Latest Articles
Samsung confirms hackers stole source code for Galaxy phones
Samsung confirmed on Monday that hackers stole source code for Galaxy phones and tablets, which reportedly totals almost 190GB.
Samsung often speaks highly of its security measures, especially around the Samsung Knox technology available on Galaxy devices and other products, but no company (or government) is immune to security breaches. Samsung confirmed on Monday that it suffered a significant breach, following reports over the weekend of a leak by a data extortion group.
March Pixel Feature Drop includes Live Caption on calls, night mode in Snapchat, and more
The latest Google Pixel Feature Drop is now rolling out alongside the Android 12L update, with new features for Live Caption and Translate.
Google released the long-awaited Android 12L update on Monday, with many improvements to foldable phones, tablets, and other large-screen devices. However, if you have a Pixel phone, you're also receiving a few improvements on top of that, as part of the latest Feature Drop update.
Android 12L rolling out to Google Pixel phones starting today
Google has officially released Android 12, and it's rolling out to Pixel devices as the March Feature Drop.
Google hasn't released a minor update for Android in years, instead sticking to yearly major updates and fixing bugs throughout the year in the monthly security updates. However, Google is returning to that idea with the release of Android 12L, which mainly focuses on improvements for foldables and other large-screen devices. After months of beta testing, Android 12L is now rolling out to supported Pixel devices.
Google says Chrome 99 is the fastest web browser available on Mac
Google claims that Chrome 99 is now the fastest web browser available on macOS, thanks to engine improvements and updated graphics rendering.
Google released Chrome 99 at the start of the month, with the usual combination of performance improvements and new APIs for web developers. However, Google says the latest update is more of a performance boost than usual, and now apparently takes the crown as the fastest web browser on macOS.
Disney+ ad-supported plan will be available later this year
Disney has confirmed that a cheaper Disney+ plan with ads will be available soon, starting later this year in the United States.
Disney+ is one of the few major streaming services available right now without a free or ad-supported option. News broke yesterday about a possible ad-supported tier, and now Disney has officially confirmed that there will be a cheaper option for watching everything on Disney+ later this year.
Chrome 100 Beta marks the beginning of the end for user agent strings
Google has released Chrome 100 in the Beta Channel, which includes significant changes to how browsers identify themselves to websites.
Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox are both rapidly approaching version 100, which has the potential to break some websites that incorrectly check for the browser version. Both browsers have been working on possible solutions, and now Chrome 100 has arrived in the Beta Channel with changes to version reporting and other new features.
Samsung reveals Galaxy A23 and LTE-only Galaxy A13 variant
Samsung released the Galaxy A13 5G earlier this year, but now an LTE-only version is on the way too. The Galaxy A23 was also announced.
Samsung just released the Galaxy S22 and Tab S8 series last month, but the company still has plenty of phones left to reveal this year. The Galaxy A13 5G arrived in the United States in January, and now a cheaper LTE-only version of that phone is on its way to more countries. Samsung has also revealed the Galaxy A23 for the first time.
Disney+ might soon have a cheaper plan with advertisements
Disney is reportedly discussing plans to offer a cheaper Disney+ tier supported by advertisements, similar to Peacock and Hulu.
Streaming services are highly competitive right now, with new services showing up on a regular basis, and several companies switching up their strategies (such as CBS All Access becoming Paramount+). The Disney+ streaming service is still relatively new, and now Disney might be planning to offer a cheaper plan with advertisements to boost subscriber numbers.
Moto G22 now official with Android 12 and MediaTek Helio G37
Motorola has officially revealed the Moto G22, yet another budget phone in the Moto G series, with Android 12 and a MediaTek Helio G37 chip.
Motorola releases far too many phones for anyone to reasonably keep track of, including several new Moto G models over the past few months. The Moto G22 has been extensively leaked already, but now the phone has been officially announced by Motorola.
Xbox app on Windows rolling out new game installation and modding features
Microsoft is adding some long-awaited features to the Xbox app for Windows, including the ability to move game installations and mod games.
The Microsoft Store (previously known as the Windows Store) garnered plenty of criticism during the Windows 10 era, as it lacked some of the features that were common in other application installers and game launchers. Many of those complaints were also related to the Xbox app, an additional component used for Xbox Game Pass access and other features. Microsoft completely redesigned the Store for Windows 11, and now the company is rolling out a few helpful improvements for the Store and Xbox PC app.
