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Nov 12, 2019
The Samsung Galaxy A51's new renders. (Source: OnLeaks/PriceBaba)

New Samsung Galaxy A51 renders hint at a punch-hole display, quad cameras and a 3.5mm jack

The Galaxy A51 will probably be one of Samsung's new phones for 2020. It has attracted its first 360-degree set of renders (from OnLeaks), which incorporate rumors and theories about the phone such as that it will have quad rear cameras. The phone is also now depicted as having a punch-hole camera in its display.
Deirdre O Donnell, 12 Nov 2019 16:56
Even though the upcoming Snapdragon 865 might not dethrone the A13 Bionic form Apple, it will come with advantages such as integrated 5G and LPDDR5 support. (Source: GSMArena)

Leaked Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 performance specs don't seem to endanger Apple's A13 supremacy

The upcoming Snapdragon 865 is supposed to integrate a high-performance Kryo Gold Cortex-A77 running at 2.85 GHz plus 3 more A77 cores clocked at 2.42 GHz, along with 4 more Kryo Silver Cortex-A55 cores clocked at 1.8 GHz. This new cluster should boost performance by 20% compared to Snapdragon 855, while the new Adreno 650 GPU is expected to be 17-20% faster than the 640 model.
Bogdan Solca, 12 Nov 2019 16:46
Honor announces the V30 launch at its colorful conference. (Source: ITHome)

The Honor V30 series' launch date is confirmed, as is its 5G aspect

The Honor V30 and V30 Pro are now scheduled for launch on November 26, 2019 in Beijing. This new series has also officially been confirmed to support 5G. It is also now linked to 90-hertz displays and a new alogrithm called Camera Matrix.
Deirdre O Donnell, 12 Nov 2019 16:08
GoToMeeting's security issues may have been prevented by timely reporting. (Source: GoToMeeting)

GoToMeeting is found to be potentially susceptible to hacking

The European "responsible vulnerability disclosure" specialists Swascan claim to have discovered that the popular virtual conference service GoToMeeting may be subject to various common weakness enumerations (or CWEs). They may affect the ability to set up meetings with the privacy normally expected of these online events.
Deirdre O Donnell, 12 Nov 2019 15:16
A leaked render of the new 16-inch MacBook Pro shows redesigned Touch Bar with separated Touch ID button.

New 16-inch MacBook Pro now expected to debut this week

Speculation about the arrival of the new 16-inch MacBook Pro has started to reach fever pitch following rumors that Apple is already previewing the device with some members of the press. If true, this would typically mean a launch for the new model by mid-week this week.
Sanjiv Sathiah, 12 Nov 2019 11:22
The Exynos 990 will power the Galaxy S11 phones. (Source: Samsung)

The Exynos 990 is actually the Exynos 9830, and it will debut on the Galaxy S11

It's been fiercely debated which SoC would be on Samsung's next-gen Galaxy S11 flagships. Most claimed the newly launched Exynos 990 would have the honor, while others expected Samsung to launch another SoC, the Exynos 9830. Apparently, though, the Exynos 990 and Exynos 9830 are one and the same.
Ricci Rox, 12 Nov 2019 08:34
The Mi Note 10 features a curved FHD+ AMOLED display. (Source: Mi)

Who made the display on the Mi Note 10?

The Mi CC9 Pro and Mi Note 10 are, perhaps, Xiaomi's most ambitious devices of the year. They sport a beautiful curved AMOLED display, but it's been unknown which company actually provided the panel. Until now.
Ricci Rox, 12 Nov 2019 08:33
5G connectivity promises a better future, but it might hide some health hazards as well (Source: H2S Media)

Health check: Is 5G really bad for you? Debunking some 5G-related myths and fake news

As 5G networks go live in more and more markets with each month, some questions regarding the health hazards that might come with this new technology remain unanswered. However, most 5G dangers that some websites have been warning us about for years are nothing more than myths that can be easily debunked.
Codrut Nistor, 12 Nov 2019 07:00
Image via Google

Here's the full launch lineup for Google's Stadia (plus what's coming soon)

