The Avalon V is Alcatel’s first Verizon-exclusive smartphone
Alcatel is has announced a new phone, the Avalon V -- but this budget device isn't what makes the announcement special. It's Alcatel's first phone on the Verizon network, and it's available now. The company, which is owned by TCL, has sold phone on other major U.S. carriers before like AT&T and T-Mobile.
There will be 200 million smart speakers by year’s end, analysts say
The research and analysis firm Canalys predicts that the worldwide market for smart speakers like Amazon's Echo devices and Google Home smart speakers will reach a massive crescendo this year, topping 200 million smart speakers by the end of 2019 with the U.S. accounting for nearly half the market.
Philips Hue users can activate their favorite routines through Google Home
Philips Hue expanded its Google Home integration through the Gentle Sleep and Wake routine. Say, "Hey Google, sleep my lights" and your Philips Hue bulbs will dim over half an hour. Say "wake my lights" and they will brighten instead. This simulates a natural sunrise for a more natural wake-up.
The Razer Phone 2: Everything you need to know
The Razer Phone 2 is finally here -- but with the market now seemingly saturated with gaming-focused phones, does Razer stand a chance? With upgraded specs, that super-smooth 120Hz display, and an updated design, it just might. Here's absolutely everything you need to know about the Razer Phone 2.
Apple and Qualcomm settle all disputes, reach six-year agreement on chips
Apple and Qualcomm have announced that they have settled all disputes between them around the world -- and not only that, but have also agreed to a six-year agreement for Qualcomm to supply Apple with chips. We now expect future Apple phones to feature Qualcomm 5G modems.
Alexa, Google, Siri put their bilingual skills to the test in translation battle
One Hour Translation, an online translation company, compared how Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and Siri stack up against one another in regard to translation capabilities. Google Home performed the best in three out of four languages, but none of the devices managed to perfectly translate the quotes.
Family feud: Huawei P30 Pro vs. P20 Pro vs. Mate 20 Pro camera shootout
The Huawei P30 Pro's camera is astonishingly capable, with an amazing zoom mode and low light capabilities. But take these away, and how does it compare when facing its sibling phones, the P20 Pro and Mate 20 Pro, taking regular photos we shoot everyday? We put the three against each other to find out.
How Google Stadia and game streaming services will hurt game creators
With Google Stadia on the horizon, games streaming platforms are about to become mainstream, and with that comes concerns for the future of games development. As these services promise a world where gaming is more convenient than ever, it’s a future that will damage the way people consume games.
The next clash of Silicon Valley titans will take place in space
By launching their own attempts to bring internet access to every last person on Earth, tech giants from Amazon to Facebook have a major new mission. It's also one that will put them into competition with one another -- only this time in space. Here is what you need to know.
Google and Huawei offer to pay owners up to $400 for Nexus 6P bootloop fault
Anyone who suffered from the Nexus 6P's dreaded bootloop and can prove it may be in for a financial windfall. In order to resolve a class action lawsuit, Google and Huawei have offered to pay up to $400 to those who purchased the Nexus 6P before a certain date and had issues with bootlooping.
Oppo sees its future in crazy phone designs and pop-up cameras
Chinese smartphone brand Oppo will stop making one of its most successful device ranges, and instead concentrate on the Find X and new Reno ranges. Both these phones have pop-up cameras and visually interesting designs. This, along with some branding changes, indicates a time of change at Oppo.
Here’s where and how to buy the LG G8 ThinQ and LG V50 ThinQ
The LG G8 ThinQ and LG V50 ThinQ are both excellent phones with a lot to offer. Both devices offer improved specs, a modern design, and more. The LGV50 ThinQ even has 5G connectivity. Here's everything you need to know about buying the LG G8 ThinQ and LG V50 ThinQ.
Acer refreshes Chromebooks and Windows laptops with business, gaming appeal
Acer's refreshed lineup of Chromebook and Windows laptops are designed with gamers and business users in mind. Acer's TravelMate P6 and two new Chromebook models feature MIL-STD 810G ratings for durability, long battery life, and biometric security, while the Nitro gaming notebooks come with dedicated GPUs.
Google could soon deliver system updates through the Play store
According to code discovered in an update to the Google Play Store, Google may soon deliver actual Android updates straight through Google Play -- instead of through a difficult-to-find menu in the Settings app. Google may also give Google Play an all-white theme.
The LG G8 ThinQ lets you unlock your phone with your hand’s vein pattern
At Mobile World Congress 2019, LG finally took the wraps off of the LG G8 ThinQ, the company's latest and greatest flagship phone. The device features an edge-to-edge display, upgraded specs, and what LG calls the Z Camera, which allows you to unlock your phone with the vein patterns in your hand.
Android phones can now be used as a physical security key to your Google account
Google wants to make your online life a little more secure. The company has released a new feature to its two-factor authentication that allows users to use their phones to log in to their Google account on a computer through Bluetooth. The feature is available to users with Android 7 or later phones.
