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Android Nougat statue at Googleplex, 7.1.2 update now official

Google unveils Android 7.1.2 Nougat

Shortly after the official announcement, Google also posted the Public Beta images for the Pixel/Pixel XL, Nexus Player, and Pixel C. This update promises to bring bug fixes, optimizations, and a few enhancements for carriers and ...

Codrut Nistor, 31 Jan 2017 10:35

The Blackphone 2 from Silent Circle is designed around security. (Source: Blackphone)

Silent killer: Update to Blackphone's Silent OS intentionally breaks unauthorized devices

The makers of the ultra-secure Blackphone have released an update to Silent OS that prevents the operating system from running on phones "identified as unlicensed."

Sam Medley, 30 Jan 2017 23:52

Starbucks' new virtual assistant takes coffee orders via voice

Starbucks has updated their app to include a virtual assistant. Users can now use the app to place orders using either voice commands or a chat interface. The app will also integrate with Alexa.

Sam Medley, 30 Jan 2017 21:51

Samsung Galaxy Grand Neo and J2 Prime get the January 2017 Android security patch

Samsung Galaxy Grand Neo and Galaxy J2 Prime get updated

The factory unlocked variants of these two entry-level Android handsets have just begun to receive the security patch that takes care of 67 common vulnerabilities and exposures.

Codrut Nistor, 30 Jan 2017 21:35

Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 Android tablet to get Nougat update soon

Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 with Nougat gets its WiFi certification

Two months after Samsung begun the work on the Nougat firmware for this slate, the Galaxy Tab S2 with Android 7.0 on board finally receives its WiFi certification, so the update should arrive soon.

Codrut Nistor, 30 Jan 2017 15:55

Microsoft released its statements for Q4 2016 on Thursday. (Source: Microsoft)

Microsoft releases Q4 2016 financials, cloud services are key

Office 365 continues to pay off for the Redmond tech giant as cloud services were the greatest contributor to revenue.

Sam Medley, 29 Jan 2017 16:42

Google Maps parking difficulty feature now available for 25 US metro areas

Google Maps now shows parking difficulty icon for 25 US metro areas

In addition to the tools for drivers, commuters, and pedestrians available until now, Google Maps now shows parking difficulty icons based on previous and historical parking data.

Codrut Nistor, 28 Jan 2017 21:45

Hinge online dating service testing Audrey personal assistant

Audrey personal assistant being tested by Hinge

Not long after switching from swiping to "stories," dating app Hinge aims to add a personal assistant who automatically sends messages to matches and schedules dates. Rumors mention a $99 USD/month price for the upcoming service.

Codrut Nistor, 28 Jan 2017 20:40

These images of what people are calling the Idol 5's rear cover offer a few clues. (Source: Tech2)

Alcatel may announce a modular smartphone at MWC

One of the phones expected to release at MWC is the Idol 5, which sources say will be modular. The bold design move is certain to stand out from the competition, though modular smartphones have yet to prove widely popular.

Isaac Brown, 28 Jan 2017 17:20

Leaked images of what may be Surface Phones. They have yet to be confirmed, however. (Source: 1redDrop)

Microsoft's Lumia smartphone sales numbers disappoint

Windows Phone may be on its last legs, but Microsoft isn't giving up on smartphones just yet. The upcoming Surface Phone represents all of the company's hopes and dreams when it comes to the mobile market.

Isaac Brown, 28 Jan 2017 03:50

The classic PC game Myst is now available on Android. (Source: Google Play Store - realMyst)

Classic adventure game Myst now available on Android

The venerable PC adventure game finally comes to Android devices for an immersive gaming experience on the go.

Sam Medley, 27 Jan 2017 23:14

The Samsung Galaxy S8 is expected to be completely redesigned. (Source: VentureBeat)

Samsung Galaxy S8 rumored to be announced on March 29th, will be redesigned

According to rumors, The Samsung Galaxy S8 will remove the physical home button and feature much larger displays. The phone is expected to be announced on March 29th.

Sam Medley, 27 Jan 2017 18:33

ZTE Axon 7 Android smartphone to get Nougat update by the end of Q1 2017

ZTE delays the Nougat update for Axon 7

The update was expected to arrive this month, but now ZTE pushes the launch date of Android 7.0 for the Axon 7 handsets to a later date. Although this date is not public yet, the company says the update should arrive by the end of...

