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The USB 4.0 connectors are based on the current Thunderbolt 3 ones and will enable similar speeds for consumer devices starting 2H 2019. (Source: Intel)

USB 4.0 specs bring Thunderbolt 3 speeds to consumer devices

The USB Promoter Group has been collaborating with Intel in order to release the USB 4.0 standard based on the USB-C interface with Thunderbolt 3 support. The new USB ports will enable data transfer speeds of up to 40 Gbps and will provide support for multiple data and display protocols, as well as advanced power delivery features for fast charging devices.

Bogdan Solca, 05 Mar 2019 19:01

Energous is a start-up that claims to have developed a truly-wireless charging system. (Source: Energous)

Vivo has set up a collaboration to test out truly wireless charging tech for its phones

A start-up called Energous has announced a collaboration with Vivo. This move could bring Energous' over-the-air charging technology, WattUp 2.0, to the smartphone OEM's devices. Vivo has said that this move could alleviate "battery anxiety" for its customers.

Deirdre O Donnell, 04 Mar 2019 19:35

The Snapdragon 5G module for notebooks. (Source: WinFuture)

MWC19 also revealed the 5G Snapdragon X55 module for notebooks

This year's Mobile World Congress (MWC19) focused heavily on more mobile tech, particularly as some acquired the ability to fold this year. However, this was also a stage for 5G this year. To this end, Qualcomm unveiled its X55 SoC-containing module for laptops at the show.

Deirdre O Donnell, 01 Mar 2019 18:43

Gigabyte Aero 15-X9 vs. Razer Blade 15: Gigabyte has the CPU performance advantage

Same CPU, same GPU, same RAM, same display. Even with all the similarities, there are notable differences when it comes to performance, color accuracy, features, fan noise, and temperatures. We compare the two systems to find out which one comes out on top.

Allen Ngo, 28 Feb 2019 23:37

This potential feature is part of Google's Web development program. (Source: Google)

Chrome developers are preparing a new feature to make back/forward navigation faster

Google engineers are developing a 'back/forward cache' to reduce the latency with which Chrome returns to a previous page, or goes forward from one. This involves saving an entire webpage in memory, JavaScript included. While this may enhance the browser's UX, it also implies privacy issues.

Deirdre O Donnell, 28 Feb 2019 20:35

The new GoPro HERO 7 Dusk White. (Source: GoPro)

The GoPro HERO7 Black now has a limited-edition variant

The HERO7 Black is the top-spec'd SKU of its GoPro camera series. It is now available in a limited-edition alternative finish, Dusk White. This version will be released on March 3, 2019 on gopro.com and selected retailers worldwide.

Deirdre O Donnell, 28 Feb 2019 17:52

Chuwi Aerobook is a cheaper alternative to a Dell XPS 13 (Source: Chuwi)

Update | Chuwi Aerobook is a cheaper alternative to the Huawei MateBook

Chuwi's latest copycat laptop has an 80 percent screen-to-body ratio, an aluminum-magnesium chassis, and a weight of just 1.25 kg. Prices and launch dates are still unknown for now as the system is only at its fundraising stage.

Allen Ngo, 27 Feb 2019 21:16

The RAVPower 14mm PD wall charger. (Source: RAVPower)

MWC19 | RAVPower releases its thinnest-ever 45W wall charger with PD

RAVPower, the well-known accessory-maker, has a stand at MWC this year. It showcases a new PD charger, an ultra-thin (14mm) 'wall wart' based on gallium nitride (GaN) technology. RAVPower also has a new wireless charging stand that is also a power bank.

Deirdre O Donnell, 27 Feb 2019 20:18

Intel Lakefield uses the new Foveros 3D packaging technique. (Source: Intel on YouTube)

Intel previews the Foveros 3D packaging technology in upcoming Lakefield hybrid CPUs

Intel has previewed the upcoming Lakefield SoC in a bit more detail in a new video. The video illustrates the new Foveros 3D packaging technology and how different heterogeneous components can be stacked on top of each other. This helps in reduced board footprint and consequently, enables thinner, lighter, more powerful devices.

