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A glyph representing the iPhone 8 found in the firmware seems to confirm the validity of earlier design leaks. (Source: MacRumors)

iPhone 8 to have infrared face-detection

Developers have found hints inside Apple's early HomePod firmware that point to the iPhone 8 making use of infrared facial recognition. The entries were found in the BiometricKit framework, which is where TouchID also resides.

Douglas Black, 31 Jul 2017 10:17

This is the second time this year that a broadcom WiFi chip has caused security issues. (Source: Business Insider)

Broadcomm WiFi can be hacked on iPhone and several modern Android phones

A Black Hat researcher has found a vulnerability with Broadcom wireless chips used in various phones including iPhone, Nexus, and Galaxy S phones. This bug allows a hacker to overflow the memory in the wireless chip and execute co...

Craig Ward, 30 Jul 2017 23:13

Apple is not the only company forced to either cooperate with the Chinese government or face losing access to the market, but they are the largest. (Source: Shutterstock)

Apple pulls VPNs from Chinese App Store

Apple has pulled a number of censorship-defeating tools from their App Store in China, citing Chinese law. The move to accommodate the Chinese government deprives many in the country of access to information.

Douglas Black, 30 Jul 2017 09:48

Foxconn assembly line workers. (Image source: Foxconn)

Foxconn to open new LCD manufacturing plant in Wisconsin

Foxconn, the electronics manufacturer largely responsible for building components used in the iPhone, has announced their intention to construct an LCD manufacturing plant in Wisconsin. In return, the state of Wisconsin will pay t...

Sam Medley, 27 Jul 2017 05:41

Qualcomm and Apple have been locked in a legal battle since January. Now Intel has joined by throwing their support behind Apple. (Source: recode.net)

Qualcomm hits back at Intel's claims of anti-competitive behavior

Qualcomm has responded to Intel's claims that they are an "anti-competitive bully," by asserting that they aren't specifically targeting Intel's products, just those that infringe on their patents.

Craig Ward, 26 Jul 2017 15:58

The SilentEchoBot allows natural interaction via text using Amazon's APIs. (Source: TechCrunch)

'Silent Echo' uses slack to allow text communication with Amazon Alexa

This Slack bot gives users the ability to silently interact with Alexa using the same commands they would speak out loud. It allows users to communicate when the room is noisy, or when voice communication isn't appropriate. Not al...

Craig Ward, 24 Jul 2017 12:02

TSMC's first generation 7nm process will be based on older printing technology

TSMC will be basing their first generation of 7nm chips on the DUV lithography, instead of the more advanced EUV lithography. This is likely due to production constraints associated with EUV.

Craig Ward, 23 Jul 2017 03:41

Android market share rising at the expense of iOS

Android has been chipping away at iOS in terms of smartphone activations as Apple fans patiently wait for the megaton iPhone refresh coming towards the end of the year.

Allen Ngo, 21 Jul 2017 08:39

iOS 10 gets a new update, labeled 10.3.3, delivering improvements and fixes to iPhone and iPad

iOS 10.3.3 now official

After quite a few public beta releases, Apple iOS 10.3.3 is finally ready to deliver multiple bug fixes and improvements to all iPhone and iPad users who own one (or more) compatible device(s).

Codrut Nistor, 20 Jul 2017 22:00

Samsung to supply Apple with 7 nm A12 SoCs for next year's iPhone

Samsung may supply Apple with 7 nm A12 SoCs for next year's iPhone

The South Korean manufacturer has purportedly struck another deal with Apple to provide both OLED panels and A12 SoCs.

Allen Ngo, 20 Jul 2017 07:15

Sequent is a self-charging smartwatch on Kickstarter

By using a kinetic charging system, the Sequent smartwatch promises to be the world's first fitness tracker and smartwatch with an "infinite" battery life.