Google's Stadia game streaming service is coming November 19. The service will initially launch with 12 games (listed below) and will eventually gain 14 more before the end of the year. Only those that purchased a Stadia Founder's Edition bundle will be able to access the service on November 19.
Sam Medley, 12 Nov 2019 00:45
Lift to Talk is one of many upcoming "smart" features for the Google Assistant. (Source: XDA)

Google's Assistant may soon add the 'Lift to Talk' feature

XDA contributors have found that Google has included code that supports its long-touted "Lift to Talk" setting for Assistant in its app. This feature allows the voice-activated AI in question to be prepared to answer queries whenever a user holds a given device up to their face. However, the researchers have found this option is still buggy when enabled.
Deirdre O Donnell, 12 Nov 2019 00:07
Nov 11, 2019
Acer Swift 7 SF714-52T Review: Slim and light subnotebook for a thick wallet

The practical use of the Acer Swift 7 SF714-52T turns out to be limited

The slim and light Acer Swift 7 SF714-52T scores with an IPS touchscreen display, 16 GB of working memory (dual-channel mode) and silent operation. This is accompanied by a good battery life and two Thunderbolt-3 ports. For the whole package, you have to put almost 2000 Euros (~$2226) on the table.
Sascha Mölck, 11 Nov 2019 20:27
The Galaxy A70s. (Source: NDTV)

The Samsung Galaxy A70s' latest update makes it compatible with Link to Windows

Samsung is now rolling a new software update out to the Galaxy A70s. The OTA package adds the ability to use Link to Windows, as well as USB type C headphones. It also contains general stability upgrades and the October 2019 security patches.
Deirdre O Donnell, 11 Nov 2019 20:11
The Amazfit Stratos3. (Source: Amazfit)

The Amazfit Stratos3 is a new sports smartwatch coming to Europe soon

The Amazfit Sports Watch 3 was released in China recently. However, its series is also marketed internationally as the Stratos line of sports-focused wearables. Its 3rd generation is now set for launch across multiple European countries later in November 2019.
Deirdre O Donnell, 11 Nov 2019 19:39
Chuwi holding a 48-hour sale on the UBook Pro, Hi9 Air, MiniBook, LapBook Plus, and more (Source: Chuwi)

Chuwi holding a 48-hour sale on the UBook Pro, Hi9 Air, MiniBook, LapBook Plus, and more

The already inexpensive Chuwi laptops and tablets are now even cheaper by up to $60 USD. If you need a cheap Atom-powered laptop to hold you over or as backup, then these Chuwi products may be worth a look.
Allen Ngo, 11 Nov 2019 19:30
The Apple Watch Series 5 (Image via Apple)

Ming-Chi Kuo: Apple Watch Series 6 will use flexible circuit boards for faster performance, better waterproofing

According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the Apple Watch Series 6 will mark a switch to flexible circuit boards made of liquid crystal polymer. These new circuit boards should make the Series 6 noticeable faster than the Series 5 and may breath new life into the stagnant wearable brand.
Sam Medley, 11 Nov 2019 19:27
Image via YouTube

YouTube changes Terms of Service to emphasize it can delete channels that are not "commercially viable"

YouTube will update its terms of service to more clearly point out that the website can shut down channels that are deemed unprofitable. While this has sparked passionate debate among users and content creators, the law concerning a website's control over its posted content is nuanced and complex. As it stands, it looks like YouTube is well within its rights to shut down channels that it deems conflict with its terms of service.
Sam Medley, 11 Nov 2019 19:00
Umidigi Uwatch GT smartwatch with heart rate monitor and Bluetooth launching this December (Source: Umidigi)

Umidigi Uwatch GT smartwatch with heart rate monitor and Bluetooth launching this December

The Android and iOS-compatible smartwatch promises 15 days of battery life, a plastic case, and a 240 x 240 resolution display for just under $80 USD.
Allen Ngo, 11 Nov 2019 18:56
The Vivo S5 has a different angle on the square-cam trend. (Source: Weibo)

Update | Vivo teases the interestingly quad-cam, Snapdragon 712-powered S5 ahead of its launch

