Sunday 31 July 2022

Twitter says governments have made more account data requests than ever before

Twitter might be one lightning rod of social media platform these days, but if there's one topic Elon Musk's attempt to buy out the platform and his subsequent attempt to abort the purchase has put to the forefront, it's got to be "free speech." As a corporate-owned entity, it doesn't need to be a bastion of it, but given the rollercoaster of developments it's been on, it'd like to show that it does care.



Will Samsung surprise us with a rollable smartphone at its upcoming Galaxy Unpacked event?

Innovations are emerging day by day across the consumer electronics space. They may seem mundane to you today, but billions of people are using smartphones on a daily basis, things we could only imagine of decades ago. As if that wasn't mind-blowing enough, foldable smartphones are becoming mainstream, and rollable devices may be just beyond the horizon. A handful of phone brands are now competing to launch the first rollable smartphone and one of them is Samsung. We heard only a quick word this spring of an extra-special device that may get some time in the spotlight this summer, it seems like its first rollable devices could be here sooner than expected. This begs the question — will we get to see a rollable phone at Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked event?



Sony's ageless WH-1000XM4 headphones are on a limited-time clearance sale at a killer price

Released back in 2020, the noise-cancelling Sony WH-1000XM4 are still undoubtedly some of the best high-end headphones money can buy... especially at $250.

Google is doing nothing about these hugely popular malicious apps, so just delete them yourself

This new list of malicious Android apps includes several titles downloaded more than a million times and at least three still available for download from Google Play.

YouTube Music wants you to explore other performances of your favorite songs

A studio recording may be the definitive copy of the typical label-published song, but it may not be the one you most enjoy. In fact, you might even have a cover or straight-up remix you prefer. The beauty of YouTube is that you'll probably see all of those tracks in video form on the site. The beauty of YouTube Music? You can just listen to all of them in one place now.



Xiaomi 12S Ultra: From an iPhone clone to a global powerhouse - the student becomes the master?

Xiaomi went from an iPhone clone to a global powerhouse about to overtake both Apple and Samsung! Here's what happened...

Saturday 30 July 2022

Take a crack at this playable Google Doodle and see if you can win at pétanque

A lot of cultures have this particular game where you aim and launch stones to try and get them as close to a target as possible while trying to block your opponent's stones from doing the same. You might be familiar with bocce, lawn bowling, or even curling, but in France, they call it pétanque and an upcoming Google Doodle lets us play a game or two. Or, uh, twenty-three. Look, TikTok isn't for me, okay?



TSMC completes the construction of its Phoenix-based fab which will produce 5nm chips in 2024

The world's leading independent chip foundry, TSMC, announced that it has completed building the structure for Fab 21 located in Phoenix, Arizona.

LG is making more money without smartphones, thank you very much

Tomorrow marks a full year since LG Mobile officially called it quits. However you felt about its phones, the buying public wasn't all too thrilled about them: the division had spent the previous five years losing money, quarter after quarter, and that dragged the rest of the company down on the balance sheet. Now, as the conglomerate reports second quarter earnings for 2022, LG seems eager not to look back.



This is by far Amazon's best Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+ deal yet

Normally priced at $900, the 12.4-inch Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+ is on sale right now for almost 150 bucks less than that in a single color option.

Free trial streaming services: Hulu, HBO Max, Prime Video, and beyond

Wondering which streaming services offer free trials? We got an exhaustive list here.

It's time for Amazon Drive users to move all their files or lose them

Amazon is much more than just a shopping destination you can pick up a brand spanking new microwave oven from — it actually has something of an ecosystem of its own with both software and hardware products that give even the likes of Google and Microsoft a run for their money sometimes. Obviously, not all see success thanks to the intense, cutthroat competition in their respective categories. One such venture is a cloud storage application that's very similar to Google Drive. Chances are you haven't even heard of Amazon Drive until we brought it to your attention. If you're curious about dropping your files onto the service, though, it's probably too late.



Here's how you can make AT&T pay for its controversial admin fee... in California

AT&T has recently agreed to settle a drawn-out lawsuit over a fee many customers found to be misleading, and you can now file a claim for your share of $14 million.

Twitter Blue's new rate is nearly twice its original monthly price

Twitter has increased the monthly fee for Twitter Blue in order to continue developing new features and improving existing ones.

Friday 29 July 2022

The Google Pixel 7 could bring back proper support for flip covers

Google’s Pixel 6a took everything we liked about the Pixel 6 and made it more affordable, but with it now here, it's time to look forward to the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro. While Google's most recent Pixels are easily among the best Android smartphones you can buy today, there's still plenty of room for improvement from the Pixel 7 series. Today we learn about one little tweak that may be in the works, as recently discovered debug code suggests the Pixel 7 could get something we haven’t seen since on a Pixel since the second-gen models in 2017 — a Hall effect sensor.



Google Pixel 6a review: the right way to do a budget phone

The Pixel 6a sets a new standard for budget Android phones with its flagship grade processor and top notch camera experience...

Every game with touch controls on Xbox Game Pass (xCloud) for Android

Microsoft is offering hundreds of games through cloud streaming with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. While all can be played with controllers, only a few dozen can be played with touch controls.

These are all the Galaxy Z Flip 4 colors and combos prematurely confirmed by Samsung

Who needs leakers when Samsung itself appears to have confirmed more than 70 Galaxy Z Flip 4 color combinations ahead of an August 10 announcement?

Apple's massively popular HomePod mini is on sale at a rare discount in one snazzy color

Although small, this latest discount is the best you can currently hope to get on Apple's industry-leading HomePod mini smart speaker.

Google's plan to rid the web of third-party cookies pushed for late 2024

Google's third-party cookie blocking tool might not see the light until 2024.

Thursday 28 July 2022

Your Google Pixel already knows who that screenshot is for

Over the years, Android has focused on making actions easier and quicker to execute — like how the vast majority of us have moved to gesture navigation. Or, for instance, when you take screenshots, Android gives you the option to edit, crop, or share them right away, without diving into the gallery app first. Today we're looking at another improvement in this direction, as Google’s Pixel phones now try to guess the ideal recipients for screenshots you take.



Pixel 6A: The “perfect” iPhone and Galaxy replacement - hard to recommend thanks to Google

Google fails to get its own software and hardware right again - this time on the brand new Pixel 6A. Security risks and display omissions stop me from recommending the phone to friends and family, despite incredible value!

Galaxy Buds 2 Pro pricing, Galaxy Watch 5 color options leak ahead of the launch

Galaxy Buds 2 Pro could cost $30 more than the Galaxy Buds Pro as new details emerge next to Galaxy Watch 5 color options.

Does the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 support Qi wireless charging?

Samsung unveiled a variety of great products at the Galaxy Unpacked event, including the snazzy Galaxy Watch 4. It has loads of great new features, but does it support Qi wireless charging? Here's your answer.

