Phantom text messages were sent around the country last night
According to a slew of posts on Reddit and Twitter, a number of users received text messages that weren't actually sent. According to some reports, the messages are actually duplicates of messages sent on February 14, and the issue could be related to a cross-carrier messaging system update.
Why wait? You can download the Google Stadia Android app right now
Google has released the official Stadia Android app ahead of the streaming service's official launch later this month. The only mobile phones compatible at launch are the Pixel 3 and newer. Additional mobile devices will be compatible at a later date, and the free Base Edition arrives in 2020.
iOS 13.3 beta reveals RAM management fixes and hides away the Memoji keyboard
The iOS 13.3 public beta has been released, and it seems that Apple's next mobile update is going to be something of a quiet nght in. Regardless, it's a welcome update, as it seems to fix the app-killing bug introduced in iOS 13.2, alongside some additional settings, and another great tool for Screen Time.
YouTube launches fresh new homepage on iOS and Android tablets and desktops
YouTube is making it easier to navigate your homepage on tablets and desktop devices with its new interface changes. The new homepage will combine larger thumbnails with longer titles, and will add channel icons into the mix. You'll also get some additional features, such as adding to Now Playing playlists.
The ZTE Blade 10 Prime and Blade A7 Prime are now available from Visible
ZTE has announced three new phones, two of which are destined for Visible exclusivity. The ZTE Blade 10 Prime and Blade A7 Prime are available from the Verizon-owned network, while the Blade 10 is the same as the Blade 10 Prime, but works on T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon instead.
Amazon’s Echo Buds might be getting a fitness-tracking feature
Only days after the official retail availability of the Amazon Echo Buds, a newly spotted section of the Alexa app suggests that the $130 true wireless earbuds could receive a fitness tracking feature in the near future. With Google's recent acquisition of Fitbit, it could signal the start of a fitness showdown.
Samsung closes Texas R&D center, leaving future of Exynos chip in doubt
Samsung will close its Exynos semiconductor research and development center in Austin, Texas, leaving the future of the processor in doubt. While the company has not confirmed what will happen with the Exynos in the future, there is other evidence of changes coming for the chip.
Google Pixel 4’s astrophotography mode is now rolling out to older Pixels
Google Pixel 4's astrophotography mode is now making its way to a bunch of previous-generation Pixel phones. Google has begun rolling out the version 7.2 update for its default camera app, which enables the astrophotography mode for the Pixel 2, Pixel 3, and Pixel 3a, among other additions and changes.
Watch out, WearOS. Fossil has reimagined the hybrid smartwatch
Fossil has spotted a gap in the market and filled it with the new Hybrid HR smartwatch, which fits in between a full touchscreen watch and a full hybrid model. The Hybrid HR has a screen behind the mechanical hands, ensuring it always shows the time, yet still provides space for helpful notifications and data.
The Google Pixel’s last update will be released in December
Google announced the end-of-software updates for the original Pixel and Pixel XL. According to the company, the phones will get one final update in December, which will largely focus on security patches. The phone already got more updates than were expected, having received Android 10.
The FCC has officially approved the merger between T-Mobile and Sprint
A few weeks after voting on the merger between Sprint and T-Mobile, the FCC has published statements and officially passed approval. The two companies have long argued that the merger would result in a stronger 5G network, and that was one of the main reasons the FCC approved the deal.
Huawei is reportedly hosting a secret hacker meeting in Germany
Huawei has reportedly invited some of the world’s most capable phone hackers to Munich for a secret meeting. At the event, the company is rumored to launch an exclusive bug bounty program that will reward researchers for submitting security vulnerabilities in its phones.
YouTube’s money-spinning, attention-grabbing Super Stickers have gone global
YouTube has been testing its attention-grabbing, money-spinning Super Stickers feature for a few months, and is now ready for it to go global. With it, you have the chance to pay for animated stickers to send to your favorite creators during a live chat, ensuring you stand out from the crowd.
Samsung Galaxy S11’s codename hints it may pack a periscope zoom lens camera
Rumors are saying the Samsung Galaxy S11 range will introduce some major camera improvements, but the device's codename may have just given a big new feature away. According to leaked rumors, the Samsung Galaxy S11 is codenamed "Hubble," and may come with a 5x periscope telephoto zoom lens.
Points mean prizes as Google Play Store rewards program comes to U.S.
Google has launched a rewards program for Play Store users in the United States. Play Points gives Android users the chance to earn discounts and win prizes for their purchases in the store. The more purchases you make, the better the discounts and the bigger the prizes.
Apple’s iPhone 11 and 11 Pro phones are here, and they’ll set your pulse racing
Apple has announced the new iPhone 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max at a special event held at its futuristic campus in Cupertino, California. The new iPhone 11 models have to take on the smartphone might of Samsung, Huawei, and Google this year. Here's everything you need to know about the new iPhone 11 and 11 Pro phones.
Apple and Valve reportedly team up on AR/VR headset scheduled for 2020 release
In order to bring its long-rumored augmented reality headset to life, Apple has reportedly teamed up with games publisher Valve, according to the most recent rumors. The news follows other rumors linking Apple with third-party firms. Provided all goes to plan, the AR/VR headset may go on sale in late 2020.
