The reality of Lenovo’s Z5 phone fails to live up to marketing hype
The Lenovo Z5 may introduce the next step in bezel-less phone design by ignoring the notch and just about every item we expect to see dotted around the display on our phones. The phone was teased by Lenovo itself, but failed to live up to the hype.
Google wants to double the number of podcast listeners in the next few years
Google is quietly making changes across its products to change the way listeners discover and listen to podcasts. The changes are part of the tech giant's lofty aspirations to double the number of podcast listeners worldwide within the next few years. Here's how the podcast landscape could change in the near future.
Does wireless charging degrade your battery faster? We asked an expert
There’s no denying the convenience of wireless charging, but as more and more of us ditch the cables some fears have emerged about the potential impact on battery longevity. We decided to ask some experts and find out the truth about the impact of wireless charging on your battery.
The LG Q Stylus provides a cheaper way to be ultra-productive
If you've been looking for a stylus phone but didn't want to drop $950 on a Samsung Galaxy Note 8, then you haven't had many choices recently. Thankfully, LG is expanding your options with the announcement of the LG Q Stylus, a midrange phone with good specs, a built-in stylus, and LG's latest software.
Your Bitmoji sticker can now include a friend with Friendmojis for iOS
Is your Bitmoji feeling lonely? Well, with the app's latest update it no longer has to. Using the new "Friendmojis" feature, you can send stickers that combine your Bitmoji with your friends'. Originally available in the Snapchat app, users now have access to Friendmoji within the iOS Bitmoji keyboard.
Apple patents hint at smarter iPhone camera, blood pressure-sensing Watch band
Apple is always working on ways to improve the camera in the iPhone, and a new patent shows that it could be working on ways to deliver Portrait Mode photos with only one camera sensor -- just like the Google Pixel. Apple was also awarded a patent for a blood pressure-sensing Watch band.
Shatter, crack, and pop — Apple Watch lawsuit alleges long-term screen defect
A new class-action lawsuit alleges that Apple has been negligent in its dealing with flaws with the Apple Watch, refusing to fix outstanding problems with screen damage and failing to redesign it to avoid the issue in the future. The plaintiffs are seeking $5 million in compensation for their troubles.
World’s smallest 4G smartphone hits funding target in 60 seconds
It's undeniable that smartphones are getting larger and larger - but there's always someone ready to buck a trend. The Unihertz Atom is the world's smallest rugged 4G phone with a tiny 2.4-inch screen, but it's packing some serious power. Here's everything you need to know about the tiny titan.
iOS 12 adds a Snapchat-like camera for iMessages, with AR-powered Memojis
Apple's native texting app Messages will soon have a new camera with stickers, filters, and text effects. The built-in camera appears to have been inspired by social media cameras like Snapchat, but with Memojis instead of AR. Apple is also bringing several new features to Photos in iOS 12.
5 obviously stupid iPhone problems that iOS 12 doesn’t even try to fix
At WWDC 2018, Apple took the wraps off the latest version of the iOS operating system. iOS 12 introduces changes both visual and under the hood, but still fails to address some of the basics. Here are 5 obvious issues Apple should address in iOS 12 before it’s officially released (or maybe in iOS 13?).
Everything Apple announced at WWDC, from iOS 12 to MacOS Mojave
At WWDC -- Apple's Worldwide Developer Conference -- the company showcases it's latest innovations to thousands of developers. The dust has settled on the major keynote, and even if you weren't able to catch it live, we've summarized everything you need to know about what went down at Apple's major event.
Google Photos can take up less space on your phone with new mobile support
No room left on your device? Android users can get a smaller version of Google Photos by using the Progressive Web App format. The format mixes the best of a mobile web page with the best of a dedicated mobile app, taking up less storage space while offering (most) of the same features as the full app.
Smart wearables see big spike as ‘basic’ devices drag down overall market growth
According to the International Data Corporation, wearables' market growth has slowed down. Worldwide shipments of wearable devices grew 1.2 percent during the first quarter of 2018 -- with shipments reaching 25.1 million units. Of the top five wearable companies, Apple continues to take the lead.
Live updates: How to watch Apple’s WWDC 2018 keynote
It’s WWDC, our favorite time of year when Apple shows off all of its new software. This year there are lots of exciting updates from iOS 12 to a very sleek MacOS 10.14. Here's how to watch the keynote, and we'll be updating this post live throughout the show to include major announcements.
EU’s new data protection law being used as bedtime story by meditation app
Have trouble sleeping? Need a soothing bedtime story? How about listening to someone read the EU's new GDPR data protection law? Meditation app Calm has added "Once Upon a GDPR" to its collection of soporific Sleep Stories, and believes that it could be your best chance yet to beat insomnia.
Simon Cowell says no longer using a smartphone is a ‘very strange experience’
You'd think a media mogul like Simon Cowell couldn't survive without a smartphone to manage his busy days, but he's just revealed he hasn't used one for the last 10 months. Cowell claims life without a handset has made him happier, though it's also been "a very strange experience."
‘Wingman’ matchmaking app makes dating less dreadful for you and your friends
For those who are still too hesitant to jump on the online dating train, we have an app that might give you the nudge you need -- with the help of a friend. Wingman isn't your typical dating app. Rather than signing up on your own, you get to recruit a friend to sign up and create your profile for you.
