Topics

Spurred by AMD's Ryzen, Intel released a plethora of new CPUs at Computex 2017. (Source: Intel)

Are six cores better than four for gaming?

Techspot pits the i7-7700K against the slightly more expensive hexa-core i7-7800X, and the results are conclusive: the 7800X might give you more cores, but it's less (game) performance for more money.

Douglas Black, 12 Jul 2017 11:14

The Intel Pentium G4560 may be impossible to find on store shelves later this year. (Source: Intel)

Intel may limit or discontinue the Pentium G4560

Intel may be artificially reducing stock of the Pentium G4560 due to the CPU's cannibalization of sales of the Core i3 line, which is double the MSRP of the Pentium while only offering a small bump in performance. Expect prices fo...

Sam Medley, 12 Jul 2017 00:05

The Essential Phone was pre-orderable for US$699 in May and should have shipped in June. (Source: Essential)

Andy Rubin's Essential Phone hits delays, trouble

Android brainchild Andy Rubin's Essential Phone should have shipped in June, but that date is over 10 days past. In the midst of the delay, CNBC's Todd Haselton has reported that Essential's head of PR has apparently left the comp...

Douglas Black, 10 Jul 2017 07:20

The backup power system consists of a 100 MW Li-ion Powerpack from Tesla, coupled with Neoen's Wind Farm near Jamestown, South Australia. (Source: Tesla)

Elon Musk and South Australian authorities team up to develop the biggest Li-ion backup battery

The grid-scale renewable energy backup system will provide enough power for more than 30,000 homes and will become the highest power battery system in the world by a factor of 3, according to Elon Musk.

Bogdan Solca, 08 Jul 2017 10:48

The Surface Pro features improved performance, battery life, and design over the Surface Pro 4. (Source: Microsoft)

Surface Pro users complain of random shut-offs

Microsoft has confirmed that some Surface Pro units are being affected by sudden and random hibernation — though other users assert the laptop is simply turning off abruptly, causing them to lose work.

Douglas Black, 08 Jul 2017 07:19

Lexar memory cards and flash drives have been discontinued

Micron Technology, Inc., stated that they will discontinue the Lexar brand of removable storage devices in an effort to pursue "higher value markets."

Sam Medley, 28 Jun 2017 21:23

Smach Z handheld gaming PC likely to be delayed (again)

Due to a disagreement with a key hardware partner, the Smach Z handheld gaming PC is likely to run into further delays (if not cancellation).

Sam Medley, 27 Jun 2017 00:20

The bug affects all Kaby Lake and Skylake chips with Hyperthreading. (Source: Intel)

Serious Hyperthreading bug affects Intel Skylake and Kaby Lake architectures

A serious bug in the microcode for Intel's Kaby Lake and Skylake CPUs has been found. The bug can cause misbehavior of software and loss of data. It affects all 6th and 7th-gen CPUs with Hyperthreading enabled.

Douglas Black, 26 Jun 2017 17:11

Windows 10 S can be infected with malware

While Microsoft has claimed that Windows 10 S is not vulnerable to any currently known malware, a clever cybersecurity professional has found an exploit in Microsoft Word that can run malicious code in the operating system.

Sam Medley, 24 Jun 2017 00:57

Google Glass gets updated after three years of silence

Both the MyGlass Android app and the firmware on Google Glass devices have been updated out of the blue.

Sam Medley, 22 Jun 2017 05:17

The OnePlus series has always had the ethos of flagship performance at mid-tier prices. (Source: The Verge)

OnePlus 5 caught gaming benchmarks (again)

Chinese manufacturer OnePlus has been once again caught by XDA in manipulating phone behavior for higher benchmark scores. In this case, the tweaks cause the OnePlus 5 to score around 5 percent higher than other Snapdragon 835 han...

Douglas Black, 21 Jun 2017 15:49

Single-board computers are great for creators of IoT devices or learners who want to experiment with programming. (Source: Digital Trends)

Intel aims to axe their Joule, Galileo, and Edison SoCs for makers

Intel's Galileo, Jules, and Edison single-board computers will come to an end after this year, according to the company's internal documents. It isn't clear what product(s), if any, will replace them.

