Skip to main content

Latest by Mark Jansen

Pixel 3

Here’s everything Google announced at its October 9 event

That's all she wrote -- Google's October 2018 hardware event is over and though it was short, it left us with an awful lot to talk about. But if you didn't catch the livestream or the updates, it's easy to catch up on the reveals. Here's everything Google announced at its October 9 event.
Google Pixel 2

What to expect from Google’s October 9 event in New York City

Google's annual hardware event is almost here, and with Google branching out more and more into hardware, we could be seeing new Pixel phones, updated Pixelbooks, and shinier Chromecasts. Well no more guessing -- we've corralled all the rumors so you can know what to expect from Google's October 9 event.
alcatel 3t 8 news

Entertainment-centric Alcatel 3T 8 is a 4G-enabled tablet for just $150

Looking for a lower-cost tablet to serve as your entertainment hub, or as a child's first media center? With an 8-inch screen, access to T-Mobile's 4G network, the CloserTV app, and a built-in Kid's Mode, the Alcatel 3T 8 could be a great choice for you. Here's everything you need to know.
all the s pen features on galaxy note 9 translate

The best business smartphones

Looking for a great smartphone that also fits your business needs? What you need in a business phone is likely as varied as business itself, and not everyone is going to be looking for the same thing. That's why we've put together our guide to the best business smartphones across all budgets.
Huawei Honor 8X review

Honor 8X vs. Honor 7X: Battle of the beautiful budget phones

There's no shortage of great budget phones out there, so does the recently released Honor 8X have much of a chance, despite upgraded specs, cameras, and design? To find out, we pitted it against its predecessor, the impressive Honor 7X, to find out which of Honor's budget battlers you should buy.
google assistant

Google Assistant gets a touchy-feely makeover, adds voice purchasing

There's nothing wrong with Google Assistant's current look, but Google's A.I. could probably still benefit from a fresh coat of paint. Google is upgrading its voice assistant to work better with a variety of touch and voice inputs, and it's also making it possible for users to make in-app purchases.
Honor 8X

Honor 8X: Everything you need to know

Last year's Honor 7X was one of our favorite budget phones. It featured awesome specs and eschewed the typical budget phone look for something much more refined. The Honor 8X is a supersized version of its predecessor that's also a bargain. Here's everything you need to know about the upcoming Honor 8X.
Kate Spade Scallop Touchscreen review

Google Fit and new notifications arrive in much-needed Wear OS update

Google has announced an update to Wear OS, its smartwatch operating system, which brings new notifications, more Google Assistant, and the recent changes to Google Fit to your wrist. The software update is now rolling out, and is paving the way for the next generation of Google-powered wearables.
nokia 7 plus review full 20

Nokia 7.1 Plus leaks show off a gorgeously shiny copper model

Nokia's mobile game has been strong lately, and that strong streak doesn't seem to be coming to an end, if leaks of the upcoming Nokia 7.1 Plus are to be believed. A gorgeous bezel-less screen, powerful specs, and Zeiss camera lenses -- here's absolutely everything we know about the Nokia 7.1 Plus.
realme 2 pro news main

The cheap Realme 2 Pro offers 8GB of RAM and A.I. camera trickery

Smartphone newcomer Realme has wasted absolutely no time in getting itself a firm foothold in the entry-level market. Now it's making a bid for even more with a full HD, A.I.-powered device, the Realme 2 Pro. It's only being sold in India right now, but here's everything you need to know.
oppo find x review hands on back upright

Oppo Find X: Everything you need to know

The Oppo Find X has been revealed, and it's not just another flagship phone. Oppo has managed what many other companies have failed to do: Avoiding the dreaded notch while still delivering a phone that has almost no bezel. How? It has a little secret. Here's everything you need to know.
iPhone XS review

iPhone XS vs. LG G7 ThinQ: Can LG swing past Apple?

