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The 12-inch Acer Chromebook Spin 512 comes with an Acer Active Pen. (Source: Acer)

Acer announces school-friendly Chromebook 512 laptop and Chromebook Spin 512 convertible

Acer has introduced two new devices to its considerable line-up: the Chromebook 512 and the Chromebook Spin 512. The 12-inch laptops have been specifically designed with education in mind, and they both feature Intel processors and have displays with 3:2 aspect ratios. The Chromebook 512 comes in touch and non-touch options, while the Spin convertible comes with a dockable stylus.

Daniel R Deakin, 23 Jan 2019 07:55

The iPhone XR has an LCD display. (Source: Apple)

Apple's switch to OLED for iPhones results in apparent display-supplier woes

Apple released 3 iPhone models last year; however, the 2 more premium, OLED-equipped variants appear to have done better in some estimates. This impression was recently reinforced when the company's traditional LCD supplier, Japan Display, was reported as having entered talks to sell a stake in its company to investor groups with the cash to keep it going.

Deirdre O Donnell, 22 Jan 2019 23:54

Core i5 HP EliteBook x360 1030 G3 convertible is 10 percent faster than Core i7 SKU

When cheaper is faster — Core i5 HP EliteBook x360 1030 G3 convertible outperforms the Core i7 SKU by 10 percent

The Core i5 configuration is hundreds of dollars cheaper than the Core i7 option and yet it performs faster in multi-threaded workloads. We highly recommend skipping over the i7 upgrade in favor of other options such as Sure View, WAN, or the brighter Outdoor Mode backlight.

Allen Ngo, 22 Jan 2019 23:37

The HP Chromebook 11 x360 G2 EE convertible supports Wacom EMR digital pens. (Source: HP)

HP announces two new Education Edition Chromebooks

The latest 11.6-inch Chromebook models from HP get a more rugged feel with rubber trims, Gorilla Glass and spill-resistant keyboards. In order to keep the prices at an affordable level for students, HP included Intel's Celeron N4000 / 4100 CPUs, up to 8 GB LPDDR4-2400 RAM and up to 64 GB eMMC storage.

Bogdan Solca, 22 Jan 2019 20:11

Some of the Honor Play 8A's color SKUs. (Source: Honor)

Honor Play 8A may make it to India soon: new rumor

The Honor Play 8A is a budget smartphone that resembles the Xiaomi Mi Play in numerous ways. However, at an approximate price of US$124, the 8A may be the cheaper of the two, although this may make it the more attractive option for some. A new report alleges that this phone will be launched in India soon.

Deirdre O Donnell, 21 Jan 2019 18:34

FHD, Touchscreen, WQHD or HDR? | The best display for the ThinkPad X1 Carbon – All panels in comparison

The ThinkPad X1 Carbon is one of the best business Ultrabooks you can buy. Lenovo offers a total of four different displays for its flagship device, and we tested them all.

Andreas Osthoff, 21 Jan 2019 18:23

Windows on Snapdragon doesn't solve the underlying issue of Windows ARM

Based on our experience with the $1000 Lenovo Yoga C630 powered by a Snapdragon 850, software reliability is still a huge hit or miss on Windows 10 Pro. Qualcomm's grand plans for Windows on Snapdragon is off to a slow and rough start.

Allen Ngo, 21 Jan 2019 04:30

From left to right: the Samsung Galaxy S10E, the S10, and the S10+. (Source: Twitter/Evan Blass)

Samsung Galaxy S10 leaks: Image of the S10E, S10 and S10+ together; ceramic back for the latter

Two familiar names in the smartphone-leaking business have dropped some new information about Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S10 series. Evan Blass has uploaded a photo of three devices, labeled as “S10E,” “S10,” and “S10+,” which show the smartphones front and rear in protective cases. Meanwhile, Ice universe has tweeted that a version of the S10+ will come with a fancy ceramic back cover.

Daniel R Deakin, 19 Jan 2019 09:27

Some US users can now see a speed-limit icon in the bottom left corner of their directions view in Maps. (Source: Google)

Google Maps now display speed limits in certain areas

In 2017, Google tested out a new feature in Maps that showed speed limits in turn-by-turn navigation mode. This update, which was tested in 2 major cities, became less accurate over time, and was eventually axed over time. Now, it appears the app is trying this function out again. It is reportedly available to users in some parts of the US.

