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mardi 31 août 2021

Spotify Blend is now official, letting friends compare their musical taste

Create a shared playlist with your friend and check your music compatibility score.

What you need to know

  • Spotify announced that its Blend shared playlist has exited beta testing.
  • The feature provides a personalized experience that allows two friends to combine their music tastes.
  • Blend is available to both free and premium users worldwide.

Spotify debuted Blend in June as part of beta testing alongside the "Only You" feature to personalize your listening experience. The new feature is now officially available to all users worldwide with some nifty improvements.

Blend initially allowed two users to combine their favorite songs in a shared playlist. The updated feature now lets you compare your listening preferences with your friends' through a "taste match score". The score will show how compatible your musical tastes are with those of your friend.

To create a shared playlist with a friend, you can simply tap the "Create Blend" option in the For You hub in the mobile app and then select the person you would like to invite. Your friend only needs to accept the invitation and Spotify will take care of the rest like creating a cover art to distinguish each Blend playlist you create.

The service will also generate data stories unique to the both of you, shareable across your social channels. This capability is quite similar to the company's Wrapped feature.

Blend is updated daily and it will gather songs based on what you and your friend listen to in an effort to build a social listening experience on one of the best Android apps. The personalized playlist is now live for free and premium users.



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Samsung is already getting ready to update the Galaxy S21 to Android 12

The One UI 4 beta begins in September and brings Android 12 to the Galaxy S21.

What you need to know

  • Samsung is beginning the One UI 4 beta program in September, starting with the Galaxy S21.
  • One UI is the name Samsung's themed version of Android and contains many features that stock Android does not.
  • The One UI 4 beta is built atop Android 12, likely bringing a slew of changes along with Android's biggest UI update yet.

Looks like Galaxy S21 owners won't have to wait too long to experience Android 12, as Samsung Korea's One UI 4 beta is beginning sometime in September. One UI 4 is the next major version of Samsung's themed version of Android, this time build atop Android 12, and is expected to be rolled out to more devices later in the year. For now, though, Galaxy S21 owners look to be in the elite group that gets the ability to sign up for the beta.

The Samsung Community forum Beta Operations Manager posted the news this morning, announcing that the One UI 4 beta would be available for testing soon. The original image for the announcement was in Korean, but we've run it through Google Translate so you can get an idea of what it says in English.

It's not yet known how much of Google's new Material You design language will be incorporated into One UI 4 but, given that Android 12 takes lots of inspiration from Samsung's One UI design language, it's not likely to be the drastic change that Pixel users are going to experience. It's worth noting that Dynamic Color — Google's name for the Pixel-exclusive automatic color-theming experience — will not be coming to other Android 12-powered phones in its current form.

Samsung recently started bringing One UI 3.1.1 to more Samsung phones, including Samsung's older Fold and Flip phones, adding in new multitasking features that take advantage of the foldable form factor. More than likely, Samsung has plenty of new ideas it's been cooking up and is ready to deliver with One UI 4. We'll just have to see what exactly is included in a few short days.

The best slab phone

Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra

$1,050 at Amazon From $1,200 at Best Buy From $1,200 at Samsung

The best cameras you'll find

Samsung's foldables are the talk of the town right now, but there's one thing neither of those phones has: the best cameras. That honor is bestowed upon the Galaxy S21 Ultra, which is now more affordable than ever.



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Pixel 6 could get faster wireless charging than iPhone 12, Galaxy S21

Will you buy a Pixel Stand or make do with wired charging?

The Pixel 5 on a wireless charging stand

What you need to know

  • Android Police reports that retailers are being given Pixel 6 accessories, including a "23W Google Pixel 23W WL Stand."
  • Most recent flagship phones only support 15W wireless charging, though OnePlus Warp Charging does hit 50W.
  • The Pixel Stand could have built-in fans to keep the phone cool, plus different charging modes like "Auto," "Quiet," and "Power Boost."

Back in June, we heard rumors of a Pixel Stand accessory, which will have built-in cooling fans to keep your Pixel's temperature low while supporting faster wireless charging. Reportedly, the fans will automatically go silent if you use Google Assistant or the Recorder app, and you can choose how fast your phone charges in exchange for higher or lower fan noise.

Today, an Android Police retail source provided evidence that the Pixel Stand exists, and is being shipped out to various stores already in preparation for the launch of the Google Pixel 6.