Best smart thermostats that don't require a C wire 2022

If you're going from an older thermostat to a new smart one, you may find that your system is without a C wire. If that's the case, you can install one, pay to install one, or simply grab one of these smart thermostats that don't even need one.

The Oculus Quest 2's price increase is all our fault

Meta is increasing the price of the Quest 2, but the company doesn't seem to be as forthcoming with the real reason behind it as we think they should be.

The best Google Pixel 6a deals and price — how to buy the budget phone

If you've been waiting to get your hands on Google's newest budget phone, today's your lucky day.

Wednesday 27 July 2022

Google is not doing anything about these hugely popular malicious apps, so just delete them yourself

This new list of malicious Android apps includes several titles downloaded more than a million times and at least three still available for download from Google Play.

How to add a student to your cellular plan without getting ripped off

Adding a line to your account for a student is easy, but getting the best deal when you do it can be a bit more challenging. Whether you're ready for all new plans, or just want multi-line discounts, adding a line may not be as pricey as you thought.

Spotify announces Car Thing is not a thing anymore

Last spring, Spotify announced its Car Thing — an accessory that allows you to interact with your phone’s Spotify app while in a car... and nothing else. Without support for navigation, or any other bells and whistles, you might just be better off sticking with Android Auto (or Apple CarPlay) instead. After pouring approximately $32 million into Car Thing, the company seems to have realized that the product is quite the nothing burger, and has decided to end manufacturing.



Pixel 6A: Another missed opportunity for Google sets the stage for Nothing Phone to shine bright

The Pixel 6A is just another Pixel - it comes with the good and the bad things that made the Pixel 6 series popular, which gives Car Pei's Nothing Phone 1 a unique chance to steal the title of "best value phone of 2022". Here's why!

T-Mobile rides high on customer additions while 2021 data breach brings losses

T-Mobile has been dead set on building its 5G network as fast as possible and it's paying off with significant customer additional to postpaid phone plans as well as fixed home internet customers. The carrier's losses came as no surprise with expenses from its Sprint merger and data breach settlement.

Tuesday 26 July 2022

Are AirPods a good earbud choice for Android users?

AirPods are among the most popular earbuds on the planet, but are they really worth using if you have an Android phone? Let’s settle this once and for all!

Rumors zoom in on expectations for the Galaxy S23 Ultra's telephoto camera

We might be months away from the launch of the Galaxy S23 series, but that doesn't mean rumors aren't already floating around the industry about Samsung's next non-foldable flagships. Last month, we heard the Galaxy S23 and S23+ might use the same 10MP telephoto camera as their predecessors, which wasn't all too surprising — after all, Samsung actually recycles camera hardware quite often. A new report now claims this rumor also holds true for the Galaxy S23 Ultra.



Samsung's powerful Galaxy Tab S8+ is on sale at an incredible discount

Woot has brand-new, unused, unopened, and undamaged Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+ units on sale at only $619.99 with a full manufacturer warranty included.

Meta increases price of the Oculus Quest 2 by $100

Meta announced it will increasing the price of the Oculus Quest 2 VR headset by $100 starting in August.

Amazon is taking the Charcoal Pixel Buds Pro a little too literally

The Pixel Buds Pro are almost here, with pre-orders going up last week and shipping expected to commence on July 28. Unless you're one of the lucky customers who got the earbuds earlier than usual, you will have to wait until later this week, just like the rest of us. Expectedly, the earbuds can be pre-ordered from the Google Store, in addition to other popular e-commerce platforms like Best Buy. But someone seems to have gotten their wires crossed when putting up the listing on Amazon, and ended up a little confused by the presence of the "charcoal" colorway.



Monday 25 July 2022

The 7 best Android weather apps you need to download

It's summer, which means the weather will be unpredictable. We've already experienced record-breaking heat across the US and Europe, and it looks like storm season is quickly approaching Making sure you have the most accurate weather data is essential so that you're prepared for whatever weather you're going to face before you step out the door. In no particular order, here are our favorite Android weather apps.



New teaser confirms 125W charging support for the Moto X30 Pro

A Lenovo executive posts a teaser confirming that the Moto X30 Pro will feature support for 125W charging.

Anker's new GaN-based chargers can power multiple devices at higher speeds

Anker has unveiled a new line of GaN-based chargers with up to 150W of power delivery in a compact package.

WhatsApp could defeat the purpose of its disappearing messages

WhatsApp has been developing plenty of new features, with more than a few of them feeling like responses to help the app keep up with its competition. Sometimes, though, those new additions leave us feeling confounded and scratching our head, because they seem to undo capabilities introduced in earlier updates. WhatsApp could be up to some degree of back-pedaling right now, as we hear about development of an option to retain messages otherwise set to disappear.



Boost Mobile obliterates the competition with the cheapest 'unlimited' plan in the US

Boost Mobile has quietly launched a killer new promotion for new customers allowing you to get unlimited "everything" for just $25 a month.

The Best Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 prices and deals: July 2022

Since it first hit store shelves in August 2021, the Galaxy Z Fold 3 has made waves as the best foldable phone on the market. Here's how to save big and get one for yourself.

Sunday 24 July 2022

Cool Pixel 6a photography feature coming this week to Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro

The Camouflage feature, which makes background items less distracting on photos taken with the Pixel 6a, is coming to the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro on July 28th.

Netflix escapes Apple Tax at last as app links to streamer's own subscription site

App Store users wishing to subscribe to Netflix can now subscribe through Netflix avoiding the Apple Tax.

This super tiny tetris machine will be the best $20 distraction you'll ever come across

You might be familiar independent designers and craftspeople who make and trade wooly hats and pleated skirts, plus resin-covered succulents in different dirts. Oh yes, you've been to Etsy before. But there's also a pretty health cottage economy in tiny tech tinkerers, too. Sure, a lot of them base their work around keyboard switches and emulator kits. Sometimes, though, all it takes is a tiny Tetris machine to get everyone's attention and that's just what one British designer has done.



T-Mobile agrees to cough up $500 million for its disastrous data breach last year

It might have been almost a year ago, but T-Mobile's big August 2021 data breach is still fresh in some people's minds. After all, the theft of data (including addresses and Social Security numbers) from tens of millions of users is nothing to scoff at. The carrier has since been fighting class-action lawsuits all over the country due to the breach. Now, after trials and negotiations, it is preparing for some hefty payouts in order to settle the matter.



Dystopian thriller 'Papers, Please' is finally coming to Android

Lucas Pope is one of the more prolific indie game developers out there. Most of the great projects he's produced were originally made for 48-hour game jams like Ludum Dare. However, his most popular game came out of a much longer (9 months) and more strenuous effort. "Papers, Please" was designed to put players to the overwhelming test of accepting and rejecting homebound travelers and immigrants crossing into the Republic of Arstotzka. It was originally released for desktop clients nearly a decade ago. What a perfect time, then, to re-release it for mobile.



Apple Watch Pro could ditch the current rectangular form but it won't be for everybody

The rugged Apple Watch Pro could feature a fresh design but it might be too big for most people.