The Vivo S5 is a probable successor to the S1 series that is rumored to rock the Snapdragon 712 processor. This phone has also been revealed to have a unique take on rear quad-cam design. It also has a punch-hole selfie camera: the OEM has posted an official image showing this spec on its website prior to its launch. This event will take place on November 14, 2019.
Deirdre O Donnell, 11 Nov 2019 18:39
Samsung Galaxy S10 is more like the Note 10 than ever thanks to latest software update

Samsung Galaxy S10 is more like the Note 10 than ever thanks to latest software update

Samsung is bringing a few Galaxy Note 10-exclusive features to the Galaxy S10 line. The update improves system-wide and picture-specific search and an Auto Hotspot feature that can automate connecting a device with a Samsung account to a Galaxy S10's hotspot. The update is rolling out, though the release timeline varies based on country.
Sam Medley, 11 Nov 2019 18:25
Dynabook Portégé X30-F in review: Light, slim, enduring

Dynabook is mainly doing a model update with the Portégé X30-F

The slim and light Portégé X30-F scores points with long battery life, a bright, contrast-rich display and two Thunderbolt 3 ports. Our configuration variant lacks an LTE modem.
Sascha Mölck, 11 Nov 2019 07:15
AMD Renoir Ryzen 4000 Zen 2 APUs could sport Vega 12 and Vega 15 iGPUs. (Source: The Inquirer)

Iris Plus and MX250 could be in trouble: AMD Ryzen 4000 Renoir Zen 2 APUs touted have a Ryzen 9 variant, expected to sport Vega 12 and Vega 15 iGPUs

AMD's upcoming Renoir Zen2 APUs could feature a Vega 12 iGPU, according to information from Komachi. Since the 7nm node affords accommodation of more cores, it is also being speculated that a Vega 15 iGPU is also highly probable. We don't know much about these upcoming APUs, but a proper memory implementation could seen them further widening the gap with the Iris Plus Graphics G7 and the NVIDIA GeForce MX250.
Vaidyanathan Subramaniam, 11 Nov 2019 06:54
Nov 10, 2019
Qualcomm has a new permanent CFO. (Source: ZDNet)

Qualcomm names its next permanent chief financial officer

Akash Palkhiwala is Qualcomm's new CFO (or chief financial officer). His appointment comes following a stint as the company's interim CFO, as well as the senior vice president and finance head of its CDMA tech division. Palkhiwala will now be in a position to help lead the chipmaker into its 5G era.
Deirdre O Donnell, 10 Nov 2019 20:36
Some CES Innovation Awards have been given out already. (Source: CES)

The CTA announces several CES 2020 award winners and honorees early

The Consumer Technology Association (CTA) has conferred a number of CES 2020 Awards on some OEMs ahead of this event. They include OnePlus, LG and Acer, who have won recognition for their latest flagship devices, (or, in some cases, upcoming releases) in various categories. The actual show will run from January 7, 2020 in Las Vegas as usual.
Deirdre O Donnell, 10 Nov 2019 18:05
There will be plenty of gamers hoping for a PS Vita 2. (Image source: YouTube/concept)

Speculation of PlayStation 5 game cartridge function or PlayStation Vita 2 development fueled by patent

Sony Interactive Entertainment has filed a patent application with Brazil’s Instituto Nacional da Propriedade Industrial (INPI) that features a drawing of what looks like a game cartridge. Could the upcoming PlayStation 5 console include a game cartridge slot or has SIE got another console in the works, such as a PS Vita 2?
Daniel R Deakin, 10 Nov 2019 17:36
There may be no Galaxy S10e successor. (Source: Mashable)

New information points towards the lack of a compact Galaxy S11e model

The Samsung Galaxy S10e was a fan favorite of sorts, as it was one of the select few premium compact devices in the market. New information has now surfaced pointing towards a complete non-existence of what would have been the S10e's successor, the S11e.
Ricci Rox, 10 Nov 2019 17:07
Early renders of the Samsung Galaxy S11. (Source: PhoneArena)