Vaidyanathan Subramaniam, 27 Feb 2019 13:06

Lenovo ThinkPad T490s, T490 & T590: Sleeker & brighter screens, but less flexibility

MWC19 | Lenovo ThinkPad T490s, T490 & T590: Sleeker designs & brighter screens, but less flexibility – Update

At MWC 2019, Lenovo has announced five new ThinkPads. The three new T series models ThinkPad T490, T490s & T590 are supposed to win over business-customers with new designs, thinner bezels and better displays.

Benjamin Herzig, 26 Feb 2019 10:46

Lenovo IdeaPad C340 convertible coming with AMD Ryzen 3200U, 3500U, and 3700U options (Source: Lenovo)

MWC19 | AMD Zen+ Ryzen 3200U, 3500U, and 3700U will debut on the Lenovo IdeaPad C340 convertible series

The upcoming mainstream Lenovo IdeaPad C340 family will be one of the first to offer Zen+ Ryzen 3, Ryzen 5, and Ryzen 7 processor options that were initially unveiled at CES 2019. The AMD options should be comparable to Intel Whiskey Lake-U for at least $50 USD less when the Lenovo convertible launches next month.

Allen Ngo, 25 Feb 2019 00:01

Lenovo IdeaPad S340 and S540 will carry separate GeForce MX250 and Radeon RX Vega 10 graphics

MWC19 | Lenovo IdeaPad S340 and S540 with AMD Ryzen Zen+ will undercut the Intel SKU by $150 USD

The affordable IdeaPad S340 and S540 series will carry GeForce MX250 and Radeon RX Vega 10 options when they launch in the next couple of months. The AMD-based IdeaPad S540 SKU in particular will retail for $730 compared to $880 for the Intel variant.

Allen Ngo, 25 Feb 2019 00:01

Lenovo ThinkPad X390 & X390 Yoga: Smallest ThinkPads now with 13.3 inch instead of 12.5 inch LCDs

MWC19 | Lenovo ThinkPad X390 & X390 Yoga: Smallest ThinkPads now with 13.3 instead of 12.5 inch LCDs

Aside from the larger ThinkPads of the T series, Lenovo has announced two compact models of the X series as well. The Thinkpad X390 has a bigger display with a much smaller screen bezel than its predecessor, while the ThinkPad X390 Yoga has been redesigned with a much thinner chassis.

Benjamin Herzig, 25 Feb 2019 00:01

MWC19 | Huawei MateBook X Pro is finally getting the Whiskey Lake-U treatment

After a full year with the MateBook X Pro, it's about time we get a small refresh. Huawei has unveiled the third generation MateBook X laptop that fixes almost everything we didn't like about the 2018 model including the Thunderbolt 3 port and weaker MX150 GPU. We'll just have to see how its temperatures will fare when it launches this April.

Allen Ngo, 24 Feb 2019 14:30

Buying a Dell XPS 13? We recommend checking for coil whine

Our Dell XPS 13 9380 test unit suffers from high-pitched coil whine that may potentially be a nuisance during regular use. The phenomenon is not damaging to the machine, but its intensity and volume may vary between different units.

Allen Ngo, 23 Feb 2019 21:05

A pre-existing physical Huawei store. (Source: Retail in Asia)

Huawei's first flagship offline store outside China will be located in Vienna, Austria

Huawei maintains a number of physical stores for its devices in China. Reuters has reported that it now plans to open its first international bricks-and-mortar establishment in Vienna. This outlet will reportedly be open by summer 2019.

Deirdre O Donnell, 23 Feb 2019 18:29

Windows 20H1, not 19H2, is being tested now. (Source: Microsoft)

Microsoft starts developing Windows 20H1 ahead of 19H2

Microsoft's next probable major software release is 19H2, the April 2019 update. However, a build associated with a release in 2020 is the one that has most recently popped up for users in the Skip Ahead program. Despite this, the company insists 19H2 will be ready on time.

Deirdre O Donnell, 22 Feb 2019 15:56

Lenovo ThinkPad 2019 leak: Data-sheets of the redesigned ThinkPads T490, T490s & T590 have been leaked

Lenovo's ThinkPad division gets hit by another leak, as a reddit user has published data-sheets for most of the upcoming ThinkPad business laptops. Though there is no way to verify the specs at this point, the specs of the T490 do line up with the already announced special T490 Healthcare Edition.

