Samsung thinks an iPhone X-like design will turn China on to the Galaxy S9
Samsung may be looking at radical new ways of increasing its market share in China, where it doesn't enjoy much success. A new phone known as the SM-G8850 may be part of the Galaxy S9 family, but with more power, and a massive screen -- but not the familiar design traits we know and love.
Samsung could offer AR Emoji chatting as an alternative to video
A newly awarded Samsung patent shows a new system for video chatting that could seriously save on your data. The system basically involves the use of the company's new AR Emoji, which would be used as your avatar in place of actually transmitting video and audio.
Florida police attempt to use dead man’s fingerprint to unlock his phone
Detectives in Largo, Florida attempted to use the fingerprints of a man killed in an officer-involved shooting in late March to unlock his phone, according to a report in the Tampa Bay Times. While the action has raised the ire of many in the community, police believe the action was legal.
For its 15th-anniversary phones, Meizu nixes the notch and shuns 18:9 screens
Meizu has announced three new smartphones to celebrate its 15th anniversary, but rather than embrace new design and screen tech, it has stuck with a traditional look. That means no notch, and no 18:9 aspect ratio. Here's what you need to know about the Meizu 15, Meizu 15 Plus, and the Meizu 15 Lite.
A phone scam is nabbing millions of dollars from the U.S. Chinese community
Phone scammers purporting to be from a Chinese consulate office are tricking people across the U.S. into handing over large sums of money. Since December of last year, 21 members of the Chinese community in New York City alone have lost a total of $2.5 million, according to the New York Police Department.
Rest that hand, this $365K machine can sign your name for you
With 585 moving parts packed into a pocket-sized box, The Signing Machine from prestigious Swiss watchmaker Jaquet Droz is an extraordinary piece of work. Created to showcase the company's mechanical clockwork technology, the machine can sign your name so you don't have to. It will, however, cost you $365,000.
Apps featured by the Apple App Store saw a bump of up to 800% in downloads
As per a new report from Sensor Tower, apps that are featured in the App Store -- particularly as the "App of the Day" or "Game of the Day," can see their download numbers increase by as much as 800 percent. That makes good on Apple's claim that the App Store redesign boosted discoverability for developers.
AT&T brings ‘5G Evolution’ to more than 100 new markets
AT&T is laying the foundations for its new 5G network by expanding its "5G Evolution" service to more than a 100 new markets.
Verizon, AT&T under investigation for allegedly colluding to block eSIM tech
The U.S. Justice Department is reportedly investigating possible collusion between Verizon and AT&T, who have been accused of trying to block the development and implementation of eSIM technology. The tech allows consumers to quickly and easily switch carriers without having to obtain and insert a new SIM card.
Google patent could replace your contacts’ profile pictures with animations
Google has been awarded a new patent that could replace the profile pictures in your Android contacts with animated images. How? The animations could be captured in video calls, then reused in other parts of Android. Of course, just because Google has been awarded the patent, that doesn't mean we'll see it soon.
As unlimited data plans grow more popular, Wi-Fi loses its dominance
As major cellphone service providers continue to re-introduce unlimited data to their customers, it looks like folks are spending more time surfing the web on their phones in Wi-Fi free zones, rather than looking for free Wi-Fi to connect to. OpenSignal's latest report sheds light on the trend.
Say hi to Daisy, an Apple-made robot that recycles old iPhones
Apple has set itself recycling targets with its tech products, and to help it meet them it's employing the services of Daisy. Daisy is a highly dexterous robot that's able to take apart 200 iPhones an hour, identifying the reusable parts and components before carefully extracing them from the device.
Google wants to replace texting
Google has one too many messaging apps. It's finally fixing the mess of Android's messaging system with Chat. It's not a new app, but it's the brand name for Rich Communication Services, the evolution of SMS. Chat brings modern day messaging features into the Android Messages app.
New Apple patent could help Siri learn newly created words and phrases
Apple has been awarded a new patent that could prove that the company is actively working on improving Siri. The patent describes technology that can recognize new words and phrases -- essentially helping prevent the digital assistant from getting outdated.
Samsung beats Apple in smartphone activations during the first quarter
Samsung has taken the number one spot for mobile phone activations in the U.S. in the first quarter of 2018, according to the latest consumer report by Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP). Apple, on the other hand, kept first place for brand loyalty among customers.
Here’s everything we know about the upcoming Honor 10 smartphone
Honor has announced the Glory 10 in China, a phone which gives us an exciting early glimpse at what the Honor 10 will be like when it's revealed internationally in May. Here's everything we know about the colorful, feature-packed Glory 10 so far, and what it means for the Honor 10.
The iPhone Do Not Disturb While Driving feature cut down on distracted driving
Despite the threat of fines, the emergence of ad campaigns, and even the introduction of new features, we are having quite a bit of trouble when it comes to cutting back on phone-related distracted driving. 37 percent of car trips include "at least some significant phone usage," as per a new study.
