Google’s new floating keyboard is so helpful, it’ll put you on cloud nine
The latest bezel-less smartphones look great, and having so much screen is fantastic for media. But typing isn't always so good, as without a chin bezel, grip can be more of a challenge. That's where Google Gboard and its new floating keyboard feature comes into play, ready to help out with the problem.
It’s about time! A USB-C magnetic charger for the Apple Watch has finally arrived
While most of the buzz surrounding Apple has been about the iPhone XR, the company has also introduced a new accessory to its lineup for the Apple Watch. First spotted by 9to5 Mac, a new USB-C charger for the smartwatch is currently listed on Apple's site and will be available starting October 24.
Google may charge up to $40 per Android device for app suite following EU ruling
Google has announced that it will begin charging Android device manufacturers in Europe a licensing fee to use its apps and services. The announcement is part of an effort to comply with new European Commission regulations directing Google to stop "illegally tying" its search apps to Android.
Google Maps brings its real-time journey-tracking feature to iPhone
It's been available on Android since last year, and now Google Maps has brought its real-time journey-tracking feature to iOS. The useful feature, which lets you choose who to share a journey with, can be enabled in just a few taps, and tracking ends automatically when you arrive at your destination.
The world’s thinnest smartphone fits alongside your business cards
In partnership with Japanese carrier NTT Domoco, Kyocera has taken the wraps off of a new smartphone called the KY-O1L. The new device is a tiny 5.3mm thick, and is specifically billed as being a phone that can fit inside a business card holder.
Who is ‘Scam Likely,’ and why are you receiving calls from them?
Robocalls are annoying to say the least, but did you know that your smartphone might actually be working to protect you from these calls without your knowledge? Here, we lay out the reason as to why you're receiving calls from "Scam Likely," and how the feature operates on T-Mobile devices.
Huawei is working on a 5G foldable phone, the Mate 20 X may be its template
Huawei is working on a folding 5G smartphone, according to the company's CEO, Richard Yu. He gave little away about the device during an interview at the Mate 20 launch event in London, but provoked speculation the phone may have something in common with the massive Mate 20 X and its 7.2-inch screen.
Keep Notes is the latest app to get Google’s Material Design makeover
Google is updating more and more of its apps to come into line with its latest Material Design trends, and now it's Keep Notes turn to get a new pair of pants. This update is now rolling out on Android devices, but you can speed up getting your new note-keeping style by sideloading the APK.
Key settings you need to change on your brand-new LG V40 ThinQ
Now that you've got your brand-new LG V40 ThinQ, it's time to get to work. Whether it's hiding the notch or setting a schedule for the blue light filter, there are some settings you'll definitely want to tinker with. Here is our short list of key settings you may want to change on the LG V40 ThinQ.
Huawei and Leica’s monochrome lens is dead, so we celebrate its life
The Huawei Mate 20 and Mate 20 Pro do not have a dedicated monochrome camera lens, unlike the P20 Pro, and various Huawei and Leica phones before it. It's the end of an era, because the monochrome lens was a huge influence, but it's also the start of a new one, as Leica has worked on its replacement.
The Verizon GizmoWatch puts a quick-communication device on your kid’s wrist
Verizon is taking another shot at building a smartwatch for kids. The company announced the new Verizon GizmoWatch -- a smartwatch specifically designed for kids. The device boasts 4G connectivity, a simple interface, and helps parents keep track of their kids at all times.
We toured the Google Hardware Store pop-up in New York: Here’s what it’s like
To show off its slew of new products, Google is opening up pop-up shops in New York and Chicago starting October 18. You'll be able to buy products -- such as the Pixel 3, Pixel Slate, or the Google Home Hub -- at the Google Hardware Store. We got a tour of the store before it opens to the public.
Goodbye, Essential? Android creator’s startup cuts nearly a third of its staff
Essential has cut as much as 30 percent of its workforce, suggesting that it may be in more trouble than previously thought. The news comes a few months after the company reportedly cancelled a follow-up to the Essential Phone, as well as development on an upcoming smart speaker.
With Spotify for Wear OS, you’ll soon have even more control over your music
After what has seemed like a long time coming, Spotify will officially be available on Wear OS smartwatches. Whether it's on a run or a while lounging at home, you will now be able to access your music right from your wrist. The app will be rolling out over the coming week.
Congratulations Palm, you’ve launched the stupidest product of the year
The Palm Palm (2018) is a smartphone to reduce your smartphone usage, or a small smartphone for when you don't want to carry your big smartphone. Palm itself doesn't seem sure which it is; but either way, it's a product that's so witless, we're amazed it was even made.
Montblanc’s $995 Summit 2 watch stays on your wrist for longer between charges
Montblanc has taken the wraps off of the new Montblanc Summit 2 -- the first watch to feature the new Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 3100 processor. The watch features a premium design and Google's Wear OS, and it should have a better battery life too, thanks to the Snapdragon Wear 3100.
OnePlus charges into U.K. carrier stores, leaving online-only start in the past
OnePlus, the smartphone brand that started life selling devices only through an online store, has announced several deals with major U.K. carriers and retailers. This means the firm's next phone, the OnePlus 6T, will be more widely available than any OnePlus phone before it. The device launches on October 30.