Mark your calendars — more than 150 new emojis are coming on June 5
Come Tuesday, June 5, we'll be blessed with the arrival of more than 150 new emojis, which will come as part of Unicode Version 11.0. These new emojis will help you express yourself via text in new ways, and will feature a wide range of new faces, as well as animals, objects, and symbols.
Apple has finally allowed a Telegram update to go through, CEO says
Ever since the Russia-wide ban on Telegram, Apple has allegedly blocked the app from making updates to its services. Until now. Apparently, Apple has finally given in and allowed the app to push through updates that make it compliant with the new GDPR privacy laws. Telegram's CEO thanked Apple in a tweet.
Boost your iPhone’s security just by tapping it against this gadget
YubiKey is set to bring peace of mind to Apple smartphone users. The formerly USB-exclusive security key now works with iPhones with NFC chips embedded (7s and newer) that are running iOS 11. The device is currently only compatible with LastPass, but more apps are likely to be added in the near future.
The Xiaomi Mi 8 does the one thing Apple could never figure out
Last year, Synaptics Inc. -- a company known for creating fingerprint sensors and touchpads -- unveiled its next-generation Synaptics Clear ID. On Thursday, May 31, the company announced the technology has been selected by Xiaomi for its new flagship Mi8.
False civil emergency alert text panics Oregon’s Marion County
Some Oregon residents got a scare Tuesday evening when an emergency alert text declared a public emergency and instructed them to "Prepare for Action." A "technology issue" at the Office of Emergency Management was blamed for the vague message, which was supposed to be a county tap water advisory.
Smarten up your old-fashioned watch with the Montblanc Twin Smart Strap
There's a whole galaxy of smartwatches out there, but sometimes you're just too attached to the normal watch on your wrist to give it up. You'll soon be able to add some smart functionality like NRC payments, notifications, and step tracking to your watch, thanks to the Montblanc Twin Smart Strap.
Alcatel is bringing its new budget phones, the Alcatel 1X and 3V, to the U.S.
At Mobile World Congress 2018, Alcatel announced that the Alcatel 1X and Alcatel 3V would both be making their way to the U.S. The two phones boast some pretty decent specs for the price -- and could be the phone of choice for many on a budget. Here's everything you need to know about the phones.
Apple is launching a pride Apple Watch face on June 4 — but you can get it now
It looks like Apple is prepping a new Apple Watch face in celebration of Pride Month in June. The watch face was spotted in the code for iOS 11.4 and basically shows threads of color moving across the screen, that move when the display is touched. You can expect more information to be announced at WWDC.
PicsArt update brings custom stickers to third-party apps on Android
PicsArt's custom stickers -- and the 5 million-plus library of public stickers -- are now easier to access for Android users with a new sticker keyboard that brings the graphics into any app that supports sticker keyboards. The update begins rolling out today and should be complete in the next few days.
Google Expeditions go beyond the classroom with AR Tours for Android and iOS
Google has officially rolled out its Expeditions AR tours to anyone with an Android or iOS device via the Google Expeditions app. In addition, the company added more content and new features. With the update, users can embark on tours in their home instead of only the classroom.
Moto G6 and G6 Play: Here’s everything you need to know
Lenovo has finally taken the wraps off of the new Moto G6 and Moto G6 Play. The two smartphones are the latest offerings in what many consider to be the best series of budget phones out there. Here's everything you need to know about the new Lenovo Moto G6 and Moto G6 Play.
You can now add Polls to your Stories on Facebook Messenger
In an effort to make Stories more interactive, Facebook Messenger now has an option to add Polls -- allowing users to post questions for their friends to vote on. Since your Story on Messenger is also shared on Facebook, you're able to open up your questions to even more of your Facebook friends.
DJI Ronin S is a one-hand gimbal for DSLRs; Osmo Mobile 2 embraces vertical video
The Osmo Mobile 2 takes smartphone video to the next level, while the Ronin S is DJI's first single-handle stabilizer for DSLRs and mirrorless cameras. After announcing the gimbals during CES earlier this year, the last one to hit the market, the Ronin S, is now available for pre-order.
Apple’s iOS 11.4 brings AirPlay 2’s multiroom audio, HomePod stereo pairing
Apple has finally taken the wraps off of iOS 11.4, which boasts a host of new features, including one that could help make home audio a whole lot better than it already is -- AirPlay 2. It offers multiroom audio and the ability to link HomePod speakers in a stereo pair.
The new Kobo Clara HD is a worthy (and affordable) Kindle competitor
While Kindle may be the most familiar name that comes to mind when you think of ebook readers, Canadian manufacturer Kobo has created an absolutely stunning alternative. The Kobo Clara HD provides everything you'd expect, with a few extra features that make it the perfect reading companion.
The most expensive iPhone may lose one of its unique features in 2019
Apple is apparently deep into planning the 2019 iPhone model range, and has already decided to include a desirable OLED screen on each of its new phones that year, rather than only on the most expensive version. Currently, the $1,000-plus iPhone X is the only one with an OLED screen.
The 3 cameras on the 2019 iPhone may bring awesome AR tech
The 2019 iPhone is already in development at Apple, and it may have a clever triple-lens camera on the back, enabling AR technology to reach a higher level than today's iPhone devices. Multiple reports claim Apple's actively experimenting with systems that will give a future iPhone 3D sensing cameras.