Smartphone

The Pixel 4's Soli Radar chip can be activated with root access. (Source: iFixit)

The Pixel 4's Soli Radar can be enabled in any region thanks to a hidden debug feature

The Google Pixel 4's Soli Radar feature is authorized for use in only certain geographies as it uses the 60 GHz frequency band. Those wanting to use the Motion Sense features can now do so irrespective of the region by taking advantage of a hidden debug feature. However, this requires unlocking the bootloader and enabling root access.

Vaidyanathan Subramaniam, 05 Nov 2019 07:43

November 2019 Android security update now available for Pixel phones, but not the original Pixel

The November 2019 security updates for Android are now available for the Pixel 2, Pixel 2 XL, Pixel 3, Pixel 3 XL, Pixel 3a, Pixel 3a XL, Pixel 4, Pixel 4 XL, and the Essential Phone. Noticeably absent from this list are the original Pixel and Pixel XL, which are no longer supported by Google. This security update includes several feature improvements, including at least part of the promised fix for the Pixel 4's 90 Hz display woes.

Sam Medley, 04 Nov 2019 22:32

Google's Recorder is smarter than the average dictation app. (Source: Google)

Google's advanced Recorder facility is coming to older Pixel devices

Google introduced a new kind of Recorder app with the Pixel 4 series. It is not merely capable of capturing audio, but of transcribing it in real time and making the resulting text searchable with the help of AI. A Mountain View representative has confirmed that it is coming to older phones of the same line soon.

Deirdre O Donnell, 04 Nov 2019 19:34

The Mi Note 10 Pro is likely to be an even more elaborate version of this phone. (Source: GizChina)

Xiaomi Mi Note 10 Pro: a camera sample shows what 108MP can do prior to its debut

Xiaomi's official Polish-language fan forum has leaked a photo that, on analysis, turns out to have been taken by the Mi Note 10 Pro. Its resolution was found to be a whopping 12032x9024, meaning that it was probably shot using the upcoming device's ground-breaking 108MP sensor. Its general series is to be launched tomorrow (November 5, 2019).

Deirdre O Donnell, 04 Nov 2019 18:56

Samsung W20 5G teaser (Source: China Telecom)

Samsung W20 5G surfaces online, might sport a foldable or clamshell design

China Telecom has just teased the upcoming Samsung W20 5G, but the image they revealed comes with more questions than answers. For now, we don't know when this handset will arrive, if it will be a clamshell or foldable device, not to mention that there is no accurate launch date to talk about yet, either.

Codrut Nistor, 04 Nov 2019 15:16

The recently announced Exynos 990 features Samsung custom Mongoose 5 ARM-based cores. (Source: Samsung)

Confirmed: Samsung shutters custom CPU team

It’s official – the Samsung Austin Research Center (SARC) has been shuttered as rumored around a month ago. As a result, Samsung’s latest Exynos 990 could be the last, or one of the last, chips from the company to feature its custom Mongoose ARM-based cores.

Sanjiv Sathiah, 04 Nov 2019 12:33

The 108 MP ISOCELL Bright HMX when compared to regular sensors.

The Samsung Galaxy S11 is expected to feature a new 108 MP camera sensor

The Samsung Galaxy S11 is shaping up to be a gem, and a new leak touts the upcoming flagship to feature a massive 108 MP camera sensor. That, of course, also raises a few questions. One of which is: Will using a bigger sensor translate into improved real-world performance?

Ricci Rox, 04 Nov 2019 11:11

The Asus Zenfone 6 is now receiving the Android 10 update

Last week, Asus sent out the Android 10 beta update to last year's Zenfone 5Z. Asus's current flagship, the Zenfone 6, however, is now receiving the stable Android 10 update, with users in the US confirming receipt of the OTA.

Ricci Rox, 04 Nov 2019 11:10

Motorola Moto E6 Plus: A poor performer that stutters in everyday tasks

The Moto E6 Plus is a relatively compact and affordable smartphone that should have a lot going for it. However, its dismal MediaTek Helio P22 SoC makes general tasks like switching between apps and scrolling through webpages a chore. The Moto E6 Plus represents an upgrade over its predecessor in some areas, though.