Most web browsers now share a common rendering engine, Google's Chromium, but Safari and Firefox also have their own engines that are shared by other projects (such as Tor Browser). Those different architectures mean some web features don't quite work the same across all browsers, which can become a headache for web developers and people browsing the web, but a new effort is underway to fix that.
Smart doorbells with integrated cameras are cool and all, but many people living in an apartment or condo don't have dedicated doorbells. That means they usually don't have a way to easily connect a smart doorbell, but Anker's 'Eufy' subdivision has a new solution: a smart door lock with a camera.
OSOM OV1 from former Essential staff will use Snapdragon 8 series chipset, ship in Q4 2022
OSOM, the company founded by former engineers and staff from Essential, is sharing more details about its upcoming OV1 smartphone.
OSOM Products is a tech startup that aims to build a privacy-focused Android flagship phone, with many of the same engineers and staff who worked at Essential and developed the Essential Phone. The company has been offering glimpses of its upcoming OV1 smartphone for a few months now, with the first images appearing in December, and now OSOM is sharing more details about the device.
Amazon is closing all bookstores, pop-up locations, and "4-star" locations
Amazon is closing all 68 of its Amazon 4-star stores, Amazon Books locations, and other pop-up locations in the US and UK.
Amazon is an online store first and foremost, but the company has attempted a few experiments with physical retail locations over the years. However, Amazon confirmed on Wednesday that most of those experiments are coming to an end, as the company aims to close all 68 of its physical stores in the United States and United Kingdom
Google shows off concepts for "socially intelligent" smart displays and tablets with Soli sensors
Google ATAP released a video on Tuesday showing off possible future uses for its Soli sensor, such as sensing head movements.
Google's Advanced Technology & Projects group, also known as ATAP, is one of the main research and development groups inside of Google. ATAP originally developed the Soli sensor, which recognizes gestures using radar and was later included in the Pixel 4 series and Google Nest Hub Max. Now we have a look at what ATAP is currently working on, thanks to a new YouTube video.
Google Forms now works much better with Google Docs
Google can now generate charts from Forms in Google Docs by simply pasting a link: no saving images or custom charts required.
Google Forms is one of the easiest ways to quickly create and share an online form. Even though Forms has the option to save all results to a spreadsheet, there hasn't been much integration with the rest of Google's online productivity applications. That's finally changing, as a helpful new feature is rolling out.
HTC plans new high-end smartphone for April with 'metaverse' features
HTC revealed at MWC 2022 that it plans to release another flagship Android smartphone soon, with non-specific "metaverse" features.
HTC sold most of its smartphone manufacturing business to Google in 2018, but the company hasn't entirely retreated from the market. The Desire 21 Pro 5G was released a little over a year ago as a mid-range phone (pictured above), and now the company apparently wants to make another flagship phone.
Best Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 thin cases in 2023
Looking for the best Galaxy Tab S8 thin cases? We've got you covered, with a list of the standout options from Samsung and other companies.
Following months of rumors and leaks, Samsung officially revealed the Galaxy Tab S8 series on February 9. There are three models in total: the smallest Galaxy Tab S8, the Galaxy Tab S8 Plus with a larger 12.4-inch AMOLED screen, and the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra with the largest 14.6-inch AMOLED screen. The lineup has apparently exceeded sales expectations (or the silicon shortage is rearing its ugly head), as pre-orders were paused only a few days after launch.
Google, Meta, Apple, others target Russia following Ukraine invasion
Many tech products and services in Russia are shutting off, and content providers like YouTube and Microsoft are blocking Russian propaganda.
The Russian Federation started an attack against the nation of Ukraine on Thursday, with the publicly-stated goal of demilitarizing Ukraine and preventing it from joining the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and other international defense and economic organizations. The attack has been harshly criticized by many governments, companies, and individuals around the world, and the technology industry is no exception.
MDN Web Docs introduces new design, teases paid subscription
MDN, one of the most popular documentation sites for web development, has a brand new look and a premium subscription on the way.
MDN Web Docs, previously known as the Mozilla Developer Network, is one of the best documentation sources for web development around. It's a fantastic resource for learning everything from new CSS properties to the latest APIs for Chrome extensions, and now the site has a brand new look and feel. MDN is also teasing a possible paid subscription option.