According to the source, this new Pixel Stand will hit 23W. The currently available Stand only supports up to 10W of charging, while the Pixel 5 technically ran up to 15W. If this report is accurate, the Pixel 6 could support wireless charging up to 23W — or potentially even higher. Most of the best Android phones today max out at 10W or 15W, making this a pretty neat perk to the upcoming phone.

The Google Pixel Stand available now has an Ambient Mode where your Pixel essentially becomes a smart display for Google Assistant. It lets you see slideshows of your favorite photos, quickly use Google Assistant for commands and shortcuts, or see your Nest Cam feed. While we're a fan of the older model, it did cost $79, making it rather expensive for a wireless charger.

Given that the new Pixel Stand will add fans and faster charging, this new accessory will likely cost even more. And given that the Pixel 6 supports 33W wired charging — but won't ship with a wired charger — we'll have to see how many Pixel 6 owners decide to invest in both a wired and wireless charger.

Otherwise, this news makes us excited for another reason: if Pixel 6 accessories are arriving in stores, it stands to reason that the phones themselves will soon follow. We can only hope Google officially announces a release date soon — though we don't expect the announcement until mid- to late-September.



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These are some great replacement bands for the Fitbit Charge 4

When you start shopping for the best Fitbit Charge 4 bands, you'll find there's no shortage of options to choose from. If you know that you don't typically fancy the proprietary bands, you'll want to think about stocking up on some new ones. You'll be happy to know that the Fitbit Charge 3 bands are also compatible with the new device in case you have some of those lying around. If not, we've gathered up some excellent options for you to consider.

Affordable breathability

Wepro Waterproof Band

Staff Pick

If you want to make sure your skin can breathe, this soft TPU band from Wepro is a great pick. The soft material is smooth on the wrist and comes in various colors. The unique design has tons of perforations for maximum airflow. It's also one of the most affordable options, which is another reason that it's one of the best Fitbit Charge 4 bands out there.

$7 at Amazon

Comfy canvas

hooroor Canvas Woven Band

Your Fitbit Charge 4 will look stunning in this woven canvas band. This band is comfy enough to wear during exercise and stylish enough for a night on the town. You can count on the high-quality material to withstand your workouts while still feeling lightweight on the wrist. It's complete with a sturdy stainless steel buckle to ensure a secure fit.

$9 at Amazon

Fashionable as ever

Fitlink Stainless Steel Metal Replacement Band

If you want to show off your fashion sense, there's no better choice than this stainless steel metal band from Fitlink. The band can easily be adjusted, so it's easy to achieve a perfect fit. It also has a strong clasp to keep your band secure on your wrist. It comes in over 10 attractive colors, including silver, champagne, diamond blue, and more.

$9 at Amazon

Slim and stylish

Maledan Genuine Leather Band

Another stylish option is this genuine leather band from Maledan. It's crafted with genuine calf leather to provide you with a soft and comfortable feel that's suitable for daily wear. The slim design and opening on the band make it lighter and more breathable on your wrist, too. You'll enjoy premium stainless steel metal connectors for seamless installation.

$10 at Amazon

Premium softness

YOUKEX Nylon Sport Band

YOUKEX offers one of the best Fitbit Charge 4 bands you can buy. This nylon band is made of premium material that is durable and soft, so you'll always be comfortable. There are over 10 different colors to choose from. You can also opt for a multi-pack if you want to stock up. Additionally, the hook-and-loop fastener allows for quick and easy adjustment.

$6 at Amazon

For fitness enthusiasts

Velavior Waterproof Band

If you're searching for a waterproof band, but you'd prefer a solid design without any holes in it, this option from Velavior will do the trick. It's ideal for fitness enthusiasts who spend their time enjoying one high-intensity activity after another. There's an additional loop for added security, so you'll never have to worry about this band falling off when you're working out.

$7 at Amazon

Be unique

Maledan Woven Fabric Band

Those who want their Fitbit Charge 4 band to stand out from the crowd will want something more original. You can be your unique self with these woven fabrics bands from Maledan. You can choose from various designs, like this rainbow pattern, camouflage, plaid, and more. You'll love the skin-friendly material that lets your skin breathe and looks good doing it.

$10 at Amazon

Durability at its finest

Shangpule Stainless Steel Metal Band

Enjoy optimal durability with this stainless steel band from Shangpule. This is perfect for those who want the look of a traditional watch when they wear their tracker. You won't find a better band for the job. The high-quality material and strong clasp deliver the classic style you love and the durability you expect. It comes in many colors, like black, gold, silver, and more.

