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Apple's love affair with dongles continues with the launch of its all-new USB-C to 3.5mm headphone jack adapter. (Source: Apple)

Apple launches a new dongle, this time for the USB-C iPad Pro

Apple has launched an all-new dongle alongside the launch of the new iPad Pro models. The latest dongle in Apple’s extensive selection of dongles available through its online and retail stores is a USB-C to 3.5mm headphone jack.

Sanjiv Sathiah, 01 Nov 2018 09:23

New iPhones can connect to two separate carriers using a single SIM card, but there are some issues with Verizon and T-Mobile. (Image via iFixIt)

Verizon and T-Mobile don't support iOS 12's dual-SIM feature

Apple is rolling out iOS 12.1 today, and if you have an iPhone Xs, Xs Max, or XR, you can use Apple's new dual-SIM feature... as long as you're not using Verizon on your digital SIM or as your secondary number. Both T-Mobile and Verizon have stated that their networks are not ready to fully support the dual-SIM tech but are working on getting their networks up to scratch "in the near future."

Sam Medley, 30 Oct 2018 22:23

Apple unveils new iPad Pro with smaller bezels and USB Type-C

Apple unveiled the new iPad Pro, and many of the rumors from the past year were accurate. The new iPad Pro brings a more powerful A12X bionic SoC, Face ID, and a switch from Lightning to USB-C. The iPad Pro starts at $799 for an 11-inch model and $999 for a 12.9-inch model.

Sam Medley, 30 Oct 2018 20:02

New emojis in iOS 12.1 (Source: Apple Newsroom)

Apple unleashes iOS 12.1, Group FaceTime and new emojis in tow

Just as previously rumored, the new update for Apple's mobile operating system — iOS 12.1 — comes with Group FaceTime and a set of new emojis. In addition to these changes that target all compatible iPhones and iPads, the iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max receive depth control in camera preview and dual-SIM support.

Codrut Nistor, 30 Oct 2018 10:48

All charts via Geekbench. See below for the top Android and iOS benchmarks, as of 10/28/2018

The iPhone XR is 25% faster than the fastest Android phones in Geekbench 4

The iPhone XR scored about 25% better than Android's best in Geekbench 4's multi-core benchmark. While this is impressive on paper (considering that the $750 iPhone XR is cheaper than most Android flagships), there is much more to consider when buying a phone than synthetic benchmarks and raw specs.

Sam Medley, 28 Oct 2018 17:18

Group FaceTime in action. (Source: Apple)

iOS 12.1 will unlock Dual SIM and Group FaceTime - but only for newer devices

The next upcoming update for iOS is now rumored to add Group FaceTime and dual SIM support to some phones. For some other, older models, however, only restricted forms of Group FaceTime are coming. Some others are not getting this feature at all.

Deirdre O Donnell, 27 Oct 2018 16:08

Concept render of the 2018 iPad Pro. (Image source: iDownloadBlog)

Code snippet from iOS 12.1 beta all but confirms Face ID for iPad Pro

Buried in the latest iOS 12.1 beta code are instructions for users to hold their iPad in portrait orientation so that Face ID can be set up. If legitimate, this code would confirm rumors that Face ID is indeed coming to the next iPad Pro, widely rumored to be announced at Apple's event next week.

Sam Medley, 26 Oct 2018 05:17

Facebook Messenger 4 coming soon to iOS and Android with a new interface (Source: Facebook Newsroom)

Facebook Messenger 4 goes all-white and only sports three tabs

Expected to roll out to Android and iOS devices in the coming weeks, Facebook Messenger 4 comes with a simplified white interface that only sports three tabs, and it also comes with the ability to add color gradients to chat bubbles. In the future, this mobile app is also expected to get a Dark Mode.

Codrut Nistor, 24 Oct 2018 20:29

Both speakers in this iPhone XS Max diagram should function to play audio. (Source: iphonefaqs.com)

Stereo-gate: iPhone XS and XS Max hit with new bug (audio this time)

The latest Apple flagship smartphones are facing yet another issue that means they do not work out of the box as described. This time, it seems that one of their dual speakers does not fire while playing audio. The bug has been reported numerous times on several different types of forum by now.