Lucky consumer gets his Pixel Buds Pro early and loves them

One lucky Redditor received his pair of Pixel Buds Pro early and loves them. The true wireless stereo earbuds will be released on July 28th.

Inflation! Could Apple and Samsung bring ads to your iPhone and Android or make you subscribe to it?

Phones with ads and buying your next iPhone like it's a Spotify subscription! Will Apple and Samsung fill your phones with ads to make them cheaper? Would you like that? Vote in the poll!

Saturday 23 July 2022

Verizon falls well short of Wall Street's prediction of net new phone subscribers during Q2

Verizon reported much fewer net new phone subscribers during the second quarter than Wall Steet expected.

Image depicting iPhone 14 Pro camera highlights where Galaxy S22 Ultra might have an edge

Images depicting iPhone 14 and 14 Max and iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max camera arrays reveal they will not have a hotly tipped feature.

Samsung allegedly owes a business over $35,000 in trade-in credits it failed to pay

A business that purchased 125 Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra units from Samsung has been shortchanged more than $35,000 after taking advantage of a trade-in deal.

Your Chromebook may soon become your favorite mobile hotspot

The days of having to use your phone as a cellular hotspot in order to get internet access onto your other devices while on the move are starting to fade away. A lot of Chromebooks — and laptops in general — are being sold with built-in SIM support to connect to the same grid your phone is connected to. That way, your laptop can have native access to mobile data and be connected essentially everywhere. But always-connected Chromebooks in particular have one notable omission: a lack of hotspot capabilities. That will be amended on a future update, though.



Google fires engineer who called AI model 'sentient'

Blake Lemoine has made a name for himself and that's saying something for a software engineer. His peers would argue, though, that it's been for the wrong reason. As a member of Google's Responsible AI division, he's been pitching and publicizing transcripts generated from his interactions with the company's Language Model for Dialogue Applications, or, LaMDA. Lemoine has described the chatbot generator as a "hivemind" of personas with a self-aware core of intelligence. When Google originally was made aware of his disclosures, it suspended him. Now, Lemoine himself has revealed that he has been dismissed from the company.



FBI bombshell: Huawei's rural cellular gear could spy on U.S. nukes and more

An investigation that started during the Obama administration discovered that telecom equipment sold to U.S. rural carriers was a major security risk.

iPhone 13 camera before iPhone 14 launch: Apple and Android keep failing to make real camera phones

Apple, but also Samsung and Google simply don't want to let you take "real" photos. The problem? Too much computational photograph. But there's light at the end of the tunnel! Take a look!

These TikTok caption features will make videos more accessible in any language

TikTok has introduced new caption and translation tools to help users access foreign-language videos on the platform.

Friday 22 July 2022

Does the Nothing phone (1) support fast charging?

The Nothing phone (1) can do a lot more than your average phone, but does that include fast charging?

Russian-occupied regions of Ukraine want to ban Google

All sorts of companies have stepped up to assist in the ongoing war in Ukraine, with Google among the leading tech companies to do so. From restricting data on Maps in order to prevent locations from being given away to shutting down Russian YouTube channels to stop propaganda efforts, there's been no shortage of actions taken by the search giant this year. Today, pro-Russian forces announced their intention to block Google in specific Ukrainian regions, following similar actions taken against Meta a few months ago.



How to get wireless service for $5/month with this Boost Mobile deal

You can get a month of unlimited talk and text, 5GB of 5G/4G data, and a free SIM kit for the price of a cup of coffee, thanks to the good folks at Boost.

You could save more on your Google Store purchases with Rakuten’s Chrome extension

Google has started accepting pre-orders for the new Pixel 6a. It's the company’s most powerful mid-range Pixel phone yet, and you can buy it for just $150 if you trade in an older A-series Pixel in working condition. If you don’t have an older phone you're able to trade in, of if you're looking to buy some other Google hardware, you've still got money-saving options. We just learned about a new one, as Rakuten's browser extension starts letting you save two percent on all Google Store transactions.



Honor Tablet 8 announced with a sleek design, 12-inch 2K display

Honor announced its new Tablet 8 with a 12-inch display. The new device comes with 128GB of internal storage and up to 8GB of RAM.

Thursday 21 July 2022

Cloud gaming NVIDIA GeForce Now brings 120FPS support to compatible Android phones

NVIDIA GeForce Now has come with 120FPS support for Android phones. These devices will need to have a 120Hz screen to take advantage of the latest improvement.

Best Pixel 6a screen protectors 2022

Whether you lean towards TPU films or tempered glass, these Pixel 6a screen protectors have it all. Grab the best protection for that OLED display.

Does the Pixel 6a have the same fingerprint sensor as the 6 and 6 Pro?

While the Google Pixel 6 and 6 Pro are truly excellent phones, the in-display fingerprint sensor left a lot to be desired. Google doesn't seem to be making that same mistake with the Pixel 6a.

YouTube Music could have a sleep timer in the pipeline

Android is all too eager to help you start some music playing, but what to you do if you don't want to keep it playing forever — whether you fear you're at risk of wandering off or drifting off? You could use automation apps like Tasker or install a dedicated third-party app, but nothing beats a native sleep timer. YouTube Music could soon be getting just that, making it your ideal companion during breaks, workouts, or whenever you only want to listen for so long.



Discovered code reveals that YouTube Music could soon add a much wanted feature

YouTube Music could soon be adding a sleep timer according to hidden code found on the latest version of the app.

Mobvoi has just teased the next TicWatch

A new teaser image of the new TicWatch is circulating on the internet

Nothing phone (1) vs. Google Pixel 6a

Nothing proved that it can deliver a gorgeous design with the phone (1), and it delivers in a lot of key areas. With the Pixel 6a, Google is offering what may just be one of the best mid-range phones of 2022.

Wednesday 20 July 2022

Google adds new OnePlus, Motorola, and Xiaomi phones to the official ARCore certification list

Augmented reality has all kinds of applications in Android phones, including for e-commerce and gaming. ARCore is Google's development suite for AR apps, but devices have to be certified to run ARCore-built apps. Certification means the device passes muster in a number of different areas, like camera quality and motion sensor accuracy. Newer phones keep on being added to the ARCore support list regularly, and now, a new set of more than 30 Android phones have received this certification, including smartphones from the likes of Motorola, OnePlus, and Xiaomi.



Google Meet participants can now ask questions and submit polls anonymously

For users in Google's ecosystem, Forms has long been the go-to choice for collecting opinions and input across teams — even if you want to do so anonymously. While tight integration with other Google services helps its popularity, Forms can be rather clunky to interact with. Now a better-sounding solution is arriving, with the introduction of anonymous polls and Q&As for Google Meet.



Google Meet brings some anonymity to polls and questions

Google Meet to gain a new anonymity feature for participants. The new feature will allow members of a meeting to have a chance to respond to polls and ask questions anonymously.

