Software

Motorola is now rumored to launch a smartphone with the impending next iteration of top-end Qualcomm processors. Now, more alleged details of this device have emerged. According to this new leak, it will be released to the global market as well as in China, and will have markedly high-end specs, particularly in the display department, in both instances.

POCO has just made its last new smartphone of 2021 official. The M4 Pro 5G offers several upgrades over its predecessor in a package with styling to match the increasingly popular brand's esthetics. It starts at just under US$270, although its impending early-bird deals allow for its first round of orders to go for even less than that.

By joining forces with the fastest blockchain in the world, Brave Browser is planning to provide the best-in-class wallet features to its desktop and mobile browsers starting in the first half of 2022. However, the company will continue to support Ethereum and aims to integrate additional blockchains over time.

A tweet from Jason Citron, the founder and CEO of Discord, has resulted in a flurry of Nitro users canceling their subscriptions with the popular messaging service. The provocative post featured a screenshot of Discord settings that included new options for storing crypto and NFTs and showed an image of the Discord and Ethereum logos.

Apple believes that it has fixed macOS 12 Monterey for devices with a T2 security chip. The fix will be no good for a machine that bricked when attempting to install macOS 12, though.

The PlayStation 5 console has come under some close scrutiny lately with two hacking incidents offering interesting results. A Google security engineer claims to have accessed the debug settings while a known hacking group has apparently obtained all of the PS5 root keys. These kinds of hacks could lead to an eventual PS5 jailbreak.

OPPO is already thought to have a 2022 flagship Android smartphone, which may or may not be called the Find X4, in the works. Now, a famous Weibo-based leaker asserts that it will get an upgrade in terms of battery technology as well as SoC over its alleged predecessor. Accordingly, its charging speed may exceed the current 65W limit by a good margin.

With a release date set for November 11th, GTA: The Trilogy Definitive Edition is now ready to hit the Nintendo Switch as well. Rockstar confirmed this via six new screenshots from this ported edition of the upcoming title which promises to be one of the most popular releases of the year.

Newer iPhones come with software locks that prevent the use of the cameras should replacement parts be installed instead of factory originals. Now, there are rumors that Google has done the same with its 2021 flagship, the Pixel 6 Pro. A famous independent-repair blogger has investigated these claims using 2 new units of this phone.

Samsung is rumored to launch a new version of the Galaxy Tab A8 before the end of 2021. Now, it has allegedly leaked onto Geekbench with specs to match the cost-effective looks of the potential tablet's most up-to-date renders. Should they prove accurate, it seems the slate derives its processing power from an unusual source.

GoPro claims to have closed the third quarter of 2021 (3Q2021) with US$317 million in sales, or 13% more year-on-year (YoY). New subscription-based strategies are also still working out for the action-cam brand, with over 100% growth YoY in numbers and takings. However, cameras such as the HERO9 Black still drive the company's continuing success.

The Google Pixel 6 series has launched with Android 12, the latest version of Google’s popular operating system onboard. However, you’d never know that the Pixel 6 was powered by Android looking at Google’s website.

Ducati is a classic name in motorbikes; however, it also now makes electric scooters. The latest of these is rated for up to 515 watts (W) of power, and, thus, speeds of up to 25 kilometers per hour (or 15.5 miles per hour). The OEM also claims that the Pro-III is its "most technically advanced scooter" it has produced, with NFC-powered security features and USB charging for smartphones.

Shortly after confirming that one expired Microsoft digital certificate lead to various problems with Windows 11 apps such as the Snipping Tool, Touch Keyboard, Voice Typing, Emoji Panel, Getting started and Tips, as well as other areas, the company issued an out-of-band update to iron them out.

Motorola has stealthily launched a new Moto E-series smartphone in 2 European countries. The new E30 is one of the very few of its line to offer a 90Hz display, alongside triple rear cameras and Android 11 Go. It does so set at a price of under US$120 in its new markets.

Scheduled to launch across multiple platforms on February 25, 2022, Elden Ring is now up for pre-order in five editions, including a numbered and limited edition of 6,000 units worldwide. Unsurprisingly, it looks like the Premium Collector's Edition sold out in a matter of minutes after showing up in the Bandai Namco Store.