Alex Alderson, 03 Nov 2019 20:10

A new leak points to an impending successor for the low-cost Nokia 2.2

Some new leaks may be evidence that Nokia is preparing a smartphone called the 2.3 for release soon. It may have up to 3 variants, at least 1 of which could be single- and dual-SIM respectively. Not much else is known about this potential new device, besides its possible Bluetooth 5 status.

Deirdre O Donnell, 03 Nov 2019 17:00

The S10 Lite will apparently have an even bigger battery than the S10+. (Source: Trusted Reviews)

Not quite light: New Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite leak paints an interesting picture

The past few weeks have seen the influx of rumors pertaining to the supposed Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite. A "Lite" phone sounds great, since we all want more capable, no-nonsense premium phones. The problem with all of this, however, is that the "S10 Lite" doesn't sound Lite at all.

Ricci Rox, 03 Nov 2019 13:25

The OnePlus 6 and 6T are now receiving the stable Android 10 update

Two weeks ago, OnePlus released the Android 10 beta update to the OnePlus 6 and 6T. Both devices are now receiving the stable Android 10 OTA, however. The OnePlus 5 and 5T are expected to follow suit next year.

Ricci Rox, 03 Nov 2019 13:24

Update | Revealed Mi Note 10 details point towards an almost perfect sub-premium phone

It's becoming increasingly apparent that the much-anticipated Mi CC9 Pro will actually be sold as the Mi Note 10 in the global market. A new report has revealed just about everything about the device, and it's starting to look like the Galaxy Note 10 alternative we never knew we needed.

Ricci Rox, 03 Nov 2019 12:01

The LG G8X ThinQ comes with its unique dual-screen case for US$779. (Source: LG)

LG G8X ThinQ goes on sale in the US for US$779 with dual-screen case included

LG’s latest flagship smartphone is now available in the US. The G8X ThinQ is most notable for its dual-screen accessory that comes included for US customers but is generally sold as an accessory in other markets including in Europe.

Sanjiv Sathiah, 03 Nov 2019 10:12

New MS Edge browser logo revelead as Chromium version nears release

Microsoft looks set finally break from its Internet Explorer past with a brand-new stylized e-shaped wave logo. The new look is undoubtedly fresh while just hinting enough at its past for those with a sense of nostalgia, but it is certainly on point for its debut using the Chromium web engine.

Sanjiv Sathiah, 03 Nov 2019 09:39

The Huawei Nova 6 may look like this. (Source: 91Mobiles)

Huawei Nova 6: new leaks point to 5G and dual punch-hole selfie cameras

91Mobiles claims to have heard from a "trusted source" that the next-gen Huawei Nova will have a 5G variant. Furthermore, it will have 2 selfie cameras that are visible through the display, as with that of the Samsung Galaxy S10+. This putative phone may be released in December 2019.

Deirdre O Donnell, 02 Nov 2019 22:33

League of Legends: Wild Rift is the title's non-PC version. (Source: YouTube)

League of Legends is coming to mobile and console

Riot Games has announced that League of Legends is finally getting a version for phones and tablets. This new form of the title is to be called Wild Rift, and is billed as completely optimized and refreshed for its new platform. It will start rolling out in 2020, with Android phones getting first whack at its installation.

Deirdre O Donnell, 02 Nov 2019 18:42

The Xiaomi Mi TV will launch soon. (Source: Weibo)

The Xiaomi Mi TV 5 is shaping up to be a powerful smart screen

Xiaomi has been dropping more spec-related hints as to what the Mi TV 5 will be capable of in the run-up to its launch. According to the OEM, it will be 4K and have 108% of the NTSC color gamut. It will also have a faster processor, as well as more RAM and storage compared to the average Android TV.

Deirdre O Donnell, 02 Nov 2019 14:28

Oppo's SuperVOOC 2.0 system can fully charge a phone in minutes. (Image source: WhatMobile)

Clips of Oppo Reno Ace being charged will banish ugly memories of overnight charging

Clips of Oppo Reno Ace smartphones being charged have been shared on social media platforms that might astonish those who haven’t yet had the fortune to try out some form of fast-charging feature with a smartphone yet. However, there are concerns that the high charging speed will result in premature battery degradation.

Daniel R Deakin, 02 Nov 2019 07:04

The Smartisan Nut Pro 3 is a collaboration with Bytedance, owner of TikTok. (Source: Smartisan)

First smartphone from TikTok maker launched in China

TikTok is one of the most popular smartphone apps among today’s youth globally. Looking to cash in even more on its popularity, the Chinese company behind it Bytedance has partnered with Smartisan to release a TikTok focused smartphone.