$16 at Amazon

Best Fitbit Charge 4 bands: Dress up your tracker

As you can see, there are plenty of great options when it comes to dressing up your fitness tracker with a new band. Our personal favorite is the Wepro Waterproof Band. While the affordable price tag is great, that's not the only thing we love about this one. You'll also have plenty of breathability with this soft PTU band, which makes it ideal for athletes and active individuals who need a band that can keep up.

If you have a special occasion coming up and you really want to dress up your tracker, then you might be better off with the Fitlink Stainless Steel Metal Band. It's lightweight, beautiful, and offers easy size adjustments while remaining secure on the wrist. It comes in silver, rose gold, graphite, and many other striking colors that will match your style.

Perhaps you want something softer. If so, go for the YOUKEX Nylon Sport Band. It's both comfortable and durable, so you can count on it to handle your active lifestyle with ease. You'll also have a myriad of color options available to you. So no matter what you're looking for, it's easy to find the best Fitbit Charge 4 band for your needs.



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Review: Young Souls on Stadia has style, but not enough variety

The sword should only be used as a shield.

Young Souls is a 2D beat 'em up by the small French developer 1P2P Studio. It features precise combat and timing that would liken itself to Dark Souls, but the story of two loudmouthed teenagers fighting both evil, and themselves, more than makes up for the obvious similarities between gameplay systems. The combat is fun after getting the hang of it but does not quite have the variety to keep it fresh.

The game is a "First on Stadia" title, which means it is a timed exclusive for the streaming platform. It is expected to launch for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Steam on PC, and Xbox One in Fall 2021, though it could have used a bit more time for polish after experiencing various glitches and multiple crashes.

At a glance

Young Souls on Stadia

Bottom line: Young Souls is a beautiful-looking game with challenging combat, but it does not have enough variety to keep it interesting when you're having to put up with multiple crashes and glitches.

The Good

  • Graphics are colorful, and the animation is fluid
  • Combat is fun once more abilities are unlocked
  • Great accessibility settings
  • Fast loading screens

The Bad

  • Not enough variety outside combat
  • Multiple crashes
  • Various glitches in gameplay and options

$25 at Google Stadia Store

Young Souls: Gameplay, story, and presentation

Category Young Souls
Title Young Souls
Developer 1P2P Studio
Publisher The Arcade Crew
Genre Role-Playing Game
Version Reviewed Stadia
Stadia Pro? No
Players Single-Player, 1-2 Players Local Cooperative Multiplayer
Release Date August 17, 2021
Launch Price $25

Young Souls is a 2D beat 'em up styled after the quarter-eating arcade classics of yore, with a combat system that rewards patience and timing instead of mindless button mashing. The main gameplay moves you from one room to the next, fighting various grunt enemies or giant bosses. Most of your attacks are in close range, using swords, axes, and daggers, with blocking being key to survival. Enemies flash when they are about to attack, and hitting the block button at the right time will parry, leaving them open to more damaging light and heavy attacks.

Parrying is extremely important at the start of the game because your characters do not have enough stamina to roll frequently, and groups of enemies can swiftly overwhelm you. Stunned enemies lying on the ground can also be picked up and thrown to knock back others. While the parrying is satisfying to pull off, I did not have to rely on it solely through the latter half of the game after upgrading my stamina to roll more and unlocking accessories like the bow and bombs for long-range damage. There were other accessories like a grappling hook and teleportation device, but I earned those so late in the game that I did not feel the need to switch out my fully upgraded accessories just to try something different.

There is not much variety in the combat once you find the right style of fighting. Weapons and armor have weight to them, so there is a balance between power, defense, and speed. Heavy weapons and armor offer high stats with less agility, while lighter armor and weapons offer more hits with less resilience to attacks. There are moments where you can ride small dragons to use in the fight and one section that requires cursed weapons that bring your health down to one HP, but the brief distractions only come later in the game after dozens of similar stages.

The dungeon stages do not provide much gameplay variety either. Most of the rooms are simply rooms, though sometimes there are obstacles such as saw blades, swinging axes, and lasers. However with lanterns to carry through the darkness, these obstacles are easy to deal and become a nonissue most of the time. Instead, the game's main focus is to study attack patterns and strike swiftly without overcommitting and opening yourself to damage.

