What I want to see from smartwatches and wearables in 2024

Get ready for the AI watch wars, an explosion of smart rings and glasses, and a make-or-break moment for brands like Fitbit that need a real win to stay in the wearables game.

Garmin Venu 3 vs. Venu Sq 2 Music: Which is the best 'mainstream' Garmin watch?

The Garmin Venu 3 is our favorite fitness smartwatch, while the Venu Sq 2 is a compromise pick that costs much less. They're both relatively mainstream compared to most rugged (aka ugly) Garmin watches, so you'll want to start with one of these. But which?

Paramount Plus: Price, shows & how to try for free

Along with tons of content from networks like BET, MTV, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, and CBS, the Paramount Plus streaming service features original shows, classic Paramount films, and more.

Gabb Watch 3 kids smartwatch review: Wonderfully simple

Though not perfect, the Gabb Watch 3 does an excellent job of balancing features that kids and parents want while keeping safety at the forefront.

What I want to see from Google in 2024

What Google needs to do to win back user trust in 2024.

What I want to see from ChromeOS and Chromebooks in 2024

This was a great year for Chromebooks and the overall ChromeOS platform. But there are a few things I'm hoping to see come over the course of 2024.

Fitbit Charge 6 vs. 5: Should you upgrade?

The Charge 6 made a few key upgrades over the Charge 5, but whether or not they're enough for you will depend on whether or not you liked the last-gen fitness tracker — because they're basically twins.

Garmin Forerunner 965 vs. 265: Which running watch do you need?

We called the Forerunner 265 the best running watch on the market, but it's actually the 965. The only problem is that the 965 is quite expensive, so you may want to save money with its mid-range sibling — which has most of the same tech.

My favorite cheap tablet just got even cheaper — score 43% off the Galaxy Tab A8 during Amazon's After Christmas sale!

Christmas may be over, but you can still nab a sweet 43% discount on the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8, our favorite cheap Android tablet.

What I want to see from VR in 2024

This year was a monumental year for VR in so many ways and, yet, 2024 has the potential to be even more amazing.

One of the best Meta Quest features is being removed

Meta Quest headsets have long been able to cast natively to Chromecast devices, but it seems Meta is removing the functionality altogether.

Mint Mobile's BOGO holiday deal is about to expire — claim your free wireless service before it's too late!

Mint Mobile's "Buy Three, Get Three" deal is officially about to expire, so now's your last chance to score some dirt cheap wireless powered by T-Mobile.

Best Amazon Fire TV built-in televisions 2023

The Fire TV Edition bridges the gap between streaming sticks and smart TVs, making your entertainment delivery nearly seamless. These are the best on the market right now.

The Galaxy Watch 3 gets a taste of Wear OS 4 with a new update

Samsung is keeping its promise to bring some of the latest features to its Tizen-powered smartwatches, and the Galaxy Watch 3 is amongst them to get with the newest release.

Amazon's Boxing Day sale is LIVE — here are the five tech deals you cannot miss

Christmas has come to an end, which means it's time for great Boxing Day sales from retailers like Amazon.

How to update ChromeOS

It's important to update ChromeOS on your Chromebook whenever an update is available, and it's really easy to do.

A decade of OnePlus: Ranking my favorite OnePlus phones over the last 10 years

I had the privilege of using all the devices OnePlus released over the course of the last 10 years. These are the ones that stood out the most.

Arlo Essential and Essential XL Wireless Outdoor Security Camera review: Perfect if you live in the cloud

Arlo has done a nice job of keeping its Essential line of cameras relevant with these updates. But withholding local storage options makes them a tougher buy.

What I want to see from Android in 2024

There are a handful of major Android interfaces out there that all offer something different, but no one version of Android is perfect. Here's what I want to see from major OEMs like Google, Samsung, Xiaomi, and OPPO/OnePlus.

Shruti Shekar's Top 10 of 2023

From becoming EIC, to reading 42 books, 2023 was a journey and here's Shruti Shekar's top 10 of the year.

In 2023, smartwatches tried to become fitness watches and vice versa

Google, Apple, and Samsung all tried to brew the perfect mix of smarts, health tracking, and fitness tools, while dedicated fitness brands tried to add mainstream smarts.

Onyx Boox Palma review: The bite-sized e-reader

Whether you're reading books, browsing Android Central, or playing games, the Boox Palma is an incredible phone-sized e-reader that does more than you might imagine.

First 16 things to do with your Meta Quest 3

Whether you're brand new to VR or are a veteran looking for a better way to do things, we've got a comprehensive guide of all the things you need to do on your Meta Quest 3 first.

