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A Huawei MatePad Pro render. (Source: Nashville Chatter)

A new Huawei MatePad Pro leak appears to confirm Kirin 990 SoC

The MatePad Pro is rumored to be the name of an upcoming tablet from Huawei. It is thought to have premium specs, including the Kirin 990 processor and 5G variants. A new Geekbench listing appears to agree with the first of these, if not the second.

Deirdre O Donnell, 19 Nov 2019 19:00

The Samsung W20 might get a SoC upgrade and a price slash for the Chinese market. (Source: Twitter)

Samsung's W20 foldable spotted in the wild, looks exactly like the Galaxy Fold

Previously rumored to have a clamshell design, the Samsung W20 appears to be almost identical to the galaxy Fold. The specs leaked by TENAA last week also confirm the similarities, even though the SoC is still unknown. The W20 is a China-only model and could feature a more affordable price to compete with the Mate X from Huawei.

Bogdan Solca, 19 Nov 2019 18:35

The Redmi Note 8 Pro might get MIUI 11 soon.

The Redmi Note 8 Pro is caught running Android 10 on Geekbench

The Geekbench 4 database has added several new sets of results for the Redmi Note 8 Pro, which differ from existing ones in only 1 important respect: they list the phones' OS as Android 10 rather than Android 9.0 (Pie). This suggests an imminent update to MIUI 11 for the device.

Deirdre O Donnell, 19 Nov 2019 18:03

These phone's successors may be made by an ODM rather than by Samsung directly. (Source: YouTube)

Samsung reportedly switches to an ODM to make upcoming Galaxy A models

Samsung has a solid track record of both designing and making all its own phones in-house, unlike other phone companies that contract these processes out to original design manufacturers (ODMs). However, according to a new report, the Korean giant will farm out some of its mobile devices to just such a company in the future. This ODM (Wingtech) may end up informing these products' quality, both inside and outside.

Deirdre O Donnell, 18 Nov 2019 23:45

One of Huawei's alleged new flip-phone designs. (Source: LetsGoDigital)

Huawei allegedly patents a response to the Asus ZenFone 6

Huawei has reportedly filed patents for phones with reversible cameras. This design choice is found in a pre-existing Asus phone: the ZenFone 6 (or 6Z), which uses a flip-action module to deploy its dual cameras as both main and selfie shooters. Huawei's apparent competing IP has either 1 or 2 sensors in its own rotating component.

Deirdre O Donnell, 18 Nov 2019 22:42

An example of a notification prompt in Chrome. (Source: Gadgets To Use)

Chrome reigns its pervasive website notification prompts in on Android

Websites are capable of asking to send notifications in a number of browsers, Chrome included. In this case, they may be particularly capable of disrupting the app's experience as they are markedly large and obtrusive, especially on mobile devices. The latest update to Chrome Canary for Android adds options to restrict or block them.

Deirdre O Donnell, 18 Nov 2019 19:06

The TicWatch Pro 4G/LTE can now be bought in Europe. (Source: Mobvoi)

The TicWatch Pro 4G/LTE variant is now on sale in Europe

Mobvoi has released the 4G/LTE version of its TicWatch Pro to the European region. It costs €329.99 (about US$365) in its new market. However, its SIM functions can only be activated in Germany through this country's Vodafone division.

Deirdre O Donnell, 18 Nov 2019 18:36

Sony: Smartphone business collapses; services being shut down too

Sony sold only 600,000 smartphones in the previous quarter, an all-time low for the Japanese company's smartphone division. The collapse of its smartphone business also has consequences for the services that Sony offers.

Alex Alderson, 18 Nov 2019 16:50

Size matters – Fujifilm's tongue-in-cheek takedown of Xiaomi. (Image source: Fujifilm)

Fujifilm trolls Xiaomi and the Mi Note 10 Pro's 108 MP camera

Size matters, at least according to the social media team at Fujifilm. While Xiaomi has gained plenty of attention recently for 108 MP camera in the Mi Note 10 and Mi Note 10 Pro, also known as the Mi CC9 Pro in some markets, Fujifilm has sought to poke fun at the Chinese company by welcoming them to the 100 million pixel club.

Alex Alderson, 18 Nov 2019 16:26

The more likely candidate - Xiaomi Mi Mix 3. (Image source: Xiaomi)

Alleged K30 series smartphone from Xiaomi caught on camera but it's more likely a Redmi herring

A supposed mystery smartphone has appeared in new photos taken on a subway train in China. There has been some speculation about what make and model the phone in the pictures is, with many plumping for either the upcoming Xiaomi Redmi K30 or K30 Pro. However, it is probable this could be a case of mistaken identity.