Support for the upcoming Zen 3 3D V-Cache processors (tentatively called Ryzen 6000) is available in 1usmus's new overclocking utility called Project Hydra, which is expected to be available in late November. It offers advanced features like automatic detection of Curve Optimizer values, dynamic profile creation and undervolting.

The v34 Oculus Quest update from Meta has been announced. The update will be rolled out for Quest and Quest 2 devices. It includes improvements to features such as Voice Commands, plus a new tool called Space Sense, though this is only available on Quest 2 headsets.

The Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL have not received the November 2021 security patch, a sign that Google has ceased software support for the pair. However, the company has confirmed otherwise. Project Mainline should also ensure software support beyond the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL's final update.

Available for Game Pass on Xbox for a while, Minecraft is now also included in Game Pass for PC. Subscribers can play both editions, namely Bedrock and Java Edition, on machines loaded with Windows 10 and 11. Thankfully, PC players are also able to cross-play with those on other platforms as well.

The engineer Ken Pillonel hit the headlines - not to mention the YouTube views - in the course of showcasing an iPhone X modified to work with a USB type-C port rather than a Lightning port as normal. This answer to many tech fans' dreams is now available to buy in return for winning an ongoing eBay auction. However, its current bid level is just 1 of the caveats included in this listing.

The Motorola Moto G51 is now official, and, furthermore, is the first device to launch with the Plus version of the Snapdragon 480 processor. The chipset is geared towards the budget end of the 5G market; nevertheless, its inaugural vehicle has a 120Hz display and 8GB of RAM. Unfortunately, it is also exclusive to a Chinese carrier thus far.

According to a report, Xiaomi has over 60 devices in closed and internal Android 12 beta programs. Numerous other devices will eventually receive Google's latest OS, but not older handsets like the Mi 9, Redmi K20 or Redmi 9 series.

Almost a year after the release of the first public preview of Microsoft Edge for Linux, the Redmond giant has finally released the first stable version of this piece of code. This flavor comes in .deb and .rpm packages and is supposed to fully support Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, and openSUSE.

Nokia debuted a new tablet called the T20, which has been available in Europe thus far. Now, it has launched on Flipkart today (November 2, 2021). The 2K display device will start for just under US$210 in its new market.

Today, Mozilla unleashed Firefox 94.0 for desktop users across all relevant platforms, but also for Android devices. The list of new features and noticeable enhancements includes Colorways, site isolation enabled by default, as well as multiple performance and security improvements across all platforms.

Sega has announced that it will be joining forces with Microsoft to employ Azure cloud services to create new and innovative video games. Azure will help Sega to advance its game development as part of its 'Super Game' project. The partnership can benefit Sega by improving its online infrastructure and supporting the development of cloud games.

Despite part of its name, the Yoga Pro 14s Carbon 2022 has launched today (November 2, 2021). Lenovo has designed this new laptop to be as thin and light as possible, with a mass of just over 1 kilogram (kg). Nevertheless, it packs a powerful Ryzen 5000-series processor, which drives a 90Hz OLED display and runs Windows 11 out of the box.

The newest most premium tablet produced by Lenovo for the global market has a sub-13-inch E4 AMOLED display with a 2K resolution, quad JBL speakers and stylus support. Now, the OEM has also graced its Chinese fans with this collection of specs in the form of the Xiaoxin Pad Pro 12.6. It can be pre-ordered in its new market from now.

Apple has released macOS 12 Monterey, but it is not playing well with some older hardware. For one reason or another, the update has bricked several Intel-based iMacs, MacBook Airs and MacBook Pros. Apple has suggested a workaround, but it does require resetting your machine's firmware.

With only one year left until the anniversary of its first decade, War Thunder celebrates by offering 50 percent discounts on premium accounts, in-game vehicles, as well as on modifications, backup vehicles, and talismans. Obviously, all these only stand as a part of the entire collection of anniversary offerings available.

It only took LG a year, but it has issued Android 11 to the LG Wing. Unsurprisingly, there are caveats with LG's rollout. Currently, Android 11 is only available for devices purchased in South Korea.

Founded less than a decade ago, Two Hat has been working with Microsoft's Xbox team for several years, and the time has already come for the next big step. By joining Microsoft, Two Hat will enable the Redmond giant to provide healthy, safe, and inclusive online spaces to its various online communities.