Deirdre O Donnell, 24 Oct 2018 18:56

The Apple iPad Mini 4 is only currently available with 128 GB storage. (Source: Apple)

Apple reportedly working on iPad Mini 5

A renowned supply chain analyst has predicted that Apple will soon update the iPad Mini series, with a fifth generation of the popular tablet possibly coming out in 2019. The iPad Mini 4 was released in 2015 and featured the now dated A8 SoC. It is expected an Apple iPad Mini 5 will come with “an upgraded processor and a lower-cost panel.”

Daniel R Deakin, 23 Oct 2018 23:59

The Misfit Vapor 2 smartwatch is compatible with Android and iOS-powered phones. (Source: Misfit)

Misfit announces the Vapor 2 smartwatch

Misfit, the American wearables manufacturer, has unveiled official details about the upcoming Vapor 2 smartwatch. The wearable will come in two different sizes and feature a phone-free music player, a standalone GPS, and it will have a built-in heart-rate sensor. This useful device is currently advertised at a starting price of US$249.99.

Daniel R Deakin, 23 Oct 2018 21:43

43 percent of millennials check their phone once every 20 minutes (Source: KDM Engineering)

43 percent of Millennials check their smartphone once every 20 minutes

Most smartphone users know of his or her bad smartphone habits, but they just don't seem to care. More than half admit to texting while driving with many even pulling out the smartphone during job interviews.

Allen Ngo, 19 Oct 2018 23:39

The iPhone XR adds blue to the Apple back-panel color gamut. (Source: Rogers)

iPhone XR now available for pre-order

The iPhone XR may be the be-notched version of the SE line of old. It offers many new Apple features in a slightly cheaper chassis. This alternative to the XS and XS Max may be attractive for those who like different colors, don't care that much about screen quality and don't want to spend all of US$1000 on a new iPhone.

Deirdre O Donnell, 19 Oct 2018 13:23

Winamp 2 default interface, Winamp 6 coming in 2019

Winamp is rising from the dead, version 6 coming in 2019

If everything works as planned, Winamp 5.8 will arrive tomorrow with a bunch of fixes in tow and — the best part of it all — without the paid options previously reserved to the users of the Pro version. However, this iconic piece of code should get a major update and mobile versions for iOS and Android devices in 2019.

Codrut Nistor, 17 Oct 2018 10:15

If you're a bit short of cash, consider the regular-sized XS for US$74,995. (Source: Brikk)

Own a solid gold Apple iPhone XS Max for just under US$100,000

A luxury customization company called Brikk has created a solid gold Apple iPhone XS Max that costs US$94,995. The device features 313 g (11.08 oz) of 22K gold and is appropriately part of the firm's Ingot Collection. Brikk has also developed a gold DualShock 4 controller, featuring diamond-studded buttons, available for US$13,995. A rather opulent set of AirPods with a whole carat of diamonds on each bud can be snapped up for US$9,995.

Daniel R Deakin, 16 Oct 2018 21:36

Farmer in my Pocket: Stardew Valley is coming to iOS October 24, Android port will follow soon

The uber-popular indie farming simulator Stardew Valley is getting an iOS port this month. The title is up for pre-order on the Apple App Store now and will be available for download October 24 for US$7.99. An Android port will be coming soon. If you haven't tried one of the many ports of the excellent farming/relationship-building/role-playing game, you can check it out on your iPhone later this month.

Sam Medley, 11 Oct 2018 16:13

Apple-branded device owners would choose Huawei over Samsung devices. (Source: Tech.Co)

Smartphone research data shows Apple winning over Android users

Research data, created by BofA Merrill Lynch Global Research and shared by Horace Dediu on Twitter, has shown that Apple and its products seem to be succeeding in tempting Android users away from their currently owned devices. For example, according to the statistics in the chart, 19% of Samsung-smartphone owners are considering an Apple device as their next purchase.

Daniel R Deakin, 11 Oct 2018 00:51

Concept art of what may be the 2018 iPad Pro. (Image source: iDownloadBlog)

The rumored 2018 iPad Pro will have an edge-to-edge display, Face ID, and more

With rumors swirling around a possible iPad Pro announcement later this month, 9to5Mac has reported new features supposedly coming to Apple's upcoming tablet refresh. Citing sources familiar with the development of the iPad Pro, the new devices will bring an almost bezelless display, Face ID, and a few new tricks to Apple's "prosumer" tablet line.

