Business Articles

Renders of the Samsung Galaxy S11. (Source: XEETECHCARE)

The Samsung Galaxy S11 could actually be the Galaxy S20

Samsung is billed to release the Galaxy S11 phones in February. The problem with that, however, is that there's a chance we won't be getting the S11, as a new tip touts a Huawei-esque naming scheme switch that will see the phones ...

Ricci Rox, 24 Dec 2019 11:48

Did you hate the CGI in Cats? Don't worry! Universal is updating the visuals of the film. (Image via Universal)

In unprecedented move, Universal is rolling out day-one patch for the movie Cats

At the request of the director, Universal will roll out an update to the movie Cats, which released this past Friday. The "patch" aims to clean up some of the CGI in the movie, which has largely been panned by critics. The film sc...

Sam Medley, 24 Dec 2019 07:12

Nest Hello video doorbell data on a DISH-connected TV. (Source: DISH)

DISH integrates Google Nest's doorbell into its TV receiver platform

DISH, a source of paid TV that also integrates apps such as Netflix, has announced that some Google Nest products can now co-ordinate with its "Hopper" or "Wally" receivers. As a result, users of both products will gain the abilty...

Deirdre O Donnell, 23 Dec 2019 19:45

OPPO believes the 5G era has begun in earnest. (Source: EE)

50 carriers worldwide have 5G services by now

50 carriers in 27 different locations had set up 5G networks by October 2019, whereas over 300 others in about 109 additional markets may be preparing to do so. This is in accordance with some of the latest research on 5G deployme...

Deirdre O Donnell, 22 Dec 2019 19:08

Physicality Games will launch next year. (Source: Physicality Games)

Physicality Games is an upcoming sales platform for hard-copy games

Physicality Games is a new retailer setting itself up as a platform for games in physical form. Its creators assert that its listings will not be "limited", as with some sellers in this market. It also intends to sell merchandise,...

Deirdre O Donnell, 21 Dec 2019 21:21

A GoPro HERO8 Black with a Light Mod. (Source: GoPro)

GoPro launches the Light Mod for the HERO8 Black

GoPro has released a new product that is compatible with its pre-existing mounts. However, it is not an action-cam: it is instead a mini LED floodlight intended to be used with one of them, the HERO8 Black. It can also clip onto t...

Deirdre O Donnell, 21 Dec 2019 20:19

AMD aims to promote the "proliferation of new blockchain-powered gaming platforms." (Image source: AMD)

AMD becomes Blockchain Gaming Alliance member

AMD recently joined the Blockchain Gaming Alliance, the first hardware manufacturer to do so. They aim to provide members with computing platforms to power new, blockchain-based gaming functionality. What are the implications for ...

Arjun Krishna Lal, 21 Dec 2019 17:32

A new Mac Pro with an OWC RAM upgrade kit. (Source: OWC)

OWC releases its max-outable Mac Pro 2019 RAM upgrade kits

OWC has unveiled its 64 or 128GB RAM stick kits for the new Mac Pro. They come in 768GB to 1.5TB SKUs, meaning a user can match Apple's factory maximum with this third-party memory. However, this option may also enable some saving...

Deirdre O Donnell, 21 Dec 2019 16:54

Apple continues to dominate the smartphone market, raking in 66 percent of industry-wide Q3 profits (Image source: Wired)

Report: Apple earned 32 percent of all revenue in the smartphone industry

Third quarter financial results show that Apple continues to reign supreme in the smartphone space. Reports indicate that Apple secured over half of the industry's profits and one-third of its revenue.

Arjun Krishna Lal, 21 Dec 2019 12:30

Google acquires indie game developer Typhoon to bolster Stadia

Google announced yesterday that it has acquired Typhoon, an independent game developer. Typhoon's first game, Journey to the Savage Planet, is due out January 28, 2020. While Google has not given much detail surrounding the acquis...

