foldables and Android tablets.
With this new update, Android will better scale UI elements, make notifications and other information denser, and enhance multitasking in significant ways for devices with big screens.
Android 12L will debut early in 2022 to coincide with "a new wave of foldables and tablets."

A totally unique experience

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3

From $899 at Samsung From $1590 at Amazon From $1800 at Best Buy

Fold it up

Samsung ends enrollment into One UI 4 beta for Galaxy S21 owners

2021-10-27T13:18:00.003-07:00

If you were waiting to get in on the One UI 4 beta, you might be out of luck.

What you need to know

Samsung has ended One UI 4 beta enrollments for the Galaxy S21.
This comes just as the company prepares to launch the beta for its foldables.
Samsung is expected to launch the stable One UI 4 before the end of the year.

There are more signs that Samsung is gearing up for the full stable One UI 4 (Android 12) launch on its best Android phones as the company puts an end to the beta program.

TizenHelp spotted a Samsung community post where a Beta Operator states that "the recruitment of S21 beta participants has ended."

While current Galaxy S21 beta users shouldn't be affected by this, it does mean that anyone who has held off on installing One UI 4 beta has more or less lost their opportunity to enroll.

Mainstream foldable

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3

From $899 at Samsung From $1590 at Amazon From $1800 at Best Buy

More reliable

Get Verizon's coverage for cheap with these excellent MVNOs

2021-10-27T13:18:00.001-07:00

Best overall: Visible

Pros:

Unlimited everything for just $40/mo.
Taxes and fees included
Both LTE and 5G are included
Free hotspot
Party Pay offers big savings

Cons:

No international calling
Phone support is limited

Best overall

Visible

From $40/mo. at Visible

Not much to complain about

For just $40 per month and not a penny more, Visible gives you unlimited everything on Verizon's LTE network.

Best family plan: Total Wireless

Total Wireless is also a solid choice for families, thanks to its selection of various family plans. They work out as follows:

2 lines: Unlimited talk/text and 30GB of shared 4G LTE data (then 2G) for $57/mo.
3 lines: Unlimited talk/text and 60GB of shared 4G LTE data (then 2G) for $80.70/mo.
4 lines: Unlimited talk/text and 100GB of shared 4G LTE data (then 2G) for $95/mo.

Total Wireless lets you add 5GB of extra LTE data for $10 no matter which plan you choose, and any that's unused carries over to the next month without any hassle.

Pros:

Family plan savings
Plenty of data for most people
Data carries over to the next month
Hotspot access is free

Cons:

International calling is pricey

Best family plan

Total Wireless

From $24/mo. at Total Wireless

Lots of shared data at a great price

Total Wireless is a great all-around pick, but its affordable family plans with generously shared data are where it shines.

Best international calling: Straight Talk

Pros:

Unlimited calling to Mexico, China, Canada, and India
Hotspot included with the unlimited plans
Unused data rolls over to next month
Physical top-up cards are available
Multi-month savings

Cons:

High prices compared to the competition

Best international calling

Straight Talk

From $35/mo. at Straight Talk

A solid choice if you make a lot of international calls

Straight Talk's international plan is an excellent option for people who often make calls to Mexico, China, Canada, or India.

Best perks: US Mobile

Pros:

Custom Plan is great for light users
Good value with the Unlimited Plan
Ludicrous data speeds are now included
Free digital subscriptions with more than three lines
Up to 10GB of international roaming

Cons:

Hotspot isn't free

Best perks

US Mobile

From $2/mo. at US Mobile

Free music, movies, and games

If you have a bunch of digital subscriptions, US Mobile can save you a good chunk of money every month with its Perks program.

Best for Wi-Fi: Xfinity Mobile

That puts a damper on Xfinity Mobile's unlimited plan, but if you don't use much data per month, you could end up paying just $15 a month for your wireless service.

Pros:

Affordable By the Gig plan
Access to millions of Wi-Fi hotspots
Mix and match plans for a family
International roaming in 200+ countries
5G access is included

Cons:

Only for Xfinity customers

Best for Wi-Fi

Xfinity Mobile

From $15/mo. at Xfinity Mobile

Always around Wi-Fi? Xfinity is worth a look

For someone that mainly uses Wi-Fi to stay connected, Xfinity Mobile has the potential to be a super low-cost wireless option.

Best budget pick: Ting Mobile

Pros:

Cheap basic plan
You can use either the Verizon or T-Mobile network
Plenty of hotspot data on unlimited plans
5G access is included

Cons:

Expensive unlimited plans
Network information is vague

Best budget pick

Ting Mobile (at Ting)

From $10/mo. at Ting

Great budget plan

Ting has a solution for just about any user but shines with its $10 talk and text plan for those that want to keep it simple.

Bottom line

Credits — The team that worked on this guide

Best Black Friday Oculus Quest 2 Deals

2021-10-27T12:54:00.009-07:00

The Oculus Quest 2 might ship with everything you need to use it but, to get the very best experience, there are a few extra accessories that you've definitely got to have. Thankfully, Black Friday is making the quest to get a better Quest 2 experience cost less than ever. Whether you're looking to get a more comfortable head strap, some great in-ear headphones, controller grips, or even just a charging dock, these are the best deals you'll find.

Oculus Quest 2

From $299 at Amazon From $299 at Best Buy From $299 at Walmart

The Oculus Quest 2 is the latest standalone VR headset from Facebook, and it offers a compelling way to get into VR gaming and apps without all the hassle and expense of a PC. This year, Facebook replaced the old 64GB SKU with a new 128GB model, doubling the storage capacity without changing the price.

The Oculus Quest 2 is an excellent standalone headset, but you can make it even better with the right accessories. From keeping your controllers charged up to keeping your headset protected, there are plenty of sales to take advantage of throughout Black Friday.

Get it all...for less

Simply travel pack | 40% off

No matter what you need to make your Oculus Quest 2 experience better, this travel pack from Simply has, well, simply everything. Normally $50, this 40% off sale makes it a fantastically affordable $30 ensuring that you'll be getting everything you need without breaking the bank.