Sanjiv Sathiah, 02 Nov 2019 07:02

The new Aukey Omni-Power range. (Source: Aukey)

Aukey gets up to date with the GaN- and graphene-enhanced Omni-Power fast-charger range

Aukey has unveiled its new Omni-Power series of accessories. The company claims that it integrates various state-of-the-art charging technologies, including a graphene skin, GaN and USB Power Delivery. This line includes new adapters, car chargers and power banks.

Deirdre O Donnell, 01 Nov 2019 23:46

WhatsApp has a new privacy feature. (Source: WhatsApp)

WhatsApp implements its fingerprint unlocking feature on Android

WhatsApp has been working on fingerprint-based authentication for its Android app. Now, an update has added this ability to its stable version. However, a user will still be able to answer calls through the service even if the new locking mechanism is active.

Deirdre O Donnell, 01 Nov 2019 22:53

The Motorola Razr's refresh may have been spoiled in detail. (Source: Mobielkopen)

The foldable Motorola Razr gets alleged new live image leaks

The respected Twitter leaker Evan Blass has kicked off a new round of Motorola Razr spoilers. They consist of new images that show how the new flexible-display device will look when open and closed. Blass also now asserts that its product name will be spelled entirely without caps.

Deirdre O Donnell, 01 Nov 2019 21:48

Does Q4 2019 mark a fresh start for LG and OS updates? (Image source: LG)

LG releases its update schedule for Q4 2019, but the V50 ThinQ, V40 ThinQ and G7 ThinQ have not made the cut

LG V50 ThinQ, V40 ThinQ and G7 ThinQ owners will need to wait until next year to see Android 10 running on their devices. LG will only be updating the G8 ThinQ to Google's latest OS before the year is out, while some other handsets should see Android 9.0 Pie this quarter too.

Alex Alderson, 01 Nov 2019 20:22

Some Canalys figures on the smartphone market in 3Q2019. (Source: Canalys)

Samsung still leads the global smartphone market in the third quarter of 2019

Canalys and Strategy Analytics have just released their findings for the worldwide smartphone market's third-quarter performance for this year (3Q2019). The 2 groups have reported slightly different sets of statistics. However, they generally agree on who the top OEMs are, and their performance compared to the previous year.

Deirdre O Donnell, 31 Oct 2019 23:44

Orbita believes AI assistants can do a lot for healthcare. (Source: Orbita)

New research asserts many adults want smart assistants to help look after their health

Orbita, a company that makes a personal assistant-like AI platform focused on healthcare, has published the results of a study that shows this is what the US adults recruited to it want from their voice-controlled searches. It apparently concludes that 7.5% of this group has used services such as Alexa for this purpose, whereas over 50% would like to.

Deirdre O Donnell, 31 Oct 2019 18:53

LG had promised to release Android Pie to the V20 by Q3 2019. (Image source: LG)

Android 9.0 Pie finally breaks cover on the LG V20

Were you losing hope that LG would ever deliver Android 9.0 Pie to the V20? Well, while being a quarter late, the South Korean company has started rolling out the OS upgrade to handsets. The switch to Android 9.0 Pie may not be a smooth one for LG's former flagship, though.

Alex Alderson, 31 Oct 2019 17:46

The ASUS ROG Phone will still see Android 9.0 Pie yet. (Image source: ASUS)

ASUS backtracks on stance; ASUS ROG Phone to receive Android 9.0 Pie update after all

Contrary to speculation claiming that the device would be left on Android Oreo, ASUS has confirmed that the ROG Phone will still receive Android 9.0 Pie. The company has stated when it will bring the OS upgrade to the ZS600KL too, although the ZenFone 4 has not been given such a reprieve.

Alex Alderson, 31 Oct 2019 17:38

The SiFive U8-Series cores are faster than ARM's 3-year-old Cortex-A72 cores, though still behind the current Cortex-A76 ones most likely. (Source: SiFive)

SiFive readies U8-Series RISC-V core designs to compete with ARM's Cortex-A72 models

RISC-V processors have come a long way since their inception in 2010. Once thought to be significantly slower than the x86 and ARM counterparts, RISC-V processors like the new U84 from SiFive prove that this architecture is catching up very quickly and could become competitive in a few years.

