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Minggu, 27 Februari 2022

Check out the best Samsung Galaxy S22 chargers you can buy

If you're planning on buying the recently launched Samsung Galaxy S22 flagship smartphones, we also suggest pairing them up with the right accessories, including a charger that's up to the task. The base S22 can charge at up to 25W, while the S22+ and the S22 Ultra can reach charging speeds of up to 45W, but only if you use a charger with both Power Delivery (PD) and Programmable Power Supply (PPS) support. Here are some of the best Galaxy S22 chargers that'll ensure you get the best experience out of your new smartphone(s).

Straight from Samsung

Samsung 45W USB-C Super Fast Charging Wall Charger With Cable

Staff Pick

Samsung may not be shipping a charger in the box anymore, but that's okay because it'd most likely be a 25W adapter anyway, and your Galaxy S22+ or S22 Ultra deserves the full 45W of Samsung's Super Fast Charging speeds. With this charger, you also get a USB-C to USB-C cable.

$29 at Amazon

Small yet powerful

Anker Nano II 45W Fast Charger - Foldable Charger

Anker's Nano II features folding prongs and GaN II chips to help keep both size and heat build-up to a minimum. It works great for everything from Chromebooks to laptops, but PPS support makes it ideal for the Galaxy S22 as well. It's worth mentioning you don't get a cable with this wall charger.

$40 at Amazon

Minimally awesome

Elecjet 45-Watt USB-C Superfast Charger - Wall Charger

Elecjet got into the PPS charger game back when the Galaxy Note 10 launched and continues to be a solid option today. This 45W USB-C charger features a super-minimal design and the lack of any branding also helps it blend in with the rest of the chargers on your desk's power strip.

$33 at Amazon

Stylish and compact

Spigen 45W ArcStation Pro GaN Charger

Spigen's Samsung-focused ArcStation Pro is a bright white charger that's about the size of Samsung's own offering. It has foldable prongs and Power Quality Technology, a feature that's designed to minimize voltage spikes that can damage your device(s).

$30 at Amazon

Multi-port flexibility

Baseus 65W 3-Port Foldable USB-C Wall Charger - Black

Why buy a charger that only charges one thing when you can have one that can juice up multiple gadgets? Baseus' 65W charger features two USB-C ports and a USB-A port, but only the top plug (Type-C1) can do 45W, and it gets 45W no matter how many ports are in use.

From $30 at Amazon

Best for the Galaxy S22

Samsung 25W USB-C Travel Adapter

The regular Galaxy S22 only supports wired charging speeds of up to 25W, so if you need a new nightstand charger and want to save a few bucks, Samsung's own 25W charger is the one to get. There's no cable included with the package.

$20 at Amazon

Power Delivery brings more choice and flexibility

Samsung's 45W Super Fast Charging Wall Charger is surprisingly affordable, but the lack of folding plugs means it's best suited for a home environment rather than carrying around in your backpack. If you're frequently on the move, go for a more compact (or more adaptable) option like the Anker Nano II or the Baseus 3-Port 65W Foldable Charger.

Anker's Nano II can also charge your best Chromebooks (among other devices), making it a one-stop solution. No matter what phone or laptop you want to juice up, this golf-ball-sized adapter will fast-charge them all.

The best Galaxy S22 charger is not just 25W

While 45W charging is limited to the Galaxy S22+ and S22 Ultra, you should consider buying a 45W (or higher) charger for the regular Galaxy S22 too. 45W is laptop-capable charging speed, so you'll be getting an accessory that's powerful enough to potentially charge every device in your bag during trips — or even at home, if you're living the "one charger to rule them all" lifestyle. It's far better to have a more powerful, widely adaptable charger than one that can only charge your phone in the age of USB Power Delivery.

You'll still only get 25W max speed with a 45W charger on the small Galaxy S22, so don't worry about it breaking your battery. The Programmable Power Supply protocol that Samsung's Super Fast Charging is built on uses a high-quality e-marked cable to negotiate just how much power the charger sends to the phone. You'll need to pick one of these up, too, if your charger didn't come with one, as Samsung only ships a 25W cable with the Galaxy S22.

Huawei's Super Device shows the strengths of its ecosystem

Huawei's latest extension of multi-device collaboration brings together PCs, monitors, phones, and tablets.

At Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Huawei has today unveiled its latest multi-device concept, dubbed the "Super Device." Despite what the name might apply, this isn't a single device, but instead an extension of the cross-device collaboration features we've seen on Huawei's best phones and PCs for the past couple of years. Huawei's latest effort builds on this functionality, allowing various Huawei gadgets to be paired together to form — you guessed it, a "Super Device."

We've been testing out Super Device on three of Huawei's latest devices over the past week — the P50 Pocket, MateBook E, and MateView 28.2" — and we've come away pretty impressed with how well it all works.

Run multiple phone apps on PC

The experience starts in the Huawei Control Panel app preloaded on the manufacturer's PCs. From here, nearby devices appear and can be clicked and dragged to form a Super Device pairing. The most obvious pairing is a Huawei phone and a PC — when connected wirelessly, it's possible to control the handset via a window on the PC.

Take full control of your phone — including audio, video, and touch.

This is a natural pairing for a touchscreen device like the MateBook E and many of the use cases here are pretty obvious. Many social apps and messaging work better on a phone than they do on the web. But Super Device brings additional capabilities to bear, like playing back media through the paired PC and sharing PC screen recordings back to the phone.

One of the coolest parts of this feature is the fact that you're not limited to running one app at a time on the phone when it's part of a Super Device pairing with a PC. Many phone apps can be split out into separate windows, giving you the option to run multiple phone apps at a time, each in their own "full-screen" PC window.

Because input and audio are included in the connection between PC and mobile device, you can also type directly into apps, and have video and audio from apps on the PC played wirelessly through the PC. Pairing the Huawei MateBook E with the P50 Pocket, I was impressed with the responsiveness of the controls on the PC side. Unlike some other Android PC connection apps, there was no sign of lag, sound distortion, or video compression artefacts. The only part of the experience where I ran into minor hiccups involved scrolling in some apps and activating gestures around the edge of the screen for multitasking.

Huawei's new multi-device feature also enables easier file sharing between phone and PC. Apps including the stock Gallery and Files apps support drag-and-drop functionality, essentially letting you use the phone, wirelessly, as an extension of the computer.

Super Device makes your smart monitor even smarter

Huawei's latest 2021 MateView monitor can already pair with the company's smartphones by scanning the NFC connection area on the base of the display, enabling hassle-free wireless display mirroring.

The MateView can instantly, wirelessly connect to Huawei PCs as well as phones.

Super Device expands this functionality to PCs, pairing in the same way via the PC Control Center app. The wireless connection doesn't support the full 3840x2560 resolution of the MateView, unfortunately, but the connection is pretty much instant — and, if you're using a smaller convertible laptop like the MateBook E — it's potentially more convenient than running wires over your floor. If you're sitting at a desk using the MateView, plugging in via a Thunderbolt connection is still the optimum way to go — you'll get the full benefits of the high-res 4K-plus 3:2 display, along with two additional USB ports and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

That said, if you are connected to a display via Super Device, input devices like keyboards and mice plugged into the display will be accessible to the PC, which is a neat touch. (Obviously, don't expect a completely latency-free experience if you plug in your peripherals this way).

The same basic functionality is supported by Huawei's MatePad tablets. Similar to Sidecar on a Mac and iPad, Super Device lets you turn your nearby Huawei tablet into an extension or mirror of your laptop's display. This feature also includes support for the Huawei M Pencil, allowing you to use the tablet as a secondary display or drawing slate for a PC that lacks pen functionality.

The main weakness here is it's not possible to add both a phone and a monitor to Super Device at the same time. Presumably, for reasons of bandwidth, you'll need to disconnect your phone if you want to wirelessly connect to a secondary display and vice versa.

It's no secret that Huawei faces challenges across its phone business right now, as it's cut off from 5G technology and Google-branded Android software. But Super Device shows the strengths of its ecosystem across a variety of product categories — including those only indirectly related to Android.

Huawei Super Device is supported on the company's latest Android and HarmonyOS devices, including the P50 Pocket and P50 Pro, as well as recent Windows PCs and the MateView (2021) monitor. You'll need version 12.0.2.11 or higher of the Huawei PC Manager app to take advantage of all the various Super Device features.

Sony WF-1000XM4: 10 things to know before you buy

Almost perfect-feature earbuds in a tiny package.

