Tech news

The Xperia 1 II and Xperia 5 II are both heavily discounted on Amazon, and these are unlocked versions that you can use with any carrier. http://dlvr.it/RykMpr

Apple gets away with selling midrangers at high-end prices because it has created an aura around its name like traditional French or Italian luxury fashion brands have done, but that's not the whole story. http://dlvr.it/RykMpM

The Lite comes equipped with a 1.19-inch AMOLED screen with 390 x 390 resolution and a 400mAh battery. The watch runs Wear OS on top of a Snapdragon Wear 3100 processor and features onboard GPS, 8GB of storage, and 5 ATM water resistance. http://dlvr.it/RykMkc

After Apple and Samsung, T-Mobile is now launching its own wireless tracker, the so-called SyncUP Tracker. http://dlvr.it/RyfPgj

OnePlus' sales soared almost 400% in Europe last quarter, while revenue rose almost 300%. The massive success was revealed in an interview in which OnePlus also said it didn't expect a big impact from the global chip shortage. http://dlvr.it/RyfPbP

US Mobile today introduced a new category of plans that makes family plans more affordable than ever. The new Pooled Plan lets multiple lines share a set, customizable amount of data, as a cheaper alternative to unlimited plans (which US Mobile continues to offer.) Monthly pricing for Pooled Plans is $9/line, plus $2 per GB of shared 4G/5G data. For example, four lines sharing 8 GB of data would run $13/line/month. Customers can specify any amount of data to share, down to the GB. A new dashboard helps customers analyze current and past data usage in order to right-size their plan. Prices include taxes, but not a Regulatory Cost Recovery charge of $0.48 per line. The plans are available on the company's "Super LTE" network, which appears to be Verizon's 4G+5G network. http://dlvr.it/RyfP6l

A patent revealed by LetsGoDigital shows that Samsung might be developing its next foldable devices with special attention to health. The patent reveals an inward folding design, similar to the one of the Galaxy Fold 2 and the Galaxy Z Flip. The new sensors will be able to measure your blood pressure through the phone. http://dlvr.it/RyZQMk

As if a logical extension of Samsung's DeX mode that can turn your phone into a desktop computer piggybacking on the largest screen in the house, the new Smart Keyboard Trio 500 lets you seamlessly connect to three devices at once (hence the Trio in the naming). http://dlvr.it/RyZQK0

ZTE today launched the Blade 11 Prime, the company's latest affordable Android phone for Visible. It includes wireless charging, a highly unusual feature for a phone that sells for just $192. The phone has a 4,000 mAh battery and also supports reverse (wired) charging. It has a 6.5-inch HD display, MediaTek Helio P22 processor, 4 GB RAM, and 64 GB storage. The main camera clocks in at 16 megapixel, plus an 8-megapixel wide-angle camera, depth camera, and 8-megapixel front camera. Other features include Android version 11 at launch, a textured back that resists fingerprints, side-mounted fingerprint reader, memory card slot, headset jack, and USB-C. The Blade 11 Prime is available starting today from both Visible and Yahoo Mobile. http://dlvr.it/RyZPw9

Three new Motorola Edge flagships are under development for release this year. At least one of the models will offer a 108MP main camera on the back. http://dlvr.it/RyVd66

Samsung rolled out a new Galaxy Buds Pro update that adds the so-called “Double-tap earbud edge” feature. http://dlvr.it/RyVd5X

Apple has released iOS 14.5, a relatively large update that brings several notable new features to the company's operating system for iPhones. The update brings a new mask-friendly version of Face ID for users with an Apple Watch. Most controversial in industry circles is App Tracking Transparency, which requires apps to get the user's permission before tracking their data across apps or websites owned by other companies for advertising. Many users are expected to opt out of the tracking, which companies like Facebook consider a threat to their business model. The update also includes new Siri voices, new emoji, a revamped Podcasts app, support for AirTags, and more. iPhone users can download and install the free update starting today by going to Settings, then General, then Software Update. http://dlvr.it/RyVd09