Sam Medley, 21 Dec 2019 05:29

Motorola postpones the Razr launch and pre-order events

Motorola had planned to open Razr 2019 pre-orders in the United States on December 26, 2019. However, the OEM has now pushed this event, as well as its subsequent launch, back to an unspecified date. This is said to be due to unex...

Deirdre O Donnell, 20 Dec 2019 20:59

OnePlus has opened its OneSRC. (Source: OnePlus)

OnePlus opens its own paid security-incident bounty program

The OnePlus Security Response Center (or OneSRC) is this OEM's first bug-bounty initiative. It offers cash incentives (in USD) to report deficiencies in its own software. They start from US$50, but go into 3 to 4 figures for the m...

Deirdre O Donnell, 20 Dec 2019 20:27

Opinion | It's time for Microsoft to drop the Surface Connect port

There is no need for a Surface Connect port now that Thunderbolt 3 is becoming ubiquitous amongst mid-range to high-end laptops and tablets. There is nothing that Microsoft can't do with the more universal Thunderbolt 3 port that ...

Allen Ngo, 20 Dec 2019 08:09

An Intel mini-PC with a GBT-NUC lid on. (Source: PoE Texas)

Power-over-Ethernet on some Intel NUCs is now possible

PoE Texas has announced the GBT-NUC, a new type of lid for certain Intel mini PCs that enables them to access power and data through just 1 Ethernet cable. Therefore, the devices can function independently of a conventional wall-p...

Deirdre O Donnell, 19 Dec 2019 21:16

A classic example of Samsung's XCover phones. (Source: DHGate)

Samsung may release a new XCover series phone soon

Samsung has reportedly put a device called the SM-G715FN/DS through FCC testing, suggesting that it will be released soon. Some leaks allege that this phone will be marketed as the XCover Pro, thus resurrecting the OEM's line of t...

Deirdre O Donnell, 19 Dec 2019 19:16

Facebook continues its gaming quest with acquisition of PlayGiga

Facebook announced today that it has acquired cloud gaming startup PlayGiga. The startup, which is based in Madrid, has experience working with telecoms to build gaming-as-a-service platforms that rely on 5G networks. This is yet ...

Sam Medley, 19 Dec 2019 15:54

The Nikon Z 7 can now film in RAW and use some CFexpress cards. (Source: Nikon)

Nikon updates the Z 7 and Z 6 with CFexpress card and RAW video output support

The latest firmware update for Nikon Z-series cameras allows them to use CFexpress, a new memory-card format associated with faster transfers compared to XQD. This new software also allows the Z 6 or Z 7 to record 4K UHD or full-H...

Deirdre O Donnell, 18 Dec 2019 21:19

Netflix tests quarterly, half-yearly and annual subscription plans in India

Netflix is reportedly testing some new plans in the Indian market. It will let users avail discounts on the company's Premium subscription by paying for three, six or twelve months of service in advance. Since they are a part of N...

Anil Satyanarayana, 17 Dec 2019 23:06

Asus ProArt StudioBook Pro 15 now shipping and already out of stock (Source: Asus)

Asus ProArt StudioBook Pro 15 W500 now shipping with 48 GB of RAM and it's already out of stock

The redundantly named ProArt StudioBook Pro will have some of the highest specifications in the ultra-thin mobile workstation space. Expect to pay at least $4000 USD for this professionally-tuned system.

Allen Ngo, 17 Dec 2019 21:29

Corsair will soon own Scuf gaming, as well as all of its patents. (Image via Corsair)

Corsair looking to move into game controllers with its acquisition of Scuf

Corsair recently acquired Scuf, a manufacturer of customizable console and PC game controllers. This purchase is yet another move by Corsair to branch out into other market sectors. Corsair purchased Elgato, which makes video stre...

