All of our favorite iOS apps to hit the App Store during 2018. Which app is your favorite?
Top 120 iOS Apps of 2018! originally posted at http://phonedog.com
Monday 31 December 2018
Louis Vuitton Tambour Horizon getting upgraded to Snapdragon Wear 3100
Qualcomm's new Snapdragon Wear 3100 processor is making its way into another smartwatch.
The Louis Vuitton Tambour Horizon is getting an upgrade to the Snapdragon Wear 3100 chipset, the fashion brand recently announced. The original model launched in 2017 with a Snapdragon Wear 2100 processor, and so the upgrade to a Snapdragon Wear 3100 will help to give this upgraded watch a battery life boost, with Louis Vuitton saying it'll last for one full day and up to five more days if you use it just for displaying time.
The new version of the Tambour Horizon also boasts an improved screen with better definition than its predecessor. It's also got a day/night indicator around the rim of the watch that'll be visible even in ambient mode.
Louis Vuitton also touts that it's added a white ceramic option to the Tambour Horizon smartwatch.
While LV is happy to talk about the upgrades that it's made to the Tambour Horizon, it isn't ready to reveal when this upgraded model will launch or how much it'll cost when it does become available. Considering that the previous version cost $2,490, though, we wouldn't expect this new version to be easy on your wallet. Still, it's great to see more Snapdragon Wear 3100 watches getting announced, including high-end models for those that want a luxury smartwatch.
Louis Vuitton Tambour Horizon getting upgraded to Snapdragon Wear 3100 originally posted at http://phonedog.com
AT&T Power Drum battery pack leaks, will charge your iPhone and Apple Watch on-the-go
Portable battery packs are nothing new, with many manufacturers selling power banks in a variety of sizes to help you keep your smartphone charged up while you're on the go. However, AT&T is prepping a new power bank that could be pretty nifty for those in the Apple ecosystem.
The AT&T Power Drum has been leaked by the FCC and Wireless Power Consortium. This device has a built-in Apple Watch charger, letting you wrap your watch around the unit while it charges, as well as a Qi wireless charging pad for your smartphone on the top of the device. This means you can charge your Apple Watch and your recent iPhone (or any other Qi-enabled device) simultaneously.
According to the packaging for the device, the AT&T Power Drum offers up to 10W of output for devices that support it (the iPhone tops out at 7.5W) and up to 5W for the Apple Watch. The battery in the Power Drum itself is a 3000mAh pack. You recharge the AT&T Power Drum using microUSB, and there are LED charge indicators to let you know how much juice the battery pack has left.
The packaging for the AT&T Power Drum also mentions that the unit will sell for $99.99. There's no word yet on when it'll actually go on sale, but now that it's passed through the FCC and Wireless Power Consortium, the AT&T Power Drum's release could be near.
As we mentioned before, there's no shortage of battery packs available on the market, and you've been able to use them to charge your iPhone and Apple Watch on the go for years. What makes the AT&T Power Drum interesting is that it's a compact power bank that offers wireless charging for your phone and a built-in Apple Watch charger, meaning you won't need to carry cables around with you when you're using it. Because of that, this could be a nice accessory for those folks that have an iPhone in their pocket and an Apple Watch on their wrist.
AT&T Power Drum battery pack leaks, will charge your iPhone and Apple Watch on-the-go originally posted at http://phonedog.com
Nokia's five-camera phone will include an in-screen fingerprint reader
Thanks to some leaks, Nokia's five-camera smartphone is no longer a mystery -- and it might just be one of the more intriguing handsets of 2019. Well-known leaker Evan Blass and MySmartPrice have posted stills and videos of the Android One phone, now called the Nokia 9 PureView (yes, the PureView revival is real), and it's evident that the spider-like rear cameras aren't the only trick up the device's sleeve. It'll have an under-the-display fingerprint reader, for one thing. It'll still use the 2018-era Snapdragon 845 for a processor instead of the 855, but you can expect 6GB of RAM, 128GB of internal storage, wireless charging and a 6-inch "2K" display with both HDR10 and a tall aspect ratio.
Via: 9to5Google, The Verge
Source: Evan Blass (Twitter), MySmartPrice
Nokia's five-camera phone will include an in-screen fingerprint reader posted first on https://www.engadget.com
Top 120 Android apps of 2018!
All of our favorite Android apps to hit the Play Store during 2018. Which app is your favorite?
Top 120 Android apps of 2018! originally posted at http://phonedog.com
The Verge 2018 tech report card: Streaming music
Although music streaming has been an integral part of daily life for what seems like ages, both the music industry and tech companies have consistently and frustratingly been behind the curve. So in many ways, 2018 felt like the first year that both sectors embraced innovation in the world of music streaming in ways that will meaningfully affect its future. There were substantial developments on the consumer side, but this year was more impactful for artists, many of whom rely on streaming platforms as their bread and butter.
Some shifts can be attributed to the platforms themselves, as services like SoundCloud and Spotify waded into new territories like self-monetization. But the biggest change came from advocacy within the music...