Benjamin Herzig, 21 Feb 2019 03:29

The average Whiskey Lake-U laptop is just 8 percent faster than Kaby Lake-R

After testing more than 20 laptops with Whiskey Lake-U processors, the raw gen-to-gen performance advantage looks to be one of the smallest in recent years. If you own a Kaby Lake-R laptop, it may be best to hold off on buying a replacement until Ice Lake comes out later this year.

Allen Ngo, 17 Feb 2019 04:14

Acer has released slightly disappointing early-year financials. (Source: Acer)

Acer has announced its financial report for January 2019

Acer has released a report in which it puts its January 2019 revenues at about US$540 million. These figures have decreased by 23.7% compared to December 2018 and by 1.3% compared to January 2018. The company has cited the ongoing effects of the SoC shortage in explaining these changes.

Deirdre O Donnell, 16 Feb 2019 17:54

Asus ZenBook 15 vs. Dell XPS 15: Still not enough to dethrone Dell

Asus ZenBook 15 vs. Dell XPS 15: Still not enough to dethrone the popular 15-inch king

The bestselling Dell XPS laptop manages to be faster, tougher, brighter, and more feature-packed than the new competing Asus ZenBook 15 without running any louder or shorter. In return, the Asus laptop is much lighter and even a bit smaller, but its advantages don't go much deeper.

Allen Ngo, 14 Feb 2019 04:57

Acer Aspire, Chromebook, and Nitro systems are on sale for President's Day

Get a 17-inch gaming laptop with GTX 1060 graphics for $920 USD and more from now until the end of next week. The sale spans multiple retail outlets including Newegg, Office Depot, Staples, Walmart, Best Buy, and Target.

Allen Ngo, 13 Feb 2019 19:15

The Microsoft Surface Pen. (Credit: Neowin)

New Microsoft patent may reduce inadequacies in next-gen Surface Pen

The Surface Pen is Microsoft's answer to the Apple Pencil. It has been described as an effective stylus, albeit one that could produce more accurate digital writing. A new patent may help improve on this with changes to both the Pen and the screen used.

Deirdre O Donnell, 13 Feb 2019 18:27

Dell Inspiron, XPS, Vostro, and Alienware systems are all on sale for President's Day (Source: Dell)

Dell XPS, Inspiron, Precision, and Alienware systems are all on sale for President's Day

Get the XPS 13 9370 with 8 GB of RAM, 256 GB SSD, and a Core i7-8550U CPU for $1175 USD. Deals will last until early next week in an attempt to clear out older stock and make room for newer models.

Allen Ngo, 13 Feb 2019 06:09

Lenovo ThinkPad T490 announced as special healthcare edition

Lenovo ThinkPad T490 laptop announced as special healthcare edition

Lenovo has announced the first T series ThinkPad of 2019. The Lenovo ThinkPad T490, the "bread-and-butter" model of the series, has been announced today as a special edition for the healthcare sector.

Benjamin Herzig, 12 Feb 2019 14:07

New Razer Blade Stealth BIOS update addresses battery charging and electronic noise issues (Source: Razer)

New Blade Stealth having charging issues? Razer says to contact them directly for a BIOS update

Razer has notified us that it has investigated a number of issues impacting a limited number of retail Blade Stealth units. If you're experiencing any of the following, then this new BIOS and EC update should do the trick.

Allen Ngo, 12 Feb 2019 06:39

The Dell XPS 15, Alienware m15, and G7 15 laptops should come with OLED panel options soon. (Source: Dell)

Release date for Dell XPS 15 and Alienware m15 with OLED panels seemingly pushed back to April

A press release from Dell published in early January stated that the Dell XPS 15, Alienware m15, and Dell G7 15 laptops would be offered with OLED panel options starting in March. Unfortunately for those waiting to snap up a Dell laptop with this type of display, company executive Frank Azor has now stated that April is the current target.

Daniel R Deakin, 12 Feb 2019 00:12

Skype users can now blur their backgrounds during video calls. (Source: Skype)

Skype now offers the option to blur out a video caller's background

Many Skype users may be reluctant to take a call due to how messy or inappropriate their surroundings may be. Now, however, the app's latest update adds a toggle that blurs everything but the caller out of a camera's shot. This new 'background blur' option is generated by AI, and should function on most PCs.