Sam Medley, 17 Dec 2019 17:51

Valve Index, the latest premium entrant in the VR market (Image source: Valve)

SuperData XR Dimensions market intelligence platform introduced: claims VR isn't dying

SuperData recently announced its XR Dimensions market intelligence platform. XR Dimensions focuses on trends in the AR and VR industries. Initial XR Dimensions reports make bold claims: VR is thriving and AR is already mainstream....

Arjun Krishna Lal, 17 Dec 2019 08:01

An LG 8K Signature OLED TV. (Source: LG)

Some of LG's 2020 TVs are set to go beyond the 8K Ultra HD criteria

LG has announced that the next generation of Signature OLED and NanoCell TVs have "exceeded" the requirements for the 8K Ultra HD designation. This new spec has been developed by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) in order ...

Deirdre O Donnell, 16 Dec 2019 21:38

The RazerStore London is the company's sixth, and largest, brick and mortar store. (Image source: Razer)

Razer opens its first brick and mortar store in Europe

Razer has opened its first shop in Europe, giving fans the chance to experience all its laptops, peripherals and clothing in one place. Located in London's West End, the store covers over 3,700 square feet split across two floors....

Alex Alderson, 16 Dec 2019 14:34

AT&T has launched its 5G service. (Source: AT&T)

AT&T rolls out 5G (for real) to its first 10 US cities

AT&T has announced that its 5G service is now live in 10 different American cities, Los Angeles and New York included. In fact, it claims to have 2 (authentic) flavors of this connectivity: 5G and 5G+, which are based on low-band ...

Deirdre O Donnell, 15 Dec 2019 20:26

The updated Google Assistant is now available in some non-US regions. (Source: Google)

The latest Google Assistant version is rolling out to more English-speaking regions

Google unveiled an updated Assistant with new features at its I/O event this year. It has only been available to the US market since then; now, however, it is being applied to others such as Ireland and Canada. Then again, it rema...

Deirdre O Donnell, 15 Dec 2019 19:39

The Pixel 3a and 3a XL are currently at their cheapest ever - US$120 off!

The Pixel 3a phones are widely regarded as being some of the most recommendable devices in the market right now, especially in the US. The 3a and 3a XL have MSRPs of US$399 and US$479 respectively, but can now be had with a massiv...

Ricci Rox, 15 Dec 2019 19:03

The Galaxy Fold. (Source: Notebookcheck)

Looks like Samsung didn't sell a million Galaxy Fold units like reports claimed

Samsung Electronics' President Young Sohn, a few days ago, announced that the company had sold a million units of its US$2000 Galaxy Fold. Apparently, the Samsung executive was wrong. The company did not, in fact, sell a million u...

Ricci Rox, 15 Dec 2019 19:02

Opera GX for macOS is now available. (Source: Opera)

Opera GX now has a macOS version

Opera released a variant of its browser optimized for gaming earlier this year. Now, it has announced that the same app, known as GX, is compatible with macOS as well as Windows. Therefore, those using such systems can now use fea...

Deirdre O Donnell, 14 Dec 2019 21:53

Visible light communication can enable local networks using everyday fittings. (Source: Medium)

The visible light communication market may exceed US$100 billion in value by 2024

Visible light communication is a form of wireless technology that uses radiation in the visible to infra-red light spectrum to transmit data. It is seen as an increasingly robust and reliable way of doing so, and needs not much mo...

Deirdre O Donnell, 13 Dec 2019 20:10

The "special event" teaser. (Source: OnePlus)

OnePlus teases a CES 2020 "special event"

2020 will mark the first year that OnePlus will take part in CES, the traditional January Las Vegas tech fest. The OEM has just sent out teaser images for a "special event" that will run through the relevant dates in that location...

Deirdre O Donnell, 13 Dec 2019 19:30

Huami announces its presence at CES 2020. (Source: Huami)

Huami will go "beyond the smartwatch" with its 2020 product portfolio

Huami is a wearables OEM that has made a name for itself largely through its Amazfit brand of smartwatches. However, it has revealed that it intends to push into additional product categories next year. The company has secured a C...