Sam Medley, 08 Jul 2017 06:17

Qualcomm has faced legal challenges in the past, particularly anti-trust charges by the Federal Trade Commission. (Source: Qualcomm)

Qualcomm seeks ban on iPhone sales in the USA

Qualcomm has escalated an ongoing dispute with Apple by filing a complaint with the International Trade Commission (ITC), asking for a ban on import and sales of iPhones in the USA. Qualcomm claims that Apple is using non-standard...

Douglas Black, 07 Jul 2017 02:57

From its completion in 2004 until 2009, Taipei 101 was awarded the distinction of being the world's tallest building. (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

Apple opens first store in Taiwan at base of landmark skyscraper Taipei 101

Apple has opened its first store in Taiwan at the base of one of the world's tallest buildings, Taipei 101.

Douglas Black, 02 Jul 2017 08:35

Ungrip, the gimmicky smartphone accessory that works

It looks rather gimmicky but admittedly does a good job of not letting gravity introduce your phone to your face while using it in bed.

Ricci Rox, 01 Jul 2017 18:32

Beat 'em up, retro style. (Source: Sega Forever)

Relive the games of yore with free Sega classics — now available on mobile

The Sega Forever Collection brings five of the best classics to relive the good ol' days.

Vaidyanathan Subramaniam, 22 Jun 2017 04:35

Virgin Mobile goes iPhone-only and offers a year of unlimited talk, text, and data for $1

As part of their new Inner Circle service plan, the British-based MVNO will only sell iPhones. New customers can sign up and get unlimited talk, text, and data for an entire year for only $1.

Sam Medley, 22 Jun 2017 01:38

The front looks good, yet there is no doubt many will be disappointed by their high expectations for the device. (Source: reddit/kamikasky)

Leak purports to show the first real face of the iPhone 8

A reddit user has allegedly revealed the front panel of the iPhone 8, and it looks more like the Essential Phone than a Galaxy S8 or iPhone.

Douglas Black, 14 Jun 2017 09:25

Most apps send out some level of personal data to third parties. (Source: TechRadar)

Study reveals 70 percent of mobile app data is being shared with third parties

A recent study by a Spanish institute has just revealed that the majority of mobile apps used share data with third parties.

Vaidyanathan Subramaniam, 12 Jun 2017 17:02

Huawei's upcoming flagship, the Honor 9, is set to be revealed before the end of the month. (Source: Huawei)

Leaping tiger: Huawei overtakes Apple in global smartphone sales

Huawei overtook Apple in global sales volume in December of 2016, according to Huawei India exec Allen Wang. This puts Huawei just behind Samsung in terms of numbers of handsets sold globally.

Douglas Black, 12 Jun 2017 10:18

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

WWDC 2017 | Apple announces HomePod smart speaker

The HomePod is a competent speaker built around Siri. The speaker can recognize where it's placed in a room in order to direct sound for a fuller, richer music experience. The speaker also includes full Siri interaction.

Sam Medley, 06 Jun 2017 23:58

WWDC 2017 | Apple shows off WatchOS 4 at WWDC

The updated OS brings some small tweaks, including a Siri-enabled watch face, better music management, and the ability to sync activity tracking to select exercise machines.

Sam Medley, 05 Jun 2017 21:31

The Pokemon Company catches huge boost in profits

Due to the success of Pokémon Go, The Pokémon Company saw their net profits jump from $5.6 million in 2015 to over $140 million in 2016.

Sam Medley, 02 Jun 2017 05:09

Samsung and Apple cleaned house in the ACSI's 2017 Customer Satisfaction Survey. (Image: ACSI)

Apple and Samsung dominate 2017 American Customer Satisfaction Index

The two brands claimed every spot in the ACSI's top 20 smartphones ranked according to customer satisfaction.

Sam Medley, 24 May 2017 23:26

An alleged final design dummy for the iPhone 8. (Source: Benjamin Geskin)

The iPhone 8 isn't here yet ... but the first iPhone 9 rumors are

Even before this year's iPhone gets an official unveiling, the rumor mill is starting to spin for its successor. A report claims that Samsung and Apple have struck a deal for two models of next year's "iPhone 9," including one mod...

