Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations

Xbox One games may become available on the Switch. (Source: Nintendo Enthusiast)

Nintendo Switch may gain ability to use Xbox features, including Game Passes, soon

A YouTuber has asserted that Microsoft will port some games and features to the Nintendo Switch later this year. The indie title Ori has been specifically named in relation to this new purported deal to link the two platforms. This development will also apparently bring Xbox Game Passes to the Switch.

Deirdre O Donnell, 22 Feb 2019 16:46

Adobe is offering a limited-time discount on individual Creative Cloud Plans

Adobe is offering a discount on the prices of all-app Creative Cloud (CC) plans. This offer applies to monthly-paid prices for CC and CC plus Adobe Stock plans only, and drops them to US$39.99 and $69.98 respectively. It is valid from now until March 1, 2019.

Deirdre O Donnell, 22 Feb 2019 16:20

The Eve V (Image source: Eve Technology)

Eve V: Secret 24-hour flash sale now on

A flash sale is now on for the Eve V, but only until 13:00 GMT tomorrow. The Eve V has been plagued with delays, but Eve Technology ensures that the Surface alternative is in stock and will ship in 2-4 working days.

Alex Alderson, 21 Feb 2019 22:00

The Samsung Galaxy Fold uses an Infinity Flex Display. (Source: Samsung)

Samsung officially announces the Galaxy Fold

The Samsung Galaxy Fold foldable flagship smartphone has finally been officially announced. The Snapdragon 855-powered device has a 4.6-inch HD+ Super AMOLED (21:9) cover display and opens up to reveal a 7.3-inch QXGA+ Dynamic AMOLED (4.2:3) main display. The suggested price for this foldable smartphone innovation: US$1,980.

Daniel R Deakin, 21 Feb 2019 04:45

Bixby now supports a wider range of languages. (Source: News4C)

Update | Bixby 2.0 adds support for more languages

Samsung's in-house virtual assistant, Bixby, has been historically linked to many limitations over its life. One of them is the inability to work in certain languages, German and Italian included. However, support for these languages, as well as for Spanish, is now being rolled out to its 2.0 version.

Deirdre O Donnell, 20 Feb 2019 20:18

Opera for Android 50 sports PiP mode and publisher-friendly ad blocking (Source: Opera Blogs)

Opera for Android 50 comes with publisher-friendly ad blocking and picture-in-picture mode

The version labeled 50 of the Opera browser for Android comes with an improved ad blocker that features a site-specific setting, picture-in-picture support for videos on Android Oreo (and later), support for dark CSS themes, as well as support for the Estonian, Latvian, and Lithuanian languages.

Codrut Nistor, 20 Feb 2019 12:50

ML Kit helps developers work with AI applications. (Source: Google Developers)

MediaTek announces collaboration with Google to enhance the Helio P90 SoC's AI features

The Helio P90 is an SoC that could bring augmented and mixed reality to some mid-range devices in the future. Today, MediaTek added AI to that list of possibilities. It has announced support for Google's ML Kit in conjunction with the P90. This could allow the processor to harness its APU to produce an enhanced AI experience.

Deirdre O Donnell, 19 Feb 2019 19:09

The new Qualcomm Snapdragon X55 modem. (Source: Qualcomm)

Qualcomm has announced the new, 2nd-gen 5G Snapdragon X55 modem

Today, (February 19, 2019) Qualcomm has launched its second modem for use with 5G-New Radio (5G-NR): the Snapdragon X55. It is rated to support download speeds of up to 7 gigabits per second (Gb/s) and upload speeds of up to 3 Gb/s. Unlike its predecessor, the X50, this modem is also compatible with 2G, 3G and 4G.

Deirdre O Donnell, 19 Feb 2019 18:24

The world's thinnest wireless charging pad is now up for crowdfunding

PlusUs has introduced its Xpad, a charging pad that measures only 2.2 millimeters in depth. This spec leads the start-up to assert that it is the thinnest product of its kind worldwide. It is available as a reward as part of an Indiegogo campaign, which aims to raise US$20,000.

Deirdre O Donnell, 19 Feb 2019 17:57

TCL could be working on as many as five foldable devices. (Source: TCL/CNET)

TCL may be working on five foldable devices, including a possible smartphone bracelet

A report from CNET mentions that TCL Corporation could be busy working on up to five different foldable devices. It seems two of the devices are tablets, two are smartphones, and one appears to be a combination of a smartphone, smartwatch, and bracelet. The Chinese company is apparently planning to release a foldable device in 2020.

