Apple AirPods will see upgrade in 2019, all-new design by 2020, analyst predicts
Reliable Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicted that Apple will roll out new AirPods models over the next couple of years, and that sales will skyrocket in the near future. The 2019 AirPods will feature minor upgrades including wireless charging, while the 2020 AirPods will boast an all-new design.
Google Call Screen transcripts start rolling out to Pixel smartphones
The Call Screen feature that Google rolled out with the Pixel 3 will now get even better with the addition of the ability to save the transcripts. The Call Screen transcripts may be accessed with just a few taps on the touchscreen, but the extent of the rollout to Pixel phones remains unclear.
SatPaq’s satellite messaging is a lifeline for when you’re off the grid
The great outdoors can be a beautiful place, but it's also fraught with danger and hazards. Having phone signal can mean the difference between life and death in a true wilderness situation. Make sure you're always able to connect with the world with SatPaq's satellite messaging accessory.
MediaTek’s Helio P90 chip has more A.I. tech than the entire Terminator franchise
MediaTek will launch a new processor in December, the Helio P90, and it has said the chip will contain new components designed to improve speed and performance of its artificial intelligence features. The Helio P90 will be destined for phones that cost a lot less than you may expect.
Samsung supplier allegedly tried to steal company’s flexible display tech
Samsung's upcoming flexible phone could change the smartphone forever, but others seem to want a piece of the pie too. In fact, a Samsung supplier recently attempted to steal and sell Samsung's flexible display technology to a Chinese company -- and got caught in the process.
Sirin Labs’ Finney is no token effort — it’s a full-fledged crypto-phone
The Sirin Labs Finney phone is unusual. Rather than being about the camera or a bezel-less design, it's all about cryptocurrencies and the Blockchain, and that makes it about as cutting-edge as tech gets. The $1,000 phone is for the cryptocurrency crowd at the moment, but that may change in the future.
Oppo will unfurl its folding smartphone at the 2019 Mobile World Conference
Look under a rock on the beach and you'll probably find a phone manufacturer making a folding smartphone. Chinese manufacturer Oppo has confirmed that it is working on a folding smartphone, and that it will be shown off at MWC 2019. Here's everything we know about an Oppo folding smartphone.
Google Assistant adds new features to help get you through the holiday rush
There's no denying the holidays really are the most wonderful time of the year. But the month of December also means crunch time. That's why Google has conveniently debuted a handful of new Google Assistant features to help your spirts up. But don't worry, they can also be used all-year round.
Restaurant chain offers families free meals if they hand over their phones
British restaurant chain Frankie and Benny's is offering families free meals if they surrender their smartphones upon arrival. The idea came about after a survey conducted by the restaurant suggested many kids were fed up with their parents being on their phones the whole time.
The man responsible for LG’s TV success is now in charge of its mobile division
LG has made a key change at the top of its mobile division, bringing in a so-called, "turnaround expert," to return the struggling unit to former glories. Brian Kwon has headed LG's profitable home entertainment section for several years, and is now tasked with transforming mobile. He takes over the role in December.
Apple boosts iPhone trade-in credit by up to $100 for new XS, XR purchases
If you're thinking about trading in your old iPhone for one of Apple's newest models, then take note: For a limited time only, the tech company is increasing the amount of credit you can receive when you turn in your device, with up to $100 extra offered on some of its older handsets.
This wireless charging receiver chip could end up in your next smartphone
Energous is working on bringing truly wireless charging to the world, and to that end the company has announced a new chip, called the DA2223, which is aimed at bringing truly wireless charging to smaller devices like smartphones. It may take some time for smartphone manufacturers to adopt the tech.
Google Maps makes reviews more useful with hashtag support
In its latest grab from the world of social media, Google Maps now supports hashtags in reviews for businesses. Initially for Android only, the hashtags can be added to reviews both new and old. Google Maps also recently made it possible for users to follow their favorite businesses, and message them, too.
Apple v. Pepper: The Supreme Court could rule the App Store is a monopoly
The Supreme Court has decided to hear an interesting case that could decide whether or not Apple has a monopoly on app distribution. The case could have far-reaching implications for a number of tech companies, though it's likely to be a matter of years before the case is resolved.
Get the Samsung Galaxy S9 with an Amazon Echo and Echo Spot for $520
The Samsung Galaxy S9 is easily one of the best smartphones of the year, and for good reason -- the device is well-designed, powerful, and more. Now, for Cyber Monday, you can get the phone for only $520, plus you get an Amazon Echo and Echo Spot thrown in to sweeten the deal a little.
Luxury resort bans smartphones from poolside so guests can ‘truly relax’
A luxury resort on the Indonesian island of Bali has banned guests from taking gadgets to the poolside in a bid to help them "truly relax" and enjoy the moment. The resort says the aim of the initiative is to “preserve who we are by valuing human connection and me-time.”
