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Latest by C. de Looper

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Apple’s iPad Smart Cover could one day have a display that shows notifications

It looks like Apple is working on ways to make its Smart Cover a whole lot more functional. The company has filed for a patent that would involve future iterations of the Smart Cover with displays for showing notifications, or transparent portions of the cover for allowing the user to see notifications.
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Qualcomm targets ‘premium midrange’ phones with the Snapdragon 710

Qualcomm unveiled the first chip in its new 700 series -- the Snapdragon 710. The chip is aimed at combining some of the high-end features in the 800 series, with a more affordable price -- making it perfect for budget high-end phones. We don't yet know what phones will feature the new chip.
Google Play store on a smartphone in someone's hand.

Google hypes mobile game creators in new behind-the-scenes series

Google wants to put a spotlight on some of the creative minds behind some of your favorite mobile games. The company has launched a new video series called First Person, which goes behind the scenes of some mobile games and talks to creators about their process and their craft.
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At WWDC 2018, Apple to show off its latest software innovations

Apple has revealed the dates and location for WWDC 2018, which is where we'll see the latest and greatest software that Apple has to offer. According to Apple, WWDC 2018 will be held from June 4-8 at the McEnery Convention Center in San Jose, California. And we will be on the ground covering it.
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The OnePlus 6 is now available: Here’s where to buy it

OnePlus has finally unveiled the new OnePlus 6, boasting flagship specs like the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 and up to 8GB of RAM, as well as a new design with a nice big display. If you're interested in getting it for yourself, you may be wondering where to buy it. Here's how to buy the OnePlus 6.
oculus go review

Oculus Go review

Standalone and mobile virtual reality is aimed at bringing VR to the masses – but so far companies have largely failed to really make a splash in consumer consciousness. Can the new Oculus Go change that? Find out in our Oculus Go review.
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OnePlus 6 vs OnePlus 3T vs OnePlus 3: Is the new phone worth the upgrade?

OnePlus has finally launched the highly anticipated OnePlus 6, boasting 2018 specs, including the Snapdragon 845, and a new design with a beautiful and big display. But is the new phone worth buying if you already have a OnePlus 3 or OnePlus 3T? We put the phones head-to-head to find out.
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Sprint follows T-Mobile’s lead with new unlimited data plan for seniors

Sprint has announced a new unlimited data plan built specifically for seniors and coming in at only $70 for two lines. Of course, the new plan has some serious competition -- T-Mobile's plan comes at the same price, and may offer some better features in certain situations.
samsung galaxy s9 review

The Samsung Galaxy S9 can download up to 37 percent faster than the iPhone X

According to a new report from Ookla, the Samsung Galaxy S9 offers the fastest download speeds of any phone. In fact, the report notes that the phone can download files up to 37 percent faster than Apple's flagship, the iPhone X, and 17 percent faster than the Google Pixel 2.
LG V30

Here’s the best security news Android users have ever heard

Google could be taking steps to ensure Android security updates are taken a lot more seriously. The company said at one of its sessions at Google I/O that it would start requiring manufacturers to push security updates, which would help Android devices remain a whole lot more secure as they age.
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The iPhone’s viewfinder might soon let you see both cameras simultaneously

Apple was awarded a new patent that could seriously change how you use the dual-camera sensor on the device. The patent basically describes being able to see streams from both cameras at a time on your phone's screen, allowing you to see which camera is better for a particular section.
Someone using Apple Pay with their iPhone.

Apple and Goldman Sachs reportedly developing a credit card together

According to a new report, Apple and Goldman Sachs are teaming up to develop a new Apple Pay-branded credit card that could launch as soon as early 2019. The credit card is aimed at replacing the current Barclay's Apple rewards credit card, while expanding awareness about Apple Pay.
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Google responsibly: New Android features remind you to give your phone a rest

Google opened it's annual developer conference, Google I/O, by emphasizing "responsibility in technology" during its keynote. Specifically, Google is launching new tools aimed at helping individuals and families better manage how much time they spend on their mobile devices.
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LG G7 ThinQ vs. Google Pixel 2 XL: A brains-versus-brawn comparison

LG has finally taken the wraps off the new LG G7 ThinQ, its latest and greatest flagship phone. But how does the G7 ThinQ compare to other top-tier devices? The Google Pixel 2 XL has been hailed as one of the best Android phones out there. Let's find out if it's enough to fend off the attack from LG.
iPhone 8 Plus vs Note 8 camera shootout header

Apple working on depth-sensing technology that could show up in a future iPhone

Apple has been awarded a new patent related to depth-sensing technology that could appear in a future iPhone. Depth-sensing technology in general could prove to be extremely useful for things like virtual reality and augmented reality, as well as for much more immersive photography.
Microsoft Band 2

New patents suggest Microsoft Band fitness tracker may still be on track

Microsoft has been awarded a few new patents that suggest it's still working on new iterations of the Microsoft Band. The patents describe ways to estimate the wearer's blood pressure, and the use of an electrically conductive skin sensor to track things like the wearer's stress levels.
Xiaomi Mi Mix 2 Review front full

Xiaomi buddies up with U.K. carrier Three to sell its phones in Europe

Xiaomi has partnered with U.K. carrier Three's parent, Hutchison. The partnership will result in Xiaomi phones being sold not only in the U.K., but also in Austria, Denmark, Hong Kong, and Sweden. Xiaomi's phones are already being sold in Spain, so the news represents a renewed push into Europe.
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Facebook Messenger now lets businesses show off products in augmented reality