The Sony WF-1000XM4 are the company's latest premium flagship earbuds. They have been in the market for a while now, which means there are already several reviews to help make your purchase decision easier. Ara Wagoner hailed them as close to perfect in her review. So why read yet another take on the same earbuds after months of launch? Well, after the newness wears off, initial impressions might change.

I've been using the XM4 earbuds for a while, and I noticed nuances during my day-to-day usage. The Sony earphones are feature-rich on paper, but do these features translate into real-life advantages? Do these fancy features even come into use in everyday life? After several months, let's reevaluate what you know about the Sony WF-1000XM4.

Things I like about the Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds

There's no doubt about it; these are still some great earbuds. They are jam-packed with the latest and greatest features, and they fit like a dream. (More on that later.) There's a lot to love about the Sony WF-1000XM4 buds, but do the reviews hold up? After owning them for a while, here's what I still love.

Sound and noise cancellation

Right off the bat, I'll tell you this: The Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds feature stellar sound quality and top-notch ANC performance. You get nice details with instrument separation, clear vocals, and an overall warm sound without being profoundly thumpy. If that's not your type, you can adjust the sound to different profiles via the Headphones Connect app.

As you'd expect, the noise canceling is improved compared to the predecessor XM3 earbuds. It is now right up there with the Bose QuietComfort earbuds. The new V1 chip's performance combines with the passive isolation of earbud tips to deliver magical ANC performance. Even at low (less than 50%) volume, it'll help you isolate the external noises like the mumbling noise in the park when you go out to walk.

Speak-to-chat

I absolutely love this feature. As someone who lives with his parents, I have to be attentive when mom talks to me while I have earbuds on — you don't know what might happen if you don't answer.

With speak-to-chat, you can start talking, and the earbuds go into ambient sound mode and pause the music. This way, you can have a conversation with the earbuds in your ears without having you pause the music physically or take them out. The music resumes within a few seconds when you stop talking, and the noise cancelation gets activated.

However, this feature might not be super helpful and might get irritating if you like to sing aloud with your tunes. Fortunately, Sony gives you the option to toggle speak-to-chat within the Headphones Connect app.

Long tap for Quick Attention

If you don't want the speak-to-chat feature but still want to talk to people without taking off your earbuds, there is a solution for you as well. Borrowing it from the flagship headphones, the Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds feature the Long Tap for Quick Attention feature.

It allows you to long-press your left earbud to lower the music volume and activate the ambient sound mode. Unlike the speak-to-chat feature, Quick Attention doesn't pause your music.

Battery notification, battery life, and a petite case

I usually forget to charge my audio equipment and am disappointed when they are at low battery levels when I need them. If you are anything like me, this feature on the Sony WF-1000XM4 is a blessing. Each time I put them in, they tell me how much battery life is left in each bud. This way, I instantly know how many hours of music juice is left.

Another plus is that you won't need to charge these earbuds frequently, even if you have them in the whole day. The Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds offer amazing battery life. The earbuds can last you up to eight hours on a single charge, and combined with the case, you can get two more full charge cycles.

These flagship earbuds are more pocketable this time around.

My typical use case includes having them on for meetings and a two-hour music session before I go to sleep. I've been charging the device weekly. Even if you hit low battery on the earbuds, you can put them in the case for five minutes and gain 90 minutes of playback time.

Speaking of cases, unlike the Sony WF-1000XM3 wireless earbuds, this case is 40% smaller and weighs just 7.4 grams versus 8.2 grams on the predecessor. These flagship earbuds are more pocketable this time around.

Snuggly fit while I try to sleep

I've been desperately looking for earbuds that fit my ear and don't fall off when I sleep on my side. I'm primarily a headphones person, but those can't be worn to bed, and the AirPods' stem design is too bad for side-sleepers like me.

The XM4s are the first earbuds that I've used in a while that fit my ears and don't tend to fall off every now and then, making me search for the tiny buds in the middle of the night.

Things I didn't like

No device is perfect, and while the Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds are close to it, there are a few things that aren't that great about them. If these details are your jam, it may be best to look elsewhere for a pair of earbuds.

No multi-device Bluetooth pairing

When working from home, it is important to have audio devices that can connect to your PC and your smartphone simultaneously. No one wants to mess with Bluetooth settings when jumping between the two devices. This is a big miss on the Sony WF-1000XM4.