Deirdre O Donnell, 18 Jan 2019 18:02

The a6400 is Sony's latest alpha-series APS-C camera. (Source: Sony)

Sony's latest APS-C mirrorless camera, the alpha A6400, is officially announced

The alpha A6400 is Sony's most recent mirrorless offering. This camera boasts a 24.2MP APS-C Exmor CMOS sensor, as well as "the world's fastest autofocus" of 0.02 seconds. The A6400 also features a state-of-the-art BIONZ X image processor. However, its most outstanding feature may be the LCD touchscreen, which is adjustable through 180 degrees.

Deirdre O Donnell, 18 Jan 2019 15:38

Samsung's upcoming SM-T515 tablet makes an appearance on Geekbench, Exynos 7885 in tow

Samsung's upcoming SM-T515 tablet showed up on Geekbench earlier today with a score competitive with other mid-range Android devices. The tablet will use Samsung's Exynos 7885 SoC and 2 GB of RAM. The tablet will run Android 9.0 Pie out of the box, but other details (like size) are still unknown. The tablet is expected to make a debut at MWC 2019.

Sam Medley, 18 Jan 2019 15:10

Project Ara hasn't been heard of for years, but Google may still be working on it. (Source: Wikipedia)

Could Project Ara possibly be back? Google has secured a new patent for a familiar-looking modular device

Project Ara had once been hotly anticipated as the future of mobile devices with enhanced future-proofing and general upgradeability. The prototype produced through this Google initiative was a basic frame to which various interchangeable modules could be attached. The project's public profile had dwindled since; however, it seems its makers haven't forgotten about it yet.

Deirdre O Donnell, 18 Jan 2019 14:30

Armadillotek has already posted listings for its Samsung Galaxy S10 cases. Source Armadillotek

Casemaker claims the Galaxy S10 line's fingerprint sensor will not work with its screen protectors

Armadillotek, a company that makes heavy-duty mobile device accessories, claims to have a Samsung Galaxy S10 unit in-house in order to make a case from its Vanguard series for the phone. It asserts that the screen protector that comes built into this model is incompatible with the fingerprint scanner found on the upcoming flagship.

Deirdre O Donnell, 18 Jan 2019 00:11

The new 10X lens array from OPPO will use a periscope-style prism approach. (Source: The Verge)

OPPO will showcase its 10X optical zoom smartphone cams at MWC 2019

Two years ago, at MWC, OPPO impressed everyone with its stabilized 5X optical zoom cameras, but the company never released any commercial versions. Meanwhile, a 10X optical zoom version is ready to be showcased at this year's MWC, and it looks like OPPO could actually integrate these lenses in some upcoming handhelds.

Bogdan Solca, 17 Jan 2019 21:31

Android fans can now get an idea of what awaits them with Android Q. (Image source: XDA Developers)

Android Q leak: What awaits us this year

Android Q has reared its head long before its release. The first Developer Preview is still a few months away, but that has not stopped XDA Developers from trying out an early test version of Android Q and giving us their first insights into the new features that the successor to Android Pie will bring.

Alex Alderson, 17 Jan 2019 20:52

Apple is looking to take the Watch in the US health market. (Source: Apple)

Apple looks to expand Watch into health market in the face of flagging iPhone sales

Fresh from issuing a rare warning to investors about significantly worse than expected sales of its new iPhones, Apple is said to be in talks with Medicare providers about potential subsidies for its Apple Watch. The plan would target potentially millions of Americans over the age of 65 and could help to boost sales of the Watch and could help to make its potentially life-saving technology more widely available.

Sanjiv Sathiah, 17 Jan 2019 11:15

Xiaomi Mi 9 improved in-display fingerprint reader in action (Source: Bin Lin via Weibo)

The Xiaomi Mi 9 flagship will come with improved in-display fingerprint reading

Xiaomi's co-founder, Lin Bin, has recently uploaded a video to Weibo that reveals an improved version of the in-display fingerprint reading technology already in use on commercial devices. The most obvious change is the larger active authentication area, which now measures 25 x 50.2 mm. This solution will probably be used in the Xiaomi Mi 9 flagship.

Codrut Nistor, 17 Jan 2019 10:05

Dell XPS 15 9575, still facing problems as of January 2019 DPC latency

Dell is also working on fixing XPS 15 9575 DPC latency issues

Although most DPC latency-related complaints we heard so far from Dell XPS users involved the XPS 15 9570, it looks like the XPS 15 9575 convertible is also plagued by such problems. Frank Azor has recently confirmed that Dell is working on a fix for this problem and that he will keep everyone updated on the progress.

