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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Apple just banned apps from cryptocurrency mining on iOS devices
Apple has banned apps that mine cryptocurrency on iOS devices. The company updated its guidelines recently, highlighting that while apps related to cryptocurrency are still allowed, apps that mine it are not. Of course, iOS devices generally aren't powerful enough to mine much cryptocurrency anyway.
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.
The 3 cameras on the 2019 iPhone may bring awesome AR tech
The 2019 iPhone is already in development at Apple, and it may have a clever triple-lens camera on the back, enabling AR technology to reach a higher level than today's iPhone devices. Multiple reports claim Apple's actively experimenting with systems that will give a future iPhone 3D sensing cameras.
HTC U12 vs Google Pixel 2 XL: Can HTC take out the stock Android king?
HTC has finally unveiled the new HTC U12 Plus, its latest and greatest flagship phone boasting some of the best specs you can find on a phone in 2018. But can it take down the Google Pixel 2 XL, which many consider to be one of the best Android phones ever released? We put the two head-to-head to find out.