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Twitter gets High(ly)

In its effort to make its service more conversational, Twitter has decided to add the Highly team to its staff. Sadly, this means that the iOS and Slack apps currently maintained by Highly will go down on April 26. Highly has been...

Codrut Nistor, 22 Apr 2019 18:01

WhatsApp may change its emojis soon. (Source: WABetaInfo)

WhatsApp to update its current set of emoji stickers; is working on animated ones, too

WhatsApp is reportedly working on animated stickers in its latest betas. This enables a user to superimpose a a moving piece of art (e.g. a drawing or character) on a message. A blog has also apparently found that the app is going...

Deirdre O Donnell, 22 Apr 2019 17:13

This new AI method of converting video to playable characters may be the evolution of the Animoji and its ilk. (Source: MacRumors)

Facebook researchers develop AI method to convert videos of people into playable game characters

A trio of IT researchers affiliated with Facebook have created a new method to turn a video of an individual performing a series of actions (e.g. a dance) into a 3D 'game character'. This character - and its associated movements -...

Deirdre O Donnell, 22 Apr 2019 16:24

BBM for consumers is shutting down on MAy 31. (Source: BBM Blog)

BlackBerry Messenger for consumers to shut down on May 31

Emtek, the licensed owners of the BlackBerry Messenger app, announced that the service will shut down on May 31 considering that users preferred using other messaging platforms. However, BlackBerry said that BBM Enterprise is now ...

Vaidyanathan Subramaniam, 21 Apr 2019 11:08

Light Theme at work on Windows 10 version 1903. (Source: Thurrot)

Windows 10 May Update now available via Insider Preview

Microsoft has made the next upcoming version of Windows 10 available via its Insider Preview program. It is called 1903, or the May 2019 Update. An SDK for this build is also now ready to download.

Deirdre O Donnell, 19 Apr 2019 18:52

One of the Honor 20i's new colors. (Source: Honor)

The Honor 20i with a 32MP selfie shooter is now available in China

Honor's latest phone, the 20i, has been launched in China. This phone has a 32MP front-facing camera in its U-shaped notch. In addition, the new phone has a 6.21-inch IPS-LCD full-HD screen, triple rear cameras and the Kirin 710 p...

Deirdre O Donnell, 18 Apr 2019 19:45

The latest official OnePlus teaser for 2019. (Source: Twitter)

OnePlus CEO's tweet appears to confirm some rumors about the OEM's next flagship

OnePlus' chief executive, Pete Lau, posted a tweet with more details on a "new device", as promised. It mainly consisted of what could be a new tagline for 2019, in addition to a short video showing a device that could have curved...

Deirdre O Donnell, 18 Apr 2019 15:53

The OnePlus 3 series finally has an open Android Pie-based beta. (Source: OnePlus)

OnePlus 3/3T: new OxygenOS beta based on Android Pie available now

A new version of OxygenOS for the OnePlus 3 and 3T is finally here. However, there are a few slight caveats: it is still in beta (albeit an official Community Beta), and thus may still have some bugs. On the other hand, it has an ...

Deirdre O Donnell, 17 Apr 2019 20:16

TikTok has been banned in India. (Source: The News Minute)

TikTok video app banned from Google and Apple app stores in Indian jurisdiction

The Indian Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has ordered Google and Apple to remove the app TikTok from their respective stores. This ban has followed allegations that the service increases the risk of child abuse...

Deirdre O Donnell, 17 Apr 2019 19:45

Google Maps can now spot addresses in a phone's clipboard. (Source: Google)

Google Maps now auto-completes addresses from a browser's clipboard; no paste needed

An XDA contributor has noticed that Google Maps has gained the ability to scan a mobile device's clipboard for addresses. This enables it to suggest an address that has been copied from, say, Chrome, in its search bar without the ...