Extra comfort

Ecger Controller Grips And Silicone Pad | 21% off + 15% off with coupons

$27 at Amazon

Having a silicone pad and controller grips will significantly enhance your comfort level when playing in VR, and Ecger's combo pack is on sale big time at Amazon. These controller grips will make the controller even more comfortable, the straps will keep your controllers attached to your hand even when you let go, and the silicone pad will hug your skin comfortably, even while sweating. Be sure to clip the coupon and apply the promo code on the page for all those beautiful savings.

Hear it better

KIWI Design Quest Earmuffs | Extra 20% off with coupon

The Quest 2 has better built-in speakers than the original Oculus Quest, but the speakers still don't sit right up against your ears. These earmuffs help cradle the sound from leaking out and keep it traveling to the place where it's most effective — your ears. Make sure to check that "Coupon" box under the price on the Amazon item listing before checking out.

$15 at Amazon

Play all day

Energizer Rechargeable batteries | 18% off

Both Touch Controllers for the Oculus Quest 2 need a AA battery. It's an awful feeling when you want to play on your VR headset and have to fiddle around to find batteries with juice. These rechargeable batteries make it easy to play all day long. This pack is on sale for 18% off, comes with 4AA batteries and the charger, as well. That's a phenomenal deal.

Keep it going

Esimen power capsule

$24 at Amazon

Since the Oculus Quest 2 is a standalone headset, it has to run on battery power. Unfortunately, you'll likely only get around 2 hours of battery life before needing a charge, but with Esimen's convenient power capsule, you can game for much longer without adding extra wires or bulk to your headset. Be sure to clip the coupon for additional savings on Amazon.

Higher-quality sound

Beats EP on-ear headphones

It's not often that you can find a 30% discount on Beats products, but these on-ear headphones are on sale for Black Friday and make a perfect companion to your Oculus Quest 2. Plug it into the 3.5mm audio jack on the side of the headset and get rocking to the latest Beat Saber songs with better audio quality than the built-in speakers deliver.

$91 at Amazon

Let it go

Eyglo Quest 2 controller grips with strap

Eyglo's controller grips are a single piece of silicone that slips over your controllers and adds both grip and drop protection. On top of that, a handy strap keeps the controllers attached to your hands even when you let go — the perfect solution for more naturally throwing objects in VR. Don't forget to clip the coupon for extra savings, especially if you buy any of the Eyglo products below.

Sweat it off

Eyglo silicone facepad cover

The foam facial interface that ships with the Oculus Quest 2 is pretty cushy, but it gets gross when playing any game that makes you sweat. Cover it up with this sanitary and comfortable soft silicone cover, which is easily removable and washable. Combine it with other Eyglo products here for an extra discount.

$10 at Amazon

Get a better fit

Eyglo Quest 2 Elite Strap

The official Oculus Elite strap is notoriously flimsy, but Eyglo's construction is much more sturdy. Ditch those cloth straps that came with the Quest 2 and get a better fit that's easier to adjust. Combine it with the Eyglo products above for an even bigger discount!

Display it proudly

AMVR Quest 2 stand

The Quest 2 is the best VR headset ever made, so why hide it away? Put that futuristic-looking VR console on display with this great stand from AMVR, which helps keep all your cords, controllers, and headset in a safe and easy-to-reach place between play sessions. Don't forget to clip the coupon on Amazon for an additional discount.

$20 at Amazon

Upgrade to PC VR

Kuject Oculus Link Cable

The Oculus Quest 2 delivers unparalleled standalone VR experiences, but if you've got a gaming PC, those experiences can be even better with an Oculus Link cable. This one from Kuject is not only 16ft long, but it comes with some nice little cable management clips to keep the cable from getting yanked out of your PC. It's also USB Type-A on the end, which will work on more PCs than a USB Type-C cable will.

From $13 at Amazon (1st-9th gen) From $12 at Amazon (10th gen)

by Nicholas Sutrich

Find the right look for your Kindle Paperwhite

2021-10-27T12:54:00.007-07:00

If you're like me, your Kindle Paperwhite is practically attached to your hand. My library is on one of these little babies that last forever, so a little extra protection never hurt. But, of course, protection doesn't mean a lack of style or versatility. Want a thin, rugged, leather, or artistic case? There's an option available for every budget and style wish. Here are some of our favorite choices for your next best Kindle Paperwhite case.

Leather lover

Amazon Genuine Leather Case

Staff Pick

If money is no object and you prefer all-natural materials, you'll want the Amazon Genuine Leather Case. The exterior is 100% genuine leather, and it's sharp as can be while also remaining light and thin. This leather case feels like an actual book has auto sleep/wake and comes with magnetic closures. It's a little pricey, but it makes a perfect gift for any refined reader who enjoys the good things in life.

$40 at Amazon

Brighten your world

Fintie Slimshell Case

Crafted from durable synthetic leather, the Fintie Slimshell adds superb coverage to your Kindle without adding weight or bulk. Your Kindle will wake when the cover opens and go to sleep when you close the lid. Magnetic clasps keep the cover closed, even when you're on the move. This thin, lightweight case comes in 27 fun colors and designs.

For art lovers

Huasiru Painting Case

Get lost inside the storyline of a great book and a beautifully designed library with this original Kindle Paperwhite case from Huasiru. Case materials include tough-as-nails durable synthetic leather that keeps weight light and shields against scratches. The interior is soft and gentle against the hands, and this case has a magnetic clasp to keep the cover closed. There are 19 colors and designs to choose from when you go with Huasiru, but we love the old-school look of library shelves.

$16 at Amazon

Prop it up

Fintie Stand Case

It looks like a standard composition notebook but is a unique Kindle Paperwhite case. This Fintie case stands out from the crowd with its one-of-a-kind design. Made from synthetic leather, water and moisture are naturally repelled away from your e-reader. There's a built-in kickstand and an interior pocket, in this case for notes, IDs, or money. Handy! Not fond of the notebook look? No worries, because this case comes in 26 fun colors and styles.

From $19 at Amazon

Lightweight and simple

Ayotu Smart Protective Cover

If you're looking for a super-thin and light case with a bit of character, the Ayotu cover is the best pick. It's lower on the price scale but still comes with some of the best features of pricier cases. You'll get auto sleep/wake, magnetic closures, and precise cutouts that give you easy access to the charging port and power button. There are 17 designs to pick from with Ayotu, and they all look great and shield your Kindle Paperwhite from harm.