The Verge 2018 tech report card: Streaming music appeared first on http://www.theverge.com
Google Duo now testing group calling and low light mode
Google introduced Allo and Duo at the same time, but while Allo is getting shut down, Duo is getting some new features.
Google Duo is gaining a new group calling feature and low light mode. Screenshots shared by Android Police give us an early glimpse at the features, revealing that group calling will support calls with up to seven people at once. You'll first need to create a group with the people you want on the call, then you can start a video call with them at any time. Unfortunately, you can't add anyone to a group during a call, but that may change in the future.
Meanwhile, low light mode is pretty much what it sounds like. When you're in a dark room, you'll see a pop-up asking if you'd like to enable low light mode. The feature "automatically adjusts your video in dark environments so others can see you better."
Both of these features appear to be in early testing right now, so they're not yet available in a setting toggle that you can just flip or anything like that. This leak does suggest that Google is getting closer to launching them to the public, though, so if you use Google Duo, you've got these new features to look forward to.
Google Duo now testing group calling and low light mode originally posted at http://phonedog.com
LG G7 ThinQ to get Android Pie update in Q1 2019
Because it's one of LG's current flagship smartphones, it's always been a question of when and not if the LG G7 ThinQ will get an Android Pie update. Now we've got a bit more info on the matter.
LG has revealed that it's planning to release the G7 ThinQ's Android Pie update in the first quarter of 2019. No other info on the release is available, but at least now we know that the LG G7 ThinQ's Android Pie upgrade will begin rolling out in the first few months of the new year.
One other detail worth mentioning is that this announcement was made by LG's Korean division, so the LG G7 ThinQ's Pie update will roll out there first. This rollout means that the update is complete, though, so hopefully we'll see the upgrade get released in other regions shortly thereafter.
LG also detailed new updates for the V40 ThinQ and G6. The LG V40 ThinQ will get a performance update in Q1 2019 that'll include features like a PentaShot feature for the camera and an alarm off function on holidays. Meanwhile, LG G6's performance update will bring improved voice call quality and better Talkback voice prompts for improved accessibility.
LG G7 ThinQ to get Android Pie update in Q1 2019 originally posted at http://phonedog.com
Google is testing group calling in Duo
Google's upgrade strategy for Duo could include some highly sought-after features. Android Police sources say Google is testing a group calling feature in at least the Android version of its video chat app. It only supports seven people at once (no 32-person parties here), but it's relatively straightforward. You just have to create a group and then start a call with those people. If there's a limitation, it's that you can't add anyone into a group in mid-call.
Source: Android Police
Google is testing group calling in Duo posted first on https://www.engadget.com
Our Favorite Smartphones of 2018!
We take a trip down memory lane and review all our favorite smartphones from 2018. Which device is your favorite?
Our Favorite Smartphones of 2018! originally posted at http://phonedog.com
Nokia 9 PureView shows off its five rear cameras in new leaked image
After appearing in some factory CAD-based renders last month, the Nokia 9 PureView has now leaked in an official-looking image.
The Nokia 9 PureView is being shown off in a new leaked image from well-respected Evan Blass that shows both its front and back. We can see the penta-lens setup on the back, which is expected to include five cameras, a flash, and some other kind of sensor. Unfortunately, there's no word yet on what all five of those cameras can do.
Nokia 9 PureView "Beholder." HNY pic.twitter.com/x4Kh3anP46
— Evan Blass (@evleaks) December 31, 2018
Around front we can see a screen with rounded corners. There's a fingerprint on the screen, suggesting that an in-display fingerprint sensor will be used. Also of note is the Android One branding on the back of the device, which means that the Nokia 9 PureView should have a fairly vanilla version of Android with regular updates.
Blass also hints that the Nokia 9 PureView is codenamed "Beholder".
We haven't seen much in the way of concrete spec leaks for the Nokia 9 PureView, but with a penta-lens rear camera setup and in-display fingerprint sensor, this could be a higher-end device. If we do see solid specs paired with five rear cameras and Android One software, the Nokia 9 PureView could be a pretty tempting device in the new year.
Nokia 9 PureView shows off its five rear cameras in new leaked image originally posted at http://phonedog.com
Sunday 30 December 2018
Court tosses lawsuit over Google Photos' facial recognition
Google Photos users nervous about facial recognition on the service aren't going to be very happy. A Chicago judge has granted Google a motion dismissing a lawsuit accusing the company of violating Illinois' Biometric Information Privacy Act by gathering biometric data from photos without permission. The plaintiffs couldn't demonstrate that they'd suffered "concrete injuries" from the facial recognition system, according to the judge.
Source: Reuters
Court tosses lawsuit over Google Photos' facial recognition posted first on https://www.engadget.com
More popular apps are sending data to Facebook without asking
It's not just dating and health apps that might be violating your privacy when they send data to Facebook. A Privacy International study has determined that "at least" 20 out of 34 popular Android apps are transmitting sensitive information to Facebook without asking permission, including Kayak, MyFitnessPal, Skyscanner and TripAdvisor. This typically includes analytics data that sends on launch, including your unique Android ID, but can also include data that sends later. The travel search engine Kayak, for instance, apparently sends destination and flight search data, travel dates and whether or not kids might come along.