John Garcia, 23 May 2017 23:29

Apple bills its iPhone as an "easier" alternative to Android. (Source: Apple)

Apple's "Switch" webpage gets overhauled, focuses on iPhone's advantages over Android

A revamped Apple webpage attempts to explain why switching to iPhone from Android makes sense. The page mentions improved performance, photography, and ease-of-use as benefits that iPhone users enjoy.

John Garcia, 22 May 2017 21:52

Apple hits $800 billion market valuation

The Cupertino Giant set a record at market close on Tuesday by eclipsing $800 billion in market capitalization, a first for any U.S. company.

Sam Medley, 10 May 2017 17:43

More analysts showing Huawei well ahead of competitors in China

Huawei knocks Oppo back to second place with Xiaomi inching closer to overtaking Apple in the Chinese smartphone market.

Allen Ngo, 09 May 2017 07:55

Slightly suggestive and one-hundred-percent inedible: the Banana Phone. (Source: Indiegogo)

You can now make calls from your smartphone via banana (yes, seriously)

Call your friends or talk to Siri, just don't eat it. The Banana Phone is the $40 accessory you definitely don't need—but that doesn't mean you shouldn't buy it.

John Garcia, 04 May 2017 23:07

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

Garmin Vivosmart 3 fitness tracker now available for purchase

Garmin Vivosmart 3 now shipping

This fitness tracker features the Elevate wrist heart-rate technology with 24/7 hear rate monitoring, also being capable of determining the user's VO2 maximum level. Garmin's Vivosmart 3 has a suggested retail price of $139.99 USD...

Codrut Nistor, 13 Apr 2017 17:45

Facebook Messenger reaches 1.2 billion monthly active users

After breaking the one billion users barrier back in May, Facebook Messenger moves to a whole new level and leaves behind the 1.2 billion users mark, also increasing the number of messages sent per active user.

Codrut Nistor, 12 Apr 2017 23:55

Not dead yet: the iPhone 5 (and the 5C) will still receive OS updates.

Don't worry, iPhone 5 users: Apple plans to continue issuing updates to your device

A new report claimed that Apple was dropping support for the iPhone 5 and 5C with the latest iOS 10.3.2 beta update. It is now apparent that the two devices will be covered via a second version of the update.

John Garcia, 12 Apr 2017 19:04

Misfit Flare fitness tracker now available for $59.99 USD

Misfit Flare fitness tracker now official

This basic fitness tracker uses an aluminum frame and is waterproof up to 50 meters, offering up to six months of autonomy (it uses a replaceable CR1632 coin cell battery), as well as compatibility with Misfit App and Misfit Link ...

Codrut Nistor, 12 Apr 2017 13:15

The Pebble smartwatch can still work even when disconnected from Pebble's servers. (source: Pebble)

New Pebble update allows smartwatch to keep ticking

The latest update to the Pebble app allows the smartwatches to continue functioning even when not connected to Pebble's servers.

Sam Medley, 05 Apr 2017 23:44

A new polymer can heal itself in under 24 hours. (Source: Wang Polymer Research Group)

Self-healing touchscreens may be here by 2020

A new polymer developed by researchers at the University of California Riverside can stitch itself back together from a tear or scratch in under 24 hours. The research lead thinks the material could debut on smartphones by 2020.

Sam Medley, 05 Apr 2017 21:53

The U.S. House of Representatives has signed the action to repeal FCC regulations concerning user privacy.

United States House of Representatives votes to allows ISPs to sell browsing history

Both the House and Senate have now voted to allow ISPs to sell the personal data of their customers. The measure will go before President Trump, who is expected to sign the bill into action.

Sam Medley, 29 Mar 2017 22:34

LG TONE FREE wireless earbuds for Android handsets

LG TONE FREE wireless earbuds hit Best Buy

These headphones were unveiled back at CES 2017 in January, and now they are finally available for purchase. Best Buy has them up for sale both in stores and online, carrying a price tag of $199.99 USD.

