Which way is which? Here’s how to quickly calibrate the Google Maps compass
Google Maps is a fantastic tool to make sure you're headed the right way when you're in an unfamiliar place -- but how do you know your little indicator is pointing the right way? Calibrating your Google Maps app sounds difficult, but it really isn't. Here's how to easily calibrate Google Maps.
After the San Bernardino iPhone fiasco, lawmakers introduce the Secure Data Act
Lawmakers introduced the Secure Data Act on Friday, a new bill that prevents law enforcement and surveillance agencies from forcing companies to insert backdoor entrances into their products and services. It arrives after the iPhone 5C fiasco in late 2015 pitting the FBI against Apple.
A.I. and Google News: The push to broaden perspectives
Google has redesigned its Google News app, not just to refresh the design, but to also look for a way to broaden perspectives in an increasingly polarized world. While a lot of content is tailored towards you, there’s a new feature that forces you to see articles from all kinds of credible sources.
Here’s what Google Lens’ Style Match, Smart Text Selection features look like
Google announced four new improvements to Google Lens, but what's key is that the technology is going to be built into the camera apps on phones from several other manufacturers such as LG, Sony, and OnePlus. We tried it out here at Google I/O 2018.
The iPhone’s viewfinder might soon let you see both cameras simultaneously
Apple was awarded a new patent that could seriously change how you use the dual-camera sensor on the device. The patent basically describes being able to see streams from both cameras at a time on your phone's screen, allowing you to see which camera is better for a particular section.
Google’s ARCore 1.2 brings social AR experiences to your phone
Google has launched an update to ARCore that should help make augmented reality on Android a little more social. On top of that, Google also announced "Vertical Plane Detection," which will help AR apps detect real-world objects like walls, which in turn will allow users to place objects in the real world.
Apple and Goldman Sachs reportedly developing a credit card together
According to a new report, Apple and Goldman Sachs are teaming up to develop a new Apple Pay-branded credit card that could launch as soon as early 2019. The credit card is aimed at replacing the current Barclay's Apple rewards credit card, while expanding awareness about Apple Pay.
The European phone market declined sharply at the start of 2018
Smartphone fatigue is setting in, and it seems that large parts of the European public can no longer keep up with the rate of release. According to the latest data on the first part of 2018, European countries have seen significant drops in the numbers of smartphones shipped.
The best macro lenses for your iPhone X
The price of adding a macro lens accessory to your phone varies greatly, but does spending more automatically mean better results? We test four different lenses, from $20 to $100, to find out. The pictures are all dramatically different, and you may be surprised by the final conclusion.
Performance dip on your iPhone? Here’s everything you need to know
Apple was first accused of throttling iPhones late last year. In early 2018 the tech giant began offering a discounted battery replacement program and announced software updates to inform you of your battery health. Here's everything you need to know about Apple's battery performance issues.
Apple is removing apps that overshare your location data with third parties
Apple has begun removing apps from the App Store that are in violation of location data policies. That means that if an app shares your location with third parties without your permission, it's being kicked off the platform. It's unclear as of yet exactly how many apps are affected by this crackdown.
New iOS update will lock Lightning port to prevent unauthorized access
Apple is taking a step against unallowed access to iOS devices, if the beta update for iOS 11.4 is to be believed. A new feature in iOS 11.4 named "USB Restricted mode" would see an iOS device's Lightning port lock up completely if the device is not unlocked or attached to a computer after seven days.
Google adds snooze button, Google Pay to Gmail for iOS
Google is officially rolling out a new update to its Gmail application specifically for iOS. With the new snooze button, you're able to put off emails that you aren't able to pay attention to at the moment. As for Google Pay, you're able to send money through Gmail to anyone that has an email address.
GBoard’s beta update now includes GIF creator for Android
Back in January, Gboard's iOS update allowed iPhone users to access the Gboard GIF creator from the keyboard screen. The feature is now rolling out to Android as a beta, and will only be available on specific devices. With the feature, users are able to create custom GIFs.
Debating between Apple and Samsung phones? Open your eyes a little wider
We know it’s tempting to only consider Samsung and Apple phones, they’re the most prevalent and most hyped; but you’re doing yourself a disservice by ignoring the massive array of choice in the smartphone world. Stop listening to the hate, and embrace choice.
Forest: Stay Focused helps keep you off your phone when work needs to be done
Forest: Stay Focused is an app that's specifically meant to keep you productive. By planting a seed in Forest, you'll gradually watch it grow into a tree. But if you leave the app to answer a text message or check Twitter, then the plant immediately dies and you'll have to start over again
LG G7 ThinQ vs. iPhone X: Which phone comes out on top?
After months of rumors and speculations, we've finally gotten our hands on LG's newest flagship, the LG G7 ThinQ. While it's easy to pit the LG G7 ThinQ against Android phones like the Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus, we decided to mix things up to see how it comes out against Apple's top-of-the-line iPhone X.