Codrut Nistor, 16 Jan 2019 22:49

The legendary Motorola Razr to get a modern smart/foldable successor on Verizon in 2019

The foldable Motorola Razr could hit Verizon later this year carrying a US$1,500 price tag

The Moto Razr 2019 seems to be ready to take on the mobile world by storm with its foldable display and other new technologies. The only problem could be the value this handset can provide, as it is expected to hit Verizon with a price tag that reads no less than US$1,500.

Codrut Nistor, 16 Jan 2019 21:35

Unpleasant surprise: Core i5 Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Tablet 25% faster than i7-SKU!

Even we at Notebookcheck are sometimes surprised by test samples. The entry-level CPU of the ThinkPad X1 Tablet is about 25% faster than the more expensive Core i7 under sustained workloads. How is that possible?

Andreas Osthoff, 16 Jan 2019 17:18

Chuwi Ubook 2-in-1 will be a cheaper version of the Microsoft Surface Go

The Windows detachable combines the U-shaped metal kickstand of the Spectre x2 and the Alcantara look of the Surface Pro keyboard with a passively-cooled Core m3 processor. Chuwi is promising a retail price of just under $400 if the Kickstarter proves to be successful.

Allen Ngo, 16 Jan 2019 06:50

The latest form of iPod Touch. (Source: Apple)

iPod Touch will be resurrected for 2019 with USB type C: new rumor

Apple has not refreshed or updated the iPod Touch since 2015. That year saw the 6th generation of the device, which was not heard of much since. However, that fact did not stop a Japanese outlet posting claims that a supplier had told it that this product would indeed make a come-back, one equipped with USB type C no less.

Deirdre O Donnell, 15 Jan 2019 19:04

The Z5 Pro GT joined a very short list of 2018 slider phones on its debut. (Source: Lenovo)

The Lenovo Z5 Pro GT has had its general release delayed

The Lenovo Z5 Pro GT is a long name to say (or type out), but for the Snapdragon 855, a triple camera and as much as 12GB of RAM it may be worth it. It had been launched in December 2018, with a general release planned for January 24. However, this date has now been put back by 5 days.

Deirdre O Donnell, 14 Jan 2019 18:32

The new leak resembles this render for the OnePlus 7 somewhat. (Source: Stuff)

Alleged OnePlus 7 with full-screen display surfaces in arguably dubious leak

A relatively unknown leaker has posted an image of a heretofore unseen, notchless phone, portrayed as lined up against a another that could be the OnePlus 6T. This phone exhibits what looks like the OnePlus Launcher, and, like the '6T', is shown in an unwieldy prototype case. However, this new leak also has some odd discrepancies.

Deirdre O Donnell, 12 Jan 2019 17:09

The Dell XPS 15 is to be upgraded with a 4K OLED panel starting in March. (Source: Engadget)

Dell to release a new XPS 15 model with a 4K OLED panel in March

Dell has revealed that it plans to start offering the XPS 15 with an OLED panel in March 2019. Such a laptop would be able to offer a much better contrast ratio and more vivid colors than its LCD-wielding counterparts. It’s also possible the new XPS 15 might follow in the footsteps of the refreshed XPS 13 and have its webcam placed on the top edge of the screen.

Daniel R Deakin, 11 Jan 2019 22:30

Ice Universe referenced this photo to allude to the shape of Vivo's "The Waterdrop." (Source: Baidu)

Vivo's upcoming "The Waterdrop" phone gets leaked design pics

Vivo intends to impress everyone at MWC 2019 with an innovative smartphone design that is codenamed "The Waterdrop." It's still unclear how the handheld will look and work, but the first leaks suggest it will have a fluid design, with rounded corners, glass edges that meld into the body and a display that could be encased in glass.

Bogdan Solca, 11 Jan 2019 20:35

The highest-end 2019 iPhone could look something like this. (Source: PocketNow)

WSJ report corroborates theory of triple-camera iPhones in 2019

A new article in the Wall Street Journal has lent further weight to speculation that Apple will jump on the triple-rear-camera bandwagon this year. According to the report, this feature will be found in the most premium model the company will release this year. It may be accompanied by two additional SKUs with dual rear cameras.

Deirdre O Donnell, 11 Jan 2019 17:36

Apparently, the FlexPai can be folded over 200,000 times without breaking. (Source: Royole)

CES 2019 | Reviews of the Royole FlexPai are coming in - first but flawed foldable phone

Early reviews of Royole’s foldable FlexPai device have come in, and it seems the main attraction of the smartphone is what everyone expected it to be: Its flexibility. The company has done well in beating major players like Samsung and Huawei to the crown of producing the first fully foldable phone, but it has done this by creating a seemingly flawed handset.

