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Latest by Mark Jansen

Google Play store on a smartphone in someone's hand.

Google Play rewards system arrives in Japan, no sign of U.S. release yet

After some rumors that Google was planning a rewards scheme, Google has finally revealed the existence of Google Play Points. But for now, it's only available in Japan, and there's no indication of when a U.S. or worldwide release is planned. Here's everything you need to know about Google Play Points.
Woman holding and looking down at smartphone.

Firm warns that almost half of all U.S. calls could be scams by 2019

What's the world coming to when you can no longer trust caller ID? Almost half of all phone calls in the U.S. could be scams by next year, according to a warning report put out by a phone provider. So if you feel that you're constantly being harangued by nuisance calls, you're certainly not alone.
sony xperia xz2 xperia logo

Sony Xperia XZ2 and XZ2 Compact: Everything you need to know

Sony has taken the wraps off of the Xperia XZ2 and Xperia XZ2 Compact -- phones that signal a change in Sony's design style. There are differences between the two phones, and it's not just size. We break down everything you need to know about these Sony phones.
HTC U12 Plus Review

HTC U12 Plus vs. LG G7 ThinQ: Which powerful flagship prevails?

With big screens and even bigger specs, the HTC U12 Plus and LG G7 ThinQ are the premium flagship phones to buy this summer. But how can you tell which of these two will be better for you? We've done the hard work, comparing the two phones to find out which you should buy.
apple iphone xr news

Apple’s September 12 Event: Everything Apple announced

With the launch of three incredible new iPhones and a new Apple Watch, Apple treated us to a cavalcade of awesome technology at its September 12 event. With new and powerful processors and amazing new features, here's absolutely everything Apple announced at its September 12 event,.
Apple Watch Series 2

Here are all the Apple Watches getting updated to WatchOS 5

WatchOS 5 is Apple's next big update for its thriving Apple Watch ecosystem. But for the first time, not every Apple Watch will be getting this major OS update. But don't worry; here's a guide to which Apple Watches are getting updated to WatchOS 5, and how you can find out which Apple Watch you have.
huawei p20 pro review 21

Huawei P20 Pro vs. Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus: Are three better than two?

If you're looking for a big Android phone, then Huawei's P20 Pro may have caught your eye. But what of the Galaxy S9 Plus? Which is better?
ebay headgaze iphone x open source 2

eBay HeadGaze app lets physically impaired control iPhone X with head movements

Unlocking your phone with your face is so blasé now -- how about controlling it with just your head? That's the goal for eBay's HeadGaze software, which uses the iPhone X's FaceID system to translate head movements into screen actions, hopefully opening tech up for many people with physical impairments.
samsung galaxy a6 and tab a 105 2018 news 10 5

Samsung Galaxy A6 and Tab A 10.5 offer great midrange value for the money

Looking for a device that provides solid midrange performance and great value for money? The entertainment-focused Galaxy Tab A 10.5 and the midrange Galaxy A6 may be the perfect fit for you. With decent specs and great prices, here's everything you need to know about Samsung's midrange devices.
google photos low resolution video update albums 2

Material Design 2 update spruces up Google Photos — here’s how to get it

Whether you love it or hate it, Material Design 2 is the future of Google's services, and we're slowly seeing all of Android's base apps update to the new design. Google Photos is the latest app to be updated to the new look. Here's what you can expect, and how to update right now.
oneplus 6 review hands on back full

How to download the Android 9.0 Pie beta on the OnePlus 6

The OnePlus 6 is an incredible smartphone with flagship levels of power and style, without a price-tag to match. Now you can get all that hardware brilliance with the latest Android 9.0 Pie improvements from Google. The OnePlus 6 Android 9.0 Pie open beta has begun, and here's how you can download it.
smartphone deals

Midrange Samsung phones may get new features before flagships do

If you're the market leader and the market suffers a slump, what do you do? Samsung is looking for new ways to invigorate sales, and it thinks that pumping up its midrange phones with more new features and high specs is the way to go -- and these midrange phones may get new features before flagships do.
sony xperia xz2 premium xz familiy comparison