The Samsung Galaxy S11 phones are gearing up to be quite attractive

The Galaxy S11 phones are expected to be launched in February next year, and a set of leaks have surfaced, painting an image of what will undoubtedly be one of the most attractive flagship phones of 2020.
Ricci Rox, 10 Nov 2019 17:06
The Samsung Galaxy S10 5G. (Source: Twitter)

The Samsung Galaxy S10 5G adds 3D face-unlocking to its security options

Samsung has sneaked a 3D form of Face Unlock into the 5G version of the Galaxy S10 with its latest update. It works on this variant only as it has a time-of-flight (TOF) sensor in its front-facing punch-hole. Therefore, this phone's facial recognition may now approach iPhone-like levels of security and accuracy.
Deirdre O Donnell, 10 Nov 2019 17:03
Asus has instituted a new beta program. (Source: Asus)

Asus opens a beta program for Android 10 on the 12GB ROG Phone II

Asus is currently inviting those who own the ROG Phone II to join its Android 10 beta program for this device. However, this only appears to apply to the ZS660KL model, the 12GB/512GB international variant. Those who wish to get this update need to join the OEM's mobile device forum, have an Asus Member's account and be prepared to submit a lot of sensitive info about the phone in question.
Deirdre O Donnell, 10 Nov 2019 16:13
Do not upgrade to the HP Envy 17 for its Comet Lake-U CPU. (Image source: HP)

HP Envy 17: Comet Lake performs no better than Whiskey Lake does

We often complain about smaller laptops failing to keep their processors cool enough to maintain peak clock speeds, so a 17-inch laptop should have a large enough footprint to do so, right? Well, the HP Envy 17-ce1002ng may be a 17-inch machine, but it cannot make use of the full potential of its Comet Lake processor, although it does a better job with its NVIDIA GeForce MX250 graphics card. What is the fuss about Comet Lake, then?
Alex Alderson, 10 Nov 2019 15:08
NVIDIA says that the Jetson Xavier NX is the world's smallest supercomputer for AI applications. (Source: NVIDIA)

NVIDIA Volta and Carmel ARM CPU power the US$399 Jetson Xavier NX Nano supercomputer

NVIDIA has announced the Jetson Xavier NX that can deliver up to 21 TOPS of computing power for AI applications on the edge. The Jetson Xavier NX is powered by a 384 CUDA and 48 Tensor core Volta GPU and a 6-core Carmel ARM CPU. The entire computer is no bigger than a credit card and will be available in March 2020 for just US$399.
Vaidyanathan Subramaniam, 10 Nov 2019 11:25
Nov 9, 2019
Stable workstation with ultrabook CPU.

Lenovo's ThinkPad P53s combines a workstation with a low price

You don't always have to pay 2,000 Euros (~$2,213) or more for laptops with a graphics card specialized in applications. With the ThinkPad P53s and Nvidia's Quadro P520 GPU, Lenovo shows that it can be cheaper.
Mike Wobker, 09 Nov 2019 23:44
The 8K 7x10.7 KAS S from Canon. (Source: Canon)

Canon introduces the first 2 of its 8K broadcast-grade lenses to the US market

Canon USA has unveiled its inaugural 8K broadcast lenses, the UHD-DIGISUPER 51 and 7x10.7 KAS S attachments. The company is pitching them at the capture of live TV in this UHD resolution. They also have an image format size that could become standard for the same.
Deirdre O Donnell, 09 Nov 2019 20:50
The Omen 17t gaming laptop. (Source: HP)

HP knocks up to US$400 off a variety of Envy, Spectre and Omen notebooks

HP is having something of a pre-Black Friday sales event in which US$100 or more is taken off many up-to-date PCs from the Envy, Spectre or Omen laptop series. Examples include the Omen 17t and 15T Spectre x360. This promotion also includes HP Chromebooks, Envy desktops and photo printers.
Deirdre O Donnell, 09 Nov 2019 20:09
The Acer Aspire 5 and AMD Ryzen 5 3500U: It could have been so good. (Image source: Acer)