Amazon’s Internet is a new lightweight browser app for emerging markets
Mobile users in developing nations with slower internet connections don't need to download Chrome or go onto Safari -- instead, they can simply get on Internet. The aptly named app is the latest product to emerge from Amazon, and it's an Android web browser meant specifically for emerging markets.
France is making its own WhatsApp clone in response to surveillance fears
Amidst growing fears of data privacy, government snooping, and the threat of hackers, France is seizing the bull by the horns and building its own version of a WhatsApp or Telegram-style chat app, specifically for use by government officials. Will other governments follow suit with their own apps?
There’s a bit of a problem with the Waze navigation app, L.A. official claims
Navigation app Waze may be taking vehicles off Los Angeles' more congested streets with its time-saving route recommendations, but in some cases it's sending them through quiet neighborhoods with narrow streets that can't handle the extra traffic, a city official claims.
Putting Kim’s face on your phone case might make you a true Kardashian
LuMee officialy launched the Kimoji X LuMee phone case collection in collaboration with celebrity Kim Kardashian West. As the self-proclaimed "Queen of Selfies," it only makes sense that Kardashian West partners with the one company that specifically sets out to make your selfies even better.
Huawei to refocus its efforts on other markets in the face of U.S. roadblocks
Huawei has had a pretty rough time in the United States. Following government bans and deals with carriers falling through, it appears the company will now refocus its efforts on markets that it's already in, such as Europe and Asia. Huawei has long been plagued with issues in the U.S.
Apple reportedly wants to become the Netflix of magazines via Apple News
Never been the sort of person to be pinned down to one magazine or interest for too long? Then you were probably a fan of Texture's service that gave you access to over 200 magazines for just $10 a month. Following its acquisition of Texture in March, Apple is looking to integrate it into Apple News.
T-Mobile slapped with $40 million fine for playing fake ringtones on rural calls
T-Mobile has agreed to pay $40 million after the Federal Communication Commission found that despite promising to end the practice, T-Mobile was still playing fake ringtones on calls to rural areas in an effort to make customers believe that the call had been connected -- when in fact it had not.
U.K. cybersecurity agency warns against using ZTE telecom equipment
The National Cyber Security Centre in the United Kingdom has issued advice to mobile networks in the country to not use equipment or services from ZTE due to security fears. The statement was released the same day the U.S. Department of Commerce banned American companies from selling components to the company.
Here are all the details about the upcoming Oppo Find 9 smartphone
After hearing rumors of the upcoming Oppo Find 9 for the better part of a year, it looks like the smartphone manufacturer is finally preparing to launch its highly-anticipated flagship in the first half of 2018. Here's all the details about the soon to be released Oppo Find 9.
The amount users spent on iPhone apps in the U.S. rose 23 percent last year
In 2017, U.S. iPhone owners spent nearly a quarter more money on in-app purchases than they did in 2016. The average user spent $58 on in-app purchases -- up 23 percent from 2016. While that's not a staggering amount, it is about a dozen Starbucks lattes. The average iPhone owner had 45 apps installed.
Google Maps users navigating through more scams and fake content
Volunteers who spend much of their time helping to build Google Maps claim the popular online tool is facing a growing threat from scammers and others posting fake content. Two reports over the weekend highlight a number of issues with the service, though Google insists it's working hard to clear the bogus data.
Honor’s new budget 7C and 7A phones love your face, and unlock at a glance
The new Honor 7C and Honor 7A phones come with face unlock, despite costing much less than the majority of phones already available with a similar feature.
Internet-free Samsung Galaxy J2 Pro should keep students on task
Samsung has announced the launch of its Galaxy J2 Pro smartphone in South Korea. The device supports all the basic functions of a phone such as calling and texting, but it can't connect to 2G, 3G, 4G LTE, or Wi-Fi. It's targeted mainly toward students who need to focus on studying without any distractions.
The Xiaomi-backed ‘Black Shark’ is an absolute beast of a gaming phone
Gamers have never had it so good: The new Xiaomi-backed Black Shark features top-tier specs for mobile gaming, plus you can use it with a gamepad -- which should make mobile gaming even easier than it otherwise would be. The downside? It's currently only available in China.
Leaked internal memo warns Apple employees about the dangers of leaking
Apple issued a very stern warning to its employees about the consequences of leaking future product and software road maps. The confidential memo, which was subsequently leaked to the press, comes after a series of leaks in 2017 about the iPhone X, iOS 11, iPad Pro, and AirPods.
The ultra-affordable LG Fortune 2 is now available from Cricket Wireless
Cricket Wireless has a new ultra-affordable phone on offer -- the LG Fortune 2. The device offers 16GB of storage, an 8-megapixel rear-facing camera, and it comes at only $99.99. Of course, it doesn't come without competition -- like the ZTE Blade X Max, which is also available from Cricket Wireless.
Russia bans Popular messenger app Telegram, Kremlin must use new service
On Friday, a Russian court banned the popular messenger service Telegram, a decision that comes a week after Russian communication watchdog Roskomnadzor filed a lawsuit to limit users' access to the app. The showdown began to form when Telegram refused to allow Russian state security services to access user messages.