Google improves Android security with DNS-over-HTTP/3 update

Google has brought in DNS-over-HTTP/3 as a new security feature. The new addition looks to provide Android users with increased security while on the internet.

Android Auto streamlines its media player, just in time for your next road trip sing-along

Google promised its redesigned UI for Android Auto would arrive just in time for the summer driving season. Nearly a month into the hottest time of the year, we still haven't seen it arrive in cars yet. That's not to say Google isn't ready to roll out some changes to its car-friendly interface. While it might not be the split screen mode everyone is waiting for, Android Auto's media player is getting a refreshed look, bringing a much-needed dose of modern design and bug fixes to your vehicle.



FIFA 23 coming to Stadia this September with cross-platform play

Electronic Arts revealed FIFA 23 for Stadia with new features and cross-platform play with PC, PlayStation, and Xbox.

Tuesday 19 July 2022

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4: News, rumors, leaks, release date, price, and more

Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip 3 is one of the most interesting devices the company sells today. It doesn't have the horsepower of the Galaxy S22 Ultra or the same wow factor as the Galaxy Z Fold 3, but it offers a convenient foldable experience for a price that's not entirely unusual for a high-end phone: $999. The phone was released last summer, so it's coming up on its first birthday, which means it's about due for an upgrade. Intrigued? Here's everything we know about the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4.



The iPhone is losing its biggest edge over Android, what's Apple going to do next?

Is the iPhone going to need to find a new edge over Android soon? Apple keeps missing smartphone trends, and now this...

Best PS5 accessories 2022

If you have the new PS5, you'll need some accessories to get the best out of the system. Here are some of the best PS5 accessories you can pick up.

Amazon Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen) vs. Nest Hub (2nd Gen): Which should you buy?

Choosing the better small smart screen is a close call and depends on which home assistant you prefer. Overall, we think that the Nest Hub (2nd Gen) is the better option.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4: News, rumors, price, and release date

It's almost official: The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 will likely be announced at Samsung Unpacked on August 10, 2022. We expect to see Samsung's flagship foldable announced alongside the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4, Galaxy Watch 5, and Galaxy Watch 5 Pro. But, of all Samsung's upcoming announcements, the Fold 4 is definitely the most talked about. That's mainly because foldable phones are hard to buy with very few manufacturers making them, and many of the most exciting options are limited to specific markets such as Asia or Europe. That said, Samsung has paved the way for foldable phones over the last few years, and we expect big things from the fourth iteration of its most expensive and luxurious handset.



What countries will the Nothing phone (1) be available in?

There has been a lot of mystery surrounding the Nothing phone (1) which launched in several countries on July 12.

Monday 18 July 2022

What is Wi-Fi Direct and how do you use it?

Sharing files between Android devices is fast and easy, thanks to Wi-Fi Direct and Nearby Share. You can even share large files over a gigabyte quickly without sacrificing any video quality. Wi-Fi Direct also enables low-latency wireless display sharing. Here's what else you can expect!

Best Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra screen protectors 2022

After investing in a new Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra, it's important to protect every surface, including the screen.

Best Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra cases 2022

It may no longer be the newest thing out there, but Samsung's Galaxy Note 20 Ultra continues to be a top-of-the-line Android flagship that'll stay relevant for a long time. That said, a device this big (and expensive) needs proper protection, which is why we've rounded up some of the best Galaxy Note 20 Ultra cases available out there!

Leaked Galaxy Unpacked 2022 invite teases Samsung's new foldables for August 10

If you're looking forward to new Samsung mobile hardware, you can count on at least two major launches a year: one Unpacked event for the newest Galaxy S-series flagships getting us started near the beginning, and another Unpacked around August that once introduced us to new Note phones, but these days is the home for the latest Z-series foldables. We heard a few weeks back that Samsung's next Unpacked might be scheduled for August 10 this year, and now that's looking increasingly likely, upon the leak of an Unpacked invitation.



Snapchat is now accessible on the web, but there's a catch

Snapchat has gained a new web app that lets users access the service via their desktop to send pictures and chat with friends through video calls.

Check out how Google's new Magic Eraser camouflage feature works before the Pixel 6a arrives next week

While some Android phones might have Google beat at specs, design, or sheer performance, it's hard to compete with the company's software tricks — especially regarding the camera. One of the coolest photo-focused features in years launched alongside the Pixel 6 last year: Magic Eraser. Google is adding some new functionality to this tool with the Pixel 6a next week, but we're already getting a preview ahead of the phone's arrival.



YouTube update allows users to loop a single video chapter

YouTube brings in a new update to its looping feature. Users can now loop a chapter of a video while YouTube begins testing a new mobile interface.

Sunday 17 July 2022

How to prevent your smartphone battery from suffering a premature death

There are things that you can do to prevent your smartphone's battery from suffering a premature death.

Broadband internet should bring 100Mbps downloads, FCC chairwoman proposes

If you were online in the 1990's, you remember the cacophonous shriek of your modem as you logged into AOL, then having to wait minutes to download a song from Napster. The stakes were low and it didn’t really matter if you had an ISP or not. Today, still in the long shadow of COVID, the internet has become a pillar of our lives, and living without a broadband connection means you are literally cut off from many opportunities. Thankfully, the FCC says most Americans have access to broadband (warning: PDF download) these days, but what "broadband" means could change if the commission chairwoman has her way.



Chinese censorship drawing more flak from its own citizens after unpublished novel was wiped off cloud

Censorship has long been present in China with the country placing severe restrictions on all forms of media including print, radio, theatre, film, TV, and of course, social media. Any voice that is on the opposing side of the government's talking points is swiftly suppressed. A Chinese digital novelist has found this out the hard way after being locked out of her draft of a lengthy novel written on the cloud-based word processing software WPS.



Google demands Android app developers turn over Data safety info by July 20th

Android app developers have until July 20th to pass along to Google the data from users that their apps collect. This is part of Google's new Data safety feature.

Google Authenticator pulls the one new feature it's had in years

The Google Authenticator app is an essential security tool for many people, even as several alternatives currently exist in the market. In May this year, Google introduced the relatively minor "Click to reveal PIN" feature, which hides all two-factor authentication codes from view, allowing users to reveal only the codes they want to use. It seemed like a fairly innocuous inclusion, considering that 2FA codes change every 30 seconds anyway. But Google apparently doesn't see it that way, as the feature has disappeared from the Authenticator app following an update last week.



7 million iPhone users urged to remove these 84 scammy apps charging them quietly

Apple refuses to do anything about these 84 apps duping iPhone users out of money.

Saturday 16 July 2022

FCC: U.S.needs $3 billion more to remove Huawei, ZTE gear from rural networks

The FCC says that the U.S. is $3 billion short of the funds it needs to fully reimburse rural carriers for ripping and replacing Huawei, ZTE gear out of their networks.

Executive shares a sample picture from the 200MP sensor on the Motorola Edge 30 Ultra

A photo sample from the 200MP sensor used on the upcoming Motorola Edge 30 Ultra has been shared by a Motorola executive.

