No cash. No talking. What goes next? Welcome to your ‘app-tive’ digital life
Bank of America's Trends in Consumer Mobility Report for 2018 found mobility has changed our lives. Mobile tech influences the way most of us communicate, meet people, and build relationships. Nearly all we do with money can be done with mobile services, moving us firmly in the direction of a cashless society.
You can now message businesses straight through Google Maps
Google has been updating Maps with a ton of new features over the past few months, and now it's back with another one -- the ability for users to message businesses directly through the Maps app. Businesses can accept messages and reply to customers through the My Business app.
Get ready for more V-series phones: LG trademarks names up to the V90
It looks like we should get ready for more LG V-series phones -- LG has trademarked names for the LG V50 all the way up to the LG V90. Of course, we may have to wait some time before we see any of those phones; the next LG flagship is expected to be the LG G8.
Netflix is testing a cheap mobile-only subscription tier in some markets
Netflix is trying to reach potential subscribers in emerging markets, and to that end the company has begun rolling out a cheaper, mobile-only subscription tier, which comes at around $4 per month -- almost half the price of the Basic subscription tier, which is the next tier up.
Pocket Casts adds more cross-sync, curation, and Siri Shortcuts
Pocket Casts is a pocket staple for many podcast fanatics. With access to over 300,000 podcasts, and a suite of tools, it's a great option. But it's about to get even better with the introduction Pocket Casts 7.0 that adds intelligent curation, Siri Shortcuts support, and a streamlined UI.
Android will finally get a faster sharing menu, but it might take a while
The Android sharing menu has gotten a whole lot better over the years, but it's also gotten slower. Thankfully, however, it seems as though Google is working on a better, faster sharing menu but unfortunately, it may take a while for that faster sharing menu to be rolled out to customers.
Lyft’s new rewards program promises ride discounts and comfier cars
If you're always hopping in and out of a Lyft car, then you'll be pleased to hear that the ridesharing service is about to launch a rewards program. Perks include discounts on future trips and upgrades to comfier cars. Lyft Rewards lands in December for select riders, with the scheme rolling out more widely in 2019.
Google’s Gboard now uses A.I. to recommend GIFs based on your conversation
Google is bringing a new feature to Gboard that should make it better for those that regularly use GIFs and stickers. The feature essentially uses A.I. to recommend GIFs and stickers based on your conversation -- so, for example, if you seem celebratory, Gboard might recommend a GIF that shows that.
Apple to boost its Amazon presence with listings for iPhones, iPads, and more
Apple will be offering more of its own kit on Amazon in the coming weeks. At the current time, the tech company has very limited official listings on the site, but the deal with Amazon will see the arrival of the latest iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks, smartwatches, and headphones.
Samsung W2019 unveiled: High-end flip phone comes with flagship specs
The Samsung W2019 is a high-end flip phone that comes with flagship specifications such as 6GB of RAM and Qualcomm's Snapdragon 845. The device features a pair of S-AMOLED displays with Full HD resolution, a dual rear camera setup with 12 MP lenses, and an eye-popping price tag of $2,700.
Google honors Veterans Day by highlighting military service stories
For Veterans Day, Google is honoring the heroes that served the country with a new Google Doodle that highlights the stories of five veterans from the five different branches of the military. On top of that, Google is encouraging the public to interview veterans in their lives.
Apple will fix these iPhone X, 13-inch MacBook Pro issues for free
Apple has launched free repair programs that look to address hardware issues for the iPhone X and 13-inch MacBook Pro with no Touch Bar. Some iPhone X units are suffering from unresponsive touchscreens, while a specific batch of the 13-inch MacBook Pro is prone to drive failure.
Android battery life too short? Try using dark mode, Google says
Google confirmed at the 2018 Android Dev Summit that using dark mode will help extend an Android smartphone's battery life. Google also admitted its mistake of pushing for the usage of white in previous Material Design initiatives, but that changes with Material Design 2.
Google’s storage-management app gets face-lift, is now called ‘Files by Google’
For months now, a variety of Google services have been receiving the all-white material redesign. Next up on the list? Files Go, Google's file management app. But in addition to the redesign, the app also received a name change -- it's now known as Files by Google.
New Tidal app will bring a wave of music to your Samsung smartwatch
Tidal fans now have another way to enjoy their music collection. the Tidal app is coming to Samsung wearables, including the Samsung Galaxy Watch, Gear Sport, and more. Tidal also announced that it will be bringing its wearable app to other devices, which will likely include the Apple Watch.
Xiaomi chooses Mi 8 Pro and Mi 8 Lite phones to spearhead British invasion
Xiaomi has launched its first official smartphones in the U.K., after steadily entering Europe over the past 12 months. The company has brought the Mi 8 Pro and the Mi 8 Lite, along with a selection of connected products, which it will sell online and in a retail store. Here's what you need to know.
Rugged Cat phones look to crack U.S. market through new deal with Sprint
The Cat S48c is a rugged Android smartphone launching on Sprint. This tough device can withstand water, drop damage, dust, and extreme temperatures. In addition to IP68 and MIL-SPEC 810G ratings, it has a special 5-inch LCD that works with gloves or wet hands, push-to-talk compatibility, and more.
