Facebook is beta testing new custom photo frames tool

The modern social network space has proven to be one the most difficult digital battlegrounds to date. The market just seems to follow its own, often mysterious trends, sometimes leaving even titans like Google out of the big picture. The fickle nature of the business thus mandates quick and aggressive competitive moves and its is no secret that...

Samsung Galaxy S7 edge starts getting December security patch

Samsung has started rolling out a new update to its Galaxy S7 edge smartphone. Currently hitting units in Australia, the update brings Android security fixes for the month of December. @SamMobiles @DDDorresteijn @_Martinovich_ December Security Patch available for Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge in Australia pic.twitter.com/zO86z2zlbt— henklbr™ (@henklbr)...

Huawei Mate 9 will likely be coming to the US early next year

Whether you are a fan of Huawei or not, it is hard to deny that the Chinese giant made some pretty big strides on the smartphone flagship scene last month. Of course, we are talking about the Huawei Mate 9, as well as its exquisite Porsche Design sibling. Availability for the pair is still scarce, but does already cover most of Europe, as well as...

Microsoft Surface Pro 4 gets new update

Microsoft has pushed out a new update to the Surface Pro 4. It's a minor update that includes improvements related to the device's Realtek audio driver. The software giant says the update will result in better Cortana performance and system stability in general. Here is what the official change-log for the update says: "Realtek Semiconductor Corp....

Oppo reportedly set to enter US smartphone market by year-end

With an aim to increase overseas shipments of its smartphones, Chinese smartphone manufacturer Oppo is all set to enter the United States smartphone market by the end of this year, according to a new report. There's, however, no word on exactly when the company will start selling smartphones in the US, but given that it's just a few weeks left in...

Microsoft's new Whiteboard app is a big step towards an interactive classroom experience

Microsoft has always been a major force in the education space. A large portion of this involvement stems from altruistic and humanitarian motives, which is great. Then there is the business side of things as well, with strategic sponsorships, along the lines of Microsoft Supported universities and schools that ensure better future product adoption....

Kodak Ektra Android smartphone is now available for purchase in Europe

The Android-powered Ektra smartphone from Kodak, which was unveiled back in October this year, is now available for purchase in Europe. Both Amazon as well as the company's official web store have the phone listed for €499 (around $525). Kodak Ektra Specs-wise, the device is powered by a Helio X20 chipset and sports a 5-inch full HD display. It comes...

Samsung Gear Fit 2's price drops further to $130

Just yesterday, we told you that Amazon is selling the Samsung Gear Fit 2 for around $150, a discount of about $30. Well, a quick look at the listing now reveals that the price has dropped even further. The Blue and Pink color variants (in medium/large and small sizes) as well as the Black variant in small are all now going for $129.99, meaning if...

Samsung will roll out another battery limiting update to Galaxy Note7 units in Europe

Samsung has announced that, next week, it will roll out another battery limiting update to Galaxy Note7 units in Europe that are still in use. While the previous update - pushed out in October - capped the battery charge to 60%, this one will limit the charging capacity to 30%. "As part of our absolute focus on customer safety, from 15th December,...

Apple is struggling to get the Airpods out before Christmas

Apple's Airpods were announced alongside the iPhone 7 back in September and offer a new and easier solution to pairing Bluetooth headphones. Prototypes were demoed to the press, and that's about it. There is still no work from Apple as to when the $160 earpods will become available to the masses. According to the Wall Street Journal , someone who...

Xiaomi Mi Note 2 review: Filling in

The Note is dead, long live the Note! Unless you've been living in a cave, you've probably heard that the Samsung Galaxy Note7 is no more, but Xiaomi has a Note of its own to bring phablet lovers some solace this season - the Mi Note 2. Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_mi_note_2-review-1532.p...

Xiaomi Mi Mix video review

Maybe you've already read our written review of the Xiaomi Mi Mix and simply can't get enough of the drool-worthy concept smartphone that's built with ceramic and mostly screen on the front. Or perhaps you didn't read our written review of the Mi Mix because you don't have time to go through all the details - that's cool too. Whatever the case, surely...

It's official: Note7 units in the US will stop charging on December 19, except Verizon's

Earlier today we heard that Samsung might be preparing to issue another update for the Galaxy Note7 units that still haven't been returned. Unlike the last one, which limited charging to 60%, this one would essentially render the phone useless, since it wouldn't be allowed to charge anymore. At all. It turns out that this was true, only the date...

