Posts From Brandon Russell

Brandon Russell
Brandon Russell

Brandon's love of technology can be traced back to his childhood, when he would obsessively watch Back to the Future. Since then he's followed the industry and its many innovations, from handheld consoles to powerful smartphones. He's still waiting on a hoverboard.

DuckDuckGo, Brave, and Vivaldi will block Google’s FLoC

DuckDuckGo, Brave, and Vivaldi will block Google’s FLoC

April 13, 2021
Google recently began testing an “origin trial” in Chrome with a new piece of web technology called Federated Learning of Cohorts (FLoC), which is replacing third-party cookies. In response, DuckDuckGo, Brave, and Vivaldi have all announced that they will disable Google’s FLoC, calling it a “step in the wrong direction.” Basically, Google’s FLoC replaces third-party cookies...
Apple schedules ‘Spring Loaded’ event for April 20

Apple schedules ‘Spring Loaded’ event for April 20

April 13, 2021
Apple has confirmed that its next event will take place on Tuesday, April 20. The “Spring Loaded” event will once again be virtual, and kicks off at 10 a.m. PDT. The event will take place about a month before Apple’s WWDC at the beginning of June, and will likely see the company unveil new hardware, including...
The FCC has released a new speed test app for Android

The FCC has released a new speed test app for Android

April 12, 2021
The Federal Communications Commission wants to collect data about what broadband speeds are like across the U.S. To do this, the FCC has released a speed test app that’s now available for Android and iOS. The FCC Speed Test App is part of the Commission’s Broadband Data Collection initiative, which aims to get a comprehensive overview...
Apple’s next Apple TV will reportedly feature built-in speaker and camera

Apple’s next Apple TV will reportedly feature built-in speaker and camera

April 12, 2021
Apple hasn’t introduced a new Apple TV since 2017, but a new report claims that’s set to change. However, the device won’t be a simple set-top box; Apple is aiming to introduce a smart home product unlike anything it’s introduced before. According to Bloomberg, Apple is developing a new TV accessory that will be an Apple...
Samsung Galaxy A82 photos get leaked on eve of rumored launch

Samsung Galaxy A82 photos get leaked on eve of rumored launch

April 12, 2021
Samsung is reportedly gearing up to release the Galaxy A82 (also known as the Galaxy Quantum 2), and ahead of the device’s launch, a series of images have leaked. Meanwhile, alleged specs for the device have also been revealed, giving us a pretty good idea of what to expect ahead of its release. The Galaxy A82...
Samsung reportedly teaming up with Olympus, testing iPhone-like sensor shift tech

Samsung reportedly teaming up with Olympus, testing iPhone-like sensor shift tech

April 12, 2021
Over the years, we’ve seen smartphone manufacturers team up with legacy camera companies in an effort to elevate mobile cameras. In fact, we recently saw OnePlus partner with Hasselblad. Now, a new report claims Samsung is looking to team up with Olympus as it looks to elevate the cameras in future Galaxy devices. According to noted...
Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 3 will reportedly be smaller than the Galaxy Z Fold 2

Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 3 will reportedly be smaller than the Galaxy Z Fold 2

April 12, 2021
Samsung is expected to make some key changes to the Galaxy Z Fold 3, with improved specs and a more refined design. One of the alleged changes will be to the size of the device — which is either a good thing or bad thing depending on your preference. According to The Elec, the Galaxy Z...
Microsoft buys Nuance, AI company that developed Swype keyboard app

Microsoft buys Nuance, AI company that developed Swype keyboard app

April 12, 2021
Microsoft has confirmed it’s acquiring Nuance Communications, Inc., a cloud and AI software company known among consumers for acquiring and continuing to develop the Swype keyboard app over the years. The deal is valued at $19.7 billion, making it the second-largest behind Microsoft’s purchase of LinkedIn for $26 billion in 2016. In a blog post, Microsoft...
TomTom’s AmiGO navigation app is now available on Android Auto

TomTom’s AmiGO navigation app is now available on Android Auto

April 9, 2021
TomTom has made its AmiGO navigation app available on Android Auto, allowing drivers to navigate around town in a much more convenient way. The app’s arrival comes following an announcement that allowed developers to publish Android Auto apps for things like charging, navigation, and parking to Google Play. TomTom’s AmiGO is described as a Waze alternative...
Hans Zimmer made a ringtone for OPPO’s Find X3 Pro that you can listen to here

Hans Zimmer made a ringtone for OPPO’s Find X3 Pro that you can listen to here

April 9, 2021
Hans Zimmer is the mastermind behind some of cinema’s most recognizable scores, including Interstellar, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, and Blade Runner 2049. Now, his resume includes a ringtone for OPPO’s Find X3 Pro, and you can listen to it here. OPPO Find X3 Pro Forums OPPO rightfully made a big deal about Zimmer’s involvement when...
Some Google Pixel users face issues with HD Netflix playback after recent updates

Some Google Pixel users face issues with HD Netflix playback after recent updates

April 9, 2021
Following recent updates, many Google Pixel phone owners are reporting issues with the Widevine level downgrading to L3 from L1, resulting in DRM-protected content not playing in HD resolution. For instance, Netflix is now capped at 540p. Multiple users reached out to us complaining about the issue. Tipsters argruar, HydroPetro, and MSFJarvis on Telegram have said...
Google Pay app promotion offers $30 reward as part of “Spring Challenge”

Google Pay app promotion offers $30 reward as part of “Spring Challenge”

April 9, 2021
How would you like to make $30? That’s enough for a hearty meal, or maybe even a tank of gas, so pay attention to this newest promotion from the Google Pay app. Beginning April 12, Google Pay users in the U.S. can participate in a “Spring Challenge,” which is designed to educate users on the new...