For the first time ever, non-gaming iOS apps performed better than games

For the first time, non-gaming iOS apps generated more revenue than iOS gaming apps in the App Store.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 might come in this slick color variant

A new leaked image shows off the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 in a purple colorway from the side.

Samsung's Galaxy Buds apps are crashing non-stop for some, but a fix is promised

Samsung's entire lineup of Galaxy Buds are the best wireless earbuds you can pick up right now, especially if you've got a Galaxy phone to go along with them. The actual hardware's great, but a lot of that awesome experience has to do with the feature-rich software you can install on your phone to better configure your sound and usage according to your needs. Things can quickly fall apart, though, if that software fails and, unfortunately, that's exactly what owners of the Galaxy Buds and Galaxy Buds Pro are having to put up with for the past few days.



Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 sequel emerges, render and specs leak

The sequel to Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 has just leaked and judging by its specs, it's not much different than the one launched two years ago.

Twitter's latest subtle update gives users something to chirp about

Twitter's been in the limelight lately for all of the reasons, good, bad, and ugly. You probably already have a good idea about the bad, so let's focus here on the good stuff — the app's improved over the past few months thanks to the addition of a handful of new features, including bottom bar customizations and automatically generated video captions to name a couple. Now, another cool-sounding (literally) addition is joining them and while it's pretty minor, believe us when we say that it actually makes the app a bit more satisfying to use.



Apple Music introduces new, exclusive live features

Apple Music debuts Apple Music Sessions, exclusive live releases featuring some of the most iconic and emerging artists around the world.

Friday 15 July 2022

New Facebook test lets users create multiple profiles tied to their account

Facebook has begun testing a new feature for users' accounts. The test will allow users to create up to five additional profiles, removing the requirement for those different profiles to have a real name.

Nova Launcher 8.0 beta is here with Material You and a totally redesigned settings menu

Nova Launcher has held a permanent spot on any roundup of the best Android launchers for the better part of a decade now, and it's still in active development. It wasn't even a year ago that we saw the official launch of 7.0, bringing a full visual refresh and other updated features to anyone willing to download the app from the Play Store. Today, the dev team is back with the start of an all-new beta. Nova Launcher's first 8.0 preview is here, and it's coated in Material You goodness.



Sony closes deal to acquire Destiny developer Bungie for PlayStation

The deal for Sony to acquire Bungie has closed, meaning Bungie is now officially part of PlayStation.

Nothing opens the door for custom ROMs with kernel source release

Whether Nothing's freshman Phone (1) has you excited or not, there might be another reason to be interested in it. Nothing has just released its first set of kernel sources for the Nothing Phone (1). Paired with the fact that security researcher Linuxct revealed that the device should be bootloader unlockable, it sounds like the phone might have some custm ROMs to look forward to.



Microsoft's OG Surface Go can be yours at an incredible price with a bunch of accessories included

Microsoft's Windows-powered Surface Go oldie is more attractive than it's been in a long time, costing a measly $200 and up with a keyboard, pen, and case bundled in.

Thursday 14 July 2022

Prime Day 2022 breaks another sales record for Amazon

Amazon's Prime Day sales event saw tons of sales and helped shoppers save nearly $2 billion.

The UK's highly controversial online surveillance bill has been delayed, pending a new Prime Minister

For some time, the United Kingdom has been cooking up legislation to more tightly regulate the internet for British users. The Online Safety Bill seeks to force tech companies, like Meta and Google, to deal with harmful content on their platforms, with provisions including jail time for executives withholding data and obligatory age checks for porn websites. The bill, which has understandably raised concerns regarding freedom of speech, was due to be put up for a vote by the British House of Commons, but the vote has now been delayed.



The compact Asus Zenfone 9 will officially reveal its 'big possibilities' on July 28

The 5.9-inch Asus Zenfone 9 will bring its compact design, big battery, and state-of-the-art processor to the big stage on July 28 for an official announcement.

Now is the best time to install the Android 13 beta on your Pixel phone. Here's why.

The final beta version of Android 13 has been released by Google giving those who have been sitting on the fence a release candidate to install.

Qualcomm teases new wearable chip, likely for next-gen Wear OS smartwatches

Qualcomm is teasing a new Snapdragon chipset for wearables ahead of next-generation Wear OS smartwatch launches.

Google Play Store removes app permissions list for new 'Data safety' section

Google has begun removing the permissions lift and replacing it with a new "data safety" section. This change will allow developers to share as much or as little information about how their app collects data.

Can't wait for the Pixel Buds Pro? Grab a pair of Pixel Buds A-Series for just $80

Prime Day has officially come and gone, but there are still some great deals available. The Pixel Buds A-Series, Google's mid-range wireless earbuds, are one of our favorite pairs, and you can still snap a pair up for 80 bucks — $20 under their already reasonable $100 MSRP and a full $120 less expensive than the upcoming Pixel Buds Pro.



Wednesday 13 July 2022

Best Amazon Prime Day 2022 camera deals

Planning to buy a new camera on the 2022 Amazon Prime Day? Let's check out the deals!

Best Prime Day smartwatch deals 2022: save big on Galaxy, Fitbit, and more

Whether you're monitoring your health or your calendar, there is no better gadget for organizing your life than a smartwatch. Here are the best Prime Day smartwatch deals we've found so far.

These are the seven best phone deals this Amazon Prime Day

Amazon Prime Day is in full swing, and there have been plenty of deals to choose from. Smartphones have been right in the middle of the action, with discounts on everything from foldables and flagships to budget and mid-range phones. Now is an excellent time to upgrade to a new phone, and we've collated the best deals to help you pick one.



Samsung’s latest flagship tablet is part of the Amazon Prime Day sale too

Amazon and Best Buy are running deals on multiple Galaxy Tab S8 models making Samsung's most expensive tablet a tad cheaper.

Save $100 on the Galaxy Watch 4 with this Prime Day deal

Various models of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 are on sale, including this $100 price drop on Amazon.

Tuesday 12 July 2022

You don't want to miss this Apple Watch Series 7 Prime Day deal

Prime Day 2022 brings big price cuts on the popular Apple Watch Series 7, making this one of the best times to join the smartwatch revolution...

Score an absurdly cheap Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen) for Prime Day

The Echo Show series is heavily discounted, with or without an adjustable stand or with kids features, and you can even bundle it with cameras for even more savings.

Samsung’s fastest microSD cards are down to their lowest price ever this Prime Day

Most of us know Samsung as an Android smartphone maker or perhaps for its excellent OLED screens. But the company is also a dominant force in the flash memory space. That’s the reason its latest PRO Plus-branded microSD cards are among the fastest available today to cater to all your creative needs. These professional-grade memory cards from Samsung are currently on sale, starting at just $28 for the 256GB storage option. That's a substantial discount only for Prime Day.