Daniel R Deakin, 11 Jan 2019 01:05

The Lenovo Yoga A940 aims to be worthy Surface Studio alternative. (Source: Lenovo)

CES 2019 | The Lenovo Yoga A940 AiO Desktop is the Surface Studio clone we've been waiting for

Lenovo has introduced the Yoga A920 — a venerable alternative to the Microsoft Surface Studio lineup featuring some nifty enhancements that cater to the creative professional crowd. The Yoga A920 offers very good specs and most of the functionality of the Surface Studio 2 for a whole US$1,000 less.

Vaidyanathan Subramaniam, 09 Jan 2019 17:42

WhatsApp Beta for Android now shows a new option for fingerprint authentication. (Source: WhatsApp)

WhatsApp is working on fingerprint authentication for Android devices

The latest version of WhatsApp Beta adds an option to the Privacy menu for authentication via a saved fingerprint. Unfortunately, this function is not actually live yet; however, it clearly indicates that the messaging app's developers will make it available in a future version. Reports suggest that it will be compatible with Android devices with version 6.0 or later and working fingerprint sensors.

Deirdre O Donnell, 09 Jan 2019 16:18

The Xiaomi Redmi X is said to sport a 48 MP AI dual camera setup. (Source: Weibo)

First pictures of the 48 MP Redmi X teased by Xiaomi CEO

Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun has teased official images of the upcoming 48 MP phone, which is likely to be called Redmi X. The Redmi X will sport a glass back and a 6.3-inch FHD+ screen. It will come in three color variants and is expected to be officially announced on January 10.

Vaidyanathan Subramaniam, 09 Jan 2019 14:01

CES 2019 | Lenovo Yoga C730 2-in-1 will have a 4K UHD OLED display for $1650 USD

The OLED panel will likely be the same panel on the upcoming OLED HP Spectre x360 15. The convertible is otherwise only an internal update from last year's Yoga 730 2-in-1.

Allen Ngo, 08 Jan 2019 20:00

The Lenovo Smart Tab P10 comes with a Smart Dock for added functionality. (Source: Lenovo)

CES 2019 | Lenovo shows off with 2-in-1 Smart Tab P10 and Smart Dock

Lenovo has unveiled the 2-in-1 Smart Tab P10 tablet and Smart Dock. The versatile P10 device offers typical usage scenarios in Tablet Mode, but when it is added to the Smart Dock it switches to Show Mode and incorporates Amazon’s Alexa virtual assistant for hands-free interaction. It’s then simple enough to use the smart screen to watch videos or listen to music.

Daniel R Deakin, 08 Jan 2019 20:00

The Lenovo Smart Tab M10 with Smart Dock can answer your questions thanks to Amazon Alexa. (Source: Lenovo)

CES 2019 | Lenovo's Smart Tab M10 comes with Smart Dock and Amazon Alexa to make your home smarter

Lenovo’s new Smart Tab M10 tablet with Smart Dock has been revealed. The 10.1-inch tablet comes with a Smart Dock and Amazon Alexa to beef up its potential usage scenarios. Users can easily integrate the device from the Chinese manufacturer into their smart home and use it to help with day-to-day tasks around the house or simply enjoy its Smart Screen ability.

Daniel R Deakin, 08 Jan 2019 20:00

Dell Inspiron 13 7000 2-in-1 showing the stylus accessibility in different layouts. (Source: Dell)

CES 2019 | Dell updates the Inspiron 13 7000 2-in-1 and Inspiron 15 7000 2-in-1 Black Editions with new 'pen garage' and keyboard

Dell's newly announced update to the Inspiron 13 and Inspiron 15 7000 convertible 'Black Edition' features a new hinge design with a 'pen garage' to securely hold an active stylus. The new design is the middle ground between easy access and secure storage of the stylus when not being used. Changes have also been made to the power button, fingerprint sensor, and keyboard.

Craig Ward, 08 Jan 2019 19:00

Samsung Notebook 9 Pro 2019 redesign (Source: Samsung Newsroom US)

CES 2019 | Samsung updates the ultra-slim Notebook 9 Pro

Introduced back in 2017, the Samsung Notebook 9 Pro ultra-slim convertible has been redesigned for those "looking for a beautiful device that brings out their own unique style and can keep up with the pace of everyday life." Powered by an Intel Core i7-8565U processor, this portable is expected to hit the market in the coming weeks.

Codrut Nistor, 08 Jan 2019 13:17

CES 2019 | Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2019 adds brighter LCDs, better speakers & a Carbon-Fiber coating

Lenovo brings a new version of its ThinkPad X1 Carbon to the CES. The new Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 7 includes a revamped chassis with a Carbon-Fiber coating as well as the newest Intel CPUs and a brighter FHD screen option.