Xperia XZ3 vs. XZ2 Premium vs. XZ2 vs. XZ2 Compact: Smartphone battle royale

With the Xperia range's first ever OLED display, the beautiful Xperia XZ3 is a sight to behold, and one of the first considerations for Sony fans. But is it better than the XZ2 range? To find out, we put the XZ3 head-to-head with the XZ2 Premium, XZ2, and XZ2 Compact to see which reigned supreme.
Huawei Mate 20 Lite review

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.
alcatel 1x review

The Alcatel 1 is a low-powered Android Go phone for just $80

Looking for an inexpensive Android phone to serve as your low-priced everyday phone, or simply a capable secondary phone? Alcatel's options are usually good value for money, but it's hard to argue with $80 for an Android Go phone. Here's everything you need to know about the Alcatel 1.
Apple Watch Series 3 buying guide heart rate

Apple considers making its own health-monitoring processors

According to a job listing from Apple's own job website, Apple could be looking at making its own dedicated health-tracking processors. Known as ASICs, these chips are dedicated to health monitoring features on wearables, and if true, could mean Apple will add more features to the next Apple Watch.
best weather apps for Android

New Android Messages update adds Dark Mode and Material design

Hold onto your britches, because your messaging app is about to get a whole lot sexier. Well, not really, but we're still excited that Android Messages is getting an update that adds Material Design 2 style changes, as well as a Dark Mode for texting at night. Here's how to get a hold of it right now.
Gboard

Let Google’s A.I. make a mini version of you with Minis for Gboard

Looking for a more personal flair in your favorite messaging app? Minis for Gboard allows you to get that personal edge, creating an A.I. generated version of you from just a selfie. With over a quadrillion personalization options available, Gboard for iOS and Android gives a new way to express yourself.
A hacker inputting code into a system.

Hack affects 2 million T-Mobile customers, unclear if passwords included

T-Mobile has announced that around 2 million of its customers may have had personal details stolen in an attack on its servers. While financial details were not compromised, other personal details may have been. T-Mobile is contacting anyone affected by the hack by text message.
nokia 6 1 news us version

Nokia 6.1 has Android One, takes funky ‘Bothie’ pictures, and is yours for $270

HMD Global has announced the Nokia 6.1, a version of the Nokia 6 (2018) for the U.S. market, where it will go on sale May 6 for just $270. If you're familiar with the latest Nokia 6, the phone won't hold any surprises. Here's what you need to know about the Nokia 6.1.
Essential phone review top half

Essential PH-1 Phone: Everything you need to know

It's been nearly a year since the Essential Phone PH-1was announced in 2017. It comes from the co-creator of Android itself. The PH-1 is compact and light, weighing less than 185 grams and 7.8mm thick. And while the phone has not a huge seller, Essential has continually improved the phone via updates.
google one news

Google One subscriptions offer more cloud storage for low prices, other perks

Can't get enough storage on Google Drive, Photos, and Gmail? Never mind the old paid plans, Google One is the new way to boost your cloud storage. But it's not just about more room for your files -- Google One has a bunch of benefits for subscribers. Here's everything you need to know about Google One.
zenfone v

Bloatware could be putting millions of Android devices at risk

Changes to Android's firmware could be making millions of Android smartphones vulnerable to massive hacks. A study of 10 phones from a variety of U.S. carriers has revealed that manufacturer skins and added bloatware could leave users open to their devices being hijacked.
what to expect at samsung galaxy unpacked august 2018 note 9

Here’s everything announced at Samsung Galaxy Unpacked

Samsung's theme at Galaxy Unpacked was "unity" - so here's everything that was announced at Galaxy Unpacked in one place. From the jaw-dropping Galaxy Note 9, to the surprising Galaxy Home smart speaker powered by Bixby, and the all-new Galaxy Watch. Here's everything that was announced.
xiaomi qin 1 feature phone news featured

The Qin is a super-cheap feature phone with A.I., 4G, and a T9 keypad

The Qin phone is a feature phone with A.I., real-time translation, a 4G connection, and Bluetooth -- all for half the price of the Nokia 8810. The crowdfunded Qin phone comes in two varieties, with the cheapest costing just $30 -- but unfortunately for anyone interested, it's probably only for China.
asus zenfone live l1 news what a cool dude

Asus bringing super-budget ZenFone Live (L1) to the U.S. for $110

If you're looking for a super-cheap phone then devices powered by Google's Android Go are probably on your radar. Options in the U.S. are about to get a bit better with the introduction of the Asus ZenFone Live (L1). With a Snapdragon 425, it's priced at $110, and will be a Bust Buy exclusive.