Daniel R Deakin, 17 Feb 2019 04:32

Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e is official and will be in user hands by April. (Source: Samsung)

Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e official, brings AMOLED display tech to a more affordable price point

Samsung has officially unveiled its latest Galaxy Tab S model ahead of its Mobile World Congress Galaxy Unpacked event. After leaking out earlier in the day, the new Galaxy Tab S5e brings Samsung's vaunted AMOLED display tech to a more affordable price point and launches with Android 9 Pie out of the box to boot.

Sanjiv Sathiah, 15 Feb 2019 23:14

While folded, the smartphone would essentially have a front and a rear display. (Source: Weibo)

Alleged Vivo IQOO foldable phone gets leaked renders

Vivo's IQOO sub-brand is rumored to be dedicated to premium foldable devices. The leaked renders posted on Weibo show a outwards-folding device with very thin bezels. The unfolded state will get a display with a ratio close to 1:1, while the folded state will practically turn the device into a smartphone with front and rear screens.

Bogdan Solca, 15 Feb 2019 20:04

Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e leaked render (Source: Evan Blass)

Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e renders surface online

The Qualcomm Snapdragon 835-powered Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 has been around for just six months, it seems that its successor is already in the works and could hit the market in just a few months. The leaked renders show "April 5" on this tablet's display, so this might just be the launch date of the Galaxy Tab S5e.

Codrut Nistor, 15 Feb 2019 11:05

This version of the upcoming Samsung Galaxy foldable smartphone is based on a design patent. (Source: LetsGoDigital)

Realistic renders of Samsung foldable smartphone with dual display posted online

LetsGoDigital has taken another shot at creating renders of Samsung’s upcoming foldable Galaxy smartphone. Since the “accidental” leak of the Samsung Vietnam Unpacked video there have been some question marks raised over what the foldable device will actually look like, as the smartphone shown in the video is vastly different to the one shown at the 2018 Developer Conference.

Daniel R Deakin, 14 Feb 2019 22:43

The Microsoft Surface Pen. (Credit: Neowin)

New Microsoft patent may reduce inadequacies in next-gen Surface Pen

The Surface Pen is Microsoft's answer to the Apple Pencil. It has been described as an effective stylus, albeit one that could produce more accurate digital writing. A new patent may help improve on this with changes to both the Pen and the screen used.

Deirdre O Donnell, 13 Feb 2019 18:27

Google and Apple have come under fire for hosting a certain app in the Middle East. (Source: Search Engine Land)

Apple and Google have been accused of facilitating human rights infringements in Saudi Arabia

The Apple App Store and Google Play Store host an app called Absher in Saudi Arabia. It is an official portal by which users can manage their legal travel-related obligations. However, multiple Middle East experts allege that it is also used to restrict freedom of movement for women in the country.

Deirdre O Donnell, 13 Feb 2019 13:25

Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 2 rugged Android tablet hits India February 2019

MIL-STD 810G-certified Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 2 coming to India tomorrow

Released more than a year ago, the Exynos 7870-powered Galaxy Tab Active 2 is now ready to hit India. This IP68- and MIL-STD 810G-certified rugged Android slate will be launched tomorrow during a special press event. In the US, this tablet retails for US$420 (WiFi only) and US$520 (carrier unlocked LTE).

Codrut Nistor, 13 Feb 2019 12:28

The Xiaomi "Flex" foldable looks amazing but seems quite wide in smartphone mode. (Source: LetsGoDigital)

Expertly created renders of Xiaomi's foldable device are superb but highlight one potential issue

LetsGoDigital has published some fantastic artistic renders of Xiaomi’s upcoming foldable device, which could end up being called the Xiaomi Dual Flex, the Xiaomi MIX Flex, or something completely different. The device in the renders certainly catches the eye with its sophisticated look and somewhat slender profile. But the images also show a facet of the foldable that could end up bothering some users.

Daniel R Deakin, 12 Feb 2019 06:05

The iPad Mini 4's successor may not have many new features. (Source: Apple)

Apple will cut costs by re-using an old SoC in the new iPad Mini: new rumor

According to some recent leaks, Apple may resurrect the iPad Mini name this year. A new post on MacOtakara has suggested that this tablet may be even more budget-friendly than usual. It claims that the 5th generation of the device could use the A10 Fusion - the chipset found in the iPhone 7.

Deirdre O Donnell, 11 Feb 2019 18:51

Google Maps AR navigation in action (Source: The Wall Street Journal)

Google Maps AR navigation now available, but only for some users

A few good months after its introduction, the Augmented Reality navigation feature is finally rolling out for Google Maps users in the wild. However, this is only a test run that includes a limited number of users and there is no official date for the general rollout of this next-gen feature.