Deirdre O Donnell, 17 Apr 2019 19:14

LG has postponed the launch of the V50 in South Korea. (Source: Trusted Reviews)

LG V50 Korean launch has been delayed

The V50 is LG's first 5G-enabled device, and was scheduled for release during an event on April 19, 2019. However, the OEM has issued a statement saying that this launch is now postponed. No reasons were given for this, although i...

Deirdre O Donnell, 17 Apr 2019 18:48

The Samsung Galaxy Buds. (Source: TechRadar)

Samsung Galaxy Buds: latest update adds voice-control via Bixby, other new features

Samsung designed the Galaxy Buds as a wireless audio companion for devices such as the Galaxy S10s. However, they have recently improved in this capacity through a new software update. It allows the user to operate them using Bixb...

Deirdre O Donnell, 17 Apr 2019 18:19

The new 'bright red' Casio G-SHOCK MT-G connected watch. (Source: Casio)

Casio announces a new G-SHOCK MT-G connected watch with "Vibrant Red" strap

Casio has unveiled a new addition to the MT-G line of G-SHOCKs. It has Bluetooth connectivity so as to maintain accurate time via a dedicated phone app. This new 'bright red' MT-G is rated for 200M water- and shock- resistance, as...

Deirdre O Donnell, 17 Apr 2019 14:43

Google Pay can now pull data from Gmail. (Source: Google)

Google Pay gains the ability to import rewards, loyalty cards and deals from Gmail

Google Pay has gained more functionality in a new update. It involves the ability to 'scan' Gmail for information on a user's financial perks and other info. This includes rewards from using loyalty cards or other similar systems....

Deirdre O Donnell, 16 Apr 2019 23:27

Nintendo Switch hybrid console gets firmware update 8.0 with zoom and more features

Nintendo Switch firmware update 8.0 comes with zoom, new game sorting options, and more

The latest software update for the Nintendo Switch hybrid game console comes with Save Transfer, which allows players to transfer save data between Switch consoles without an online subscription, a Zoom feature, new game sorting o...

Codrut Nistor, 16 Apr 2019 18:33

Apple betting big on Arcade subscription service, has reportedly poured US $500 million into project

Apple is throwing US $500 million behind its upcoming Arcade gaming subscription service, according to a report by Financial Times. The service could be a big payoff for Apple; devs that release games via Arcade will be bound to a...

Sam Medley, 16 Apr 2019 17:57

The ACM is investigating the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. (Source: ACM)

A Dutch competition authority is investigating Apple, Google for the possibility of app-store monopoly

Google and Apple provide and maintain 2 of the largest app markets in the world. The Dutch Authority for Consumers and Markets has decided to investigate them with regard to how third-party developers are treated on these platform...

Deirdre O Donnell, 15 Apr 2019 19:02

iOS 13 may introduce a list of long-awaited features. (Source: YouTube)

Dark Mode may make it to the next major iOS update

A new report indicates that iOS 12's successor may gain a system-wide dark mode. In addition, this OS upgrade will lose the requirement for a profile in order to manage fonts. iPads may also get a version of Safari that defaults t...

Deirdre O Donnell, 15 Apr 2019 18:28

The Nubia X can be updated via an Android Pie beta now. (Source: Geekbuying)

Dual-screened Nubia X is issued with new Android Pie beta

The Nubia X is one of a very few phones with working displays on both sides. It also now has Android 9 (Pie), albeit in beta form. Its maker is releasing it in a form that requires installation via local upgrade.

Deirdre O Donnell, 15 Apr 2019 18:05

EMUI 9.1 is the latest version of Android on Huawei phones. (Source: Huawei Advices)

A software update for the Huawei Mate 20 line is in the works

With the release of the P30 and P30 Pro, the Mate 20 series is now the second-latest generation of Huawei flagships. However, it appears the OEM is still maintaining an update schedule for these devices. It has announced a new bet...

Deirdre O Donnell, 14 Apr 2019 19:05

Eighteen months after launch, the HTC U11+ has yet to receive a single major OS update

HTC unveiled the U11+ about eighteen months ago. Since then, though, the flagship has yet to get a single OS update. In fact, bar Android One phones, no HTC device has received the Pie update, and that's a list that includes devic...