From $14 at Amazon

For the bookworms

KleverCase Book Style Cover

As a Kindle Paperwhite owner, chances are that you're an avid lover of books. If so, then this Book Style Cover should excite you to no end. KleverCase fashioned it to look just like a hardback storybook with beautiful illustrations inside and outside the cover. You get to choose from ten rustic and charming tomes.

Clothes for your Kindle

Kindle Paperwhite Water-Safe Fabric Cover

Amazon makes a fabric version of its first-party cover for the Kindle Paperwhite. It has all the functionalities of the Genuine Leather Case apart from the leather make, and it's cheaper. It comes in three hues: Charcoal Black, Canary Yellow, and Marine Blue.

Don't break the bank

Boskin PU Leather Smart Cover with Auto Wake/Sleep

All the Kindle Paperwhite cases in this list are easy on the eyes but not on your wallet. However, this Boskin PU Leather Smart Cover is an absolute steal, and it brings automatic sleep/wake functionality to the table. We love the City Night option, but you can also go for any other four options.

From $9 at Amazon

Stars shining bright

DMLuna Kindle Paperwhite Case

This glittery masterpiece is overwhelmingly sparkly but undeniably adorable. For those who love all that is pink and shiny, the DMLuna Kindle Paperwhite Case is just perfect. If the rosy shade is too much, there's an equally shimmery black version as well.

$899 at Amazon $899 at Best Buy $899 at Google Store

Protect it so it can serve

Use a cover to keep your Kindle Paperwhite safe when traveling. It is the best Amazon Kindle e-reader, so you should protect the screen against damage from drops. Cases also allow for better ergonomics, leaving you feeling like you're reading an actual book. Our favorite is the Amazon Genuine Leather Case. The soft leather case looks beautiful and makes the Kindle look more regal and sophisticated.

If you're looking for a basic case that's sturdy as can be, choose the Fintie Slimshell Case. It's durable, lightweight, has magnetic closures, and sleep/wake functions happen automatically when you open or close the lid. If you're a fan of the classics and like to make a statement, you can't go wrong with the Book Style Cover from KleverCase. It looks and feels like a real book while shielding your Kindle against damage.

by Jodi Owan

Google Tensor SoC: Everything you need to know

2021-10-27T12:54:00.005-07:00

Google's latest phones are powered by its custom silicon, and there is a lot to like here.

Google makes some of the best Android phones money can buy, and a large part of what makes its phones stand out is the cameras. Although Google hasn't changed the hardware sensor itself in over three years, it was able to leverage its software prowess to deliver truly outstanding photos from Pixel phones, including the Pixel 5a.

While Google likes to focus on software as a differentiator for its phones, the company is now turning to custom silicon to give Pixels an added edge. With the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro, Google delivers huge advancements for its camera tech, and at the foundation of that change is the Tensor SoC, a custom silicon platform that Google built in collaboration with Samsung.

The custom chipset could end up eventually powering all of Google's phones and even make its way to Chromebooks. For now, the Pixel 6 series gives us a good look at what the search giant is aiming to achieve by going a custom route. Here's everything you need to know about Google's custom silicon, including the hardware rundown, security features, camera upgrades, and why this is a big deal for Google's hardware ambitions.

Google Tensor is on par with the fastest mobile chipsets today

Google relied on Qualcomm to power the Pixel line thus far, but with the Tensor SoC, it's teaming up with Samsung LSI over the design and manufacture of its chipset. Switching to custom silicon allows Google to offer differentiated experiences, and allow the search giant to join the likes of Apple and Samsung.

Google is targeting the high-end segment, putting the Tensor on par with the Exynos 2100.

Google CEO Sundar Pichai said last year that the company would make more investment into hardware, and the result is the Tensor SoC. And while Google was content to focus on the mid-range segment with the Pixel 5 series, it's once again putting its sights on the high-end segment with the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro.

Although Google hasn't confirmed that it is working with Samsung over the chipset, the hardware on offer suggests the chipset is based on Samsung's Exynos 2100. That makes for a very interesting combination, because the Exynos 2100 is right up there with the Snapdragon 888 in terms of performance.

On that note, the Tensor features a single Cortex X1 core at 2.80GHz, three A76 cores at 2.25GHz, and four energy-efficient A55 cores at 1.80GHz. Whereas the Exynos 2100 uses the newer A78 cores for the heavy lifting, Google is relying on the older A76 cores.

On the GPU side of things, Tensor is using Arm's Mali-G78 MP20, with the 20 in the denomination referring to the fact that it is a 20-core part. And while Google is making a lot of changes to the AI, ML, and security side of things, the CPU and GPU are on par with the best that Android has to offer, and that means the devices are just as fast as the Galaxy S21 series.

As for the manufacture of Tensor, it is likely fabricated on Samsung's 5nm node, just like the Snapdragon 888 and 780G as well as the Exynos 2100. The 5nm node should deliver additional efficiency gains, and these reflect in the battery life of the Pixel 6 series.

Google Tensor turbocharges security

Google has dabbled in custom hardware in the past with the Pixel Visual Core and the Titan M security module that's a mainstay on Pixels. The Titan M security module on Pixels offers an additional layer of security, and Google is set to continue that with the Tensor SoC.

The Tensor SoC offers the Titan M2 security module, with Google noting that it delivers the "most layers of hardware security in any phone." That obviously makes the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro stand out from the pack in terms of hardware security, with the Titan M security module holding sensitive information like biometric data and authenticating the boot status of Pixels.

Google Tensor means longer updates for Pixels

One of the biggest issues with Android phones is updates. Apple offers five years of iOS updates for iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks, but you won't find anywhere near that level of update guarantees on Android.

That said, the situation is getting better. Google provides three Android updates and three years of security patches to its Pixels, and Samsung now guarantees three Android updates and four years of security updates for its flagship and mid-range phones.

Google switching to custom silicon means five years of updates for Pixels.

With any new Android update, the phone manufacturer has to work with the chip vendor — Qualcomm, MediaTek, or Samsung SLSI — to ensure new features work as intended. Vendors like Qualcomm release new drivers with every new Android version that incorporate the hardware-level changes, and as it isn't financially viable for chip manufacturers to continue to do so for five years, they only release drivers for two or three years.

That ultimately limits the number of updates a phone manufacturer can roll out to a device. Currently, Apple delivers five years of updates because it controls the hardware and software stack; it makes its own chipsets, so it can offer long-term updates.

