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suhide-lite can bypass Google's SafetyNet, allowing rooted phones to run apps that would otherwise be restricted. (Source: XDA-Developers)

It's now easier to hide root on your Android phone with suhide-lite

A new SuperSU package by developer Chainfire allows users to hide root status from specific apps, which can enable the use of certain apps on rooted devices that would otherwise be blocked via Google's SafetyNet API.

Sam Medley, 11 Aug 2017 22:47

Google Camera 4.4 settings screen, new features include selfie flash and double-tap zoom

Google Camera update brings double-tap to zoom feature

Version 4.4 of Google's camera software is now available via Google Play and comes with a new toggle for switching between camera functions and the ability to double-tap to zoom.

Codrut Nistor, 11 Aug 2017 18:55

Samsung Contacts update reveals possible Bixby global launch (Source: SamMobile)

Samsung Bixby might go global

Without any official confirmation of a Bixby global launch yet, Samsung updated its Contacts app and added "Bixby English global launching" to its changelog. For now, the US remains the only market where Bixby is available with En...

Codrut Nistor, 11 Aug 2017 17:00

Lenovo Phab2 Android phablet will not receive Nougat update

No Nougat updates for the Lenovo Phab lineup

Although not upgrading the software of the original 2015 Phab handset anymore is something one would expect, Lenovo has decided to leave the Project Tango AR-enabled Phab2 Pro without an Android Nougat update as well.

Codrut Nistor, 11 Aug 2017 15:45

Windows 10 Pro for Workstations highlights (Source: Microsoft)

Microsoft Windows 10 Pro for Workstations coming this fall

This upcoming Windows 10 edition will come this fall with the following highlights: the ReFS file system, SMB Direct file sharing, persistent memory, and expanded hardware support.

Codrut Nistor, 11 Aug 2017 14:45

The Redmi Note 4 was released in January 2017. (Source: Gearbest)

Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 gets Nougat update

The Redmi Note 4 was released in January and has finally received a Nougat update. It's nice of Xiaomi to keep users of budget devices in mind but considering Android O will launch within the next few weeks, this is still rather d...

Ricci Rox, 11 Aug 2017 11:07

Samsung Internet Browser Beta Content Blockers settings, app now available for all Android handsets

Samsung Internet Browser Beta now available for non-Samsung devices

The last time we heard about Samsung's browser for Android, it was only available for the company's own handsets and Google Nexus phones running Lollipop or later. Now, any Android device with Lollipop on board can run this piece ...

Codrut Nistor, 11 Aug 2017 09:30

71 percent of Windows 10 Creators Update users send Microsoft their full telemetry data

Microsoft has reduced the amount of telemetry data collected under the 'basic' diagnostic option to be compliant with privacy laws and customer desires. However, 71 percent of Creators Update users still opt to send full diagnosti...

Craig Ward, 10 Aug 2017 22:45

Friends with benefits — Kaspersky and Microsoft seem to have reconciled their differences with respect to security in Windows 10. (Source: Kaspersky)

Kaspersky withdraws antitrust claim after Microsoft offers to make Windows 10 more AV vendor friendly

It appears that Microsoft and Kaspersky have come to terms with respect to the latter's demands of a more antivirus vendor friendly approach in Windows 10 resulting in withdrawal of all antitrust allegations against Microsoft by K...

Vaidyanathan Subramaniam, 10 Aug 2017 19:10

Facebook Watch - Watchlist section, Facebook video platform launching August 2017

Facebook Watch now official

Facebook's video platform called Watch is now official, although some of the details are not public yet and the service is on a limited rollout in the US. However, full availability is expected soon.

Codrut Nistor, 10 Aug 2017 18:00

Samsung Galaxy A7 (2017) Android phablet gets Nougat update

Samsung Galaxy A7 (2017) gets Android Nougat

This 5.7-inch premium mid-range handset launched in early 2017 but only had Android Marshmallow on board back then. Now, the Nougat update is finally available for it. The new firmware brings Samsung Pass, Dual Messenger, and impr...

Codrut Nistor, 10 Aug 2017 09:55

Disney Princess: Charmed Adventures is one of 42 titles the suit alleges to collect personal information of children without parental consent. (Source: Disney)

Disney sued for allegedly illegally collecting data on children with smartphone apps

Disney is being sued along with three software companies for creating software targeted at young children that collect personal information and send it to advertisers without the consent of parents. Disney has signaled it aims to ...

