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Vivaldi Browser 1.14.1077.41 vertical reading setting, Vivaldi Browser is three years old

Vivaldi Browser celebrates its third anniversary by adding vertical reading, markdown support for notes, and more

The vertical reading mode introduced by Vivaldi Browser 1.14 is one of the best ways for reading texts in Japanese, Korean, and Chinese. Next to this new feature, the update also brings customizable web panels and Markdown support...

Codrut Nistor, 31 Jan 2018 20:05

Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 Android smartphone gets MIUI 9.2 on top of Marshmallow, no Nougat in sight

Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 gets MIUI 9, but no Nougat

Although the new stable MIUI ROM for the Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 carries the build number 9.2.4.0, it still uses a Marshmallow core. Sadly, it seems that this Snapdragon 650-powered handset will never get Android Nougat.

Codrut Nistor, 31 Jan 2018 16:15

Google Assistant voice search in action, Notebookcheck search

Customizable hot words coming soon to Google Assistant

Although Google Assistant has been around for a while, it still lacks the ability to use a custom hot word, something that Motorola's Moto Voice introduced back in 2014. Fortunately, it looks like this issue will be fixed soon.

Codrut Nistor, 31 Jan 2018 13:45

Xbox's Phil Spencer could be on to something big. (Source: Polygon)

Microsoft rumored to buy Electronic Arts for US$35 billion to boost Xbox-exclusive portfolio

Rumors are doing the rounds that Microsoft is looking at a possible acquisition of a large game publisher, such as Electronic Arts, Valve, PUBG Corp., or the likes. But there is also skepticism given Microsoft's not-so-successful ...

Vaidyanathan Subramaniam, 31 Jan 2018 08:54

Over 700,000 rogue apps removed from Google Play Store in 2017

Thanks to improved focus and machine learning, Google has been able to remove 700,000 bad apps from the Play Store, 99 percent of which were caught before being installed by any users.

Craig Ward, 30 Jan 2018 23:51

Microsoft acquires cloud-connected gaming platform PlayFab

Microsoft has decided to purchase PlayFab, a company that provides services for building, launching, and growing cloud-connected games. PlayFab's extensive list of clients includes names like Rovio, Atari, and Disney.

Codrut Nistor, 30 Jan 2018 13:10

Nokia 3 Android smartphone to get Oreo beta soon as of late January 2018

Nokia 3 Oreo beta coming soon, Nokia 2 to jump straight to Android 8.1

HMD Global Chief Product Officer Juho Sarvikas has recently confirmed that the Nokia 2 will jump straight to Android 8.1 to get advantage of the memory optimization features, but the Nokia 3 will also receive the first Oreo beta s...

Codrut Nistor, 29 Jan 2018 23:20

Samsung Pay on compatible handsets, Samsung Pay now available in Mexico

Samsung Pay enters the Mexican market

Mexico has just become the second country in Latin America to get Samsung Pay, after Brazil. The local launch partners include Banorte, Citibanamex, HSBC, Santander, Clip, iZettle, and others.

Codrut Nistor, 29 Jan 2018 21:59

Google Bulletin app (Source: Google Posts)

Crowd-sourced, local news app Google Bulletin now available for testing

The Google Bulletin experimental platform is in an early access mode for now, and it promises to deliver relevant community news directly from those who live in a certain area.

Codrut Nistor, 29 Jan 2018 12:30

Microsoft has issued a patch allowing users to toggle off its Spectre protection. (Source: Meltdownattack.com)

Optional MS update toggles off Spectre patch to stop reboot issues

Microsoft has made an optional patch available for users experiencing instability with their PCs following the recent round of software updates from both it and Intel. The Microsoft patch rolls back its OS-level protection in favo...

Sanjiv Sathiah, 29 Jan 2018 11:27

Global app downloads by store in Q4 2017 (Source: App Annie)

Google Play increased its lead in Q4 2017 by downloads, still making less money than Apple's App Store

Although the amount of Google Play app downloads in Q4 2017 is more than double the number achieved by Apple's App Store, the tables turn when talking about the revenue they generated. In this area, Apple leads by about 95 percent...

Codrut Nistor, 29 Jan 2018 11:00

Apple WatchOS 4.3 Developer Beta brings some new usability features

The latest developers beta for Apple's WatchOS 4.3 brings back Apple Music integration, improved fitness information in the Siri watch face, and a new portrait charging mode. Apple's WatchOS holds a 57 percent share of the smartwa...