Douglas Black, 20 Jun 2017 21:46

Reading between the lines, Windows 10 S stays fast because it's less susceptible to bloat. (Source: Windows Central)

Is Windows 10 S really faster?

Microsoft has advertised Windows 10 S as faster than regular Windows 10, but the reality is that it just needs less maintenance.

Douglas Black, 17 Jun 2017 17:30

LeEco in shambles as company closes service center in Shanghai

LeEco is having significant issues after the disaster that was its expansion into the US. New information claims that the company is already shutting down service centers at home in China.

Ricci Rox, 16 Jun 2017 23:10

Pixel XL 2 rumored to be cancelled

Multiple sources are reporting that Google has cancelled project "muskie," which was speculated to be a successor to Google's 2016 flagship Pixel XL.

Sam Medley, 14 Jun 2017 15:44

Volume controls made simple? (Source: Reddit)

Reddit designs new volume controls with hilarious results

Leave it to the Internet to put too much thought in redesigning one of the simplest mechanics in modern computers with pretty funny results.

Sam Medley, 10 Jun 2017 06:47

Rather than pressing the screen to move Pepe up, users had to control the Frog by screaming into their iPhone. (Source: Vice Motherboard)

Feels bad, man: Apple bans Pepe from its App Store

While still available on Google Play, Apple's App Store has apparently deemed any apps containing beloved meme "Pepe the Frog" as "objectionable content".

Douglas Black, 10 Jun 2017 05:42

Intel might have a lot of patents on their x86 architecture, but experts doubt Qualcomm would take such a risk if they were liable. (Source: Intel)

Intel bares its teeth at Qualcomm over Snapdragon-powered PCs

Intel has suggested it views Qualcomm's x86 emulation technology as a serious threat and potentially a violation of its intellectual property rights. Whether Qualcomm's technology (which allows Snapdragon CPUs to run full Windows ...

Douglas Black, 09 Jun 2017 15:34

Apple is on-track to open 40 Apple retail stores in China by this October. (Source: TechCrunch)

Chinese officials uncover massive data theft by local Apple employees

An underground identity-theft ring where Apple employees were selling customers' personal data was uncovered in China.

Douglas Black, 08 Jun 2017 11:15

Third-party repair, such as that offered by popular YouTuber Louis Rossmann, is often preferable to having your device wiped and exchanged with a refurbished model by Apple. (Source: YouTube/Louis Rossmann)

Consumer watchdog accuses Apple of misleading customers about repairs

Australia's consumer watchdog is taking Apple to court over allegations that the company lied or misled customers about their rights as consumers under Australian law.

Douglas Black, 07 Jun 2017 05:30

Andy Rubin's Essential brand accused of trademark infringement

Spigen, a smartphone manufacturer that owns trademark rights to the term "Essential," has sent a Cease and Desist order to Andy Rubin's Essential company. Claiming that Essential infringed on their copyright, Spigen demanded that ...

Sam Medley, 04 Jun 2017 22:54

Samsung delays Bixby's US launch

Although the Galaxy S8 and S8+ flagships are available in the US and Bixby should have been ready at launch as well, it looks like Samsung's virtual assistant is facing English syntax and grammar issues and fixing them might take ...

Codrut Nistor, 02 Jun 2017 13:55

"Cloak and Dagger" vulnerability can leave your Android phone open to attack

The exploit, which has long been theorized, was confirmed by computer security researchers. By using invisible overlays and some clever social engineering, hackers can quickly gain full control to an Android device.

Sam Medley, 27 May 2017 03:34

The unassuming intrusion method has made this attack one of the most widespread in recent history. (Source: Check Point)

Vulnerability found in subtitle system of VLC, Kodi, and other media players

By injection malicious code into subtitle files, hackers are able to take full control of a device that loads the malicious subtitles. The exploit affects four of the biggest media streaming services: VLC, Kodi, Popcorn Time, and ...

