Tech news

Viber and Snap have teamed up to bring the latter's new AR Lenses to the messaging platform. http://dlvr.it/S2lb39

Analyst Gene Munster who works for Loup Ventures sees continued demand ahead for the Apple iPad Pro and the Mac even with demand from the pandemic beginning to ebb. http://dlvr.it/S2lb1l

Asus today launched the ZenFone 8 in the US for an introductory price of $600. The phone is available now from Asus' web site with 8 GB RAM and 128 GB built-in storage. Launch pricing expires July 13th, after which the price for this configuration will be $630. This unique phone offers flagship specs in a compact body. Key specs include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor, 5G with good support for US networks, 120 Hz AMOLED display protected by Gorilla Glass Victus, 64 megapixel Sony main camera, 12 megapixel wide camera, NFC, Wi-Fi 6E, IP68 water resistance, and a headset jack. Asus first announced the ZenFone 8 last month. http://dlvr.it/S2kNpq

ZTE has just confirmed that it will unveil the second-generation under-display camera smartphone, the Axon 30, later this summer. http://dlvr.it/S2ggRX

Samsung has announced One UI Watch! The software is backed by the new, unified Wear platform and includes Google apps. It also enables a more connected experience across Galaxy phones and Galaxy Watches. http://dlvr.it/S2ggPY

TCL today revealed the US launch details for its new 20 series of phones: the TCL 20 Pro 5G, 20S, and 20 SE. * The 20 Pro 5G is an affordable flagship phone with 5G for $500. It has a curved-edge TCL AMOLED display, satin glass back, 48 megapixel Sony-made main camera, 16 megapixel wide-angle camera, and wireless charging. It's powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G chip with 6 GB RAM, 256 GB storage, and a 4,500 mAh battery. It has excellent support for all 5G and 4G US networks, including Verizon. It's available in Moondust Gray and Marine Blue. * The 20S has a 64 megapixel main camera, 8 megapixel wide camera, huge 5,000 mAh battery, and 18W fast charging. It also has a Snapdragon 665 processor and 4 GB RAM. It has excellent support for Verizon and T-Mobile 4G networks, and decent support for AT&T. It runs $250 and comes in Milky Way Black and Frosted Blue. * The 20 SE is only $190 but comes with 48 megapixel main camera, wide camera, 4 GB RAM, and huge 5,000 mAh b...

Huawei is looking to make up for a U.S. export rule change that bans some foundries from shipping cutting-edge chips to Huawei by beginning production of its own chips in Wuhan in phases starting next year. http://dlvr.it/S2bqzQ

Lenovo has announced five new tablets: Yoga Tab 13, Yoga Tab 11, Tab P11 Plus, Tab M7, and Tab M8. http://dlvr.it/S2bqwB

While the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 is likely to retain the same display dimensions as the Fold 2, the Flip 3 is expected to have a significantly larger cover display. http://dlvr.it/S2Zlsp

Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger says that the current chip shortage will last until the end of the year. The executive doesn't expect a return to normal supply and demand until 2023. http://dlvr.it/S2XzN3

Google has added stand-alone settings to the Android version of Google Assistant that will allow users to use the digital helper even if their handset is locked. http://dlvr.it/S2XzKy

New battery technology is being developed by the University of Cambridge that could potentially charge a smartphone battery from 0% to 100% in only five minutes. http://dlvr.it/S2X6NM

More payments have been sent out to owners of the Nexus 6P who originally shared $9.75 million in a class action suit filed after the 6P suffered from bootloops and rapidly draining batteries. http://dlvr.it/S2VHZZ

Google wants you to feel 100% confident that the answers you get on Google Search are correct. But these days, some stories are breaking too rapidly. So Google will now let you know when the results you have received are not reliable. http://dlvr.it/S2VHXl

If you want a pair of solid noise-canceling true wireless earbuds that won't break your bank account, the Sony WF-SP800N is the right model for you. http://dlvr.it/S2THVf

Twitter is close to rolling out emoji reactions for tweets which might end up being called Tweet Reactions. A non-working version of the reactions showed up on a user's tweet not too long after tipster Jane Manchun Wong discussed the feature. http://dlvr.it/S2QlMV

Apple is sending out letters to certain tipsters from China threatening legal action if these leakers continue to disseminate information about unreleased Apple devices. http://dlvr.it/S2QlHt

For the iPhone 13 series, Apple will continue using simpler battery modules and unique thermoplastic material for mmWave 5G. http://dlvr.it/S2PZvd

Google has released Android 12 beta 2.1 to fix a few bugs that were annoying to those who are testing the next build of Google's operating system due out in September. http://dlvr.it/S2LwPq