Benjamin Herzig, 08 Jan 2019 02:00

CES 2019 | Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga 2019 relies on a redesigned CNC aluminium chassis

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 4 convertible gets revamped for 2019 with a completely new chassis. For the first time ever on a ThinkPad X1 laptop, its completely made out of CNC-machined aluminium and not available in black.

Benjamin Herzig, 08 Jan 2019 02:00

Touchscreen

Acer announces school-friendly Chromebook 512 laptop and Chromebook Spin 512 convertible

Apple's switch to OLED for iPhones results in apparent display-supplier woes

When cheaper is faster — Core i5 HP EliteBook x360 1030 G3 convertible outperforms the Core i7 SKU by 10 percent

83% Lenovo Tab P10 Tablet Review

HP announces two new Education Edition Chromebooks

Honor Play 8A may make it to India soon: new rumor

FHD, Touchscreen, WQHD or HDR? | The best display for the ThinkPad X1 Carbon – All panels in comparison

Windows on Snapdragon doesn't solve the underlying issue of Windows ARM

87% Dell Inspiron 7486 Chromebook 14 2-in-1 Convertible Review

Samsung Galaxy S10 leaks: Image of the S10E, S10 and S10+ together; ceramic back for the latter

80% Wiko View 2 Go Smartphone Review

88% Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Tablet 2018 (i5, 3K-IPS) Convertible Review

Google Maps now display speed limits in certain areas

Sony's latest APS-C mirrorless camera, the alpha A6400, is officially announced

Samsung's upcoming SM-T515 tablet makes an appearance on Geekbench, Exynos 7885 in tow

Could Project Ara possibly be back? Google has secured a new patent for a familiar-looking modular device

Casemaker claims the Galaxy S10 line's fingerprint sensor will not work with its screen protectors

OPPO will showcase its 10X optical zoom smartphone cams at MWC 2019

Android Q leak: What awaits us this year

Apple looks to expand Watch into health market in the face of flagging iPhone sales

Three Way Shootout: iPad Pro 11, Galaxy Tab S4 and Surface Go

The Xiaomi Mi 9 flagship will come with improved in-display fingerprint reading

Dell is also working on fixing XPS 15 9575 DPC latency issues

81% Wiko View 2 Plus Smartphone Review

The foldable Motorola Razr could hit Verizon later this year carrying a US$1,500 price tag

Unpleasant surprise: Core i5 Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Tablet 25% faster than i7-SKU!

Chuwi Ubook 2-in-1 will be a cheaper version of the Microsoft Surface Go

79% OUKITEL U23 Smartphone Review

iPod Touch will be resurrected for 2019 with USB type C: new rumor

The Lenovo Z5 Pro GT has had its general release delayed

79% Ulefone Armor 3T Smartphone Review

80% Alldocube X Tablet Review

Alleged OnePlus 7 with full-screen display surfaces in arguably dubious leak

Dell to release a new XPS 15 model with a 4K OLED panel in March

Vivo's upcoming "The Waterdrop" phone gets leaked design pics

82% Lenovo Yoga C630 WOS (Snapdragon) Convertible Review

WSJ report corroborates theory of triple-camera iPhones in 2019

CES 2019 | Reviews of the Royole FlexPai are coming in - first but flawed foldable phone

85% Nokia 5.1 Plus (Nokia 5X) Smartphone Review

85% Huawei Mate 20 X Smartphone Review

CES 2019 | The Lenovo Yoga A940 AiO Desktop is the Surface Studio clone we've been waiting for

WhatsApp is working on fingerprint authentication for Android devices

First pictures of the 48 MP Redmi X teased by Xiaomi CEO

CES 2019 | Lenovo Yoga C730 2-in-1 will have a 4K UHD OLED display for $1650 USD

CES 2019 | Lenovo shows off with 2-in-1 Smart Tab P10 and Smart Dock

CES 2019 | Lenovo's Smart Tab M10 comes with Smart Dock and Amazon Alexa to make your home smarter

CES 2019 | Dell updates the Inspiron 13 7000 2-in-1 and Inspiron 15 7000 2-in-1 Black Editions with new 'pen garage' and keyboard

CES 2019 | Samsung updates the ultra-slim Notebook 9 Pro

CES 2019 | Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2019 adds brighter LCDs, better speakers & a Carbon-Fiber coating

CES 2019 | Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga 2019 relies on a redesigned CNC aluminium chassis

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