Microsoft confirms Redstone 5 as Windows 10 October 2018 Update
Microsoft confirmed during the IFA 2018 show that the next major update to Windows 10 will officially be called Windows 10 October 2018 Update. Internally dubbed as Redstone 5, the update will bring a new set of features, including a retooled Game Bar and a revamped version of Notepad.
Hands-on with Sennheiser’s seriously impressive Ambeo virtual surround soundbar
Sennheiser first showed off its Ambeo 3D virtual surround soundbar at CES at the beginning of the year, but now that we’ve had more hands-on time with it at IFA, we’re more impressed than ever, and convinced that it might be the best virtual surround soundbar we’ve encountered to date.
ZTE Axon 9 Pro hands-on review
The ZTE Axon 9 Pro made its debut at IFA in Berlin today. The new flagship smartphone is the first from beleaguered manufacturer ZTE since the Axon 7. Dip into our ZTE Axon 9 Pro hands-on review to learn all about what it offers. It won’t be coming to the U.S. but you’ll be able to buy one in Europe very soon.
Huawei Mate 20 Lite hands-on review
The Mate 20 Lite is supposed to be a teaser ahead of the Mate 20 Pro release in the near future, giving us an indication of how much work will go into making the Pro model a winner. This leaves the Mate 20 Lite as an in-between device, with some strong features; but a definite similarity to other phones we’ve seen recently. Here’s what it’s like.
There is nothing even slightly cube-like about the Huawei AI Cube smart speaker
Huawei has announced a smart speaker. It's called the AI Cube, but confusingly, it isn't shaped like a cube at all. It doesn't use Google Assistant either, and instead has Amazon Alexa inside, along with space for a 4G LTE SIM card. It's not the first time Huawei has used Alexa in a smart device.
Huawei’s new Kirin 980 chip is so fast, it can probably slow down time
Huawei has announced the Kirin 980 mobile processor, which promises a considerable increase in speed and efficiency over not only the old Kirin 970, but the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 as well. The good news is we won't have to wait long to try it out, as the new chip will debut in the Huawei Mate 20 in October.
LG microLED TV sneaks into IFA, takes a swipe at Samsung
LG isn't making a big deal about it, but the company did show up to IFA 2018 in Berlin with a huge microLED TV. Tucked behind nondescript velvet curtains, the big bright display takes a silent swipe at Samsung, which showed off a microLED TV at CES 2018 earlier this year.
GE and Electrolux kitchen appliances get helpful with Google Assistant support
If you've ever caught yourself talking to inanimate objects, you're in luck. Now they'll respond -- assuming they're made by GE or Electrolux. Smart appliances from the companies are getting new functionality that will make them respond to voice commands through Google Assistant.
New aptX bundle understands what you’re listening to, chooses the best settings
Qualcomm has announced a new version of AptX, its Bluetooth audio codec, which cleverly bundles together standard aptX, aptX HD, and low latency into one, then dynamically picks the best settings depending on what you're listening to. It's called aptX Adaptive, and here's what you need to know.
Anker debuts robot vacuum and Alexa-friendly smart speaker at IFA 2018
Building on the success of its sub-brand products, Anker introduced the Soundcore Flare S+ smart speaker and Eufy Robovac 30C at IFA 2018 in Berlin this week. The Flare S+ speaker adds battery power and Alexa compatibility. The Robovac 30C, now Alexa and Google Assistant compatible, also gains suction power.
Sharp jumps back into the phone market with a trio of midrange devices
Sharp may have been a bit quiet on the phone front over the past year or so, but it hasn't totally forgotten about smartphones. In fact, the company has announced as many as three new smartphones, two of which have nice big displays for midrange phones, at IFA 2018 in late August.
Sony fits a 720mm lens inside tiny 4K-enabled Cyber-Shot HX99 and HX95
Got zoom? Sony's newest HX series cameras fit a 28x zoom in what Sony says is the smallest body compact with a zoom that stretches beyond 700mm. The new compacts are also the first in the HX series with 4K video. The cameras launched during IFA in Berlin.
LG’s SuitBot wearable exosuit will give workers the extra strength they need
South Korean tech giant LG has designed a new lower body robotic exosuit called SuitBot, intended to enhance users' leg movements to aid with activities such as warehouse workers lifting heavy objects. It is set to make its debut at IFA 2018 later this week. Here's what we know so far.
Eve’s latest products aren’t sexy, but they’ll make your house smarter
Smart home company Eve introduced three new products at IFA 2018 that aren't all that sexy but are designed to make your home smarter. The company announced an internet-connected light switch, light strip, and power strip — all of which feature Apple HomeKit compatibility.
Yale’s refreshed Sync security system set to launch in Europe
A refreshed security system from Yale is making its way to Europe, the company announced at IFA 2018 this week. The security systems and lock manufacturer is bringing the new Yale Sync Alarm, its next-generation home security system, to European customers starting October 1.
Lenovo beats Google to the punch with the first 4K Chromebook
Lenovo has debuted the first 4K Chromebook at IFA 2018, beating Google to the punch. While a new-generation Pixelbook is expected to come with at least a 4K screen option, Lenovo's new Chromebook has already strutted its stuff. It packs powerful hardware, too, including an Intel Core i5 CPU and 8GB of RAM.
The ThinkPad X1 Extreme might be my dream laptop
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme, revealed at IFA 2018, is no mere business laptop. Its powerful graphics card and light weight make it a legitimate alternative to other expensive laptops, like the XPS 15, that can play as hard as they work.
