Apple may have to ditch lightning cables if European regulators have their way
Members of the European Parliament are proposing that mobile phone chargers should be standardized, with calls for the European Commission to bring in regulation. This could oblige Apple to ditch its lightning chargers and switch to a standard format instead.
WhatsApp: Facebook shelves plan to fill app with ads, report claims
Facebook has reportedly backpedaled on plans to bring ads to WhatsApp. The social networking giant has apparently disbanded the team that was working on the idea, and removed code from the app. The founders of the messaging app, who quit a couple of years ago, always said they never wanted to see ads on the service.
At least one Google Pixel 4a variant will reportedly support 5G
Google may be gearing up to capitalize on 5G's growing availability to sell its forthcoming affordable phone, the Pixel 4a. A new report suggests that at least one variant of Google’s upcoming affordable phones, the Pixel 4a will support 5G networks.
The iPhone 12 could have the performance of a 15-inch MacBook Pro
People are already making predictions about this year’s iPhone, and new reports suggest it could have the performance of a MacBook thanks to the possibility of an A14 processor. An A14 processor chip would allow Apple to jump to 5 nm manufacturing, meaning a faster and more power-efficient iPhone.
Trump wants a backdoor into your iPhone. So do muggers, experts say
The U.S. government is once again asking Apple to decrypt the phone of a terrorist, and Apple is again refusing. But if the government were to get its way and Apple added a backdoor for authorities, experts say it would quickly be used by thieves and lead to an increase in muggings.
Your iPhone can now act as a physical Google security key
A year after introducing it for Android, Google has announced that iPhones can now function as physical two-factor security keys. This 2FA method is a lot more secure than the two-factor prompt you’re likely used to as it requires your iPhone to be in the computer’s proximity.
Leaked video gives us our best look yet at the Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus
There's no need to wait until February 11's Samsung Unpacked to see the new Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus. The latest leaked video shows the device from a bunch of angles, giving us our best look at Samsung's new flagship device, less than a month before it's finally revealed at Samsung's event.
Apple rejects U.S. Attorney General request to unlock another phone
The question of privacy vs law enforcement's access to our data looms large again, as U.S. Attorney General William Barr asks Apple to unlock the phone of another alleged shooter. But as the government insists on having backdoor access to our phones, tech companies say that's not how encryption works.
Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra to sport 108MP camera, 1.5TB of storage
Samsung's upcoming S20 Ultra smartphone will feature a 108MP primary camera sensor, a 48MP secondary camera sensor with 40x optical zoom, and up to 1.5TB of storage space thanks to a 1TB SD card compatible expansion slot. However, we may have seen the same sensor released on a Xiaomi phone in 2019.
This tiny cell phone is the size of a USB stick, and it has a 7-day battery
The Zanco Tiny 2 packs a whole lot of phone into a small package with seven-day battery life, including a .3 megapixel camera, Bluetooth connectivity, 3.5mm headphone jack, microSD slot, and a one-inch TFT screen for $130. But do we really need another phone?
OnePlus’ next phone will feature a 120Hz refresh rate display
The battle of the phone screen specs is moving away from a focus on resolution and toward a focus on refresh rate, with OnePlus using its highest ever refresh rate display for its next device. OnePlus CEO Pete Lau confirmed the company's next device would have a 120Hz refresh rate screen.
Samsung’s new $499 rugged smartphone is built like a tank for tough environments
After accidentally leaking it on its Finnish website, Samsung has gone official with its latest rugged smartphone. Called the Galaxy XCover Pro, the phone is built like a tank and is intended for workers in rugged work environments. It will go on sale for $499 in the United States sometime in the first half of 2020.
New leak reveals Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S20+ all in its glory
A new report confirms that there will be no Samsung Galaxy S11. Instead, the Galaxy S10 series’ successors will be called the S20s -- likely to match the decade. The fresh leak also reveals the first live images of the Galaxy S20+ which will be reportedly the middle-child of the lineup.
Apple quietly reduces trade-in value for iPhones, iPads by up to $100
Apple quietly slashed the maximum trade-in values for most of its products, including iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches. The iPhone XS Max saw the biggest reduction at $100, going down to $500 from $600, while certain Mac computers and most Apple Watch models were not affected.
Apple to replace faulty Smart Battery Cases for iPhone XS, XS Max, XR
Apple launched a replacement program for defective Smart Battery Cases for the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR. A problem involving batteries may sound alarming at it calls to mind exploding smartphones, but Apple clarified that the defects do not represent a safety issue.
Masimo claims Apple stole trade secrets, poached employees for Apple Watch
Medical technology company Masimo filed a lawsuit against Apple for allegedly stealing trade secrets that were used on the Apple Watch. Masimo claims that the Apple Watch carries 10 patent infringements and that Apple poached key employees in order to receive confidential information.
Will Samsung’s next folding phone be called the Galaxy Bloom? Perhaps not
The second folding Samsung phone is highly anticipated, and it is expected to be revealed at the February 11 Samsung Unpacked event. Will it be called the Galaxy Fold 2, or will Samsung go for a different name? The latest leaks claim to show "Galaxy Bloom" as a name, but is all as it seems?
Chinese malware found on U.S. government-subsidized phones
Cybersecurity firm, Malwarebytes says it has found pre-installed Chinese malware on some U.S. government-subsidized phones. The phones are offered to low-income families at significant discounts under the FCC’s Lifeline Assistance program that was first introduced three decades ago.
