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Latest by Mark Jansen

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FCC approves Google’s research into radar controls for smart devices

Touchscreens are useful, but they're old tech now. We need something new, and Google is working on it. Project Soli, a radar-based control scheme that would allow users to make simple gestures to control devices, has been approved by the U.S. FCC to operate at a higher frequency band.
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Who is likely to update your Android phone more often? AOSMark aims to find out

Updates on Android phones haven't always been the most reliable -- and some manufacturers are worse than others. AOSMark is looking to name and shame the worst offenders and highlight the best companies on its new website with its ranking system. Find out how your phone's creator did here.
New Year's resolution apps

The best New Year’s resolution apps

If you want to be happier and healthier in the new year, it pays to have the right New Year's resolution apps for achieving your goals. But keeping your resolutions can be hard, especially without support. These apps can help you keep your New Year's resolutions, whether you're on iOS or Android.
Polar Vantage V review

Polar Vantage V review

Polar’s new Vantage V is a high-end fitness tracker with more features than you can shake a stick at, and an updated look to compete with the best looking smartwatches out there. But with no actual smartwatch features at launch, can the fitness veteran really compete? We’ve reviewed it to find out.

Score an after-Christmas deal with Speck’s half-off sale on its entire range of cases

Christmas might be over, but bargains don't take time off. To keep the holiday spirit alive, Speck will be offering a sitewide 50-percent-off deal for one day only on Wednesday, December 26. So if Santa brought you a brand-new phone this Christmas, you can pair it with a Speck case.
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The best OnePlus 6T cases

If you're looking for a fully featured flagship for less, then the OnePlus 6T has to be at the top of your list. But despite all the top hardware and beautiful design, your powerful new phone can be put out of commission with a single drop. Here are the best OnePlus 6T cases to keep your phone safe.
Android Pay

How to use Google Pay and Google Pay Send

No one likes paying for things, but at least it's a process that can be made easier. Pay and get paid quickly and easily with Google Pay and Google Pay Send, Google's twin payment services. Here's how to quickly and easily set up your accounts to pay stores, friends, and family.
Google Pixel 3

Google patent shows off a hinged smartphone with selectable displays

Google has been awarded a patent on a folding smartphone design that could set it apart from the other major players in the game. Google's patent shows a hinged smartphone that can be used in a number of different ways, including in a two-player tent-style fold that would allow for different inputs.
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Apple patents ‘force sensing’ fabric for clever clothing

Ever wish your clothes weren't so dumb? No? Oh. Well, Apple's looking to fix the problem you never had anyway, as it's been granted a patent on a technology that would see the iPhone giant integrate circuitry into "smart fabrics" for heart rate sensing and otherwise. Here comes truly clever clothing.
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Spam calls soar, with an estimated 25 million Americans scammed

If you feel that you've been beset by more spam calls than usual this year, you're not alone. Spam and scam calls rose in most parts of the world in 2018, according to Truecaller's annual report. An estimated 25 million Americans also lost money to scams in the last 12 months.
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Here’s how the Google Play Store detects fake ratings and reviews

Reviews and ratings are critical when figuring out if an app is worth your time or money. That's why Google spares no expense when cracking down on fake reviews and ratings on the Google Play Store. 2018 saw Google launch a new model for detecting them, and has let us know how it did.
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The Lenovo Z5 Pro GT packs the most RAM ever seen in a smartphone

The next generation of smartphones has begun, and it's begun with a bang. The Lenovo Z5 Pro GT comes with the next generation Snapdragon 855 processor and a huge 12GB of RAM. It's packed with power, but it's still unlikely to be gracing U.S. shores. Here's everything you need to know.
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Scientists have charged a phone and a Fitbit with solar-powered clothes

Scientists from Britain's Nottingham Trent University have discovered a way to incorporate solar panels into clothing -- and they've even managed to charge a phone and Fitbit with the energy created. Say hello to what's likely to be the next generation of wearable tech: The wearable charger.
Microsoft office building

Microsoft patent filing shows wearable that mitigates involuntary movements

A patent application from Microsoft has shown the company is looking into using wearable technology to alleviate symptoms from various diseases and disorders that cause involuntary movements. Using a series of haptic actuators, Microsoft theorizes such tech could be hidden inside clothing.
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Ditch your smartphone for a year and win $100k from Vitaminwater

Hands up if your phone is the first thing you check in the morning. Us too. Vitaminwater is willing to part with $100,000 if you're willing to part with your smartphone partner for a year. Could you last for a year armed with only a 1996-era phone? Here's your chance to find out.
black shark review xiaomi feat

Black Shark review

With so many great gaming phones already out, is there room for another? The Xiaomi-backed Black Shark thinks so. But is it any good? While it has all the power it needs for great gaming performance, it struggles with some flawed software. Read our Black Shark review for more.
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The best smartphone stocking stuffers for a very techy Christmas

Getting the right Christmas presents for everyone in your life can be tough. But if you've got a tech-loving smartphone enthusiast to buy for, we can help you out. Here's a selection of top phone accessories that would make amazing stocking stuffers so you can focus on having a very Merry Christmas.
moment cases for oneplus 6 oneplus6 launch julia 004

New Moment photo cases and lenses are a big plus for the OnePlus 6T

If you're looking to improve your smartphone photography, Moment's gear is a fantastic way to boost your snaps. Moment is now releasing photo cases and lenses for the OnePlus 6 and OnePlus 6T, giving owners of those phones the ability to add on some high-quality photographic accessories.
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OnePlus 6T McLaren Edition: Everything you need to know

