Google Photos now lets you search for text in your images
Google Photos is getting a major update that allows users to essentially search for text in images. The update leverages Google Lens' OCR tech, and means that you could take photos of documents, and then copy that text to be used in other apps and services. The feature is now rolling out.
New leak shows off Samsung’s One UI 2.0 — and it’s built on Android 10
Samsung is working on an update to its One UI, called One UI 2.0 -- and a video showing off an early build of the new operating system has just leaked online. Notably, One UI 2.0 brings a number of features from Android 10, including Android's new gesture-based navigation system.
Xiaomi will offer personal loans in India, but it will cost you your privacy
China’s Xiaomi is all set to capitalize on its dominant position in India, the second-largest smartphone market, by offering loans to customers -- but there's a significant catch: The company will use private data from applicants' phones to determine whether they are eligible.
Samsung Galaxy Note 10 and Note 10 Plus: Key settings you need to change
Samsung's Galaxy Note 10 and Note 10 Plus are packed to the brim with features, but many of them are turned off by default. We've dug up some of the core, key settings on the Note 10 and Note 10 Plus that you'll want to toggle on for the best smartphone experience.
Huawei’s new Kirin mobile chip due in September, and it will be 5G-focused
Huawei will launch a new Kirin processor during the IFA 2019 trade show, which takes place in Berlin, Germany at the beginning of September. Expected to be called the Kirin 990, the new processor will apparently have a 5G focus, according to hints given by the company. It will likely make its debut in the future Mate 30 series.
Launch day: The Samsung Galaxy Note 10, Note 10 Plus, and the 5G model are here
Samsung's Galaxy Note 10, Galaxy Note 10 Plus, and Galaxy Note 10 Plus 5G are finally here. The new phones offer a beautiful design, top-tier specs under the hood, and S Pen stylus functionality. If you want one for yourself, here's are all the deals and where you can buy the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.
Many smartphones reportedly exceed FCC limits for radio frequency radiation
According to a new report from the Chicago Tribune, many new smartphone models exceed federal safety limits for radio frequency radiation. The report notes that 11 smartphones were tested, including four iPhones, and almost all of the phone models exceeded FCC limits at some point.
Bombshell report details 2019 iPhone ‘Pro’ models, new iPads, and more
A new report details a number of new products set to come from Apple over the next few months, including three new iPhones, two of which will reportedly be Pro models. Apple will also release new iPad models, MacBook models, and more -- though they may not all be released in September.
Google cuts the sugar out of Android with a simplified name and fresh logo
After 10 years of dessert-named operating system updates, Google is finally retiring the naming structure for Android OS. Android Q will now be known as Android 10, and next year's update will be Android 11, and so on. The Android logo is also getting a makeover after five years.
Tough K50S and K40S phones are just a taste of what’s coming soon from LG
LG has announced two new smartphones ahead of the IFA 2019 technology show at the beginning of September — the K50S and K40S. The K50S and K40S are notable for the MIL-STD-810G toughness rating, making them able to stand up to some relatively harsh treatment, at least compared to flagships made of glass.
The next iPhone may have a mini Apple Pencil stylus accessory
A case designed for the upcoming 2019 iPhone model has a section on the back apparently made to store a small Apple Pencil, giving the biggest hint yet the new smartphone will include support for the stylus. Currently the Apple iPhone does not work with the Apple Pencil, making storage unnecessary.
Your shiny new Apple Card could get discolored if you have a leather wallet
The Apple Card isn't as tough as many of us might have liked. According to a new Apple support page, the Apple Card can get permanently discolored if it's stored in a leather wallet -- and it's not recommended to put it in contact with denim or loose metal objects either.
Xiaomi confuses everyone with new Mi 9T Pro that isn’t really new at all
The newly announced Mi 9T Pro smartphone from Chinese brand Xiaomi is a renamed version of the Redmi K20 Pro, which was initially launched at the end of May. It follows the Xiaomi Mi 9T, which was itself a renamed version of the Redmi K20, also revealed alongside the K20 Pro in May. The phone will go on sale in Europe soon.
The Nokia 3V is HMD’s latest, and it’s available from Verizon for only $168
Nokia has announced a new Verizon-exclusive phone, called the Nokia 3V. The Nokia 3V boasts a relatively modern design compared to other phones in this price range, plus it offers decent internal specs. Couple that with the fact that this phone is so cheap, and it looks to be a solid option.
Save space and data with Google Go, now for regular Android devices
Google Go is the top app for space and data-saving searches on the entry-level Android Go, and now Google is making those capabilities available on regular Android. Starting on Tuesday, August 20, you'll be able to download Google Go on any Android device from Android 5.0 Lollipop and later.
Apple’s iOS 12.4 apparently unpatched a security flaw and enabled a jailbreak
It appears iOS 12.4 may not be the safest version of iOS, according to a new report. Apparently, Apple accidentally unpatched a security flaw that was previously fixed in iOS 12.3 -- and the result is that any phone with iOS 12.4 can now be jailbroken. We don't recommend users jailbreak their iPhones.
Google Duo is getting a low-light mode to brighten up your video chats
Google Duo is getting a little more useful in low light. Google has announced a new low-light mode for Duo that is aimed at brightening up video in case you're video-chatting at night or in a poorly lit environment. The feature could be particularly useful in areas that often have power outages.