Will Apple name this year's handsets the iPhone 13 series or the iPhone 12S? And if it does go with the latter, will the 2022 models be known as the iPhone 13 or the iPhone 14? http://dlvr.it/RyQsvn

Dish is working toward building out its first 5G network which will apparently be located in Las Vegas during the third quarter (July-September) of this year. Dish will partner with Amazon Web Services (AWS). http://dlvr.it/RyQsvL

Trademark application filed by Samsung indicates the Z Fold line will grow to include foldable tablets in the future. http://dlvr.it/RyQsrf

YouTube is making changes to its Android app that are supposed to make it easier for users to select the resolution of their videos. http://dlvr.it/RyN805

A photo published by Google in its own blog includes a picture that the EXIF data indicates was photographed by the yet to be announced Google Pixel 5a which could be introduced in June. http://dlvr.it/RyN7zm

AT&T reports a very strong first quarter including the carrier's strongest net additions of wireless postpaid phone subscribers in about a decade. Strong smartphone sales led to a 45.2% hike in equipment revenue year-over-year. http://dlvr.it/RyN7yy

Only three days after Apple's Podcast Subscription plans were unveiled, the music-streaming platform Spotify is also expected to join in with a subscription service of their own. http://dlvr.it/RyKDBT

Google's MVNO Google Fi has added a new, cheaper Unlimited plan option. The old Unlimited plan is unchanged except it's now called Unlimited Plus. The new Simply Unlimited plan is $10/month cheaper but drops international calling, international data roaming, full-speed mobile hotspot, and 100 GB of cloud storage. Simply Unlimited is $60/month for a single line, $45/line for two lines, or $30/line for three or more lines. http://dlvr.it/RyKDB9

Samsung today launched a beta version of Galaxy Upcycling at Home, software that enables people to put old Galaxy phones to use as smart-home devices. Samsung's Upcycling program is an environmental one. "By offering consumers a way to upcycle their products with new features and alternative purposes, Samsung is helping to extend the lifecycle of its products while diverting its users from contributing to global e-waste." Two modes are available at launch: a Light Sensor and a smart Sound Sensor. The Light Sensor uses the phone's ambient light sensor to automatically turn on lights when the ambient light level goes below an adjustable threshold. The Sound Sensor is more sophisticated, using machine learning to detect specific sounds such as a baby crying, dog barking, cat meowing, or a knock. When selected sounds are detected, the user receives an alert on their primary phone, and can optionally listen to a recording of the sound. These features are available starting...

A report by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, who covers Apple for the outlet, reveals what changes we might see in iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 when Apple introduces the latest versions of its operating systems in June. http://dlvr.it/RyFLrj

The iPhone 12 mini is Apple's least popular iPhone in the US. Even the two-year old iPhone XR outsold it last quarter. The iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 are the most popular models. http://dlvr.it/RyFLrN

The 11- and 12.9-inch 2021 iPad Pro models have just been revealed. The new iPads are powerful, slim and have beautiful displays. The Apple M1 processor in the 2021 iPads is a true powerhouse, and with the 12.9-inch iPad having a display with Mini-LED technology, the dedication to the Pro market from Apple is impressive. http://dlvr.it/RyFLnr

Released just last week, the first-ever OnePlus Watch is receiving its first-ever software update with improved GPS performance, activity tracking accuracy, and system stability (among others). http://dlvr.it/Ry9Lgr

The Apple event didn't include the Apple Watch, but we are lucky to see a bouquet of new spring-themed Apple Watch bands make their debut on the company’s official website! http://dlvr.it/Ry9Lbq

Commercially released earlier this year at a recommended price of $200, the noise-cancelling Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro are already on sale for as little as $109.99 in certified refurbished condition. http://dlvr.it/Ry9LWn

Apple today announced a purple color option for the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini. It can be pre-ordered starting this Friday, with availability on April 30th. Purple joins the existing white, black, green, red, and blue color options. Color options for the iPhone 12 Pro models remain unchanged. http://dlvr.it/Ry5KpF

