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Latest by Mark Jansen

BlackBerry Key2 LE review

Xiaomi buys tiny share in Blackberry phone maker TCL to spur collaboration

Xiaomi has purchased a very small share in TCL. the manufacturer behind Blackberry's and Alcatel's recent phones. According to sources, this purchase is part of an agreement that will see Xiaomi and TCL share research and development, and work together to provide better hardware.
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Otterbox and Corning will partner to make an advanced screen protector

If you've ever worried about your phone's display making it to your next upgrade, then a screen protector probably helps allay your fears. Celebrated and well-known case manufacturer Otterbox has teamed up with Corning, makers of Gorilla Glass, to create a next-generation screen protector.
somo app car pooling launched ces 2019 here mobility feat

Here Mobility opens up the ridesharing market with SoMo at CES 2019

Car pooling has fallen off the map slightly in the age of Uber and Lyft -- but SoMo is looking to bring it back in the social media age with an all-in-one app. Using user-submitted events, SoMo brings together drivers with riders and aims to make the world a happier, cleaner place.
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The weirdest wearables at CES give a new meaning to ‘think outside the box’

We have no compunction at all about tech we're able to strap to our body, but some of these make us think twice. CES 2019 is a hotbed of technical innovation, but some wearable devices may take innovation a little far for our comfort. Here are some of the weirdest wearables we've come across at CES 2019.
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The best and most interesting mobile accessories at CES 2019

Modern smartphones are packed with tech and extremely adaptable -- which might be why we see so much innovation in the mobile accessories area. CES 2019 is well underway, and we keep running into some amazing new mobile accessories that could be set to improve your phone. Here are some of the best.
Google Home Hub

Google Assistant’s global drive helped it quadruple its active users in 2018

Voice assistants made talking to yourself cool, and they're reaping the benefits. Google has taken to CES 2019 to release the details of how Google Assistant has grown over the last year, and the results are pretty staggering. With 2019 just kicking off, here's how Google Assistant did in 2018.
smartphones

Huawei punishes two employees for an iPhone Twitter mistake

We all make mistakes. But there's "I spilt my coffee on my keyboard", and then there's "I tweeting from an iPhone on the official Huawei Twitter account" levels of bad. Huawei has failed to see the funny side of the New Years mishap, and has punished the two employees behind the gaff.
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You can finally buy Vuzix’s AR smartglasses, but it’ll cost you $1,000

If you loved Google Glass, but missed that boat when Google shut the project down, then look no further than the just released Vuzix's Blade for the smartglasses you've always desired. The Blade can mirror notifications, take pictures, and loads more -- but it'll cost you a cool $1,000.
Huawei Mate 20

Huawei Mate 20, Pro, and X: Everything you need to know

Huawei is no stranger to big phones -- but it's looking to go even bigger with the release of the new Mate 20, Mate 20 Pro, and Mate 20 X. With all-new Kirin processors, advanced A.I. brains, and an amazing triple camera, here's everything you need to know about the Mate 20 series.
google project soli fcc approval

FCC approves Google’s research into radar controls for smart devices

Touchscreens are useful, but they're old tech now. We need something new, and Google is working on it. Project Soli, a radar-based control scheme that would allow users to make simple gestures to control devices, has been approved by the U.S. FCC to operate at a higher frequency band.
android 9 pie

Who is likely to update your Android phone more often? AOSMark aims to find out

Updates on Android phones haven't always been the most reliable -- and some manufacturers are worse than others. AOSMark is looking to name and shame the worst offenders and highlight the best companies on its new website with its ranking system. Find out how your phone's creator did here.
New Year's resolution apps

The best New Year’s resolution apps

If you want to be happier and healthier in the new year, it pays to have the right New Year's resolution apps for achieving your goals. But keeping your resolutions can be hard, especially without support. These apps can help you keep your New Year's resolutions, whether you're on iOS or Android.
Polar Vantage V review

Polar Vantage V review

Polar’s new Vantage V is a high-end fitness tracker with more features than you can shake a stick at, and an updated look to compete with the best looking smartwatches out there. But with no actual smartwatch features at launch, can the fitness veteran really compete? We’ve reviewed it to find out.

Score an after-Christmas deal with Speck’s half-off sale on its entire range of cases

Christmas might be over, but bargains don't take time off. To keep the holiday spirit alive, Speck will be offering a sitewide 50-percent-off deal for one day only on Wednesday, December 26. So if Santa brought you a brand-new phone this Christmas, you can pair it with a Speck case.
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The best OnePlus 6T cases

If you're looking for a fully featured flagship for less, then the OnePlus 6T has to be at the top of your list. But despite all the top hardware and beautiful design, your powerful new phone can be put out of commission with a single drop. Here are the best OnePlus 6T cases to keep your phone safe.
Android Pay

How to use Google Pay and Google Pay Send

No one likes paying for things, but at least it's a process that can be made easier. Pay and get paid quickly and easily with Google Pay and Google Pay Send, Google's twin payment services. Here's how to quickly and easily set up your accounts to pay stores, friends, and family.
Google Pixel 3

Google patent shows off a hinged smartphone with selectable displays

Google has been awarded a patent on a folding smartphone design that could set it apart from the other major players in the game. Google's patent shows a hinged smartphone that can be used in a number of different ways, including in a two-player tent-style fold that would allow for different inputs.
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Apple patents ‘force sensing’ fabric for clever clothing