Acer Chromebook 514 review
Acer’s Chromebook 514 is a workhorse laptop that doesn’t even try to show off with a glitzy design or 2-in-1 functionality. It’s very well-built, adequately equipped for productive performance, and lasts a long time on a charge – making it worth its $500 price.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e: News, features, and specs
Samsung has launched the Galaxy Tab S5e -- the E is for Essential -- a reasonably priced tablet that includes many of the features we like from the Tab A 10.5, and the Tab S4. It's also so thin it may disappear when turned sideways, and features a great new all-metal design. Here's what you need to know.
Google confirms new Pixelbook laptop and tablets are indeed coming soon
Back in mid-March of 2019, reports had indicated Google would be canceling future laptops and tablets as part of cuts to its hardware team. Though Google never officially commented on the matter, a new report now indicates that Google's hardware division will, in fact, release new Pixelbook laptops and tablets soon.
Lenovo’s Z6 Pro phone promises next-generation video features and 5G
Lenovo will announce a new phone on April 23, the Z6 Pro, which it's teasing to have some impressive new video and camera features. It's called Hyper Video, and could do some amazing things previously not thought possible with a single-lens camera on a phone. Beyond that, it's expected the phone will have a 5G connection.
Samsung will be the No. 1 phone-maker for another 10 years, CEO says
Samsung's CEO DJ Koh has said the company will continue to hold its position as the world's top smartphone manufacturer for another decade, despite massive competition from rival Huawei, which has repeatedly stated it will overtake Samsung to claim the title. Clearly, the battle between the two is just beginning.
Woot and NewEgg blow the doors off Google Home Hub pricing
Woot and Newegg slashed their prices for the Google Home Hub smart display. Other merchants are holding to the $150 list price, but if you've been waiting for a good deal on this digital display assistant with visual as well as audio interaction, jump for it before the sale ends. Put Google to work in your home.
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 730 and 730G offer premium features in a midrange chip
Qualcomm took the wraps off of the new Snapdragon 730 and 730G processors, aimed at offering premium features in a slightly more affordable chip, for so-called "premium midrange" phones. The company also unveiled the Snapdragon 665, which is the successor to the Snapdragon 660.
The Red Hydrogen One: Absolutely everything you need to know
The Red Hydrogen One was first announced halfway through 2017 and has been delayed a few times since then. Now, the Red Hydrogen One is finally here, featuring a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835, 6GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage. The phone is available through AT&T and Verizon.
LG G8 ThinQ review
LG’s latest is the LG G8 ThinQ, and its marquee features are the weirdest we’ve seen on a smartphone in a long time. You can hover your hand over the phone’s selfie camera to make gestures to unlock and control it. While these features differentiate the phone, is it worth using? Find out in our LG G8 ThinQ review.
Now is the time to pick up and wear a discounted TicWatch smartwatch
Mobvoi is running a promotion on two of its desirable smartwatches, the TicWatch C2 and the TicWatch Pro, where you can get 20-percent off the usual price. This brings our favorite, the C2, down to just $160. Don't wait around for long though, as the promotion could end at any time. Here's what you need to know.
Snapchat finally releases rebuilt Android app with superior performance
If you've been struggling with a slow and buggy Snapchat on Android, then we have some good news for you. A new version has been released that promises superior performance and an all-around better experience. The team behind the revamped app says it looks the same but should now run a lot faster.
The refurbished Google Pixel 3 is now cheaper than ever on Amazon
The Google Pixel 3 is one of the year's best phones thanks to its awesome camera and stock software. You would think that such a great device would be expensive, and normally it is. Now, however, you can get a refurbished version of the Google Pixel 3 cheaper than ever on Amazon.
LG G7 Fit and LG G7 One: News, specs, and features
The LG G7 ThinQ is a heck of a flagship smartphone with a lot going for it -- but what if you want the G7, but a little less so? You're in luck -- LG has revealed two new models of the G7 ThinQ, including its first-ever Android One phone. Here's what you need to know about the LG G7 One and G7 Fit.
Google Play celebrates Game of Thrones season 8 with discounted content
In celebration of Game of Thrones season 8, Google announced sweeping discounts on games, books, and even seasons 1 through 7 of the show on Google Play. Deals range in how long they're available, so it's worth checking them out and keeping in mind what you want to get for yourself.
Google Maps’ incident reporting adds slowdown option for traffic jams
Google Maps is expanding its report button to include slowdowns for when traffic is at a crawl or has ground to a halt. Incident reports landed on Google Maps at the start of this year and allows drivers to share other traffic information such as accidents and speed traps.
Samsung Galaxy S10 fingerprint sensor bamboozled by 3D-printed fingerprint
The Samsung Galaxy S10 ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, which is embedded into the smartphone's display and supposedly highly secure, was tricked by a 3D-printed fingerprint. The process utilized a picture of the owner's fingerprint on a wine glass, image editing software, and a very accurate 3D printer.
Android TV home screen starts showing unwanted advertisements
Google started a pilot program to display a row of sponsored content on the Android TV home screen. A Reddit user discovered a way to remove the unwanted ads but at the cost of disabling automatic updates, while Sony suggested a different method for its smart TVs powered by the platform.
Google Assistant may not be disclosing search results as paid ads
When you ask Google Assistant a question, it might be responding with an advertisement. A recent report found that Google's voice assistant was delivering results from paid partners without clearly disclosing any financial interests. The results appear to be a part of Google's Local Services program.