At $280, not having multi-device Bluetooth pairing is a crime. As a reviewer, I juggle between phones, and have no less than two on me at a time. I want to be able to connect to the one I have in my hand and not the phone sitting in the next room. Even the older non-flagship Sony XB-900N headphones can connect to two devices simultaneously. All in all, it is a major omission.

My ears hurt if I plug them in for long durations

While the battery life can last up to 8 hours on the earbuds, you might not want to wear them for longer durations. I haven't worn them for more than 3 hours at a time, but when I take them off, I have a weird feeling in my ears for the whole day.

It still happens after weeks of use. Yes, every ear is built differently, but if you have smaller ears, you might have problems with the fitting.

Choosing between controls for ambient sound or volume

I'm not too fond of the fact that I have to choose between ambient sound/noise-canceling or volume controls on the left earbud. My right one is set for playback controls and offers single tap, double-tap, triple tap, and long press for controls. Meanwhile, the left earbud only offers a single tap or long-press for both ambient sound and volume controls.

It offers all the options, including double and triple taps if you choose to have playback controls on the left earbud. As a result, you can't have volume controls and noise-canceling controls simultaneously.

Should you buy the Sony WF-1000XM4?

None of these three points are really a deal-breaker for all the advantages offered by the Sony-WF1000XM4 earbuds. Still, it's good to take a look back and see past those rose-colored glasses after time has passed. They are still a great buy, regardless. They sound fantastic, have excellent noise cancellation, and have great battery life packed in a smaller package, making them one of the best wireless earbuds on the market.

Incredible wireless earbuds

Sony WF-1000XM4

$278 at Amazon $280 at BestBuy

Top-notch sound, ANC, and battery life

The Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds are worth every penny. They feature industry-leading ANC for a product of this size alongside offering stunning sound and long battery life.

Sabtu, 26 Februari 2022

Do you use protection when it comes to your smartphone?

Are you protecting your investment?

Smartphones aren't exactly cheap these days. Sure, you can get great value from some budget Android phones, but if you're looking for a flagship smartphone like the Galaxy S22 Ultra, chances are, you're paying in the ballpark of $1,000 or more. That's not exactly cheap, so we expect you'll likely want to protect your investment by purchasing a phone case or screen protector.

Do you usually protect your phone with a case or screen protector? Let us know in our latest poll below!

Having a phone case can be a tricky thing for some. On the one hand, you want to appreciate and show off your phone's design, which companies put so much work into. On the other hand, you also don't want to ruin that design without a case, resulting in an unfortunate drop causing your device damage. Of course, the tradeoff here is the added thickness and weight you get from adding a case. The Galaxy S22 Ultra is a beautiful phone, but it's not exactly light, thanks in part to its glass rear. Still, you'll want to check out some of the best Galaxy S22 Ultra cases to protect that back, especially if you have the lovely green or burgundy colorways.

A screen protector is arguably the most important thing you can have to protect your display — you know, the very thing you use to interact with your phone. However, not all screen protectors are made the same and can often be tricky to put on correctly. Fortunately, that's why we've compiled a list of the best Galaxy S22 Ultra screen protectors for those of you that are buying Samsung's latest $1,200 flagship.

The new Note

Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra

From $1,200 at Amazon From $1,200 at Best Buy From $350 at Samsung

The best gets better

The new Galaxy S22 Ultra features a vibrant 6.9-inch AMOLED display, impressive 108MP camera, S Pen for all your note-taking needs, and will receive up to four OS upgrades, so you don't need to worry about missing out on the new updates for a long time.

Your Galaxy S22 deserves the best cases ever — and they're right here

Call it the small, the regular, the "baby" Samsung Galaxy S22, but the 6.1-inch model rocks, especially for smaller hands like mine. As the easiest Galaxy S22 model to use one-handed or actually fully fit into your pocket, this phone deserves proper protection and some style. Get both with these best Samsung Galaxy S22 cases.

Stylish and secure

Caseology Nano Pop for Galaxy S22

Staff Pick

This was the best Galaxy S21 case and it's shaping up to keep that title another year. The Nano Pop's two-tone provides a nice bit of flair while also adding extra protection around the Samsung Galaxy S22's all-important cameras.

$17 at Amazon

Heavy hitter

SUPCASE UB Pro

If you need a case that can survive cars, three-story ladders, and lawnmowers, try the UB Pro case. SUPCASE's Unicorn Beetle Pro beats OtterBox on both durability and price, comes in five colors, and has a wide, stable kickstand for your Galaxy S22.