Codrut Nistor, 28 Mar 2017 20:15

iOS 10.3 is now available for download. (Source: Apple)

Apple iOS 10.3 now publicly available

The update brings a shift to Apple's new APFS file system, which should increase overall system performance and better allocate storage space. There are a few other changes as well.

Sam Medley, 27 Mar 2017 23:26

Apple iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus to be manufactured in India by May 2017 as well

Apple to start making iPhones in India this spring

Although the Indian government has not accepted most of Apple's demands for financial incentives, the Cupertino giant is expected to begin iPhone manufacturing in Bangalore by mid-May.

Codrut Nistor, 27 Mar 2017 09:05

MyKronoz ZeTime hybrid smartwatch coming September 2017

MyKronoz ZeTime smartwatch coming in September

Advertised as the world’s first fully hybrid smartwatch, the Swiss ZeTime brings together a touchscreen and a mechanical watch, promising to offer up to a month of autonomy on a single charge.

Codrut Nistor, 26 Mar 2017 21:55

Most Android phones in the US are running old security software. (Source: Skycure)

Most Android devices are running old security patches and could be vulnerable

A whopping 71% of Android devices in the United States run security patches that are 2 months old or older. This could leave them vulnerable to exploits made known in the latest security update logs.

Sam Medley, 24 Mar 2017 21:18

Wikileaks says the CIA specifically targeted Apple products

The notorious activist group says that the CIA developed specialized tools to specifically target and infiltrate Apple products, namely Macbooks and iPhones. The tools have been in use since at least 2008.

Sam Medley, 24 Mar 2017 20:55

Apple's patented design for a iPhone/laptop hybrid. (Source: USPTO)

Apple patents designs for iPhone and iPad laptop docks

A recently-published patent reveals Apple's design for an iPhone that docks into a laptop shell. Another similar design reveals a MacBook that uses an iPad as its display.

John Garcia, 23 Mar 2017 17:21

The iPhone SE now has double its original storage capacity. (Source: Apple)

Apple upgrades the iPhone SE's storage capacity

The iPhone SE's 16 GB and 64 GB models are upgraded to 32 GB and 128 GB, respectively. The more spacious model gets a $50 price increase, while the base model's price stays the same.

John Garcia, 21 Mar 2017 16:11

The original iPhone. (Source: iDownloadBlog)

Apple's iPhone 8 will look similar to the original iPhone

Industry officials claim that Apple's next iPhone will have a curved, all-glass back case. This design resembles the original iPhone, whose back case was also curved but made of aluminum. The new iPhone is expected to be larger an...

John Garcia, 20 Mar 2017 19:46

China has been facing criticism regarding economic policies viewed as unfriendly to many foreign companies. (Source: Karishma Sheth)

Apple invests US$500 million into opening two more Chinese R&D centers

Apple has announced it will open two more research and development centers in Suzhou and Shanghai. The two additional centers will join the existing two slated to open in Beijing and Shenzhen. The total cost of the investment will...

Douglas Black, 19 Mar 2017 07:28

Alexa is now available to help in the Amazon iOS app. (Source: Amazon)

Amazon's Alexa comes to iOS

The digital assistant is currently only available in Amazon's own app and is somewhat limited in what it can do. However, it can still query information, order products, and control other connected devices in a smart home.

Sam Medley, 17 Mar 2017 19:27

Apple iPhone sales make up almost 80 percent of the company's profits

Samsung and Apple may be almost neck-to-neck in terms of smartphone market share, but it's the Cupertino company that takes home nearly all the profits to be made.

Allen Ngo, 13 Mar 2017 06:50

As of March 2017, about 97.2% of Android devices may be vulnerable to exploits in WikiLeaks' latest documents. (Picture source: Android Developers)

Google says it has patched exploits used by the CIA

Google is confident that the latest versions of Android and Chrome are not vulnerable to the hacking tools detailed in the latest Wikileaks dump. Older versions of the software, however, may still be vulnerable.

Sam Medley, 09 Mar 2017 23:44