Source: Financial Times
More popular apps are sending data to Facebook without asking posted first on https://www.engadget.com
AT&T portable battery will charge both your Apple Watch and iPhone
Apple's AirPower charging mat may be a no-show, but that doesn't mean you're out of luck if you want a multi-device charger from a big-name brand. Entries at both the FCC and the Wireless Power Consortium have revealed that AT&T is working on the Power Drum, a portable wireless charger and battery bank meant to top up both an Apple Watch and a recent iPhone (or really, any Qi-compatible smartphone). While the concept isn't completely novel, it's very compact -- the biggest issue is the 3,000mAh battery, which could handle an overnight stay but not much more.
Via: Zatz Not Funny, 9to5Mac
Source: FCC, Wireless Power Consortium
AT&T portable battery will charge both your Apple Watch and iPhone posted first on https://www.engadget.com
Saturday 29 December 2018
Android's stock texting app now includes anti-spam safeguards
Your Android phone's text messages could soon be relatively junk-free without needing help from carriers. Android Police has learned that Google is rolling out spam protection to the Messages app for at least some users. It's not clear just what the feature looks for, but Google is clearly aware of the potential privacy issues. While the company does have to transmit some message-related data to Google, it doesn't send any of the content itself.
Source: Android Police
Android's stock texting app now includes anti-spam safeguards posted first on https://www.engadget.com
Twitter security flaw uses text spoofing to hijack UK accounts
A Twitter security flaw gives hackers a way to post unauthorized tweets via text messaging, and British cybersecurity firm Insinia has proven its existence by hijacking some celebrities' accounts. The company was able to post tweets as other people without having to enter their passwords by spoofing their mobile numbers. It's easy to forget the feature if you have data and a smartphone, but Twitter still allows you to tweet via SMS. You simply have to link your digits to your account and then text what you want to post to a number Twitter designated for your country and carrier.
Source: Gizmodo, The Guardian
Twitter security flaw uses text spoofing to hijack UK accounts posted first on https://www.engadget.com
Bangladesh shuts off mobile internet ahead of election
The Bangladeshi government isn't just counting on Facebook and Twitter crackdowns to protect its December 30th parliamentary election. The country's Telecommunication Regulatory Commission has shut down 3G and 4G mobile data to "prevent rumors and propaganda" from skewing the vote. The measure took effect immediately and was poised to last through the end of election day.
Via: Reuters
Source: Al Jazeera
Bangladesh shuts off mobile internet ahead of election posted first on https://www.engadget.com
The Verge 2018 tech report card: Uber
2018 was supposed to be a recovery year for Uber. Sandwiched in between the disaster that was 2017, and the expectation that the company will go public in 2019, this was a year for Uber to put its sordid past behind it and stride confidently into the future.
Except it didn’t quite achieve it. Dara Khosrowshahi has certainly succeeded in putting a more grown-up face on Uber, but that wasn’t too hard given predecessor Travis Kalanick’s reputation for brogrammer shenanigans and the toxic workplace culture at the company’s San Francisco headquarters. All Khosrowshahi had to do was look apologetic when asked about Uber’s past scandals, and then quickly pivot to the company’s new ethos, which was safety and corporate responsibility. Easy,...
The Verge 2018 tech report card: Uber appeared first on http://www.theverge.com
Friday 28 December 2018
Netflix kills in-app subscriptions on Apple hardware
New and returning Netflix subscribers with iOS devices will find themselves unable to sign up through the iOS app. The streaming platform has confirmed to VentureBeat that it no longer supports "iTunes as a method of payment for new members." It started testing the change in select markets back in August and rolled it out to everyone in the world in November. Those who want to pay for a subscription will now have to do so via the platform's website. That includes those who used to pay via iTunes if it's been a month since they canceled their subscription.
Via: Apple Insider
Source: VentureBeat
Netflix kills in-app subscriptions on Apple hardware posted first on https://www.engadget.com
T-Mobile will roll out Apple Watch and Galaxy Watch deals next week
T-Mobile regularly offers deals on its smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches, and the carrier today confirmed that that won't change in 2019.
T-Mobil will kick off a new smartwatch offer on January 2, 2019. Customers who buy an Apple Watch Series 4 or Apple Watch Series 3 can get $200 off a second Apple Watch. To get this deal, you'll need to buy both watches on an Equipment Installment Plan and have a paid DIGITS Apple Watch line for each, with at least one being a new line for existing customers. You'll then get $200 in the form of 24 monthly bill credits.
If Android is more your thing, T-Mobile is also offering up to $400 off a second Samsung Galaxy Watch or Gear S3 when you buy one. Both watches must be purchased on EIP and must be on a paid Data with Paired DIGITS line, one of which must be a new line for existing customers. The $400 will be spread out over 24 monthly bill credits.