Lenovo’s keyboard-less Yoga Book now comes with dual screens
At IFA, Lenovo introduced a refreshed Yoga Book. Like its predecessor, the new Yoga Book C930 is aimed at note-takers and artists with digital stylus support. This year, Lenovo went all-in with the dual-screen laptop, replacing the keyboard for a secondary E-ink display.
The best laptops of IFA 2018
We saw a lot of impressive, cutting-edge laptop at IFA 2018. Manufacturers like Dell, Asus, and Lenovo were all present, showing off the latest and greatest. They range from high-end ultrabooks to budget-level value machines, but all bring some new or special to the game. Here are the five best laptops from IFA 2018.
Lenovo brings gaming to the ThinkPad for the first time with its X1 Extreme
Lenovo introduced the ThinkPad X1 Extreme during the IFA 2018 convention in Berlin. Ideal for the workplace, this new laptop includes features to enhance security in the office such as a fingerprint reader, an infrared scanner, and a ThinkShutter cover for the built-in webcam.
Lenovo’s Snapdragon-powered Yoga C630 promises 25 hours of battery life
Lenovo is set to launch its first Yoga based on Qualcomm's Snapdragon processor. The Windows on Snapdragon design brings the benefits of always-on connectivity, long battery life, and an email inbox that stays continuously updated even while the Yoga C630 is in sleep mode.
Lenovo augments its smart home line with new camera, plug, and bulb
Lenovo is debuting a wide range of low-cost to high-end laptops at IFA 2018 but the biggest news for smart home users is the launch of a new "Smart Home Essentials" line of products that will initially include a smart bulb, plug, and a surveillance camera with remote access.
Sony’s latest portable speaker brings Google Assistant to the party
If you’re looking for a smart speaker but can’t get enough bass, Sony’s new SRS-XB501G might be for you, with impressive battery life, Google Assistant built-in, and the ability to take the speaker just about anywhere thanks to weatherproofing and Bluetooth connectivity.
Google Assistant goes bilingual, lets you speak two languages interchangeably
Google has always had the lead on language support in the war between it and Amazon for digital assistants and smart speakers, but Google just widened its market considerably by announcing that Google Assistant now supports two languages interchangeably, making it fully bilingual.
Samsung looks to woo gamers with Thunderbolt 3-equipped curved QLED monitor
Samsung announced a new QLED monitor at IFA 2018 that will please productivity users and gamers alike. The ultrawide and curved CJ79 is the first to arrive with Thunderbolt 3 support, providing more power and faster data throughput over a single cable than traditional USB-C displays.
Marshall Kilburn II hands-on review
You’ll have to speak up, because we’ve been testing the Marshall Kilburn II Bluetooth speaker -- and it’s shockingly loud. Designed not just for indoors use, this speaker has a battery inside that makes it ideal for outdoor use too. Aside from the volume, how does the Kilburn II sound and perform?
Tempow’s new Bluetooth software ties your smart home together
The latest Bluetooth protocol from French startup, Tempow, allows you to sync your smart TV, smart speakers, and Bluetooth speakers. TAP Smart is a clever piece of software with countless applications and we checked it out at IFA in Berlin.
The new Garmin Vivosmart 4 can keep tabs on your blood oxygen level
Garmin's turns up the heat on Fitbit with its new $129 Vivosmart 4 fitness tracker. The Vivosmart 4 features a sleek new design and hot new hardware upgrades like a pulse oximeter and improved heart rate sensor.
The Honor Play is the phone for gamers who don’t have deep pockets
Are you a mobile gaming addict, but don't want to pay the sky-high prices commanded by most gaming smartphones? If so, the new Honor Play may be the device you've been waiting for. It features a game-enhancing feature called GPU Turbo and a lot more, all at a price that's going to be a lot less than other devices.
The Sony Xperia XZ3: Everything you need to know
Sony has finally revealed the Xperia XZ3 to the world, and it's looking like the company's next flagship is going to be a heck of a phone. With a new OLED display, slimmed down design, and camera improvements, it's packed with innovations. Here's everything you need to know about the Sony Xperia XZ3.
HTC ditches digital buttons for its midrange U12 Life
We really liked last year's HTC U11 Life, enough that it made it onto our list of the best cheap phones. Now, HTC has unveiled a successor -- the HTC U12 Life. The new phone boasts a Qualcomm Snapdragon 636, up to 6GB of RAM, and up to a hefty 128GB of storage -- all for a mid-range price.
Asus taps into Intel’s new ‘Whiskey Lake’ CPUs to power its latest ZenBooks
Asus introduced three new ZenBooks during the IFA 2018 conference in Berlin. All three are based on eighth-generation Intel Core processors released this week along with discrete Nvidia graphics. They also sport super-thin profiles measuring up to 0.70 of an inch and infrared cameras.
New Asus ZenBook S promises up to 20 hours of life without a Snapdragon chip
Asus introduced the latest ZenBook S model during the IFA 2018 convention in Berlin. This version will ship in variants based on two eighth-generation Intel Whiskey Lake processors that made their debut this week. It promises up to 20 hours of use on a single charge without a Snapdragon chip.
Touchpad on the new Asus ZenBook Flip turns into an LED-illuminated NumberPad
If the traditional laptop isn’t your cup of tea, Asus introduced two new ZenBook Flip 2-in-1s during the IFA 2018 convention in Berlin. Both are based on Intel’s new 8th-gen Whiskey Lake CPUs launched this week. The larger 15.6-inch model adds a discrete GeForce GTX 1050 Max-Q graphics chip.