Deirdre O Donnell, 08 Feb 2019 18:38

In review: The affordable & compact Lenovo ThinkPad L390

We are reviewing the affordable & compact Lenovo ThinkPad L390

The year 2019 brings us a new generation of business laptops. One of the first specimens of this new wave has made it to our testing-labs: The Lenovo ThinkPad L390, an affordable ThinkPad laptop for companies and students.

Benjamin Herzig, 07 Feb 2019 21:07

MSI PS63 vs. Dell XPS 15: MSI's first traditional Ultrabook competitor

MSI PS63 vs. Dell XPS 15: MSI still has some ways to go

The crowded traditional Ultrabook space just got a new contender from a gaming laptop manufacturer. MSI's uncommon combination of an ULV Intel CPU and a Max-Q GPU gives it some interesting advantages over the Dell, but it still falls a bit short on some key areas.

Allen Ngo, 07 Feb 2019 08:59

VLC will get a new update soon. (Source: VLC)

VLC 4.0 will support uninterrupible music playback and Apple AirPlay, but also drop support for multiple older platforms

The latest update to the VLC media player (4.0) will bring more features, especially for iOS. However, it will also no longer support older versions of the same platform, along with some others (e.g. Windows XP). It also now offers the ability to play a full list of music without pauses of any kind.

Deirdre O Donnell, 06 Feb 2019 16:55

More Inbox features are reportedly leaching into Gmail. (Source: Google)

New Reddit leak suggests Gmail will gain more Inbox features soon

A post on Reddit allegedly contains a screenshot of a Gmail app interface that integrates many features taken from Inbox. They include a pinned-only toggle, per-subject bundling and Assistant-esque reminders. They may have been picked for preservation by Google before Inbox shuts down for good.

Deirdre O Donnell, 02 Feb 2019 18:23

Pine64 will have a busy 2019 thanks to the release of its new Linux laptop and tablet

Pine64, the organization behind the Pine A64 SBC and Pinebook, is planning to release a new Linux-based laptop and a new tablet. Dubbed the Pinebook Pro and PineTab, respectively, the two devices aim to offer an open-source computing experience at a low price. The Pinebook Pro is priced at US $199 while the PineTab is priced at US $79.

Sam Medley, 31 Jan 2019 23:53

Razer Blade Stealth vs. Huawei MateBook 13: The two fastest 13-inch Ultrabooks available

The new MateBook 13 has an unlikely competitor because of its full-power 25 W GeForce MX150 GPU. It's unquestionably faster than the average Ultrabook, but can it beat the $1600 Razer Blade Stealth?

Allen Ngo, 30 Jan 2019 16:00

Huawei MateBook X Pro vs. MateBook 13: What's the difference?

Huawei MateBook 13 vs. MateBook X Pro: What's the difference?

The two may look similar, but they're actually quite different. The cheaper MateBook 13 is surprisingly the faster model by more than a wide margin while the MateBook X Pro has the larger and higher resolution display. Users should choose carefully depending on which features are more important.

Allen Ngo, 29 Jan 2019 08:00

ThinkPad Roadmap: Chinese leak reveals Lenovo's release plans for 2019, including new ThinkPad X390 & T495s

Lenovo's lineup of ThinkPad laptops has not been updated at CES as in the last years. Thanks to a leak coming from China, we now know Lenovo's plans for 2019. The ThinkPad roadmap 2019 includes informations on when which models are to be released and which models will merely receive CPU updates.

Benjamin Herzig, 27 Jan 2019 13:25

Facebook plans to bring content from its three messaging-related services into closer conjunction. (Source: The Financial Express)

Facebook has a plan to 'merge' user content from Messenger, WhatsApp and Instagram

Facebook has just announced an initiative in which messages from its own Messenger, as well as from its acquisitions Instagram and WhatsApp, will be integrated using a singular infrastructure. This contravenes an earlier commitment on the part of the parent company that these 3 services would remain independent. This plan has also raised alarm among privacy experts and WhatsApp staff.