Young Souls follows two teenagers Jenn and Tristan, as they try to save their town and their adoptive father, the Professor, from an underground goblin army that intends to take back the surface from which they were driven from a long time ago. Both Jenn and Tristan are brash and rebellious teens that skip school, are known as troubling to townsfolk, and curse so much that there is a profanity filter in the options menu. The story is serviceable with some funny moments from the teens, but it is mostly loaded at the beginning and end of the game with brief interludes of growth after boss fights.

The locations are colorful, with characters boasting lively and smooth animations.

You play as both teens, with each playing one in local co-op or tagging in and out for single-player. The game was manageable without another human player as the switched-out character would recover damage while resting. A teen can be revived when downed, but each only has a limited number of lives. Both characters also had their own loadouts, so switching when one took too much damage or when one was more equipped to fight certain encounters became a strategic decision. I was able to have one teen as my damage dealing tank and the other nimble and quick to always be ready for any type of fight.

The bulk of the game is spent crawling through one of four dungeons. There is also the Moon Gate to select equipment and dungeons, the teens' bedroom that requires sleeping to level up, the goblin market to buy and upgrade equipment, and downtown Portsbourgh.

The locations are colorful, with characters boasting lively and smooth animations. There is a scooter to drive in downtown Portsbourgh that is a little unnecessary given the size of the town but absolutely fun to whiz by buildings in a ferocious blur. Unfortunately, there is not much to do in the town other than speak to the mayor to advance the story, buy cosmetic-only clothes and shoes, and go to the gym to raise stats with button-mashing minigames when the game allows.

While the locations are highly detailed, each really serves only one function. I spent the most time either fighting in dungeons or in the goblin market memorizing what items I had equipped, so I did not accidentally sell it because the game does not lock equipped items. The game is very generous with the fast travel option only taking a few seconds between locations and even offers a VCR-styled fast forward button to scroll past cinematics. The button makes sense to skip through pre-boss fight cinematics after failing over and over. Still, it can also be used for the shorter cinematics such as traveling between locations, sleeping, and stage checkpoints. The option is welcomed but begs the question of whether the unimportant cinematics should just be shorter instead of beoing constant and honestly skippable.

Young Souls: Stadia performance and features

Young Souls on Stadia ran perfectly on my PC when it wanted to. The action was always smooth in and out of combat with very little slowing down. But, of course, that is dependent on your connection. According to my Verizon Fios connection's Speedtest, I had an average download speed of 57Mbps and an average upload speed of 63Mbps. Google recommends at least a 10Mbps download speed for 720p streaming, 20Mbps download speed for 1080p streaming, and at least a 35Mbps download speed for 4K streaming.

It was a bummer when the game crashed, but I only felt slightly annoyed knowing I could breeze through what I lost without any penalty.

Unfortunately, the game crashed several times during my almost 10-hour playthrough. It would happen randomly, such as during heavy combat or when entering a new area. Luckily, the checkpoints are so generous that I rarely lost progress. When I did, though, I used the game's accessibility menu to essentially cheese my way through the long stretches of stages I had already completed before the crash. I played on the recommended Challenging difficulty, but that level could be changed at any time alongside the multiple options in the accessibility menu. The options included reduced incoming damage, increased attack damage, auto-block, adjusted attack speed for both players and enemies, and more.

It was a bummer when the game crashed, but I only felt slightly annoyed knowing I could breeze through what I lost without any penalty. At least that was the case for the combat sections, because button-mashing through the fitness minigames and winding up with a worse score the second time around did not feel great. There were also various glitches such as characters stuck in the environment, equipment prices flashing 999,999, and some in-game settings like vibration and screen shake not saving a few times.

Young Souls: Should you buy it?

3.5 out of 5

Young Souls is a challenging game that can be fine-tuned to one's preferences to be as simple or as punishing as possible. Most of the game becomes a pattern of fighting room after room of enemies, going to bed to level up, seeing if you can upgrade new equipment just earned, and repeat. The story takes a backseat after the introduction to basic conversations until the end. The game is built around rewarding combat but it does not have much outside of that to keep players hooked.

There are also the technical aspects of constant crashes and glitches to consider. It did not feel satisfying having to repeat sections every few hours because of these crashes. Young Souls is fun when hitting the perfect parry in a sea of goblins or being upgraded enough that one giant sword swing can take out two or three lesser enemies. Yet, it is far from one of the best Stadia games if you're looking for more than just some pretty visuals and tense combat.

Young Souls on Stadia

Bottom line: The First on Stadia title Young Souls is beautiful to look at and offers challenging combat but does not have enough variety outside of fighting to keep it interesting while also suffering through multiple crashes.