Codrut Nistor, 11 Feb 2019 17:45

The Assistant's new position in Chrome OS 72. (Source: 9to5Google)

Chrome OS 72 updates devices to Pie. revamps Assistant integration and adds PiP to websites

The latest stable version of Chrome OS (72) brings a considerable re-design for the Assistant interface on this platform. It also updates the version of Android used within it to 9.0 (Pie), which adds the ability to search for apps and use new Assistant settings. Chrome OS redirects Cast set-up to the Google Home app, and adds picture-in-picture video to webpages.

Deirdre O Donnell, 09 Feb 2019 15:12

The eavesdropping bug only occurred when callers were using the Group feature. (Source: Apple)

Apple finally fixes eavesdropping Group FaceTime bug via iOS 12.1.4

Apple was supposed to completely fix the eavesdropping vulnerability triggered via the Group feature in the FaceTime app last week, but it looks like the company found a few more bugs and fixed them as well. One bug is related to the Live Photos feature in FaceTime, while the other two are related to memory corruption flaws occurring in the IOKit and Foundation.

Bogdan Solca, 08 Feb 2019 22:39

The very good Surface Pro 6 will be available in new markets such as the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, and Norway. (Source: Microsoft)

Microsoft brings the Surface Pro 6, Laptop 2, Studio 2, and Surface Headphones to many new markets

Microsoft has announced in a blog post that the Surface Pro 6, Surface Laptop 2, and Surface Studio 2 devices are now launching in 20 more markets worldwide. The tech giant also revealed that its Surface Headphones will be coming to eight new markets starting in March, including Canada, New Zealand, and Germany.

Daniel R Deakin, 07 Feb 2019 23:01

Qualcomm has unveiled the Snapdragon 712. (Source: Qualcomm)

Qualcomm Snapdragon 712 processor launched

Qualcomm has released the Snapdragon 712 processor; however, it seems not to be much more than a refreshed 710 SoC. On one hand, the 712 may be 10% faster compared to its prececessor; on the other, both have the same GPU, Hexa DSP and X15 LTE modem. However, it supports Fast Charging version 4+ rather than 4.

Deirdre O Donnell, 07 Feb 2019 20:29

VLC will get a new update soon. (Source: VLC)

VLC 4.0 will support uninterrupible music playback and Apple AirPlay, but also drop support for multiple older platforms

The latest update to the VLC media player (4.0) will bring more features, especially for iOS. However, it will also no longer support older versions of the same platform, along with some others (e.g. Windows XP). It also now offers the ability to play a full list of music without pauses of any kind.

Deirdre O Donnell, 06 Feb 2019 16:55

Deal | Coolicool celebrating Chinese New Year with smartphone sales across the board

Get a new 128 GB OnePlus 6 for just $419 or $60 off the retail price. Other Chinese brands like Teclast, Alldocube, Voyo, Chuwi, Xiaomi, and Moto are also on sale until early next week. Coolicool specializes on offering inexpensive smartphones for customers both inside and outside of Asia.

Allen Ngo, 06 Feb 2019 00:10

Renders based on Samsung foldable smartphone video leak published

A number of new renders have been published by LetsGoDigital based on the glimpse of the foldable smartphone in the recently leaked video from Samsung Vietnam. The latest images reflect the surprisingly slim-looking front screen and the amount of icons that can be seen on the display in smartphone mode. However, this might not be the device Samsung is planning on revealing.

Daniel R Deakin, 04 Feb 2019 23:24

Render of the rumored Lenovo Tab V7. (Source: Droid Shout)

Render and specifications of rumored Lenovo Tab V7 leaked

Droid Shout has received a tip claiming Lenovo has a new tablet in the works. The device, which is apparently called the Lenovo Tab V7, is expected to be a midrange slate that runs on Android 9 Pie straight out of the box. The latest addition to the Chinese manufacturer’s tablet line-up could be announced at MWC19.

Daniel R Deakin, 02 Feb 2019 22:39

More Inbox features are reportedly leaching into Gmail. (Source: Google)

New Reddit leak suggests Gmail will gain more Inbox features soon

A post on Reddit allegedly contains a screenshot of a Gmail app interface that integrates many features taken from Inbox. They include a pinned-only toggle, per-subject bundling and Assistant-esque reminders. They may have been picked for preservation by Google before Inbox shuts down for good.