From $27 at Amazon

Straps for days

Galaxy S22 Series Silicone Cover with Strap

While the default S22 strap that comes with this Galaxy S22 cover may not be super-bold, that's absolutely fine. Just buy a replacement strap in a solid, patterned, or even a licensed design. This was the best Galaxy Z Flip 3 case because of its fun nature and functionality — that strap is a phone grip — and I'm ecstatic that the Samsung Galaxy S22 gets to have it, too.

$40 at Amazon $40 at Samsung

Clear as crystal

Spigen Liquid Crystal Series for Galaxy S22

Spigen's Liquid Crystal has been the de facto clear case for years, but I actually prefer its Glitter twin whenever it's available. Why go glitter? It hides the fingerprint smudges, the grime, and helps obscure small scratches or cracks your Samsung Galaxy S22 might have.

$14 at Amazon (Clear) $15 at Amazon (Glitter)

Better for the planet

Pela Sustainable Case

While some cases on this list are made with partially recycled materials, Pela's case is made of compostable biopolymer and flax straw. You may think that sounds like a terribly rough case for your Galaxy S22, but Pela's cases feel marvelous in hand.

$60 at Pela

Lens cover

Nillkin CamShield Pro

Professional cameras all come with lens covers, but smartphones rarely do. Nillkin's CamShield series lets you keep the Galaxy S22's triple-camera array safe and scratch-free when you're not actively using it while adding the necessary grip.

$17 at Amazon

Texas tough

CaseBorne Armadillotek Series V

This heavy-duty case's kickstand works great both vertically and horizontally, making it functional as well as durable. Designed in Texas, the Armadillotek Series V (Vanguard Series) is ruggedly handsome and ready to work. It's one of the best, meanest, and baddest cases for your Galaxy S22.

From $22 at Amazon

Pretty (tough)

Kate Spade New York Defensive Hardshell

Kate Spade may be better known for shoes and handbags, but its Incipio-made cases have become quite reliable. For the Samsung Galaxy S22, rather than just one pattern, we have four to choose from: leopard print, two flower patterns, and a bi-pride iridescent ombre. Grab the swankiest phone cover to dress up your S22!

$55 at Incipio

Bold and brave

Poetic Neon

The Poetic Neon bears the same two-layer construction and durability as the OtterBox Commuter series for half the price and over twice as many colors. There are two green colorways, but the blue, purple, and orange are just as striking. You're sure to love these vibrant yet rugged S22 cases.

From $19 at Amazon

Low-profile kickstand

ESR Metal Kickstand Case

Want a kickstand case that's not as bulky as SUPCASE or CaseBorne? ESR's Galaxy S22 kickstand case is more lithe and limber. Available in a textured black or a smoother clear version, this model's perfect for breakroom binges.

From $20 at Amazon

Raised right

Ringke Onyx

Ringke's flexible TPU case for the Samsung Galaxy S22 is grippy, durable, and compact, but two tiny holes help separate it from the pack: anchor points. While most may only use these for cutesy phone charms, they're also great for attaching a lanyard or a wrist strap.

$13 at Amazon

Luscious feel

Galaxy S22 Leather Cover

While PU leather cases come close, there's just nothing in the world that ever quite matches a genuine leather case for your Galaxy S22. Samsung's leather cases, especially, have long been beloved for their immaculate fit and finish. There's no brown this year, though; instead, we have black, deep green, and a very light gray.

$50 at Amazon $50 at Samsung

Clear yet colorful

i-Blason Ares

Thicker than Spigen's but with a multi-piece design and larger air cushions, the Ares is beautiful as Aphrodite while also ready for battle. Both the red and purple models look great with Rose Pink, and purple contrasts the green wonderfully.

From $22 at Amazon

Biodegradeable

UAG Outback Bio Series

UAG has hopped on the eco-friendly train that Pela pioneered years ago, making a 100% compostable, biodegradable case that can also still survive up to 12-foot drops. Not to mention, this Samsung Galaxy S22 cover has excellent grip. I only wish it came in all the colors Pela does.

$40 at Amazon

Old reliable

Spigen Rugged Armor - Designed for Galaxy S22 Case Matte Black

If you're a no-nonsense Galaxy S22 owner looking for a no-nonsense case, the Rugged Armor was made exactly for you. While the bottom keeps the classic carbon fiber, the top accent is an easier texture to grip when taking photos or gaming.