Google might rebrand Nearby Share into something Samsung users know better

Nearby Share seems set to be getting a name change to Quick Share, giving a nod to Samsung's file-sharing solution.

Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights Pro review: Whiter whites and brighter brights

Govee switched to the RGBICWW lights for the new Pro model of its fantastic permanent outdoor lights and also made the strips cut to length for better installation. Oh, and it supports Matter. But is this worth the price increase?

Patrick Farmer's Top 10 of 2023

A lot happened this year, both at work and in my personal life. Here are some of my favorite things.

Ecobee Smart Doorbell Camera review: Impressive features, yet supremely simplistic

Ecobee's first video doorbell is a good one that is both easy to use and install. It is packed with some very useful features to get the most from the device. But its reliance on a subscription knocks off a point.

Harish Jonnalagadda's Top 10 of 2023

I used over 200 products in 2023, and I'm sharing the devices — and moments — that stood out the most this year.

Chrome lets you save tab groups for easy access across your devices

Google is pushing a new update for Chrome that gives users a more watchful eye over their security.

Nick Sutrich's Top 10 of 2023

From VR games to nausea-inducing smartphones, 2023 has been a heck of a year to remember. These are my top 10 moments from the year!

Garmin Venu 3 vs. Forerunner 265: Mainline champ or enthusiast's dream?

The Forerunner 265 has more accurate GPS and better training tools, while the Venu 3 has a mic & speaker, a more stylish design, and ECG/ skin temperature readings. Each has its strengths and weaknesses.

How to get the best fit for your true wireless earbuds

True wireless earbuds give you plenty of portability and convenience, but it won't feel that way if they don't fit right. Here's how to ensure that doesn't happen to you.

Android Central's Best of 2023 Awards: The best phones, smartwatches, tablets, apps, and more

With the close of another year, we're ready to award our favorite products, services, and companies in the Android ecosystem. Which were the best of 2023? Read on to find out!

How to use real-time translation on the Pixel Buds Pro

While traveling or communicating with colleagues or friends who speak a different language, real-time translation using the Google Pixel Buds Pro can make the process so seamless.

Andrew Myrick's Top 10 of 2023

If there's one thing that was obvious about 2023, it was the fact that there was always something else happening. Out of everything that was announced, released, or introduced over the year, these are just a few of my favorites.

Best smart scale 2023

Get back on track with one of these smart scales to monitor, track, and sync your weight directly to your smartphone or tablet.

Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC: The best affordable ANC earbuds right now?

Solid ANC, excellent battery life, and a very robust app make these arguably the best affordable noise-canceling earbuds on the market right now.

Namerah Saud Fatmi's Top 10 of 2023

Here are the top 10 things of 2023 for Namerah, Android Central's accessories lead and resident gadget nerd.

Acer Chromebook Spin 714 (2023) review: The very definition of Chromebook Plus

While there are a plethora of great Chromebooks to choose from, Acer's Chromebook Spin 714 (2023) stands amongst the best. There aren't very many things that you won't like, and when you catch it on sale, there's simply no better value.

Best OnePlus phones 2023

Thinking about making the switch to a OnePlus phone, but not sure which model to get? We're here to help you.

OnePlus 12: Everything you need to know

The OnePlus 12 is now available in China, and it will be debuting globally on January 23. The best part is that OnePlus is also introducing the OnePlus 12R globally.

Samsung Keyboard might level up with new AI smarts in One UI 6.1

Samsung's keyboard app is apparently getting a major AI upgrade with One UI 6.1 to help you write like a pro.

Gmail makes it easier to unsubscribe from unwanted emails on the web

Gmail on the web has got your back against unwanted emails with a bigger 'Unsubscribe' button that's hard to miss.

MediaTek Dimensity 9300 benchmarked: Qualcomm should be worried

With the Dimensity 9300, MediaTek has a viable alternative to the best that Qualcomm has to offer. The platform is able to take on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 — and come out ahead.

Google Messages is giving RCS chats more color with background wallpapers

Google is rolling out a background wallpaper for RCS chats in Messages as a means to distinguish RCS messages from SMS/MMS conversations.

Michael Hicks' Top 10 of 2023

Our senior wearables editor looks back on the highs and lows of his year with Android Central, from step tests to attempted cat-murder.

Sharing WhatsApp statuses on Android could soon get smoother

WhatsApp appears to be adding two new buttons to the status update header.

