Smartphone

Games will almost certainly make a huge market in the near future. (Source: Medical Xpress)

The games industry could be worth up to US$179 billion in 5 years

The video-game industry could accrue as much as US$179.1 billion by 2024. This is in line with a new market-research report on the subject. This valuation may be driven by conventional platforms such as mobile devices, PCs and consoles; however, VR and AR are also likely to have an increasingly large influence on the space.

Deirdre O Donnell, 01 Jun 2019 14:18

The Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL. (Source: Daily Express)

Deal | The Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL are now US$200 cheaper

With the recent launch of the Pixel 3a phones, Google is now shaving US$200 off the MSRPs of the Pixel 3 flagships, making them a lot more attractive to potential buyers. At US$599 and US$699 for the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL respectively, there are still better value options but it's now a lot more reasonable.

Ricci Rox, 01 Jun 2019 12:33

The Z2 Force was the last true Moto flagship. (Source: CNET)

Motorola may have finally quit the business of making flagship phones

Motorola launched the Moto Z4 a few days ago and has now confirmed that it has no plans of releasing any other Moto Z devices this year. This is bad news, as it could mean that the company has given up on releasing flagship phones.

Ricci Rox, 01 Jun 2019 12:33

The concept Panda Pixel 4 design has been well-received. (Image source: Twitter/Jonas Daehnert)

This is what a Panda Pixel 4 could look like

One of the popular design options for the Google Pixel 2 XL was a black-and-white “Panda” variant. The Panda Pixel 2 XL had most of its rear case covered in panda white, while a portion at the top was colored black. A skilled concept designer has come up with a potential Panda Pixel 4 smartphone that has received an overwhelmingly positive reaction.

Daniel R Deakin, 01 Jun 2019 10:08

Apple iPhone "XR 2019" case leaks may give further insight into how cameras and buttons will look on this phone

The possible exitstence of a 2nd-generation iPhone XR is relatively well-supported in the Apple rumor sphere. Most lately, a blog claims to have gotten hold of images showing what could be this phone with and without clear cases. As it has more than 1 rear camera in these pictures, it could just be a real 2019 phone.

Deirdre O Donnell, 31 May 2019 19:17

OnePlus has the weirdest Youtube challenge right now involving drinking straws and suction (Source: OnePlus)

OnePlus has the weirdest Twitter challenge right now involving drinking straws and suction

The smartphone maker wants to be the next Ice Bucket Challenge by encouraging users to record themselves sucking water from one cup with a straw and then delivering it to another cup. The purpose, apparently, is to demonstrate the difference between UFS 2.1 and UFS 3.0 storage technology.

Allen Ngo, 31 May 2019 18:24

It seems the Moto One Vision is getting another version. (Source: GizmoChina)

The Motorola One line may be getting a ruggedized variant

The Motorola One Vision was released not long ago. However, a new leak suggests that its series is getting yet another new phone sometime soon. Should a Geekbench entry prove accurate, it will be called the One Action.

Deirdre O Donnell, 31 May 2019 17:30

Old news: The Note 10 will have physical buttons. (Image source: @BenGeskin)

Renowned tipster contradicts latest Galaxy Note 10 buttons rumour

Ice universe is back with more Galaxy Note 10 news. Previous speculation about the upcoming phablet having no physical buttons may have been a touch hasty, it seems.

Alex Alderson, 31 May 2019 13:42

It's been a turbulent month for the company. (Source: Gizbot)

Hope for the masses as Huawei gets a number of its recently lost smartphone licences back

Following the ban by the US on Huawei, the Chinese company lost a number of its certifications, leaving it unable to use technologies like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and SD cards on its future device. The company has now been reinstated by the relevant bodies, however, and is now also back on the official Android Q Beta page.

Ricci Rox, 31 May 2019 12:35

Renders of the M40. (Source: MySmartPrice)

Details of the upcoming Samsung Galaxy M40 surface

The Samsung Galaxy M40 is expected to be launched in India on June 11, and details of the device have now surfaced. Major takeaways include a triple rear camera, AMOLED display, and a camera punch hole.