Deirdre O Donnell, 25 Jan 2019 19:12

Ultrabook

USB 4.0 specs bring Thunderbolt 3 speeds to consumer devices

Vivo has set up a collaboration to test out truly wireless charging tech for its phones

MWC19 also revealed the 5G Snapdragon X55 module for notebooks

Gigabyte Aero 15-X9 vs. Razer Blade 15: Gigabyte has the CPU performance advantage

Chrome developers are preparing a new feature to make back/forward navigation faster

The GoPro HERO7 Black now has a limited-edition variant

Update | Chuwi Aerobook is a cheaper alternative to the Huawei MateBook

MWC19 | RAVPower releases its thinnest-ever 45W wall charger with PD

Intel previews the Foveros 3D packaging technology in upcoming Lakefield hybrid CPUs

MWC19 | Lenovo ThinkPad T490s, T490 & T590: Sleeker designs & brighter screens, but less flexibility – Update

MWC19 | AMD Zen+ Ryzen 3200U, 3500U, and 3700U will debut on the Lenovo IdeaPad C340 convertible series

MWC19 | Lenovo IdeaPad S340 and S540 with AMD Ryzen Zen+ will undercut the Intel SKU by $150 USD

MWC19 | Lenovo ThinkPad X390 & X390 Yoga: Smallest ThinkPads now with 13.3 instead of 12.5 inch LCDs

MWC19 | Huawei MateBook X Pro is finally getting the Whiskey Lake-U treatment

Buying a Dell XPS 13? We recommend checking for coil whine

83% Lenovo Yoga Chromebook C630 Convertible Review

Huawei's first flagship offline store outside China will be located in Vienna, Austria

Microsoft starts developing Windows 20H1 ahead of 19H2

Lenovo ThinkPad 2019 leak: Data-sheets of the redesigned ThinkPads T490, T490s & T590 have been leaked

88% Lenovo ThinkPad L390 (i5-8265U, FHD) Laptop Review

87% Lenovo IdeaPad 730S-13IWL (i5-8265U, FHD) Laptop Review

The average Whiskey Lake-U laptop is just 8 percent faster than Kaby Lake-R

Acer has announced its financial report for January 2019

91% HP Elitebook x360 1040 G5 (i7-8650U, FHD) Convertible Review

86% Lenovo ThinkPad L390 Yoga (Core i5-8265U, 256 GB, FHD) Convertible Review

Laptops to fall in love with this Valentine's Day

Asus ZenBook 15 vs. Dell XPS 15: Still not enough to dethrone the popular 15-inch king

Acer Aspire, Chromebook, and Nitro systems are on sale for President's Day

New Microsoft patent may reduce inadequacies in next-gen Surface Pen

Dell XPS, Inspiron, Precision, and Alienware systems are all on sale for President's Day

Lenovo ThinkPad T490 laptop announced as special healthcare edition

New Blade Stealth having charging issues? Razer says to contact them directly for a BIOS update

Release date for Dell XPS 15 and Alienware m15 with OLED panels seemingly pushed back to April

84% Tuxedo Book BU1307 (Core i7-8550U, UHD 620) Laptop Review

Skype now offers the option to blur out a video caller's background

81% Lenovo V330-14IKB (i5, FHD) Laptop Review

We are reviewing the affordable & compact Lenovo ThinkPad L390

MSI PS63 vs. Dell XPS 15: MSI still has some ways to go

VLC 4.0 will support uninterrupible music playback and Apple AirPlay, but also drop support for multiple older platforms

88% Dell XPS 13 9380 2019 (i5-8265U, 256GB, UHD) Subnotebook Review

86% Dell Inspiron 17-7786 (i7-8565U, 16 GB, 17-inch Touch, MX 150) Convertible Review

New Reddit leak suggests Gmail will gain more Inbox features soon

Pine64 will have a busy 2019 thanks to the release of its new Linux laptop and tablet

Razer Blade Stealth vs. Huawei MateBook 13: The two fastest 13-inch Ultrabooks available

85% Samsung Notebook 9 Pen NP930QAA (i7-8550U) Convertible Review

86% Huawei MateBook 13 (i7-8565U, GeForce MX150) Laptop Review

Huawei MateBook 13 vs. MateBook X Pro: What's the difference?

85% Acer TravelMate X3410 (i7-8550U, 16 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD) Laptop Review

ThinkPad Roadmap: Chinese leak reveals Lenovo's release plans for 2019, including new ThinkPad X390 & T495s

Facebook has a plan to 'merge' user content from Messenger, WhatsApp and Instagram

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