With Google now going this route, it is offering three Android version updates and five years of security updates for the Pixel 6 series. I wanted Google to deliver five version updates as it now has tighter control over the hardware side of things as well, but that isn't to be; it is possible this will change in the coming years, but for now, the Pixel 6 series will get the same three Android version updates as most high-end Android phones. At least with five years of security updates, the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro will stay relevant for longer.

Google Tensor delivers unique camera upgrades thanks to AI

Another exciting area is the camera hardware and software. One of the biggest upgrades with Tensor is the AI engine, with Google delivering an entirely new set of use cases on the Pixels. Google has relied heavily on computational photography and AI on its devices, and that's going to be turbocharged with the Pixel 6 series.

The dedicated TPU for AI is used for taking better photos and videos while unlocking new software interactions. Google set the standard for computational photography, and it is exciting that the Pixel 6 series is able to leverage the hardware gains to take even better photos and videos.

From Google's head of hardware Rick Osterloh in an interview with The Verge:

As more and more features are powered by AI and ML, it's not simply about adding more computing resources, it's about using ML to unlock specific experiences for our Pixel users.

With Tensor we thought about every piece of the chip and customized it to run Google's computational photography models. For users, this means entirely new features, plus improvements to existing ones.

These gains are evident with skin tones — with the Pixel 6 series delivering true-to-life skin tones — and low-light scenarios, with Google able to deliver photos that look realistic while preserving the finer details.

In short, the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro take Google's software learnings and pair that with the latest hardware, offering the best cameras you'll find on a phone today.

Google Tensor sees the debut of Samsung's 5G mmWave modem

The Pixel 6 and 6 Pro offer mmWave 5G in the U.S. via a Samsung 5G modem. The U.S. is a huge market for Pixel hardware, and while we've seen 5G phones featuring MediaTek and Samsung chipsets in the country, the mmWave variants all feature Qualcomm modems — including the iPhone 13 series. By going with Samsung's modem, Google is in a unique position here.

Samsung, for its part, has a 5G modem with global mmWave connectivity, and while it uses this modem in global variants of the Galaxy S21 series, it doesn't do so in North America, where it relies on Qualcomm.

Google Tensor is now available on the Pixel 6

The Pixel 6 and 6 Pro are now available, and they offer the best look at what the Tensor platform has to offer. Both phones have unique designs, sublime screens with 5G connectivity, all the extras, and come with five years of security updates. The best part is that they undercut their immediate rivals by several hundred dollars, making them a very enticing option if you're looking for a new phone.

The new default

Google Pixel 6 Pro

The best cameras you'll find today

The Pixel 6 Pro offers a fresh design with a gorgeous camera housing at the back, the latest internal hardware, and the best cameras you'll find on a phone today. Combine that with all the new features in Android 12 and five years of security updates, and you get a fantastic overall package.

by Harish Jonnalagadda

Talk to friends and family with $100 off two Portal+ smart displays

2021-10-27T12:54:00.003-07:00

Along with the introduction of the new Portal Go back in September, Facebook also announced a new, redesigned Portal+. It's the top of the Portal line, and right now you can save $100 when you buy two. That means you can get two Portal+ devices for just $598 total instead of the $698 it would normally cost. You also get free shipping and the ability to ship to multiple addresses free if you want to send one to a family member or friend.

This is a great deal that applies to every member of the Facebook Portal lineup. You can even mix and match and get a Portal+ for yourself and a Portal Go for your family. If saving money is the ultimate goal, go with the Portal TV. It only costs $149 to begin with, so saving $100 off two means you're essentially getting a second device for just an extra $50. You can also find this sale at Amazon.

Facebook Portal+ smart display | $100 off 2

The new and improved Portal+ is eligible for this sale and offers the best value considering it's the most expensive product in the Portal lineup. You can get two of the smart displays for less than $600.

$100 off at Facebook Portal

The Portal+ includes a large, 14-inch display with a 1440p pixel resolution. It can even tilt for better angles while you're on a video call, and much like the other Facebook Portal devices its smart camera can follow you around while you're working or doing a presentation.

Sound won't be an issue either, as the Portal+ has room-filling stereo speakers. That's great whether you're talking with family and friends or using the display to stream your favorite music (works with most major streaming services like Spotify and Pandora).

The Portal+ does video calls better than other devices, and it really shines in that functionality. Because of that, it works with a wide variety of third party programs like Zoom and including Facebook's own Messenger and WhatsApp. You can even use the Portal+ to spice up your background with an AR library that includes special effects and masks.

If privacy is a concern for you, you can easily disable the camera and the mic. You can even block the lens withan integrated camera cover. Plus, all calls through Messenger or WhatsApp are encrypted.

by John Levite

Google Pixel 6 vs. iPhone 13: Which should you buy?

2021-10-27T12:54:00.001-07:00

Superior display, better cams, AI-backed

Google Pixel 6

Pros

Larger display with 90Hz refresh rate
More affordable
Twice the RAM
AI tools like Magic Eraser and Instant Translation
Amazing photography quality
Android 12 software

Cons

Slower performance
Extra cost for mmWave 5G
Can struggle in direct sunlight
Camera bar will be polarizing

The Pixel 6 is a more traditional flagship than past Google phones. Its 6.4-inch, 90Hz display looks great, its 8GB of RAM and Google Tensor contribute to a performance that rivals the best Android phones, and the new Android 12 software looks fantastic.

Faster performance, longer battery life

iPhone 13

Pros

Outperforms the Pixel 6 in benchmarks
More pixels per inch
Cinematic Mode produces great video
Battery life improvements over 12
Bright display handles direct sunlight
More color options

Cons

60Hz refresh rate
A smaller notch is still a notch
Fewer MP than Pixel 6 cameras
No fingerprint scanner
More expensive
Slower charging

Thanks to the Bionic A15 chipset, Apple has only increased its performance lead over Android phones. The iPhone 13 treads water a bit with its design and cameras, but revamped battery life and a brighter display help make this a solid upgrade. And fans of smaller phones will prefer it.