Two of Garmin's top Apple Watch alternatives are down to lower than ever prices this Prime Day

The decidedly feature-packed and premium-looking Garmin Venu 2 and Venu 2S smartwatches are cheaper than ever before for a limited time with a Prime membership.

Watch 4K movies or use AI-enhanced upscaling on old ones with $30 off NVIDIA SHIELD TV Pro

Watch videos in 4K HDR or upscale older movies and TV shows to look better on your new TV. The NVIDIA SHIELD TV Pro can even stream PC games from the cloud or your gaming PC.

Monday 11 July 2022

Google straight-up ruined its brand new YouTube experience for older Chromecasts

Last year, Google rolled out an updated app-like experience for YouTube on Chromecast. Unfortunately for everyone that owns one, Google has broken the ability for this app to sign in to your Google account. This means you can’t see your personalized recommendations in it or browse things like your playlists or categories, and if you use the fancy new app experience to select videos, you’ll be forced to watch ads even if you pay Google a subscription to remove them. In short, the new YouTube app on an older Chromecast is now a substandard experience, and Google’s even telling customers who complain that the change was “intentional.”



Screenshots from unreleased One UI 5 beta reveal minor changes and new features

Screenshots from an unreleased beta version of One UI 5 have leaked revealing some new features.

The Nothing Phone makes its (online) debut tomorrow

The event will be streamed online and we will be watching.

Samsung Galaxy S22 series' successor tipped to ditch the Exynos chipset

Samsung will allegedly skip its own Exynos chipset for all of its next Galaxy S flagship models in favor of Qualcomm's Snapdragon processor.

WhatsApp wildly expands emoji reactions, leaving Telegram in the dust

WhatsApp has been on a roll lately in adding new features. Over the last few months, the messaging service has gained features like message reactions, the ability to share files up to 2GB, support for groups with up to 512 members, and new Communities. It is also testing a plethora of improvements that are currently under development, including multi-device 2.0 with companion mode support. Message reactions have been a welcome addition, as they allow you to express yourself better and help keep unwanted messages in check. Two months after the feature first debuted, WhatsApp is further improving it by letting you use any emoji to react to a message.



AT&T picks up the Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) at an unbeatable price (with installments)

Following in Verizon and T-Mobile's footsteps, AT&T is getting ready to finally release the Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) mid-ranger on its network this week... starting at $2 a month.

Sunday 10 July 2022

Pixel 6 users find dead pixels by the front camera and the upper right corner of the display

More bugs for the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro as users are finding dead pixels behind the front camera and in the upper right corner of the display.

Sony's quirky LinkBuds are insanely cheap (with 2-year warranty) a few months after their release

Released just a few months ago, the "open-ring" Sony LinkBuds are already marked down from $179.99 to a little over 60 bucks in "like new" condition.

Adventurous multilingual ChromeOS users can try a crafty new keyboard shortcut

There's a lot to celebrate with the release of ChromeOS 103, including support for features like Nearby Share and an updated Phone Hub with the ability to view recent pictures from your collection. But there's always something to look forward to down the road and we're taking a look at one such attraction which will allow users to type out diacritics straight from their default keyboard rather than relying on ALT codes, character maps, or other sources to input these special characters. In fact, Canary channel users are able to try this shortcut out right now.



Verizon has a nice albeit familiar surprise in store for 3G holdouts

If you're still using a 3G-only mobile device on Verizon... for some reason, you should expect to receive a free new "basic" 4G LTE-enabled phone in the very near future.

Spend $50 or less on these Anker wireless earbuds with Qi charging

A good pair of wireless earbuds can cost hundreds of dollars, especially if you're getting them from those prestige brands. When Anker's Soundcore Liberty 2 Pro and Air 2 earbuds came out a couple years ago, they were priced at $150 and $100, respectively. But that's the thing with time: we've got some especially good deals going on right now that bring both products under $50. After all, who needs to wait until Prime Day?



Latest iOS beta release includes a subtle tribute to the late Steve Jobs

The iconic Clownfish wallpaper that Steve Jobs had on the original iPhone when he unveiled it in January 2007 has returned in iOS 16 Beta 3 for some users.

Saturday 9 July 2022

One city is urging taxi drivers against slapping five phones on their dashboards

Some people, especially folks driving older cars that don't have Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, might sometimes be prone to take a simpler approach — using their phone. Buy a dashboard/windshield mount for your phone, and it's just as good as an actual head unit. But in Hong Kong, a lot of professional drivers tend to take this a bit to... the extreme, so to speak. It's not a rare sight to see taxi drivers and minibus operators plugging in multiple phones, tablets, and even radios with distracting displays on their vehicle's dashboard for navigation, seeing bookings, and checking traffic info. That's led to rising casualties on the city's roadways. But there's some hope for good news yet as authorities are planning moves to take care of this issue.



Samsung remained the top smartphone manufacturer during the first quarter

Samsung remained the top smartphone manufacturer during the first quarter of this year delivering 17 million more units than Apple.

The best Google Pixel 6 cases in 2022

The Pixel 6 is the smaller of the company's two current flagships, but at $599 it's one of the best Android phones you can buy right now, especially if you're on a budget. Even if you're saving a bit of money on your phone compared to the Pixel 6 Pro, you probably still want to protect the slippery slab with a decent case. We've done the footwork for you by rounding up the best Pixel 6 cases for you today.



Amazon just changed how to access your content with Alexa on Fire TV

Amazon likes to tweak its voice assistant, Alexa, regularly to provide its users with new and maybe even fun experiences on their smart speakers or displays. It's done so to great success going up against the likes of Google, Alibaba, and Baidu, having dominated the global smart speaker market in shipments since 2016. In its latest batch of new features, the company is streamlining voice command access to users' libraries and bringing an interactive trivia session with one of the most kick-ass, bad-ass actors of all time.



Google, Apple, other Big Tech firms face antitrust investigation over AV1 license scheme

The Alliance for Open Media or AOM is a conglomerate mostly comprising familiar names from Big Tech that was founded in 2015 to build open-source video technologies and standards meant for the masses. This coalition is responsible for the one of the newest media formats on the block, AV1 — short for AOMedia Video 1 — offering significant upgrades over the VP9 and x264 codecs. But how AV1 is proliferating may be cause for trouble and major fines as European regulators have now confirmed a preliminary investigation into the group, specifically focusing on its licensing rules.



Benchmark score doubles down on the buzz surrounding the Moto X30 Pro

Based on its AnTuTu Benchmark score of 1,114,761, which was posted on social media by Motorola, the Moto X30 Pro could meet expectations as an Android powerhouse.

Friday 8 July 2022

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Z Flip 4 case information leaks

Leaks have surfaced about Samsung's new release of foldable phone cases. The assumed case information provides a look into potential price and color options.

Netflix has the cure for your crappy laptop speakers with expanded spatial audio support

Streaming services are popular because of how easily they let you access your favorite media anywhere, on any device. As a result, you may be spending less time enjoying your expensive home theater system, and enjoying the convenience of watching the latest episode on your laptop. Netflix is now introducing a new feature to help level the playing field a little, enhancing audio to sound bigger and better while giving you something closer to that home theater experience, even when using headphones.