$25 at Google Stadia Store



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Older Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip owners to see new features soon

Good news if you own an older Samsung foldable.

What you need to know

  • Samsung has announced that it's bringing many of its newest software features to its older foldable phones.
  • The company says that beginning August 31, One UI 3.1.1 will begin rolling out to Galaxy Z Fold 2 5G, Galaxy Z Flip 5G, and the original Galaxy Z Flip devices.
  • The original Galaxy Fold should start seeing the updates in a week or so.

The news out of Samsung Mobile today should surprise and delight those intrepid early adopters who shelled out their hard-earned money for one of the company's early foldable devices. Samsung says that it is now bringing some of the exciting new features from its One UI 3.1.1, which debuted on the new Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3, to these older phones starting today.

These features include the ability to drag and split the screen, change the aspect ratio for any app, adjust the app split view, and mirror your cover screen to your interior screen. In addition, users will also be able to better manage multiple windows and window switching, rotate their apps, and pin apps to the taskbar. Of course, some of these features are limited to the larger Fold series based on the screen real estate available with those devices, but the major takeaway is that if the feature is available on the newer phones, then it will be coming to its respective predecessors soon.

How soon? Well, the One UI 3.1.1 update should begin rolling out to Galaxy Z Fold 2, Galaxy Z Flip 5G, and Galaxy Z Flip devices starting today, August 31st, with the original Galaxy Fold starting to get the update sometime in the next few weeks.

If you haven't yet bought into the idea of picking up one of the best foldable phones, you can still get some good deals on the previous generation of foldables. Of course, if you want the latest and greatest, like the Z Fold 3 or Z Flip 3, then be sure to check out our roundup of the best foldable phone deals.

Flipping amazing

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3

From $1,000 at Samsung From $1,000 at Amazon From $1,000 at Best Buy

Pocketable pall

If you year for the good old days of clamshell phones but still want all of the functionality of a modern smartphone, the Z Flip 3 is the device for you.

Best of both worlds

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3

From $1,800 at Samsung From $1,750 at Amazon From $1,800 at Best Buy

Fold up

The Galaxy Fold 3 is the premier foldable phone on the market. It merges the best of a tablet with the best of a smartphone, with water resistance, improved durability, and style for days.



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The best phone for seniors and those with hearing and visual impairments

Many senior citizens have used smartphones for a decade and like the same phones that younger demographics do. But if you're new to smartphones — or you're the relative of a Baby Boomer or Silent Generation person who needs help picking something accessible — we're here to help. Likewise, some of you may have impairments or disabilities that make a standard phone difficult to use; others may be on a limited retirement budget and may not have the money for anything fancy. Whatever your circumstances, here are the best phones for seniors to fit any scenario.

Best smartphone for seniors: Google Pixel 5a

Seniors could easily pick any of the best Android phones or a premium iPhone and be happy. Most have perks like bright screens, big batteries, and fast performance that anyone will appreciate regardless of age. But truth be told, the most expensive phone perks like pro-quality cameras and fast displays for mobile gaming are superfluous for plenty of seniors. In most cases, a mid-range phone like the Google Pixel 5a will be more than sufficient.

Its 6.34-inch display hits the sweet spot, large enough to give the visually impaired a better experience but not so large that it's hard for arthritic hands to hold. It has surprisingly fast performance for a cheaper phone, enough that you shouldn't ever have to wait long for an app to open. Its battery will last even if you use it for 6–8 hours non-stop, so it'll never die on you during an emergency. And Pixel phones have famously excellent cameras, plus Google AI that automatically improves your photos of grandkids or nature.

Hardware aside, the Pixel 5a works well for seniors because its stock Android software is streamlined and easy to use. It comes pre-downloaded with easy-to-use Google apps. You get three years of software and security support from Google, making it a cost-effective purchase.

Built-in Google Assistant is a great way to call family or ask questions without typing anything with unsteady fingers. And Pixels have built-in call screening and spam blocking tools that'll help prevent scammers and telemarketers from getting through.

Finally, the Google Action Blocks app is perfect for those with vision or memory problems. Friends or family members can set up quick, one-tap actions from their home screen, which can be sized for large touch targets. All these perks and more, you'll get for about half the price of the most popular smartphones.