OnePlus has partnered with McLaren F1, creating the OnePlus 6T McLaren Edition. With 10GB of RAM and all the usual top-level hardware, this new flagship killer comes with some new design touches. Here's absolutely everything you need to know about the new OnePlus 6T McLaren Edition.
xiaomi 48 megapixel phone camera 48mp

Xiaomi is preparing to set records with 48-megapixel phone camera

Bigger doesn't always mean better, but it certainly makes headlines. Chinese mobile giant Xiaomi is set to release a phone camera with a staggeringly high 48 megapixels on a single sensor, eclipsing the previous record set by the Nokia 1020. What else do we know about the device? Nada. What a tease.
outlook for ios big redesign 2018 mobile banner

Microsoft Outlook for iOS gets big redesign, with Dark Mode coming soon

It's not the splashiest news ever, but a redesign of an email app can have a big impact on your daily life. Microsoft has deployed a huge redesign for its Outlook for iOS app, which includes new blue branding and some quality-of-life improvements. Dark Mode isn't included, but it's coming soon.
Apple Watch Series 4 Review

Galaxy Watch vs. Apple Watch Series 4: Which one is the smartest?

Smartwatches are pretty good these days, provided you make the right buying decision. We recommend either the Samsung Galaxy Watch or the Apple Watch Series 4 -- but which is better? We put the two watches head-to-head in a specification showdown to find out which you should buy.
xiaomi overtakes apple wearables q3 2018 mi band 3

Xiaomi overtakes Apple in unit sales of wearables as market booms

The results for the third quarter of 2018 are in, and it's all change on the leaderboard, with Xiaomi taking first place from Apple, despite the exceptionally strong Apple Watch Series 4. But with growth in most parts of the wearables market, can Xiaomi keep up its growth, or will Apple snatch it back?
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Alcatel’s 1X Evolve is a budget phone exclusively for Metro by T-Mobile

Alcatel is the majordomo of super-cheap budget phones that serve as an excellent low-needs handset, or as a secondary backup device. It's adding to its already impressive pool of devices with the Alcatel 1X Evolve, an Android Oreo-powered Metro by T-Mobile exclusive coming to the U.S. on December 10.
spotify app

You may soon be able to listen to your own songs on Spotify’s Android app

If you love Spotify's streaming, but also have a large collection of niche music, then it can be hard to marry your two passions. Switching back and forth between apps may soon become history for Android users though, as Spotify is apparently testing the ability to import local songs to its Android app.
iphone xr app store

Apple reveals its Best of 2018 in apps, games, music, and more

It's that time of the year again -- Apple has released its top lists for the content that most wowed iOS users across the globe. The top winners from the best iOS apps, games, music, movies, and more have been revealed. With Fortnite, Heads Up and others winning, is your favorite among them?
Gboard

Google’s Morse code-powered games aim to serve kids with limited mobility

Whether you need a more accessible way to access software, or whether you're simply interested in learning Morse code, Google's Morse code functionality on Gboard has helped open up tech for many people. Now, Google has teamed up with Adaptive Design to make learning Morse code open to even more people.
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SatPaq’s satellite messaging is a lifeline for when you’re off the grid

The great outdoors can be a beautiful place, but it's also fraught with danger and hazards. Having phone signal can mean the difference between life and death in a true wilderness situation. Make sure you're always able to connect with the world with SatPaq's satellite messaging accessory.
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Oppo will unfurl its folding smartphone at the 2019 Mobile World Conference

Look under a rock on the beach and you'll probably find a phone manufacturer making a folding smartphone. Chinese manufacturer Oppo has confirmed that it is working on a folding smartphone, and that it will be shown off at MWC 2019. Here's everything we know about an Oppo folding smartphone.
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How to protect yourself from cell phone phishing attacks

Technology means the world is getting smaller, but it also means it's getting a bit more dangerous. Scams and phishing attacks are on the rise around the world, and it's easy to fall prey if you're not aware of particular types of attacks. Here's how to protect yourself from cellphone phishing attacks.
Nokia 7.1 back bottom android one

What is Android One? All your questions answered

Android is a vast and sprawling ecosystem, and no-one would blame you for not knowing every little version of it. But you really need to know about Android One if you've never heard of it before. Here's everything you need to know about Android One, Google's stock Android operating system.
iphone speed test

Apple’s foldable iPhone: Here’s everything we know

Everyone and their mother is seemingly working on a folding phone, and Apple is no exception. However, while everyone else is sticking with the same design, Apple is quietly testing out some crazy new ideas for a folding display. Here's everything we know about Apple's folding iPhone.
Pocket Casts app.

Pocket Casts adds more cross-sync, curation, and Siri Shortcuts

Pocket Casts is a pocket staple for many podcast fanatics. With access to over 300,000 podcasts, and a suite of tools, it's a great option. But it's about to get even better with the introduction Pocket Casts 7.0 that adds intelligent curation, Siri Shortcuts support, and a streamlined UI.
Google Pixel 3 review

The best browsers for Android smartphones and tablets

Browsing on your Android device should be painless, easy, and fun. But not all browsers are built equal, and you might be after a very different browser than the next person, so we have loads of options here. Check out our picks for the best browsers for Android, so you can browse easily and safely.