Ricci Rox, 14 Apr 2019 14:47

The Xiaomi Mi A1 may get the Android Q update after all

The Xiaomi Mi A1 was released back in 2017 and has received the two major updates it was promised. According to a new report, though, the device could get a third OS update that will see it enjoy Android Q and all the features it ...

Ricci Rox, 14 Apr 2019 09:31

An app calling itself Google Wallet is scamming access to users' accounts

Google Wallet has reportedly gained access to a number of Google accounts over the last few days. That would be fine and all - if the official iteration of this app still existed. It was discontinued and absorbed into Google Pay s...

Deirdre O Donnell, 13 Apr 2019 18:44

Microsoft feels it has more content than Google can offer for cloud-based gameplay. (Source: Xbox Wire)

Microsoft says Google Stadia has the infrastructure but no content

Xbox's Chief Marketing Officer Mike Nichols felt that Microsoft is in a better position than Google in the race for cloud gaming given the vast library of games and other content that Xbox provides, echoing the sentiments of Xbox ...

Vaidyanathan Subramaniam, 12 Apr 2019 19:51

The new, mid-range Snapdragon chipsets. (Source: AnTuTu)

The new mid-range Snapdragon SoCs (665, 730 & 730G) go to AnTuTu for testing

The Snapdragon processors 665, 730 and 730G are Qualcomm's latest mid-range SoCs. The 730G is particularly interesting as it is a specifically gaming-focused chipset. AnTuTu was able to test these new products and compare them to ...

Deirdre O Donnell, 12 Apr 2019 18:48

The 8cx, or perhaps its successors, may make it to Microsoft PCs in the next few years. (Source: The Verge)

Surface Pro variants with Snapdragon processors may be in the works

The future of Microsoft PCs such as the Surface Pro may yet be Qualcomm-based. A new report on the development of Windows on ARM includes references to several prototypes from this line with Snapdragon processors rather than those...

Deirdre O Donnell, 12 Apr 2019 17:09

PUBG has been banned in Nepal. (Source: Polygon)

Nepalese authorities order nationwide ban on PUBG

PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds, or PUBG for short, is one of the Korean studio Bluehole's biggest success stories. However, some state regulators seem not to like it as much as its millions of players do. Nepal is the latest countr...

Deirdre O Donnell, 12 Apr 2019 16:37

Galaxy S10 5G models may have a critical issue with their expensive new functions. (Source: Digital Trends)

Samsung Galaxy S10 5G users complain that their phones drop signal while switching to 4G

According to a new report in the Korean media, those who have bought Samsung's 5G edition of the Galaxy S10 face a significant new issue with these devices. It seems that these phones fail to connect to 4G when the new radio bands...

Deirdre O Donnell, 12 Apr 2019 16:11

The Samsung Galaxy S7. (Source: AndroidPIT)

Against all odds, the Samsung Galaxy S7 could be set to receive the Android Pie-based One UI update

The Samsung Galaxy S7 was released over three years ago, and has received its two promised major OS updates—Nougat and Oreo. According to new information, however, the device could be set for one last hurrah, with Samsung apparent...

Ricci Rox, 12 Apr 2019 13:55

Disney+ may or may not disrupt major players such as Netflix later this year. (Source: Disney)

More details on new Disney+ streaming service to be made available soon

The new Disney+ streaming service will entail a mixture of old and new shows from all of the studios under its umbrella. This, therefore, includes Lucasfilm, 21st Century Fox, Pixar and Marvel. Therefore, Netflix may indeed forfei...

Deirdre O Donnell, 11 Apr 2019 18:55

Swisscom is now offering 5G connectivity in its home country. (Source: Swisscom)

Swisscom and Qualcomm are first to a consumer-grade 5G service in Europe

Qualcomm and Swisscom have announced the implementation of Europe's first commercial 5G service. These telecommunication and technology corporations had set up a partnership to deliver this next-generation mobile data standard in ...