Daniel R Deakin, 18 Nov 2019 01:15

The Xiaomi Redmi 4 reportedly gets MIUI 11 - albeit with some critical caveats

The Redmi 4 - or 4X in some markets - is a 2017 phone thought to have been all but abandoned by its maker Xiaomi in software-update terms. Despite this, some users of the device in India have reported being able to install a new upgrade conferring the OEM's latest OS, MIUI 11. However, it seems this version is not based on Android 10, and has other drawbacks besides.

Deirdre O Donnell, 17 Nov 2019 23:40

The Samsung Galaxy A80 is to get a new internal-storage SKU

The Samsung Galaxy A80 is a phone containing one of the most innovative notch- or pop-up alternatives in recent times. It is available in a number of regional markets, including China. It must be popular in the latter, as TENAA has certified a new variant with double the normal fixed storage.

Deirdre O Donnell, 17 Nov 2019 23:06

Sony releases an API for its robot dog, aibo

Sony started selling its first consumer-grade robot puppy, aibo, quite some time ago. Therefore, you'd think the OEM would have also released advanced development tools so that the more tech-savvy of this product's owners could have really made it their own by now. However, this has only happened with the latest app update for this device.

Deirdre O Donnell, 17 Nov 2019 22:45

The Sony Xperia 5: Good for those who do are not keen photographers. (Image source: Sony)

Sony Xperia 5: Impressive hardware combined with underwhelming cameras

Sony remains an active player in the camera sensor market, which makes the cameras that it has included in the Xperia 5 even more disappointing. Sony's latest flagship handset is not all bad by any means, but it is hard to see past its underwhelming camera hardware.

Alex Alderson, 17 Nov 2019 20:08

The Motorola Razr's first European launch may be in Sweden. (Source: LetsGoDigital)

The Motorola Razr may be even more expensive in Europe than first thought

Earlier, a Motorola Razr 2019 leak suggested that it would be priced at up to €1500 on its European launch. Now, a new rumor indicates that it will in fact cost the equivalent of €1680 when it is released to the Swedish market in January 2020. For context, the Galaxy Fold costs about €2160 in this country.

Deirdre O Donnell, 17 Nov 2019 19:19

A future Samsung flagship could have a 20:9 aspect ratio. (Source: TalkAndroid)

Galaxy S11: latest rumor points to 8K recording and 20:9 aspect ratio

The Samsung Camera app's latest update reportedly contains references to what next-generation premium phones from this OEM may be capable of. Its APK allegedly contains strings indicating the potential for 8K recording and a 20:9 aspect ratio. As others also mention 108M pixel counts, this may pertain to a Galaxy S10 or Note 10 successor.

Deirdre O Donnell, 17 Nov 2019 18:34

The Mi Note 10 is a solid phone with quite a few compromises. (Source: The Verge)

Opinion | Should you buy the Xiaomi Mi Note 10?

Xiaomi launched the Mi Note 10 a few weeks ago and the phone's impressive camera hardware has suddenly put it close to the top of many prospective buyers' shopping lists. Most are unsure about the purchase decision, however, so why not clarify things a bit for them? Is the Mi Note 10 really a good buy right now?

Ricci Rox, 17 Nov 2019 12:50

The Huawei Mate 20, Mate 20 Pro, P30, P30 Pro are now receiving the Android 10 update globally

Huawei has now beaten Samsung to the punch, as the Chinese OEM is currently sending out the Android 10-based EMUI 10 update to its flagships around the world. The list of devices to have received the update include the Mate 20, Mate 20 Pro, Mate 20 X, P30, P30 Pro, and a few others.

Ricci Rox, 17 Nov 2019 12:44

The Google Pixel 4 XL offers ridiculous performance. (Source: CNN)

The Google Pixel 4 XL is a performance beast but it runs super hot

A few weeks ago, in spite of its SoC disadvantage, the Google Pixel 4 XL destroyed the OnePlus 7T in a resource-intensive transcoding test designed to reflect real-world performance. In a longer, more brutal test, the Pixel 4 XL is pitted against the LG V50, Asus ROG Phone 2, and OnePlus 7T. The results are...well, interesting.

Ricci Rox, 17 Nov 2019 12:44

Huawei may get slight reprieve in US markets with extension of trade waiver

Despite the ongoing trade war between the U.S. and China, Huawei received a small reprieve in the way of a general license allowing U.S. firms to transact with the Chinese telecom giant. That license is set to expire on Monday, but sources familiar with the matter claim the U.S. Department of Commerce will extend the license by six months.