Codrut Nistor, 27 Jan 2017 16:30

The KDE Slimbook can be configured with an Intel Core i5 or i7 processor and will run KDE's flavor of Linux. (Source: Slimbook)

Slimbook releases notebook running KDE Linux

KDE and Slimbook have partnered to released the KDE Slimbook, a thin-and-light notebook running either the KDE Neon or KED Plasma distro of Linux.

Sam Medley, 26 Jan 2017 22:18

Wine 2.0 open-source compatibility layer now available

Wine 2.0 is the first in a line of annual releases. The compatibility layer includes support for Microsoft Office 2013 and 64-bit Windows apps to be run in Mac OS X, among other features.

Sam Medley, 26 Jan 2017 20:27

Netflix app now supports downloading to microSD

A few months after allowing its users to download videos for offline viewing, Netflix takes things one step further. The latest update to the Netflix app for Android allows users to save videos directly to the microSD card.

Codrut Nistor, 26 Jan 2017 18:10

The Toshiba Portégé X30 and Tecra X40 are new thin-and-light business notebooks coming soon from Toshiba. (Source: Toshiba)

Toshiba introduces new Portégé X30 and Tecra X40

The new devices are targeting business consumers looking for a durable thin-and-light notebook.

Sam Medley, 25 Jan 2017 23:18

Google I/O 2017 will take place in May

The coming months are full of interesting events - MWC 2017 kicks off in about a month, followed by Google's annual developer conference that is scheduled to take place take place in California from May 17-19.

Codrut Nistor, 25 Jan 2017 21:23

Cisco office building, Cisco acquires AppDynamics

Cisco to buy AppDynamics

This deal is valued at no less than $3.7 billion and aims to give Cisco a broader reach in analytics, as well as an increased impact on the software market. In the future, Cisco plans to provide a comprehensive suite of monitoring...

Codrut Nistor, 25 Jan 2017 13:35

The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative is acquiring AI startup Meta. (Source: Facebook)

Chan Zucerkberg Initiative to purchase AI startup Meta

The purchase will help bolster the startup, whose AI technology is focused on analyzing medical research to pinpoint helpful information for healthcare professionals.

Sam Medley, 24 Jan 2017 21:21

The Google Pixel was the first smartphone that featured Google's aptly-named personal assistant, Google Assistant. (Source: Bloomberg)

Smartphone vendors are focusing on artificial intelligence in 2017

Industry leaders across the board seem to be in agreement that the war for dominance of the smartphone market this year will be in large part decided by the smartphone with the best AI assistant. Who will win the clash between Sir...

Isaac Brown, 24 Jan 2017 21:15

iOS 10 lock screen vulnerability now fixed with update 10.2.1

Apple releases iOS 10.2.1

While this new update does not come with any new features, iOS 10.2.1 is not a minor refresh, either. Apple's latest update of its mobile operating system protects against a few severe vulnerabilities, and it is highly recommended...

Codrut Nistor, 24 Jan 2017 11:50

Jay Z's Tidal music streaming service now 33 percent owned by Sprint

Sprint buys 33 percent of Tidal

As a result of this deal, the music streaming service now reaches Sprint's 45 million prepaid and post-paid customers, while the Marcelo Claure, Sprint's CEO, joins Tidal's board of directors.

Codrut Nistor, 24 Jan 2017 09:50

A long overdue update to Google Voice will be rolling out to Android, iOS, and web platforms over the coming weeks. (Source: Google)

Introducing the new Google Voice, 5 years in the making

Google Voice, a VoIP calling service that aggregates multiple phone numbers into one, has received its first update in 5 years. While the service was rumored to be killed off soon, Google has stated this is the first of many updat...

Sam Medley, 23 Jan 2017 20:12

Oracle office building, Oracle lays off over 1,000 Solaris- and SPARC-related employees

Oracle lays off over 1,000 employees

Due to the refocus of its Hardware Systems business, Oracle is now laying off employees who mainly work in the SPARC department, most of them as software and hardware developers.

Codrut Nistor, 23 Jan 2017 16:20

Nextbit Robin Android smartphone gets its own LineageOS 14.1 build

LineageOS 14.1 now available for Nexus and Moto handsets

Although the first official build is not ready yet, the Android 7.1 Nougat-based LineageOS 14.1 is now available in a nightly/experimental stage for a few devices, including the Nexus 6P and 5X, Moto G4 and G4 Plus, Nextbit Robin,...