Acer Aspire 5 A515-43-R07: An affordable 3rd generation Ryzen laptop with throttling problems

The Acer Aspire 5 A515-43-R057 is an affordable AMD Ryzen laptop, which should offer great value for money on paper. However, the performance of its AMD Ryzen 5 3500U leaves a lot to be desired.
Alex Alderson, 09 Nov 2019 18:07
The Radeon RX 5500 is based on 7nm RDNA architecture. (Image source: AMD)

AMD pits its Radeon RX 5500 against Nvidia's GeForce GTX 1650 in leaked sales guide benchmarks

A sales guide for the AMD Radeon RX 5500 Graphics has been posted online, revealing some performance details about the upcoming graphics card. The RX 5500 is listed in numerous triple-A gaming benchmarks challenging the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 card, and unsurprisingly the AMD product thrashes the GTX 1650 in every test.
Daniel R Deakin, 09 Nov 2019 17:49
Weekend Discussion: Have your opinions about the headphone jack and display notch changed?

Weekend Discussion: Have your opinions about the headphone jack and display notch changed?

It’s been two years since Apple introduced the iPhone X and three years since the iPhone 7. Consumers and media were having a cow about the end of headphone jacks as we know it and the eyesore of an asymmetric display. Now that everyone has had a couple of years to take it all in, do people still care about these quirks on their smartphones?
Allen Ngo, 09 Nov 2019 07:33
The Microsoft Surface Pro X is one of the most repairable tablets yet made. (Source: iFixit)

The Surface Pro X is surprisingly repairable

Microsoft’s Surface devices have justifiably won plaudits for their industrial designs, however their user repairability has been among the worst on the market. The new Surface 3 revealed a promising change of direction that has also carried over to the much thinner Surface Pro X, according to iFixit.
Sanjiv Sathiah, 09 Nov 2019 06:37
MSI's Creator TRX40 motherboard supports AMD's 3rd Gen Ryzen Threadrippers. (Image source: MSI)

MSI blunder confirms existence of incredible 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3990X with 64 cores and 128 threads of processing power

A promo video from MSI has seemingly shown off AMD’s Ryzen Threadripper 3990X by accident. The clip was focusing on the manufacturer’s Creator TRX40 board that is capable of supporting the new 3rd Gen Threadrippers. However, a system clue has apparently given away the fact that it was not a Threadripper 3960X or 3970X behind the scenes.
Daniel R Deakin, 09 Nov 2019 04:41
It seems Galarian Ponyta will be exclusive to Pokémon Shield. (Image source: TheGamer)

Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield news: Latest leak will help you choose between Ponyta and Darumaka; Nintendo fights back

The latest apparent Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield leak has detailed which Pokémon will be exclusive to each game. Ever since Pokémon Red and Blue were released in 1996, gamers have had to carefully choose which game to buy or just purchase both titles. In the meantime, Nintendo has been wielding its legal sword as some social media sources have been suspended.
Daniel R Deakin, 09 Nov 2019 03:36
Nov 8, 2019
Apple releases iOS 13.2.2 to fix various bugs

Apple releases iOS 13.2.2 to fix various bugs

Apple release iOS 13.2.2 this week, bringing a fix to the RAM management bug introduced in iOS 13.2. There are a few other bug fixes and patches. Considering Apple's terrible track record with iOS 13, it may be prudent to wait a few days to update your iPhone or iPad.
Sam Medley, 08 Nov 2019 23:39
Image via Apple

Apple still dominates smartwatch market, sees 51% growth in Q3 sales

Apple continues to dominate the smartwatch market; 47.9% of smartwatches sold in Q3 2019 were from Apple. The company enjoyed a 51% year-over-year growth from Q3 2018, bumping sales to 6.8 million units during the past quarter. Samsung and Fitbit trailed behind Apple with 1.9 and 1.6 million units sold, respectively, in Q3 2019.
Sam Medley, 08 Nov 2019 23:10
An example of a home theater in a box. (Source: Lifewire)