Apple working on depth-sensing technology that could show up in a future iPhone
Apple has been awarded a new patent related to depth-sensing technology that could appear in a future iPhone. Depth-sensing technology in general could prove to be extremely useful for things like virtual reality and augmented reality, as well as for much more immersive photography.
Latest IDC report shows decrease in global tablet shipments in 2018
According to the International Data Corporation (IDC), numbers for global tablet shipments have decreased. The shipments reached 31.7 million whereas 35.8 million units were shipped during the same quarter last year. Data also shows the Microsoft Surface and iPad Pro experienced over 2.9 percent growth.
More than an accessory – Apple Watch credited with saving another life
Before you write off the Apple Watch as just another luxury accessory from the iEmpire that you don't need, you may want to keep in mind that this is one accessory that has life-saving capabilities. A teenager from Florida saw this firsthand after undergoing a frightening medical emergency, as did another man.
Slow Chinese sales signal slump in global smartphone shipments
The results of the International Data Corporations analysis on smartphone sales for the first part of the year are in, and it seems that smartphone sales are declining as consumers choose to hold off on upgrades. Are expensive new flagship phones to blame, and which brands were hit the hardest?
Apple faces patent infringement charges over dual-lens iPhone camera tech
Apple is staring down the barrel of a legal battle concerning the dual-lens tech on the latest iPhone models. According to allegations made by Israeli startup Corephotonics, Apple willfully copied the patented designs that the startup showed it, and went on to use the technology in dual-lens iPhones.
Apple reveals healthy iPhone sales as Cook hints at more handset variations
Apple on Tuesday reported a solid second quarter in line with its own forecasts. Despite recent reports of weak iPhone X demand, Apple boss Tim Cook said its flagship handset sold "more than any other iPhone each week" across the three months, resulting in 52.2 million iPhone sales during the quarter.
All the new features coming to the Facebook app and Messenger
At Facebook's F8 developer conference, the company introduced a variety of new features and updates users will see over the next few months. From a new dating app to more privacy controls, here's what you can expect to see on both the Facebook and Messenger apps in the near future.
Facebook’s Clear History feature aimed at helping protect user privacy
Facebook announced its new tool to help protect user privacy. A new feature called Clear History will help give people more information and control over the data Facebook collects from other websites and apps. The control allows you to clear your browsing history on the social media platform.
Otterbox celebrates ‘Solo: A Star Wars Story’ with three new phone cases
Otterbox is celebrating the next Star Wars movie with the release of three new phone cases, each with a different design that celebrates a different aspect of Solo: A Star Wars Movie. The cases are available for the iPhone X, iPhone 8, and Samsung Galaxy S9.
Failure rate of MacBook Pro ‘butterfly’ keyboards is double that of older models
While the butterfly keys helped Apple slim down the newest MacBook Pros, switching to this new design comes with its own cost. With keyboard failure rates double that of older models, repairs almost twice as expensive, and some users requiring multiple repairs, Apple's reliability is now at issue.
Meet Explorest, the photo-scouting app curated by real photographers
Tired of cat photos and selfies when trying photo scouting apps? Explorest is hand-curated by real photographers for pro photos and details. The app shares profit with photographers, Instagrammers, and travelers to create a curated list of photo spots. The app recently expanded to the U.S.
A new MacBook Air likely won’t be revealed until later in 2018
A new MacBook Air likely won't be revealed during Apple's developers conference, but rather late this year with the next iPhone. Component makers have the necessary hardware to build the new units, but Apple won't accept parts until the third quarter, possibly due to a problem with a key component.
Google Tasks’ refreshing design will motivate you to complete your to-do lists
Google officially launched its new Google Tasks app. While there's not much to it, the app is useful for those who want easy access to an overview of their to-do lists within an app that has a clean, fresh design. It also syncs across all your devices and is integrated into Gmail and Google Calendar.
Is Apple poised to make a push into content production?
The world's most valuable tech brand may be seeking to expand its reach into the realm of original content production. Industry insiders believe that Apple may be preparing to make some major investments in the realms of video and music production.
Shrinking demand forces Apple to slow down iPhone X production
The iPhone X was a major hit when it launched last holiday season, but demand has slowed since then. Industry analysts report that slow demand has forced Apple to slash production of the iPhone X and consider more affordable alternatives.
Apple’s wireless, mixed-reality glasses could launch in 2020
Apple is said to be working on its own mixed reality headset that combines AR and VR to compete against Oculus, Magic Leap, HTC Vive, and Microsoft HoloLens. The standalone glasses offer a wireless experience, 8K-per-eye resolution displays, a custom processor, and other top specifications slated for a 2020 release.
Parents can now limit their kids’ access to the Facebook Messenger Kids app
Facebook has updated the Messenger Kids app with a new feature that parents might appreciate -- the ability to set when kids can and can't access it. The new feature is called Sleep Mode, and is apparently Facebook's answer to concerns about the effects of social media on kids.