Apple contractors will no longer be able to listen to your Siri recordings
Last week, it was revealed that Apple uses human contractors to review Siri recordings, contractors that often end up hearing everything from drug deals to sexual encounters as a result. Now Apple says it has suspended the use of those contractors and is reviewing the program
Google wants to profit on search engine choice. The EU is keeping a close eye
As a part of the European Union's antitrust case against Google, which has cost the company more than $5 billion in fines, the company must provide alternative search and web browser options to Android users. The company is now accepting bids for the honor from competing search engines.
The U.S. Galaxy Note 10 will have the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 after all
Samsung has for a long time used two different processors in its flagship phones, depending on where they are sold. In the U.S., a Qualcomm chip is usually found inside, and despite previous leaks, it looks like the same will be true of the Samsung Galaxy Note 10 when it's launched on August 7.
Verizon Unlimited plans bundle 5G, but won’t allow 1080p streaming over LTE
Verizon has just announced a new range of Unlimited plans -- a BuzzFeed-style quiz to go with them. Three of the four plans also include unlimited access to Verizon's burgeoning 5G network around the U.S., but oddly, even the most expensive of the plans doesn't seem to include 1080p streaming on LTE.
Google feature lets you communicate with a 911 operator without speaking
Google is launching a new feature that lets emergency callers communicate with a 911 operator without uttering a word. If a caller can't speak due to injury, danger, or some kind of impairment, they can simply tap a couple of buttons on their phone to launch an automated voice service to get their message across.
The Google Files app now has a dark mode and better offline playback controls
Google has launched an update to the Files app, finally bringing a dark mode that should help save battery life and reduce eye strain. On top of that, the new app now also offers better offline playback controls, which is great for those who listen to music and watch videos through the app.
Comcast lowers shared data prices on Xfinity Mobile based on how much you buy
Comcast has announced a few changes to the price of Xfinity Mobile. Namely, shared data on the company's By the Gig plan will now cost a little less, depending on how much data you buy. At the same time, Unlimited Data plans are seeing a few more restrictions.
Take note: Apple may add Pencil stylus support to 2019 iPhone models
Apple may add support for the Apple Pencil stylus to its 2019 iPhone range. It’s not the first time we’ve heard about this, and the rumor of Pencil support on the iPhone began before the iPhone XS and XS Max were released in 2018, but renewed competition from Samsung may push the feature forward this year.
Google’s $5 Play Pass will make all the apps you want from the Play Store free
Google is testing a subscription service for the Google Play Store, called Play Pass, where anyone paying a single $5-per-month fee will gain access to a massive catalog of apps to download without any further charge. The Play Pass is not official yet, but here's what we know about it so far.
New Android ransomware is spreading through text messages
A new Android malware has been spreading itself online and through text messages, tricking users into downloading an app that masquerades as a sex simulator or tech-related app. In the background, however, it actually encrypts the user's files -- only decrypting them again if a ransom is paid.
The Black Shark 2 Pro offers Snapdragon 855 Plus power for under $500
Gaming phones are no longer up-and-coming; they're absolutely here and apparently ready to stay. Black Shark has wasted no time after the release of the powerful Snapdragon 855 Plus, releasing an upgraded version of the Black Shark 2 gaming phone. Say hello to the uber-powerful Black Shark 2 Pro.
How to watch Samsung launch an exciting new Galaxy tablet and Galaxy watch
Samsung will launch a new Galaxy Tab tablet and a new Galaxy Watch over the next few days, ahead of the main event on August 7 -- the launch of the Galaxy Note 10. The new Galaxy Tab tablet will launch Wednesday, and the Galaxy Watch will come on August 5, with both reveals being livestreamed on Samsung's website.
Here are 10 ways your cell phone carrier is screwing you
We accept the pernicious practices of cell phone carriers as part of the price of owning a smartphone. From hidden charges and up-selling, to blocking features and preinstalling useless software, carriers do much to make the smartphone experience worse than it needs to be -- and a lot more expensive.
With voice and gestures, Google’s Pixel 4 takes us closer to a hands-free future
The forthcoming Pixel 4 smartphone from Google is going to feature gestures using a radar system, secure face unlock, and a whole new level of contextual voice commands. Google is leading the way towards a hands-free future that may finally free us from the tyranny of the touchscreen.
Freed from limbo, the Honor 20 Pro finally has a U.K. price and release date
The Honor 20 Pro has finally received an August release date and price in the U.K., weeks after the phone was announced, and its more basic counterparts — the Honor 20 and Honor 20 Lite — hit the shelves. It'll be out on August 1 for 550 British pounds, or around $670, through several retailers and Honor's own online store.
Note 10 Plus leaks show 5G, amazing carrier deals, and more specs details
There's just over a week to go until we expect to see the Samsung Galaxy Note 10 range revealed at the Galaxy Unpacked on August 7, and some new leaks have claimed that we'll be seeing a 5G-enabled version of the Note 10 Plus, some fun new features, and some incredible carrier deals to boot.
MediaTek goes for gamers with new Helio G90 series smartphone chips
MediaTek has announced the Helio G90 series chips, which are designed for top-quality gaming on the move, complete with a new range of engines to optimize the experience. MediaTek has always focused on delivering premium features and performance on devices that don’t have premium prices.
