Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations

Some US users can now see a speed-limit icon in the bottom left corner of their directions view in Maps. (Source: Google)

Google Maps now display speed limits in certain areas

In 2017, Google tested out a new feature in Maps that showed speed limits in turn-by-turn navigation mode. This update, which was tested in 2 major cities, became less accurate over time, and was eventually axed over time. Now, it appears the app is trying this function out again. It is reportedly available to users in some parts of the US.

Deirdre O Donnell, 18 Jan 2019 18:02

Samsung's upcoming SM-T515 tablet makes an appearance on Geekbench, Exynos 7885 in tow

Samsung's upcoming SM-T515 tablet showed up on Geekbench earlier today with a score competitive with other mid-range Android devices. The tablet will use Samsung's Exynos 7885 SoC and 2 GB of RAM. The tablet will run Android 9.0 Pie out of the box, but other details (like size) are still unknown. The tablet is expected to make a debut at MWC 2019.

Sam Medley, 18 Jan 2019 15:10

Android fans can now get an idea of what awaits them with Android Q. (Image source: XDA Developers)

Android Q leak: What awaits us this year

Android Q has reared its head long before its release. The first Developer Preview is still a few months away, but that has not stopped XDA Developers from trying out an early test version of Android Q and giving us their first insights into the new features that the successor to Android Pie will bring.

Alex Alderson, 17 Jan 2019 20:52

Many Netflix customers will see price hikes over the next quarter. (Source: Netflix)

Netflix will increase its prices to customers paying in USD over the next few months

Netflix has announced plans to inflate its prices by up to 18%. However, this will only affect new and existing customers who use US dollars to pay for their subscriptions. This move resulted in a 6.5% increase in its stock price yesterday (January 15, 2019).

Deirdre O Donnell, 16 Jan 2019 16:20

A new toggle to impose a traditional, temporal timeline view is being rolled out to Twitter users. (Source: YouTube)

Twitter is finally switching back to a fully chronological timeline

Recently, Twitter revamped its platform with the 'Interesting Tweets' feature. However, some users have asserted that the tweets chosen by its algorithm persisted in timelines regardless of whether they turned it off in Settings or not. Now, a new option to return to a completely chronological order of tweets is being rolled out.

Deirdre O Donnell, 16 Jan 2019 15:49

Huawei MediaPad M5 Pro Android tablet with HiSilicon Kirin 960 processor surfaces with Pie and EMUI 9.0 January 2019

Huawei MediaPad M5 Pro Android Pie tablet surfaces on Geekbench

Powered by a HiSilicon Kirin 960 processor, the Huawei MediaPad M5 Pro also comes with an active stylus and features 4 GB of memory and up to 128 GB of internal storage space. Thanks to these attributes, this slate remains a worthy choice for content creators about one year after its release. This week, it has also been spotted running Android Pie, so a major firmware update should arrive shortly.

Codrut Nistor, 16 Jan 2019 14:23

Chuwi Ubook 2-in-1 will be a cheaper version of the Microsoft Surface Go

The Windows detachable combines the U-shaped metal kickstand of the Spectre x2 and the Alcantara look of the Surface Pro keyboard with a passively-cooled Core m3 processor. Chuwi is promising a retail price of just under $400 if the Kickstarter proves to be successful.

Allen Ngo, 16 Jan 2019 06:50

Apple introduced the concept of the AirPower nearly two years ago. (Source: Apple)

Apple AirPower charging pad production may have finally begun

Apple has been teasing the release of the AirPower since 2017. However, the company has let numerous subsequent relevant launches go by without mentioning it again. Nevertheless, a credible source now claims that a known supplier to the OEM has started to manufacture these products.

Deirdre O Donnell, 13 Jan 2019 15:07

A phone with your number can be approximated through its distance from a cell tower. (Source: Trulioo)

Motherboard report implicates major US carriers in a geolocation data-selling scandal

An article posted to the online outlet Motherboard has alleged that the carriers T-Mobile, Sprint and AT&T have been selling their US customers' geolocation data to private companies, who then went on to sell it to other parties such as those who issue bail bonds. The carriers in question have subsequently committed to put an end to these practices.

