Smartphone

The "rugged S9 Active" seen at MWC 2019. (Source: YouTube)

Apparently doomed Samsung Galaxy S9 Active may re-emerge as new mid-range toughphone

Once, rumors of a phone with the same internals as a 2018 Samsung flagship phone, but with a much different, ruggedized chassis, did the rounds. However, the OEM also eventually took it off the cards as a product. Now, a device with a similar model number and specs to the “S9 Active” has re-surfaced on Geekbench.

Deirdre O Donnell, 03 Jun 2019 23:13

Do you own a Pixel smartphone? Have you been encountering notifications with DND enabled? (Image source: CompareGadgets.net)

Some Google Pixel smartphones may have a Bluetooth-related DND notification bug

It appears that Google has messed up how its Pixel smartphones how they handle notifications when set to Do Not Disturb (DND). Originally reported on Reddit, some Pixel devices are receiving two notification sounds too. Google cannot seemingly fix the issue either.

Alex Alderson, 03 Jun 2019 19:34

The putative Lenovo K10 Note looks somewhat familiar. (Source: NBTC)

The Lenovo Z6 Youth may be marketed as the K10 Note in non-Chinese markets

Lenovo released the Z6 Youth on May 22, 2019 to the Chinese market. As a Snapdragon 710 device with triple rear cameras and a 6.3-inch FHD screen, it may make a solid mid-ranger. A phone roughtly matching this description has been spotted with Thai marketing approval - however, it went under another name in this certification.

Deirdre O Donnell, 03 Jun 2019 19:13

The apparent OPPO A1s. (Source: MySmartPrice)

New OPPO A-line phone makes it through multiple certifiers

A new device called the OPPO CPH1925 (or A1s) has popped up on the websites of Russian, Thai and Indonesian regulatory bodies. Like the A1k before it, it has a 2.0GHz MediaTek processor, a 4000mAh battery and a 6.1 inch waterdrop-notch screen. However, this model improves on its pre-existing sibliing with a dual rear camera.

Deirdre O Donnell, 03 Jun 2019 18:25

The Samsung Galaxy A50. (Source: Samsung)

New information points towards an imminent US release for the Samsung Galaxy A50

The Samsung Galaxy A50 was released a while ago for the global market but is yet to make its way into the US officially. That will likely change in the coming weeks, as there has now been semi-official confirmation of an imminent Galaxy A50 launch in the US.

Ricci Rox, 03 Jun 2019 15:35

Starkly superior in terms of value for money, we must agree. (Source: Manu Jain)

New Redmi ad campaign takes bold shots at the OnePlus 7 phones

OnePlus have traditionally been the holders of the "flagship killer" title, although most would claim they lost the rights to it with the continuous hikes in prices. The Redmi K20 Pro is, without a doubt, the new flagship killer on these streets, though, and Redmi is happy to let OnePlus know as much in a new ad campaign.

Ricci Rox, 03 Jun 2019 15:35

Ice universe has already claimed that da Vinci is the codename for the Galaxy Note 10. (Image source: @UniverseIce)

Cryptic clues: Samsung looks set to bring 45 W charging to the Galaxy Note 10

Ice universe is back with yet more Galaxy Note 10 information. It appears as though Samsung does not have plans to bring 100 W charging to its upcoming phablet, but it is still looking to outdo Huawei and OnePlus.

Alex Alderson, 03 Jun 2019 12:16

The notchless Xiaomi Mi 9 appears to have a hidden selfie camera. (Image source: Twitter/Ice universe)

Video of modified Mi 9 with under-display camera aims to prove that Xiaomi is keeping up with the competition

A brief video clip of a seemingly modified Xiaomi Mi 9 smartphone with an under-display camera has been shared online. The video shows two Mi 9 devices being compared with one another. It soon becomes apparent that the smartphone on the left-hand side isn’t quite the same as the current Xiaomi Mi 9 we know and love.

Daniel R Deakin, 03 Jun 2019 09:00

A BBC news report over 5G gets distinctly low-res. (Source: BBC)

BBC broadcast fails highlight potentially serious drawbacks of 5G

The UK's first 5G network launched recently, at the end of May 2019. The country national broadcaster, the BBC, attempted to conduct some news reports over the new data standard. Unfortunately, they faced severe issues due to the data eaten in the process.

Deirdre O Donnell, 02 Jun 2019 22:46

Xiaomi also patented an idea for a full-screen smartphone with the display going over the edges. (Image source: LetsGoDigital)

Xiaomi could beat Samsung in producing a full-screen smartphone with an under-display camera

A patent filed by Xiaomi for a full-screen smartphone utilizing an under-display camera has been unearthed. The patent application was made with the State Intellectual Property Office of China in November 2018, and it briefly describes Xiaomi’s solution for the feature, which appears to involve the smartphone using two screens.

Daniel R Deakin, 02 Jun 2019 11:33

Huawei's problems appear to be terminal. (Source: Getty Images)

Huawei smartphone production lines grind to a halt

Embattled Chinese smartphone maker Huawei’s woes are no longer academic it seems. According to the South China Morning Post, Huawei smartphone assembler Foxconn has shut down several production lines that were making Huawei’s market leading smartphones.

Sanjiv Sathiah, 02 Jun 2019 02:30

Huawei reportedly finishes work on Kirin 985 and 990, but what about their successors?

According to a new Nikkei Asian Review article, Huawei has finalized the blueprints for its next upcoming smartphone SoCs. However, the OEM has now lost the support of the chipset-design supplier Synopsys, as it has that of ARM. Therefore, it will find making follow-ups in 2021 and onward exceptionally difficult.

Deirdre O Donnell, 01 Jun 2019 17:53

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