Douglas Black, 10 Aug 2017 05:45

The Garmin Vivofit 3 looks less like a fitness tracker and more like a smartwatch. (Image source: Wareable)

Garmin Vivoactive 3 takes design cues from other smartwatches in leaked photos

The upcoming fitness tracker from Garmin features a round face and an overhauled UI more reminiscent of Garmin's own Fenix line of wearables. This may position the Vivoactive 3 against competing smartwatches, especially Fitbit's u...

Sam Medley, 09 Aug 2017 23:32

Outlook.com beta shows a redesigned look with useful new features

Microsoft is beta testing the third redesign to Outlook.com during the products five-year life span. Changes include putting an emphasis on search, improving smart inbox features such as adding restaurant locations and rating when...

Craig Ward, 09 Aug 2017 20:13

OS-ception: Ubuntu running in a Windows Server VM (Source: MSDN)

Windows Subsystem for Linux now available on a Windows Server near you

The Windows Subsystem on Linux (WSL) can now be deployed on Windows Server installations starting with Build 16257, making it easy for IT admins to run that elusive Linux command line tool without having to install and configure a...

Vaidyanathan Subramaniam, 09 Aug 2017 18:24

Even the HP Elite X3 might not get OS feature updates going forward. (Source: AAWP)

"We'll explain things when we're ready", says a Microsoft rep about Windows 10 Mobile

In a rather reticent tweet, Microsoft's Brandon LeBlanc has tweeted that the company is not yet ready to go public with plans regarding the future of the ill-fated Windows 10 Mobile. For fans of the platform however, it has opened...

Vaidyanathan Subramaniam, 09 Aug 2017 16:55

Disney leaving Netflix

The Walt Disney Company has just unveiled that its ESPN-branded video streaming service would debut in early 2018, followed one year later by a new direct-to-consumer Disney-branded service.

Codrut Nistor, 09 Aug 2017 14:45

HTC U11 Android flagship to get 60 fps video shooting capabilities soon

HTC U11 to get 60 fps video recording

HTC has just confirmed on Twitter that its flagship device would get 60 fps video recording support "over the next couple of months" but failed to come up with a launch date for the software update that would deliver this feature.

Codrut Nistor, 09 Aug 2017 12:10

VR support and a new screenshot sharing tool come to Firefox 55

Users of Firefox 55 will now be able to interact with online VR content thanks to WebVR support coming to the stable release. Mozilla has also introduced a new screenshot tool which simplifies the sharing process by providing one-...

Craig Ward, 08 Aug 2017 23:45

Oppo R11 smartphone gets Android 7.1.1-based update that removes the status bar notifications

ColorOS update leaves Oppo R11 without status bar notifications

While the Marshmallow-based ColorOS 3.0.0i firmware for the Oppo R9s and R9s Plus shows notifications in the status bar, the Nougat-based ColorOS 3.1 update for the R11 comes without this popular feature.

Codrut Nistor, 08 Aug 2017 16:20

Google Nexus 6P flagship and others receive August 2017 Android security patches

Google's August Android security patch now available for Nexus and Pixel devices

This month's update is based on Android 7.1.2 and Android 7.1.1, depending on the device targeted. In addition to the Pixel and Nexus handsets, the Nexus Player digital media player and the Nexus 9 tablet also got updated.

Codrut Nistor, 08 Aug 2017 09:20

The HP Elite X3 is currently the highest-end smartphone running Windows 10 Mobile. (Image source: HP)

Windows may be moving to a unified mobile/desktop OS

According to rumors, Microsoft may soon be killing of development of Windows 10 Mobile in favor of pursuing a unified operating system that more closely ties development and features of the desktop version of Windows to a retooled...

Sam Medley, 08 Aug 2017 00:01

Windows Insider Skip Ahead option closed (Source: Terho Alhonen on Twitter)

Skip Ahead option for Windows Insiders disappears

Shortly after showing up, the option to access early new builds of Windows 10 has disappeared from the list of choices available to the new members of the Windows Insider testing program.

Codrut Nistor, 07 Aug 2017 19:55

Lollipop and Marshmallow users get adaptive icons thanks to Adapticons

This free Android app known as Adapticons allows its users to bring Android O-style icon customization options to older versions of Google's mobile operating system, starting with Lollipop.