Sam Medley, 26 May 2017 21:00

The Xperia Z3, released in Q4 2014, remains Sony's most well-received smartphone in years. (Source: Sony)

Sony discontinues upper-midrange phones

Sony has announced cuts to its "Premium Standard" product line amid profoundly disappointing international sales of those model smartphones.

Douglas Black, 25 May 2017 13:13

This is what an extra $1,200 gets you. (Source: Amazon Japan)

Special edition VAIO Z Flip makes engine noises on boot-up, forms a dent in your wallet upon purchase

A Mercedes-Benz–branded VAIO Z Flip is now available for purchase, but is currently limited to Japan. The special edition notebook hopes to entice buyers with its generously-applied logos and a unique boot-up feature, but its high...

John Garcia, 24 May 2017 23:26

Apps can now be restricted based on SafetyNet Attestation. (Image: Google Play Console)

Rooted phones may not be able to download some apps from the Google Play Store

A new update to the Play Console allows developers to restrict access to their apps based on SafetyNet testing. They can hide apps from phones that fail SafetyNet (i.e., rooted devices).

Sam Medley, 19 May 2017 21:13

HTC's U Ultra is the latest in a long line of HTC devices to meet a tepid reception. (Source: HTC)

HTC pledges to streamline operations after 8th consecutive quarter of losses

Taiwanese ODM HTC has reported its 8th consecutive quarter of losses this Q1 2017. The latest financial report from the company revealed its lowest revenue in a year. The upcoming flagship HTC U 11 is a possible bright-spot for th...

Douglas Black, 15 May 2017 03:39

Samsung Galaxy S8/S8+ red tint display issue solved by a software update on AT&T

Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+ on AT&T get the red tint fix update

Although this patch has been around for a while, it is now finally available for AT&T users as well. Once applied, it offers an easy way for Galax7 S8/S8+ users to eliminate the red tint issue.

Codrut Nistor, 10 May 2017 21:45

Apple will cover the Smart Keyboard for a full three years. (Image: Apple)

Apple offers free repairs on iPad Pro's Smart Keyboard for three years

Due to "functional issues," Apple will extend the replacement and repair warrant for the iPad Pro's Smart Keyboard to three years from the date of purchase.

Sam Medley, 09 May 2017 21:52

According to a promotional video, Microsoft's Surface Book originally sported two USB Type-C ports. (Source: Microsoft)

Promotional video shows Surface Laptop prototype with USB Type-C

Microsoft's own promotional video for their new Surface Laptop reveals that the education-focused device originally sported two USB Type-C ports in addition to the single USB Type-A.

Douglas Black, 04 May 2017 14:05

Amazon will end its free mobile app program this summer

The Amazon Underground app store will no longer accept submission after May 31st. Amazon will also no longer list free apps for Android after this summer.

Sam Medley, 02 May 2017 23:32

Huawei chief apologizes for "arrogant" handling of Mate 9 UFS debacle

The controversy has sparked Huawei Mobile CEO Richard Yu to initiate a "Customer Listening Taskforce" program and a promise for higher consumer standards in the future.

Allen Ngo, 02 May 2017 05:33

The Meizu PRO 5 was the last officially supported Ubuntu Touch phone. (Image Source: Ubuntu Insights)

Ubuntu Phone support will end in June, app store will close in December

The mobile OS will no longer be updated after June of this year, while the Ubuntu Touch app store will be closed by the end of the year. These moves will essentially kill off Ubuntu Touch.

Sam Medley, 25 Apr 2017 21:59

Apple reduces commissions to App Store affiliates by 64%

Apple's App Store affiliates will now earn 2.5% for apps downloaded via their affiliate ID, down from 7%.

Sam Medley, 24 Apr 2017 22:00

Huawei reportedly shipping Mate 9 and P10 models with slower eMMC storage

Huawei originally advertised the Mate 9 with UHS 2.1 storage, but some units are purportedly shipping with the slower eMMC 5.1 standard without any official statements from the manufacturer. Furthermore, sources say some advertise...

