What’s the skinny? Apple may launch a new MacBook with ultrathin design soon
Apple may be working on an ultrathin laptop that could be launching soon under the MacBook brand, according to the latest report. However, there have recently been some conflicting rumors on whether Apple's next laptop refresh will bear the MacBook or MacBook Air branding.
With net neutrality gone, carriers throttle YouTube, Netflix, other streamers
New research suggests that without net neutrality protection, mobile carriers are discriminating against internet services that consume the most data. In particular, video-streaming services like Netflix are being singled out for throttling, and YouTube may the the largest target.
Outlook for Windows gets simplified single-row ribbon in UI makeover
Outlook for Windows is getting a makeover, but unfortunately, Microsoft's new design won't be part of Office 2019. At the heart of the new Outlook design is a single-row Simplified Ribbon that's adaptable and customizable. Other changes make it easier to reply to emails and schedule meetings.
Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Mobile sighting hints at more powerful gaming laptops
In the near future, you'll be able to buy a gaming laptop with ray tracing capabilities and even more power than the GTX 1080 Mobile GPU available today. Nvidia is reportedly gearing up to launch the GeForce RTX 2080 Mobile graphics card with its Max-Q design for gaming notebooks.
Google completely revamps Chrome to celebrate browser’s 10th birthday
Happy birthday, Google Chrome! Google has launched Chrome 69, the newest version of its popular web browser. The new version includes a pretty large visual overhaul, as well as a number of interesting security and productivity updates. The update goes across mobile and desktop, including both Windows and Mac.
Microsoft ends the Surface Plus lease program
After roughly a year since its launch, Microsoft has decided to end the Surface Plus program. This plan allowed customers to lease a Surface device for 24 months at 0 percent interest with an option to upgrade the device after 18 months. The company gave no details as to why it decided to end the program.
Say goodbye to Highlights: Microsoft goes back to basics with Skype redesign
Microsoft is taking a back-to-basics approach with Skype's new UI. In addition to removing certain features, such as Highlights, the company is also looking to improve the UI's usability by focusing on a simple, clean UI. We're also getting new themes such as Dark and Classic.
California’s pro-net neutrality bill awaits governor’s signature
California is close to restoring net neutrality rules. A bill to bring ease back to web surfers has passed both legislative chambers. It now awaits the governor's signature. Jerry Brown has 30 days to act on the bill.
Apple reportedly hiring augmented reality team to work on Maps app
Apple may be leveraging augmented reality (AR) to help give its Maps app a boost. Connecting several separate Apple job postings together reveals that Apple is looking for qualified candidates with familiarity with Apple Maps and augmented reality, suggesting that an AR-enabled Apple Maps is coming.
Secret deal with MasterCard let Google track what you buy
Google may have secretly inked a deal with MasterCard estimated to be worth millions to gain more insight into how online ads affect retail spending. The deal allows Google to track a user if they clicked on an ad and make an in-store purchase within 30 days.
MSI targets pros with a thin and light laptop packed with GeForce Max-Q graphics
MSI introduced the P65 notebook during the IFA 2018 convention. Targeting content creators and professionals, it will arrive in two flavors: A White Limited Edition model and a Silver Edition version. Both will be similar yet offer slightly different discrete graphics configurations and ports.
Microsoft confirms Redstone 5 as Windows 10 October 2018 Update
Microsoft confirmed during the IFA 2018 show that the next major update to Windows 10 will officially be called Windows 10 October 2018 Update. Internally dubbed as Redstone 5, the update will bring a new set of features, including a retooled Game Bar and a revamped version of Notepad.
Firefox mobilizes a three-pronged attack against ad-based tracking
Mozilla's Firefox browser will eventually block ad-based tracking by default. To get there, the company plans to roll out new features over the next several months, such as an ad-blocking component already available in Firefox Nightly. If this component works, it will go mainstream with Firefox 63.
Intel’s Whiskey Lake CPUs include hardware fix for Meltdown, Amber Lake does not
Intel launched new eighth-generation processors slated for laptops this week: Ultra-low power 15-watt Whiskey Lake U-series chips and extremely low power five-watt Amber Lake Y-series chips. After the launch, Intel was asked if these two processor families include hardware fixes for Meltdown and Spectre.
Lenovo beats Google to the punch with the first 4K Chromebook
Lenovo has debuted the first 4K Chromebook at IFA 2018, beating Google to the punch. While a new-generation Pixelbook is expected to come with at least a 4K screen option, Lenovo's new Chromebook has already strutted its stuff. It packs powerful hardware, too, including an Intel Core i5 CPU and 8GB of RAM.
The ThinkPad X1 Extreme might be my dream laptop
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme, revealed at IFA 2018, is no mere business laptop. Its powerful graphics card and light weight make it a legitimate alternative to other expensive laptops, like the XPS 15, that can play as hard as they work.
Lenovo’s keyboard-less Yoga Book now comes with dual screens
At IFA, Lenovo introduced a refreshed Yoga Book. Like its predecessor, the new Yoga Book C930 is aimed at note-takers and artists with digital stylus support. This year, Lenovo went all-in with the dual-screen laptop, replacing the keyboard for a secondary E-ink display.
Lenovo brings gaming to the ThinkPad for the first time with its X1 Extreme
Lenovo introduced the ThinkPad X1 Extreme during the IFA 2018 convention in Berlin. Ideal for the workplace, this new laptop includes features to enhance security in the office such as a fingerprint reader, an infrared scanner, and a ThinkShutter cover for the built-in webcam.