Sam Medley, 17 Nov 2019 01:01

The alleged Huawei patent's images. (Source: Techie Word)

Huawei reportedly files a patent for a clamshell foldable

A new patent allegedly submitted by Huawei to the World Intellectual Property Office (WIPO) has been posted online. It is for a phone with a flexible display - however, for one that folds vertically (like the new Motorola Razr) as opposed to the Mate X's hinge orientation. Should this document be valid, it is a triple-camera, edge-to-edge screened device.

Deirdre O Donnell, 16 Nov 2019 20:54

The new Lenovo Smart Display 7. (Source: Lenovo)

Lenovo announces a new version of its Google Assistant-powered Smart Display

Lenovo has launched the Smart Display 7, which, like its predecessors, is a smart speaker with an in-built touchscreen. This new version has its display above its speakers this time, although they are still 10-watt (W) drivers. It also has Google Assistant, Wi-Fi 802.11ac and an ambient color sensor.

Deirdre O Donnell, 16 Nov 2019 20:16

Galaxy A50 fingerprint sensor registration problem

Some Galaxy A50 users are reporting that fingerprint registration was broken by latest update

Some users have been unable to register their fingerprints after installing the latest software update for the Galaxy A50. Ironically, the update promised enhanced fingerprint scanner functionality, among other things.

Anil Satyanarayana, 16 Nov 2019 05:38

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 is a steal at €150 (~US$165). (Image source: Notebookcheck)

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8: It does not always have to be an OLED panel

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 impressed us during our tests, not least because of its bright display. While the Redmi Note 8 does not have an OLED display, the IPS panel with which Xiaomi has equipped it is bright and contrast-rich. The device has five cameras including a 48 MP primary rear-facing sensor too. In short, Xiaomi has redefined what an entry-level smartphone can be.

Alex Alderson, 15 Nov 2019 23:19

A recent render for the "Pocophone F2". (Source: The Leaker)

A mysterious new Xiaomi certification raises new hopes for a Pocophone F2

Xiaomi has just certified a new mobile device with the Chinese 3C authority. The most obvious explanation is that it is of the K30 series - however, a report alleges that it has already been registered under a different model number. Furthermore, this identifier is linked to this line's confirmed 5G status, whereas the strange new one is not.

Deirdre O Donnell, 15 Nov 2019 22:06

Google search on mobile will now help you pronounce words

Google search will now help you pronounce difficult words in English. The feature even lets you practice your pronunciation by speaking into the mic and tells you how you did almost instantaneously.

Anil Satyanarayana, 15 Nov 2019 21:54

A promotional image hinting strongly at an imminent MatePad reveal. (Source: Weibo)

Huawei announces a November 25, 2019 launch event, most likely for the MatePad Pro

Huawei's Consumer Business head Yu Chengdong has posted the date of a new launch event on Weibo. This message also contains references to the Mate line of devices, indicating that it is to get new additions at this show. They may include the rumored MatePad Pro tablet.

Deirdre O Donnell, 15 Nov 2019 21:19

The Xperia XZ1 Compact has received just one major OS update. (Source: Android Pit)

Official Sony Android 10 update roadmap confirms that the Xperia XZ1 phones have now been abandoned

Sony has now released its official Android 10 update roadmap. The Xperia 1 and Xperia 5 will receive the OS update before the year runs out, while other phones will follow next year. Sadly, the Xperia XZ1 phones are missing from the list, which means they've been abandoned after getting just one OS update, and that's a shame.

Ricci Rox, 15 Nov 2019 16:34

The Mi Note 10 features a stunning penta-camera setup. (Source: Xiaomi)

Forget the Mi Note 10, Xiaomi reportedly has an even more impressive camera phone in the works

Xiaomi's newly released Mi CC9 Pro and Mi Note 10 phones have received plenty of praise for their impressive camera performance. According to a new leak, however, that isn't as good as it gets, with the Chinese company touted to be working on an even more impressive camera phone.

Ricci Rox, 15 Nov 2019 11:36

The Moto One Actions gets US$100 shaved off its RRP. (Source: Expert Reviews)

Motorola's Black Friday deals bring even more value to smartphone buyers

Black Friday deals typically bring more value to the table, and Motorola's offerings this time will likely be enticing to most, with discounts of up to US$320 being on offer, starting November 24.

Ricci Rox, 15 Nov 2019 11:35

Not a Xiaomi Mi 10 leak, just a great-looking concept. (Image source: TechConfigurations)

Sumptuous Xiaomi Mi 10 concept video has a crack at the possible design and specifications for the future flagship

A concept video for the Xiaomi Mi 10 has been posted on YouTube along with a set of optimistic specifications. Whether the Chinese manufacturer will fit the successor of the Mi 9 with a 108 MP sensor and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 SoC remains to be seen, but the “waterfall” display gives the concept Mi 10 an enviable screen-to-body ratio.

