Tag Archives: smartphones

CNET reports: As Samsung continues its figure out its Galaxy Fold problems, a recent patent suggests we might be getting closer to seeing Apple’s version of a foldable device. On Tuesday, the US Patent and Trademark Office issued a patent to Apple for a “foldable cover and display for an electronic device.” There are no specifics on whether this display …

USA Today reports: The Supreme Court opened the door Monday for iPhone users to sue Apple over excessive prices on its exclusive App Store. Associate Justice Brett Kavanaugh wrote the 5-4 opinion and was joined by the court’s four liberal justices. The other four conservatives dissented. The question before the justices was whether consumers’ beef over prices is with Apple …

The Verge reports: Samsung has confirmed reports from earlier today that it is postponing the release of its $2,000 Galaxy Fold foldable phone only days before it was originally scheduled to go on sale. “We want our customers to have the best experience possible which is why, after initial feedback, we have decided to delay the release of the category-changing …

CNET reports: The foldable future is finally here, and it’s called the Galaxy Fold. Samsung on Wednesday showed off the new foldable phone during its Unpacked event in San Francisco. The device has a 4.6 inch display when folded, and a full 7.3 inch display when unfolded into a tablet. The phone will be available April 26 at a starting …

“Smartphone use makes your kids sadder, slower and more isolated and, over time, can kill them. The question is what are we going to do about it? Most parents will do nothing. Not because they don’t want what’s best for their kids; they do, but because in real life it’s just too difficult. Try taking an iPhone away from a …

The Moscow Times reports: The leader of the Russian Orthodox Church has said that humans’ dependence on modern technology will result in the coming of the Antichrist. In an interview with Russian state media, Patriarch Kirill explained he does not entirely oppose gadgets, but warned against “falling into slavery” to smartphones. “Control from a single point is a harbinger of …

The Verge reports: Apple has announced its next generation of iPhones, and one of them is by far the biggest iPhone yet. The two new models are called the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max. They look almost identical to their predecessor, but there are two immediate differences: for one, they’re both available in gold, unlike last year; and more …

Gizmodo reports: For modern smartphone owners, it’s a common enough of an occurrence. You’re just sitting there, talking about whatever, when suddenly you say something that triggers the digital assistant on your phone. Now normally, you’d probably get annoyed for a second, tap a button to dismiss the interruption, and then continue with whatever you were doing. But if you’re, …

Fallout from the Fitbit story: Secretary of Defense James Mattis is actively considering banning US military and civilian personnel from bringing their personal cell phones into the Pentagon, the world’s largest office building, according to three US defense officials familiar with an ongoing review of the issue. The officials told CNN that while the issue is under review and a …

Ars Technica reports: In a discovery that underscores the growing arms race among competing malware developers, researchers have uncovered a new Android spying platform that includes location-based audio recording and other features that have never been seen in the wild before. According to a report published Tuesday by antivirus provider Kaspersky Lab, “Skygofree” is most likely an offensive security product …

Mashable reports: Blink and you might just miss this easter egg, but it’s a gem. Samsung’s latest ad follows an avid iPhone user who eventually decides to switch sides after ten years. The minute-long ad manages to majorly throw shade at the iPhone, highlighting all the criticisms it’s faced over the years: its lack of stylus, non-waterproof phones, and of …

After decades of decline mostly attributed to safer vehicles and stiffer DUI penalties, traffic deaths in the US have spiked by 14.4% over the last two years. The government has yet to formally blame the rise on smartphone use, but others are convinced. Bloomberg reports: There are three big clues, and they don’t rest along the highway. One, as you …

This isn’t exactly news that most of us here can use, but the technology is interesting. CNN reports: “Fertility is a big problem. Men are embarrassed to go to their urologist for infertility testing,” said Dr. Hadi Shafiee, assistant professor of medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, who led the study. “This is going to be …

The Financial Times reports: China’s vibrant gay dating scene is attracting millions of dollars in investment, including from at least one state-controlled media group, even as embarrassed official censors curb the portrayal of openly homosexual characters on television and in other media. With Chinese men signing up en masse for gay dating apps, the biggest such service — Blued (pronounced …

TIME reports: Google on Tuesday unveiled two new smartphones, the Pixel and Pixel XL, during an event in San Francisco. The Pixel will have a 5-inch screen, while the larger model will include a 5.5-inch display. The Pixel is available for preorder immediately. The lineup starts at $649, or $27 per month. Verizon is the exclusive carrier partner in the …

Via Reuters: Shares in Japan’s Nintendo Co Ltd soared again on Monday, bringing market-value gains to $7.5 billion in just two days as investors cheered the runaway success of Pokemon GO – its first long-awaited venture in mobile gaming. The game, which marries a classic 20-year old franchise with augmented reality, allows players to walk around real-life neighborhoods while seeking …

A smartphone app just launched in Iran allows the user to alert others if the morality policy are nearby. France 24 reports: In the Islamic Republic of Iran, the morality police, a unit of the National Police, are charged with insuring that Iranian citizens comply with so-called Islamic law. For example, morality officers have to make sure that women wear …

JMG reader Andrea points us to a just-launched game for smartphones: Fight Kim, Defeat Kim, Condemn Her. Battle against bigotry and achieve equality for all. Join us in a battle for the ages. On one side of this virtual battle field littered with shredded paper and sadness, festers Kim – an agent of civil discrimination. On the other side, the …

According to multiple tech sites, Apple will announce the release of the iPhone 7 on September 9th. There’s still debate on whether Apple’s 2015 device will be called the iPhone 7 or iPhone 6s — most people have their money on the latter, following Apple’s usual device patterns. The ‘S’ updates are more about what’s inside the device than outside, …

Apple has given Siri new instructions: Siri is as witty as she is intelligent. The voice that lives inside your iPhone will now subtly correct your improper use of “Bruce” when you ask about Caitlyn Jenner. Apple’s virtual assistant has been updated to make sure it won’t misuse Jenner’s correct name and gender when asked for more information on the …