Craig Ward, 27 Jan 2018 23:54

Windows Insiders can download fonts directly from the Microsoft Store. (Source: Windows Latest)

Windows 10 'Redstone 4' Build 17083 offers font downloads directly from the Microsoft Store

Insiders running the latest Windows 10 Insider Preview Build 17083 will now be able to download fonts directly from the Microsoft Store. This is part of a larger effort to consolidate all settings under the new Settings app.

Vaidyanathan Subramaniam, 27 Jan 2018 09:44

Wine can now run on Android, but is marked as 'experimental.' (Source: Sponchia/Pixabay)

WINE 3.0 can now be installed on Android to run Windows programs

The 3.0 release of Wine brings several improvements, including experimental Android support. This allows Windows x86 software to run on phones and tablets with a compatible SoC, and Windows RT software on the rest.

Craig Ward, 25 Jan 2018 23:56

Google I/O 2018 teaser, possible Android P reference spotted (Source: Google Developers)

Android 9.0 could be unveiled in May as Pineapple Cake

Although this is not official yet, Android P is very likely to show up at Google I/O 2018, an event that is scheduled to take place in early May.

Codrut Nistor, 25 Jan 2018 23:02

Twitter COO Anthony Noto resigns

After being in charge as Twitter's COO for about a year, Anthony Noto decided to move on, accepting the CEO position at SoFi, a financial technology startup.

Codrut Nistor, 25 Jan 2018 16:00

The HTC One M9 is billed for a surprise Oreo update

The HTC M9 was released way back in 2015, so it's something of a surprise to learn that it will be receiving the update to Oreo. An early March rollout is expected.

Ricci Rox, 25 Jan 2018 00:29

Users of the LG G6 in Europe will receive Oreo just before Android P is released

The LG G6 was launched on Android Nougat just over a year ago, and LG has confirmed that the European model of the device will receive its update to Oreo in June.

Ricci Rox, 24 Jan 2018 16:49

Denuvo's recent acquisition could restore the efficiency of the DRM solution. (Source: Irdeto)

Irdeto acquires video game DRM developer Denuvo

With the new Denuvo acquisition, Irdeto is looking to strengthen its own security tech. The Denuvo DRM for games could also end up stronger than ever, giving crackers around the world a hard time once again.

Bogdan Solca, 24 Jan 2018 16:01

New privacy options will be seen in upcoming Windows 10 releases. (Source: ZDNet)

Latest Windows 10 Insider Preview builds reveal new privacy tools

In a step up towards addressing the spate of privacy concerns surrounding Windows 10, Microsoft is introducing new privacy tools that will enable users to see the exact data being sent as telemetry information.

Vaidyanathan Subramaniam, 24 Jan 2018 11:17

Nokia 8 gets Android 8.1 beta

Two months after the public build of Android 8.0 Oreo, the Nokia 8 flagship receives a beta of the Android 8.1 firmware. This update comes with cheese on top of the patty for the hamburger emoji, as well as many unspecified small ...

Codrut Nistor, 24 Jan 2018 01:33

Firefox 58 update notification, new version launched with tracking protection and faster graphics

Firefox 58 now official with tracking protection and faster graphics

Launched earlier today, Firefox 58 promises to deliver smoother graphics, improved support for progressive web apps on Android devices, faster page loading, tracking protection, and more.

Codrut Nistor, 23 Jan 2018 23:35

Nine released Honor devices to run on Oreo: Honor 8 a surprise inclusion, Honor 6X snubbed

An Honor representative on Huawei's official forums has confirmed the list of Honor devices that will run on the Oreo-based EMUI 8.0, with the Honor 8 and V8 surprise inclusions, and the Honor 6X apparently set to miss out.

Ricci Rox, 23 Jan 2018 22:05

Android Wear 2.8 dark theme (Source: Imgur via Reddit)

Android Wear 2.8 brings improved notifications and new dark theme

A few days after images showing an updated smartwatch surfaced on Reddit, Google confirmed the release of Android Wear 2.8, highlighting the fact that this is an update for the smartphone app and not the same as the OTA for some w...

Codrut Nistor, 23 Jan 2018 13:55

Game Speed Booster hits MIUI 9 (Source: MIUI)

MIUI 9 gets Game Speed Booster

The Game Speed Booster optimizations are now available for the MIUI 9 Global Beta ROM, as well as for the Chinese Beta and Chinese Stable ROMs. Thanks to this tool, the user can disable navigation buttons or keep a steady brightne...