Miami public transportation is getting Google Pay — and it could save you money
Google and the Miami-Dade Transit public transportation system have announced that the system will now support Google Pay -- meaning you can tap to pay at turnstiles, instead of having to buy a ticket for each ride. In fact, the support for the new system may even end up saving you some money.
Huawei gets another short reprieve from ban, but the future doesn’t look hopeful
Huawei has been given another 90-day extension to the Temporary General License, which holds off the ban imposed on it by the U.S. government in May, meaning it’s allowed to continue trading with U.S. companies for now. The extension comes with comments that indicate it may be the last such extension.
MediaTek and Huawei’s partnership may mean cheap 5G phones in early 2020
Huawei has reportedly made a deal with MediaTek to use its new 5G SoC in a low-cost 5G smartphone expected to launch in early 2020. MediaTek's chip is an integrated solution made for Sub-6 5G networks that launched in May. The partnership may mean one of the first affordable 5G phones will come from Huawei.
3 to beam up: Xiaomi, Oppo, and Vivo collaborate on new file transfer feature
Xiaomi, Oppo, and Vivo are working together on a new device-to-device file transfer feature for Android. The unnamed feature will be used instead of Android Beam when it's retired from Android in the near future, and will likely work in the same way as Apple's AirDrop feature, with Wi-Fi enabling fast file transfers.
These fraudulent Android apps were downloaded 8 million times
According to a new report from security research firm Trend Micro, a hefty 85 Android apps have been caught serving fraudulent ads that take over the user's screen -- and those apps have been downloaded 8 million times. What's more, is that the apps have ways to prevent being uninstalled.
Critical Bluetooth security bug discovered. Protect yourself with a quick update
Researchers have discovered a major new security flaw in Bluetooth, which could leave millions of devices at risk of a malicious hack. The KNOB attack essentially allows an attacker to interfere when two devices try to connect, allowing a hacker to “break” Bluetooth security without anyone knowing.
Motorola One Action says goodbye to annoying vertical videos
Accidentally recording a video vertically is super annoying -- and Motorola agrees. The new midrange Motorola One Action features an ultra-wide-angle lens that means you can take horizontal video while holding the phone vertically. Here's everything you need to know about the Motorola One Action.
New Samsung patent shows a device with two folds and a huge display
A new Samsung patent has been discovered, and it shows a device with two folds -- essentially meaning that the device would be able to fold out twice, revealing a huge display. It may be some time before we ever see a device like this, considering the bumpy launch of the Samsung Galaxy Fold.
Sony’s Xperia 1 is the first smartphone with a 4K OLED display
Sony took the wraps off of three new phones at Mobile World Congress 2019, including the Xperia 1, which is the company's latest flagship phone and the first phone with a 4K OLED display with a 21:9 aspect ratio. Sony also unveiled the Xperia 10 and Xperia 10 Plus, which are midrange devices.
Apple implants warning message to restrict third-party battery repairs
Third-party battery replacements for the newest iPhone models will result in a warning message in the device's settings menu. The only way to clear it is to take the iPhone to an Apple Store or an Apple Authorized Service Provider, as a new feature prevents other batteries from being inserted in the device.
Underrated smartphone apps you didn’t know you needed
Do you ever wonder if there's an app that can get you out of a jam? Chances are, there is. Between the App Store and the Google Play Store, there's bound to be something that suits every circumstance. We found some handy apps spanning both platforms to help you get through various situations and events.
LG may show off one of these new foldable phone designs at IFA 2019
LG is set to unveil a new dual-screen/foldable smartphone at IFA 2019, and speculation is rampant. Some patents have recently emerged that show some of the designs we could potentially see from LG soon, and they range from the familiar to the rather bizarre. Here are some recent LG foldable phone patents.
Apple expands digital student cards to 12 more universities this year
Apple announced that it's expanding its digital student ID initiative to 12 more universities this year — essentially meaning that more than 100,000 students will have access to the tech this year. With contactless student ID cards, students can scan their phone to access their dorm, cafeteria, and more.
Third-generation Snapchat Spectacles capture photos and video in 3D
Snap Inc. announced new Spectacles sunglasses on Tuesday so that you can capture your world in a 3D view. The Spectacles 3 glasses have two cameras on both sides of the frames that can capture depth and dimension, similar to how our eyes see the world, so your followers can see from your perspective.
Google flags preinstalled malware as hidden threat on millions of Android phones
Maddie Stone from Google's Project Zero flagged preinstalled malware on Android smartphones as a hidden threat. Her team discovered that the Chamois malware was preloaded in 7.4 million Android devices in March 2018, while the attention was on malware that people downloaded themselves.
Casio slims down latest sporty Edifice connected watch, adds desirable new tech
Casio's newest Edifice connected watch wraps some helpful Bluetooth-enabled features up inside a slimline case, which is 30% slimmer than its older models. Plus it adds desirable sapphire crystal over the face too. The new watch continues the sporty look we expect from an Edifice, and will go on sale in the summer for $300.
Telegram’s new Slow Mode aims to bring order to noisy group chats
Popular messaging app Telegram has released an update with several neat features that we think will be pretty popular. Slow Mode, for example, gives a group administrator greater control over when messages are posted, while Silent Messages guarantees you won’t wake your buddy if you get in touch late in the day.