Lenovo’s Snapdragon-powered Yoga C630 promises 25 hours of battery life
Lenovo is set to launch its first Yoga based on Qualcomm's Snapdragon processor. The Windows on Snapdragon design brings the benefits of always-on connectivity, long battery life, and an email inbox that stays continuously updated even while the Yoga C630 is in sleep mode.
Samsung looks to woo gamers with Thunderbolt 3-equipped curved QLED monitor
Samsung announced a new QLED monitor at IFA 2018 that will please productivity users and gamers alike. The ultrawide and curved CJ79 is the first to arrive with Thunderbolt 3 support, providing more power and faster data throughput over a single cable than traditional USB-C displays.
Apple AR glasses: News and rumors about ‘Project Mirrorshades’
Apple has already conquered the mobile phone industry, so what's next? Well, it looks like the tech giant is setting its sights on AR. Apple is reportedly working on a device code-named Project Mirrorshades that will introduce AR glasses to the masses. Here's everything we know about Apple's AR glasses.
Asus taps into Intel’s new ‘Whiskey Lake’ CPUs to power its latest ZenBooks
Asus introduced three new ZenBooks during the IFA 2018 conference in Berlin. All three are based on eighth-generation Intel Core processors released this week along with discrete Nvidia graphics. They also sport super-thin profiles measuring up to 0.70 of an inch and infrared cameras.
New Asus ZenBook S promises up to 20 hours of life without a Snapdragon chip
Asus introduced the latest ZenBook S model during the IFA 2018 convention in Berlin. This version will ship in variants based on two eighth-generation Intel Whiskey Lake processors that made their debut this week. It promises up to 20 hours of use on a single charge without a Snapdragon chip.
Touchpad on the new Asus ZenBook Flip turns into an LED-illuminated NumberPad
If the traditional laptop isn’t your cup of tea, Asus introduced two new ZenBook Flip 2-in-1s during the IFA 2018 convention in Berlin. Both are based on Intel’s new 8th-gen Whiskey Lake CPUs launched this week. The larger 15.6-inch model adds a discrete GeForce GTX 1050 Max-Q graphics chip.
Qualcomm’s push against Intel worked, and we’re all reaping the benefits
Intel has launched a slew of processors at IFA 2018, though these feel like more than just another batch of refreshed CPUs. These feel like a reaction. Qualcomm has been pushing its PC agenda of longer batteries and increased connectivity for the past six months, and now it seems as if Intel has been forced to respond.
Leaked benchmark shows the RTX 2080 outperforming the GTX 1080 Ti
A supposed leaked benchmark shows that Nvidia’s new GeForce RTX 2080 graphics card outperforms the current GeForce GTX 1080 Ti in the 3DMark Time Spy benchmark. Note that this performance is a meat-and-potatoes comparison between the two using the current Time Spy benchmark, ignoring ray tracing.
The upcoming Acer Predator Triton 900 laptop has a display that flips
Although it wasn’t included in Acer’s product announcements during IFA 2018, the company provided a sneak peek for a gaming laptop called the Predator Triton 900. We don’t know any hardware specifics just yet, only that it sports a unique display frame that enables you to “flip” the screen.
New Intel CPUs bake in gigabit wireless and Alexa support
Intel's mid-generation refresh CPUs known as the Y-series and U-series chips, introduce some intriguing features for entry and midrange laptops, including support for Cortana and Alexa, and high-speed gigabit Wi-Fi. They could also provide a cheaper alternative to the upcoming ninth-series CPUs.
Get Freesync working on Nvidia graphics cards with any AMD GPU
If you have an AMD GPU or APU and a compatible display, you can get Freesync running even if you're using an Nvidia GPU. The workaround does mean jumping through a few hoops, but the end result offers smooth frame rates devoid of tearing and you don't have the pay the extra costs of a G-Sync display.
OneDrive leans on A.I. to simplify searches for multimedia files
Microsoft is leaning on A.I. to help business customers search and manage their files in the OneDrive cloud. Audio and video files will automatically be transcribed, and relevant information from photos will be indexed to make multimedia files easier to find through search.
The $1,100 Acer Swift is the lightest 15-inch laptop ever made
Acer came to IFA 2018 with a number of new laptops, the most interesting of which is the lightest 15-inch laptop ever made. At just 2.2 pounds, the $1,100 laptop is not only incredibly light, it's also packing the newest Intel processors, thinned-out bezels, and built-in 4G LTE. All that makes for one of the most exciting laptops from IFA 2018.
Designed to engulf players, Acer’s Predator Thronos is a titan of a gaming chair
Part of Acer’s gaming lineup during the IFA 2018 convention is the Predator Thronos Gaming Chair. Although the name resembles that of an evil, world-killing villain, this chair is just as titanic in nature as it cradles the player while simultaneously wielding three monitors and a tower desktop.
Acer OJO 500 Windows Mixed Reality headset lets you straddle real, virtual worlds
The OJO 500 is Acer's latest Windows Mixed Reality headset, boasting some unique design features. The OJO 500 comes with a detachable design, washable head straps, and a new sound pipe audio system that helps keep you aware of your surroundings in the real world while you venture into the virtual world.
Acer targets gamers with new color-rich 4K Predator and Nitro monitors
Acer has taken the wraps off of four new gaming monitors across the Predator and Nitro line. The two flagship monitors each support 4K UHD panels, 144Hz response rates, wide color gamut displays, and HDR colors. The Predator comes with Nvidia G-Sync support, while the Nitro series uses AMD's FreeSync.