Adobe shoots for the future with Photoshop Camera app for iOS and Android
Adobe's upcoming camera app for iOS and Android will bring the power of Photoshop and Adobe's Sensei A.I. to mobile phone photographers. Adobe has always looked to push boundaries for creative technology, but will Photoshop Camera be a serious tool, or a simple gimmick?
TikTok and Kakao revive the trend of social companies launching smartphones
Bytedance, the company behind the TikTok video app, and South Korea's Kakao, which operates KakaoTalk, have both announced smartphones, restarting a dormant trend of social firms making hardware with quick access to their respective apps. Time has not been kind to these examples in the past, but that could change.
The Galaxy S11’s camera may jump from 12 megapixels to 108
The Galaxy S11 is rumored to get a serious camera upgrade over the Galaxy S10. Gone will be the 12-megapixel main lens, replaced by a massive 108-megapixel camera lens, according to the latest rumors. The sensor will enable better low-light images, and allow cropping without losing detail.
Google Maps’ Incognito mode finally goes live for Android users
Six months after discussing the privacy feature at its Google I/O conference, the company is finally rolling out Incognito mode for Google Maps on Android. It can be turned on in a few taps, but keep in mind that when it’s on, you’ll lose access to things like Offline Maps and Your Places.
iPhone 5 owners, update your device today to keep it working
If you're still hanging on to an older iPhone 5, you'll need to update its software today to keep it working. Apple has warned that without an iOS update, online services on the device will stop working and performing the update will require plugging the device into a computer.
Google is buying Fitbit for $2.1 billion
In a move that makes its growing wearable ambitions crystal clear, Google is buying Fitbit for $2.1 billion. With the acquisition of the maker of activity trackers, Google is making a major push into the wearables space. Fitbit-designed hardware will run Wear OS in the near future.
China switches on 5G network earlier than expected, and with cheap prices
China has switched on its 5G network earlier than the previously expected 2020 launch date, with at least nine million people already signed up for the fast data speeds. All three major mobile networks are offering 5G fees, and the prices are competitive, making it easier for people to upgrade.
WhatsApp’s fingerprint unlock feature is now on Android
The ability to unlock WhatsApp with your fingerprint has been available for compatible iPhones since earlier this year, but now the feature has finally arrived for supported Android handsets, too. Fingerprint unlock also lets you choose how much time should pass before the app requests your fingerprint again.
Apple App Store error reportedly saw 20M ratings erased in a week
Apple's App Store apparently suffered a hiccup last week when millions of user ratings were accidentally deleted from apps belonging to the likes of Google, Microsoft, Nike, and Disney, with smaller developers also hit. Ratings affect the amount of exposure an app gets in the store, which in turn can affect downloads.
iExpand? Apple patents multiple bizarre, expandable smart ring designs
We're all so preoccupied with the screens in our pockets that we've forgotten they can be put elsewhere. Well, Apple hasn't, and it patented a bunch of designs for smart rings with expandable sections. Could a ring with an expanding display be in your future, rather than the iPhone 16?
Leaked photo shows why you should be excited about the folding Razr smartphone
Motorola is bringing back the original Moto Razr, but as a folding smartphone with a screen that runs from top to bottom of the device. A leaked photo has given us a great look at the phone, and confirmed Motorola is sticking very close to the classic, iconic design of the original. Now's the time to get excited.
Leak shows Huawei may put a hole-punch screen on a tablet
Leaks show Huawei may be working on bringing the hole-punch screen design to tablets, after a successful run on smartphones, where it's used as an alternative to the notch. The tablet doesn't have an official name yet, but images show it may come with a keyboard case, a stylus that fixes to the body, and an iPad Pro-like design.
Apple Card users will be able to buy an iPhone with no interest for 24 months
Apple has announced that customers will soon be able to buy an iPhone with their Apple Card, and pay no interest for 24 months. Customers will still get 3 percent cash back too -- and while the program is similar to other iPhone financing programs, it allows users to manage payments in the Wallet app.
AT&T switches up its strategy with three new Unlimited data plans
AT&T is fully adopting the Unlimited data plan model. The company has announced three new Unlimited data plans, each with a different set of perks and advantages. The new plans range in price from $65 for a single line to $85 for a single line, though you'll get discounts with additional lines.
Facebook lawsuit may increase accountability for spyware makers
Facebook has sued the NSO Group, a security software firm, alleging it was responsible for an attack against WhatsApp earlier this year, in which it's claimed that human rights activists, journalists, and lawyers were targeted by spyware installed through the messaging service.
Turn any smartphone into a touchscreen laptop with this new plug-in device
PhoneBook is a plug-in device that turns any smartphone into a 15.6-inch touchscreen laptop. PhoneBook is a periphery that makes your phone more productive because it is a laptop shell. Essentially, it is the body of a laptop computer that works off of your phone’s CPU.
SiriusXM comes to Nest Home devices to boost your listening and watching options
Internet radio service SiriusXM is coming to U.S. and Canadian Google Nest smart speakers and smart displays this week, giving you even more choice where listening is concerned. With options to listen to talk radio stations, dedicated artist channels, and even watch exclusive video content through a SiriusXM sub.