New TCL TVs can hear your every word — even in noisy rooms
Synaptics' Audiosmart far-field voice (FFV) tech takes voice control to new levels with TCL's new line of televisions, which have Alexa built-in and were introduced at IFA 2018 in Berlin. With the new FFV tech, TCL TVs will detect and respond to your natural-volume voice, even in a noisy room.
Inspired by Star Trek, Amazon wants us to talk to everything, everywhere
Amazon keynoter Daniel Rausch told IFA 2018 attendees how Alexa voice-control has grown an enthusiastic customer base while partnering with manufacturers and developers. Alexa-enabled associations have been massively profitable for device companies but conversion to voice control platforms has only begun.
The Huawei Mate 20 Lite is A.I.-powered, attractive, and affordable
Looking for an attractive and affordable midrange phone that's also equipped to deal with an A.I.-driven future? Look no further than the Huawei Mate 20 Lite, which just launched at IFA 2018. But while it's desirable, it's probably not coming to U.S. shores. Here's everything you need to know.
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.
Huawei still in on smartwatches, working to make them better
Huawei CEO Richard Yu says that despite the company not releasing a smartwatch for more than a year, it's still very interested in wearables, and is working to solve the worst aspects about them. This includes making batteries last longer, increasing usefulness, and adding in more A.I. features.
Best smartphones of IFA 2018
With new devices from Sony, HTC, LG, Huawei, Honor, BlackBerry, ZTE and more, we actually saw more smartphones than expected at IFA in Berlin this year. Many of them were midrangers or budget bargains, but there were a couple of flagships too. These are our picks of the best smartphones of IFA 2018.
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.
New Wear OS smartwatches have arrived! Here’s why you shouldn’t buy them
The likes of Skagen and Diesel have unveiled new Wear OS smartwatches at IFA 2018. You shouldn't buy them, because they're utilizing a two-year-old Qualcomm processor. Google may have just introduced a new way to interact with Wear OS, but a fresh processor is more important -- and on the way.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Qualcomm’s push against Intel worked, and we’re all reaping the benefits
Intel has launched a slew of processors at IFA 2018, though these feel like more than just another batch of refreshed CPUs. These feel like a reaction. Qualcomm has been pushing its PC agenda of longer batteries and increased connectivity for the past six months, and now it seems as if Intel has been forced to respond.
The modular Nanoleaf Canvas will light up your entire wall
You don't need hanging light fixtures and lamps to light up your room. The Nanoleaf Canvas modular lights can be layered on your wall in any pattern to create a unique lighting experience that places you in total control of your lighting environment. The product made its debut at IFA 2018.
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.
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.
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.
Diesel’s neon-soaked On Full Guard 2.5 is a Vegas marquee on your wrist
Diesel has launched its second touchscreen smartwatch with Wear OS. It's called the On Full Guard 2.5, and no, you didn't miss version 2.0. Diesel feels the advances made in tech and design warrant the substantial version jump. We spoke to Diesel to find out more about the changes.
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.
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.
Dell’s XPS 13 just got less expensive thanks to Intel’s 8th-Gen Core i3 processor
Dell refreshed a number of its consumer laptops at IFA, and the flagship XPS 13 just became a little more affordable thanks to the inclusion of Intel's 8th-Generation Core i3 processor. Dell is also bringing Intel's latest 8th-Generation processor to the convertible XPS 13 2-in-1.
Dell’s new Inspiron 2-in-1 PCs, premium Inspiron 2-in-1 Chromebook debut at IFA
Dell headed to the IFA 2018 convention in Berlin with lots of new products in tow, including new Inspiron 7000 and 5000 2-in1s. The company also introduced a new Inspiron-branded 2-in-1 based on Google’s Chrome OS platform. All three families stem from eighth-generation Intel Core processors.
Designed to engulf players, Acer’s Predator Thronos is a titan of a gaming chair
Part of Acer’s gaming lineup during the IFA 2018 convention is the Predator Thronos Gaming Chair. Although the name resembles that of an evil, world-killing villain, this chair is just as titanic in nature as it cradles the player while simultaneously wielding three monitors and a tower desktop.
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.
Acer targets gamers with new color-rich 4K Predator and Nitro monitors
Acer has taken the wraps off of four new gaming monitors across the Predator and Nitro line. The two flagship monitors each support 4K UHD panels, 144Hz response rates, wide color gamut displays, and HDR colors. The Predator comes with Nvidia G-Sync support, while the Nitro series uses AMD's FreeSync.
Acer OJO 500 Windows Mixed Reality headset lets you straddle real, virtual worlds
The OJO 500 is Acer's latest Windows Mixed Reality headset, boasting some unique design features. The OJO 500 comes with a detachable design, washable head straps, and a new sound pipe audio system that helps keep you aware of your surroundings in the real world while you venture into the virtual world.
Audio-Technica’s first true wireless in-ears lead exciting new announcements
Audio-Technica announced a large selection of new headphones, with a focus on Bluetooth technology. The headline products are AT's first true wireless in-ears. It has launched a pair for every day, and for sports wear. These are joined by three other Bluetooth headphones, and a high quality wired pair.
Dell’s new 27-inch ultrathin display is less than a quarter-inch thick
Dell's new S2719DC 27-inch Ultrathin monitor is something to behold. At just 5.5mm at its thinnest, with a low-profile frame and a USB-C connection, it could help declutter a desk at home or in the office. It also has a wide color gamut, HDR support, and a brightness of 600 nits.
Intel’s latest 8th-gen mobile processors improve battery life and performance
Intel is targeting mobile PCs, including laptops and convertible form factors, with its newest additions to the 8th-generation processor family. Intel unveiled its U-Series Whiskey Lake and Y-Series Amber Lake processors, bringing faster connectivity and better battery life to mobile devices.
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.
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.
Samsung may launch its first 8K TVs this year, but will the U.S. get them?
Samsung has announced that it plans to launch two ranges of 8K TVs, complete with a 120 Hz refresh rate and “next-gen” HDR. One range is set to debut in 2019 while the other could launch later this year, but maybe not in the U.S. A banner displayed in Berlin suggests the TVs may be unveiled at IFA.
Huawei Watch 3: Everything we know
A new patent filing from Huawei hints at a smartwatch with space to store a pair of true wireless earbuds -- meaning that you'd always have your earbuds with you when you're on the go. Is this the Huawei Watch 3?