Bullitt Group, the maker of Cat-branded phones, today announced the Cat S42 H+, a new version of its S42 rugged Android phone with antimicrobial protection built into its body. All exterior components have been blended with an antimicrobial silver ion additive called Biomaster during the manufacturing process, to help fight bacteria. Biomaster is proven to inhibit bacteria cells from replicating by over 80% within 15 minutes and 99.9% within 24 hours. Bullitt claims this enhancement makes the S42 H+ "the first fully and permanently anti-bacterial phone." The S42 H+ is also waterproof, washable, and tested to withstand soap, bleach wipes, alcohol, and hand sanitizer. The S42 H+ otherwise has the same specs and features as the original S42. The Cat S42 H+ will be available in the US next month for $299. Biomaster is a made by Addmaster, a subsidiary of Polygiene. http://dlvr.it/Ry5KnN

Verizon on Thursday will launch its 5G "Ultra Wideband" service in four new cities: New Orleans, LA; Fresno, CA; Riverside, CA; and San Antonio, TX. This will bring the total number of US cities with the service to 71. Ultra Wideband is Verizon's branding for mmWave 5G, a flavor of 5G that offers very high speed but limited coverage. mmWave 5G service is typically only available in the densest parts of downtown urban areas, as well as stadiums, arenas, train stations, and airports. Verizon also affirmed its commitment to launch 5G in C-band spectrum in the first quarter of 2022. C-band enables 5G service with a better balance between data speed and coverage. Verizon says its C-band 5G network will cover "an additional 100 million mobility customers" at launch. http://dlvr.it/Ry5KhD

Apple could hike prices with the iPad Pro (2021) launch. One analyst is predicting a 'modest' increase, although an exact number hasn't been provided. http://dlvr.it/Ry1Lcs

Amazon's 2020-released Fire HD 8 tablet and Blink Mini indoor plug-in smart security camera can be purchased for 24 hours only at a cool combined discount of 50 bucks. http://dlvr.it/Ry1LcZ

The new Urbanista "Los Angeles" over-ear Bluetooth headphones with active noise cancellation (ANC) have a novel way to extend battery life: solar cells built into the large headband. The company promises "virtually infinite playtime". One hour in sunlight adds three hours of usage, with slower charging on cloudy days or indoors. With enough light they can be charged by simply leaving them near a window. They can also be charged via USB-C. The headphones use a new solar cell material called Powerfoyle, from Swedish company Exeger. Urbanista has yet to open pre-orders but promises a price of £169 (around $200). http://dlvr.it/Ry1LZr

Two months after its debut in the US, Nokia 5.4 is getting a generous discount not just at B&H, but also on HMD's official store. http://dlvr.it/RxxYgY

Images posted on Twitter of a glass panel allegedly show that the iPhone 13 series will sport a smaller notch. This will be accomplished by moving the speaker to the edge of the glass allowing the cameras to move closer together. http://dlvr.it/RxxYg5

Starting this weekend, the Nokia 1.4 is available for purchase in the country for just $120, a fairly decent price for what's under the hood. http://dlvr.it/RxxYfY

An analyst says that two 2021 iPhone 13 models will sport the LTPO 120Hz ProMotion variable display. This will allow users of those two models to enjoy the advantages of a rapid refresh rate without draining the battery. http://dlvr.it/RxtnmX

Respected leaker says Galaxy Z Fold 3 's chip is top-secret, which means we can count out the Snapdragon 888 and Exynos 2100. http://dlvr.it/RxtnmK

Images of the upcoming Fitbit Luxe fitness tracker were leaked and they revealed an elegant device that will be available in three different color options. This past January Google acquired Fitbit. http://dlvr.it/RxtnhQ

Your favorite iPhones are getting larger camera sensors, with beefier camera bumps. Apple is said to keep the mini iPhone around for at least one more year! http://dlvr.it/RxqxMg

We're halfway through April, and Samsung hasn't finished rolling out this month's security update to all of its devices yet - and the Galaxy S8, S8+, and Galaxy Z Flip are the next lucky recipients. http://dlvr.it/RxqxMR