Deirdre O Donnell, 02 Feb 2019 18:23

Samsung Vietnam has unintentionally given us the first look at Samsung's foldable smartphone. (Source: Samsung Vietnam)

Here's the first look at Samsung's foldable smartphone

We might have finally seen the finished, and long awaited, Galaxy foldable smartphone. A Galaxy Unpacked video (since yanked) has appeared on Samsung Vietnam’s YouTube channel that clearly shows a foldable smartphone that is reminiscent of the device Samsung previewed at its developer conference last year.

Sanjiv Sathiah, 01 Feb 2019 11:56

The Chuwi Ubook is a Surface alternative on the cheap. (Source: Chuwi)

Chuwi Ubook goes live on Kickstarter with up to 25% discount for early birds

Chinese PC maker Chuwi has launched its cheap Surface alternative on Kickstarter. Early birds can get a 25 percent discount on the Chuwi Ubook bringing the entry price for the Core m3 8GB model down to just US$349.

Sanjiv Sathiah, 01 Feb 2019 10:28

The renders show the flexibility of the Huawei Mate 5G foldable smartphone. (Source: LetsGoDigital)

Renders show beautiful potential of Huawei Mate 5G foldable smartphone

Renders produced by the talented team at LetsGoDigital have given extraordinary life to some rather bland-looking Huawei patent drawings. The patent in question is for a foldable smartphone that could end up being the Chinese company’s expected 5G foldable device. It is believed the handset will feature a single bendable display that covers the exterior.

Daniel R Deakin, 01 Feb 2019 06:45

Pine64 will have a busy 2019 thanks to the release of its new Linux laptop and tablet

Pine64, the organization behind the Pine A64 SBC and Pinebook, is planning to release a new Linux-based laptop and a new tablet. Dubbed the Pinebook Pro and PineTab, respectively, the two devices aim to offer an open-source computing experience at a low price. The Pinebook Pro is priced at US $199 while the PineTab is priced at US $79.

Sam Medley, 31 Jan 2019 23:53

The i7 version of the Google Pixel Slate with 16 GB RAM costs from US$1,599. (Source: Google)

Rammus is back and seems to be a Google tablet with an Amber Lake-Y CPU

MySmartPrice has discovered another Geekbench listing for the mysterious “Rammus” device. The latest appearance on Geekbench has thrown up some interesting information, such as the mention of an Intel Core i7-8500Y processor and Android 9 as the potential operating system. The page itself is specifically titled “Google Rammus.”

Daniel R Deakin, 31 Jan 2019 10:35

Samsung Galaxy View to get a smaller successor, coming soon to AT&T as of January 2019

Samsung Galaxy View 2 hits Geekbench, apparently coming soon to AT&T

The successor of the 18.4-inch Samsung Galaxy View has recently surfaced on Geekbench. The Galaxy View 2 runs Android 8.1 Oreo-based firmware and apparently features a 17.5-inch display. This large tablet for media consumption is rumored to arrive soon in the US via AT&T, but nothing is official yet.

Codrut Nistor, 30 Jan 2019 13:01

Apple has announced plans to cut the price of its iPhones to help boost sales. (Source: Apple)

iPhone revenue tanked 15% last quarter, plans to cut prices in response

Apple’s iPhone revenue plunged a precipitous 15 percent on a year-over-year basis for the holiday quarter, as it had indicated in a rare revenue warning to investors. Despite this, it remains the second largest quarter in Apple’s history as other areas of its business managed to keep the overall slide to just 5 percent year-over-year.

Sanjiv Sathiah, 30 Jan 2019 10:56

Fortnite mentioned the Steelseries Stratus XL in relation to controller support on mobile. (Source: Steelseries)

Fortnite now supports Bluetooth controllers on Android and iOS

The mobile versions of Fortnite (those that work on the Android and Apple platforms) now allow the use of Bluetooth controllers rather than on-screen controls. This new level of support comes with the 7.30 patch update, which also adds the 60Hz support for select Android devices. It also offers the Chiller grenade, a new, seasonal, ranged weapon.

Deirdre O Donnell, 29 Jan 2019 19:59

A rendered imagining of Intel's latest folding smartphone patent. (Source: LetsGoDigital)

Intel foldable phone patent offers multiple usage scenarios

Intel has applied for a patent showing a unique take on the folding smartphone concept. Intel’s approach would see the device fold in three places allowing it to be used in multiple configurations.