Apple found guilty of infringing WiLan patents, must pay $145 million

Apple was ordered by a California jury to pay WiLan, a Canadian patent licensing company, the sum of $145.1 million for damages as a result of patent infringement. According to the jury, some of Apple's iPhone models used two of WiLan's wireless communications technology patents.
lg v35 thinq assistant

There’s a reason LG’s Signature Edition costs twice as much as the LG V35

Want a phone that's stupidly expensive because you have too much money? Don't worry, you don't need to buy two phones - LG's bringing out a special phone that should help drain your overflowing coffers. But beware: it's only available in Korea, and there's only 300 available in the whole world.
Google Daydream View (2017) review

Daydream VR users can browse with Google Chrome in virtual space

Tired of browsing the internet in your boring regular reality? If you're a Daydream VR user, you no longer have to, as Google has announced the ability to use Google Chrome from within your Daydream VR headset. It comes with the usual features you'd expect from Chrome, with a few just for Daydream.
huawei p20 pro review front jc

Huawei is gaining on Apple as it aims for 200 million smartphone sales in 2018

Could your next phone be a Huawei or an Honor phone? Huawei is certainly hoping so, as it aims to reach 200 million sales by the end of 2018, after passing 100 million sales earlier this month. With Apple only a whisker above 200 million sales last year, could Huawei exceed Apple this year?
xiaomi mi max 3 news in hand

The Xiaomi Mi Max 3 has a tablet-sized screen and a huge battery

Is the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 still not enough phone for you? Do you need a phone that's around the size as your head? Then check out the Xiaomi Mi Max 3, Xiaomi's latest addition to its huge Mi Max range. With an enormous 6.9-inch display and a 5,500mAh battery, there's enough phone for anyone.
Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus

Some Samsung phones aren’t alerting users of app background processes

Worried that Facebook is spying on you? Some Samsung phones aren't correctly showing some apps on the App Permission Monitor, so users won't be alerted if an app tries to access certain permissions. Thankfully, due to the way Android works, it may not be as big an issue as it seems.
nokia 7 plus review full 8

The Nokia X5 is a budget phone with a premium glass body and a notch

Nokia's busting back into the budget market with the Nokia X5, a cheap phone with a premium glass body, a notched display, and a dual-lens camera. The Nokia X5 is only coming to China for now, but it may see a global release as the Nokia 5.1 Plus. Could this be the next great budget handset?
Magic Leap

AR/VR headset creator Magic Leap partners with AT&T on upcoming release

AR and VR are the most cutting-edge and impressive technologies around at the moment, so why has no one really melded the two together yet? Magic Leap aims to do just that, and now, a partnership with AT&T may hold the key to bringing this headset to market and finding it a willing audience.
google assistant visual snapshot proactive notifications feature

Google Assistant’s new Visual Snapshot tab prepares you for the day

Ever wish you could get an instant update of your day at a glance? Google Assistant now can show you upcoming travel plans, deliveries, bills and more as a part of the new Visual Snapshot feature. Expect more to be added as time goes by, such as the ability to see details from various to-do list apps.
verizon prepaid unlimited data plan smartphones

The best ways to reuse or recycle an old Android or iOS device

As technology marches ever onward, most of us are bound to have some old Android or iOS devices that they're simply not using. Rather than leaving them to languish in a drawer, why not put them to good use? Here are some of the very best ways to reuse or recycle an older phone or tablet.
sony xperia xa2 plus news design silver

The new Xperia XA2 Plus packs a huge display and high-resolution sound quality

Looking for a mid-range phone with great entertainment possibilities? Sony has just released the Xperia XA2 Plus, and with a huge display, incredible high-resolution sound, and a powerful camera, Sony is hoping it'll impress. Here's everything you need to know about the Xperia XA2 Plus.
google gboard go news

iPhone users can now access Morse code on Gboard for iOS

In a huge accessibility win, Google has announced that Gboard for iOS will be getting the option to type in Morse code. While this may seem odd to some, the inclusion of this mode will open smartphone technology up to many disabled people who may find it hard to type on a regular keyboard.