In previous years, Pixels appealed to a very specific class of Android superfans but never broke into the mainstream. This year, the Google Pixel 6 has blown away expectations with its colorful design, in-house chipset, and revamped cameras. But will it appeal to Apple fans ready to buy the new iPhone 13? Both phones received glowing reviews from Android Central and iMore, respectively, but they bring different tools and perks to the table. So let's weigh the Pixel 6 vs. iPhone 13: the battle of the middleweights.

Pixel 6 vs. iPhone 13: Different spec strengths

Neither the Pixel 6 and iPhone 13 offer "flagship" specs, which you'll find on the iPhone 13 Pro or Pixel 6 Pro. These phones make some spec compromises in exchange for a more palatable price for thrifty shoppers, such as 1080p displays and no telephoto camera. But how do they compare to one another?

In many ways, comparing an iPhone to an Android phone is like weighing apples against oranges. Both have specific perks the other lacks because Apple and Google are building different kinds of phones. Still, weighing these two phones' specs helps give a clearer view of how they match up outside of all the marketing.

	Google Pixel 6	iPhone 13
Operating System	Android 12	iOS 15
Display	6.4 inches (20:9) 1080x2400 (411 PPI) OLED 90Hz Gorilla Glass Victus	6.1 inches (19.5:9) 2532x1170 (460 PPI) Super Retina XDR OLED display 90Hz Ceramic Shield
Processor	Google Tensor 2 ARM Cortex-X1 cores (2.8 GHz), 2 A76 (2.25GHz), 4 A55; 20-core GPU; Titan M2 security	A15 Bionic 6‑core CPU with 2 performance and 4 efficiency cores; 4‑core GPU; 16‑core Neural Engine
RAM	8GB	4GB (not official)
Storage	128/256GB No microSD slot	128/256/512GB No microSD slot
Rear camera	50MP, ƒ/1.85, 1.2μm (wide-angle)	12MP, ƒ/1.8, 1.7μm (wide)
Rear camera 2	12MP, ƒ/2.2, 1.25μm (ultra-wide)	12MP, ƒ/2.4, 1.0μm (ultra-wide)
Front camera	8.0MP, ƒ/2.0, 1.12μm	12MP, ƒ/2.2
Battery	4614mAh	3,227 mAh
Charging	30W Fast Charging 12-23W Wireless Charging 5W Reverse Wireless Charging	20W wired charging over Lightning MagSafe wireless charging up to 15W Qi wireless charging up to 7.5W
Water resistance	IP68	IP68
5G	Sub-6; Verizon/mmWave model costs $100 extra	Sub-6; mmWave
Dimensions	6.2 x 2.9 x 0.4 inches 207g/7.3oz	5.78 x 2.82 x 0.3 inches 174g/6.1oz
Colors	Stormy Black Kinda Coral Sorta Seafoam	Starlight Midnight Blue Pink (PRODUCT)Red

With the Pixel 6, you get a 0.3-inch larger display with a faster refresh rate, which gives you supremely smooth scrolling combined with 8GB of RAM. iPhone users will be used to 60Hz and won't notice its absence, but it is a bit frustrating that Apple only put 120Hz ProMotion on the Pro. Even cheap and mid-range Android phones routinely hit 90Hz these days.

Refresh rates aside, either phone gives you a display worth staring at for hours. The Pixel 6 got "vibrant and vivid" in our tests, especially when watching HDR content. As for the iPhone 13, its display is noticeably smaller but packs in more pixels. iMore's reviewer praised it for similar strengths as the Pixel 6, with "beautiful" colors and HDR content that "displays wonderfully," overall showing a marked improvement on the 12's display. However, it also appears to have better nit performance for viewing in direct sunlight, something we found the Pixel 6 struggles with somewhat.

The Pixel 6 wins the RAM battle, with 8GB compared to just 4GB with the iPhone 13. But Apple optimizes its performance so well that this doesn't give Google the advantage you'd expect. We'll discuss benchmarks more in the next section.

Both the Pixel 6 and iPhone 13 have all-day battery life, beautiful color fidelity, and delightful HDR quality.

Similarly, even though the Pixel 6 has much more battery capacity, the iPhone 13 uses its capacity more efficiently. Compared to the iPhone 12, the iPhone 13 added 2.5 hours of battery life, which our reviewer said held up in his tests; it would typically have a 50% charge remaining by 11 p.m. after a day of typical use. Meanwhile, our Pixel 6 reviewer found it would drop to "30-25% battery with 5.5 hours of screen on time," more than enough for typical use but not precisely long-lived. Also noteworthy is that the Pixel 6 lacks the overheating issue found on previous Pixel flagships.

While the Pixel 6 battery is solid but not superb, it does clearly win the charging battle. Its 30W charging speed, faster wireless charging with the 23W Pixel Stand, and reverse charging to power accessories all beat the iPhone 13's metrics. If you're running low on the road, a portable charger should get it topped off in no time flat.

Only the iPhone 13 offers 512GB of storage — which matters since neither phone has expandable storage — in exchange for an extra $200. The Pixel 6 is already $200 cheaper, so that additional storage will only accentuate the iPhone 13's higher price by comparison.

Pixel 6 vs. iPhone 13: Performance and software

Benchmarks are an unreliable way to judge a phone, but they give a ballpark estimate for what to expect. And based on Pixel 6 Geekbench scores posted in recent days, the Pixel 6 and its Google Tensor chipset produce solid benchmarks that compete with the Samsung Galaxy S21 and other Snapdragon 888-backed phones.

The Pixel 6 holds its own against flagship Android phones, but the iPhone 13 smashes all Android phones in benchmarks.

While the Pixel 6 holds its own against the best Android phones, the issue is that Apple's Bionic chips run laps around Android phones in performance. The iPhone 12's A14 chipset smashed the S21 in performance, and the A15 only increased that lead by about 20%.

In fact, while Apple claimed its chipset was 50% faster than other leading Android competitors, the A15 actually outperformed Apple's estimates in tests, further leaving behind rivals like the Pixel 6.

But how much does this really matter? In our Pixel 6 review, we found the performance to be "butter smooth" when multitasking, with no lag when juggling two memory-intensive tasks like shooting video and listening to music. Equally important, Tensor adds new AI features like near-instant voice-to-text, accurate translation of words to other languages, and faster image processing.

Even if the iPhone 13 runs faster in tests, the Pixel 6 runs fast enough for any daily task. The iPhone 13's superior GPU performance will matter for serious mobile gamers, but they'll want to upgrade to the Pixel 6 Pro anyways for its larger screen and 12GB of RAM. The flagship Pixel costs $899 — just $100 more than the base iPhone 13.

