Skip to main content
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.

An iPhone 15 Pro Max running iOS 18, showing its home screen.

If your iPhone can handle iOS 18.2, it can probably handle iOS 19

If you're using iOS 18, then you'll be able to install iOS 19, according to a new leak — although some features might be restricted on older devices.
The iPhone 16 sitting on top of orange mums.

The next iOS 18 update is on its way. Here’s what we know

Your iPhone might have another update just around the corner that could help straighten out any bugs introduced by iOS 18.2.
Old Sonic runs away from Metal Sonic in Sonic Generations X Shadow.

Sega could release its own game subscription service

In a recent interview with the BBC, Sega president Shuji Utsumi said the company is potentially considering its own game-streaming service.
Third part watch face on OnePlus Watch 2r.

Upcoming OnePlus Watch 3 might have a rotating crown

The OnePlus Watch 3 is expected to have a rotating crown as well as several significant (and much-requested) hardware upgrades.
10 characters we want super smash bros for switch raymansmash

The monkey’s paw curls as Rayman returns in Ubisoft’s new NFT game

Miss the days of Rayman? He's back in a new game from Ubisoft, but it's probably not what you're imagining — or what you want.
Someone holding the Samsung Galaxy S24 with the display turned on.

The base model Galaxy S25 will get a RAM upgrade we’ve waited years for

The Samsung Galaxy S25 will come with a minimum of 12GB of RAM in its base model, according to a new leak.
star citizen hits one million backers fighter

Star Citizen’s 4.0 update supports 500 players per server

Star Citizen's 4.0 update brings a lot of changes to the game, including more stable gameplay, larger servers, and a brand-new area to explore.
Side profile of the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE.

A new leak teases how thin the Galaxy S25 Slim will be — and it’s impressive

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Slim isn't due to release until sometime next year, but this latest tip puts it at less than 7mm thick.
Pixel 9 Pro in Rose Quartz.

Android 16 adds a new way to use the Google Pixel 9’s fingerprint sensor

Android 16's latest update introduces the ability to unlock your phone even with the screen off, thanks to the Pixel 9's ultrasonic sensor.
Someone picks up a Nintendo Switch OLED Model.

The Nintendo Switch 2 could fix its predecessor’s biggest problem

More possible details have emerged about the Nintendo Switch 2, giving us a clearer picture of what to expect (and possibly when).
A dreary swamp in Stalker 2.

Stalker 2’s 110GB patch includes a whopping 1800 updates

Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl is getting a much-needed update to fix the buggy A-Life system. The patch is 110GB, with more than 1,800 changes.
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and the S Pen stylus.

New renders provide a clear look at the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and S25 Plus

New Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus and S25 Ultra renders have emerged, showing the design differences between the two phones.
A quarterback throws the ball in EA Sports College Football 25.

Numbers don’t lie: EA Sports College Football 25 is 2024’s bestselling game

EA College Sports Football 25 is this year's bestselling game, but Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is right behind.
High res key art for Helldivers 2- Escalation of Freedom.

Helldivers 2 is getting a surprising Killzone crossover

Helldivers 2 is getting its first crossover: DLC that introduces Killzone 2 items into the game, including a new primary weapon.
A close-up of the cameras on the iPhone 16 Pro.

The iPhone 17 Pro may not have a redesigned camera after all

There have already been quite a few leaks about the iPhone 17, but the latest contradicts many previous rumors about the phone's camera layout.
The back of the yellow Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.

The Samsung Galaxy S25’s release date is all but confirmed

The Samsung Galaxy Unpacked event date has leaked again, corroborating existing rumors and all but confirming that it will take place on January 22.
Teams of marvel heroes flying towards each other.

Marvel Rivals devs say cross-progression is coming, but not soon

Marvel Rivals' devs say that cross-progression is coming, but they aren't sure when. Keep any optional purchases limited to one platform for now.
Pokemon TCG Pocket cards from right to left: Serperior, Aerodactyl ex, Celebi ex, Vaporean, Mew ex.

Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket just got its first major update

Thanks to the first expansion of Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket, you can now add powerhouse cards like Celebi and Mew to your deck.
A person using the S Pen stylus with the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.

Samsung’s next stylus may take inspiration from the Apple Pencil

The next Samsung Galaxy Z Fold might be a lot thinner, with an S-Pen that looks eerily familiar to another popular stylus.
Front view of Apple iPad mini with A17 Pro.

An OLED iPad mini is coming in 2026, says Apple insider

The iPad mini might get an upgrade in the form of a new OLED display in 2026, with other Apple devices receiving the same treatment later.
Magick in Marvel Rivals

Marvel Rivals’ winter update adds new skins and a limited-time mode

Marvel Rivals is getting a winter update with several new skins, a new game mode, and a whole lot more.
A screenshot from Stellar Blade showing the new Christmas outfit and holiday song choices.

Stellar Blade gets a major holiday-themed update today

Stellar Blade is getting a free, holiday-themed update that brings all the festivities of the season into the world of Xion.
Hinge of the OnePlus Open Apex Edition.

OnePlus Open 2 specs leak reveals camera and charging upgrades

A leak on Weibo suggests the OnePlus Open 2 is under development and also reveals significant upgrades for the cameras, charging, performance, and more.
lg v30 vs. galaxy note 8

MagSafe for Samsung? The Galaxy S25 may introduce new magnetic accessories

The Samsung Galaxy S25 will have its own lineup of first-party accessories, including a MagSafe-like case that enables Qi2 wireless charging.
Nintendo Switch.

We might have just gotten our best look at the Nintendo Switch 2 yet

There's a fantastic new look at the Nintendo Switch 2, courtesy of multiple leaks — including one from Dbrand.
A samurai and monster clashing swords in Onimusha: Way of the Sword.

Capcom plans to continue reviving its dormant IPs

In a recent press release, Capcom said it is working on bringing back its older IPs, suggesting that Onimusha and Okami are just the start.
Key art for Arcane's Ambessa in League of Legends.

Project K is an upcoming League of Legends TCG and it looks like fun

Project K is Riot Games' upcoming League of Legends-inspired trading card game. It's set for a 2025 release, although the exact date isn't known.
The Nomad Magnetic Leather Back on the iPhone 16 Pro Max

Some iPhone users report overheating when using Apple Intelligence

Some iOS 18.2 users have reported concerning amounts of heat generation while using Image Playground and other AI-features.
the elder scrolls online shadow over morrowind 2023 updates

As more layoffs hit the game industry, ZeniMax Online Studios votes to unionize

ZeniMax Online Studios has voted to unionize, ensuring better worker protections amid unprecedented waves of video game industry layoffs.
The vertical app drawer in One UI 7.

Unhappy with One UI 7 animations? Samsung says they’re going to get better

The One UI 7 beta has been out for about a week, but fans report sluggish animations and a less-than-pleasant user experience.
The iPhone 14 Plus held in a man's hand.

Apple is about to stop selling multiple iPhones in Europe. Here’s why

Apple will pull the iPhone SE and iPhone 14 series from sale in Europe at the end of the year to comply with EU charging regulations.
Key art for the Super Citizen Edition of Helldivers 2.

You may have missed the reveal of this limited-edition Helldivers 2 controller

The new Helldivers expansion is here and it's brought a new, limited-edition controller with it with all the black-and-yellow tones you expect.
okami sequel hideki kamiya lead screenshot

Okami is back, and Hideki Kamiya is at the head once more

The beloved franchise Okami hasn't seen a new entry since 2010, but now the sequel is in development with Hideki Kamiya once more at the reins.
mafia the old country franchise roots screenshot

Mafia: The Old Country takes the franchise back to its bloody roots in new trailer

Mafia: The Old Country reveled a new trailer showing off its beautiful and bloody gameplay at The Game Awards 2024.