Pros:

  • Good price for a "regular" smartphone
  • Great camera and photo-sharing capabilities
  • Frequent software and security updates
  • Built-in call screening and Google Assistant
  • Bright screen is easy to read outdoors

Cons:

  • More pricey than some other options on this list
  • Using it will be complicated for seniors unfamiliar with smartphones
  • Fingerprint sensor on the back may pose problems for those with arthritis or mobility issues

Affordable quality

Google Pixel 5a

$449 at Google Store

A simple interface

The Google Pixel 5a has a fast processor, water/ dust resistance, amazing battery life, and solid cameras for a reasonable price.

Best value phone designed for seniors: Lively Jitterbug Smart2 Smartphone for Seniors

Even though many Android phones have a dedicated "easy mode" or other shortcuts or widgets to make navigation easier, the standard-bearer for senior phones has long been the Jitterbug brand. Made by Lively (formerly GreatCall), Jitterbug phones are tailored to seniors that feel intimidated by new phone features or lack the dexterity to use them easily.

The Jitterbug Smart2 has a large 6.2-inch touchscreen, much easier to read than a tiny flip-phone screen. Instead of a traditional app-based system, the Smart2 has a simplified list view of the most important apps that a senior might need. This includes the phone/dialer, text messages, camera, internet, email, maps, and support. You won't find popular games or apps here, but the limited selection keeps the phone from feeling overwhelming or bloated.

The phone supports voice typing, so those with dexterity issues don't have to worry about small keyboard touch targets. The front-facing video camera will let you video chat with family and friends. Best of all, there is an urgent response button right on the home screen that puts the senior in touch with a trained agent who can connect them with emergency services.

Then there's the Lively Link app, which lets family and friends receive alerts if the Smart2 user calls for help, along with any other health info or your location if you want to share it. Similar to Amazon's new Alexa Care Hub, the Lively Smart2 safety features will give you peace of mind that someone's looking out for you in an emergency.

Be ready to pay monthly fees for talk, text, data, urgent care response, and other features that add up to a decently high monthly fee. There's even a one-time, mandatory activation fee to use the phone, which Lively doesn't clarify on its site. On the other hand, the phones run on Verizon networks, so coverage is pretty reliable.

Pros:

  • Simple and clean user interface
  • Very affordable
  • Voice typing and loud speakers
  • Emergency and support access from the home screen

Cons:

  • Camera is not flagship level
  • No real app support
  • No wireless charging or water resistance
  • Fees for services can add up

Best value phone designed for seniors

Jitterbug Smart2

Smart senior phone

The Jitterbug Smart2 provides a senior-centric smartphone experience free from unnecessary apps, menus, and settings.

Best phone for hearing-impaired seniors: iPhone SE

We know this is an Android site, but hear us out (no pun intended). Apple's iPhones and iPads have long been at the forefront of the accessibility discussion, with tons of features for all kinds of differently-abled people. Whether it's voice-to-text, low sight accommodations, or hearing aid integration, iPhones cater to people with hearing or visual impairments.

For instance, Live Listen uses the phone mic to amplify people's words into the headphones. Sound Recognition notifies you on-screen if the phone detects an alarm sound. And certain smart hearing aids are designed to work specifically with iPhones. Our colleagues at iMore have written up an easy how-to guide to help get you started with iOS accessibility tools.

But as we've mentioned, iPhones get expensive with diminishing returns for older users. That's why the affordable iPhone SE is a good choice for seniors. You get all the perks of an Apple phone — better longevity than Android phones, strong security, a colorful and accessible app interface, iMessage, and FaceTime to text and video call your family — for about a third of the price of an iPhone 12.

The compact iPhone SE has a 4.7-inch screen with large top and bottom bezels, plus a dedicated Home button if you get lost in an app. That screen size could be too small for the visually impaired, but it's much easier to hold in less stable hands than a 6-inch phone. You'll have to decide whether tactile or visual comfort is more important. Also, keep in mind that a smaller phone means a smaller battery; it'll work fine for short trips but may not last a full day out without a recharge.

Pros:

  • Tons of accessibility features
  • Easy to connect with most hearing aids
  • Water resistance and wireless charging
  • Security and OS updates for years to come

Cons:

  • No USB-C charging
  • Doesn't have an edge-to-edge screen
  • Small screen
  • Battery will need frequent recharges

Best phone for hearing-impaired seniors

iPhone SE (2020) - Smartphone

SE stands for SEniors

Going with an iPhone is a safe bet if you want the most accessibility options for your senior (or yourself).

Easiest Android phone for seniors to use: Samsung Galaxy A52 5G

All Samsung phones have a unique Easy Mode feature other Android phones lack. With it active, you get "bigger on-screen items, a longer touch-and-hold delay to prevent accidental actions, and a high contrast keyboard for better readability." The most important apps are prioritized and enlarged on the home screen, including a Magnifier, and it also lets you add important Contacts to your home screen.