Deirdre O Donnell, 11 Jan 2019 19:14

Apparently, the FlexPai can be folded over 200,000 times without breaking. (Source: Royole)

CES 2019 | Reviews of the Royole FlexPai are coming in - first but flawed foldable phone

Early reviews of Royole’s foldable FlexPai device have come in, and it seems the main attraction of the smartphone is what everyone expected it to be: Its flexibility. The company has done well in beating major players like Samsung and Huawei to the crown of producing the first fully foldable phone, but it has done this by creating a seemingly flawed handset.

Daniel R Deakin, 11 Jan 2019 01:05

WhatsApp Beta for Android now shows a new option for fingerprint authentication. (Source: WhatsApp)

WhatsApp is working on fingerprint authentication for Android devices

The latest version of WhatsApp Beta adds an option to the Privacy menu for authentication via a saved fingerprint. Unfortunately, this function is not actually live yet; however, it clearly indicates that the messaging app's developers will make it available in a future version. Reports suggest that it will be compatible with Android devices with version 6.0 or later and working fingerprint sensors.

Deirdre O Donnell, 09 Jan 2019 16:18

The Lenovo Smart Tab P10 comes with a Smart Dock for added functionality. (Source: Lenovo)

CES 2019 | Lenovo shows off with 2-in-1 Smart Tab P10 and Smart Dock

Lenovo has unveiled the 2-in-1 Smart Tab P10 tablet and Smart Dock. The versatile P10 device offers typical usage scenarios in Tablet Mode, but when it is added to the Smart Dock it switches to Show Mode and incorporates Amazon’s Alexa virtual assistant for hands-free interaction. It’s then simple enough to use the smart screen to watch videos or listen to music.

Daniel R Deakin, 08 Jan 2019 20:00

The Lenovo Smart Tab M10 with Smart Dock can answer your questions thanks to Amazon Alexa. (Source: Lenovo)

CES 2019 | Lenovo's Smart Tab M10 comes with Smart Dock and Amazon Alexa to make your home smarter

Lenovo’s new Smart Tab M10 tablet with Smart Dock has been revealed. The 10.1-inch tablet comes with a Smart Dock and Amazon Alexa to beef up its potential usage scenarios. Users can easily integrate the device from the Chinese manufacturer into their smart home and use it to help with day-to-day tasks around the house or simply enjoy its Smart Screen ability.

Daniel R Deakin, 08 Jan 2019 20:00

Asus Chromebook Education lineup January 2019 (Source: Edge Up)

CES 2019 | Asus intros the Chromebook Education lineup

The new Chromebook family for the education market includes the first-ever Chrome OS-driven tablet by Asus, a 14-inch clamshell design Chromebook, an 11.6-inch convertible, and an 11.6-inch clamshell configuration. While the tablet is powered by the Rockchip OP1 processor, the other three devices use Intel Celeron processors.

Codrut Nistor, 08 Jan 2019 18:15

The new Belkin USB-C to -A cable with DuraTek. (Source: Belkin)

CES 2019 | Belkin and its assorted brands are back

At one point, Belkin was the go-to brand for third-party Apple accessories, not to mention USB power banks and cables. However, it had gone quiet for a good while following its amalgamation with Foxconn. This year, Belkin and its current international brands (Linksys, Wemo and Phyn) have made a comeback to CES this year to showcase their new products.

Deirdre O Donnell, 07 Jan 2019 14:40

The magnets could offer a number of different operating modes for the Samsung device. (Source: LetsGoDigital)

Samsung patent shows electronic device with two magnetically connected smartphones

A patent application made to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has been found that shows an electronic device consisting of two smartphones being linked magnetically. The patent, which was published on January 3, was originally filed by Samsung. The smartphone parts would contain holder magnets and a cylindrical magnet, allowing users to connect them for activities such as video-watching and gaming.

Daniel R Deakin, 07 Jan 2019 06:20

If the bend is less than the width of four sheets of paper, it is "normal." (Source: The Verge)

Bendgate 2.0: New Apple support page reiterates visible bends are "normal"

Apple has published a new support page that addresses the Bendgate 2.0 controversy. As it has in the past, however, the company continues to insist that there is nothing wrong with straightness and durability of its latest flagship iPad Pro models.

Sanjiv Sathiah, 06 Jan 2019 00:29

Render of what LG's foldable device could end up looking like. (Source: LetsGoDigital)

Patent seems to show LG moving ahead with foldable smartphone ideas

LG has applied for a patent with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) for what is innocuously titled “electronic device.” The drawings included in the files show a foldable device that utilizes a spring-loaded hinge to turn a regular-sized smartphone into something that more resembles a tablet.