Codrut Nistor, 07 Aug 2017 16:45

Office 365 is now available for all users of Windows 10 S. (Source: Windows Blog Italia)

Office 365 Personal (Preview) now available for all Windows 10 S PCs

The Office desktop apps are now available to download in Preview form from the Windows Store as part of Office 365 Personal to all users of Windows 10 S: the OS that only runs apps downloaded from the Windows Store.

Vaidyanathan Subramaniam, 07 Aug 2017 15:12

The new Remix 3D allows you to build upon other's creations easily. (Source: Microsoft)

Microsoft brings Parts and Remixes to Remix 3D.com

The new update to the popular online service will enable users to re-use parts of existing 3D models (with attribution to the original creator) and spin off new creations.

Vaidyanathan Subramaniam, 07 Aug 2017 12:30

Arrow Launcher 3.8.0 now available

This new update to Microsoft's launcher app for Android devices does not bring any major changes. However, next to the usual tweaks and fixes, there are a few obvious improvements in the Contacts, Calendars, and News Cards areas.

Codrut Nistor, 07 Aug 2017 08:25

Verizon releases security update for Samsung's flagship phones... from 2015

A new update for the Verizon Galaxy S5, Note 4, and Note Edge will roll out over the next few weeks, patching a few security holes and fixing some call-related bugs.

Sam Medley, 06 Aug 2017 21:26

The WannaCry hackers are taking a risk emptying their bitcoin wallets. (Source: HypnoArt/Pixabay)

WannaCry hackers empty their wallets

The three ransom wallets associated with the WannaCry ransomware have been monitored by law-enforcement for the last three months. A few days ago the total Bitcoin balances were transferred from each of those wallets into a number...

Craig Ward, 05 Aug 2017 21:53

Lenovo Phab 2 Pro Android phablet first Tango-enabled handset to hit the market

Lenovo phones to feature stock Android from now on

After moving from Vibe UI to Vibe Pure UI with the launch of the K6 Power, Lenovo is now ready to deliver only pure Android handsets, and the first one is expected to be the K8 Note. This handset is scheduled for launch in India, ...

Codrut Nistor, 04 Aug 2017 23:15

Mozilla is trialing a single-download encrypted file sharing website. (Source: Mozilla)

Mozilla tests file sharing service that deletes files after one download

Mozilla has added three new experiments to their Test Pilot program. The most interesting is a website available to users of any browser that allows single-download encrypted sharing of files. The other new experiments are a note ...

Craig Ward, 03 Aug 2017 23:59

Eye control settings in Windows 10 Insider Preview Build 16257 for PC

Windows 10 to get native eye-tracking controls

Inspired by the Eye Gaze Wheelchair project that won Microsoft's internal hackathon held back in 2014, eye-tracking technology is now available in the latest Insider Preview build of Windows 10.

Codrut Nistor, 03 Aug 2017 20:50

The recent driver update has stopped Windows Hello from activating facial recognition. (Source: Own)

UPDATE | Newest driver update makes the Surface Pro 4 blind

The latest driver update from Microsoft has stopped Windows Hello from activating the IR camera needed for facial recognition on some Surface Pro 4's. However, the problem with the screen vibration bug might also have been fixed.

Craig Ward, 02 Aug 2017 17:41

Nextbit Robin Android smartphone no loses customer support as of early August 2017

Nextbit Robin support shuts down

Razer will no longer provide customer support for this handset from now on, but software updates will continue to arrive until February 2018, as previously announced.

Codrut Nistor, 02 Aug 2017 17:05

Facebook acquires AI startup Ozlo

The Californian startup that managed to build a huge knowledge graph and also created the AI technology to use this large amount of data "to understand real-world nuances" is joining Facebook's Messenger team.

Codrut Nistor, 01 Aug 2017 20:25

Action Launcher v26 Android launcher app now available for download

Action Launcher v26 now available for download

This new full release of Chris Lacy's popular Android launcher features various Android O elements, such as extended Unread Count support, new "Icons & App Shortcuts" settings, as well as a new widget picker.

Codrut Nistor, 01 Aug 2017 11:15

Adobe Flash support officially ending in 2020

Adobe will be shifting efforts into promoting HTML5 through its Premiere Pro and Animate software tools while letting its deprecated Flash Player die a slow death.

Allen Ngo, 31 Jul 2017 23:09

Nokia 3 Android smartphone receives 7.1.1 Nougat software update

Nokia 3 to get Android 7.1.1 by the end of August

On its way to the promised Android O update, this affordable 5-inch Nokia smartphone is scheduled to receive the next minor Nougat refresh in the coming month.