Allen Ngo, 24 Apr 2017 02:24

The Moto G5 Plus, from Verizon. Soon with the ability to browse and call at the same time. (Source: Lenovo)

Verizon's VoLTE service prevents Moto G5 Plus users from making emergency calls

A software bug prevents Moto G5 Plus owners from dialing 911 while using Verizon's VoLTE service. Lenovo has issued a temporary fix for the problem, as well as reassurance that it is working on a permanent solution.

John Garcia, 20 Apr 2017 20:59

Samsung Galaxy S8+ Android flagship facing display problems

Samsung Galaxy S8 flagships facing display issues

Many South Korean customers who just received their Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ pre-order units claim their new handsets have display problems - excessive red tints on the screen, to be more specific.

Codrut Nistor, 18 Apr 2017 13:15

The NES Classic Edition will no longer be supplied to retailers after April. (Image source: Nintendo)

Nintendo discontinues NES Classic Edition console

Despite continuing high demand for the retro console, Nintendo of America announced that they will discontinue the NES Classic Edition by the end of this month.

Sam Medley, 13 Apr 2017 22:18

PSA: Latest XPS 9560 BIOS (1.2.4) may brick notebook

Dell's latest BIOS update for the XPS 9560 (1.2.4) is causing some users' laptops to be bricked after installing. There are two simple methods to make the system bootable again, however.

Douglas Black, 12 Apr 2017 17:59

Lenovo dethrones Apple in Laptop Mag's "Best & Worst Laptop Brands" list for 2017

Lenovo has claimed the top spot from Apple in Laptop Mag's annual brand ranking. The Cupertino giant fell to 5th place due to controversial design changes in its Macbook and Macbook Pro lines.

Sam Medley, 10 Apr 2017 21:47

Game console emulators like Nesbox will no longer be available on the Windows Store. (Source: Nesbox)

The Windows Store has officially banned emulators

Microsoft's latest policy change for the official Windows Store bans emulators outright. However, the software can still be found and downloaded online.

Sam Medley, 07 Apr 2017 22:19

Hackers compromise U.S. taxpayer data through university financial aid system

Using an exploit in the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and tools used to retrieve tax data, hackers were able to breach part of the IRS database and steal personal data for 100,000 U.S. taxpayers.

Sam Medley, 07 Apr 2017 21:29

Ubuntu will use the GNOME desktop environment for future versions. (Source: Canonical)

Ubuntu kills Unity desktop, shifts focus to GNOME

Canonical is stopping all development on the Unity desktop and shifting focus to the GNOME desktop.

Sam Medley, 06 Apr 2017 23:00

The current Mac Pro hasn't been updated since 2013. (Source: Apple)

Apple is planning to redesign the Mac Pro

In a press interview, senior staff at Apple said that the company is "completely rethinking the Mac Pro." Plans for a redesign are in motion, but a new Mac Pro likely won't arrive until next year at the earliest.

Sam Medley, 04 Apr 2017 17:32

The Nintendo Switch may be susceptible to warping. (Source: Technobuffalo)

Nintendo Switch users claim their consoles are warping

Nintendo's new Switch may be prone to warping. While the cause is unknown, current speculation suggests that leaving the console in its dock may cause heat buildup which could warp the chassis.

Sam Medley, 03 Apr 2017 23:52

This image from Yota's website could be the Yotaphone 3. (Source: Yota)

Seeing double: Yotaphone 3 preorders may start this summer

A new teaser image on Yota's website hints that a new device will be available for preorder this summer.

Sam Medley, 03 Apr 2017 21:02

Holding a picture of the owner's face in front of the camera seems to be enough. (Source: iDeviceHelp)

Samsung Galaxy S8 can be unlocked with a photograph

A video has surfaced of Samsung's new Galaxy S8 being tricked into unlocking with a photograph, raising questions of security.

Douglas Black, 01 Apr 2017 05:48

Without Palmer Luckey, the Rift and VR as a whole may not be what they are today. (Source: Oculus)

Palmer Luckey, inventor of the Oculus Rift, exits Facebook

Luckey, who co-founded Oculus and was a driving force in the development of the Rift VR headset, will be leaving Facebook on Friday.

Sam Medley, 30 Mar 2017 23:20