Deirdre O Donnell, 13 Dec 2019 17:52

The new 4-in-1 space heater. (Source: Myonaz)

Myonaz claims that its new patent-pending ceramic space heater is multifunctional, USB charging included

Myonaz is a start-up with a new kind of ceramic personal space heater. Not only does its main function initialize in an estimated 3 seconds, it can also act as a warm- or cool-air fan. It also incorporates a reading light and a US...

Deirdre O Donnell, 12 Dec 2019 18:57

The iPhone has struggled in China this quarter. (Image via Apple w/ edits)

iPhone shipments in China fell 35% in November

The iPhone may be doing well in Western markets, but the handset saw a massive 35% year-over-year drop in shipments in China last month. This news from Credit Suisse analysts flies in the face of prior predictions from Apple and o...

Sam Medley, 12 Dec 2019 18:48

Fitbit may owe its market share to uptake by older users. (Source: iMore)

Fitbit's success in the wearables market is due to its popularity among older consumers, new study finds

At least 60% or more of US consumers aged 55 years or more favor Fitbit when buying a wearable. This is due to the demand for smartwatches and fitness trackers in the relevant age ranges. However, Apple is more popular among those...

Deirdre O Donnell, 12 Dec 2019 18:22

Apple iPhone 11 most popular tech-related Google search in 2019

Apple's iPhone 11 is the most popular piece of tech in 2019, according to Google Search

As surprising as this might be for many of us, "iPhone 11" was the only tech-related search in the global top 10 queries that people entered on Google Search this year. Ranked fifth globally, Apple's handset only managed to grab t...

Codrut Nistor, 11 Dec 2019 17:24

More manufacturers have been omitting the 'Max-Q' name from official listings and it's getting annoying

More manufacturers have been omitting the 'Max-Q' GeForce name from official listings and it's getting annoying

When you're spending $1000 or more on a gaming laptop, you're going to want to know exactly what's inside. Official specs from manufacturers will often be so truncated that certain performance details regarding the GPU may be omit...

Allen Ngo, 11 Dec 2019 08:57

The new Gimdow smart lock. (Source: Gimdow)

The new Gimdow smart lock does not require a door teardown to install it

Gimdow claims that its new smart lock is one that doesn't require the user to replace the existing one (or even parts of it). This may be ideal for those who want this kind of Bluetooth-enabled security, but can't risk damage to f...

Deirdre O Donnell, 10 Dec 2019 18:51

One of the founders of Nuvia Inc. is the target of a lawsuit filed by Apple. (Image via Nuvia)

Apple files suit against one of the founders of chip design startup Nuvia

Apple is suing Gerard Williams III, one of the founders of Nuvia, for breaching an intellectual property contract and soliciting Apple employees to leave Apple and work at Nuvia. Williams denies that he actively recruited Apple em...

Sam Medley, 10 Dec 2019 17:36

The Eco Capture SDI 4K Plus M.2. (Source: Magewell)

The Magewell Eco Capture SDI 4K Plus M.2 can bring high-res video to the PCIe-less boards of the future

Magewell is a company that makes the components that connect video and audio output with the applicable software. Its latest M.2 video capture card is of its 'Eco' line-up, and is capable of single-channel operation at up to 4096x...

Deirdre O Donnell, 10 Dec 2019 16:54

The US President has a deep dislike of Amazon (Image source: Reuters)

"Obsessed" Trump reportedly cost Amazon $10 billion defence contract

According to a lawsuit filed by Amazon, Donald Trump's "personal vendetta" against the company and Jeff Bezos may have resulted in it losing out on a $10 billion US military contract. While Amazon faces an "uphill battle" to prove...