Ricci Rox, 31 May 2019 12:22

Samsung could be calling time's up for the headphone jack. (Image source: PhoneArena/Gizmodo/edited)

Hit the road jack: Samsung Galaxy Note 10 to join the USB-C brigade by ditching the headphone jack

The latest leak about the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Note 10 is likely to infuriate some people. Apparently, there’s a strong probability that the phablet will not feature a 3.5 mm headphone jack. While some have bemoaned the passing of the audio connector, others have embraced the ever-increasing usage of USB-C ports.

Daniel R Deakin, 31 May 2019 10:44

The Motorola Moto Z4. (Source: Motorola)

Update | Moto Z4 launches on Verizon, Snapdragon 675, 4GB of RAM and all

Motorola has released a new addition to its Z line of smartphones soon. The Moto Z4 has a 5G Moto Mod and a larger 6.39-inch FHD OLED screen. It is available on Verizon in conjunction with plans starting at US$10 per month.

Deirdre O Donnell, 30 May 2019 22:19

The upgraded Zotac MEK MINI at Computex 2019. (Source: NBC)

Computex 2019 | Zotac updates the MEK MINI gaming PC

Zotac released the MEK MINI, an appreciably compact high-powered gaming PC, some months ago. However, that has not stopped it from re-appearing as part of the OEM's showcase at Computex 2019. The unit in question has an Intel Core i7-9700 CPU, which is an improvement on the models on zotac.com.

Deirdre O Donnell, 30 May 2019 21:52

No capacitive power or volume buttons here. (Image source: Skinomi)

This is the Pixel 4, and fans of previous leaks may not like it

The leaks keep rolling in for the Pixel 4, which is still months from its official announcement. The device does not appear to be the innovator that previous leaks implied it would be though.

Alex Alderson, 30 May 2019 20:32

OnePlus acknowledges ghost touch issue affecting some 7 Pro smartphones

Have you noticed ghost or phantom touch issues on your OnePlus 7 Pro? Well, the company has recognised it as an issue, and has issued a functionality limiting workaround for the time being.

Alex Alderson, 30 May 2019 17:52

Meizu launches a new triple-camera mid-range phone, the 16Xs

Meizu has launched its new mid-ranger, the 16Xs, today (May 30, 2019). However, it had already released all details on the phone via its own website. The 16Xs rocks triple cameras, a 6.2-inch AMOLED screen and 6GB of RAM.

Deirdre O Donnell, 30 May 2019 16:35

The Redmi K20 Pro - now in 12GB flavor? (Source: BGR India)

The Redmi K20 Pro may gain a 12GB RAM variant

The Redmi K20 and K20 Pro have only recently emerged to try and conquer the market in China. The higher-end model was launched with 6 and 8GB RAM SKUs. However, an alleged update to the former's TENAA listing indicates that a 12GB model may be added to this list soon.

Deirdre O Donnell, 30 May 2019 16:23

A cheaper Samsung Galaxy Note 10 may be in the works after all

If Galaxy Note 9 and S10 prices are anything to go by, then the Note 10 will likely come in at around US$1,000. Samsung may have a remedy for this though if you do not fancy digging that deep into your pockets.

Alex Alderson, 30 May 2019 14:22

The new Bose Headphones 700 offer 11 levels of noise cancelling for US$399. (Source: Bose)

Bose Headphones 700 are its all-new US$399 noise-cancelling cans

Bose has launched an all-new range of premium noise cancelling headphones. The first to hit the market is the new Headphones 700 that packs in 11 levels of noise cancellation.

Sanjiv Sathiah, 30 May 2019 09:20

The Samsung Galaxy Note 10 should come in an assortment of color options. (Image source: PhoneArena)

Updated | Gorgeous new Samsung Galaxy Note 10 concept renders give the clearest idea yet of what the phablet will look like

Some well-crafted concept renders from PhoneArena have offered a good idea of how the Samsung Galaxy Note 10 could end up looking. The new designs are based on recent leaks and rumors, which seem to have been mostly based on the front and rear camera setups of the upcoming high-end phablet series.
The main Samsung leaker himself, Ice universe, has shared some photoshopped "Note 10s" using a OnePlus 7 Pro as the foundation.