Many people choose a fitness-related resolution for New Year's, and a smartwatch can be a great exercise companion that can track distance and calories burned, give you motivation, and more. So if you're thinking about setting a fitness goal for yourself in 2019, this T-Mobile deal could help you achieve that goal.
Rounding out T-Mobile's upcoming deals is an offer of a free Samsung Galaxy Tab A for customers who add a line and a 6GB or higher rate plan. The cost of the Galaxy Tab A will be covered via monthly bill credits.
T-Mobile will roll out Apple Watch and Galaxy Watch deals next week originally posted at http://phonedog.com
Android Messages app now getting spam protection feature
A nifty new feature is now rolling out to Google's Messages app.
Spam protection has begun rolling out in Google's Messages app for Android. With this feature, Google says that it will collect some data about your messages, but not any of the content, in order to help protect you against spam messages. You can toggle the feature on and off by going into the three-dot menu then selecting Settings, followed by Advanced.
A support page for the feature sheds a bit more light on how it works. Google explains that it temporarily stores the phone numbers of people sending and receiving messages with you and the times that they've messaged you, but now the content of those messages or your phone number. You also have the option of manually reporting a spam message, at which time Google will collect the spammer's last 10 messages but not your phone number.
Spam messages can be pretty annoying, buzzing your phone and wasting your time. It's nice to see Google working to combat spam messages so that they don't bother you, though it's understandable that some folks may not like Google collecting the info that it does for this feature. Thankfully, you can disable spam protection in Messages if you'd like.
Have you gotten spam proection in Messages yet? If not, don't fret, because it appears to be slowly rolling out to users.
Android Messages app now getting spam protection feature originally posted at http://phonedog.com
Essential Phone has been discontinued as company works on 'next mobile product'
It's time to pour one out for the Essential Phone.
The Essential Phone is now discontinued. Essential confirmed today that it has run out of stock of the device on its web store and won't be adding any more inventory. The phone is largely gone from other retailers, too, with Amazon only offering third-party sales of the device and Best Buy listing the unlocked model as "no longer available".
Essential went on to confirm that it will continue to provide software updates to its existing users, adding that it's also now working on its "next mobile product". Here's the company's full statement to Android Police:
"We are sold out of Essential Phone on essential.com and won't be adding any new inventory. We are now hard at work on our next mobile product and will continue to sell accessories and provide speedy software updates and customer support to our existing community."
The Essential Phone originally launched back in August 2017 at a price of $699, but it ended up getting a couple of price cuts post-launch, and eventually you could score it for below $300 during some sales. While it didn't exactly take the world by storm, the Essential Phone does have fans, and it's getting some of the fastest updates of any Android devices around. For example, it received Android Pie on the same day as Google's own Pixel phones.
Looking ahead, rumors have suggested that Essential is working on a new phone with a major focus on AI. The device reportedly uses AI to reply to incoming emails and messages for you and also book appointments on its own. It's also said that the phone has a small screen to encourage more voice interaction. Reports have said that Essential is working to have a prototype of the device to show off to industry partners at CES 2019 in January.
Essential Phone has been discontinued as company works on 'next mobile product' originally posted at http://phonedog.com
The Essential Phone is effectively discontinued
An already rough year for smartphone startup Essential appears to be ending on a sour note. Droid Life spotted that the company's flagship Essential Phone, also known as the PH-1, is out of stock and won't be coming back. The company has confirmed the handset won't be restocked, effectively discontinuing the device. Essential says it will instead focus its energy on its next product.
Via: 9to5Google
Source: Droid Life
The Essential Phone is effectively discontinued posted first on https://www.engadget.com
Samsung reportedly working on second, more affordable Galaxy Home smart speaker
Amazon and Google are major players in the smart speaker market that have several different models to choose from, ranging from small and affordable devices to large and pricier ones. Now a new report claims that Samsung wants to emulate this strategy.
Samsung is reportedly working on a new Galaxy Home smart speaker with the model number SM-V310 (the regular Galaxy Home is SM-V510). According to SamMobile, this will be a cheaper model that's meant to compete with the Google Home and Amazon Echo, which typically sell for $129 and $99, respectively. Unfortunately, the only other detail known about this upcoming Galaxy Home speaker is that it'll be available in black.
The regular Galaxy Home was announced earlier this year, and while Samsung hasn't disclosed the device's launch date or price, it's expected to be a premium device meant to compete with the likes of the Apple HomePod and Google Home Max. Those high-end smart speakers can be tough sells for many consumers, though, as the smart speaker market is still fairly new and a lot of people aren't looking for high-end sound.
That's where devices like the Google Home, Home Mini, Amazon Echo, and Echo Dot come in, offering the smart speaker experience for a more affordable price. And if Samsung wants to become a serious player in the smart speaker market, it'll need an affordable option to tempt the mass market away from Amazon and Google's offerings.