Codrut Nistor, 23 Jan 2017 15:15

Samsung Galaxy S8 Android flagship concept render

Galaxy S8's Bixby to feature visual search and text recognition capabilities

Samsung's upcoming virtual assistant that is expected to come with the next Galaxy flagship will be able to conduct payments and control all native apps, but also to perform visual search operations and text recognition with the h...

Codrut Nistor, 23 Jan 2017 12:12

Huawei Honor 8 Android smartphone gets Nougat-based EMUI 5.0 firmware globally

Huawei Honor 8 gets Android Nougat globally

The new firmware comes with EMUI 5.0 on top and has over 2.2 GB in size. According to Huawei Japan, the update comes with the usual Nougat features, as well as better app versatility and various tweaks.

Codrut Nistor, 22 Jan 2017 20:30

Sony Xperia XZ Android smartphone gets January 2017 security patch

Sony Xperia XZ and X Performance receive new security patches

The new firmware fixes a few minor issues, the most noticeable one being the clock reset that occurs after rebooting on some handsets. The update is based on Android 7.0 Nougat and has the security patch level dated January 1.

Codrut Nistor, 21 Jan 2017 20:20

LineageOS to offer weekly updates and support for over 80 devices

The former CyanogenMod team is now back with LineageOS, another Android-based ROM that is already available in the shape of a few unofficial builds that run on over 66,000 devices. The official versions coming soon promise support...

Codrut Nistor, 21 Jan 2017 15:15

Huawei Honor Note 8 Android phablet to get Nougat update soon

Huawei unveils list of devices to get Android Nougat

Some Huawei handsets already received the Nougat-based EMUI 5.0 beta firmware, and now the list of devices to get this later this year when the beta is over has been revealed. The list includes the Mate 8, Honor 6X, MediaPad M3, a...

Codrut Nistor, 21 Jan 2017 09:26

Buzzvil acquires Slidejoy

This acquisition allows Buzzvil to deliver 4 billion ad impressions each month, but also "to diversify its geographic footprint while bringing on a world-class team" at the same time.

Codrut Nistor, 20 Jan 2017 23:15

LG Gram 14 Windows 10 ultrabook to get e-book support via upcoming software update

Latest Windows 10 build offers support for e-books

The new Insider test build does not include the new "My People" feature that surfaced in October and was supposed to be included now, but it is important to see that e-book support is coming to Windows 10.

Codrut Nistor, 20 Jan 2017 12:35

LG Music Flow gets updated with Google Home and multi-room support

LG Music Flow to get Google Home and multi-room support

LG's music streaming system arrived back in 2015, and now it is a few weeks away from a Google Cast update that promises to bring both Google Home support and multi-room capabilities. For now, the update is still being tested but ...

Codrut Nistor, 20 Jan 2017 10:35

Fire Emblem Heroes will be Nintendo's second release on smartphone platforms. (Source: Nintendo)

Nintendo continues mobile march with Fire Emblem Heroes

Nintendo will carry on its foray into smartphone apps by launching a new game, Fire Emblem Heroes, on both Android and iOS February 2nd. In addition, Super Mario Run will also be coming to Android sometime in March.

Sam Medley, 19 Jan 2017 22:47

Samsung Z2 Tizen smartphone with 4G now gets WiFi calling via software update

Samsung Z2 gets WiFi calling

Samsung has just added WiFi calling to the features of this first 4G LTE Tizen handset via a software update. The 50 MB firmware also comes with improved Panic mode and updated security.

Codrut Nistor, 19 Jan 2017 20:25

Samsung Galaxy Note 5 Android phablet to get Nougat soon

Samsung reveals list of devices in line for Nougat

In addition to the Galaxy S7 lineup that has just received Android 7.0, Samsung plans to deliver this update to a pretty long list of devices, including the Galaxy Tab S2, Galaxy S3, Galaxy Note 5, and a few others. The list is no...

Codrut Nistor, 19 Jan 2017 16:15

Google acquires Twitter's Fabric

Twitter's mobile app developer platform joins Google, who also gets the Crashlytics crash reporting system, Answers mobile app analytics, Digits SMS login, as well as the FastLance development automation system.