Daniel R Deakin, 04 Jan 2019 23:16

The foldable device shown in the clip is rumored to belong to Xiaomi. (Source: Evan Blass/Twitter)

Video of possible Xiaomi device grabs attention with smooth folding demonstration

A new video recently released on Evan Blass’ Twitter account appears to show a foldable device, allegedly manufactured by Xiaomi, in action. The well-known tipster isn’t himself sure of the video’s veracity, but it has been garnering a considerable amount of comments from excited viewers. Fake or not, it certainly offers an enticing glimpse into one of 2019’s hottest technologies.

Daniel R Deakin, 04 Jan 2019 02:37

LG-V426 Android tablet Bluetooth certification listing details (Source: MySmartPrice News)

A new Android slate by LG surfaces online

The upcoming Android slate is now known only as the LG-V426 and we know that it received its Bluetooth and WiFi certifications already. Unfortunately, most of its specs are not public yet but, if we get lucky, we might see it on display at CES or at the MWC. Otherwise, its launch is expected to take place by the end of the first quarter.

Codrut Nistor, 03 Jan 2019 15:59

Oppo demonstrated foldable technology with this prototype device back in 2016. (Source: Mashable/Zaeke)

Oppo's Limn device could be a foldable tablet

The Chinese consumer electronics company Oppo has applied for a trademark for “Limn” with the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO). The application was made at the end of December and comes under the Nice classification number 9, which includes computers, tablets, and smartphones. There has been some speculation that Oppo may be planning on releasing a foldable tablet.

Daniel R Deakin, 02 Jan 2019 21:46

Samsung will be refreshing the Galaxy product line in 2019. (Source: Gizbot)

New details about Samsung's Galaxy M10 emerge

A filing with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for the Samsung Galaxy M10 smartphone has thrown up a couple of new details about the device. The M10’s measurements have been specified at a length of 155.7 mm and a width of 75.88 mm, and the display diagonal has been confirmed as 153.2 mm, which is equivalent to 6.03 inches.

Daniel R Deakin, 01 Jan 2019 02:12

Royole will showcase its line of flexible electronics at CES

Royole is an OEM whose main claim to fame is that it released the first ever flexible smartphone. It is bringing this product to CES, alongside others that, as the company claims, include electronics-enhanced clothing, a "smart writing pad" and more flexible displays. Royole asserts that the latter are ready for production.

Deirdre O Donnell, 31 Dec 2018 16:49

Windows 10 1803 remains the most popular build of the OS. (Source: Microsoft)

Windows 10 1803 has retained nearly 84% of the OS’ market share in 2018

Under normal circumstances, the most up-to-date version of Windows begins to drag in a majority of market share (defined as the percentage of PCs that run it) in the year of its release. Windows 10 1809 has not enjoyed this level of success so far. In fact, according to a new report by AdDuplex, it has only attained 6.6% of the total market share from 2016 to 2018.

Deirdre O Donnell, 31 Dec 2018 16:39

Microsoft is getting insistent that everyone update to 1809. (Source: Softonic)

Microsoft is now actively pushing the Windows 10 October update

Microsoft has reportedly begun to induce PCs to download and install the latest Windows 10 update, whether the user seeks for it or not. The company claims that this is necessary to protect devices against security threats. However, there are a number of workarounds for this situation.

Deirdre O Donnell, 29 Dec 2018 15:08

A leaker claims that Epic has made billions in gross profits this year. (Source: Dot Esports)

Epic Games has amassed US$3 billion in profits this year: new report

Epic Games is now sitting on US$3 billion in gross profits this year. According to a new article in TechCrunch based on the claims of a 'knowledgeable' source. This level of success is (somewhat obviously) made off the back of Epic's flagship, Fortnite. It is a particularly impressive claim, considering that this title's revenue is largely derived from in-game purchases.

Deirdre O Donnell, 28 Dec 2018 23:22

A former senior Apple executive is criticizing the OEM's decision to "tolerate" the issue of Bendgate 2018. (Source: Apple)

Bendgate 2.0: Former senior Apple executive reportedly returned iPad Pro due to defects

Michael Gartenberg describes himself as "Former Sr. Marketing Director @Apple, ex Jupiter Research, Gartner & other stuff" on his Twitter bio. He also now implies that he is unhappy with the iPad Pro 2018's build quality on this platform, as he documented his return of this product in a Tweet.