Samsung reportedly working on second, more affordable Galaxy Home smart speaker originally posted at http://phonedog.com
LG G8 rumored to include water drop notch and 3D camera, but no 5G
LG's G family is one of the longest running series of flagship smartphones, and today we're getting some info on the 2019 model, aka the LG G8.
The LG G8 will reportedly feature a waterdrop notch, which should be quite a bit smaller than the regular notch on the LG G7 ThinQ. This info comes from ETNews, which adds that the LG G8 could also feature a 3D camera and could launch in Korea at the end of March.
One feature that reportedly won't be included with the LG G8 is 5G connectivity. LG is said to be planning a separate 5G device for release after the G8, and the 5G phone is expected to be a separate brand rather than a special version of the LG G8.
Today's report also has some info on the upcoming LG Q9, which will allegedly launch in January with a 6.1-inch screen, Snapdragon 660 processor, 4GB of RAM, 32GB of storage, and a 3000mAh battery. Finally, LG is reportedly working on a foldable smartphone, but this device isn't expected until the third quarter of 2019.
This isn't the first foldable phone we've heard of, as Samsung recently showed off its own foldable device. Because foldable phones are such a new category of product, it'll be interesting to see how Samsung and LG's foldable devices compare.
LG G8 rumored to include water drop notch and 3D camera, but no 5G originally posted at http://phonedog.com
911 mobile services are gradually returning after CenturyLink outage
911 services are gradually coming back online in several states and cities following an outage. An outage at a CenturyLink data center affected 911 mobile calls in Oregon, Arizona, Idaho, Missouri, Seattle, Salt Lake City and other locales.
Via: TechCrunch
Source: CenturyLink, Federal Communications Commission
911 mobile services are gradually returning after CenturyLink outage posted first on https://www.engadget.com
How often do you use Siri, Google Assistant, or Alexa?
Digital personal assistants have been around long enough now that you probably have a favorite. Or, if you are like some households out there, use so many different ones that having a favorite doesn't even matter. In either case you might also be someone who just doesn't even think about using Siri, or Google Assistant, or Amazon's Alexa before you do it. It's just something that happens.
That's always been the goal for these companies out there hosting these types of features and platforms. Usage is a big deal, especially for the likes of Google and Amazon. Even Apple hypes up how many times people use Siri.
Getting help from one of these features is pretty great, especially if you're trying to multitask.
That's what I've come to realize is my typical usage for activating Siri or Google Assistant (the two options I use, because I don't have anything that makes Alexa easily accessible). I don't know about you, but I find myself asking Siri or Assistant a question when something pops up into my head and I'm typically doing something else.
For instance. While I started typing this up, I realized that I hadn't followed along with the Colorado Avalanche game from last night. Last I checked the score was 0:0, so I wanted to see how it all ended. (The Avs lost to the Vegas Golden Knights, 2:1.) Now, I might watch a game recap sometime later today, but for that moment all I needed was the score and Siri was ready to help.
A friend of mine told me she was going to get her husband a pair of AirPods for Christmas. I told her they were my favorite gadget, but knowing that a new pair is supposedly on the way I cautioned her to wait. Or, if anything, get him a gift card for the price of the AirPods and let him know new ones are probably around the corner.
When she asked me what was new, though, I told her that "Hey, Siri" support without having to touch an AirPod is coming, among other things. She said that he probably would love that so waiting would be good. When I asked her how often he uses Siri (I've never personally seen him request the help from Apple's digital personal assistant) she said, rather matter-of-factly, "All the time". Which was honestly pretty surprising to me.
I know that I use Siri often, usually to play music or catch up on a score or stat, but I don't think I'd consider it all the time. And I basically never use the feature when I'm not at home. But considering how helpful these features can be, or just plain fun in some cases (playing games with Cortana and Assistant is pretty awesome), I can understand why Siri, Assistant, Alexa, or even Cortana could be in someone's daily usage on a regular basis.
So, I wanted to reach out and find out just where you are on this particular scale. Do you find yourself using a digital personal assistant all the time? Or is it far more sparse in your usage? Are you someone who just doesn't use any of these services at all? Let me know!
How often do you use Siri, Google Assistant, or Alexa? originally posted at http://phonedog.com
The top streaming apps for your new TV
So you came out of the holidays with a fancy new 4K TV? It doesn’t get much better than that. After managing to unbox it and finding the perfect spot in your living room to put it, the next crucial step is downloading the right apps that can showcase that big screen.
The easiest, fastest way to locate these apps is to open the app store on your TV — whether it be a Roku TV, Samsung TV, LG, Sony, Vizio, or something else — and look for a list of the most popular downloads. You’ll likely spot many of the choices that I’ve included below right there. If your TV comes with a voice remote, you can also look for them that way.
Note that not all of these apps will be available on every smart TV. The best way to maximize your content selection...
The top streaming apps for your new TV appeared first on http://www.theverge.com
Thursday 27 December 2018
Nokia 5.1 Plus now getting Android Pie update and Pro Camera mode
Time for another Nokia device to get its helping of Android Pie.