Deirdre O Donnell, 11 Apr 2019 18:01

The 10X Zoom variant of the OPPO Reno has gone to AnTuTu. (Source: OPPO)

AnTuTu releases its first score for the OPPO Reno 10X Zoom Edition

AnTuTu has taken to Weibo to present the first benchmark score derived from the newly-released OPPO Reno line. It is associated with the '10X Zoom' variant, which has a Snapdragon 855 processor and 6GB of RAM. This alleged super-c...

Deirdre O Donnell, 11 Apr 2019 17:17

The alleged new app icons for discrete Apple Podcast and TV apps. (Source: 9to5Mac)

Apple to phase iTunes out in favor of standalone media apps in future versions of macOS

iTunes, the unified account by which Apple apps and services are accessed on devices such as Macs, seems to have been around forever. However, it also appears that this is no longer the case. A 9to5Mac contributor has confirmed ru...

Deirdre O Donnell, 11 Apr 2019 16:38

Been a long time coming, honestly. (Source: Digital Trends)

After years of debate, Sony is now allowing PlayStation users to change their PSN IDs

After years of pleading, PlayStation users can now change their PSN IDs, a useful feature considering most users registered during their more juvenile ages and may have opted for obnoxious IDs. Like with all things Sony, however, ...

Ricci Rox, 11 Apr 2019 16:12

Anno 1800 Open Beta pre-loading (Source: Own)

Anno 1800 Open Beta kicks off tomorrow

Set to hit the market on April 16, Anno 1800 will enter a short Open Beta stage that is scheduled to be held this weekend. However, those interested in taking this business management/city building hybrid title for a spin can alre...

Codrut Nistor, 11 Apr 2019 16:05

Android Pie is now rolling out to the ZenFone Max M2. (Source: Asus)

Android Pie update now rolling out to Asus ZenFone Max Pro M1 and ZenFone Max M2

Asus has released the Android 9 Pie update to users of the ZenFone Max Pro M1 and the Max M2 as promised. The update is being seeded in batches and might take some time before the device shows the update notification. Android Pie ...

Vaidyanathan Subramaniam, 11 Apr 2019 06:46

Samsung Galaxy Watch Active gets new firmware, still on Tizen 4.0.0.3

Samsung Galaxy Watch Active gets its first software update

The new firmware for the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active is based on Tizen 4.0.0.3, the same version that came with this smartwatch at launch. The update has less than 14 MB in size and is currently rolling out in the US. It brings se...

Codrut Nistor, 10 Apr 2019 20:53

The action-cam market is said to grow steadily over the next few years. (Source: MEC.ca)

Action-cam market set to be worth US$10.25 billion by 2026

The action camera market is projected to be worth over $10 billion in 7 years. It has been found to be made up of the popular brands in this space, such as GoPro, Sony, Olympus, Garmin and others. This market is reportedly driven ...

Deirdre O Donnell, 10 Apr 2019 20:40

India is now one of YouTube's biggest markets. (Source: Rotor Videos)

YouTube calculates that it has 265 million active users in India, expects this to roughly double by 2020

YouTube has amassed a 265 million-stong user based in the Indian market. Speaking at a recent Google conference, the service's CEO, Susan Wojcicki, projected that this number would grow further to 500 million by next year. The exe...

Deirdre O Donnell, 10 Apr 2019 19:11

Black Desert coming to iOS and Android mobile devices later in 2019

Black Desert Mobile coming to Android and iOS later this year

With gross sales on PC and Xbox One of over US$1 billion, Black Desert can be definitely considered a successful MMORPG. Since other titles made the same move in the last years, it is not surprising that this game will launch for ...