Pixel 6's five years of support comes the closest of any Android phone in competing with the iPhone's longevity.

We'll also point out that the Pixel 6 significantly closes the gap on Apple and its software dominance. Both iPhones and Pixels get first access to new operating systems every year, but Apple has always supported its phones for longer. Now that the Pixel 6 is receiving four years of OS updates and five years of security updates, it nearly matches the planned longevity of the iPhone 13. Both phones should still be running smoothly by the time you're ready to upgrade to a new phone.

As for the software itself, that takes you back into the apples vs. oranges sphere. Android 12 made some incredible advancements with its new dynamic theme colors, redesigned widgets, privacy upgrades, notification tweaks, and more. Meanwhile, iOS 15, like the iPhone 13, was more of an iterative release that tweaked and optimized its software formula — though it did add some useful new tools like Focus Mode.

The Pixel 6's Material You UI, which changes color based on your current wallpaper colors, is a bombshell feature that Apple should copy for iOS. But frankly, if you've used one OS or the other most of your life, neither of these releases gives enough of a justification for you to switch teams.

Pixel 6 vs. iPhone 13: Photography and video

In terms of pure specs, the Pixel 6 has a superior rear camera with more MP and a wider angle. The iPhone 13 sports a better selfie camera, and both ultrawide sensors are comparable. But how do their photos and videos compare in real life?

Pixels have always handled photography well, but mainly through computational excellence while relying on old sensors. Now that the Pixel 6 has an upgraded primary sensor, its photo quality is truly stellar. Regular photos look amazing, assisted by Google's AI algorithms and the new Real Tone tool for better capturing darker skin tones accurately.

It also handles Portrait and Night Sight shots better because Tensor sped up the shots, so you're less likely to get blur as you wait for a photo to process. And the new Magic Eraser tool works disturbingly well at removing any unsightly objects (or people) from photos without their absence being obvious.

As for the iPhone 13, its cameras capture more light than last year's, but most of its photo improvements stem from software updates. Its new optical image stabilization tool helps reduce the impact of handshaking on photo quality, while Photographic Styles causes your iPhone cameras to capture photos differently as you're taking the shot, instead of relying entirely on post-production to make changes.

We'd be remiss not to mention that Cinematic Mode focuses on the central person or object, but automatically shifts the focus and depth of field if you change the main subject to someone else. It proves Google isn't the only one improving its onboard AI.

Then again, Apple wasn't the only one to make video upgrades to its new phone, either. Our Pixel 6 video test (above) proved just as vivid as our photo tests, and Tensor helps keep its videos focused and stable. If we were comparing against the iPhone 13 Pro and its ProRes video, the Pixel 6 would fall short; but the iPhone 13 and Pixel 6 seem well matched for video quality, while the Pixel 6 arguably wins the camera quality battle.

Pixel 6 vs. iPhone 13: Which should you buy?

The main reason to consider the Pixel 6 over the iPhone 13 is the price. At $599 for flagship-quality performance on a larger, smoother screen, plus superb camera quality with superior AI tools for realistic post-processing, it will be incredibly compelling for people unwilling to spend too much on a smartphone. It may not be as fast as the iPhone 13, but its performance arguably matches the speeds of other top-quality phones from Samsung and OnePlus that cost hundreds more.

With the iPhone 13, longtime Apple fans know what they're getting: consistently snappy performance, the best app support (devs typically put more effort into iOS) within Apple's walled garden, and solid photography and video. This year's model also solves some of the 12's issues, such as readability in sunlight and longer battery life. Unfortunately, you'll just have to accept a higher price for a smaller phone or spend even more for the iPhone 13 Pro's larger 120Hz display.

Google and Apple have knocked it out of the park with these phones, playing to their respective strengths. As such, you can't really go wrong with either. It'll simply depend on what you're looking for in a smartphone.

Superior display, better cams, AI-backed

Google Pixel 6

The Tensor chip brings Google's A(I) game

Dynamic Android 12 theming, the superb 50MP camera, Real Tone, Magic Eraser, faster Google Assistant and AI tools: all of these features make the software experience on the Pixel 6 a pleasure to use. Add in the lower price tag, larger display, and extra RAM, and Google's latest phone is a legitimate iPhone rival.

Faster performance, longer battery life

iPhone 13

In a speed league of its own

From $299 at Amazon From $299 at Best Buy From $299 at Walmart

The iPhone 13 kicks ass for daily use and gaming thanks to the high-powered A15 Bionic chipset and makes minor updates to its battery life and brightness to be more usable from day to day. If you're fine with a smaller display and cameras with a lower MP count, this maintains Apple's high-quality standard for its phones.

by Michael L Hicks

Best Black Friday Oculus Quest 2 Deals

2021-10-27T12:18:00.009-07:00

Oculus Quest 2

Get it all...for less

Simply travel pack | 40% off

Extra comfort

Ecger Controller Grips And Silicone Pad | 21% off + 15% off with coupons

$27 at Amazon

Hear it better

KIWI Design Quest Earmuffs | Extra 20% off with coupon

$15 at Amazon

Play all day

Energizer Rechargeable batteries | 18% off

Keep it going

Esimen power capsule

$24 at Amazon

Higher-quality sound

Beats EP on-ear headphones

$91 at Amazon

Let it go

Eyglo Quest 2 controller grips with strap

Sweat it off

Eyglo silicone facepad cover

$10 at Amazon

Get a better fit

Eyglo Quest 2 Elite Strap

Display it proudly

AMVR Quest 2 stand

$20 at Amazon

Upgrade to PC VR

Kuject Oculus Link Cable

From $13 at Amazon (1st-9th gen) From $12 at Amazon (10th gen)

Find the right look for your Kindle Paperwhite

2021-10-27T12:18:00.007-07:00

Leather lover

Amazon Genuine Leather Case

Staff Pick

$40 at Amazon

Brighten your world

Fintie Slimshell Case

For art lovers

Huasiru Painting Case

$16 at Amazon

Prop it up

Fintie Stand Case

From $19 at Amazon

Lightweight and simple

Ayotu Smart Protective Cover

From $14 at Amazon

For the bookworms

KleverCase Book Style Cover

Clothes for your Kindle

Kindle Paperwhite Water-Safe Fabric Cover

Don't break the bank

Boskin PU Leather Smart Cover with Auto Wake/Sleep

From $9 at Amazon

Stars shining bright

DMLuna Kindle Paperwhite Case

$899 at Amazon $899 at Best Buy $899 at Google Store

Protect it so it can serve

Google Tensor SoC: Everything you need to know

2021-10-27T12:18:00.005-07:00

Google's latest phones are powered by its custom silicon, and there is a lot to like here.