Also, similar to iPhones, Samsung phones have some robust accessibility settings, including hearing aid or mono audio (one ear) support, a screen reader that describes what's on screen, font size/color adjustments, and plenty of other useful tools.

With that in mind, the Samsung Galaxy S21 is the best reasonably-priced Android phone of the year. But as with the iPhone SE and Pixel 5a, most seniors will be more than happy with a mid-range phone. Thus, consider the Galaxy A52 5G, which will save you a few hundred bucks but still give you great quality.

For $500, you get a 6.5-inch, 1080p AMOLED screen that's large enough to leave plenty of room for zoomed-in text and stretched apps. Its 4,500mAh battery will last you a full day, even playing games and movies constantly, and its Snapdragon chipset is speedy for a mid-range phone, handling most common apps with ease. Plus, you get some sub-6 5G support for better call quality.

As for downsides, we found that it doesn't get bright enough in sunny conditions, making the screen harder to read; it's better suited for sedentary seniors that spend more time indoors. And even though it gets three years of software support, a Samsung phone will take longer to get those updates than a Pixel or iPhone.

Pros:

  • Samsung's Easy Mode is perfect for large touch targets
  • Beautiful large display
  • Long-lasting battery
  • Affordable entry point to Galaxy lineup

Cons:

  • May be too large for some to hold comfortably
  • Display doesn't get bright enough for direct sunlight
  • No wireless charging
  • In-display fingerprint sensor may be an issue for some

Easiest Android phone for seniors to use

Samsung Galaxy A52 5G - Smartphone

Easy mode activated

Samsung's Easy Mode makes its Galaxy phones well-suited for seniors, and the A52 5G is one of the most affordable options.

Best basic flip phone for seniors: Lively Flip

Let's be honest, when most people picture the best phones for seniors, they think of flip phones, not smartphones. Well, there's a good reason for that assumption. Flip phones give you physical, tactile buttons to more easily navigate simple menus, while sticking to a few core apps without making things too complicated. Most of the best flip phones will give you a cheap way to call family; for one that's purpose-made for seniors, we return once again to the Lively Jitterbug brand.

This isn't your father's flip phone; it's your grandfather's! In all seriousness, the Lively Flip is better suited to seniors thanks to some useful design choices. On the inside of the phone, you have large, clicky buttons for dialing, an arrow pad for navigating the screen, and an emergency key at the bottom for calling for help. There are also dedicated On/Off and Speaker buttons, so you don't need to hunt for them.

Even though it's definitely not a smartphone, the Lively Flip does come with built-in Amazon Alexa support so that you can use your voice to send texts, make calls, set timers and reminders, and even control smart home devices. There's also a usable 8MP camera, a flashlight, and a magnifying glass feature for zooming in on small text.

Compared to the Lively Smart2, you get the same emergency services and health monitoring, along with the same fees. However, while you get Alexa (which the Smart2 lacks), you don't get voice-to-text or video calling. And it shouldn't surprise you that texting or adding contacts to a flip phone is much slower than on a smartphone touchscreen.

Pros:

  • Basic and familiar design
  • Quick button emergency access
  • Built-in Amazon Alexa
  • Long-lasting battery

Cons:

  • No touchscreen
  • No voice-to-talk
  • No video calls

Best basic flip phone for seniors

Lively Flip

Simple to use

Thanks to its big buttons and familiar form factor, the Jitterbug Lively Flip is just about the simplest phone for a senior to use.

Best cheap smartphone for seniors: Moto G Power (2020)

When you can buy a flip phone for as cheap as $20, it may be hard to convince yourself to drop huge sums of money on a smartphone. All of our picks are relatively affordable, but if you really want to save some money, consider the Moto G Power, one of the best cheap Android phones by far. Specifically, the 2020 Moto G Power, as the 2021 Moto G Power isn't nearly as good of a phone.

For just a couple hundred, you get some respectable tech for a smartphone: a 6.4-inch, FHD display with good color fidelity, a massive 5,000mAh battery that'll last you two or three days in case you forget to recharge it, a decent Snapdragon 665 processor, 16MP main camera, and water resistance. You'll also get Android 11 out of the box; it's not quite "stock" Android that you get on a Pixel, but the software is very straightforward and easy to use.

