Tech news

When Google first announced the Pixel 8 series, certain AI-powered features were limited to the Pixel 8 Pro, even though both the 8 and 8 Pro are powered by the same Tensor G3 chip. This seemingly arbitrary limitation created some backlash. Google has now changed its mind and will bring those AI-powered features to the cheaper Pixel 8 after all with a software update. The reversal calls into question Google's original excuse of "hardware limitations". The new features coming to the Pixel 8 include summaries of speech recordings and "smart replies" in Google's on-screen keyboard software. http://dlvr.it/T4lgMY

It now appears that Google will unveil three new Pixel 9 models this year including the 6.8-inch Pixel 9 Pro XL. http://dlvr.it/T4klP2

Google says that it has fixed the "scrolling stutter" on Pixel devices although the fix might not appear until Android 15 is released. http://dlvr.it/T4k6SX

Is it Apple's fault that it dominates the smartwatch and Wireless ear buds markets? Or are consumers just buying what they want? http://dlvr.it/T4jtsm

Xfinity Mobile has completely revamped its Unlimited plans, with the replacement plans both offering more and costing less. Two plans replace three. The new base-level plan is simply called "Unlimited" and runs $40/month for one line or as little as $25/line/month for multiple lines. It includes 30 GB of "Premium" 5G data each month and free roaming in Mexico & Canada. It replaces the old "Unlimited Intro" plan, which included neither of those features, and was typically $5/month more expensive (depending on number of lines). The new "Unlimited Plus" plan replaces both the old "Unlimited Plus" and "Unlimited Premium". It offers everything that the top-end Unlimited Premium plan offered, for less than the old mid-range Unlimited Plus. This new Unlimited Plus includes 50 GB of "Premium" 5G data, 15 GB of full-speed mobile hotspot, HD video, and free roaming in Mexico & Canada. It costs an additional $10/line/mo

Visible is enhancing its premium Visible+ plan while keeping the price the same at $45/month. The plan will now include faster mobile hotspot, free smartwatch connectivity, and two international roaming improvements. Unlimited full-speed data in Canada and Mexico is being bumped up from 0.5 to 2 GB per day. For 140 other countries, a "Global Pass" is now available for a flat $10/day that includes unlimited talk and text, and 2GB of high speed data. One free day per month is included with Visible+. Domestic mobile hotspot service is also being doubled in speed from 5 to 10 Mbps. Visible uses the Verizon network. Its plan prices includes all taxes and fees. http://dlvr.it/T4hy2G

Despite predictions calling for Apple to release new iPads on March 26th, the day came and went without any new tablets from Apple. http://dlvr.it/T4h1zP

The feature-rich Galaxy Watch 5 Pro is majorly discounted on Walmart. http://dlvr.it/T4gNfG

Google and Apple both have big annual developer events coming up in the next few months. As usual, each will kick off with a major livestreamed keynote. Major new software is typically revealed at these events, including for smartphones. First up is Google I/O, which kicks off on May 14th at 10am Pacific. Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) follows on June 10th. http://dlvr.it/T4g9gw

Google Messages testing a warning about losing features when logging out or switching accounts http://dlvr.it/T4fxsz

Instead of charging $930, Verizon is now ready to give you the 6.7-inch Apple iPhone 15 Plus for free with a new line of service and monthly bill credits but no trade-in required. http://dlvr.it/T4fH20

The speaker packs awesome sound and is a real value for money http://dlvr.it/T4dNPt

Digital kiosks located in 18 states are being accused of collecting data from smartphones that are near these seven-foot-tall machines. http://dlvr.it/T4cljj

Say goodbye to the Pixel 6a as Google stops selling it in its official store http://dlvr.it/T4cXT8

T-Mobile has an affordable limited-time offer for business owners who need a secondary internet connection. http://dlvr.it/T4cHmp

The phone has great performance and is a real bargain http://dlvr.it/T4bcvY

Apple releases a new iPhone 15 ad starring the Face ID facial recognition system. http://dlvr.it/T4ZNgR