Had Apple followed Phil Schiller's email suggestion about the 30% Apple takes on in-app revenue, the company might not be in so much hot water and considered a monopoly. http://dlvr.it/S2LwPS

HMD Global is officially bringing its new Nokia G20 phone to the US for $200. The Nokia G10 was released here a few weeks ago. Nokia's new model lineup consists of the entry-level C series, mainstream G series, and higher-end X series. Each series has two models so far. Nokia has yet to announce plans for its C and X series in the US. The new G-series phones will both sold unlocked in the US on nokia.com. These first two G-series phones are nearly identical at first glance, including the same body, 6.5-inch HD+ LCD display, 5,050 mAh battery, and side-mounted fingerprint reader. While the G10 has relatively basic specs and sells for $150, the G20 (shown) has several key upgrades to justify its $50 premium, including NFC, a 48 megapixel main camera, added wide-angle camera (5 megapixel), faster MediaTek Helio processor, 4 GB RAM instead of 3, and 128 GB storage instead of 32. Both phones have the same basic US 4G network support, including bands 2, 4, 5, 12, and 66. This is adequate...

Twitter has just announced that starting today, people can apply to be among the first to try its new Ticketed Spaces and Super Follows features. http://dlvr.it/S2H5ZW

Although it took three months, Samsung has finally been able to bring the US Galaxy A51 on par with the international version that received the Android 11 update back in March. http://dlvr.it/S2H5YJ

The EU Commission has gone after Google once again, this time over alleged unfair pushing of Google's own ad tech services onto advertisers. http://dlvr.it/S2FwhK

After last week's announcement concerning Google Chat, the Mountain View company revealed another important change to its Slack competitor: improved search. http://dlvr.it/S2CGZV

Another true Pixel story video was released by Google about a man who helped his dad open a Barbecue restaurant and relies on his Google Pixel to successfully run it. http://dlvr.it/S2CGVk

Here are all the deals available right now for Prime Day 2021 on Amazon's Kindle e-book readers, Kindle Fire tablets and speakers. http://dlvr.it/S2B8G3

Prime day is not an Amazon-only shopping event. Walmart is matching it with its "Deals for Days 2021", with Black Friday-like deals on some of the most popular products. http://dlvr.it/S27c1N

The Galaxy S21 family will likely begin receiving the Android 12 update sometime in December 2021. http://dlvr.it/S27byK

So far, it wasn't abundantly clear if Samsung would release a Galaxy Z Fold 3 model with more than 256GB of storage http://dlvr.it/S26bZP

A U.S. appellate court has ruled that the FCC can block subsidized purchases of Huawei's 5G networking gear in the states due to its status as a national security threat. http://dlvr.it/S24v35

A U.S. appellate court has ruled that the FCC can block subsidized purchases of Huawei's 5G networking gear in the states due to its status as a national security threat. http://dlvr.it/S24v13

Although today, all the glory goes to wireless charging, MagSafe, and even rumored "true wireless chargers, wired charging is far from finished. In fact, it's going through its own little renaissance! http://dlvr.it/S242Kt

YouTube Premium subscribers on iOS are now able to use PiP to multitask and view YouTube videos even when they are using another app or have the screen off. http://dlvr.it/S21xZm

YouTube Premium subscribers on iOS are now able to use PiP to multitask and view YouTube videos even when they are using another app or have the screen off. http://dlvr.it/S21xYJ

US Mobile is once again offering a promo of 50% off the first year of service for new customers. The promo is available to anyone buying a US Mobile starter kit on amazon.com during Amazon's Prime Day sale, June 21–22. US Mobile did a similar promo for the launch of the OnePlus 9, but it was restricted to customers with that phone and US Mobile's "Super LTE" (Verizon) network. This new Prime Day promo is available for customers using any compatible phone, and for either network, including "GSM LTE" (T-Mobile). Customers will receive the discount as monthly service credits of up to $20.83, for a total of $250 over 12 months. Customers can choose from Custom, Shared Data, or Unlimited All plans. Customers buying the starter kit June 21–22 will receive a promo code that gets them the 50% off. http://dlvr.it/S21G4d

Google is celebrating Pride Month by releasing a 60-second commercial revealing the new features for the Pixel recently dropped by Google that helps Pixel users celebrate with the LGBTQ+ community. http://dlvr.it/S1yMlz

It's been less than a week since the OnePlus Nord CE 5G was officially introduced, and the smartphone is already seeing its first update. http://dlvr.it/S1yMhQ