WSJ: There will be an OLED iPhone next year, but mass adoption will wait until 2018

Next year will definitely be monumental for iPhone fans, as it marks the ten year anniversary of the revolutionary smartphone. Naturally, that means the pressure is on Cupertino to mark the occasion accordingly and perhaps deliver a a fitting handset. Most industry sources currently agree that there one of its best features will be an OLED panel....

Galaxy S7 and S7 edge will jump straight to Android 7.1 Nougat

Samsung's Galaxy Beta Program currently allows members to test Android 7.0 on their Galaxy S7 and S7 edge phones, but it seems that this is stage one - the final release of Nougat for the S7 flagships will actually be 7.1. Android 7.0 was the initial release of Nougat, seen on the LG V20 and Nexus devices, but Google's own pixels launched with an...

Samsung Galaxy S8 rumored to drop the Home key and bezels

Samsung has held on to the physical Home button longer than most, but new reports from people in the know suggest it will finally drop it with the Galaxy S8. That phone will stretch its screen to completely cover the front - no Home button, no bezels. The control keys below the display will become virtual, perhaps using Qualcomm's ultrasonic fingerprint...

Michael Kors Access Bradshaw lands on the Google Store

After the Huawei Watch dropped out of the Google Store listing, it has since been replaced by the Michael Kors Access Bradshaw. We first talked about this watch back when it released, along with its sibling, the Access Dylan, which is a sporty version. The Bradshaw, in comparison, is a very large, traditional watch with a lot of bling for men. Inside,...

ZTE announces Nougat preview program for Axon 7 users in US

Chinese smartphone manufacturer ZTE has announced a Nougat preview program for users of its Axon 7 smartphone in the United States. Those with units carrying model number A2017U will be able to participate in the program. To join the program, you first need to create an account (if you don't have one already) at ZTE US Community. Once that is done,...

Samsung Gear Fit 2 receives a $30 price cut

Samsung's Gear Fit 2 fitness tracker, which was launched back in June this year alongside the Gear IconX, has received a price cut in the US. Amazon has the device listed on its website for under $150. Specifically, the large model is being sold for $149, while the small one is listed for $148.06, translating into a discount of $31 and $32, respectively,...

Google Chromecast currently going for $25 in US

If you are in the US and are planning to purchase Google's Chromecast media streaming stick, you'll be glad to know that the device is currently available at discounted rates in the country. Specifically, Office Depot has the device listed on its website for $25, down from the $35 price tag it usually carries there. A quick look at the Google's online...

Sony says becoming first third-party vendor to roll out Android 7.1.1 is their top priority

Sony is aiming to become the first third-party manufacturer to roll out the Android 7.1.1 update. According to the Japanese company's Xperia Concept development team, this is their "number 1 priority." "If you spot any other vendor (excluding Google) releasing this faster than us, prepare your rotten tomatoes!" the team said. Well, just in case you...

RCS live across more Sprint devices with newest version of Google Messenger

A couple of Redditors have found that the newest version of Google Messenger (2.0.768) displays the option to enable ‘Enhanced messaging' for a few Sprint devices. Among them, The Moto G4 Play, LG V20, LG G4, and a Nexus 5X. We tried to do the same with our HTC Bolt review unit, but the feature was a no-go. Likewise, some Redditors reported mixed...

Huawei Watch no longer available from Google Store

When the platform was at its peak, Google dedicated a whole section of its online store to showcase a variety of smartwatches that ran Google's Android Wear. And even with the incoming launch of the newest Android Wear 2.0 happening later than sooner, convincing the general public that they need smartwatches has proven to be a difficult task. The...

Samsung might disable Note7 in the US as early as next week

In an effort to retrieve all Samsung Galaxy Note7 devices from customers, the company has already announced the official disconnection or disabling of Note7 units in New Zealand and Australia set for December 15. Meanwhile, in Canada, all communications have been disabled on Note7 devices. That means no phone calls, no Wi-Fi, and no Bluetooth connectivity....

LeEco and Coolpad are working on Snapdragon 821-powered Cool 1S

LeEco and Coolpad are jointly developing a new smartphone, according to the latest leaks out of China. So far, the two companies have outed two such devices - first, the Cool1 Dual, and then the Cool 1C. In fact, the latter got official just last month. Unlike the Cool1 Dual and the Cool 1C however, the upcoming Cool 1S will be a true flagship handset....