Deirdre O Donnell, 28 Dec 2018 19:02

LG has patented a rollable hybrid smartphone-tablet concept. (Source: LetsGoDigital)

New LG patent shows rollable smartphone/tablet concept

A new LG patent has surfaced showing a device that features rollable OLED display technology. Similar to the foldable smartphones that are headed our way in 2019, this is a much more radical approach that will yield devices that can be both incredibly compact yet can be unrolled to reveal a large display.

Sanjiv Sathiah, 28 Dec 2018 12:27

The iPad Mini 4 could be said to be in need of an update. (Source: ManilaShaker Philippines)

'iPad Mini 5 case leak' may in fact be 2016 prototype

A case design purported to be associated with the upcoming iPad Mini 5 appeared to show that the tablet would have a dual camera and a headphone jack. This may have been an encouraging sign, as the iPad Mini line hasn't been upgraded since 2015. However, a subsequent comment on the matter from another leaker asserts that the case in the initial leak is in fact from 2016.

Deirdre O Donnell, 26 Dec 2018 15:39

A number of newer Samsung Galaxy-line models are in line for an update to Android 9.0. (Source: Daily Express)

Samsung has released its Android Pie update roadmap; Galaxy Note FE is not on there

The Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus may have got their Christmas gift, in the form of an update to stable Pie with One UI, already. Now, Samsung has released the update schedule for all other models eligible to receive the latest Android update. The Galaxy Note FE, which was released in 2017, is notable by its absence.

Deirdre O Donnell, 25 Dec 2018 12:03

The Zanco smart pen is available on Kickstarter now. (Source: Zanco)

A crowd-funding campaign for a mobile phone in pen form has raised 575% of its goal already

The Zanco smart pen is a stylus with (nearly) all the features of a smartphone crammed into it. It has physical buttons, a click-pad, front and rear cameras and even a teeny tiny screen. It is intended as a smartphone replacement or companion (much like the Palm phone) and can also function as a Bluetooth remote for screens for purposes such as presentation. So far, it has raised just over US$50,000 on Kickstarter.

Deirdre O Donnell, 24 Dec 2018 17:09

A 3D render of the LG detachable slate patent. (Source: LetsGoDigital)

LG patent shows all-display tablet with detachable keyboard

Although LG is still making tablets their availability varies from market to market and they are largely mid to lower end devices running Android. A new patent application filed by the Korean tech giant looks as though that company may still harbor ambitions in the tablet space although it isn’t clear what operating system it might run.

Sanjiv Sathiah, 24 Dec 2018 11:10

The ultra-slim Apple iPad Pro 2018 may be prone to bending, but apparently that's just fine by Apple. (Source: Apple)

Apple executive reiterates company's support for iPad Pro 2018 design

'Bendgate 2.0': the saga continues; an iPad Pro customer who emailed Tim Cook about the situation in which the US$799+ devices arrive deformed out of the box claimed to have gotten a response. This reply was not from Cook himself, however, but from another Apple executive who explained how well the new iPad fits in with Apple's design philosophy.

Deirdre O Donnell, 22 Dec 2018 19:07

AT&T's 5G Evolution is not 5G. (Source: AT&T via Mashable)

AT&T offers not quite 5G with 5G E

Some AT&T customers may start seeing a “5G E” label appearing on their Android smartphones soon. It might initially seem to some that the telecommunications company is already offering 5G network connection to its subscribers, but the truth is the label stands for “5G Evolution”, which is still classed as 4G technology.

Daniel R Deakin, 22 Dec 2018 01:27

The Wi-Fi + Cellular version of the iPad Mini 4 currently costs US$529. (Source: Apple)

Rumored 2019 release for Apple iPad Mini 5 and 10-inch iPad

A report by the China Times has stated that Apple is planning on releasing a new iPad Mini device and a revised iPad model in 2019. The supposed iPad Mini 5 tablet would be the first new slate in the Mini series since 2015. The larger iPad has a rumored size of 10 inches, making it slightly larger than the current 9.7-inch version of the popular tablet computer.

Daniel R Deakin, 21 Dec 2018 23:27

Shruggies should be a native hotkey option in Windows 10 soon. (Source: TNW)

Windows 10 19H1 adds kaomoji support to hotkeys

The current Windows Insider Preview build (or Windows 10 19H1) has been updated to include support for the 'shruggie' and other emojis of its types in the OS' hotkeys. This may finally bring a welcome end to workarounds with keyboard shortcuts and so on. 19H1 should be available in early 2019.