The home theater market could be worth US$13.4 billion by 2025

Home theaters brought in a total of US$7.7 billion last year. However, this market value is thought to be capable of growing by up to $5.7 billion more over the next 6 years. The sound bar sector may grow at the greatest rate over this period.
Deirdre O Donnell, 08 Nov 2019 22:44
AMD Ryzen 9 3950X vs. Intel Core i9-10980XE. Look who won. (Image via Geekbench 4)

AMD Ryzen 9 3950X beats pricier Intel Core i9-10980XE and Core i9-9980XE in Geekbench

The AMD Ryzen 9 3950X has been spotted in Geekbench 4 and Geekbench 5, where it handily beat the Intel Core i9-10980XE and Core i9-9980XE, respectively. Considering the 3950X has beat these same CPUs in other benchmarks, it's likely that AMD's latest HEDT monster is more than capable of beating Intel's HEDT offerings.
Sam Medley, 08 Nov 2019 22:32
Image via Max J.

OnePlus 8 Pro may have a 120Hz display

A new rumor claims that the OnePlus 8 Pro will feature a 120Hz display. While this rumor comes seemingly out of left field, it's not out of the question for OnePlus to continue to push high-refresh rate displays in its handsets. Considering the success of the OnePlus 7 Pro's 90Hz panel, a 120Hz display may give the OnePlus 8 Pro the edge it needs over the competition.
Sam Medley, 08 Nov 2019 21:55
Image via Apple

Six more titles come to Apple Arcade

Six more games are now available for mobile devices through the Apple Arcade service. The monthly subscription service is fast approaching its goal of offering over 100 high-quality games for $5/month.
Sam Medley, 08 Nov 2019 21:28
These icons are few and far between for some Pokémon GO players. (Source: Bulbapedia)

Niantic is addressing its current Pokéstop deficiency in Pokémon GO

Pokémon GO remains one of the world's most popular augmented-reality (AR) mobile games. However, it has a persistent discrepancy as a title in this ecosystem, which is a lack of Pokéstops, particularly in more isolated regions. Therefore, its maker Niantic is about to launch a more global method of taking user suggestions for additional such item-sources in the future.
Deirdre O Donnell, 08 Nov 2019 19:35
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S6. (Source: Samsung)

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 gets the November 2019 security patch

The Galaxy Tab S6 is Samsung's latest premium slate. The OEM has just demonstrated it is committed to keeping it that way with a new software update containing the latest Android security patch level. This upgrade has also reached Galaxy Note 10- and S10-series phones.
Deirdre O Donnell, 08 Nov 2019 19:00
The Vivo Z5i. (Source: MySmartPrice)

The Vivo Z5i leaks via its own carrier

Vivo is now slated to release a new phone called the Z5i. This has not been officially announced by the OEM; however, this device has shown up on China Telecom's website despite not having even launched yet. It is powered by the Snapdragon 675 SoC and 8GB of RAM, and has 128GB of internal memory.
Deirdre O Donnell, 08 Nov 2019 18:37
Dynabook Portégé A30-E in review: Great display, unstable case

A lot of light but also shadow: The Dynabook Portégé A30-E

Dynabook's 13.3-inch business laptop pleases with a bright, contrast-rich IPS display, an NVMe SSD and long battery life.
Sascha Mölck, 08 Nov 2019 18:35
The ICE Tower: A colourful and hefty cooler for the NVIDIA Jetson Nano. (Image source: Seeedstudio)

52Pi brings extreme cooling and color to the NVIDIA Jetson Nano Developer Kit with the ICE Tower CPU Cooling Fan

The NVIDIA Jetson Nano is one of the most powerful SBCs on the market, but it only passively cools its 128 CUDA core and 472 GFLOPS-capable GPU. Now 52Pi, the company behind the ICE Tower Raspberry Pi CPU cooling fan, has returned with a version for the Jetson Nano complete with two 5 mm copper cooling tubes. The cooling solution replaces the pre-installed heatsink on the Jetson Nano and ships globally for US$24.90.
Alex Alderson, 08 Nov 2019 18:08

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Notebookcheck, 2021-10-10 (Update: 2026-09- 9)