Sanjiv Sathiah, 29 Jan 2019 10:43

Coolpad Surf 600 MHz LTE hotspot hits T-Mobile and Metro (Source: SlashGear)

Coolpad Surf 600 MHz LTE hotspot now available via T-Mobile and Metro

While most people around the world are still waiting to get 5G access, T-Mobile and Metro are back with an accessory for their 600 MHz LTE network. The Coolpad Surf hotspot is capable of connecting up to 15 devices simultaneously and its 2,150 mAh battery can last for up to 5.3 hours of continuous use or 48 hours on standby.

Codrut Nistor, 28 Jan 2019 16:09

Casio's slimmest-ever digital grand piano is a fully up-to-date piece of audio hardware. (Source: Casio)

Casio has released the "world's slimmest" digital grand piano

Casio has updated its line of digital pianos with the Privia PX-S1000 and PX-S3000, 2 variants of what the company claims is the "world's slimmest grand piano". The new models use Smart Scaled Hammer Action to replicate the tactile feedback of real grand piano keys. This up-to-date type of digital keyboard also has Bluetooth and an iOS/Android app.

Deirdre O Donnell, 28 Jan 2019 12:13

The part of the iOS 12.2 code that may refer to a new iPod Touch. (Source: Twitter)

iOS 12.2 code hints at possible new iPads and iPod Touch

The well-regarded leaker Steve Troughton-Smith claims to have found references to unfamiliar iPads while diving into the code for the iOS 12.2 update. It suggests that new 11-inch iPads, as well as an iPad Mini, are on their way. The code also specifies an iPod Touch that could be of the rumored upcoming 7th generation.

Deirdre O Donnell, 26 Jan 2019 18:33

Facebook plans to bring content from its three messaging-related services into closer conjunction. (Source: The Financial Express)

Facebook has a plan to 'merge' user content from Messenger, WhatsApp and Instagram

Facebook has just announced an initiative in which messages from its own Messenger, as well as from its acquisitions Instagram and WhatsApp, will be integrated using a singular infrastructure. This contravenes an earlier commitment on the part of the parent company that these 3 services would remain independent. This plan has also raised alarm among privacy experts and WhatsApp staff.

Deirdre O Donnell, 25 Jan 2019 19:12

Wireless headphones represent a robust and growing market. (Source: HSN)

The wireless headphone market could be worth US$34 billion in 5 years

A new report by ResearchAndMarkets.com indicates that the wireless headphone market will continue to show healthy growth into the year 2024. At that point, it could be worth as much as US$34 billion. The report indicates that this could be driven by increasing sophistication in wireless audio features and technology.

Deirdre O Donnell, 25 Jan 2019 17:22

The HP Chromebook 11 x360 G2 EE convertible supports Wacom EMR digital pens. (Source: HP)

HP announces two new Education Edition Chromebooks

The latest 11.6-inch Chromebook models from HP get a more rugged feel with rubber trims, Gorilla Glass and spill-resistant keyboards. In order to keep the prices at an affordable level for students, HP included Intel's Celeron N4000 / 4100 CPUs, up to 8 GB LPDDR4-2400 RAM and up to 64 GB eMMC storage.

Bogdan Solca, 22 Jan 2019 20:11

Huawei may face greater challenges in the future, according to its CEO. (Source: Huawei)

Huawei corporate email about possible future downsizing circulated online

Ren Zhengfei, the CEO of Huawei, has written an email warning his colleagues of the possibility of "hard times" in the future. They may include reductions in the size of the company's various regional subsidiaries. These comments may be related to Huawei's recent loss of business in the 5G infrastructure area.

Deirdre O Donnell, 21 Jan 2019 14:32

05.04	Recenzja Vivo X300. Kompaktowy flagowiec bez kompromisów?
05.04	Recenzja Infinix Note Edge. I co z tego, że ładny?
05.04	Recensione Xiaomi Pad 8 Pro: questo tablet è una bomba
05.04	Recensione Samsung Galaxy S26+: un buon top di gamma Samsung ad un prezzo premium
05.04	Recensione iPhone 17e: il miglior iPhone per chi vuole un iPhone
05.04	Recensione Nothing Phone (4a) Pro: una vera trappola per nerd
05.04	Recensione MacBook Neo: il Mac che tutti aspettavano, al prezzo che (non) tutti aspettavano
05.04	Recensione OPPO Find N6: ha ucciso la piega per diventare il migliore
05.04	Recensione Realme 16 Pro+: un medio gamma che ha davvero senso
05.04	Asus ExpertBook Ultra recenze: firemní notebook, který rozhodně nenudí