Google Maps tests feature that will help drivers avoid crashes, speed traps
Google Maps is testing a new feature in navigation mode that allows drivers to report crash and speed trap information to help the app plan the most efficient route for others in the area, or warn them of approaching hazards. Waze, which Google owns, already offers such a feature.
The vast majority of YouTube users hit the site for how-to videos
YouTube is bursting with useful guides on how to do stuff, and a recent study has revealed that more users than ever are using it as a learning resource. Building on its success, YouTube says it plans to spend $20 million on educational content through deals with independent creators and professional producers.
Samsung cleans up its Android interface with new One UI skin
At the Samsung Developer Conference, Samsung took the wraps off of One UI, the new user interface for Samsung's Android phones. One UI emphasizes a clean experience that's easy to use with one hand, and it'll be available to customers starting in January 2019 on the Galaxy S9, S9 Plus, and Note 9.
Google confirms it will add Android support for foldable displays
It's already clear the smartphone trend of 2019 will be foldable devices, and Google is welcoming it with open arms. At this year's Android Dev Summit, the company announced its adding support for what's known as "Foldables" -- allowing Android apps to work seamlessly with the new form factor.
Here’s how to get your hands on the new Apple iPad Pro
After months of speculation, the wait is finally over. Apple has introduced its new lineup of iPad Pro models. If you're wondering how to get your hands on one, we have you covered. Here's everything you need to know about pricing and availability for the new iPad Pro models, from Apple and carriers.
Crazily named Royole Flexpai phone folds up for a glimpse of the future
Excited about folding smartphones, but curious about the design? The Royole Flexpai is our first good look at what foldable smartphones may look like, and there's no question it's very cool. This one probably won't be on your shopping list, but that doesn't mean you won't look at it in amazement.
How to watch the Samsung Developer Conference 2018 keynote
The Samsung Developer Conference may not be as consumer-focused as WWDC or Google I/O, but this year it could be home to something big -- a teaser for Samsung's upcoming foldable smartphone. Interested in checking out the Samsung Developer Conference keynote for yourself? Here's everywhere you can watch it.
Barnes & Noble’s $130 Nook 10.1 tablet is this year’s anti-iPad
Bookstore Barnes & Noble is still in the tablet business, despite being quiet about it for a while, and has announced the $130 Nook Tablet 10.1. Rather than a massive spec list to make it tempting, the Nook 10.1 is about reading books on a large screen, without spending too much money.
Following reports of bricked devices, Apple’s WatchOS 5.1.1 fixes the issue
Apple pulled its WatchOS 5.1 software update following several reports that users installed the update only to find their watch has been bricked. A new version of the update has been released, WatchOS 5.1.1 -- which should prevent the issue from happening. It also comes with new features and improvements.
Apple starts selling refurbished iPhone 8 for $499; iPhone 8 Plus not in stock
Apple has started selling refurbished iPhone 8 units for $499, with the smartphones to come with a one-year warranty and a new battery. Unfortunately, there are no stocks yet for refurbished iPhone 8 Plus units, but interested customers should keep checking the online store for their availability.
Your ultimate guide to Motorola’s 2018 smartphone lineup
Struggling to figure out your E5 from your G6? No, it's not a weird chromatic scale. It's just Motorola's 2018 smartphone roster. But with so many phones on the way, how do you know which is right for you? Easy -- just check out our full guide to Motorola's 2018 phone lineup for details on every device.
Apple will accept some of your old iPhones, MacBooks, and Macs for repairs
Apple will soon launch a new Repair Vintage Apple Products Pilot program, according to 9to5Mac. The program will allow users to have some old iPhones, MacBooks, and Mac computers fixed by Apple Stores and authorized service providers, starting with the iPhone 5, 2012 MacBook Air, and 2011 iMac.
Apple aims to make Face ID even better for 2019 iPhones
Apple is working on improvements to the Face ID system that will be integrated in next year's iPhones, according to famed Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. The upgraded sensor, which will incorporate a new and more powerful flood illuminator, will be included in all 2019 iPhone models.
Samsung’s dominance slips further as phone market slumps by 6 percent
Samsung has seen a drop in global sales in the third quarter of 2018, according to a report from the IDC. While the Korean company is still the undisputed top dog, an overreliance on flagship models and a lack of strong midrange and budget options could spell further trouble in certain markets.
Shazam hooks up with Instagram Stories for another way to share songs
The latest update for Shazam lets iPhone users share songs to Instagram Stories in a few quick taps. To enable it, make sure you have the latest version of Shazam on your handset. The new feature just landed and comes shortly after Apple completed its acquisition of the popular song-recognition app.
WhatsApp finally gives in to the lure of cash-generating ads
WhatsApp's co-founders said their messaging app would never show ads, but once the pair quit the company, it seemed inevitable that its owner, Facebook, would find a way to get them in. And this week, WhatsApp VP Chris Daniels has confirmed that ads are on their way to the app's Status feature.
The OnePlus 6T is here, it’s fantastic, and here’s where to buy it
After months of rumors and leaks, OnePlus has finally taken the wraps off of the OnePlus 6T, the company's latest and greatest flagship phone that comes at a reasonable price. Interested in getting the new OnePlus 6T for yourself? Here's where to buy it.