Codrut Nistor, 31 Jul 2017 20:55

This is the second time this year that a broadcom WiFi chip has caused security issues. (Source: Business Insider)

Broadcomm WiFi can be hacked on iPhone and several modern Android phones

A Black Hat researcher has found a vulnerability with Broadcom wireless chips used in various phones including iPhone, Nexus, and Galaxy S phones. This bug allows a hacker to overflow the memory in the wireless chip and execute co...

Craig Ward, 30 Jul 2017 23:13

Samsung Galaxy Tab A 9.7 to get Android Nougat update soon

Samsung Galaxy Tab A 9.7 spotted with Android Nougat on board

This slate that made its debut loaded with Lollipop has just received its WiFi certification running Android 7.0, which is certainly the last major OS upgrade it will get via the official channels.

Codrut Nistor, 29 Jul 2017 00:10

Windows 10 Creators Update ready for business deployment late July 2017

Windows 10 Creators Update now ready for business deployment

The well-known version 1703 that delivered Paint 3D and many other new features arrived back in April, and now the Redmond giant encourages commercial organizations "to begin broadly deploying" this update.

Codrut Nistor, 28 Jul 2017 22:05

Microsoft Paint remains around, but is now available via Windows Store

Microsoft Paint will not be discountinued

Although it was rumored that Windows 10 users would no longer have access to the good old Paint app, since a whole new, 3D version, was introduced by the Creators Update, Microsoft has just confirmed that MS Paint will be availabl...

Codrut Nistor, 26 Jul 2017 16:20

Microsoft releases Arrow Launcher 3.8 beta on Android

Microsoft maintains a relatively rapid release schedule for their popular Arrow Launcher. Only two weeks after the release of version 3.7 they have released version 3.8 to beta testers.

Craig Ward, 26 Jul 2017 14:23

Source3 joins Facebook to get content creators paid

Facebook acquires Source3

Thanks to the Source3's technology and this content rights management company's team, Facebook plans to help digital artists monetize their content while staying safe from piracy.

Codrut Nistor, 25 Jul 2017 19:30

The Power-Mode slider allows users to select from four preset power modes for battery life or performance. (Source: Own)

UPDATE: Surface Pro 4 firmware update brings a Power-Mode slider

The latest firmware update for the Surface Pro 4 has enabled the Power-Mode slider, which was previously only available on the new Surface Pro 2017 and the Surface Book. The slider provides users with a quick and effortless way to...

Craig Ward, 25 Jul 2017 15:08

Firefox 55 reduces startup time by 90 percent and memory usage by 75 percent

A Mozilla developer has tested multiple versions of the browser and found that the current beta version improves startup times by over 90% and reduces memory usage by 75% when compared to the latest stable version. While these res...

Craig Ward, 25 Jul 2017 03:22

The Fall Creators Update could witness some popular legacy features getting axed. (Source: Windows Central)

Paint and other legacy features to get axed in the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update

The upcoming feature update to Windows 10, the Fall Creators Update, will see many legacy features in Windows getting removed or deprecated: the most noticeable among them being the classic Paint program, System Image Backup and s...

Vaidyanathan Subramaniam, 24 Jul 2017 18:01

YouTube TV extends its reach to 10 new cities in the US, basic package has 48 channels

YouTube TV hits more US cities

Offering 48 channels in its basic package, this service is now available in ten new cities, those interested being able to take advantage of a one-month free trial. After the first payment, users also receive a free Chromecast.

Codrut Nistor, 24 Jul 2017 16:00

Virus infections are relatively rare on Android, but the risk increases when the user allows side loading of apk files. (Source: gfkDSGN/Pixabay)

Android antivirus software relatively easy to beat

Researchers at Georgia Tech were able to bypass the protection of 97% of the popular Android antivirus applications tested. The detection rules used by most of the programs appear to be relatively basic, and by presenting their re...

Craig Ward, 24 Jul 2017 13:46

The SilentEchoBot allows natural interaction via text using Amazon's APIs. (Source: TechCrunch)

'Silent Echo' uses slack to allow text communication with Amazon Alexa

This Slack bot gives users the ability to silently interact with Alexa using the same commands they would speak out loud. It allows users to communicate when the room is noisy, or when voice communication isn't appropriate. Not al...

Craig Ward, 24 Jul 2017 12:02