Google Tensor is on par with the fastest mobile chipsets today

Google is targeting the high-end segment, putting the Tensor on par with the Exynos 2100.

Google Tensor turbocharges security

Google Tensor means longer updates for Pixels

Google switching to custom silicon means five years of updates for Pixels.

Google Tensor delivers unique camera upgrades thanks to AI

From Google's head of hardware Rick Osterloh in an interview with The Verge:

As more and more features are powered by AI and ML, it's not simply about adding more computing resources, it's about using ML to unlock specific experiences for our Pixel users.

With Tensor we thought about every piece of the chip and customized it to run Google's computational photography models. For users, this means entirely new features, plus improvements to existing ones.

In short, the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro take Google's software learnings and pair that with the latest hardware, offering the best cameras you'll find on a phone today.

Google Tensor sees the debut of Samsung's 5G mmWave modem

Google Tensor is now available on the Pixel 6

The new default

Google Pixel 6 Pro

The best cameras you'll find today

Talk to friends and family with $100 off two Portal+ smart displays

2021-10-27T12:18:00.003-07:00

Facebook Portal+ smart display | $100 off 2

$100 off at Facebook Portal

Google Pixel 6 vs. iPhone 13: Which should you buy?

2021-10-27T12:18:00.001-07:00

Superior display, better cams, AI-backed

Google Pixel 6

Pros

Larger display with 90Hz refresh rate
More affordable
Twice the RAM
AI tools like Magic Eraser and Instant Translation
Amazing photography quality
Android 12 software

Cons

Slower performance
Extra cost for mmWave 5G
Can struggle in direct sunlight
Camera bar will be polarizing

Faster performance, longer battery life

iPhone 13

Pros

Outperforms the Pixel 6 in benchmarks
More pixels per inch
Cinematic Mode produces great video
Battery life improvements over 12
Bright display handles direct sunlight
More color options

Cons

60Hz refresh rate
A smaller notch is still a notch
Fewer MP than Pixel 6 cameras
No fingerprint scanner
More expensive
Slower charging

Pixel 6 vs. iPhone 13: Different spec strengths

	Google Pixel 6	iPhone 13
Operating System	Android 12	iOS 15
Display	6.4 inches (20:9) 1080x2400 (411 PPI) OLED 90Hz Gorilla Glass Victus	6.1 inches (19.5:9) 2532x1170 (460 PPI) Super Retina XDR OLED display 90Hz Ceramic Shield
Processor	Google Tensor 2 ARM Cortex-X1 cores (2.8 GHz), 2 A76 (2.25GHz), 4 A55; 20-core GPU; Titan M2 security	A15 Bionic 6‑core CPU with 2 performance and 4 efficiency cores; 4‑core GPU; 16‑core Neural Engine
RAM	8GB	4GB (not official)
Storage	128/256GB No microSD slot	128/256/512GB No microSD slot
Rear camera	50MP, ƒ/1.85, 1.2μm (wide-angle)	12MP, ƒ/1.8, 1.7μm (wide)
Rear camera 2	12MP, ƒ/2.2, 1.25μm (ultra-wide)	12MP, ƒ/2.4, 1.0μm (ultra-wide)
Front camera	8.0MP, ƒ/2.0, 1.12μm	12MP, ƒ/2.2
Battery	4614mAh	3,227 mAh
Charging	30W Fast Charging 12-23W Wireless Charging 5W Reverse Wireless Charging	20W wired charging over Lightning MagSafe wireless charging up to 15W Qi wireless charging up to 7.5W
Water resistance	IP68	IP68
5G	Sub-6; Verizon/mmWave model costs $100 extra	Sub-6; mmWave
Dimensions	6.2 x 2.9 x 0.4 inches 207g/7.3oz	5.78 x 2.82 x 0.3 inches 174g/6.1oz
Colors	Stormy Black Kinda Coral Sorta Seafoam	Starlight Midnight Blue Pink (PRODUCT)Red

Both the Pixel 6 and iPhone 13 have all-day battery life, beautiful color fidelity, and delightful HDR quality.

Pixel 6 vs. iPhone 13: Performance and software

The Pixel 6 holds its own against flagship Android phones, but the iPhone 13 smashes all Android phones in benchmarks.

Pixel 6's five years of support comes the closest of any Android phone in competing with the iPhone's longevity.

Pixel 6 vs. iPhone 13: Photography and video

Pixel 6 vs. iPhone 13: Which should you buy?

Superior display, better cams, AI-backed

Google Pixel 6

The Tensor chip brings Google's A(I) game

Faster performance, longer battery life

iPhone 13

In a speed league of its own

Qualcomm upgrades its mid-range Snapdragon offerings with more performance

2021-10-26T13:18:00.007-07:00

Qualcomm upgrades its cheapest 5G chip

What you need to know

Qualcomm launches new mid-range smartphone chipsets.
Plus variants of the Snapdragon 778G and 480 offer boosted GPU and CPU performance.
The Snadragon 695 and 680 are the latest 5G and LTE chipsets from Qualcomm.

Qualcomm has announced a slew of mid-range chipsets with boosted specs and upgrades to usher mid-range devices into 2022. Two of the chips are upgrades over existing platforms, while the other two are brand new chipsets.

The upgraded Snapdragon 778G+ and 480+ bring improved performance over their non-Plus counterparts. The 778G+ has a slight bump in CPU speed over its predecessor, which powers premium mid-range phones like the new Honor 50. This takes it from 2.4GHz to 2.5GHz with "boosted" GPU performance that Qualcomm says is 20% faster, making it ideal for mid-range gaming smartphones.

