Instagram releases Focus portrait mode for photos
Instagram is rolling out a new portrait mode called "Focus," which does away with the need for two camera sensors to create a background blur, and instead uses machine learning and artificial intelligence. The feature is rolling out to the iPhone 6S and later, and select Android phones.
8 months after its release, the iPhone 8 outsells the new Galaxy S9
Counterpoint has released a new report indicating that the iPhone 8 outsold the Samsung Galaxy S9 in May -- 8 months into the iPhone upgrade cycle. That's pretty good news for Apple, who managed to grab three of the top five spots. Other phones on the top 10 list include the Xiaomi Redmi 5A and Huawei P20 Lite.
Patent hints at refined Apple Watch power-saving mode that kicks in by itself
Apple is working hard at improving the battery life of the Apple Watch, but doing so may not involve a bigger battery -- instead, the company may turn to refining and tweaking the power saving mode on the Apple Watch to automatically kick in when the watch reaches a certain battery level.
T-Mobile rolls out better texting — but only to the Samsung Galaxy S7
T-Mobile may have supported RCS in some iteration since 2015, but the company is now finally adopting Universal Profile, which will bring smarter messaging features to those who communicate with non-T-Mobile customers too. So far, only the Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge is getting support.
Google Measure app now works on any ARCore-capable phone
Google is updating Google Measure, its augmented reality app that allows users to measure real-world objects. The app is now compatible with any ARCore phone, including the likes of the Google Pixel 2, Samsung Galaxy S9, and more. Previously, it was only available on Project Tango devices.
Niantic wants to make its augmented reality apps more realistic
Niantic's new Real World Platform leverages artificial intelligence and machine learning to create more realistic augmented reality apps. It will tackle problems plaguing AR today. For example, the company is working on ways to create better depth maps, and cut down on latency to improve on social games.
Amazon is finally bringing Alexa voice control to the iPhone
Amazon Alexa may be your favorite digital assistant, but so far you haven't been able to control Alexa with your voice on the iPhone or iPad. Now, however, that's finally changing -- Amazon is bringing Alexa voice control to iOS, a feature that's been available on Android for some time now.
Google’s Tilt Brush gets new brushes, ‘Beginner Mode,’ sound effects, and more
Google has updated the highly popular Tilt Brush app with a slew of new features, including a set of new brushes that should help make creating realistic landscapes a whole lot easier. On top of that, the app is getting new sound effects, and a Beginner Mode that makes getting used to the app easier.
Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon chips will power next-gen budget phones
Qualcomm has taken the wraps off of the Snapdragon 632, Snapdragon 439, and Snapdragon 429, set to power a new generation of budget and mid-range smartphones. No phones with the new chips have been announced just yet, but we'll likely see some start popping up over the next few months.
Android P gestures vs. iOS 12 gestures: What are the differences?
Both Android P and iOS 12 betas are now available, giving us a look at the new gesture controls in both new operating systems. But what are the major similarities in gestures between the new operating systems? And what are the differences? We put the Android P and iOS 12 betas head-to-head to find out.
HMD Global is releasing the $159 Nokia 3.1 in the U.S. in early July
It looks like we're getting a bit of Nokia love in the U.S. HMD Global has announced that the midrange Nokia 3.1 will get released in the U.S. The phone features a MediaTek MT6750 processor, 2GB of RAM, 16GB of storage, and more. The phone will cost $159 in the U.S., and be available from Amazon.
Facebook Messenger is getting those annoying autoplay video ads
It looks like Facebook's annoying autoplay video ads are coming to Messenger. According to a new report, while Facebook considers user experience the most important thing, video ads will still be rolling out to Messenger over the next few weeks. To date, Messenger only had static ads.
Why Google and T-Mobile are bringing back phone booths
Google and T-Mobile are showcasing the Google Assistant in a series of new demos, set to show up at two T-Mobile stores over the next three months. The demos show off a few different aspects of what the Google Assistant can do, as well as some of the hardware Assistant is featured on.
Apple could implement one of the Google Pixel 2’s coolest features
According to a newly published patent, Apple could be working on implementing one of the most interesting features from the Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL. The patent described a kind of "squeeze" feature that could activate certain functions on the phone. A slew of other Apple patents were also published.