Daniel R Deakin, 30 May 2019 09:00

Microsoft's keynote on the latest Windows developments also previewed some of the latest laptop models revealed at Computex. (Source: The Verge)

Computex 2019 | Microsoft reveals plans for future Modern Windows OS

In a recent Computex keynote, Microsoft presented its vision for a future Windows version that would include features like seamless updates, increased security, always-connected state via 5G, sustained performance, expanded cloud connectivity, A.I. integration, more form factors (including foldable devices), plus controls via pen, touch and eye tracking.

Bogdan Solca, 29 May 2019 21:35

Huawei's EUIPO patent file reveals that its propriietary mobile OS is to be named ARK, at least in the E.U region. (Source: Huawei Central)

Huawei applies for ARK OS trademark

Huawei currently has until August to figure out a replacement for Google's Android OS, provided the U.S. and China do not reach any trade agreements that negate the Huawei ban. This prompted Huawei to immediately ramp up efforts towards releasing a proprietary OS, which appears to be named ARK, according to a recent EUIPO patent filing.

Bogdan Solca, 29 May 2019 20:44

Who needs wireless charging when you could have 100 W wired charging? (Image source: @BenGeskin)

Something tasty is seemingly coming to the Samsung Galaxy Note 10

Samsung and Ice universe have sent people into a tailspin with fresh speculation about the upcoming Galaxy Note 10. Fear not, it is not about more camera tech, this time.

Alex Alderson, 29 May 2019 18:45

Samsung is planning something big for the Galaxy S11

Samsung has been steadily refining the 12 MP camera sensor that it first introduced with the release of the Galaxy S7 in 2016. Now, renowned tipster Ice Universe has claimed that is set to change with a larger sensor being on the horizon. Do not get your hopes up about any 48 MP or 64 MP wonders though.

Alex Alderson, 29 May 2019 12:31

The Redmi K20 and K20 Pro - All you need to know about Xiaomi's bonafide flagship killers

Redmi, yesterday, unveiled its two newest premium phones, the K20 and K20 Pro, reminding the world once more that flagships don't have to cost a million bucks. Here's all you need to know about the duo, including the subtle differences between them.

Ricci Rox, 29 May 2019 11:37

The Samsung Galaxy Note 10 could feature two camera modules on the rear. (Image source: PhoneArena)

New Galaxy Note 10 concept render gives life to the rear camera setup; Samsung possibly targeting 90%+ screen-to-body ratio

The latest concept render of the Samsung Galaxy Note 10 has been published to show how the rear-facing main camera setup might look like based on a new leak. It seems Samsung could be targeting incredibly high screen-to-body ratios for its upcoming smartphones, which could include the Note 10 and the mysterious “creative Samsung smartphone”.

Daniel R Deakin, 29 May 2019 08:40

7 nm MediaTek Helio M70 SoC with Cortex-A77 set to arrive on smartphones by Q1 2020 (Source: MediaTek)

Computex 2019 | 7 nm MediaTek Helio M70 SoC with Cortex-A77 set to arrive on smartphones by Q1 2020

The Helio M70 will be the most advanced SoC yet from MediaTek with its integrated 5G and new AI processing unit for enhancing and de-blurring pictures. The chip will power the next generation of "new premium" smartphones retailing in the $500 to $600 USD range.

Allen Ngo, 29 May 2019 07:30

Can the new Galaxy XCover improve on this model? (Source: 91Mobile)

Samsung's Galaxy XCover series allegedly set for a new update soon

The Samsung Galaxy XCovers are a line of smartphone that clearly happily sacrifice performance and modern-day looks for ruggedness. It has not seen a refresh since 2017. Now, however, it appears that a phone called the XCover 4s has been certified by Bluetooth SIG.