Arjun Krishna Lal, 10 Dec 2019 11:17

Apple may heavily throttle production of the iPhone 11 Pro in the coming months. (Image via Apple)

Apple may cut iPhone 11 Pro production due to market shift to 5G

According to analyst Jun Zhang of Rosenblatt Securities, Apple may cut its production of the iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max by as much as 25% in both December and March due to a market shift toward 5G smartphones. However, Zh...

Sam Medley, 09 Dec 2019 23:59

eSIMs may have a bright future. (Source: Medium)

The eSIM market is now thought to be worth US$700 million by the end of 2019

The eSIM market is thought to be capable of growing rapidly in terms of shipment volumes until 2025. New research on the same subject now shows that its value will exceed US$700 million by the end of the year. This may be driven b...

Deirdre O Donnell, 08 Dec 2019 22:37

Vizio sold 80% more 4K smart TVs over the 2019 Black Friday event compared to 2018

The panel-maker Vizio has reported that it "exceeded expectations" over the Black Friday/Cyber Monday period just gone, having sold 500,000 or more units of its smart TVs between these days in 2019. For example, it sold 87% more p...

Deirdre O Donnell, 08 Dec 2019 19:09

The Android 10 rollout has been swifter than usual. (Source: CNET)

Opinion | It looks like Android OEMs are getting better with OS updates

Many may have casually wondered how the speed of the Android 10 rollout compares to those of older versions of the OS. It almost feels like OEMs are sending out the OS update faster this time around. Does hard data agree with that...

Ricci Rox, 08 Dec 2019 09:36

The Reno3 series may be 5G as standard. (Source: GizmoChina)

OPPO's Reno 3 Pro may come with cheaper, yet still 5G-powered, variants

The third-generation Reno flagship is currently projected to come in 5G flavor. This is due to leaks hinting at a next-generation Snapdragon processor that has this connectivity on-chip. Furthermore, it may be joined in its series...

Deirdre O Donnell, 07 Dec 2019 19:47

Project xCloud is coming to Windows on ARM. (Source: Microsoft)

Windows on ARM will pick up Project xCloud support soon

Windows on ARM is the popular Microsoft OS running on Snapdragon processors. As a relatively new platform, it does not have every feature of its "full" normal PC equivalent yet. However, this may be addressed when it gains the abi...

Deirdre O Donnell, 07 Dec 2019 19:07

Want to add RAM on the MSI GE63? Be prepared to break a 'Factory Seal' sticker

Opinion | MSI should really remove the 'Factory Seal' sticker from some of its laptops

MSI G series laptops are generally easy to service and yet most of them have Factory Seal stickers on the bottom to discourage end-user upgrades. We think putting the sticker directly on parts of the motherboard instead would be a...

Allen Ngo, 06 Dec 2019 00:32

Sony is now the second-largest digital camera manufacturer in the world, overtaking Nikon. (Image source: Michael Soledad via Unsplash)

Sony overtakes Nikon as the second-largest camera manufacturer in the world

Historically, Canon and Nikon have dominated the digital camera market. That duopoly changes now, as Sony has sold more cameras than Nikon this year, leapfrogging its competitor into second place.

Alex Alderson, 06 Dec 2019 00:23

The Nvidia GeForce RTX 2070 SUPER has a reference boost of 1770 MHz. (Image source: Nvidia)

Continued RTX and SUPER take-up helps Nvidia retain command of Steam's video card usage survey

Steam’s hardware and software survey has revealed an astonishing month for Nvidia in terms of video card usage (monthly change). No less than 16 out of the top 20 products come from Team Green, with three AMD GPUs and a single Int...

Daniel R Deakin, 05 Dec 2019 20:48

iQOO intros the Neo 855 Racing Edition. (Source: Weibo)

Vivo launches the iQOO Neo 855 - and its “Racing” Edition

iQOO has finally unveiled its refresh of the original Neo smartphone. This new variant is based on the Snapdragon 855 processor, rather than the 845 of its predecessor. There is also a second option: a “Racing” edition that upgrad...

Deirdre O Donnell, 05 Dec 2019 16:38