It’s now easier to tell Google exactly what data it can use to advertise to you
Google has launched a revamped Ad Settings tool, allowing users to quickly and easily control the topics used to advertise to them, as well as tell Google what kinds of data they want Google to use when it's advertising. It does not seem as though Google is allowing users to control what data it collects.
Amid U.S. hurdles, Huawei may be banned from Australia’s 5G network
Huawei is facing plenty of hurdles in the U.S., buts its struggles may be moving to other countries too. A recent report notes that the company may be banned from taking part in the buildout of Australia's 5G network. The company already lost a contract for cables between Sydney and the Solomon Islands.
Apple locks down iPhone security flaw, frustrates law enforcement
Apple has announced that it will fix another iPhone security flaw in a future iOS update. How? By preventing data from being able to be transferred to and from the iPhone after an hour of the phone being locked. In other words, to transfer data, users will soon need to authenticate themselves first.
Moto E5 Plus vs. Moto E4 Plus: Battle of the ultra-budget Motos
Lenovo's Motorola has finally unveiled the new Moto E5 Plus, replacing the Moto E4 Plus as the company's budget handset to beat. But is the new phone that much better than the older Moto E4 Plus? We put the Moto E5 Plus and Moto E4 Plus head to head in a range of different categories to find out.
Nomad’s new cable kicks up battery capacity for the same price
Nomad has announced a new version of its Battery Cable for iOS devices. But what's different? Well, the battery capacity has been raised to 2,800mAh, and the plastic battery housing has been swapped out for a stronger aluminum one. The best part, however, is that the device is the same price.
Google’s Change the Game winners designed games we can’t wait to play
Google has announced the winners of its Change the Game initiative, teenage girls who have designed and/or developed mobile games. Change the Game is aimed at empowering young girls to develop mobile games, something the mobile game industry desperately needs considering the underrepresentation of women.
Apple patents hint at smarter iPhone camera, blood pressure-sensing Watch band
Apple is always working on ways to improve the camera in the iPhone, and a new patent shows that it could be working on ways to deliver Portrait Mode photos with only one camera sensor -- just like the Google Pixel. Apple was also awarded a patent for a blood pressure-sensing Watch band.
Alcatel is bringing its new budget phones, the Alcatel 1X and 3V, to the U.S.
At Mobile World Congress 2018, Alcatel announced that the Alcatel 1X and Alcatel 3V would both be making their way to the U.S. The two phones boast some pretty decent specs for the price -- and could be the phone of choice for many on a budget. Here's everything you need to know about the phones.
Apple is launching a pride Apple Watch face on June 4 — but you can get it now
It looks like Apple is prepping a new Apple Watch face in celebration of Pride Month in June. The watch face was spotted in the code for iOS 11.4 and basically shows threads of color moving across the screen, that move when the display is touched. You can expect more information to be announced at WWDC.
Take a look at Google’s mini-golf pop-up in New York City
Google has kicked off a new pop-up experience in New York City. What is it? Well, it's a mini-golf course, with each hole inspired by a different room in the home. The experience is built to promote Google's slate of smart home products, including the Google Home and different Nest products.
Apple’s iPad Smart Cover could one day have a display that shows notifications
It looks like Apple is working on ways to make its Smart Cover a whole lot more functional. The company has filed for a patent that would involve future iterations of the Smart Cover with displays for showing notifications, or transparent portions of the cover for allowing the user to see notifications.
At WWDC 2018, Apple to show off its latest software innovations
Apple has revealed the dates and location for WWDC 2018, which is where we'll see the latest and greatest software that Apple has to offer. According to Apple, WWDC 2018 will be held from June 4-8 at the McEnery Convention Center in San Jose, California. And we will be on the ground covering it.
Qualcomm targets ‘premium midrange’ phones with the Snapdragon 710
Qualcomm unveiled the first chip in its new 700 series -- the Snapdragon 710. The chip is aimed at combining some of the high-end features in the 800 series, with a more affordable price -- making it perfect for budget high-end phones. We don't yet know what phones will feature the new chip.
The OnePlus 6 is now available: Here’s where to buy it
OnePlus has finally unveiled the new OnePlus 6, boasting flagship specs like the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 and up to 8GB of RAM, as well as a new design with a nice big display. If you're interested in getting it for yourself, you may be wondering where to buy it. Here's how to buy the OnePlus 6.