Report: ByteDance is developing a TikTok-branded smartphone
ByteDance the parent company of music-based social media network TikTok, has confirmed that it is developing its own smartphone. Details are still scarce, but it's likely that the device will put an emphasis on the TikTok social media network, instead of trying to compete with Samsung and Apple.
Apple’s next iPhone might up the AR ante with frickin’ laser beams
Forget a better display and faster cellular modem, a new report suggests that the next iPhone will have a laser. That said, that laser might not work quite the way you think. TF Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says the lasers will help determine how far away objects are from the phone.
The Pixel 4’s coolest new feature means you don’t have to touch it
Google has tweeted a new teaser for the Google Pixel 4, showing facial recognition and gesture controls that will allow users to control certain aspects of the device without ever touching it. The tech is likely based on Google's Project Soli, which has been in the works for a few years now.
Oppo’s striking waterfall screen cascades over the side of the phone
Oppo has shown off a new type of smartphone screen design it's calling the waterfall screen. It cascades over the side of the screen with an 88-degree curve. The striking all-screen design is emphasized by the lack of a selfie camera, no visible speaker, and no obvious physical power or volume buttons.
All three new 2020 iPhones rumored to offer 5G connectivity
Apple is rumored to be launching three new iPhones in 2020, and now supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of TF International Securities says that all three of those new smartphones will come with 5G connectivity. This conflicts with a previous report that suggested the phones would come out as late as 2025.
Smartphone case augments touchscreens with physical buttons, scroll wheels
A customizable smartphone case featuring mechanical widgets provides a more tactile experience, compared to tapping and swiping on touchscreens. Vidgets, created by Snap researchers and Columbia University students, translate input through physical buttons and scroll wheels into onscreen commands.
EEC filings suggest there might be several new iPads coming soon
Apple recently filed two new iPad model numbers with the EEC, adding to the five model numbers that it has already filed with the commission. The filings indicate that seven versions of the iPad will ship running iOS 13, suggesting that they’ll be launched in the fall.
Facebook will move Instant Games to main app, further simplifying Messenger
Facebook will be transferring Instant Games to the Facebook Gaming tab on the main app, in a move that will take several stages. The migration of the platform will also help to further simplify Messenger, which was recently redesigned with a simplified user interface and new customization options.
Apple wants to have its own 5G modem ready by 2021, report says
Apple only just purchased Intel's 5G modem business, but it looks like the company already has a target date in mind to launch its own 5G modem. According to a new report, Apple wants to have its own 5G modems ready by 2021 -- even if those modems don't end up in flagship iPhone models.
Apple contractors listening to Siri requests hear sex, drug deals, and more
Apple contractors routinely hear sensitive things like confidential medical information, couples having sex, and drug deals as part of their work related to quality control for the company’s virtual assistant Siri. It was revealed that earlier this year that humans also evaluate things overheard by Amazon's Alexa
It’s official: Justice Department approves merger between Sprint and T-Mobile
The Department of Justice has officially approved the merger between T-Mobile and Sprint, marking a significant step forward in the proposed $26 billion deal. T-Mobile and Sprint still have an uphill battle ahead of them -- 14 states have sued to block the deal.
Samsung has fixed the Galaxy Fold and it will be available in September
Samsung has announced it has fixed the Galaxy Fold, its first-ever foldable phone, which was plagued with hardware issues days before it was set to launch in April. The revised model has fixed the issues reviewers ran into, and it's set to launch through various retailers and carriers in September.
Huawei Mate 20 X 5G set to launch in the U.K. on July 26
Huawei will launch the Mate 20 X 5G in the U.K. on July 26. The phone will arrive on the Three network, Sky Mobile, and be sold through the Carphone Warehouse retail stores. It had been expected the phone would be part of Vodafone and EE's 5G launch, but the phone's release was put on hold.
FaceApp will do an about-face on its problematic terms of service
After receiving significant backlash for its questionable privacy terms, FaceApp’s creator is now saying the company will change its problematic terms of service. FaceApp's CEO told Forbes that there would be more transparency with the implementation of an updated privacy policy.
Samsung Galaxy Watch Active & Galaxy Fit: Everything you need to know
Looking for a new fitness buddy? Samsung launched the Galaxy Watch Active earlier this year, and it's now finally launching the Galaxy Fit. Both have a raft of fitness-focused features that'll keep you moving. Here's what you need to know about the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active and the Galaxy Fit.
Motorola’s bare-bones Moto E6 costs $150 and has a removable battery
If getting a bargain is your goal, then Motorola's budget phones are always a great place to start. The Moto E has always been one of the cheapest ranges around, and there's a new entry. The Moto E6 offers decent specs, good looks, Android 9.0 Pie, and a removable battery, all for just $150.
Incredible leaked Vivo phone may have a screen-to-body ratio of more than 100%
Vivo, a smartphone brand already known for pushing the design envelope on its phones, may be working on something very special indeed. A leak has shown two panes of glass with 90-degree curves at either side, ready to encase the entire body of a phone in screen, giving it a higher than 100% screen-to-body ratio