White Moto 360 Sport can now be yours for only $103.99

The Moto 360 Sport's initial recommended retail price was $300 when it launched back in January. The fitness-themed smartwatch has seen its fair share of price cuts in the meantime, most recently last month when it was to be had for just $119.99. Now, however, Amazon has a deal that will top even that. If you don't mind grabbing the white version...

More Daydream VR compatible apps and games arrive just as new headset colors are available

Right on time, today Google has made two additional colors for its Daydream View VR headset available to purchase. You can now find the Daydream View in Crimson and Snow versions, in addition to the originally launched Slate, at the Google Store in the US, UK, and Australia. Expect to see them at Verizon and Best Buy soon, as well as EE and Carphone...

7,800 Starbucks locations become PokeStops and Gyms for Pokemon Go players

Yesterday we saw Sprint announcing a partnership with Pokemon Go, and it's already time for a new such unveiling. Starting today, 7,800 company-operated Starbucks locations across the US have become PokeStops and Gyms for for eager players of the hit mobile game. But wait, there's more! To celebrate the partnership, Starbucks has created a new Pokemon...

Developers can now make apps for the Google Assistant on Google Home

Today Google is finally letting developers in on the hot Assistant action. If you're an eager developer, you can create 'Actions on Google', which is the name of the developer platform for Google Assistant. From today, developers can write Conversation Actions for Google Home, and request to be an early access partner for upcoming platform features....

Cortana for Android and iOS arrives in the UK with new design

Microsoft has announced that it's finally making Cortana for Android and iOS available in the UK. The Cortana for Android app will be out in the UK "over the course of this week", while the iOS app will be in the iTunes App Store "in a few weeks". Cortana's trip across the big pond and over to the UK market isn't the only news, however. The app has...

Huawei's Honor Magic concept phone allegedly stars in leaked image

On December 16, Huawei is holding a special event in China where it will unveil the Honor Magic. This smartphone will be a 'concept' device, showcasing the best of what the company can accomplish at the moment from a technology standpoint. Or simply put, it's Huawei's response to the Xiaomi Mi Mix. We've heard a few odd things about the Honor Magic...

Apple is grabbing more US market shares after Galaxy Note 7 demise

Kantar has some new insights on the US handset market to share. In light of the unfortunate demise of the Samsung Galaxy Note7, Apple has now managed to raise its US market share to 40.5%. That is actually up 7% year-over-year. And it is no secret that the absence of the Note7 played a big part in the process. On a different note, Kantar also believes...

Xiaomi will likely unveil a new electric vehicle on December 12

Xiaomi is no stranger to experimenting with all sorts of products, spanning from light bulbs to air purifiers. In the western world, we mostly get glimpses from the smartphone business, but there are equally interesting and compelling offers on various accessories, TVs and other multimedia equipment that typically never leave the company's home market....

Our new desktop homepage brings you closer to the top stories of the day

Smartphones are a gateway to all sorts of portable electronics and all the associated software and services that come with them. As always, we aim to bring up to date information on this digital jungle and we think the latest facelift on our homepage will help you discover the most interesting developments without missing a thing. First off, meet...

Sony announces 50 million sales milestone for the PS4

Sony has announced that its PlayStation 4 console has crossed the 50 million sales milestone this week. This includes the sales of all variants of the PS4 launched over the years across the world. The PS4 launched back in November of 2013 in US and Europe and in February 2014 in Japan. Since then it has sold consistently well, often outselling its...

Global VR Association formed by Samsung, Sony, HTC, Google, others

There are many companies bringing VR to the marketplace but they are no longer in direct competition - instead they've banded together to form the Global Virtual Reality Association, GVRA. Members include Facebook (Oculus), HTC (Vive), Google (Daydream), Sony (PS VR), Samsung (Gear VR) and Acer (Starbreeze). Notably absent are Microsoft (which today...

Asus Z01HDA clears TENAA with Snapdragon 625 SoC, 4GB RAM, and 4,850mAh battery

A new Asus smartphone has been certified by the Chinese telecommunication authority TENAA. Listed as Asus Z01HDA, the device is powered by Snapdragon 625 chipset and sports a 5.5-inch full HD display. RAM options include 2GB, 3GB, and 4GB, while storage comes in 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB. While the included image clearly shows a dual-rear camera setup,...

OnePlus, Master & Dynamic contest: 3T and headphones up for grabs

OnePlus is running an early holidays promo, giving you a chance to win a briefcase full of awesome audio. The winnings include the companies latest OnePlus 3T (64GB), two pairs of Master & Dynamic headphones, all packed up in a Zero Halliburton case. For the headphones, you have a choice of MW60 (over-ear) and MW50 (on-ear) and for the second...