In a major win for Bullitt Group, T-Mobile will offer the CAT S62 rugged Android phone this summer. T-Mobile hasn't had any truly rugged smartphones in its lineup since it discontinued the Samsung Galaxy S8 Active in mid-2019. The only other CAT-branded phone to be picked by a major US carrier was the S48c, launched by Sprint late 2018 and offered Verizon business customers in early 2019. The CAT S62's rugged credentials include exceeding US military standards for high and low temperature, thermal shocks, salt mist, vibration and tumble. It's designed to survive 6-foot drops onto steel at any angle. It also meets requirements for potentially hazardous environments, certified to Non-Incendive, Class I, Division 2, Group A-D, T4. Its display is protected by Gorilla Glass 6 and responds to both wet and gloved fingers. It's rated IP68 to be fully submersible and washable. The 4,000 mAh battery can be charged via USB-C and Quick Charge 4, Qi wireless charging, or POGO pins o...

Originally known as Locker Room, Greenroom is now rolling out to over 135 markets across the world. http://dlvr.it/S1tZYs

The Uncarrier confirmed that new and existing customers can get the new OnePlus Nord N200 5G for free at both T-Mobile and Metro. http://dlvr.it/S1tZXc

As part of a broad set of updates rolling out to most Android users this summer, Google is enabling two major new features in its Messages app. The first is end-to-end encryption for one-on-one conversations between Messages users. This means that when two users are both using the updated Messages app on Android with chat features enabled, their conversations will be encrypted so that no one — not even Google or their cellular provider — can see the content of your messages. The feature does not currently work with group conversations, nor when either party is using a messaging app other than Google Messages. Users can confirm that their conversation is fully encrypted when they see a small padlock icon added to the send button. The other new feature coming to Messages is the ability to "star" important individual messages within conversations. Starred messages are then collected in a new Starred category so they're easy to find later. http://dlvr.it/S1sqwW

Dish Network is taking names and getting ready to kick some 5G ass as it works on building out its own 5G network. Consumers can leave their phone numbers and receive an SMS when service is available in their area. http://dlvr.it/S1pnfK

Buying the perfect gift for dad isn't always easy, but we're here to help. Here are our suggestions for the best Father's Day gift ideas. http://dlvr.it/S1pnbV

HMD Global, the company behind Nokia-branded phones, today announced a new set of offerings and partnerships designed to win over business customers. HMD already offers a leading three years of monthly security updates for most of its phones (including all new X- and G-series phones), an attractive feature for business customers. Now enterprise customers will be able to purchase a fourth year of security updates for certain models. HMD is also offering insurance plans and extended warranties, and new management solutions. HMD Enable Pro is the company's EMM (Enterprise Mobility Management) solution for managing devices, while HMD Connect Pro is their new solution for managing SIMs and roaming worldwide. Connect Pro is based on the WING platform from Nokia. HMD is also partnering with global IT consulting firm CGI for system integration for enterprise customers. http://dlvr.it/S1p2ff

Beats has finally launched its first fully in-ear true wireless earbuds: the Beats Studio Buds. These $150 Bluetooth earbuds feature active noise cancelling (ANC) as well as transparency mode to let you hear limited background noise. And even though Apple owns Beats, the Studio Buds are designed to be fully "native" compatible with both Android and Apple devices, including one-touch pairing on Android and a companion Android app. They're are also compatible with the Find My services of both iOS and Android. The buds are rated IPX4 for sweat- and water-resistance. Class 1 Bluetooth offers extended range. Beam-forming mics ensure clear voice calls free of wind and background noise. Each bud houses a proprietary 8.2mm, dual-element diaphragm driver, that's optimized for better ANC performance. The buds also support Spatial Audio / Dolby Atmos when used with Apple Music. Each bud connects directly to the source device, meaning either bud can be used by itself. The buds th...

Google's current wireless charging dock was released alongside the Pixel 3 in 2018 and the company finally appears to be working on a new version, just on time for the Pixel 6. http://dlvr.it/S1kbH0

Apple has released three new iPhone 12/iPhone 12 Pro silicone cases in new summertime hues such as Cloud Blue, Electric Orange, and the very bright Sunflower option. http://dlvr.it/S1kDQB

As California reopens Tuesday, Apple is no longer requiring its vaccinated workers to wear a mask inside the office or inside U.S. Apple Stores. Store employees will not be allowed to ask customers for verification that they've been jabbed. http://dlvr.it/S1g0rn

An email that surfaced during the Epic vs. Apple trial revealed that Apple did manipulate App Store search results to give its own apps a higher placement than they deserved. http://dlvr.it/S1fh5S