Codrut Nistor, 22 Jan 2018 21:20

Google Fuchsia OS in January 2018 (Source: Ars Technica)

Google Fuchsia OS demo surfaces online

The new demo shows still a product not ready for the market, but in a more advanced status than it was back in May 2017. Now, Fuchsia OS features a few different split-screen modes and works on the Google Pixelbook Chromebook.

Codrut Nistor, 22 Jan 2018 18:45

Amazon Alexa coming soon to Windows PCs

Alexa for PCs is scheduled to debut exclusively in the US later this year on select Windows 10 PCs by Acer, HP, and Lenovo, sporting the same features as the version for Echo devices.

Codrut Nistor, 22 Jan 2018 16:55

Photo showing Android 8.0 running on a ZTE Axon 7. (Source: ZTE forum via Android Soul)

ZTE and HTC bringing some Android 8.0 Oreo love to the US

Updates to Android 8.0 Oreo are slow to arrive. However, this weekend saw users in ZTE's US beta program receive Oreo software, and HTC announced that sprint has approved the Oreo update for the U11 on their network.

Craig Ward, 21 Jan 2018 20:53

The Alexa assistant is coming to Android via the Alexa app. (Source: Amazon)

Amazon Alexa assistant added to Alexa app for Android

Amazon is bringing its Alexa voice assistant to Android phones. Previously only available on select Android devices, Alexa will make its way into the Alexa app in the coming days as part of an update.

Sanjiv Sathiah, 21 Jan 2018 04:17

Microsoft Word in Wine, Wine 3.0 now available January 2018

Wine 3.0 open-source compatibility layer now available

Wine 3.0 is now available as the second annual release of this well-known compatibility layer and arrives more than 24 years since the initial release. This new version comes with improved compatibility with Android, Direct3D 10 a...

Codrut Nistor, 19 Jan 2018 23:00

Fujitsu Esprimo D series. (Source: Fujitsu)

Fujitsu announces three new Esprimo desktops, a Quadro equipped Celsius notebook, and Attachecase confidential file distribution software

Fujitsu caps off a busy week with three new desktops, a 17.3-inch workstation notebook with an Nvidia Quadro 5000, and Attachecase confidential file distribution software which removes part of a file and uploads it to a company se...

Craig Ward, 19 Jan 2018 22:51

Gboard 6.9 Universal Media Keyboard search screen (Source: 9to5Google)

Gboard 6.9 will bring smart replies, GIF making, media keyboard features

Although nothing is official yet and all the information comes from an APK teardown by 9to5Google, it looks like Gboard will soon get the Smart Reply feature for notifications, GIF making, and a new media keyboard that can search ...

Codrut Nistor, 19 Jan 2018 00:35

Enmotus mainly provides storage software solutions for servers. (Source: Enmotus)

Enmotus FuzeDrive brings fast storage to AMD Ryzen users

The FuzeDrive software "melds" SSDs, HDDs, NVMe devices and even DDR4 system RAM into one large storage pool that remains bootable and does not require OS reinstallation.

Bogdan Solca, 17 Jan 2018 16:33

Facebook promises to improve Messenger this year

Facebook has recently admitted that the Messenger app is too cluttered, but promised that this year they will focus on "massively simplifying and streamlining" it.

Codrut Nistor, 17 Jan 2018 16:07

Huawei P10 flagship and P10 Plus gets Android Oreo beta

Huawei P10 and P10 Plus get Oreo beta update

Android Oreo beta is now available for the international Huawei P10 and P10 Plus flagships, and it includes EMUI 8.0 with quite a few new features.

Codrut Nistor, 16 Jan 2018 23:58

The Honor 8 is still an aesthetically stunning device. (Source: XDA-Developers)

The Honor 8 will not receive Android Oreo, and that's a shame

The Honor 8 was released barely 18 months ago, so it's something of a surprise to hear that it won't be receiving the update to Oreo.

Ricci Rox, 16 Jan 2018 22:26

Samsung Pay old and new UI (Source: Android Central)

Samsung Pay gets a new interface

The latest Samsung Pay version that is apparently labeled 2.8.18 (the version number may vary depending on the device) drops the on-screen section menus for a traditional bottom bar. Overall, the UI is now cleaner and more user-fr...