The top-end Galaxy Z Fold3 phablet has become eligible for the latest version of Samsung's One UI, as has the Galaxy Z Flip3 clamshell foldable phone. Users of either high-end device in the OEM's native South Korea can now download their first betas of the latest 4.0 version of this software, which upgrades the devices to Android 12 and its newest features.

Lenovo will debut its new high-end tablet for its domestic market, China, in a few days from now. However, an online retail site claims to have it up for pre-orders for a price in US dollars ahead of this event. In more concrete pre-launch tips, the OEM has revealed that it will come with a custom magnetic keyboard dock.

The latest LG CineBeam LED projector has debuted at under $900 in the US market. The OEM asserts that it can be set up anywhere thanks to its compact form-factor and "4-Corner" keystone technology. It is thus rated for clear, vivid and accurate images of up to 120 inches in diagonal length.

Most lithium-ion batteries, those found in mobile devices included, are incapable of working when exposed to temperatures of about -20 degrees Celsius (°C) or lower. However, the new AGM Glory series of rugged Android phones has a power-pack rated to function for a time at -40°C. They also have a 5G Qualcomm processor, 8GB of RAM, a 48MP main camera and more.

A report by RiskIQ indicates that hackers are abusing the Discord CDN to in a range of ways to send users over 27 different types of malware, including remote access trojans that allow them to gain control of victims' devices.

Although it took a while, I can say that it was worth waiting for MIUI 12.5.6 Enhanced Edition, the Global Stable firmware update for the Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro (also available for the non-Pro variant, of course) that often makes my phone feel like never before. Sadly, there are still some bugs here and there.

The gradual release of Microsoft's Windows 11 update is entering its next phase, during which more PC users will be able to easily download and install the free upgrade in order to benefit from the numerous changes and improvements in Windows 11.

Xiaomi may have just announced the Redmi Note 11 series, but it has not forgotten about the Redmi Note 9. Accordingly, the mid-range handset has just received MIUI 12.5 Enhanced Edition in India, following a similar rollout on MIUI's global branch. MIUI 12.5 Enhanced Edition will reach the Redmi Note 9 as V12.5.2.0.RJOINXM.

Gigaset has launched its latest made-in-Germany phone as the GS5, a device that distinctly falls into the mid-range category, with a 4G/LTE-only MediaTek Helio-series processor and a V-notched FHD+ display. Then again, with its removable battery and sustainability-related appeal, it may be capable of standing out in its market.

Huawei has announced the rollout of EMUI 12 to its devices globally. The list of eligible devices contains 28 items, including old flagships like the Mate 10 and P20 series. The EMUI 12 is expected to offer users a first taste of Huawei's in-house HarmonyOS.

Fitbit has started distributing version 5.3 of its OS to the Sense and Versa 3. Arriving as 44.128.6.12 for the Sense and 36.128.6.12 for the Versa 3, Fitbit OS 5.3 contains several new features, including outdoor exercise modes.

Google's parent company Alphabet has reported revenues of just over US$65 billion for the latest complete quarter of 2021 (3Q2021). This represented a 41% increase year-on-year (YoY); then again, only $18 billion remained as the search giant's profit - no less than 68% year-on-year.

Dubbed "Ground Breaking" and released earlier today, War Thunder 2.11 brings a new tech tree into the game, although Israel only got two premium aircraft for now and no regular military hardware. However, the highlight of this update is terramorphing, alongside new maps, missions, visual effects, and quite a few new vehicles.

Google has announced a surprise new variant of its Android mobile operating system. Android 12L is a new version of Android 12 that is designed specifically for large screen devices such as tablets, foldables and Chromebooks and is coming in early 2022.

OPPO has outlined some of its latest ambitions for the future of its company and its software at its latest Developers Conference, beginning today (October 27, 2021). They include plans to break into the areas of healthcare and smart car technology, as well as allusions to the potential of next-gen mobile AI and graphics.

The Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro have started shipping to those who pre-ordered Google's latest flagships. There is a big day-one patch to install once you unbox your new smartphone though, and one that will take a minimum of 25 minutes to finish.

The brand Palm may have helped propel hand-held personal tech to where it is today; however, it has all but faded into obscurity now. However, it has just revealed that it might be mounting a fightback against this with the launch of its latest products, the Buds Pro. They offer ANC with "studio-grade" sound and can be pre-ordered from now.