Facebook has announced a few new features for Facebook Messenger, including the ability for businesses to show off their new products through augmented reality in Messenger. On top of that, Facebook is updating its digital assistant, M, to be able to translate for businesses in Marketplace.
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Here’s how to buy the brand-new Samsung Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9 Plus

The Samsung Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9 Plus are finally here. Here's how to get your hands on the two new phones for yourself.
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Parents can now limit their kids’ access to the Facebook Messenger Kids app

Facebook has updated the Messenger Kids app with a new feature that parents might appreciate -- the ability to set when kids can and can't access it. The new feature is called Sleep Mode, and is apparently Facebook's answer to concerns about the effects of social media on kids.
iPad 9.7 2018

Apple iPad (2018) vs. iPad Pro 10.5: Is the iPad Pro worth the extra cash?

The new 9.7-inch Apple iPad is an awesome device, but it doesn't reach the heights of the iPad Pro series. So which iPad is best for you -- the 9.7-inch iPad, or the ultra-powerful and slightly older 10.5-inch iPad Pro? We compare the two Apple tablets in various categories to find out.
Google Play Music icon

Google will reportedly kill Play Music when it launches YouTube Remix

Google is reported to be planning to launch a new streaming service called YouTube Remix later this year -- and when it does it will reportedly put an end to Google Play Music, its current most-used music streaming services. The existence of YouTube Remix has been rumored since the end of last year.
Google Play store on a smartphone in someone's hand.

Google Play Awards nominees are in … and amazing

Google has announced the nominees for this year's Google Play Awards, including the likes of Pokemon Go, PUBG Mobile, and more. There are a range of categories -- including a new category for AR and VR apps. The winners for the Google Play Awards will be announced on May 7, at Google I/O 2018.
AR Emoji

Samsung could offer AR Emoji chatting as an alternative to video

A newly awarded Samsung patent shows a new system for video chatting that could seriously save on your data. The system basically involves the use of the company's new AR Emoji, which would be used as your avatar in place of actually transmitting video and audio.
A close up of the iPhone 7 sim card slot.

Verizon, AT&T under investigation for allegedly colluding to block eSIM tech

The U.S. Justice Department is reportedly investigating possible collusion between Verizon and AT&T, who have been accused of trying to block the development and implementation of eSIM technology. The tech allows consumers to quickly and easily switch carriers without having to obtain and insert a new SIM card.
moto e5 plus review hands on 9

Moto E5 Plus vs. Moto E4 Plus: Battle of the ultra-budget Motos

Lenovo's Motorola has finally unveiled the new Moto E5 Plus, replacing the Moto E4 Plus as the company's budget handset to beat. But is the new phone that much better than the older Moto E4 Plus? We put the Moto E5 Plus and Moto E4 Plus head to head in a range of different categories to find out.

Google patent could replace your contacts’ profile pictures with animations

Google has been awarded a new patent that could replace the profile pictures in your Android contacts with animated images. How? The animations could be captured in video calls, then reused in other parts of Android. Of course, just because Google has been awarded the patent, that doesn't mean we'll see it soon.
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New Apple patent could help Siri learn newly created words and phrases

Apple has been awarded a new patent that could prove that the company is actively working on improving Siri. The patent describes technology that can recognize new words and phrases -- essentially helping prevent the digital assistant from getting outdated.
lenovo moto g6 vs play

Moto G6 vs. Moto G6 Play: Is the G6 worth the extra cash?

Motorola has finally taken the wraps off of the new Moto G6 and Moto G6 Play. Both offer excellent features at a very reasonable price, but which of the new phones is better for your situation? Is the slightly more expensive Moto G6 worth the extra cash? We put the two phones head-to-head to find out.
Yahoo Mail

Yahoo Mail is about to make RSVPing to an event a whole lot easier

Yahoo has announced a slew of updates to Yahoo Mail that includes not only new features, but also a ton of performance improvements. New features include the likes of Photo Themes, allowing you to customize your inbox, and RSVP cards, which allow you to respond to an event quickly and easily.
sony xperia xa2 ultra review feat

Sony Xperia XA2 Ultra review

Sony may be embracing a new design, but that doesn’t mean it’s not selling a phone with an older design theme. The mid-range Sony Xperia XA2 Ultra costs $450, and a lot of compromises, which is unusual for a mid-range smartphone. Is it worth buying? Find out in our Sony Xperia XA2 Ultra review.
Huawei flagship at AT&T

Huawei to refocus its efforts on other markets in the face of U.S. roadblocks

Huawei has had a pretty rough time in the United States. Following government bans and deals with carriers falling through, it appears the company will now refocus its efforts on markets that it's already in, such as Europe and Asia. Huawei has long been plagued with issues in the U.S.
A sign outside of T Mobile headquarters.

T-Mobile slapped with $40 million fine for playing fake ringtones on rural calls

T-Mobile has agreed to pay $40 million after the Federal Communication Commission found that despite promising to end the practice, T-Mobile was still playing fake ringtones on calls to rural areas in an effort to make customers believe that the call had been connected -- when in fact it had not.
LG V30s Hands on

The ultra-affordable LG Fortune 2 is now available from Cricket Wireless

Cricket Wireless has a new ultra-affordable phone on offer -- the LG Fortune 2. The device offers 16GB of storage, an 8-megapixel rear-facing camera, and it comes at only $99.99. Of course, it doesn't come without competition -- like the ZTE Blade X Max, which is also available from Cricket Wireless.