Sam Medley, 10 Oct 2018 17:02

Apple iPhone XS charging bug solved by iOS 12.0.1

Apple fixes iPhone XS charging problems (and more) in iOS 12.0.1

Apple has just released iOS 12.0.1, just in time to stop what appeared to be an upcoming "charge gate" scandal caused by an issue that made iPhone XS handsets fail to charge when using a Lightning cable. This brand-new iOS update also irons out a WiFi-related problem, a Bluetooth bug, and more.

Codrut Nistor, 09 Oct 2018 19:34

Jailbreaking in iOS 12 is looking more and more likely. (Source: redmondpie.com)

Developer claims to have jailbroken iPhone XS Max

A well-known iOS developer, Luca Tudesco, is reported as stating that jailbreaking in the iPhone XS Max's A12 chip is possible. It may be a follow-up in which the related group Pangu claimed that they had done the same in iOS 12. However, there is no evidence that this option is more generally available yet.

Deirdre O Donnell, 08 Oct 2018 19:52

The updated Amazon Alexa app is available on the Play Store and the App Store. (Source: PhoneArena)

Redesigned Amazon Alexa app features new Devices tab

The Amazon Alexa app has received a much-needed redesign and now features a clearer user interface and a new Devices tab. Users will be able to go directly to a list of devices in their home that utilize the popular virtual assistant without having to switch between tabs. The app update is already available for iOS and Android.

Daniel R Deakin, 06 Oct 2018 22:11

The latest iPhone series has already beaten its forebears in early market share. (Source: Engadget)

iPhone XS series has outdone its predecessors in first-week sales

The iPhone XS and XS Max models have collectively outdone their predecessors when it comes to capturing a share of Apple customers in their launch year. They have also exceeded the iPhones 8 and 8 Plus when it comes to gaining this share in the week after their launch. However, the iPhone 7 Plus remains the most popular Apple smartphone.

Deirdre O Donnell, 04 Oct 2018 23:13

The iPhone 6S is being rivalled by Apple's newest wearable in some respects. (Source: takealot.com)

Apple Watch 4 found to be just as fast as iPhone 6S, but only for certain metrics

A developer has created an app that can test the 60fps rendering capabilities of the S4 SIP, the processing platform found in the 4th-gen Apple Watch. He has reported that the watch equals the iPhone 6S in this test. The watch also used less than 70% of its processing power while running this app.

Deirdre O Donnell, 04 Oct 2018 19:11

Do the latest iPhones have a fundamental issue with their use? (Source: iPhoneTricks.org)

'Charge-gate'? Emerging reports of charging-port issues in some iPhone XS and XS Max units

Reports coming from several different sources claim that some brand-new iPhones are not charging unless their screens are on. This issue apparently affects both the iPhone XS and XS Max. However, the reports also suggest that this problem is software based, yet not constant across all devices.

Deirdre O Donnell, 30 Sep 2018 19:48

Google is shelling out billions to remain the default search engine for Apple's Safari browser

Google will reportedly pay US $9 billion over 2018 to remain the default search engine for the Safari browser. This price may go up to as much as $12 billion next year. However, due to the growing popularity of Apple's devices, the privilege may be worth the cost to Google.

Sam Medley, 30 Sep 2018 07:53

The iPhone XR will hit Apple stores and retailers on October 26, but do not expect it to be too affordable. (Source: Apple)

iPhone XR gets FCC approval, will ship in late October

The FCC has finally approved Apple's iPhone XR, and the smartphone is expected to hit the stores on October 26. Apart from the fast A12 Bionic SoC, the "more affordable" iPhone does not really feature anything that justifies the US$750 price tag. It only has 3 GB of RAM, a 12 MP rear cam and a 7 MP selfie, which in most cases is subpar even for mid-range phones.

Bogdan Solca, 28 Sep 2018 20:11

Antennagate 2.0? The iPhone XS and XS Max users are complaining of poor cellular and WiFi connections

The new iPhone XS and XS Max may have inherited the iPhone 4's poor cellular connection strength. Several users are complaining of poor or dropped cellular and WiFi connections. While these claims are still just conjecture, they are rapidly growing in number.