Latest iPadOS update breaks charging on the iPad mini 6

Ever since iPadOS 15.5 was released, some iPad mini 6 users have been having problems charging the tablet

Can you remove your Facebook account from Oculus Quest?

Facebook accounts used to be required to use an Oculus Quest or Meta Quest 2, but that requirement is changing soon.

The best Verizon deals on phones and plans: July 2022

Whether you're trading in an old device or adding a new line, you can save loads of money with the Verizon phone deals found in this guide.

Saints Row reboot coming to Stadia in August alongside other platforms

Deep Silver and Volition announced the latest Saints Row game will be coming to Stadia on Aug. 23.

TECNO Camon 19 Pro gets a special edition with color-changing back panel

The TECNO Camon 19 Pro Mondrian Edition is a limited-edition smartphone with a fun rear panel design that changes color when exposed to light.

Thursday 7 July 2022

Apex Legends Mobile gets new exclusive Legend going into Season 2

Rhapsody and Pythas: Block 0 are just some of the new additions coming to Apex Legends Mobile in Season 2., continuing the trend of mobile-first additions to the game.

ASUS accidentally spills the beans on the Zenfone 9 with early video teaser

Earlier this week, ASUS made a big splash with the ROG Phone 6 for gamers. The premium flagship pairs the latest silicon with all the bells and whistles a gamer could ask for, wrapped up in the outlandish styling ROG hardware is known for. If your smartphone tastes are a little more traditional, though, the upcoming Zenfone 9 might be right up your alley, and today we get an early preview thanks to what seems to be an accidentally published YouTube video.



The first leaked Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro images are here at last

Samsung's noise-canceling Galaxy Buds 2 Pro are depicted for the first time ever today in all their glory and a trio of snazzy colors.

Chrome will soon let you use your laptop's fingerprint scanner to access Google Passwords

Chrome's built-in password manager is extremely useful and makes it easy to create new logins and save old ones. And a new feature coming to Mac and Windows users aims to make accessing those passwords even easier.

Amazon Prime Day: The best early deals available right now

Amazon's shopping holiday has become one of the biggest events of the summer, especially this year, as Prime Day is back in July to kick off the back-to-school shopping season. If you're unfamiliar, Amazon Prime Day is a two-day online shopping bonanza where the online giant unleashes hundreds of thousands of deals for Amazon Prime subscribers. While you're sure to find plenty of sweet deals on Amazon devices, the online retailer slashes prices for everything from cases to cars.



Best Alexa devices 2022

If you're looking for the ultimate guide of the best products for Amazon Alexa, then look no further. We've compiled our favorite gadgets that either have Alexa built in or are compatible with Amazon's smart voice assistant. These gadgets are sure to fit perfectly in your home.

Wednesday 6 July 2022

What is Google Duo?

Apps, by design, make our lives easier; however, the influx of apps sort of makes it harder because there are so many choices. To make things even more complicated, several companies put out similar applications. Video calling has become a necessity for many people, from connecting with family to holding business meetings, and the most popular options were easily Zoom, FaceTime, and Google Hangouts. While Hangouts has been discontinued, Google Duo maintains a solid interface for video calling for all Android and iOS users.



If you're among the 100,000+ Android users who've installed these four apps, it's time to hit delete

The latest group of Android apps infected with a type of malware called Joker includes four relatively popular titles you obviously need to delete ASAP.

Best strategy games for Android 2022

These are more than just simple puzzles games — they require careful planning and forethought to emerge victoriously. You’ll also find some great replay value in games like these since the same strategy won’t always work twice.

Post Malone premieres new VR concert film in Horizon Worlds next week

Meta Quest users can watch Post Malone's new VR concert film in Venues within the Horizon Worlds app on July 15.

Get Google's Pixel 6 for only £25 more than a Pixel 6a in the UK

The Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro may have had a troubled release, but that didn't stop them from becoming some of our favorite phones, especially now that Google has fixed most of the issues that plagued them. Starting at £600 and £850 here in the UK, respectively, the 6 and 6 Pro have been reasonably priced since launch, but right now, you can get the Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, and Pixel Buds A-Series for 25% off from Amazon, John Lewis, and the Google Store — bringing the Pixel 6 within throwing distance of the upcoming 6a.



How to watch Big Brother season 24 from anywhere — plus a look at the cast

Since it's a CBS original, Big Brother will be available on Paramount Plus. But that streaming service isn't available everywhere, so here's how you can watch the new episodes from any country on Earth.

Tuesday 5 July 2022

Destiny studio working on a mobile game for Android and iOS

Bungie is reportedly working on a Destiny mobile game in cooperation with NetEase, one of its minority shareholders.

Best Oculus Quest 2 prices and deals: July 2022

Finding a discounted Oculus Quest 2 can be a challenge, so we've scoured the web for the best deals and put them all into a simple guide for easy access.

Save up to 46% on EcoFlow’s incredible portable power stations this Prime Day

Summer is here, and along with longer days, it brings the opportunity to take a break from your monotonous routine and spend time outside indulging in activities you love, be it camping, a day at the beach, or a picnic at the park. While being outdoors can be recharging enough for you, your gadget friends will surely need some help. A power bank can juice up your phone or laptop, but if you have lights and small appliances like an electric stove or a cooler to power, investing in a portable power station is the way to go. If you're looking for one, you're in luck because EcoFlow has some enticing discounts on a range of power stations for the upcoming Amazon Prime Day sale.



Motorola teases large camera sensor for its eagerly anticipated flagship

The eagerly anticipated Moto X30 Pro is expected to be announced this month and Motorola leaked the size of the 200MP camera sensor that the phone will employ.

Early Prime Day deal knocks Amazon's newest Echo Dot down to its lowest price ever

Amazon's Prime Day 2022 festival is not technically underway yet, but Prime members can already get the fourth-gen Echo Dot at a lower than ever price.

Monday 4 July 2022

Top analyst rejects talk of a 10% cut in iPhone 14 orders

TF International analyst Ming-Chi Kuo disputes Digitimes' report about a 10% cut in iPhone 14 orders.

You can now customize the Twitter bottom bar on Android, but there's a catch

What would Twitter need to offer for you to pay to use it? Last year we saw the introduction of Twitter Blue, a $3 monthly subscription with features like the ability to undo tweets, read ad-free articles, and customize different color themes. Not every feature's been the same across platforms, and iOS users have already had access to a customization option that allowed them to tweak the app's navigation interface. We're now finally seeing the same setting come to Twitter Blue for Android.



Apple receives patent for technology that helps iPhone users type in the rain

A new patent awarded to Apple helps iPhone users accurately employ the touch screen even when it is wet.