Deirdre O Donnell, 28 May 2019 18:13

The Asus Zenfone 6 uses a rotating camera setup. (Source: DxOMark)

DxOMark | The Asus Zenfone 6 shows that hardware is increasingly counting for less

The all-new Asus Zenfone 6 recently made its over to DxOMark and was judged to be the best selfie camera phone in the world. That sounds great on paper, and without any context, but we find ourselves very unimpressed.

Ricci Rox, 28 May 2019 13:16

The HTC U11 is finally receiving the Android Pie update, U11+ and U12+ to follow

HTC failed to send out the Android Pie update to its devices for a long time but is finally making amends, with the HTC U11 currently receiving the Pie update. The U11+ and U12+ are expected to follow suit in the coming weeks.

Ricci Rox, 28 May 2019 13:14

New concept design of the alleged Samsung Galaxy Note 10 main camera setup. (Image source: Twitter/9TechEleven)

Controversial main camera setup design has cast a cloud over the Samsung Galaxy Note 10 but there is a silver lining

A new leak about the Samsung Galaxy Note 10’s rear-facing main camera array has some comparing the design with both the Huawei P30 Pro and the Samsung Galaxy S9+. Surprisingly, the supposed camera alignment for the upcoming Note 10 phablet has not been universally praised, with some even opining that Samsung is copying Apple’s plans for the iPhone XI.

Daniel R Deakin, 28 May 2019 11:37

Android Q preview (Source: Daniel Blandford on YouTube)

Early demo of Android Q desktop mode surfaces online

A developer has recently unveiled a video that shows the latest Android Q beta on the Essential Phone, which is wired to a portable monitor alongside a Bluetooth keyboard. With this setup, he is able to take the upcoming Android Q desktop mode for a spin, but he is using an experimental launcher to make it all work.

Codrut Nistor, 27 May 2019 21:40

Redmi releases the date and time of its first notebook's launch. (Source: Redmi)

Confirmed: the RedmiBook 14 will launch alongside the K20 line

Redmi has announced that its first notebook, most likely to be a 14-inch thin & light model, will be released tomorrow (May 28, 2019). This event will also see the launch of the K20 series of smartphones. The larger device is thought to offer an IPS FHD display with up to 8GB of RAM.

Deirdre O Donnell, 27 May 2019 16:59

A US$550 trade-in value for the Mate 20 Pro is a great offer. (Source: Samsung)

Samsung is allowing owners of Huawei devices to trade in their phones for up to US$550

Huawei’s recent ban by the US government is certain to have caused unrest in the hearts of users of the company’s phones. Rivals Samsung are cashing in with style, though, as the South Korean company is now heavily advertising premium trade-in values for Huawei devices.

Ricci Rox, 27 May 2019 16:36

The exploded Mate 20 Pro. (Source: Jason Manford)

Dracarys: Huawei troubles compounded as Mate 20 Pro goes up in flames

While the world of tech still battles with the shocking news of Huawei being hit with a trade ban by the US, the company will likely be a tad annoyed by an incident that saw a Mate 20 Pro go up in flames at a theatre a few days ago.

Ricci Rox, 27 May 2019 16:30

The Asus ZenScreen gets an update for 2019, with touch and USB type C. (Source: Asus)

Computex 2019 | Asus unveils its new ZenScreen Touch

The ZenScreen is a product that allows the user to take a monitor anywhere they might need to. This year, Asus has updated it with touch capability. This model is also just 9 millimeters deep, has micro-HDMI and Hybrid-Signal USB type C ports.

Deirdre O Donnell, 27 May 2019 14:00

The Sprint TREBL has won an award. (Source: Sprint)

The Harman Kardon-powered Sprint TREBL with Magic Box wins the 2019 Judges' Choice Award from the Small Cell Forum

The Sprint TREBL with Magic Box is a small cell solution that also integrates Amazon Alexa voice-assistance and Harman Kardon sound quality. This combination makes it unique in its product category. Perhaps this is how it has won the Small Cell Forum's Judges' Choice Award for this year.

Deirdre O Donnell, 26 May 2019 19:15

The OnePlus 3 and 3T are now receiving the Android Pie update - The third major OS update they'll get

The OnePlus 3 and OnePlus 3T were released three years ago, back in 2016. Both devices were launched running on Android Marshmallow but are now officially receiving the update to Android Pie. That means they have now received three major OS updates, which has to be a record in the Android space.

