Articles by Andrew Myrick

Make your Android app experience a good one.

Our phones are pocket-sized supercomputers with professional-grade cameras and batteries for days, but without the best Android apps to take advantage of it, what would be the point? There are millions upon millions of Android apps that transform our phones from shiny glass slabs into productivity powerhouses, and over the last year, these are the apps that have seized the day and made our lives easier, faster, and better. So now that you have one of best Android phones of the year, make sure you download all of the best Android apps.

The Best Assistant apps

Who needs a personal assistant when you have services like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa available wherever you go? These types of apps aim to help alleviate the stresses and pressures of your day-to-day life to make things easier. From automation to smart home products and everything in between, these apps allow you to get work done with some help.

With you everywhere
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The 8Bitdo Pro 2 is easily one of the best gaming controllers, and not just for Android

In a world where the best game streaming apps are exploding, it’s important to find a controller that can keep up. Thanks in part to the rise in popularity of services like Xbox Game Pass (xCloud) and Google Stadia, finding the right controller for your needs has never been more frustrating. But I mean frustrating in a good way due to the sheer number of great controllers that are available.

One company that has been steadily releasing new controllers and game accessories is 8Bitdo. Over the years, there have been fantastic options like the SF30 Pro and SN30 Pro, along with others like the 8Bitdo SN30 Pro+. Fast forward to earlier this year, and 8Bitdo released its latest controller in the 8Bitdo Pro 2.

So if 8Bitdo already made some of the best controllers for Android, Raspberry Pi, and xCloud, what else could it improve upon? Well, as it turns out, quite a bit.

8Bitdo Pro 2 review:

Price…

Samsung wants you to empty your wallet for its next smartwatch

What you need to know

The Galaxy Watch 4 could start at around EUR 350 and go up to EUR 350.
Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 4 Classic is said to be priced at more than EUR 470 for the 42mm version.
The Galaxy Buds 2 will be slightly cheaper than the Buds Pro, coming in at around $150.

Over the last two weeks, we’ve seen countless rumors and official-looking renders for everything from the Galaxy Z Fold 3 to the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4. This includes Samsung’s Galaxy Buds 2, which are expected to replace the Galaxy Buds+ as some of the best wireless earbuds that money can buy. And now, we might have a better idea of how much the Galaxy Watch 4, Watch 4 Classic, and Galaxy Buds 2 will cost thanks to MySmartPrice.

Kicking things off, the Galaxy Watch 4 is expected to arrive in two different sizes, with the smaller 40mm version priced between EUR 350 (~$415) and EUR 370 (~$439). The larger 44mm version is expected to be priced b…

A much-improved version of Zoom arrives for Chromebook users

What you need to know

Zoom has released an updated PWA version of its app for Chromebooks.
This PWA version is available for Chrome browsers and Chromebooks updated to version 91.
Some of the included features are faster performance, a customizable Gallery View, live transcription, and more.
Zoom plans to roll out additional features in the coming months.

Although more and more people are starting to go back to the office, Zoom remains one of the best teleconferencing apps. While the experience on most devices is seamless (for the most part), using Zoom on a Chromebook has been a mixed bag. Today, Zoom is fixing that as the company has released a new Progressive Web App (PWA) version.

The app is available via the Play Store or through a dedicated web link. But the real power is in that this PWA offers much of the same functionality compared to what you may be accustomed to on the best laptops. This new release aimed t…

You might have a nice selection of USB-C cables along with microUSB, Lightning, and more creating an electrical rat’s nest in your drawer. Getting one of the best 3-in-1 USB cables not only simplifies the act of charging multiple devices with different ports, but can also help you organize. Yet srangely, most people don’t think of getting a 3-in-1 cable to take the place of three separate ones. Chances are that your various electronics rely on a mix of USB-C, microUSB, and (for Apple users) Lightning chargers to stay running. Because of that, you probably have to bring one cable per device on road trips, when you could just rely on one multi-pronged USB cable that can fuel up any device that needs recharging. Avoid tangled wires and missing cables during road trips with just one of these 3-in-1 cables.

Trusted brand

Anker Powerline II 3-in-1 Cable

Staff Pick

Anker is one of the biggest names in the charging business, so it makes sense that the company offers a 3-in-1 charging c…

2021’s most pocketable flagship phone released so far

What you need to know

The ASUS ZenFone 8 is now available for purchase in the U.S.
For a limited time, you can save $30 when ordering directly from ASUS.
ASUS is positioning the ZenFone 8 as a “compact flagship” smartphone.