Sam Medley, 26 Sep 2018 05:59

Harman has launched the Spark, a "connected car" solution, in the US. (Source: Harman)

Harman launches Spark, a device to turn any car into a 'smart' car

Harman has released the Spark, a product that it claims can make any car "connected". It may be able to convey LTE connectivity, monitoring for auto security and automatic crash assistance on a vehicle. The Spark is currently available through AT&T in the US.

Deirdre O Donnell, 24 Sep 2018 23:29

The iPhone XS (right) has a single battery. Notice the slightly smaller width along the top right edge. (Image source: FixjeiPhone)

The iPhone XS has a smaller battery capacity than the iPhone X

According to TENAA, the iPhone XS has a 2658 mAh battery, a small downgrade from the iPhone X's 2716 mAh battery. Considering that the iPhone X was criticized for its mediocre battery life last year, this could be a sticking point for the XS.

Sam Medley, 22 Sep 2018 03:52

Code buried in iOS 12.1 heavily implies that new iPads are coming this year

Code discovered in the Setup app for iOS 12.1 references a device called "iPad2018Fall," This, combined with other rumors of upcoming features that make sense for an iPad, all but confirm that new Apple tablets are coming in the next couple of months. This would coincide with Apple's typical release schedule.

Sam Medley, 21 Sep 2018 05:07

iOS 12 is here, bringing performance improvements, AR features, Siri Shortcuts, and more

Apple release iOS 12 today as a free update. The new version of Apple's mobile OS includes better AR support, automation via Siri, and performance optimizations. The update largely feels like Apple playing catch up with Android, which has offered some of the new features for years.

Sam Medley, 17 Sep 2018 23:27

WhatsApp are now rumored to be bringing Dark Mode to its popular interface. (Source: WhatsApp)

WhatsApp may implement a dark mode soon

WhatsApp is working on a dark mode for its app, according to a Twitter-based leaker. The relevant posts project that this option will be OLED-screen friendly. Dark mode may also help save battery life while messaging on the app.

Deirdre O Donnell, 16 Sep 2018 00:00

Samsung Health 6.0 mobile app (Source: Samsung Global Newsroom)

Samsung Health 6.0 comes with a new UI and updated tools

Providing health- and wellness-related services to a crowd of over 65 million active users worldwide, Samsung Health has just been updated to version 6.0. This major release comes with a redesigned interface, updated tools, as well as a whole new range of personalization options.

Codrut Nistor, 13 Sep 2018 20:28

Apple has announced the iPhone Xs and iPhone Xs Max. (Source: Apple)

Apple follows the size trend, announces the 5.8-inch iPhone Xs and behemoth 6.5-inch iPhone Xs Max

The Apple iPhone Xs and iPhone Xs Max were launched today as the ‘s’ year upgrades to 2017’s iPhone X. As is common for ‘s’ releases, iterative improvements have been made across the board, with a particular focus on the screen, dual camera system, and new A12 Bionic SoC.

Craig Ward, 13 Sep 2018 03:33

7-Eleven stores in the US finally accept Google Pay and Apple Pay

The 7-Eleven convenience store chain has just begun accepting both Google Pay and Apple Pay as digital payment options. Most of its stores will be able to handle transactions via these two services by the end of September. Until now, this store chain has been providing support for Samsung Pay.

Codrut Nistor, 11 Sep 2018 20:07

New predictions concerning the next iPad Pro indicate that it will dump the Lightning port. (Source: techgenyz.com)

Ming-Chi Kuo: Next iPad Pro will trade Lightning for USB-C

The respected technology analyst, Ming-Chi Kuo, is on record with yet another prediction for upcoming Apple devices. This time it's the iPad Pro, which, Kuo projects, will lose the Lightning port this year. Instead, it will use USB-C - and also, possibly, an 18-watt adapter.