Deirdre O Donnell, 20 Dec 2018 19:03

An iPad Pro 2018 user showing the device bent out of shape. (Source: MacRumors)

Bendgate 2.0: Apple confirms some iPad Pro 2018 models ship bent, says it is "normal"

Apple has mired itself in a new bending device controversy. The latest structural integrity issue affects the new 2018 iPad Pro models, some of which are shipping out of the factory to customers with slight bends in the chassis. According to a statement it provided The Verge, this is apparently “normal” and is something the company doesn’t consider a defect.

Sanjiv Sathiah, 20 Dec 2018 04:11

The simplified Start menu in all its glory. (Image source: Microsoft)

Microsoft releases Windows 10 Insider Preview Build 18305 (19H1) to the Fast ring

A simplified Start menu, Windows Sandbox, Kaomoji and more are rolling out to the Insider Preview Fast ring in the latest 19H1 build. Build 18305 is available to download now from Windows Update.

Alex Alderson, 19 Dec 2018 22:56

PUBG has reportedly drawn level with Fortnite for mobile user counts. (Source: Polygon)

PUBG now equals Fortnite in mobile user numbers: Tencent Games

Tencent Games has asserted that it has drawn level with Epic Games' Fortnite in terms of mobile user numbers for its own game, PUBG. This means that PUBG has made it to about 200 million users. It is estimated that both games also have the same approximate number of users who play at least once a day (30 million).

Deirdre O Donnell, 19 Dec 2018 22:34

New online tool purports to isolate the subject of any image using AI

Are you tired of using Photoshop to clear the background from your photos so you can replace it? The makers of remove.bg clearly thinks you are. It offers a service in which its AI identifies the main subject matter of any image, then makes the background around it transparent.

Deirdre O Donnell, 19 Dec 2018 19:31

Google is cleaning its Play Store of fake or unhelpful reviews (Source: Google)

Google claims to be able to remove millions of fake Play Store reviews using AI

A new post to the Android Developers Blog details the measures Google is taking to address the issue of fake reviews or ratings on the Play Store. They are described as a combination of AI and human expertise. The post claims that they have already resulted in the removal of millions of reviews from the Store.

Deirdre O Donnell, 18 Dec 2018 23:19

This Settings option is a recent addition to Windows 10, and may be on by default. (Source: Windows)

Windows 10 may track your app-using history even if you've deactivated it

The most recent versions of Windows 10 has an option in settings that apparently prevent the OS sending your activity history to Microsoft. However, HowToGeek has reported that these options may be insufficient in the case of app-history tracking. This information may still be collected unless every relevant privacy setting possible is modified.

Deirdre O Donnell, 16 Dec 2018 14:57

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.5-inch is powered by a Snapdragon 450. (Source: 9to5Google)

New Samsung Galaxy Tab A rumored to be in development

It has been reported that Samsung is working on a new tablet, which could end up being the latest addition to the Galaxy A series. The SM-P205 slate is expected to feature 32 GB of storage and will come in either black or gray. The South Korean manufacturer only recently introduced the Galaxy Tab A 10.5-inch device and the flagship Galaxy Tab S4.

Daniel R Deakin, 15 Dec 2018 23:53

This new app may turn your Nintendo Switch into a PC gaming controller. (Source: YouTube)

New app on GitHub may bring PC game streaming to Nintendo Switch

The developer of a new home-made app claims that it allows for the streaming of PC games to the Nintendo Switch. Unlike many other similar attempts in the past, this version apparently has reduced latency and allows for the full control of said games. It is currently available for Windows only, however.

Deirdre O Donnell, 14 Dec 2018 20:06

Facebook has admitted to yet another form of data breach. (Source: Picryl)

Facebook discloses info on "bug" that allowed apps access to 6.8 million users' non-posted photos

Facebook has informed its developers of "a photo API bug" that allowed third-party apps to access photos uploaded to the social media's servers, regardless of whether the user then chose to share these images on their timelines or not. The company has admitted that this new flaw had been in effect for eight days in September 2018 and may have affected as many as 6.8 million users who logged in on those dates.

Deirdre O Donnell, 14 Dec 2018 19:11

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