Ever wish your clothes weren't so dumb? No? Oh. Well, Apple's looking to fix the problem you never had anyway, as it's been granted a patent on a technology that would see the iPhone giant integrate circuitry into "smart fabrics" for heart rate sensing and otherwise. Here comes truly clever clothing.
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Spam calls soar, with an estimated 25 million Americans scammed

If you feel that you've been beset by more spam calls than usual this year, you're not alone. Spam and scam calls rose in most parts of the world in 2018, according to Truecaller's annual report. An estimated 25 million Americans also lost money to scams in the last 12 months.
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Here’s how the Google Play Store detects fake ratings and reviews

Reviews and ratings are critical when figuring out if an app is worth your time or money. That's why Google spares no expense when cracking down on fake reviews and ratings on the Google Play Store. 2018 saw Google launch a new model for detecting them, and has let us know how it did.
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The Lenovo Z5 Pro GT packs the most RAM ever seen in a smartphone

The next generation of smartphones has begun, and it's begun with a bang. The Lenovo Z5 Pro GT comes with the next generation Snapdragon 855 processor and a huge 12GB of RAM. It's packed with power, but it's still unlikely to be gracing U.S. shores. Here's everything you need to know.
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Scientists have charged a phone and a Fitbit with solar-powered clothes

Scientists from Britain's Nottingham Trent University have discovered a way to incorporate solar panels into clothing -- and they've even managed to charge a phone and Fitbit with the energy created. Say hello to what's likely to be the next generation of wearable tech: The wearable charger.
Microsoft office building

Microsoft patent filing shows wearable that mitigates involuntary movements

A patent application from Microsoft has shown the company is looking into using wearable technology to alleviate symptoms from various diseases and disorders that cause involuntary movements. Using a series of haptic actuators, Microsoft theorizes such tech could be hidden inside clothing.
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Ditch your smartphone for a year and win $100k from Vitaminwater

Hands up if your phone is the first thing you check in the morning. Us too. Vitaminwater is willing to part with $100,000 if you're willing to part with your smartphone partner for a year. Could you last for a year armed with only a 1996-era phone? Here's your chance to find out.
black shark review xiaomi feat

Black Shark review

With so many great gaming phones already out, is there room for another? The Xiaomi-backed Black Shark thinks so. But is it any good? While it has all the power it needs for great gaming performance, it struggles with some flawed software. Read our Black Shark review for more.
best smartphone stocking stuffers 2018 phone feat

The best smartphone stocking stuffers for a very techy Christmas

Getting the right Christmas presents for everyone in your life can be tough. But if you've got a tech-loving smartphone enthusiast to buy for, we can help you out. Here's a selection of top phone accessories that would make amazing stocking stuffers so you can focus on having a very Merry Christmas.
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New Moment photo cases and lenses are a big plus for the OnePlus 6T

If you're looking to improve your smartphone photography, Moment's gear is a fantastic way to boost your snaps. Moment is now releasing photo cases and lenses for the OnePlus 6 and OnePlus 6T, giving owners of those phones the ability to add on some high-quality photographic accessories.
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OnePlus 6T McLaren Edition: Everything you need to know

OnePlus has partnered with McLaren F1, creating the OnePlus 6T McLaren Edition. With 10GB of RAM and all the usual top-level hardware, this new flagship killer comes with some new design touches. Here's absolutely everything you need to know about the new OnePlus 6T McLaren Edition.
xiaomi 48 megapixel phone camera 48mp

Xiaomi is preparing to set records with 48-megapixel phone camera

Bigger doesn't always mean better, but it certainly makes headlines. Chinese mobile giant Xiaomi is set to release a phone camera with a staggeringly high 48 megapixels on a single sensor, eclipsing the previous record set by the Nokia 1020. What else do we know about the device? Nada. What a tease.
outlook for ios big redesign 2018 mobile banner

Microsoft Outlook for iOS gets big redesign, with Dark Mode coming soon

It's not the splashiest news ever, but a redesign of an email app can have a big impact on your daily life. Microsoft has deployed a huge redesign for its Outlook for iOS app, which includes new blue branding and some quality-of-life improvements. Dark Mode isn't included, but it's coming soon.
Apple Watch Series 4 Review

Galaxy Watch vs. Apple Watch Series 4: Which one is the smartest?

Smartwatches are pretty good these days, provided you make the right buying decision. We recommend either the Samsung Galaxy Watch or the Apple Watch Series 4 -- but which is better? We put the two watches head-to-head in a specification showdown to find out which you should buy.
xiaomi overtakes apple wearables q3 2018 mi band 3

Xiaomi overtakes Apple in unit sales of wearables as market booms

The results for the third quarter of 2018 are in, and it's all change on the leaderboard, with Xiaomi taking first place from Apple, despite the exceptionally strong Apple Watch Series 4. But with growth in most parts of the wearables market, can Xiaomi keep up its growth, or will Apple snatch it back?
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Alcatel’s 1X Evolve is a budget phone exclusively for Metro by T-Mobile

Alcatel is the majordomo of super-cheap budget phones that serve as an excellent low-needs handset, or as a secondary backup device. It's adding to its already impressive pool of devices with the Alcatel 1X Evolve, an Android Oreo-powered Metro by T-Mobile exclusive coming to the U.S. on December 10.
spotify app

You may soon be able to listen to your own songs on Spotify’s Android app

If you love Spotify's streaming, but also have a large collection of niche music, then it can be hard to marry your two passions. Switching back and forth between apps may soon become history for Android users though, as Spotify is apparently testing the ability to import local songs to its Android app.