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Patrick Hearn

Patrick Hearn

Mobile Writer

Patrick Hearn writes about smart home technology like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, smart light bulbs, and more. If it's a smart or connected device, he has probably been hands-on with it or at least written about the product at some point.

Patrick also has bylines at CNET, Progressive, Xfinity, GameSpot, Online Tech Tips, and a number of other publications. When not working on the latest smart tech, he spends his time writing a sci-fi/fantasy fiction series.

2024 iPad mini in pink color.

This iPad may be the cheapest way to use Apple’s AI for a while

Apple Intelligence is an impressive, if expensive feature making its way to new Apple devices, but this affordable iPad is easy on your budget.
Mobile News
iPhone 16 Pro Max in Desert Titanium.

The iPhone 17 Pro cameras could get a huge upgrade

The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max might receive a telephoto lens four times more powerful than the existing 12MP camera.
Mobile News
Star Citizen

Star Citizen is kind-of-but-not-really finished

Star Citizen has been in development so long that it's become a meme, but the team says its single-player spinoff is releasing in 2026.
Gaming News
The Apple Music screen on the Apple iPhone 16 Plus.

Concert overload? Apple Music’s new feature can help you choose

Apple Music is getting a feature that lets you see what bands are in town and the setlists they're playing, but only if the band opts in.
Mobile News
The Home Panel on Google TV Streamer.

Your Google TV can now control smart home devices

The new Google TV update turns it from an entertainment system into a command center for your entire smart home.
Smart Home News
The back of the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.

This Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra leak unveils its colors

A known tipster broke the news that the Galaxy S25 Ultra would be available in four different color options, but that there may also be exclusive colors.
Mobile News
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra in Titanium Orange and in Titanium Silver.

Here’s what all Samsung Galaxy S25 phones could look like

Dummy models for the full Galaxy S25 lineup have leaked, confirming dimensions and giving us a good idea of what the final version will look like.
Mobile News
Battery page on the iPhone 16.

The iPhone 16 is having battery life problems. Here’s what we know

Feel like your iPhone 16 or iPhone 16 Pro battery life isn't what it should be? You aren't alone.
Mobile News
Polar Pacer Pro on man's wrist, seen from the side.

This smartwatch company was hit by a data breach. Here’s what we know

Polar, the company behind fitness-focused smartwatches, was recently hit by a data breach. Here's what you need to know.
Mobile News
Multi-tasking on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6.

October 21 will be a big day for Samsung foldables

A new video from Samsung teases a big announcement on October 21 that is quite likely the Galaxy Z Fold 6 Special Edition.
Mobile News
Someone holding the Samsung Galaxy Ring and the Oura Ring.

Oura Ring 4 vs. Samsung Galaxy Ring: Which should you buy?

The Oura Ring 4 and Samsung Galaxy Ring offer powerful tracking functionality and a stylish look to boot, but which one is the better pick? We break it down.
Mobile Guides
The end plate on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6's hinge.

Forget the Galaxy Z Fold 6. Samsung’s next foldable may be here soon

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 is a fantastic folding phone. However, Samsung newest foldable could be here before the month is over.
Mobile News
The Android 15 logo on a smartphone.

Motorola is already updating some phones to its Android 15 beta

While the full version of Android 15 is on the way, Motorola has already begun bringing the Android 15 beta to Edge 50 Fusion units.
Mobile News
A person holding a Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and an Apple iPhone 15 Pro.

Samsung is catching up to the iPhone in an unexpected way

The iPhone is known for holding its value over the long term, but new data shows that Samsung devices are retaining their worth for longer, too.
Mobile News
The OnePlus 12's screen.

The OnePlus 13 may have a cool display feature we’ve never seen before

We've heard a lot about the OnePlus 13. Now, OnePlus itself has revealed a new display feature for the phone, and it sounds incredible.
Mobile News
A photo of the Spectra watch laying on a table.

The Pocuter Spectra sets a new standard for smartwatch repairability

This smartwatch promises total repairability and ease of access for all users. With only seven screws in total, it's exciting — but still needs time to cook.
Mobile News
A person holding the OnePlus 12.