Deirdre O Donnell, 11 Sep 2018 18:29

Upcoming Apple iPhone Xs/Xs Max/9 listed in Romania (Source: QuickMobile.ro via Go4It)

Apple iPhone Xc, iPhone Xs and iPhone Xs Max details surface online

With screen sizes between 5.8 and 6.5 inches, the upcoming Apple iPhone handsets will bring the A12 processor into the spotlight, but they are also expected to be the first phones released by the Cupertino giant to ship with a fast charger and a Lightning-to-USB Type-C cable in the retail box.

Codrut Nistor, 10 Sep 2018 20:35

The Redditor responsible for this image claims that cases for upcoming iPhones are starting to "show up at Walmart". (Source: Reddit)

Leak claims cases for new iPhones found in Walmart

A new Reddit post contains images of cases that could have been designed for iPhones. However, both examples of these new cases also do not appear to fit the iPhone X. Therefore, they may be intended for the anticipated new 6.1- and 6.5-inch display models. Both cases bear Speck branding.

Deirdre O Donnell, 07 Sep 2018 17:54

MediaTek believes that its new feature, Active Stereo, is a better form of face-unlocking than Apple's. (Source: Deccan Chronicle)

MediaTek claims that its new Active Stereo will beat Apple Face ID

Device unlocking using an owner's face has become quite popular. Unfortunately, offering truly secure, flexible and effective facial scanning in your product can get difficult and expensive. MediaTek claims that its new take on this form of identification is neither, and is furthermore at least as good as Face ID.

Deirdre O Donnell, 07 Sep 2018 17:06

YouTube for Android has finally gained a dark theme! (Source: slothparadise.com)

Dark mode finally makes it to YouTube on Android

Videos are easier to watch in a darkened room without the inevitable white background on which previews and other objects are shown in Android's YouTube app. This is now a thing of the past, however, as dark mode for the app on non-Apple phones is finally widely available.

Deirdre O Donnell, 06 Sep 2018 23:10

10th anniversary version of Chrome comes with many new features. (Source: BGR)

Google celebrates Chrome's 10th anniversary with fresh new version

Google is celebrating its 10th anniversary of Chrome with the release of a considerable update (Chrome 69) for the browser. It features a substantial UI redesign, as well as a new password generator. This version will be available for mobile and desktop.

Deirdre O Donnell, 05 Sep 2018 19:30

New renders and specs for the iPad Pro 2018 models emerge

Apple will officially reveal the new iPad Pro models on September 12, but some high-resolution CAD renders already got leaked, confirming the rumored thin bezels and lack of audio jack. These new models will not integrate the rumored OLED screens; however, they will get new True one IPS displays with FaceID technology.

Bogdan Solca, 04 Sep 2018 21:47

Siri, Apple's voice assistant, may be able to distinguish between user voices in the future. (Source: Sophos.com)

Recent Apple patent could allow Siri to recognize multiple different users

Apple has filed a patent that may contribute to the voice assistant Siri's functionality in the future. It may impart the ability to recognize different voices and attribute them to corresponding users on new versions of the software. This could give the assistant software a much-needed boost in its relevant marketplaces.

Deirdre O Donnell, 21 Aug 2018 23:36

WhatsApp will no longer take up Google Drive space as of November 2018. (Source: Google Play Store)

WhatsApp backups will no longer take up Google cloud storage

WhatsApp has distinguished itself among messaging apps through its ability to eat your storage. However, a new agreement between the Facebook subsidiary and Google mean that WhatsAapp backups will no longer clog up space on the Drives of its users.

Deirdre O Donnell, 21 Aug 2018 23:30

The iPhone X relies on Face ID for biometric authentication. (Source: CNET)

Apple rumored to re-introduce Touch ID...in a way

Apple attracted some criticism when it removed Touch ID from the iPhone X. However, a new leak suggests that the company is working on a new form of fingerprint scanning for its next-generation flagships. This new purported system may leave the home button in the past.

Deirdre O Donnell, 20 Aug 2018 21:42

PUBG Mobile hits 100 million downloads (and that's only in Western markets)

PUBG Mobile crossed 100 million downloads this month, cementing it as one of the most popular Battle Royales for smartphones and tablets. Despite its success, it still trails behind Fortnite, which hit 100 million downloads last month on iOS only. The new Android version of Fortnite may spell trouble for PUBG Mobile and Tencent games.