In a world where the best Android phones are comprised of massive and unwieldy displays, the ASUS ZenFone 8 takes a different approach. After being announced in Europe back in May, ASUS has officially released the ZenFone 8 here in the U.S.

Featuring a 5.9-inch FHD+ display, the ZenFone 8 might just be the most pocketable flagship device that we’ve seen released in 2021. Pair this with the 120Hz refresh rate and near-stock Android software experience, and you have a recipe for a device that is honestly refreshing.

In the camera department, the ZenFone 8 sports the 64MP Sony IMX686 sensor and a 12MP ultrawide lens. If you want to snap some selfies, you won’t be able to flip the camera around like with the…

Google Stadia finally comes to the Chromecast with Google TV, but it’s a mixed bag of frustration.

Google’s cloud gaming service has had its fair shares of trials and tribulations over the years. From excitement to disappointment, Google Stadia fans have been clinging onto hope that the service won’t just get dwarfed by the likes of the Xbox Game Pass, NVIDIA GeForce Now or any of the other cloud game streaming services.

One of the recent disappointments came when the Chromecast with Google TV was announced last Fall with no Stadia in sight. Google continued to promise that the platform was “on the way,” but it was difficult not to feel like we weren’t just in store for more disappointment.

Fast forward to June 2021, and Google finally delivered. Seven long months since the release of its new streaming dongle, Google Stadia is finally available. It’s free to download for everyone, but beware, as dragons lie ahead.

Stadia on Chromecast with Google TV review:

Price and availabi…

When it comes to upgrading your home theater setup, one of the first things you might want to grab is a streaming device. But that’s really only one piece of the puzzle, as you’ll also likely want to upgrade the sound quality. Traditional home theater speaker systems are so outdated, with wires running everywhere and dealing with trying to make sure everything is configured properly. Well, Roku can help solve both of those problems in one fell swoop with the Roku Smart Soundbar. And for Prime Day, you can save $36 and instantly upgrade your setup.

Roku Smart Soundbar | $36 off at Amazon

$144 at Amazon

The Roku Smart Soundbar offers an upgraded audio experience with Dolby Atmos tuning, along with one of the best streaming interfaces possible. With this soundbar, you’ll be able to use it as your primary streaming device and movie nights will never be the same again.

So how is the Roku Smart Soundbar supposed to fix your streaming needs and audio quality at the same time? Well, …

Over the course of the two-day Prime Day festivities, we’ve seen quite a few great wireless earbud deals ranging from the recently-launched Amazon Echo Buds (2nd Gen) and including all of the best Samsung headphones. But there’s one deal that has stuck out for me — so much so, that I grabbed another set. The Jabra Elite 85t are my favorite wireless earbuds right now, and time’s running out on your chance to save big.

Jabra Elite 85t | $69 off at Amazon

$162 at Amazon

Jabra’s Elite 85t offer long-lasting battery life, Active Noise Cancelation, a customizable EQ, and are just a fantastic all-around set of earbuds. There’s even IPX4 resistance if you want to go for a quick run or hit the gym.

Jabra may not get the love and attention it deserves in the wireless earbud space, but they are definitely a favorite for quite a few people here at Android Central. The Jabra Elite 85t are the latest offering in Jabra’s lineup, and every time I put them in my ear, I’m reminded as to why …

It’s been a few years since my college days have ended, so I get jealous looking back and comparing my dorm days to what they must be like now. This jealousy is doubled down upon when you take a look at the different Prime Day Android accessories that are on sale for Prime Day and can be great for college students.

Enjoying a smarter dorm

First things first, you’ll want to deck out your dorm with some nfity smart dorm accessories. This includes a smart speaker or two, of course a streaming dongle like the Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite for all of your shows and movies, and some voice-controlled lights.

Amazon Echo Dot | $25 off at Amazon

$25 at Amazon

The Amazon Echo Dot is the perfect smart speaker companion. It fits almost anywhere, which is great for smaller dorms, and can be used to remind you to turn that paper in when it’s due.

Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite | $12 off at Amazon

$18 at Amazon

Provided that you’re just bringing a TV from home, you’re going to want to ma…