A big price increase might be coming for the OnePlus 13

The OnePlus 13 is shaping up to be one of 2025's most anticipated smartphones. Unfortunately, it may also come with a higher price than the OnePlus 12.
Mobile News
iPhone SE

The next iPhone SE may be missing a key iPhone 16 feature

Images of an iPhone SE 4 case suggest the Action Button might not make an appearance at this particular party.
Mobile News
a cheap fitness band is still better than smartwatch xiaomi mi smart 5

We just got our first peek at Xiaomi’s latest smartwatch, and it looks great

These budget-focused smartwatch alternatives are capable of tracking vital metrics at a fraction of the cost of an Apple Watch.
Mobile News
The Ecovacs T20 Omni docked in a living room.

Hackers take control of robovacs and use them to yell slurs

An attack using Ecovacs robot vacuums seems more mischievous than anything else, but it's still unsettling for those affected.
News Smart Home
A screenshot of the Panels app.

MKBHD continues to slowly try and fix the Panels app

A beloved tech YouTuber released a video addressing fans' concerns and promising to improve the pricing structure and permission requirements of his app.
Mobile News
Xiaomi Pad 7

Specs just leaked for the next budget-focused Android tablet

The Xiaomi Pad 7 and Pad 7 Pro want to be your next favorite budget Android tablets, and from what we've seen so far, they have what it takes.
Mobile News
A side view of the Motorola Razr Plus 2024, showing the phone half-folded.

Motorola might be making a foldable unlike any we’ve seen before

Motorola recently filed a patent for a new type of folding phone, and it's something we've not seen before. Here's what it does.
Mobile News
Someone holding the Google Pixel 9 with the screen on.

Android 16’s Priority Modes leaked, and I need them right now

Priority Modes, a new feature coming in Android 16, have leaked. And they look incredible.
Mobile News
The Microsoft Surface Duo 2 has a unique two-screen design.

Microsoft’s forgotten Android phone just got its final update

The Microsoft Surface Duo 2, Microsoft's last Android phone, is now receiving its final software update.
Mobile News
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra's screen, resting on a bench.

Here’s a closer look at the Samsung Galaxy S25’s new displays

Well-known tipster Ice Universe is back with a picture of the S25, S25 Plus, and S25 Ultra displays. And yes, it confirms a lot of what we knew.
Mobile News
Smart Stack and Live Activity on the Apple Watch Series 10.

Have a broken Apple Watch Series 10? Good luck trying to repair it

The Apple Watch Series 10 is a fantastic smartwatch. But is it an easy one to repair? Not so much.
Mobile News
Vivo X200 series.

Vivo just teased its Galaxy S25 competitor, and it looks great

The Vivo X200 Pro is coming soon, and in a new tease, we get a great look at the incoming Galaxy S25 alternative.
Mobile News
A person holding the Xiaomi Mix Flip, seen from the side.

Xiaomi’s new smartphone patent is one of the wildest I’ve ever seen

Are we seeing this right? The phone can split into two separate pieces, connected by magnets?
Mobile News
A person holding the Nothing Phone 2a Plus.

Nothing’s Android 15 beta is live, but only for one of its phones

Nothing's Android 15 beta is officially live. However, it's only available for one of the company's smartphones.
Mobile News
Galaxy A16 banner Samsung

The Samsung Galaxy A16 sets a new record for budget Android phones

Samsung's newest budget phone, the Galaxy A16, sets a new standard for software updates on budget Android phones — and we're impressed.
Mobile News
A person wearing the Samsung Galaxy Ring and the Oura Ring.

Waiting for an Apple smart ring? We have bad news

According to Apple Insider Mark Gurman, you should get used to wearing an Apple Watch for the foreseeable future.
Mobile News
Google's Ask Photos debut.

Google’s Ask Photo feature is available for users that joined a waitlist

Select users can now search their entire Photos library through AI prompts.
Mobile News
A group of fantasy warriors fighting a golem in Throne and Liberty.

Can’t get into Throne and Liberty? New server cap limits may help

As it turns out, the servers were overencumbered. Amazon Games has given them a strength boost.
Gaming News
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