Sam Medley, 16 Aug 2018 23:36

The new 'iPhone' icon found in the beta code. (Source: Twitter)

iOS 12 beta code yields another possible leak: a new phone this time

A developer has turned up yet another icon that may represent another new Apple device. This one may correspond to the putative iPhone XI Plus. It may also be larger than its nearest predecessor, and retain some of its main front-panel features.

Deirdre O Donnell, 06 Aug 2018 18:37

Fortnite's Android app will only be available via Epic Games' site. (Image source: Epic Games)

Fortnite's Android port won't be available in the Google Play Store

Fortnite for Android is coming (eventually), but when it does, you won't be able to find it on the Google Play Store. Instead, Epic (the developer of the game) will distribute the APK on their own website in an effort to both re-establish a direct relationship with gamers and retain more revenue.

Sam Medley, 03 Aug 2018 22:03

iOS

Apple launches a new dongle, this time for the USB-C iPad Pro

Verizon and T-Mobile don't support iOS 12's dual-SIM feature

Apple unveils new iPad Pro with smaller bezels and USB Type-C

Apple unleashes iOS 12.1, Group FaceTime and new emojis in tow

The iPhone XR is 25% faster than the fastest Android phones in Geekbench 4

86% Apple iPhone XR Smartphone Review

iOS 12.1 will unlock Dual SIM and Group FaceTime - but only for newer devices

Code snippet from iOS 12.1 beta all but confirms Face ID for iPad Pro

Facebook Messenger 4 goes all-white and only sports three tabs

Stereo-gate: iPhone XS and XS Max hit with new bug (audio this time)

Apple reportedly working on iPad Mini 5

Misfit announces the Vapor 2 smartwatch

43 percent of Millennials check their smartphone once every 20 minutes

iPhone XR now available for pre-order

Winamp is rising from the dead, version 6 coming in 2019

Own a solid gold Apple iPhone XS Max for just under US$100,000

Farmer in my Pocket: Stardew Valley is coming to iOS October 24, Android port will follow soon

Smartphone research data shows Apple winning over Android users

The rumored 2018 iPad Pro will have an edge-to-edge display, Face ID, and more

Apple fixes iPhone XS charging problems (and more) in iOS 12.0.1

Developer claims to have jailbroken iPhone XS Max

Redesigned Amazon Alexa app features new Devices tab

iPhone XS series has outdone its predecessors in first-week sales

Apple Watch 4 found to be just as fast as iPhone 6S, but only for certain metrics

'Charge-gate'? Emerging reports of charging-port issues in some iPhone XS and XS Max units

Google is shelling out billions to remain the default search engine for Apple's Safari browser

iPhone XR gets FCC approval, will ship in late October

87% Apple iPhone XS Smartphone Review

Antennagate 2.0? The iPhone XS and XS Max users are complaining of poor cellular and WiFi connections

Harman launches Spark, a device to turn any car into a 'smart' car

The iPhone XS has a smaller battery capacity than the iPhone X

Code buried in iOS 12.1 heavily implies that new iPads are coming this year

iOS 12 is here, bringing performance improvements, AR features, Siri Shortcuts, and more

WhatsApp may implement a dark mode soon

Samsung Health 6.0 comes with a new UI and updated tools

Apple follows the size trend, announces the 5.8-inch iPhone Xs and behemoth 6.5-inch iPhone Xs Max

7-Eleven stores in the US finally accept Google Pay and Apple Pay

Ming-Chi Kuo: Next iPad Pro will trade Lightning for USB-C

Apple iPhone Xc, iPhone Xs and iPhone Xs Max details surface online

Leak claims cases for new iPhones found in Walmart

MediaTek claims that its new Active Stereo will beat Apple Face ID

Dark mode finally makes it to YouTube on Android

Google celebrates Chrome's 10th anniversary with fresh new version

New renders and specs for the iPad Pro 2018 models emerge

Recent Apple patent could allow Siri to recognize multiple different users

WhatsApp backups will no longer take up Google cloud storage

Apple rumored to re-introduce Touch ID...in a way

PUBG Mobile hits 100 million downloads (and that's only in Western markets)

iOS 12 beta code yields another possible leak: a new phone this time

Fortnite's Android port won't be available in the Google Play Store

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