The Nokia 5.1 Plus is now being updated to Android Pie. HMD Global's Juho Sarvikas confirmed the news earlier today, and users have indeed begun getting the update. Included is a new system navigation, Android 9 Pie features like Adaptive Battery and Adaptive Brightness, and the December 2018 Android security patches.
Hope you left some space for dessert! We are now starting @Android 9 rollout for #Nokia5Plus #nokiamobile pic.twitter.com/h0PJu9UB7s
— Juho Sarvikas (@sarvikas) December 27, 2018
Sarvikas also revealed that with the Android Pie update, Nokia 5.1 Plus users can now access Pro Camera mode to get more features when snapping photos. The Pro Camera mode is also available to Nokia 6.1 Plus users with the December release.
HMD Global has been one of the better Android device makers when it comes to rolling out Pie updates. We've seen several Nokia phones receive an update to Android Pie in the months since Google's launch, including the Nokia 7.1 and Nokia 7 Plus. Now we can add the Nokia 5.1 Plus to the list, too. HMD previously said that it plans to update all of its Nokia phones to Android Pie, so if your device hasn't yet been updated, just sit tight.
Nokia 5.1 Plus now getting Android Pie update and Pro Camera mode originally posted at http://phonedog.com
Trump may use executive order to ban Huawei, ZTE equipment
Huawei had some good news to share regarding its smartphone business this week, but now there's some not-so-good news for the company that's come out.
President Donald Trump may sign an executive order that would declare a national emergency and block U.S. companies from using Huawei and ZTE networking equipment. That's according to a report from Reuters, which adds that the executive order has been under consideration for more than eight months and that it could be issued as soon as January.
As for the reason behind the executive order, it's said that U.S. officials have concerns that Huawei and ZTE work for the Chinese government and that their networking equipment could be used to spy on the U.S. Neither Huawei nor ZTE have commented on this rumor, but the companies have previously denied that their products are used for spying.
Earlier this year, the U.S. government banned the use of Huawei and ZTE products for itself and government contractors. Considering that, it's not too surprising to hear that the government is now turning its focus to networking equipment from Huawei and ZTE in an effort to further minimize the companies' presence in the U.S.
The concern with this executive order is the impact that it could have on rural U.S. carriers using Huawei and ZTE networking equipment. While the major U.S. carriers have largely ditched Huawei, many smaller carriers use networking equipment from Huawei and ZTE because it's typically less expensive than alternatives. The Rural Wireless Association, which represents carriers with fewer than 100,000 subscribers, estimates that 25 percent of its members use Huawei or ZTE networking equipment. If all RWA members were forced to replace their Huawei and ZTE equipment, it could cost between $800 million and $1 billion, which could be difficult for small rural carriers to afford.
Trump may use executive order to ban Huawei, ZTE equipment originally posted at http://phonedog.com
Google adds challenges to Fit just in time for New Year's resolutions
It's almost January 1st and you are once again promising yourself that this will be the year you finally get into shape. This time around, Google is looking to help with new challenges in the recently redesigned Google Fit app. The 30-day long events task you with earning points by staying active and will keep you moving enough to meet your New Year's resolution.
Source: Google
Google adds challenges to Fit just in time for New Year's resolutions posted first on https://www.engadget.com
The Verge 2018 tech report card: Snap
Snap had one of its most unexciting years to date. As 2018 went on, the company began to lose both talent and users. At the same time, it set loftier plans in motion to compete with its greatest competitor, Facebook, through augmented reality, new merch, and another version of Spectacles, despite tons of unsold stock. This year, it seemed Snap had a bigger game plan and we’re seeing it try to execute – but none of that matters if the company has no staff or users.
Just this year, Snap lost CEO Evan Spiegel’s right-hand man, Imran Khan, who served as chief strategy officer; its head of finance Andrew Vollero; vice president of monetization engineering Stuart Bower; its head of sales Kristen O’Hara; and its president of hardware Mark...
The Verge 2018 tech report card: Snap appeared first on http://www.theverge.com
Motorola P40 renders hint at 6.2-inch hole-punch display, 48MP rear camera
After jumping on the notch trend earlier this year with the Motorola P30, the folks at Moto may be moving on to the next big smartphone trend with the P40.
New renders that claim to show the Motorola P40 have appeared online. These renders are based on factory CADs and have been shared by @OnLeaks and 91mobiles. They show a device that has a large screen with rounded corners, a hole-punch in the upper left corner, and a Motorola-branded chin.
This Motorola P40 is said to have a 6.2-inch display, like the P30 before it, along with a dual rear camera setup that allegedly includes a 48MP camera. We can also see a rear fingerprint reader built into the Motorola logo and some Android One branding that hints at a fairly vanilla version of Android being preloaded. A 3.5mm headphone jack is located on the top of the device.
Little is known about the Motorola P40's other specs or its launch.
We've already see smartphones with hole-punch displays from Samsung and Honor this year, and today's leak further suggests that hole-punch screens will be a major smartphone trend in 2019. This design helps manufacturers avoid having a big notch at the top of their screens, instead using a small circle in the corner that should obscure less of the content on the display.