Codrut Nistor, 19 Jan 2017 12:50

Motorola Moto Z by Lenovo modular Android smartphone gets Nougat later this month

Android Nougat coming to unlocked Moto Z handsets next month

While Moto Z Droid and Moto Z Force Droid on Verizon got updated to Nougat back in mid-November, the unlocked Moto Z will finally get the latest Android version next month, reveals a Motorola spokesperson.

Codrut Nistor, 19 Jan 2017 11:25

NVIDIA Shield Tablet/Shield Tablet K1 gets Android Nougat update in a few weeks

Nvidia Shield Tablet to get Android Nougat soon

NVIDIA has just confirmed that both the Shield Tablet and its improved sibling simply known as Shield Tablet K1 will receive the long-awaited Android 7.0 software update "in a few weeks."

Codrut Nistor, 18 Jan 2017 23:40

Sony Xperia Z5 Premium Android smartphone/phablet to receive Nougat update

Sony Xperia Z5 lineup gets Android Nougat

This new firmware update comes with all the Android 7.0 goodies, as well as a new Xperia Home launcher that is "smarter and more personal" and also fully integrates Google Now.

Codrut Nistor, 18 Jan 2017 22:20

OnePlus 3 Android smartphone now gets OxygenOS 4.0.2 update

OxygenOS 4.0.2 rolls out

As promised earlier this month, the new OxygenOS update comes to solve the Google Play store app download issue encountered by OxygenOS 4.0.1 users. The new firmware is compatible with the OnePlus 3 and OnePlus 3T handsets.

Codrut Nistor, 18 Jan 2017 14:55

New Nvidia Shield TV 2017 now available for purchase

The updated Shield TV brings 4K HDR and Nvidia's GeForce NOW game streaming service.

Sam Medley, 17 Jan 2017 20:18

Features announced in the newest Shield TV will be coming to the older model as well. (Source: Nvidia)

Nvidia to update original Shield TV

The software update will give the original Shield TV the feature set of the newer model, including 4K HDR playback and access to GeForce NOW.

Sam Medley, 17 Jan 2017 15:20

HTC One A9 Android smartphone gets Nougat software update

Unlocked HTC One A9 handsets get Android Nougat

Although it took a bit longer than expected, the Android Nougat update for this unlocked handset has finally received the technical approval and the new firmware already rolls out via OTA.

Codrut Nistor, 17 Jan 2017 13:05

ZTE ZMax Pro Android phablet gets a Nougat beta program

ZTE ZMax Pro to get Android Nougat as well

ZTE takes software updates very seriously since Z-Community members can now join the Android Nougat Beta program for the $99 USD, Qualcomm Snapdragon 617-driven ZMax Pro handset that launched back in July 2016 with Marshmallow on ...

Codrut Nistor, 17 Jan 2017 09:20

HP Windows 10 notebook, Windows 10 Anniversary Update security level is awesome

Windows 10 Anniversary Update is incredibly secure

Although not patches for two zero-day exploits, Windows 10 Anniversary Update machines were shielded from them, proving the excellent level of security achieved by this version of Microsoft's operating system.

Codrut Nistor, 16 Jan 2017 23:55

Samsung Smart Home Monitor part of the SmartThings Home Monitoring Kit

Samsung plans to retire its SmartThings app in April

Although the app that allows its users to control SmartThings-compatible IoT products will be retired on April 1, existing users will continue to receive technical support through June (sadly, only 2017).

Codrut Nistor, 16 Jan 2017 23:20

Sony Xperia Z4 tablet to receive Android Nougat soon

Sony Xperia Z4 tablet to get Android Nougat update soon

In addition to various smaller Xperia handsets, this 10.1-inch tablet that arrived back in 2015 with Android 5.0 Lollipop on board is on its way to Nougat. The new software has just been spotted receiving its certification from wi...

Codrut Nistor, 16 Jan 2017 15:15

ZTE Axon Mini Android smartphone variants in the US to receive a single update from now on

ZTE Axon 7 Mini to get unified software update

Right now, ZTE Axon 7 Mini handsets in the US have one of three possible software builds, but soon all will get the same "Build 21" firmware. This update promises to bring new APN settings for all major carriers, HD Voice call on ...

Codrut Nistor, 16 Jan 2017 14:15