Daniel R Deakin, 15 Nov 2019 05:41

The "Xiaomi clamshell foldable" patent. (Source: TigerMobiles)

Xiaomi may be working on its own Razr-esque foldable

The blog TigerMobiles claims to have dug up a couple of patents that may show the directions in which Xiaomi intends to take the foldable trend. One shows a clamshell design like that of the new Motorola Razr, whereas the other is more like the Huawei Mate X, but with an impressively extensive pop-up camera.

Deirdre O Donnell, 14 Nov 2019 22:48

Google begins rollout of RCS (rich communication services) text messaging for all Android users

Google will begin rolling out RCS support to all Android devices today. The rollout will happen in stages. Additionally, RCS will only be available through Google's Messages app. However, the rollout will eventually come to all Android devices, replacing the outdated SMS system currently employed.

Sam Medley, 14 Nov 2019 22:44

Minecraft Earth now available in the US on iOS and Android

Minecraft Earth, the latest augmented reality title from Mojang, is now available in the United States and a few other countries. The title is currently in Early Access. In true Minecraft style, Minecraft Earth focuses on collecting materials and building structures. However, the title uses AR to simulate the structures in real life.

Sam Medley, 14 Nov 2019 21:44

Brave Browser finally exits beta; version 1.0 now available

Brave, a Chromium-based browser designed around user privacy and anonymity, has finally released version 1.0 after four years in development. The browser has a unique method for upending the traditional ad-revenue basis of websites built around blockchain technologies and anonymity.

Sam Medley, 14 Nov 2019 21:19

Whose drone is that? DJI's Remote ID may help you find out soon. (Source: CNET)

DJI announces Remote ID: an app to find out about any drone overhead

DJI has introduced its Remote ID, which allows a drone to "beam" its identity and other prevalent information to any smartphone on the ground via Wi-Fi. The company has developed this modality, which can be used through an app, in accordance with government recommendations for safety and compliance while flying personal aerial robots.

Deirdre O Donnell, 14 Nov 2019 20:47

The Manifest has released the results of a new study on wearables. (Source: The Manifest)

Up to 56% of all US consumers may own a wearable at this point

A new study of wearable uptake in the US shows that 56% of its participants own such a device. Furthermore, another 13% of this group reported considering the purchase of one by 2020. This study's publication also contained some recommendation for Google's next moves in this game following its Fitbit acquisition.

Deirdre O Donnell, 14 Nov 2019 19:56

The Vivo S5's "diamond" camera. (Source: Vivo)

Vivo launches the S5, a mid-range phone with a slightly novel diamond-shaped camera module

Vivo's S5 might be taken for just another device in a steadily-growing range of mid-range quad-cam products, were it not for the rather more original way in which the OEM has arranged its rear image sensors. They are in a square housing, but one rotated through 90 degrees compared to that of, say, the Pixel 4.

Deirdre O Donnell, 14 Nov 2019 19:08

Motorola Razr 2019 officially announced

Motorola officially announced the Razr 2019, a new foldable that harkens back to the glory days of flip phones. The Razr 2019 features a traditional clamshell design to house its 6.2-inch OLED foldable display. Thanks to a clever hinge mechanism, that display may not suffer the same crease- and dust-related issues as other foldables. However, the spec sheet leaves quite a bit to be desired, especially considering the phone's $1499.99 price tag.

Sam Medley, 14 Nov 2019 06:30

The Honor 9X sports a modern design, but it is overpriced. (Image source: Honor)

Honor 9X: The days of Honor's midrange smartphones being good value for money are over

Until now, value for money has been one of the main reasons to buy an Honor smartphone, even at launch. The latest generation changes that, and not for the better. While the Honor 9X is a good device, it pales in comparison with other smartphones that have been released this year.

Alex Alderson, 13 Nov 2019 22:50

Google Pay will reportedly gain a new checking arm soon. (Source: Economic Times)

Google is reportedly coming for the Apple Card with new financial-institution partnerships

Google has reportedly set up partnerships, or at least talks for partnerships, with various US banks and credit unions to offer a new kind of checking account linked to the Pay service. This may help it battle Apple, not to mention other bodies such as AliPay and Samsung Pay.

Deirdre O Donnell, 13 Nov 2019 22:15

The new Motorola Razr is spolied prior to its launch. (Source: Twitter)

The Motorola Razr 2019 is FCC-certified, confirming foldable design and more

Motorola has finally certified its first-gen foldable with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The device's documentation reveals everything about the phone - well, from the outside, at least. Its new regulatory images dovetail with its most recent leaks.