Here's how you can get a Samsung Galaxy S22+ with a full warranty for just $520

Samsung's Galaxy S22+ powerhouse is on sale at a lower than ever price for a limited time and in a limited quantity with a 1-year warranty included.

The Xiaomi Mi Band 7 Pro goes official with its smartwatch-like design

Xiaomi is a well-established name in the wearables market, particularly across Asia and Europe, with models like the Mi Band 6 impressing us with incredibly low prices and solid feature sets. We've heard rumors about a Mi Band 7 Pro since at least May, most recently with a teaser just last week detailing its imminent arrival. Right on schedule, Xiaomi has unveiled its latest wearable, alongside the new Xiaomi 12S Ultra with its much-hyped Leica camera.



Samsung and Google promote their hardware-software partnership with new ad

Samsung and Google team up to release a new advertisement celebrating their hardware/software partnership.

Sunday 3 July 2022

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 gets a ton of bug fixes with One UI Watch 4.5 Beta 3

Samsung has released a new One UI Watch beta build for the Galaxy Watch 4, bringing with it a slew of improvements and bug fixes.

Google Chrome may pick up Microsoft Edge's best translation feature

Google is testing a new capability to translate highlighted text on a web page in Chrome Canary, though it's not functional yet.

The best Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet cases in 2022

Amazon's Fire HD 8 has become the go-to for affordable Android tablets, thanks to the superb value it offers. It isn't the most powerful Android tablet on the market but the performance it does provide for its price is almost unrivaled. In addition, its durable construction and range of kid-centric accessories make it the perfect device for children — especially when it's seeing deep discounts around Amazon Prime Day.



Apple Maps could get a feature that Google Maps doesn't have

An iOS developer has spotted code in Apple Maps that suggests that the app might soon give directions and the ETA for journeys made with an E-Bike.

Google may be breaking the law when it convinces you to sign up for an account

In many sectors, Google has grown its way into becoming one of the biggest targets for European scrutiny. From antitrust allegations galore to concerns over privacy, the company has had to navigate through billions of euros in fines and plenty of new regulations in the wake of its own transgressions. And you can expect more legal challenges to come as consumer protection agencies across Europe are taking such steps against the tech giant for steering consumers into accepting corporate surveillance.



At $170 off, the HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook is one firecracker of a deal

When HP announced at CES this year that it would be bringing ChromeOS to its Elite Dragonfly lineup, we were slightly amused that the company thought it would get its break in the quiet space that is the ultra-premium Chromebook market. But as it has finally gone on sale in some capacity, something has caught our eye this Independence Day weekend: HP is already putting the laptop on discount.



The Galaxy S22 Ultra notches more sales than any Samsung Note in recent memory

The S22 Ultra is selling like hot cakes.

Supreme Court ruling could block government oversight of big tech, net neutrality and AI

Another controversial court decision involving the EPA could impact the government's oversight of big tech firms as well as net neutrality.

Saturday 2 July 2022

Google will automatically delete trips to abortion clinics from your location history

In the wake of the Roe v. Wade reversal, Google is removing visits to abortion clinics from users' location histories.

Android users are getting caught up in toll fraud which uses malware to hike their telecom bills

More and more Android users are becoming victims of Toll Fraud; this is when malware on your phone signs you up for expensive services you never subscribed to.

Weekend poll: Which upcoming Android phone are you most excited for?

It's July, which means we're officially halfway through the year. Although there are plenty of great phones for sale right now, we haven't seen quite as many launches as in years past — it's an area where LG's absence is really felt. Thankfully, the back half of 2022 looks absolutely stacked with new devices, with phones coming from Google, Samsung, OnePlus, and more. We're also looking forward to the launch of Nothing's first phone — even if its lack of North American availability is a bummer.



Samsung Galaxy Watch4 gets third One UI 4.5 beta with plenty of bug fixes

Samsung started up the first One UI Watch beta program for the Galaxy Watch4 last month. Up until then, the program was only limited to testing upcoming One UI releases for its high-end smartphones and foldables. One UI 4.5 will be a significant update for the Galaxy Watch4 that bumps the underlying Wear OS version to 3.5 and introduce several new watch faces and enhancements. After rolling out two beta releases last month, Samsung has kick-started July with the third One UI 4.5 beta build for the smartwatch.



New Asus ROG Phone 6 renders show the phone without accessories in all its thick glory

What do gamers want? Why, big numbers, of course. Superlatives, if you can afford to sprinkle them in. Plenty has been promised with Tuesday's launch of the Asus ROG Phone 6, including a 165Hz AMOLED display and a full-contact CPU cooling situation. The leaks have delivered, too, with render after picture after render spoiling the goods. Now, the curtain's gone up and we're left with pictures of the phone unadorned with accessories. It's naked.



White House to award Jobs posthumously with the Presidential Medal of Freedom

The late Steve Jobs will be awarded the highest honor that a civilian can receive on July 7th when the Whie House will present him with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

At $79, this Lenovo Chromebook is a back-to-school steal of a deal

Do you or your kids need a new laptop to bring back to school? Nothing too fancy or heavy, just something that works? Take out a Benjamin, spend it on this Chromebook deal, and be done with it. You might have enough left over in change for a latte or three.



Friday 1 July 2022

Best 100W USB-C chargers 2022

A good 100W charger should be able to charge all of your gear at once and charge your laptop in a hurry. These are the best of the bunch you can buy today!

Best Samsung Galaxy S10 cases 2022

Despite its age, the Samsung Galaxy S10 continues to be a solid and reliable smartphone — as long as you protect it with a quality case.

The best Amazon Fire TV streaming devices in 2022

Streaming has become an integral part of the modern home entertainment experience. While most televisions these days offer access to popular streaming services, older TVs have to rely on streaming devices to get access to the likes of Netflix, Prime Video, or Disney+. Standalone media streamers are also a good option if you aren't satisfied with your TV's built-in smart TV operating system.



Excitement builds as Motorola leaks more camera specs for its "super" flagship

Motorola reveals that its super-flagship phone will be named the X30 Pro, at least in China. The manufacturer reveals the focal lengths of the three rear cameras.

Fossil working with Google to bring Wear OS 3 support to its companion app

Fossil's hybrid smartwatch app will eventually support its Wear OS smartwatches.

Samsung share prices tumble after panic-selling by institutional investors

Samsung recently announced the production of its gate-all-around transistor (GAAFET) 3nm chips, beating TSMC in the race to be the first to launch chips at that process level. The company's also got some big phone announcements to be excited about, and we might be just another month away from some next-gen foldables. While that all sounds great, apparently the company's been having some trouble with its DRAM business, which seems to be having a major impact on shareholders. As of Friday, shares of Samsung Electronics closed at 56,200 won ($43.28) — hitting a 22-month low at one point — due to mass sell-offs by some of the company's institutional investors.



The new Fossil Gen 6 Venture Edition brings an eco-friendly band for $299

Fossil has launched a new version of its Gen 6 smartwatch that was released last year, bringing no new changes except for the fabric and leather band.