Apple is on the up and up with the new iPhones, and it's easy to see Apple's latest and greatest ruling the roost for some time to come. But to be the best, you must beat the best. If you're stuck between the LG G7 ThinQ and the iPhone XS, which do you pick? We compared the two to make it easier.
google white space app redesigns maps your match

Google Maps now has group polling to help you decide where to eat

Dealing with a group of people can be hard work sometimes -- and that's before you need to decide where to eat. Don't worry, Google is adding a new feature that should make it easier to decide where to chow down. Google Maps for iOS and Android will now feature group polling tools for easy decisions.

Apple acquires music-seeking app Shazam

Apple announced that it was acquiring music recognition service Shazam earlier this year, but soon after it was revealed that the European Commission would be looking into the deal. Now, the EU has cleared Apple's acquisition of Shazam, and the deal can go ahead as planned.
t mobile revvl news

MetroPCS is now Metro by T-Mobile and includes Amazon Prime

Looking for a great prepaid phone plan? MetroPCS is now Metro by T-Mobile, and the veteran carrier is promising to provide a variety of prepaid phone plans that offer great value for money, starting from October. Best of all, the top plans also come with free access to Google One and Amazon Prime.
OnePlus 6 Main

Bragi is suing OnePlus in the EU and the U.S. over its use of the word ‘dash’

After Dash Charge was denied a trademark in the EU, OnePlus needed to find a new name for its fast-charging method. But it's not come fast enough, and audio company Bragi has announced that it is pursuing legal action in the EU over OnePlus's use of the word "dash."
swiftkey beta 6 0 update version 1445516617 typing smartphone shutterstock 329161457

Be an online phantom and web surf safely with Ghostery’s mobile browser

Keeping your private information to yourself has become progressively harder in the internet age, and choosing a mobile browser is a key part of this. If you're worried about your personal information, then you might be interested in checking out the new version of Ghostery browser for iOS and Android.
iPhone Xs

Apple iPhone XS vs. Samsung Galaxy S9: 2018’s biggest flagships clash

Unless you're stuck under an Android-powered rock, you're likely aware that the iPhone XS has been revealed, and it's one of the best phones of the year. But even though it's Apple's latest and greatest, it's up against a lot of competition. Is the iPhone XS better than the Samsung Galaxy S9?
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.
iphone xs max hands on

iPhone XS Max vs. iPhone 8 Plus vs. iPhone 7 Plus: The big guys clash

The iPhone XS Max may well be the best plus-sized phone Apple's ever made, thanks to the raw power of the A12 Bionic processor, a stunning camera, and a gorgeous design. But it's still up against some other great big phones. Is the iPhone XS Max better than the iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone 7 Plus? We found out.
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.
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.
Sony Xperia XZ3 review

Sony Xperia XZ3 vs. Galaxy Note 9: Can Sony topple Samsung’s giant?

The Xperia XZ3 proves it's a great time to be a Sony fan, thanks to a brilliant new OLED display, powerful flagship specs, and a sleek design. But Sony's got a lot of competition in the battle for your pocket space, and the Galaxy Note 9 is one of its biggest rivals. Which is better? We found out.
samsung galaxy j7 2018 news j3

2018 Samsung Galaxy J7 and Galaxy J3: Everything you need to know

The Samsung Galaxy S series may get all the glory, but they're not the only great phones under Samsung's belt. For a few years now, the company has released phones under the Galaxy J name -- so what's next? Its revamped Samsung Galaxy J7 and Samsung Galaxy J3. Here's everything you need to know.
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.
Red Magic Phone

Red Magic Phone review

We review the Red Magic Phone, the mid-range gaming phone you never knew you wanted. With a unique design, super-smooth performance, and some fantastic speakers, the Red Magic Phone is the gaming phone that's not just for gamers, but for anyone who wants a good mid-range phone with a unique flair.
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.
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.
note 9 s pen

Get the most out of your S Pen! 12 apps to use with the Galaxy Note 9

So, you've got a Samsung Galaxy Note 9 but no apps to really test the limits of your S Pen? Don't worry, we've got your back. No matter which Galaxy Note or other stylus phone you have, these apps and games will help you make the most of your S Pen or other stylus. Grab your stylus and give these a try.
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.