$16 at Amazon

Surprisingly grippy

Caseology Parallax for Galaxy S22

Many look at the Parallax's cubist texturing across the back and think it might be too slick, but this epic case will stay securely in your hand thanks to two highly textured grips along the sides of the bumpers. I highly recommend the burgundy and green colorways for your precious Galaxy S22.

$17 at Amazon

No-slip grip

Gear4 Santa Cruz

With either a black or verdant green bumper made with D3O for 13-foot drop protection, this transparent phone cover is minimal in design while keeping your Galaxy S22 safe from any harm.

$40 at ZAGG $40 at Best Buy

Still iconic

Speck Presidio2 Grip

Speck's cases have slowly upgraded over the years, but there's no denying what keeps us coming back year after year are those groovy little bumps across the back of the case. Call it an acquired taste, but I think this ridged case for your Galaxy S22 is pretty sweet.

$45 at Amazon

The best Galaxy S22 cases grab your attention and your hand

The Galaxy series usually gets the most variety in phone cases when it comes to Android phones, but it can take a little while for them all to arrive (especially in our current shipping shortage). However, we already have tons of name-brand options available from reliable brands like Caseology, SUPCASE, Spigen, and Ringke. Caseology's Nano Pop was the best Galaxy S21 case and it remains my top recommendation for the Galaxy S22 due to how well it's held up over the last year. If the navy/yellow look isn't to your liking, there's an Evo Green version on the way.

If you prefer a heavy-duty case for your Samsung Galaxy S22, both the SUPCASE UB Pro and CaseBorne Armadillotek Series V offer robust protection for completely reasonable prices. I think the Series V has a slightly better kickstand, but the UB Pro's colors are more polished — except for the purple, the Series V in that two-tone purple is perfection.

After grabbing a case, be sure to grab the best screen protector and best Galaxy S22 accessories to ensure your Samsung Galaxy S22 is protected and fashionable on all sides!

Does HBO Max still offer a 7-day free trial?

Best answer: No. While HBO Max offered a 7-day free trial when it launched in May 2020, it took away the free trial option when it announced it would be releasing a number of Warner Bros. films on the same day they hit theaters.

Can you try HBO Max for free?

If you're looking for an HBO Max free trial though, we have good news and bad news. Sadly, HBO stopped running this option quite some time ago and it doesn't look like it's coming back. On the plus side, you do have cheaper sign-up options than before thanks to a new ad-supported tier starting at just $9.99 a month on a rolling contract that you can cancel at any time.

The ad-supported tier shows content in HD but for just $5 extra a month, you get resplendent 4K streaming and access to the day-and-date cinema movies, which is the one you need if you want to watch films being released on the platform the same day they hit theaters. This tier also has zero ads and allows downloads for offline viewing too.

If you're still not convinced or you'd like a taste of the great TV content available on the service, there is a completely free "Watch for Free" section on HBO Max that you don't even need an account to stream. You'll only get one episode of a select few shows, but as samplers go, it's very generous.

HBO Max is quickly becoming an essential service for streamers and cord-cutters. Along with a myriad of popular films and HBO shows such as True Blood, Sex and the City, Euphoria, and Game of Thrones, the service brings in content from brands like Crunchyroll, DC Comics, Studio Ghibli, Sesame Workshop, TCM, Cartoon Network, and Adult Swim. There's also a wide selection of HBO Max originals to discover, including Search Party, And Just Like That..., Gossip Girl, and Peacemaker.

One of the most significant benefits of being an HBO Max subscriber is the chance to stream new movies on the same day as their theatrical debut, which started with the debut of Wonder Woman 1984. However, these releases also seem to be why the option to sign up for an HBO Max free trial is no longer offered.

Will there be another HBO Max free trial?

HBO Max originally offered a free 7-day trial for new members on its website between its launch in May 2020 and the release of Wonder Woman 1984 in December 2020. It's unlikely we'll see another free trial pop up on its website unless, of course, subscribers numbers don't continue to grow in line with the services' expectations — then anything can happen.

It's worth pointing out that there's still an exception for Hulu subscribers, who can sign up for a free 7-day HBO Max trial by adding HBO Max as a premium add-on channel to their Hulu subscription.