What do you think of this Motorola P40?
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Motorola P40 renders hint at 6.2-inch hole-punch display, 48MP rear camera originally posted at http://phonedog.com
Any.do made a smart grocery list that suggests what to buy
Popular to-do list software Any.do now has a smart grocery list feature within its mobile app that you can share with friends and family to make shopping more efficient. Algorithms naturally sort food items by category such as “fruits & vegetables” and “dairy & cheese,” to keep you from having to visit the same aisle twice. They will also suggest grocery items based on previous things you’ve purchased. So if you always get a loaf of bread with some olive oil, Any.do will remind you the next time you go shopping.
While the feature initially rolled out on iOS three months ago and was spotted on Any.do’s blog post, it's coming to Android today and fully expanding to all iOS devices. Any.do estimates that while only 30 percent of iOS users...
Any.do made a smart grocery list that suggests what to buy appeared first on http://www.theverge.com
Instagram bug caused horizontal feed to briefly roll out
Did your Instagram feed briefly change to a horizontal feed earlier today? If so, you're not alone.
Many Instagram users saw a new feed UI today that, rather than the vertically scrolling interface that they're used to, instead gave them a horizontal feed that scrolled their posts left to right. The new horizontal feed received a lot of criticism following its rollout, and Instagram quickly reverted back to the vertical feed shortly after.
You can see the horizontal feed in action in the video below.
I have the new Instagram horizontal scroll interface. I’m sure this will not be met with any backlash WHATSOEVER. But seems maybe intended to reduce mindless vertical scrolling? cc @mosseri comments at the end pic.twitter.com/fwmtbfjFaf
— Alex Heath (@alexeheath) December 27, 2018
Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, has since confirmed that this horizontal feed was supposed to be a "very small test", but it was rolled out more broadly than expected. The change should already be rolled back, and if you're still seeing the horizontal feed, you should be able to revert by restarting your Instagram app.
Instagram, and many other mobile apps, have users scroll vertically to navigate through the UI, so the switch to a horizontal feed in Instagram would be a huge change. It's unclear why Instagram would want to make this switch to a horizontal feed, but one possibility is that it could slow users down and get them to spend just a bit more time on each post rather than just quickly flicking through their feed.
What do you think of this horizontal Instagram feed? Did it appear for you today?
Instagram bug caused horizontal feed to briefly roll out originally posted at http://phonedog.com
Google Pixel 3 Lite and Pixel 3 Lite XL will reportedly launch at Verizon next spring
After getting early looks at the Pixel 3 Lite and Pixel 3 Lite XL earlier this month, we're now getting some info on when we might see these devices launch.
The Google Pixel 3 Lite and Pixel 3 Lite XL will launch at Verizon in early spring 2019, according to a new report from Android Police. Unfortunately, it's still not known how much Verizon will charge for either device.
Leaks have suggested that these Pixel 3 Lite and Pixel 3 Lite XL phones will look similar to the standard Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL, but that they'll have mid-range specs to achieve lower prices. For example, we've heard rumblings that a Snapdragon 670 processor will be used rather than the Snapdragon 845 in the regular Pixel 3 and 3 XL and that they'll have 32GB of storage rather than 64GB. Rumors have also suggested that they'll have 12MP rear and 8MP front cameras, 4GB of RAM, and that the Pixel 3 Lite will boast a 5.5-inch screen while the Pixel 3 Lite XL will have a 6-inch display.
One notable feature that these Lite phones will reportedly have is a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is missing from the standard Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL.
Google's Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL aren't cheap, with the flagship phones starting at $799 and $899, respectively. It's unclear how much cheaper the Pixel 3 Lite and Pixel 3 Lite XL will be, but Google and Verizon appear to think that there are lots of customers that are interested in a phone that offers Google's design and software but is more affordable that a flagship-tier device. It's kind of a surprise to hear that these Lite phones are coming stateside as some suggested that they could be meant for more price-conscious markets, but Google and Verizon have had a pretty strong partnership in recent years.
What do you think of these Pixel 3 Lite and Pixel 3 Lite XL phones? Do you think you'll be interested in buying one when they launch next year?
Google Pixel 3 Lite and Pixel 3 Lite XL will reportedly launch at Verizon next spring originally posted at http://phonedog.com
Your Instagram feed now scrolls sideways for no good reason
If you opened up Instagram today and found that your timeline orientation was totally switched, you're not alone. It appears that quite a few users now have a timeline that moves left to right, where posts can be tapped through as they can be in stories. When the new timeline appears, Instagram is surfacing a notice that says, "Introducing a New Way to Move Through Posts," and telling users to tap through to see their posts.
Your Instagram feed now scrolls sideways for no good reason posted first on https://www.engadget.com
Fake Alexa setup app is topping Apple's App Store charts
If you received a new Alexa device over the holidays and are working on setting it up, be warned that a fake Alexa setup app has been making its way up Apple's App Store charts. The app is called "Setup for Amazon Alexa" and it's from a company called One World Software that, as 9to5Mac points out, has two other shady apps in the App Store as well. As of writing, the app was ranked at #75 in the "Top Free" apps list and #6 in the list of top utilities apps.