Pocket transforms articles into podcasts with an assist from Amazon
Read-it-later app Pocket is adding an option to turn articles into easily navigable podcasts with its new app redesign for iOS and Android. The feature relies on Amazon's voice-to-text service Polly. It marks a shift for the app, and an attempt to expand into the world of podcasts.
The news is stressful, but easier on the eyes with new Google News dark theme
If a blast of white photons at 6 a.m. is the only thing that gets you out of bed in the morning, you might not care about the new dark theme for Google News, which is currently rolling out via an app update. The mode can be toggled to automatically come on at night, or when your battery saver kicks in.
PayPal will soon let you withdraw cash at Walmart, but there’s a catch
PayPal has teamed up with Walmart to let its account holders withdraw and deposit cash at the store. The service launches at all U.S. Walmart stores in early November and is available to members with the PayPal mobile app or a PayPal Cash Mastercard. The downside? Each transaction will cost $3.
Google Assistant will now show you a visual ‘snapshot’ of your day
Google announced a few new updates to Google Assistant. Notably, Assistant will now show you a visual snapshot of your day, meaning you can see things like calendar events and recommended events straight from Assistant. Assistant will now also start working straight from your lock screen.
New Nokia 5.1, 3.1, and 2.1 boast updated chipsets, bigger displays
HMD Global has taken the wraps off of the new Nokia 5.1, 3.1, and 2.1. The three phones boast improved specs over their predecessors from last year, along with larger displays. Each of the devices run on Android One and Android Go, meaning they'll get timely updates from Google.
How many? The Samsung Galaxy A9 has 4 camera lenses on the back
Samsung's new Galaxy A9 phone, fresh for 2018, has four camera lenses on the back. It's no gimmick either, as each performs a unique function, making the phone a versatile camera to have in your pocket. Samsung is targeting Instagram fans with the new device and has produced it in some stunning colors, too.
Kobo’s upcoming ebook reader is bigger, lighter, and not afraid of water
Kobo's latest e-reader is called the Kobo Forma. The company's new device is not only its largest e-reader but also it's lightest and most durable. As with past Koba e-readers, the Forma has a revamped design, waterproof reliability, and more. It can be pre-ordered starting October 16.
Essential is reportedly building an A.I.-powered phone that mimics its user
According to a recent report, Essential is currently working on a new phone. The device will reportedly feature heavy use of artificial intelligence, even going as far as to text people for the user. Essential is reportedly working to complete a prototype by the end of the year.
It’s the phone equivalent of a Bentley. So why does the Pixel 3 look like a VW?
Google has got 100-percent of the Pixel 3's specification and technology right, so we're annoyed that it only got 50-percent of the design right. Look at either from the back, and it's an improvement over the Pixel 2; but look at them from the front? Oh dear. In a year of fabulous phones, this is a problem.
Pixel 3, Home Hub, and Pixel Slate — our first look at all Google’s new devices
Google has taken the wraps off of a slew of new devices, including the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL smartphones, as well as the Google Home Hub smart display, Google Pixel Slate tablet, and Google Pixel Stand wireless charger. We were at the October 9 event in New York, and took a ton of photos of all the new products.
Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL: 5 features we love, 5 features we don’t
Google officially launched the highly anticipated Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL. While Google's new smartphones offer plenty of things to be excited about, there are also additions we aren't fans of. Here are five features we love about the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL, and five that we don't.
Here’s everything Google announced at its October 9 event
That's all she wrote -- Google's October 2018 hardware event is over and though it was short, it left us with an awful lot to talk about. But if you didn't catch the livestream or the updates, it's easy to catch up on the reveals. Here's everything Google announced at its October 9 event.
The Google Pixel Stand turns your Android phone into an Assistant-powered hub
Google has taken the wraps off of the new Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL -- and alongside them, the Google Pixel Stand. The Pixel Stand turns an Android phone into a Google Assistant hub, allowing you to see important information at a glance, quickly control your smart home, and more.
What to expect from Google’s October 9 event in New York City
Google's annual hardware event is almost here, and with Google branching out more and more into hardware, we could be seeing new Pixel phones, updated Pixelbooks, and shinier Chromecasts. Well no more guessing -- we've corralled all the rumors so you can know what to expect from Google's October 9 event.
Entertainment-centric Alcatel 3T 8 is a 4G-enabled tablet for just $150
Looking for a lower-cost tablet to serve as your entertainment hub, or as a child's first media center? With an 8-inch screen, access to T-Mobile's 4G network, the CloserTV app, and a built-in Kid's Mode, the Alcatel 3T 8 could be a great choice for you. Here's everything you need to know.
Samsung’s cheaper phones may join the Galaxy S9 in getting wireless charging
To up the desirability factor of its cheaper phones, Samsung may introduce wireless charging on its Galaxy A Series handsets, along with a reasonably priced wireless charging pad. The news comes ahead of a major new Galaxy A Series phone, likely the Galaxy A9 2018, being announced on October 11.
Samsung Galaxy Note 9: Everything you need to know
The Samsung Galaxy Note 9 is finally here, and it's Samsung's biggest, most powerful phone to date, with an updated processor, new camera improvements, a brand-new S Pen, and much more. From the price to the new cooling system, here's absolutely everything you need to know about the Galaxy Note 9.