LG may be working on a smartphone camera with 16 lenses
LG is apparently not yet happy with the five-camera system found on its latest flagship, the LG V40 ThinQ. The device maker may be working on a smartphone camera with 16 lenses that will allow the capture of moving 3D pictures, according to a patent that was spotted by LetsGoDigital.
Samsung foldable phone will be harder to buy and cost up to $2,500, report says
The Samsung foldable smartphone will be harder to buy due to limited carrier availability, according to unconfirmed claims from a report by Gizmodo U.K, citing a Samsung employee as a source. The device is also rumored to carry a price tag of as high as £2,000, which is equivalent to about $2,500.
iPhone X to make a comeback, but only in international markets
Apple appears to have resumed manufacturing the older iPhone X for the international market. The cheaper iPhone X will likely be offered in India and China, where the high price of the iPhone XS has proven to be a tough sell to customers leading to low sales numbers in those markets.
Google Play Store offers big movie and game discounts for Thanksgiving
If you're bored this holiday weekend, Google is here to lend a helping hand with a range of tempting offers in the Play Store. In honor of Thanksgiving and the deal bonanza that is Black Friday and Cyber Monday, there are movie rentals for 99 cents, up to 80 percent off top games, and discounts on apps.
Google replaces classic Search page with Discover on mobile devices
As part of its 20th anniversary, Google unveiled its plans for its next 20 years, and the improvements it's bringing to Search. One of those improvements will be reflected in the Google Feed. Not only will it now be known as Discover, but the update will bring additional features and a revamped look.
iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR: How to buy Apple’s new phones
After months of rumors and speculation, Apple has finally taken the wraps off of the new iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR. Now that the phones are out, you might be wondering how you can get them for yourself. Here's everything you need to know about pricing and availability for the new iPhones.
Selfie-mad Meitu phones are now made by Xiaomi, may be sold globally
Meitu, a Chinese brand known for its selfie and beautification software, has handed over its smartphone business to Xiaomi. The company now has the global license to produce phones using the Meitu name, and the many selfie apps it has developed. Meitu hardware has never been sold outside of China before.
Apple confirms it’s collecting data on foot to improve its Maps app
Apple has been using cars and satellites to improve its Maps app for several years, and it's now confirmed it's also using tech-laden pedestrians to collect data in a bid to provide better walking directions. Using backpacks with cameras and sensors, the Apple employees are starting off by mapping parts of California.
The Google Photos iOS app gets a bit better, now has depth control
Google has updated the iOS version of the Google Photos app to now take advantage of the depth data that can be captured by the iPhone's camera in Portrait Mode. The new feature is already available in the Android app, and allows you to tweak the amount of background blur in a photo.
Apple’s foldable iPhone: Here’s everything we know
Everyone and their mother is seemingly working on a folding phone, and Apple is no exception. However, while everyone else is sticking with the same design, Apple is quietly testing out some crazy new ideas for a folding display. Here's everything we know about Apple's folding iPhone.
Barnes & Noble’s new Nook tablet now has its own keyboard cover and dock
Barnes & Noble recently launched a new mobile device, the $130 Nook Tablet 10.1. Now the firm has released a couple of accessories designed exclusively for the new Nook: A $40 keyboard that connects via magnets and offers various viewing angles, and a $35 charging dock that holds the tablet in landscape mode.
Tumblr for iOS vanishes from App Store, possibly due to inappropriate content
Tumblr for iOS is currently only allowing searches in Safe Mode, and it is not available on the App Store. The speculation is that the app's disappearance had something to do with inappropriate content, since Tumblr is known for the adult-oriented blogs and art pieces on its platform.
New iPad Pro’s durability in question after it fails YouTuber’s bend test
The new iPad Pro models failed horribly in a bend test that was carried out by Zack Nelson, who is better known as popular YouTuber JerryRigEverything. The result raises questions about the durability of the tablets, especially since customers are also reporting bending issues.
Instagram tool accidentally exposes user passwords. Were you affected?
Instagram's Download Your Data tool contained a security vulnerability that accidentally exposed the passwords of a small number of users in plain text. Here is the explanation on what happened, and how to find out which Instagram accounts were compromised by the security bug.
Use multiple phone numbers on one device with Verizon’s ‘My Numbers’ app
Almost everyone likes to keep their business and personal lives separate from one another, but not when it requires having to keep track of multiple devices and phone numbers. That's why Verizon is now allowing its customers to add up to four additional numbers to one smartphone with its new app.
New sensor from L’Oréal tracks UV exposure to keep your skin safe from the sun
L'Oréal has announced a new wearable sensor that attaches to your clothing and can track ultraviolet light. The sensor uses NFC instead of Bluetooth -- meaning it doesn't need a battery to work properly -- plus it can integrate with Apple's HealthKit, so you can see its data straight from the Health app.
Verizon has made its first 5G video call … with a phone that’s already out
Verizon has announced that it has successfully made its first video call, using a smartphone that's already available: The Motorola Moto Z3. To make the call, Verizon used the 5G Moto Mod, which is a device that will be available to Moto Z3 users next year to help connect them to 5G networks.