Ricci Rox, 26 May 2019 16:56

LG V40 ThinQ users finally have cause for joy as the Pie update arrives

LG is notorious for being late with software updates and it's been the same story with the Pie rollout. The company is actually keeping to its promise this time around, though, as the LG V40 ThinQ begins to receive the Android Pie update. The V30 and V20 are expected to get theirs in the coming months.

Ricci Rox, 26 May 2019 15:55

The Samsung Galaxy Note 4 was the last Note-branded phablet to have an IR blaster. (Image source: Mobile Geeks)

Fingers crossed for an IR blaster: Latest leak about the Samsung Galaxy Note 10 reveals increased remote control interoperability

Samsung may be reintroducing infrared remote control to its Note series, according to a tip from Ice universe. The handy feature has been conspicuously missing from numerous Samsung flagship smartphones and phablets, but it could soon be making a return in the Galaxy Note 10. However, a potential IR blaster might be implemented in a surprising manner.

Daniel R Deakin, 26 May 2019 11:49

Apple is working on an in-display fingerprint reader suggesting Face ID could be on the way out. (Source: Patently Apple)

2020 or 2021 iPhone could bring back Touch ID but in-display this time

Apple looks to be working on an in-display Touch ID solution for a future iPhone, possibly in time for a 2020 or 2021 release. With most of the flagship competition working hard to eliminate notches for a truly all-display design, it looks as though Face ID may be on the way out.

Sanjiv Sathiah, 26 May 2019 09:55

Huawei may have 12 month's worth of components for its devices. (Source: Reuters)

Huawei has stockpiled up to a 12-month supply of parts as a buffer against a potential ban

At the time that Huawei was placed on the US government's Entity List last week, Huawei is thought to have built enough supplied of key components to last up to 12 months. The report comes via the Nikkei Asian Review that says Huawei told suppliers that it wanted to build up a year's worth of inventory to help cushion the impact of the US-China trade war.

Sanjiv Sathiah, 26 May 2019 06:43

The BLU G9's only color option. (Source: BLU Products)

BLU unveils the G9, an "Ultimate-Value" smartphone

BLU Products has released the G9, a smartphone with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage. It also has AI-enhanced dual rear cameras and a decently large 4000mAh battery. It is sold via Amazon for a price of US$179.99.

Deirdre O Donnell, 25 May 2019 18:34

More details of the Redmi K20 revealed in new leak

Xiaomi's high-value sub-brand, Redmi, is set to release its two flagship phones in the coming weeks: the Redmi K20 and K20 Pro. Details of the regular K20 have now surfaced, painting an image of an extremely attractive sub-premium device.

Ricci Rox, 25 May 2019 18:17

The Asus Zenfone Max Pro (M1). (Source: MySmartPrice)

The Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1 is now receiving Android Pie globally

We were big fans of the Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1 when it was released a year ago, mostly because of its high performance to price ratio. Asus is keeping it alive for one more year, too, with users of the device around the globe currently receiving the much-anticipated Android Pie update.

Ricci Rox, 25 May 2019 18:16

The Samsung Galaxy Fold's pre-orders at Best Buy are no more. (Source: TizenHelp)

Best Buy is cancelling its Galaxy Fold pre-orders

The Samsung Galaxy Fold had been available in the US through a pre-order system at Best Buy. However, this retail giant has reportedly been sending emails to its customers advising them that these transactions have been revoked. Many affected consumers are being sent a US$100 savings code by means of compensation.

Deirdre O Donnell, 25 May 2019 14:30

Huawei has been cut off from using official SD and microSD cards. (Source: SanDisk)

Huawei now cut off from official SD card support as well

The news for Huawei seems to be getting worse by the day, as if that was even possible. In the latest blow to the company, the SD Association has blocked the ability for Huawei to offer phones or devices featuring SD or microSD card slot.

Sanjiv Sathiah, 25 May 2019 09:41