Bogdan Solca, 31 Oct 2019 17:08

SiriusXM content will become playable on Google Nest products soon. (Source: SiriusXM)

The Google Assistant will start integrating SiriusXM soon

Google and SiriusXM have partnered in order to enable streaming of the latter on smart speakers from the former. In addition, the content provider's subscribers will be able to activate and control their channels by asking the Assistant on their phones to do so. This update will start rolling out shortly in the US and Canada.

Deirdre O Donnell, 31 Oct 2019 15:33

Will the Mate 30 series finally see a more widespread release? (Image source: Huawei)

Huawei Mate 30 and Mate 30 Pro pre-orders begin amid a probable wider rollout

Fancy a Huawei Mate 30 or Mate 30 Pro this holiday season? Well, Huawei has started offering pre-orders for both devices and may bring both devices to Europe too. Expect to see the Mate 30 series land in around two weeks.

Alex Alderson, 31 Oct 2019 12:53

The Mi Mix 4 has leaked showing an under-display selfie camera. (Source: Slashleaks)

Mi Mix 4 underdisplay selfie-camera confirmed in live photos

The Xiaomi Mi Mix 4 could be the first smartphone to market with an under-display selfie camera if leaked photos of the device in the wild are accurate. In fact, based on what is shown in the photos, the Mi Mix 4 might have two under-display cameras possibly one regular and one with a wide-angle lens, although it might be a sensor.

Sanjiv Sathiah, 31 Oct 2019 11:54

The Samsung Galaxy S10 series is currently comprised of the S10e, S10, and S10+. (Image source: Samsung)

Rumored Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite makes light work of all the Galaxy S10 and Note 10 devices in Geekbench multi-core test

A Geekbench record for a “samsung SM-G770F” has been spotted that handily reveals a few details about the mystery smartphone. Some believe this particular device could end up being the Galaxy S10 Lite, which would likely feature a Snapdragon 855 SoC and at least 8 GB of RAM. The SM-G770F manages a powerful multi-core score in the test.

Daniel R Deakin, 31 Oct 2019 04:20

Nokia's new employees will focus on 5G products. (Source: ECNews)

Nokia hires 350 extra workers for its 5G project

Nokia has reportedly hired nearly 400 new staff members to build its latest 5G-focused team. These employees are to be based in the company's native Finland. 240 of them will start on equipment pitched at carriers, whereas some of the rest are SoC engineers.

Deirdre O Donnell, 30 Oct 2019 23:10

All ADB use might be wireless one day. (Source: Home Assistant Community)

Google may be working on improved wireless ADB for a future version of Android

The Android Debug Bridge (ADB) is an almost mandatory tool for developers, as well as those who simply like to modify their non-Apple phones in any kind of advanced way. It is traditionally dependent on wired connections, however. A new commit on the OS' Google Source website hints at the development of a wireless alternative.

Deirdre O Donnell, 30 Oct 2019 21:09

Xiaomi teases the Mi CC9 Pro with a 50x zoom demo

The CC9 Pro is Xiaomi's upcoming penta-camera phone to be launched in November 2019. The device includes a number of impressive attributes in this extensive image-sensor collection. The OEM has showcased one of them - 50x digital zoom - in a new video.

Deirdre O Donnell, 30 Oct 2019 20:10

Mario Kart Tour finishes first month with 123.9 million downloads

Super Mario Kart is off to a phenomenal start. The mobile racing game hit 123.9 million downloads in its first month on the market, making it the most downloaded Nintendo smartphone game in its first month. However, total revenue pales in comparison to Fire Emblem Heroes, possibly because of Mario Kart Tour's controversial subscription system.

Sam Medley, 30 Oct 2019 16:08

The Pocophone F1 has started receiving MIUI 11, but not the Android 10 version. (Image source: Xiaomi)

Xiaomi Pocophone F1 receives an underwhelming MIUI 11 update

The Xiaomi Pocophone F1 is one of the first smartphones to receive MIUI 11, but owners may be slightly confused over the version that they have received. While flagship handsets like the Mi 8, Mi Mix 2s and Mi Mix 3 are receiving an Android 10 update in Phase 1 of the MIUI rollout, the Pocophone F1 is stuck on Android 9.0 Pie builds instead.

