Google Assistant 2.0 is now rolling out, starting with Pixel phones
At Google's annual hardware event, the company also announced some impressive improvements to Google Assistant. Notably, Assistant will now largely live on-device, ensuring that it's a whole lot faster than it was previously. The device will also now be a whole lot more natural to use.
Contactless payments will roll out to more public transportation systems in 2020
Cubic, the company behind the OMNY contactless payment tech that rolled out to the New York metro system earlier this year, will be expanding its tech to new cities in 2020. New cities include the likes of San Francisco, Boston, and more. A wider rollout in New York City is also coming.
The Mara X and Mara Z smartphones are built almost entirely in Rwanda
Rwanda's Mara Group, the first smartphone manufacturer in Africa, has built a new smartphone assembly plant in which it almost entirely builds two new smartphones: The Mara X and Mara Z phones. Both devices are relatively inexpensive, and offer decently powerful performance for the price point.
New Facebook Messenger stickers will open conversations about mental health
Facebook Messenger has announced a new "Let's Talk" sticker pack aimed at inviting conversations about mental health. The stickers and camera filters are built both to show support to friends and family, and for those who might need support of their own.
The Google Pixel Watch: Here’s everything we know
From its Pixel smartphones to Google Home, the Google brand is quickly becoming synonymous with high-quality consumer hardware. This year it looks like Google may eventually branch out a little further by creating its first smartwatch, tentatively called Pixel Watch. Here's everything we know so far.
Essential Twitter account shows off more pictures of ProjectGEM Essential phone
Andy Rubin has tweeted images of what could be the second Essential Phone. The new device looks to be bar-shaped, kind of like a remote control, and has a totally new user interface not previously seen on any Android devices. It's currently unknown what specs and features the phone will have to offer.
Google contractors were reportedly told to target the homeless for facial scans
Google is set to release the Pixel 4 in the near future, and it will feature facial recognition tech in the form of Project Soli. According to recent reports, however, Google has been training that tech to work using some questionable methods -- including specifically targeting homeless people.
Bombshell report details 2019 iPhone ‘Pro’ models, new iPads, and more
A new report details a number of new products set to come from Apple over the next few months, including three new iPhones, two of which will reportedly be Pro models. Apple will also release new iPad models, MacBook models, and more -- though they may not all be released in September.
Apple patent hints at iPhone’s Apple logo doubling as a notification light
According to a new Apple patent, the iPhone's Apple logo could one day double as a notification light. The patent suggests that the logo, described as an adjustable decoration, could have multiple layers that could make it appear differently, depending on the notification or the settings.
Checkm8 iOS exploit could make for a new unpatchable iPhone jailbreak
A new bootrom exploit has been discovered by Twitter user and security researcher axi0mX, and it could pave the way for a new, unpatchable iPhone jailbreak. Bootrom exploits are significant because they can't be fixed in security updates. This exploit affects devices with the A5 to the A11 chips.
Doordash data breach affects 4.9 million people, divulges physical addresses
Doordash has disclosed a data breach that occurred earlier this year and affected a massive 4.9 million people. Compromised information included names, email addresses, and even physical addresses. The data breach occurred in May, and does not affect users who signed up for the service after April 5, 2018.
iOS 13.1 will bring processor throttling to the iPhone XS and iPhone XR
Apple faced some backlash when it was first discovered that the company was throttling performance on devices with older batteries, but the feature is now set to appear on the iPhone XS and iPhone XR. The feature is aimed at preventing devices from shutting off because of battery degradation.
Verizon is bringing its 5G service to parts of New York City
Verizon has announced that it's bringing its 5G service to parts of New York City. With the addition of New York, the company will have 5G available in 11 cities around the country, including Atlanta, Detroit, Indianapolis, and more. The company is expected to launch 5G in 30 cities by the end of 2019.
Google Fi finally gets an unlimited data plan … but read the fine print
Google has announced that Google Fi is finally getting an unlimited data plan. The new plan comes at $70 per month, which is pretty much on par with other carriers. However, there is some fine print to be aware of. Notably, data will be throttled after 22GB, and video may be limited to 480p.
Samsung Galaxy Fold’s development paved the way for Android 10 foldable support
According to a new blog post from Samsung, work that Samsung and Google did together on the Galaxy Fold helped pave the way for full native foldable support in Android 10. With native foldable support, other companies will be able to build their own foldable devices without having to worry about Android.
Apple reprogrammed Siri to never say the word ‘feminism’
According to a new report, Siri was programmed to deflect questions related to feminism and the #MeToo movement. While Siri will say that it "believes all humans should be treated equally," the digital assistant will not say the word feminism -- even when asked directly about the topic.
Google Pixel 4’s camera will have an even better Night Sight mode, report says
According to a new report, the Google Pixel 4 will seriously step things up in the camera department, offering a new Motion Mode for sports shots, and an even better Night Sight mode that will apparently be able to capture photos of stars in the night sky. The Pixel 4 is expected to launch in October.
Apple attacks Google for ‘stoking fear’ over iPhone exploit
Apple has published a blog post defending itself against Google's recent report detailing a massive zero day security flaw that allowed hackers to gain access to messages, photos, emails, and more. According to Apple, despite Google's claims, the flaw was only operational for two months.
Encrypted messaging app developers are having trouble updating for iOS 13
According to a report from The Information, while Apple is working to make iOS 13 more privacy-focused, some changes are leaving app developers to make pretty significant changes to how their apps work. Some of those changes require significant effort and may not be made before the release of iOS 13.
The Diesel On Axial might be the most unique-looking Wear OS smartwatch to date
Diesel has announced a new smartwatch called the Diesel On Axial. The watch features a Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 3100 processor, plenty of storage, a heart rate monitor, and more. It also offers a new feature that allows users to make and take phone calls from both Android phones and iPhones.