Asgard's Wrath 2 is getting a Quest 3 upgrade sooner than we thought

Asgard's Wrath 2 might be included for free with every Meta Quest 3, but the game didn't receive a special graphics upgrade for the new hardware. Thankfully, that's changing soon!

1Password now lets you swap out your master password for a passkey

New 1Password users can now beta test unlocking their accounts with a passkey as part of a public beta.

Pimax Portal review: A Nintendo Switch with VR aspirations

Gaming handhelds have exploded in popularity, and the market is quickly getting saturated. Pimax looks to stand above the crowd with its Portal handset, but, it's not that simple.

I built a Frankenstein Framework Chromebox 'for science,' but it wasn't easy

Framework helped me rediscover my love for tinkering around with things, even if it took me months to actually get things working.

Google, Meta, Qualcomm, and others form a group striving for interoperability in the EU

The Coalition for Open Digital Ecosystems (CODE), which includes 10 big tech companies, aims to create open digital systems.

Here's why I'm not reviewing Asgard's Wrath 2 right now

Asgard's Wrath 2 is the biggest VR game yet, with the developers citing an average of 134 hours of playtime to complete the main story.

You can stream Xbox Game Pass on Quest 2 and 3 now; here's what you need

You can access hundreds of Xbox Game Pass games on your Quest 2, 3, or Pro, but you can't access them without the right software and an Ultimate subscription.

The ASUS ROG Phone 8 sheds its bezels in new teaser for January launch

ASUS has teased a reveal date for the ROG Phone 8 alongside new changes arriving for the devices.

The Pixel Watch is getting a holiday treat before the year ends

The December 2023 update for Pixel Watch is out, bringing Pixel Watch 2 features to the old version.

How to change your lock screen shortcuts on Android 14

The latest version of Android brings a popular feature back from the grave. You can now change your lock screen widgets on Android 14. Here's how.

Galaxy A15 and A25 go official with 'Key Island,' powered by MediaTek and Exynos chips

Samsung wants to end the year by launching budget models in select regions.

Beeper Mini is up and running again, with a couple of key changes

After a tumultuous few days, Beeper Mini is back up and running, allowing you to use iMessage on Android. But, it's not as simple as signing in with a Google account and having your phone number tied to iMessage.

WhatsApp might soon upgrade the quality of media for your status updates

The newest WhatsApp beta release lets you toggle on HD for sharing high-quality pictures and videos on your status.

Creative Aurvana Ace 2 review: The solid-state wireless earbud revolution starts here

The Aurvana Ace 2 are the first earbuds to feature xMEMS solid-state silicon drivers, and they're absolutely fantastic.

Threads puts its own spin on traditional hashtags to avoid spam

Meta's Threads introduces hashtags, but with a few twists to minimize 'engagement hacking'.

YouTube gives creators a new way to chill the comment section

YouTube makes it easier for creators to pause new comments on videos without getting rid of the ones already there.

ZimaCube NAS hands-on: This 6-bay NAS has a lot of potential

ZimaCube is a NAS server made by IceWhale, the creators of the x86-based ZimaBoard. The ZimaCube is a well-designed 6-bay server with powerful hardware and a lot of useful extras, so should you get this instead of established brands? Take a look.

How Thor, zombies, and The Marvels helped me break my own running records

Whether you're a new or experienced runner, Zombies, Run! and Marvel Move are two great tools for keeping you distracted, entertained, and motivated.

Google could make the Pixel 8 Pro's thermometer a practical health feature

Code found in the Fitbit app suggests that it might soon be able to work with the Pixel 8 Pro's built-in thermometer.

Android Auto gets a helpful Google Maps feature to avoid parking lot panic

Google Maps is finally playing nice with Android Auto, letting you remember where you parked with a single tap.

Fairphone 5 earns a perfect repairability score from iFixit

The Fairphone 5 is a smartphone designed with repair in mind, and iFixit scored it a 10/10 in terms of repairability.

Your loved ones need access to your phone once you've passed away

All the digital information you're keeping on your phone can be important to the people you've left behind.

Google Pixel Tablet 2: Specs, rumors, and what we want to see

There's a lot to like about the Pixel Tablet, but that doesn't mean that there isn't room for improvement. We've rounded up everything you need to know about the Pixel Tablet 2, including a few things that we want to see.

The ROG Phone 8 is 'coming soon' with a new look, massive camera bump

ASUS has teased the ROG Phone 8 series is "coming soon," alongside a rear panel change.

Best Mint Mobile phones 2023

Mint Mobile is a great fit for the best Android phones thanks to T-Mobile's fast and compatible 5G network. Mint Mobile works with the latest phones from Google, Samsung, and even OnePlus.