Deirdre O Donnell, 13 Nov 2019 21:29

Barely larger than a credit card, these small computers come with enough power for A.I-enabled image recognition applications. (Source: Asus)

Asus and Google developing credit-card-sized AI-focused PCs

Machine learning is already making its way into IoT devices, as Google and Asus are now collaborating to release single board computers the size of credit cards. Even though they are small, these devices are powerful enough to enable AI-assisted applications for image recognition and upscaling.

Bogdan Solca, 13 Nov 2019 18:22

Google Stadia app comes to iOS, but it is not for playing games

Google's Stadia app is now available for iOS. However, this version of the app will not be able to play games when the service launches next week; rather, it is designed to manage a user's Stadia library. Surprisingly, the app already has a 4.6-star rating despite not being able to do anything yet.

Sam Medley, 13 Nov 2019 14:51

Android

A new Huawei MatePad Pro leak appears to confirm Kirin 990 SoC

Samsung's W20 foldable spotted in the wild, looks exactly like the Galaxy Fold

The Redmi Note 8 Pro is caught running Android 10 on Geekbench

78% Motorola Moto G8 Plus smartphone review – Mobile phone with action cam

Samsung reportedly switches to an ODM to make upcoming Galaxy A models

Huawei allegedly patents a response to the Asus ZenFone 6

Chrome reigns its pervasive website notification prompts in on Android

The TicWatch Pro 4G/LTE variant is now on sale in Europe

Sony: Smartphone business collapses; services being shut down too

Fujifilm trolls Xiaomi and the Mi Note 10 Pro's 108 MP camera

81% Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro Smartphone Review: Pseudo Gaming SoC meets 64-MP Cam

Alleged K30 series smartphone from Xiaomi caught on camera but it's more likely a Redmi herring

The Xiaomi Redmi 4 reportedly gets MIUI 11 - albeit with some critical caveats

The Samsung Galaxy A80 is to get a new internal-storage SKU

Sony releases an API for its robot dog, aibo

Sony Xperia 5: Impressive hardware combined with underwhelming cameras

The Motorola Razr may be even more expensive in Europe than first thought

Galaxy S11: latest rumor points to 8K recording and 20:9 aspect ratio

Opinion | Should you buy the Xiaomi Mi Note 10?

The Huawei Mate 20, Mate 20 Pro, P30, P30 Pro are now receiving the Android 10 update globally

The Google Pixel 4 XL is a performance beast but it runs super hot

Huawei may get slight reprieve in US markets with extension of trade waiver

Huawei reportedly files a patent for a clamshell foldable

Lenovo announces a new version of its Google Assistant-powered Smart Display

77% Motorola One Macro Smartphone Review - The camera as a weak spot

Some Galaxy A50 users are reporting that fingerprint registration was broken by latest update

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8: It does not always have to be an OLED panel

A mysterious new Xiaomi certification raises new hopes for a Pocophone F2

Google search on mobile will now help you pronounce words

Huawei announces a November 25, 2019 launch event, most likely for the MatePad Pro

83% Sony Xperia 5 Smartphone Review: A handy handset despite having a 6-inch display

Official Sony Android 10 update roadmap confirms that the Xperia XZ1 phones have now been abandoned

Forget the Mi Note 10, Xiaomi reportedly has an even more impressive camera phone in the works

Motorola's Black Friday deals bring even more value to smartphone buyers

Sumptuous Xiaomi Mi 10 concept video has a crack at the possible design and specifications for the future flagship

79% Nokia 7.2 Review - Good smartphone with errors in detail

Xiaomi may be working on its own Razr-esque foldable

Google begins rollout of RCS (rich communication services) text messaging for all Android users

Minecraft Earth now available in the US on iOS and Android

Brave Browser finally exits beta; version 1.0 now available

DJI announces Remote ID: an app to find out about any drone overhead

Up to 56% of all US consumers may own a wearable at this point

Vivo launches the S5, a mid-range phone with a slightly novel diamond-shaped camera module

Motorola Razr 2019 officially announced

79% Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Smartphone Review: A display dream for the price-conscious buyer

Honor 9X: The days of Honor's midrange smartphones being good value for money are over

Google is reportedly coming for the Apple Card with new financial-institution partnerships

The Motorola Razr 2019 is FCC-certified, confirming foldable design and more

Asus and Google developing credit-card-sized AI-focused PCs

Google Stadia app comes to iOS, but it is not for playing games

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