New Sony Xperia X Nougat concept update brings VoLTE support

Sony has started rolling out a new Nougat-based Concept for Android firmware for the Xperia X. Carrying the build number of 38.1.A.0.367, the update brings along support for VoLTE. At this point only German carriers Telekom, Vodafone and Telefonica/02 are supported. However, given that the update is set to be rolled out in the UK and Spain next,...

T-Mobile announced DIGITS, cross-provider solution for multiple numbers across devices

T-Mobile's COO, Mike Sievert, has unwrapped news about a new feature that's launching for T-Mobile customers. In an industry first, the company announced a new technology for juggling multiple phone numbers across different devices, regardless of which service provider those numbers are on. You'll be able to manage up to 10 numbers on one device...

Gionee F5 with octa-core CPU and 4,000mAh battery spotted on TENAA

A new Gionee smartphone has been certified by the Chinese telecommunication authority TENAA. The Gionee F5, the TENAA listing reveals, is powered by an octa-core 1.5GHz processor, and sports a 5.3-inch HD display. RAM is 4GB, while internal storage is 64GB. The handset features a 13MP rear camera and an 8MP front shooter. Measuring 150 × 74.5 × 7.7mm...

Blue Coral Samsung Galaxy S7 edge lands in India

The Blue Coral color variant of Samsung's Galaxy S7 edge smartphone - which was made official by the South Korean tech giant early last month, and is already available in a few markets worldwide - is now available for purchase in India as well. The model is listed on Samsung's own online store in India, and - like other color variants - carries a...

LG G6 rumored to keep headphone jack, integrate the battery, and use glass in hardware

The LG G5 was not exactly the most popular device of the 2016. Its idea of modular hardware as add-ons to a smartphone was there, but sadly the implantation was not. LG's modular "Friends" and the addition of a second wide-angle camera was not enough to get users to go crazy over the LG G5. Journalist David Ruddock tweeted about report of a few possible...

Huawei P9 and Mate 8 start receiving Nougat update

If you recall, earlier this month, Huawei officially announced its Nougat update plans, revealing that the Mate 8 and P9 will be the first devices getting the update, something which the company said will happen in Q1, 2017. However, a recent rumor suggested that the update will be pushed out - at-least to the units in China - on December 7. Well,...

Fitbit Alta receives price cut in US

If you are a Fitbit fan in the US and are in the market for a fitness tracking wearable device, here's a deal for you: the Fitbit Alta - which was launched earlier this year - is currently being sold in the country at discounted rates. Specifically, Amazon has the device listed for $84.96, down from its usual price of $129.95. A quick look at Fitbit's...

Black Pearl Samsung Galaxy S7 edge officially announced

As expected, Samsung has officially announced the new, Black Pearl color variant of its Galaxy S7 edge smartphone, making it the seventh color for the device. The new color will be exclusive to 128GB models of the handset, and will be available starting December 9. "The new Black Pearl Galaxy S7 edge follows the Blue Coral and Pink Gold editions...

Unreturned Samsung Galaxy Note7 units in Canada will also be disconnected from mobile networks on Dec 15

Like it's being done in Australia, unreturned Samsung Galaxy Note7 units in Canada will also be disconnected from mobile networks on December 15, the company said in a press release. A battery charge-limiting update will be rolled out on December 12, and WiFi and Bluetooth functionalities will also be disabled on the same day. Samsung revealed that...

Qualcomm Snapdragon Chips will support Windows 10 starting next year

Qualcomm has teamed up with Windows to provide a way to run Windows 10 x86 (32-bit) on ARM-architecture processors such as those found in smartphones of the past couple of years. With next generation ARM CPUs, Windows would be able to run on Qualcomm CPUs with full compatibility. At WinHEC today, both companies showed off the capability of the emulation...

OnePlus 3T review: Digitally remastered

OnePlus has always been one of those companies on the mobile scene, you just can't help but root for. At least to some degree, that is. A small Chinese start-up with big dreams, throwing around lofty titles, like "the flagship killer" and talking of a price revolution that is just around the corner. Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/oneplus_3t-r...

Bluetooth 5 spec has been finalized, brings 2x speed, 4x range compared to 4.2

The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) first unveiled the Bluetooth 5 spec back in June, when it was still a work in progress. Today, however, the new spec has been finalized by the industry group and it's ready to be put to use by device makers across the world. Bluetooth 5 comes with twice the bandwidth, four times the range, and eight times...