Signing up for HBO Max and other channels through Hulu helps you consolidate monthly bills, so you only worry about one payment rather than several. This is available for members on both the base plans as well as Hulu with Live TV. After the free trial, HBO Max will renew at its regular price of $14.99 per month unless you decide to cancel your subscription. Unfortunately, you can't opt to join the cheaper $9.99 tier of HBO Max via Hulu.

Another way to get into HBO Max for free is through AT&T. Specifically, AT&T gives subscribers a free year of HBO Max when you sign up for a selection of their wireless, internet, and TV plans. These include the AT&T Unlimited Elite wireless plan, the AT&T Fiber Internet 1000 plan, and the DirecTV Stream Choice TV plan.

Hulu with HBO Max

HBO Max

$15/mo. after free trial at Hulu

Get HBO Max with your Hulu plan

Hulu subscribers can try HBO Max for free by adding the service as a premium add-on channel to their existing plan.

AT&T with HBO Max

HBO Max

Free with paid TV plans at AT&T

Get HBO Max with your AT&T plan

AT&T offers HBO Max for free as part of its Unlimited Elite, Fiber Internet 1000, and DirecTV Stream Choice TV plans.

What movies are streaming exclusively on HBO Max?

While various shows and movies are constantly being added to HBO Max, HBO Max announced at the end of 2020 that it would release Warner Brothers' entire roster of new films on the same day as they debut in theaters. Here's a list of the blockbuster movies that are streaming now on HBO Max or will be released on the platform and in theaters simultaneously:

  • The Little Things: Streaming now
  • Judas and the Black Messiah: Streaming now
  • Tom & Jerry: The Movie: Streaming now
  • Godzilla vs. Kong: Streaming now
  • Mortal Kombat: Streaming now
  • The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It: Streaming now
  • In The Heights: Streaming now
  • Space Jam: A New Legacy: Streaming now
  • The Suicide Squad: Streaming now
  • Malignant: Streaming now
  • The Many Saints of Newark: Streaming now
  • Dune: Returns March 10
  • King Richard: Returns April 7
  • The Matrix: Resurrections: Return TBA

These films are only available for 31 days after the premiere and will be removed from the service. While most of the movies will return to the platform later, it's unclear how this will change if and when movie fans start returning to theaters. Be sure to also take a look at the best shows and best movies streaming on HBO Max right now.

What plans and deals does HBO Max currently offer?

There are two different plans now available at HBO Max and two ways to pay. The most affordable plan at HBO Max includes ads and costs $9.99 per month, while the next level HBO Max plan offers ad-free streaming for just $14.99 per month. The ad-free plan also lets you watch new movies from Warner Brothers on the very same day as they're released in theaters.

The best deal available on HBO Max right now is attached to its annual plans. While HBO Max typically costs between $10 and $15 per month, you can save over 15% on your subscription by choosing an annual plan instead. The "With Ads" plan costs just $99.99 per year when paying annually, or you can snag the better "Ad-Free" plan that includes access to new theatrical releases for just $149.99 per year.

WB exclusives and more

HBO Max

From $10/mo. at HBO

HBO Max has it all

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Which of Motorola's Power phones is the better choice?

Lacking power

Moto G Power (2022)

$250 at Verizon Wireless

Pros

  • Fantastic battery life
  • Low price
  • Expandable storage
  • 50MP camera is a great upgrade

Cons

  • The display is just bad
  • Performance is slower than it should be
  • Big battery handcuffed by slow charging
  • Software updates

Motorola is taking major steps in the wrong direction with the G Power (2022). The phone's display is subpar, to say the least, which might help to explain why battery life is so good. On the bright side, the 50MP main camera does perform better than you might expect.

Good ol' days

Moto G Power (2020)

$225 at Amazon (Renewed)

Pros

  • More versatile camera system
  • Higher-resolution display
  • Storage can be expanded with a microSD card
  • Solid performance

Cons

  • Two years old
  • No NFC
  • Frustratingly slow charging speeds
  • Software updates

Ignoring the fact that the G Power is more than two years old, there are plenty of reasons why you won't want to upgrade. The original G Power offers a more versatile camera system, a higher-resolution display, and performance that still keeps up.

Motorola really nailed it when the Moto G Power (2020) was released, offering all-day battery life, a solid display, and a versatile camera system. Since then, Motorola has struggled to replicate the success but is trying again with the Moto G Power (2022). Let's see how these two Power phones stack up.