The upcoming OnePlus 12R might be more similar to the OnePlus 11

OnePlus Ace series is confined to China; however, those devices are dubbed the 'R' series in other regions like India. OnePlus 12R is the OnePlus Ace 3 that is set to launch soon.

Asgard's Wrath 2 and the year VR went AAA

Our Asgard's Wrath 2 review is in progress, and I share that as well as other wins we've seen in the VR gaming industry in 2023 in this week's AC thVRsday column.

How to update Chrome

Whether you use Chrome on a computer or smartphone, on Android or another type, it's important to keep the browser updated.

Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 benchmarked: Qualcomm wasn't lying about the performance figures

I used a phone powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, and pitted it against the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and the iPhone 15. This is what I found.

Google Gemini is here to set the stage for AI models in 2024 and beyond

After being announced at I/O 2023, Google Gemini has officially been unveiled. It's comprised of three different versions, and you can start using Gemini Pro today!

Best ad blockers for Chrome 2023

Pop-ups, banners, and video ads are, at the very least annoying, but many also harbor malware. Here are some of the best ad blockers to help cut through the noise.

Beeper Mini turns your Android phone into an iPhone for iMessage

If you've been put off by the recent debacle surrounding Sunbird and Nothing Chats, but still want iMessage on Android, you're in luck. Beeper Mini has arrived, aiming to offer a secure and encrypted way to chat with your friends on iOS, without making the switch.

Arizona Sunshine 2 proves that I need a dog for the zombie apocalypse

Head back to the sunny Arizona desert for more zombie slaying action, this time alongside your faithful canine companion, Buddy.

Withings combines its two best watches into one with the luxury ScanWatch Nova

Withings took its robust health sensors from the ScanWatch 2 and shoved them in the rugged ScanWatch Horizon with its stainless steel design.

The OnePlus 12 is here, and it has enough upgrades to make Samsung sweat

The OnePlus 12 has made its debut in China, and it is packing significant upgrades across the board. This may just be the phone that gives OnePlus an edge over Samsung.

The Google Pixel Watch 2 just got its first major discount, and it's a BIGGIE

Completely out of the blue, retailers a dropping a straight $50 off the Google Pixel Watch 2, sending it down to its lowest price EVER.

Lenovo's Chromebox Micro is a mini-PC running ChromeOS

Mini-PCs have been taking the world by storm over the past couple of years. But, Lenovo's latest Chromebox gives us hope that we'll see ChromeOS come to more compact computers.

Strava Messaging will help you connect with friends and local athletes

The popular fitness app will now let you coordinate with your Mutuals or Followers, planning runs or rides or just praising them for a PR.

Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max long-term review: So good I almost didn't switch back to Android

I used the iPhone 15 Pro Max for two months, and I (almost) didn't want to go back to an Android phone.

Watch as the OnePlus Open survives JRE's brutal durability test

The OnePlus Open, which has had a few durability concerns since it launched, surprisingly survived Zack Nelson's durability test.

The Galaxy A55 may look very similar to the upcoming Galaxy S24

While the first set of Galaxy S24 renders have created a significant buzz for 2024 Samsung flagship phones, new renders of Galaxy A55 reveal what a mid-range phone from the company looks like.

One of Garmin's oldest metrics needs a serious revamp

Garmin watches can tell you so much about how fast and fit you are. Now, imagine it could tell you exactly when your body gets too tired to keep running. That's exactly what Garmin's "Performance Condition" metric SHOULD do, but it doesn't.

How to use Best Take on the Pixel 8

With Best Take on Google Pixel 8, you can take the best expressions of everyone from different photos and combine them for one flawless shot.

Best Honor phones 2023

Honor is once again a brand to contend with, and the Chinese manufacturer has an exciting portfolio of devices. These are the best Honor phones you can buy.

Best cheap smart locks 2023

Trying to find a reliable smart lock while on a budget? These are the best inexpensive smart locks on the market that will protect your home.

Ring Stick Up Cam Pro review: A powerful camera with a flawed app experience

The Ring Stick Up Cam Pro picks up high-end features, making it a great option for many. But the app is holding it back.

A year ago, OpenAI and ChatGPT changed the world, but it's too soon to tell if it's for the better

It's been a year since ChatGPT was introduced, turning AI into a "dirty word" while sparking innovation in the tech space. We still have a long way to go, and there's still a lot to learn.

Your Android phone might soon double as a webcam for your Windows laptop

Code found in the Link to Windows app hints that Microsoft might let you use your Android phone as a video stream for your laptop.