Alex Alderson, 30 Oct 2019 14:52

Samsung shows off clamshell-styled foldable phone concept

At Samsung's developer conference, the Korean colossus showed off a new foldable form factor concept. The concept video showed a foldable display that opened vertically, just like a classic flip phone. This design seems to be gaining traction; if Motorola's rumored RAZR foldable is any metric to go by, clamshell foldables may be the future for flexible display phones.

Sam Medley, 30 Oct 2019 03:53

A render based on Essential's new patent. (Source: LetsGoDigital)

Essential allegedly files an under-display camera patent

It seems Essential Products truly has no plans to go away yet. A recent patent apparently filed in this company's name has been discovered. This claim is for its take on the under-display selfie camera.

Deirdre O Donnell, 29 Oct 2019 23:13

Razer's Junglecat controller turns your Android phone into a Switch

The Razer Junglecat is an Android Bluetooth controller that attaches two thumbsticks to either side of a gamer's phone. However, this orientation is only compatible with a handful of devices. The Junglecat can be used as a standalone controller for other Android phones and PCs. The Junglecat is available for US $100.

Sam Medley, 29 Oct 2019 20:17

Sharp's alleged schematic for a foldable gaming console. (Source: LetsGoDigital)

Sharp's foldable ambitions may extend beyond phones to smart bands and even hand-held consoles

A tech blog claims to have dug up a number of Japanese-language patents, awarded to Sharp, that show this OEM's plans for its oneday line of foldable electronics. Some show rather slim-line devices that are most likely clam-shell phones, whereas others appear to be collapsible, mobile gaming machines. One may also be designed to process credit-card transactions.

Deirdre O Donnell, 29 Oct 2019 18:52

The CCMI may finally get RCS on phones in the US. (Source: Pixabay)

The US' "big 4" carriers announce a joint initiative to finally get RCS on more phones

The Rich Communications Service (RCS) standard has been touted as the ultimate messaging platform for some time. Unfortunately, its implementation and adoption worldwide could be described as sluggish at best. Therefore, Verizon, Sprint, AT&T and T-Mobile have collaborated on the Cross Carrier Messaging Initiative (CCMI), which aims to bring it to their customers by 2020.

Deirdre O Donnell, 29 Oct 2019 17:24

The new agreement could allow GloFo to complete the development of its 7 nm nodes. (Source: Extreme Tech)

TSMC and GlobalFoundries bury the hatchet with a 10-year cross-license agreement

The two leading foundries unexpectedly dropped any patent infringement claims and struck an agreement that allows both parties to license each other’s existing patents. Additionally, the agreement would also cover any other patents that would be filed by any side in the next 10 years.

Bogdan Solca, 29 Oct 2019 16:41

A fan-made render of the Mi Note 10 series. (Image source: Techdroider via Xiaomiadictos.com)

Opinion | The Xiaomi Mi Note 10 & Mi Note 10 Pro could be the power user's smartphones of choice

While Xiaomi has announced that the Mi Note 10 is arriving and that it will feature a 108 MP primary rear-facing camera, the Chinese company has been quiet on other specs. However, leaked specifications from a renowned tipster suggest that the device could be a power user's dream in the making. Xiaomi is throwing everything but an active stylus in with this one, it seems.

Alex Alderson, 29 Oct 2019 14:52

The Galaxy S10+. (Source: Trusted Reviews)

New Samsung Galaxy S11 leak touts huge performance improvements over the S10

The rumor mill for the Samsung Galaxy S11 phones is starting to pick up, and code in the One UI 2.0 beta has revealed a few major details of the devices. They will be powered by the Exynos 9830 and Snapdragon 865, depending on region. UFS 3.0 storage and LPDDR5 RAM will also make an appearance on the phones.

Ricci Rox, 29 Oct 2019 08:29

The Mi Note 10 is coming. (Source: Xiaomi)

Xiaomi officially announces the Mi Note 10 with five cameras and a 108 MP shooter

Now there are two of them. Just yesterday, we received word of the Mi CC9 Pro, with the upcoming phone confirmed to sport five rear cameras, one of which will be a 108 MP sensor. Xiaomi has now announced yet another device, the Mi Note 10, with similar camera specifications.

Ricci Rox, 29 Oct 2019 08:27