Amazon Prime has surpassed 200 million subscribers worldwide, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos announced. The news follows the most successful Prime Day ever and a bumper year for Amazon's retail business. http://dlvr.it/RxqxJX

Originally priced at a fairly reasonable $800, the high-end OnePlus 8 is currently on sale for just 400 bucks with Verizon 5G UW compatibility and 4G LTE support for AT&T and T-Mobile. http://dlvr.it/Rxm9Ts

The leaked iPhone 12 case photos point towards mustard yellow, blood orange-red, deep blue, as well as a rather fresh-looking pastel blue color. They join the recently leaked green, peach, and various shades of blue colors. http://dlvr.it/Rxm9Lx

Xfinity Mobile, the Comcast MVNO for Xfinity home internet customers, today introduced discounts for accounts with multiple lines. The discounts are greater for more lines, similar to what many other US carriers offer. While a single line of unlimited data remains $45/month, two lines are now $40 each, while four lines are just $30/line. Three lines are $33.33/line, to make the monthly total an even $100. Other aspects of Xfinity's mobile plan are unchanged. Xfinity Mobile runs on Verizon's 4G / 5G network. http://dlvr.it/Rxm9FB

Sony today announced its 2021 phone lineup for consumers: the Xperia 1 III and Xperia 5 III. The two phones are both high-end models with similar specs and features, with the 5 III being the smaller of the two. Both phones have OLED displays with 120 Hz refresh and three 12-megapixel rear cameras. While the standard and wide-angle cameras are similar to last year's models, the new periscope-style telephoto camera has its own optical zoom feature, offering both 2.9x and 4.4x zoom. The main and telephoto cameras include OIS (optical image stabilization). The phones are powered by Qualcomm's flagship Snapdragon 888 chip and offer excellent support for the (sub-6) 5G and 4G networks of T-Mobile and Verizon. Other specs include 4,500 mAh battery with 30W USB-PD fast charging, Android 11, NFC, memory card slot, headset jack, and IP68 water resistance. The stereo speakers are the first in a phone to support 360 Reality Audio. The Xperia 5 III has a 6.1-inch display with FHD+ resolutio...

TCL today announced several new TCL-branded phones in its 20 series, including two models that will come to the US: the TCL 20 Pro 5G and the TCL 20S. The US launches will include major carrier partners. TCL has joined the Android Enterprise Recommended program, and all of its new 20-series phones are so verified. The TCL 20 Pro 5G is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G chip and comes with 6 GB RAM and 256 GB storage. The 4,500 mAh battery can be topped up with 18W wired charging or 15W wireless charging, a first in a TCL phone. The phone is similar to the well-received TCL 10 Pro, but with an upgraded Sony IMX582 main camera. That 48 megapixel camera has optical image stabilization (OIS), another first for TCL. The curved 6.67-inch AMOLED display has full-HD+ resolution and HDR10. The rear has a matching curved glass cover with no camera bump. The camera system also includes a 16 megapixel wide camera, 5 megapixel macro camera, and 32 megapixel front camera. The phone is capable of ...

TCL's latest concept phone to use flexible-display technology is called the "Fold 'n Roll". Like the company's earlier double-hinge concept, the design attempts to create a device the size of a standard smartphone that transforms into a full-size tablet. The Fold 'n Roll replaces the second hinge with rollable technology to produce a device that's thinner when closed. The Fold 'n Roll is just a concept, but TCL is currently planning to launch a commercial device using flexible display technology by the end of 2021. http://dlvr.it/Rxh8H3

The most recent addition to HMD's portfolio of Android 11 phones is the Nokia 2.2. http://dlvr.it/Rxc8YZ

Spotify Premium subscribers in the US can now join a public waitlist to get their hands on an interesting product called Car Thing without paying a dime... other than shipping costs. http://dlvr.it/Rxc8YD

The lines of code, found in the Android Open Source Project, describe extensive support for the MPEG-H 3D audio codec and also mention 360 Reality Audio specifically. http://dlvr.it/Rxc8WW