Codrut Nistor, 16 Jan 2018 17:35

China's Five-star Red Flag, Google Maps returns to China mid-January 2018

Google Maps returns to China after 8 years of absence

Thanks to a partnership with Alibaba-owned AutoNavi, the Google Maps service returns to China, but with a few feature limitations needed to get the approval of the local government.

Codrut Nistor, 16 Jan 2018 14:40

The phased rollout of the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update is now complete. (Source: Microsoft)

Windows 10 Fall Creators Update (1709) is now fully available

The phased rollout of the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update has reached the final stage with it now being fully available to all Windows 10 computers.

Craig Ward, 15 Jan 2018 21:38

Samsung Galaxy On7 Prime Android smartphone hits India mid-January 2018 (Source: Samsung)

Samsung Galaxy On7 Prime launching in India later this week

In the aftermath of a pretty long stream of rumors and teasers, the Samsung Galaxy On7 Prime is now finally ready to hit the Indian market. This 5.5-inch handset with an Exynos 7870 processor will be available in two configuration...

Codrut Nistor, 15 Jan 2018 20:10

Skype's new private conversations feature uses the Signal Protocol for end-to-end encryption. (Source: Signal)

Microsoft brings end-to-end encryption to Skype in collaboration with Signal

There were some fairly large privacy concerns that arose early in the life of Skype. Microsoft has tried to allay those fears in recent times, but the integration of end-to-end encryption using the open-source Signal Protocol is t...

Craig Ward, 15 Jan 2018 17:58

Playerunknown's Battlegrounds hits a new milestone, 3 million Xbox One players

Battlegrounds hits 3 million players on Xbox One

Although it was released worldwide on December 12, the multiplayer online battle royale game shortly known as PUBG (or Playerunknown's Battlegrounds in full) already has a strong following of more than 3 million Xbox One players.

Codrut Nistor, 15 Jan 2018 12:42

The new AMT hack can bypass all known security measures. (Source: Anandtech)

Gone in 30 seconds: New Intel AMT exploit is scarier than you can ever fathom

F-Secure's security researchers discovered another flaw in Intel's Active Management Technology (AMT) that a hacker can potentially misuse to gain remote access to a system.

Vaidyanathan Subramaniam, 14 Jan 2018 14:54

'Haswell' CPU owners are getting increased security at the expense of reliability. (Source: Overclock3D)

Intel 'Haswell' and 'Broadwell' CPU users complain of higher system reboots after applying Meltdown and Spectre patches

Users of older generation 'Haswell' and 'Broadwell' Intel CPUs are reporting of constant reboots after applying patches to address the Meltdown and Spectre vulnerabilities. Intel is looking at issuing a revised firmware to address...

Vaidyanathan Subramaniam, 14 Jan 2018 13:05

The Mi A1's Android Oreo update has been suspended due to concerns over performance issues

The Mi A1, against all apparent odds, received its stable Oreo update on the last day of 2017. The company has pulled the update, though, after feedback from users showed a number of bugs. Probably should have kept this one in bet...

Ricci Rox, 13 Jan 2018 20:42

North Korean military parade, North Korean Android malware targets defectors and their supporters

North Korean malware targets defectors and their supporters

McAfee researchers recently uncovered a hacking operation that targets North Korean defectors and those who help them, using popular chat apps and social media services (Facebook included) to deliver malware to their Android devic...

Codrut Nistor, 12 Jan 2018 22:35

Meltdown and Spectre threats could also hit Chromebooks with the exception of those with ARM processors

Meltdown and Spectre patches not coming to older Chromebooks

Although some ARM-driven Chromebooks do not need patching, there are also a few Chrome OS-powered notebooks that will not get any sort of protection from Meltdown and Spectre, including the Acer C7 and the Samsung Chromebook 5.

Codrut Nistor, 12 Jan 2018 19:47

OnePlus caught swiping user data again, only this time also sending it to China-controlled servers

OnePlus has been caught manhandling user data again, with a OnePlus 3T user on the OnePlus forums showing proof of his clipboard app sending data to an Alibaba-controlled server.

Ricci Rox, 11 Jan 2018 15:52

LG Pay in South Korea (Source: Yonhap News Agency)

LG Pay to hit the US by June

After a few delays, LG Pay launched in South Korea last summer and, thanks to its moderate success in that market, LG has decided to bring it to the US in the first half of 2018 with the help of the G7 and V40 flagships. The mid-r...

Codrut Nistor, 11 Jan 2018 11:55