GuRu’s robot could charge up your devices wirelessly over a distance
The group of companies determined to bring wireless charging based on delivering power over distance is growing. The fourth player we've seen in this space at CES 2020, GuRu had some of the smartest solutions to some of the problems that power over distance must overcome if it's to be successful.
Apple’s latest iPhone photo contest asks for your best Night mode images
Apple is inviting all iPhone 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max owners to cross over to the dark side for its Night mode photo contest. Entries are open until January 29 with winners announced on March 4. Winning images may get features on Apple's Instagram, in print, or on billboards.
The camera lenses on OnePlus’s concept phone disappear with a zap of electricity
OnePlus publicly showed off a concept phone called the OnePlus Concept One, and it uses electrochromic glass to hide multiple camera lenses on the back until they're needed. Developed with McLaren, the technology has been seen before on the brand's sports cars. This is the first time it has been miniaturized.
Prinker’s awesome tattoo printer inks you instantly, but not forever
Fancy a tattoo but not the commitment? Check out the Prinker S, a temporary tattoo printer for your skin that works so fast, there's no time for regret. Even if you did question what you've done afterwards, all it takes is some soap and water to erase the tattoo, and you can try again. We tried the printer out at CES.
Elliptic Labs gesture controls and presence detection coming to your living room
With support for gesture controls and presence detection, Elliptic Labs technology is impressive. It has now been integrated into a Texas Instruments audio chip which brings it a step closer to being released in a device, like a smart speaker, that you might buy. We tried it out at CES 2020.
Leakers disagree on whether the Galaxy S20 will have a 120Hz display
February is creeping closer, and the Samsung Galaxy S20 leaks are ramping up. The latest rumors point to Samsung abandoning 120Hz support on the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S20 range. However, those rumors have been strongly rebuffed by another noted leaker. Who's right? We'll find out at Samsung Unpacked.
The Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro is a new rugged phone with a removable battery
Samsung has taken the wraps off of its latest rugged phone -- the Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro. The new device offers relatively good performance, as well as two programmable buttons, a display that works with gloves, and even a removable battery. Unfortunately, there's no word on a U.S. release.
1More promises personalized audio via the first SoundID-enabled headphones
Can any set of headphones be made to sound better if the audio is adjusted for your age, sex, and personal tastes? That's the belief at 1More which has partnered with audio tech company Sonarworks to deliver the first headphones that can be tuned using Sonarworks' SoundID software, later in 2020.
Samsung’s next-generation folding phone may use last-generation hardware
Samsung's next folding phone is on the horizon, and it's unquestionable that the Fold is looking to the future. However, the next generation of the phone could be hobbled with the last generation's hardware. According to rumors, the Samsung Galaxy Fold 2 may use the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 from last year.
Tough as nails, the Cat S32 smartphone fills the rugged niche at CES 2020
Tough work environments and outdoors adventures don't bode well for fragile smartphones. The newly announced Cat S32 is built to withstand bumps, drops, and the elements. Launched at CES 2020, the Cat S32 is a rugged phone you can rely on that's capable of withstanding drops, water, dust, and more.
Google Play sides with team Samsung in the HDR format war
Designed to rival Dolby Vision, HDR10+ is the brainchild of Samsung, which teamed up with Panasonic and 20th Century Fox to bring it to life. Together, these brands make up an initiative known as HDR10+ Technologies, and it's this initiative that has announced that HDR10+ will soon expand to Google Play Movies and TV.
This A.I. app converts any photo into 3D, no dual lenses required
Want to make your photos pop, but don't own a dual-lens smartphone? The LucidPix app will soon allow you to turn existing 2D photos into 3D images using artificial intelligence. The app, currently in beta, was announced during CES 2020. A full launch is expected later this year.
Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite and Note 10 Lite hands-on: They’re a little strange
Samsung's taking a crack at the affordable flagship market with the Galaxy S10 Lite and Note 10 Lite. Slightly toned-down remixes of two fan-favorite flagships from 2018, these phones pack fairly large batteries, triple cameras, and punchy AMOLED displays. But can they compete with OnePlus and the iPhone 11?
The Skagen Falster 3 smartwatch embodies minimalist Scandinavian style
Danish brand Skagen is known for an understated, classy style, and the Falster 3 is the best smartwatch it has turned out so far. With the Qualcomm Snapdragon 3100 and 1GB of RAM, this is a snappy performer that comes in four attractive models, including a special X by Kygo edition in black.
iPhone SE 2 (or iPhone 9?): This could be our first look
A bunch of new renders by OnLeaks offer the very first look at Apple's upcoming iPhone SE 2. The report claims the iPhone SE 2 will essentially be an iPhone 8 with 2020 specs including the latest A13 Bionic chip, frosted back, wireless charging, a 4.7-inch LCD screen, and more.
This could be the Samsung Galaxy Fold 2 we see at Samsung Unpacked in February
The Samsung Galaxy Fold still seems bright, shiny, and new -- but there's a new folding Samsung phone on the way. The Samsung Galaxy Fold 2 is rumored to be shown off on February 11 at Samsung Unpacked, but LetsGoDigital has shown off renders it claims reveal the new folding phone. Is this the Samsung Galaxy Fold 2?