Moto G Power (2022) vs. G Power (2020): Spec breakdown

When you compare these two phones, there are actually quite a few similarities between them. They both offer 4GB of RAM and 64GB of expandable storage, along with triple-camera setups and a massive 5,000mAh battery. Plus, if you were to put them next to each other the differences in design are minor, aside from the larger display on the newer model.

But the proof is in the pudding, as they say, and there are more than a few reasons why the 2022 version would be considered a downgrade. For one, Motorola's original G Power offers a 6.4-inch 1080p display compared to the 720p display on the 2022 model. Sure, the newer version has a 90Hz refresh rate, but it's not very noticeable so we aren't exactly sure why Motorola included it.

Then there's the whole debate about processing power and performance, and Motorola's decision to use the MediaTek Helo G37 isn't a great one. In our Moto G Power (2022) review, we found that performing routine tasks like opening apps or snapping a photo was met with some type of delay. It's a frustrating experience, to say the least, and one that will definitely help teach you some patience.

Moto G Power (2022) Moto G Power (2020)
Chipset MediaTek Helio G37 Snapdragon 665
Memory 4GB 4GB
Storage 64GB or 128GB 64GB
Dimensions 167.2 x 76.5 x 9.4mm 159.9 x 75.8 x 9.6mm
Display 6.5-inch, 1600 x 720, IPS LCD, 90Hz 6.4-inch 2300 x 1080, IPS LCD, 60Hz
Rear Camera 50MP, ƒ/1.8, 0.65μm, PDAF (wide-angle)
2MP, Æ’/2.4 (depth)
2MP, f/2.4 (macro)
16MP, ƒ/1.7, 1.12μm, PDAF (wide-angle)
8MP, Æ’/2.2, 1.12μm, 118˚ (ultrawide)
2MP, f/2.2 (macro)
Front Camera 8.0MP, ƒ/2.0, 1.12μm 16MP, f/2.0, 1.0µm (wide)
Battery 5000mAh
10W Wired Charging
5000mAh
10W wired charging
Security Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor
Expandable Storage Up to 512GB (microSD) Up to 512GB (microSD)
Weight 203g 199g
Water and dust resistance Water repellent design Water repellent design

As for the Moto G Power (2020), things are a bit different as the Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 shows that even a two-year-old phone can outperform one using a newer processor. It also shows that when it comes to the best phones under $300, Qualcomm-powered devices are still the most reliable.

One other area where both of these phones match up is in the battery department. The combination of using a 720p and 1080p screen pays dividends across the board with the built-in 5,000mAh battery. You're practically guaranteed to get at least a day and a half out of either option, but there's a big catch. Charging speeds are abysmally slow, maxing out at 10W of power. With batteries this big, 10W is just unacceptable but Motorola decided it needed to cut costs somewhere, and charging speeds was the feature that was picked.

Moto G Power (2022) vs. G Power (2020): Should you upgrade?

Considering that you can't find the Moto G Power (2020) in new condition anywhere, we would recommend looking elsewhere if you were considering the G Power (2022). The TCL 20S is just one option, as it uses the same chipset as the 2020 G Power, while also including other features such as a 1080p display and even NFC if you like using Google Pay.

And if you were hoping to get a new phone in 2022 with 5G enabled, you won't find that with the Moto G Power (2022). If that's a necessity, you might just be better off with something like the OnePlus Nord N200, which also offers a 90Hz refresh rate and a triple camera setup.

No matter what the case is, we really can't recommend anyone picking up the Moto G Power (2022) until Motorola figures out how to optimize the chipset. It's a real shame too, as the Moto G Power (2020) was launched with much fanfare and pretty much set the bar for phones under $300.

Frustrating experience

Moto G Power (2022)

Just avoid this one

$250 at Verizon Wireless $216 at Visible

The Moto G Power (2022) had some big shoes to fill, but it ended up falling flat and is just disappointing. Unless all you're looking for is long battery life, you're better off searching elsewhere.

Hang onto it

Moto G Power (2020)

Keep this for as long as possible, or look elsewhere

$225 at Amazon (Renewed)

It's a shame that Motorola couldn't follow up on the Moto G Power (2020), as this phone was capable of handling pretty much anything that you needed. If you can find one and need a new phone, go ahead and pick one up. Otherwise, look outside of the Motorola ecosystem for a new phone.