Codrut Nistor, 10 Apr 2019 14:15

Sniper Elite V2 on Wii U, Remastered edition coming May 2019

Sniper Elite V2 Remastered coming next month to Windows PCs and consoles

Digital pre-orders are already live for 10 percent off, so those who want to enjoy Sniper Elite V2 in 4K with enhanced graphics, new playable characters, a frame-by-frame photo mode, and more, can go ahead and pay up. The remaster...

Codrut Nistor, 09 Apr 2019 21:36

The "OnePlus 6T :( Edition". (Source: Twitter)

Windows 10 reportedly up and running on a developer's OnePlus 6T

Remember the Pixel 3 XL that surfaced on Twitter while booting Windows? Well, its owner is back and has turned the same skills on the OnePlus 6T. The phone reportedly booted the OS, then proceeded to successfully run it and start ...

Deirdre O Donnell, 09 Apr 2019 19:50

There may be an official version of WhatsApp for iPad soon. (Source: Techpluto)

WhatsApp may be preparing a version of its app for iPad

WhatsApp has nearly always been available on iOS, but not on iPads. However, as these tablets come with SIM-enabled variants, some users would probably like the option. The app's developers may now be working on a new beta that is...

Deirdre O Donnell, 09 Apr 2019 19:15

Opera 60 Reborn 3 with new design and features (Source: Own)

Opera Reborn 3 now available with Web 3, faster built-in VPN, improved ad blocking, and more

Opera Reborn 3 — also known as Opera 60 — comes as the first desktop browser with Web 3 support, also featuring an improved built-in VPN, support for Windows 10 dark mode, a built-in Crypto Wallet, various interface changes, and m...

Codrut Nistor, 09 Apr 2019 12:57

Firefox featured extensions as of April 2019, Firefox Recommended Extensions program coming soon (Source: Own)

Firefox Recommended Extensions program coming this summer

Although Mozilla is reviewing the extensions available in the official add-ons store for Firefox, the process is now working using the "publish first/review later" approach. However, the Recommended Extensions program comes with a...

Codrut Nistor, 09 Apr 2019 10:43

Xbox Game Pass to get an Ultimate version soon (Source: VG247)

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate to join Xbox Live Gold and Game Pass benefits for US$14.99 a month, coming soon

Although Microsoft still has to make this official, multiple sources have confirmed that Xbox Game Pass Ultimate will be launched for US$14.99 and will combine the benefits that come with Xbox Game Pass and Xbox Live Gold. However...

Codrut Nistor, 09 Apr 2019 10:15

HTC Sense Home Launcher is no more. (Source: YouTube)

HTC has discontinued 9 of its own Android apps in the last 3 months

HTC is widely regarded as a smartphone OEM on the ropes. Now, AppBrain's data on the company has shown that it has taken 9 of its apps, including its in-house Sense launcher, off Google's Play Store between February and April 2019...

Deirdre O Donnell, 08 Apr 2019 19:28

The Nokia X71 is now on sale in China

Nokia's new punch-hole camera phone, the X71, has been launched in China today (April 8, 2019). This device is a variant of the 7 Plus, but with a triple rear camera set-up. It is available in 6/64GB or 6/128GB configurations.

Deirdre O Donnell, 08 Apr 2019 18:56

Android Q could offer a 3D Touch-like experience. (Source: Digital Trends)

Android Q to add support for 'deep presses' similar to Apple's 3D Touch

Android Q could bring support for its own version of iOS's 3D Touch called 'deep press' according to developer documentation for an object called MotionEvent. From the documentation, we get to learn that deep press could be a quic...

Vaidyanathan Subramaniam, 08 Apr 2019 15:38

Bitmoji Party Snapchat mobile game, Snap Games now live early April 2019 (Source: Snapchat on YouTube)

Snap Games brings in-app gaming to Snapchat

Previously known internally as "Project Cognac," Snapchat's in-app gaming platform is now live as "Snap Games." The six launch titles are Bitmoji Party, Tiny Royale, Snake Squad, C.A.T.S. Drift Race, Zombie Rescue Squad, and Alpha...

Codrut Nistor, 08 Apr 2019 13:50