Motorola also has some solid accessibility settings. TalkBack lets you tap anything on screen and have the phone read it out loud to you. You can also turn on large text or high-contrast text by default. And then there are some standard Android accessibility tools like voice-to-text, plus (of course) Google Assistant. It's not as robust as other OSs for accessibility, but it's respectable for a budget phone.

Also, Motorola is unique in that it has special Moto Actions, aka gesture controls. For instance, you can karate-chop your phone to turn on the flashlight or twist it to turn on the camera. Some seniors will find these difficult to pull off, while others will appreciate the option to quickly pull up features without tapping an icon.

If there's one major downside to the Moto G Power 2020, it's that the phone received its one software update to 11 and won't go any further. It'll receive some security updates through the Google Play Store, but it undoubtedly will slow down faster than other options on this list. Still, it's a great short-term option. If you want something a bit more durable and powerful from the same brand, consider the newly-released Motorola Edge.

Pros:

  • Very affordable with reliable performance
  • Easy-to-use software with unique gesture controls
  • Decent accessibility
  • Neverending battery life

Cons:

  • No future software updates planned
  • Slow charging speeds
  • Only 4GB of RAM

Best cheap smartphone for seniors

Moto G Power (2020)

Don't waste a dime

The Moto G Power gives you a large screen, a battery that'll never quit, and a price that's not much higher than a flip phone's.

Bottom line

There has never been a better time to find a phone well-suited for seniors or those with vision or hearing impairments. Google, Samsung, and Apple have all stepped their accessibility games up in recent years, making it much easier to navigate their operating systems with disabilities or limited technical know-how. Of course, you can't go wrong with the big 3, but if you want our top recommendation, go with the Google Pixel 5a.

In terms of accessibility, you get its TalkBack screen reader to hear what's on-screen, text magnification, sound amplification through wired or Bluetooth headphones, live transcription of whatever's said around you (including movie captions), Action Blocks for routines, and Lookout — which uses Google Lens and your camera to describe text or locations around you. And these cool features aside, the Pixel 5a is one of the best cheap phones available today, with a great display, battery, performance, and cameras for the price.

Credits — The team that worked on this guide

Jeramy Johnson is proud to help Keep Austin Weird and loves hiking in the hill country of central Texas with a breakfast taco in each hand. When he's not writing about smart home gadgets and wearables, he's defending his relationship with his smart voice assistants to his family. You can follow him on Twitter at @jeramyutgw.

Michael Hicks just convinced his 79-year-old dad to try out a smartphone, and hopes he can help you out as well. A former ebook developer turned tech writer, he reviews everything from smartphones to tablets, smart home tech to VR games.



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Windows 11 won't have support for Android apps at launch on October 5

Microsoft is working with Amazon and Intel to bring Android apps to Windows 11.

What you need to know

  • Microsoft has revealed that Windows 11 will not support Android apps at launch.
  • A preview of the feature will become available for Windows Insiders "over the coming months."
  • Windows 11 will begin rolling out to eligible Windows 10 PCs on October 5.

Microsoft announced August 31 that Windows 11 will not include Android app support at launch. Support for running Android apps is one of the biggest highlights of the new operating system (via Windows Central).

It now looks like most Windows 11 users will have to wait until 2022 to be able to run Android apps. Aaron Woodman, general manager of Windows Marketing, revealed in a new blog post that Microsoft plans to bring a preview of the future for Windows Insiders "over the coming months."

We look forward to continuing our journey to bring Android apps to Windows 11 and the Microsoft Store through our collaboration with Amazon and Intel.

As revealed by Microsoft in June, Android apps will be listed in the new Microsoft Store and will be available to download through the Amazon Appstore. Microsoft will be using Intel Bridge technology to make the experience possible. In addition to Intel-powered devices, Android apps will also work on AMD and Arm-based Windows 11 PCs.

Currently, the only way to run Android apps on Windows PCs is to use an Android emulator such as Bluestacks. You can also run Android apps on Windows 10 devices using the Microsoft Your Phone app, but the functionality is limited to the best Samsung phones.

Windows 11 will start rolling out to eligible devices starting October 5. Microsoft expects all eligible devices to be upgraded to Windows 11 by mid-2022. If you have an eligible Windows 10 PC, Windows Update will notify you once the update is available. You can also check for the update manually by going to Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates.

Besides native support for Android apps, Windows 11 will bring Microsoft Teams integration, a fresh new interface, an AI-powered personalized feed called Widgets, a revamped Start menu, and accessibility improvements.



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