While the Snapdragon 480 performed reasonably well on devices like the OnePlus Nord N200, the Snapdragon 480+ also gets a CPU bump from 2.0GHz to 2.2GHz for faster processing. 5G performance is also improved, with peak upload speeds topping 1.5Gbps, up from 660Mbps on the non-Plus variant. This is likely supported by the inclusion of mmWave support, which Qualcomm has pledged to expand to more regions.

The Snapdragon 695 is a new 5G chipset that builds on the Snapdragon 690. It's built on a more efficient 6nm process and offers an updated Kryo 660 CPU with a 15% boost over its predecessor and a 30% faster GPU. There's also an updated Image Signal Processor (ISP) and support for mmWave 5G.

Lastly, there's the Snapdragon 680, which is the only LTE chip in the bunch. Compared to the 11nm Snapdragon 678, which was launched late last year, it's built on a much more efficient 6nm process. However, it's a bit of a step back regarding the CPU, GPU, ISP, and LTE modem. Qualcomm is clearly targeting lower-end phones with this chipset.

Companies such as HMD Global (Nokia), Xiaomi, and OPPO have all expressed interest in the new chips, and Qualcomm expects them to be available this quarter, so it won't be long until we see new competition among the best budget Android phones.

Jiggle Physics 102: Horror and Halloween Games

2021-10-26T13:18:00.005-07:00

Jen, Rebecca, and Carli celebrate spookiness by sharing their favorite horror and Halloween-themed games.

Hosted by: Jennifer Locke, Carli Velocci, and Rebecca Spear

Got feedback? Hit up Podcast@androidcentral.com and tell us something!

LISTEN NOW:

LINKS:

All the games that have Stadia exclusive features

2021-10-26T13:18:00.003-07:00

Which games have features only available on Stadia?

Google Stadia allows players to access games through the cloud through PC, Android TV or Google TV devices, and smartphones. No downloads are required whether starting a game for the first time or when there is an update. The streaming platform also enables games to include special features that cannot be implemented in the PC or console versions such as launching gameplay from a screenshot or joining games through YouTube livestreams.

The four Stadia exclusive features are Crowd Choice, Crowd Play, State Share, and Stream Connect. While the list of games that use any one of these features is small, it does contain some of the best Stadia games and will continue to grow as more titles are being added to the Stadia store.

Crowd Choice

Crowd Choice allows YouTube streamers to include their audience when it comes to making decisions in-game. Polls can be created at specific points while playing. Then, viewers can pick the best answer, with the results affecting gameplay directly. Some examples include picking the power for characters in Outcasters or choosing narrative options in Baldur's Gate 3. Here is the full list of Stadia games that include Crowd Choice:

Baldur's Gate 3
Dead by Daylight
Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2
Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom
Outcasters
Samurai Shodown

Crowd Play

YouTube streamers can invite their viewers to join the game directly from the livestream with Crowd Play. Once the feature is enabled, a lobby is set up and the audience can join a waiting line before being accepted into the game alongside the streamer. Of course, a Stadia account and owning the specific game are required to immediately jump into a match unless the game is free-to-play. Here is the full list of Stadia games that include Crowd Play:

Borderlands 3
Crayta
Dead by Daylight
Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2
Mortal Kombat 11
Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 - The Official Video Game
Outcasters
Samurai Shodown
Serious Sam 4
Super Bomberman R Online

State Share

State Share allows players to capture a specific gameplay run or challenge, and allow other players to experience the same conditions by simply sharing an in-game screenshot or a video clip. Some examples include beating a player's high score in Doom Eternal's Horde mode with the same weapons or leaving equipment behind for other players to use in PixelJunk Raiders. Owning the game is required before jumping into others' shared clips and pictures. Here is the full list of Stadia games that include State Share:

Doom Eternal
Hello Engineer - Early Access
Hitman Trilogy: World of Assassination
Humankind
Judgment
Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom
PixelJunk Raiders
Serious Sam 4

Stream Connect

Stream Connect harkens back to the glory days of split-screen gaming by showing your teammates' screens at the same time during gameplay. Up to three screens can be shown in the corner of the main player's view, but it does not work with games that have cross-platform play enabled. Here is the full list of Stadia games that include Stream Connect:

Far Cry 6
Orcs Must Die! 3
Outriders
The Crew 2
The Division 2
Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Breakpoint

Get Started

Play and Watch with Google TV Package

Stream on your TV

Play and Watch with Google TV Package is the latest bundle that contains the Chromecast with Google TV and a Stadia controller to easily get into playing Stadia games on the television.

Doom Eternal and Serious Sam 4 add Stadia exclusive features

2021-10-26T13:18:00.001-07:00

Over 20 Stadia games use the streaming service's unique features.

What you need to know

The Stadia versions of Doom Eternal and Serious Sam 4 have added exclusive features not found on other platforms.
Doom Eternal players can share their Horde Mode challenges with State Share, and YouTube streamers can play Serious Sam 4 with their audience using Crowd Play.
There are now 24 games in the Stadia catalog that use the platform's exclusive features such as Crowd Choice, Crowd Play, State Share, and Stream Connect.

Google revealed today that Bethesda's Doom Eternal and Croteam's Serious Sam 4 will take advantage of Stadia exclusive features with State Share and Crowd Play, respectively.

Doom Eternal released its appropriately themed 6.66 update today with two new master levels, a refreshed version of its Battlemode, and the new Horde mode. The single-player, arcade-styled Horde mode offers waves of enemies to defeat to earn player skins and high scores, and Stadia players can now use the State Share feature to share specific challenges from the mode with other players.

Players accessing a Horde mode screenshot or video clip from friends or the community are taken to the start of that exact Horde game with the same weapons and loadout in a contest to beat the high score. It's worth noting that Stadia users will need to own Doom Eternal to play from screenshots or clips.

Meanwhile, the Stadia version of Serious Sam 4 added Crowd Play, allowing YouTube streamers who signed up last July for the feature currently in beta to play the game with viewers with a simple invite. Enabling Crowd Play will set up a lobby and viewers watching the YouTube livestream can join a queue until it is their turn to play alongside the streamer in Campaign or Survival modes.

Google noted that 24 Stadia games in its catalog now include the platform's Crowd Choice, Crowd Play, State Share, and Stream Connect features. While it is not an extremely long list of games that have Stadia exclusive features, it does include some of the best Stadia games such as Baldur's Gate 3 and Mortal Kombat 11.

Play and Watch with Google TV Package