Via: 9to5Mac
Fake Alexa setup app is topping Apple's App Store charts posted first on https://www.engadget.com
The first 11 apps to install on your new Mac
Apple’s macOS operating system has matured to the point where, out of the box, your new Mac laptop or desktop pretty much has the bases covered when it comes to email, calendar management, and some basic productivity tools. But there’s a whole world of better and more powerful Mac software out there that can make everything from GIF-making to photo editing to window organization a whole lot easier.
While paying for software might seem like some pre-Google anachronism, many of the best Mac applications out there cost just a few dollars and can drastically improve your workflow or your day-to-day computer use — without any privacy concerns or intrusive advertising. And some are so good that they warrant a monthly or annual subscription —...
The first 11 apps to install on your new Mac appeared first on http://www.theverge.com
The Morning After: 'Doom' meets Roomba
Hey, good morning! You look fabulous.
Our short holiday week isn't over yet -- we'll recap the exploding market for smart displays and explain what Doom has in common with your vacuum cleaner.
The Morning After: 'Doom' meets Roomba posted first on https://www.engadget.com
Classic puzzler 'Lemmings' returns as a free-to-play mobile game
It's been a long time since there was a Lemmings game on phones, but the clear-a-path game is back -- albeit with some catches. Sony and Sad Puppy have released the simply-titled Lemmings for Android and iOS (no, no PlayStation), offering that familiar experience of saving self-destructive creatures through their talents. The interface has logically been adapted to touchscreens, and Sad Puppy has gone so far as to design levels with vertical phone and tablet screens in mind. On the surface, at least, it's a dose of nostalgia for people who grew up on Psygnosis games, with a few modern twists like collectible "tribes" and online tournaments.
Via: PlayStation Blog
Source: App Store, Google Play
Classic puzzler 'Lemmings' returns as a free-to-play mobile game posted first on https://www.engadget.com
Wednesday 26 December 2018
Huawei shipped a record 200 million smartphones in 2018
The year 2018 was kind of rough for Huawei, as the company's phones were banned from use by the U.S. government and AT&T, Verizon, and Best Buy all stopped selling Huawei phones. As the year comes to a close, though, Huawei has some good news to share.
Huawei has announced that it shipped more than 200 million smartphones in 2018, which is a new record for the company. To compare, it shipped 153 million smartphones in 2017, and back in 2010 it shipped just 3 million smartphones.
In its announcement, Huawei shared a bit more info on its big year. For example, the Huawei P20 series have shipped more than 16 million units since its launch in March, and the Huawei Mate 20 series has shipped more than 5 million units in the two months following its release. Huawei's Nova series was recorded shipments of more than 65 million in 2018.
Thanks to Huawei's growth, the company has become one of the top smartphone makers in the world. The recent Mate 20 Pro has gotten lots of praise since its launch, which could be frustrating for some folks in the U.S. since it's not being sold by any carriers. The good news is that it is available unlocked, so if you want to see what Huawei and its Mate 20 Pro are all about, you can go that route.
Have you ever owned a Huawei device?
Huawei shipped a record 200 million smartphones in 2018 originally posted at http://phonedog.com
This app will show you your Apple Music listening habits for 2018
Apple Music doesn’t offer a packaged way to look at your yearly listening habits, but a new app does, as spotted by TechCrunch. Made by NoiseHub, the app is called “Music Year in Review,” and shows an overview of what you listened to throughout the year on Apple Music, similar to Spotify’s “Wrapped” program.
Music Year in Review isn’t nearly as in-depth as Spotify’s “Wrapped,” but it does give you some basic metrics that could be fun to look at. To use it, enter your email address into the app and then connect it to Apple Music. It will then gather your listening data and show you three separate graphics: how much time you spent listening to your favorite artist on Apple Music, your top five songs and artists, and some of your overall...
This app will show you your Apple Music listening habits for 2018 appeared first on http://www.theverge.com
Top 10 iOS Apps of December 2018!
We've compiled a top 10 list of our favorite iOS apps to hit the App Store in December 2018. The apps highlighted in this video include The Clock, ChillScape, Piano Academy, Shonen Jump, Deck Your Halls, Snake Maze, Lifty, Smashing Rush, and TenFive. Which app is your favorite?
Top 10 iOS Apps of December 2018! originally posted at http://phonedog.com
Android Pie rolling out now to OnePlus 5, OnePlus 5T
The OnePlus 5 and 5T are finally getting Android Pie. The latest version of Google's operating system is being made available to the OnePlus handsets via an over-the-air update. The rollout started this morning and will make its way to most devices over the next couple days according to OnePlus.
Via: 9to5Google
Source: OnePlus
Android Pie rolling out now to OnePlus 5, OnePlus 5T posted first on https://www.engadget.com
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