Haitong analyst Jeff Pu tells clients that the 3nm A18 Pro SoC will allow on-device AI for the iPhone 16 Pro series. http://dlvr.it/T4Z7F6

World's okayest deal on the flawless Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is here but expires soon http://dlvr.it/T4Yx3z

Android 15 may bring hybrid taskbar to Pixel Tablet and Pixel Fold http://dlvr.it/T4Ykhn

T-Mobile quietly increased the data allotments on two Connect plans, thus making them even more appealing to customers. http://dlvr.it/T4YDMm

iPadOS 17.4.1, released last week, exterminates a bug that prevented some iPads from scanning QR codes. http://dlvr.it/T4XLz6

Privacy experts are concerned after federal investigators demanded information from Google about the viewers of certain videos. http://dlvr.it/T4X7qW

Waze removes a popular reporting option from the app since it is covered by another choice. http://dlvr.it/T4WxVs

WhatsApp working on implementing AI-powered image editing tools http://dlvr.it/T4Wkdx

Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile is available now to download for free to play on iOS and Android. http://dlvr.it/T4WBsy

T-Mobile customers who bought the OnePlus 9/9 Pro or the OnePlus 8T are finally getting the long-awaited Android 14 update. http://dlvr.it/T4VFHN

Google's superintelligent Pixel 7 Pro hits a new Amazon low. http://dlvr.it/T4V13n

Samsung says the Galaxy S24 Ultra's S Pen smells charred because of the heat from the phone's internal components. http://dlvr.it/T4Tp2T

Google has removed the Search bar from the top of the Play Store's Games and Apps tabs. http://dlvr.it/T4TYCF

When the Material You revamp of the Fitbit app dropped last September, most pages got a modern facelift—though not all. Now, we're getting a sneak peek at a revamped Fitbit Sleep stats page. http://dlvr.it/T4SqmB

The watch packs amazing durability and is a real bargain at its current price. http://dlvr.it/T4RWmP

In its lawsuit against Apple, the DOJ makes some ridiculous claims such as the one that accuses Apple for the failure of the Fire Phone. http://dlvr.it/T4RFSn

Apple fears that US lawsuit aims to make iPhone more like Android. http://dlvr.it/T4R1nk

Threads begins official test of swipe gestures to "like" posts http://dlvr.it/T4QmqZ

Qualcomm today announced the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 mobile platform, a chipset for high-end phones that are just below "flagship" class. This new chip sits just above the existing Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 in the lineup, and right below the just-announced Snapdragon 8s Gen 3. It brings a long list of improvements compared to last year's Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 that it replaces. Among these are many firsts for the 7 series, such as on-device generative AI, dual NPU with INT4 precision for always-on AI sensing, a low-power ISP for Always-On Camera, cognitive triple 18-bit ISP, UFS 4.0 storage, support for up to 24 GB of RAM at up to 4,200 MHz, Wi-Fi 7 with HBS, Bluetooth 5.4 with dual antennas, and Frame Motion Engine 2.0 for double-frame-rate gaming. It also has 15% improved CPU and 45% improved GPU performance. It has an Arm Cortex-X4 prime core running at up to 2.8 GHz, 4 performance cores, and 3 efficiency cores. It uses a Snapdragon X63 modem (like the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3) and FastCo

Tough day for Apple as tech rivals join Epic to protest how Apple complied with a judge's ruling; rumor calls for DOJ to sue Apple tomorrow. http://dlvr.it/T4NBW3

Tough day for Apple as tech rivals join Epic to protest how Apple complied with a judge's ruling; rumor calls for DOJ to sue Apple tomorrow. http://dlvr.it/T4NBK8

Ready to elevate your music experience? Say hello to the Sony SRS-XE300 X-Series speaker, now available at an incredible 31% discount on Amazon. http://dlvr.it/T4MwSV

I think this deal is worth checking out even if you’re not in the market for a new slate: it’s about the Galaxy Tab S9 FE+, a fan-favorite device that’s not to be missed, and the neat part is that this right here is its lowest price ever at Amazon. http://dlvr.it/T4MbBj

There are no more bezels to eat into. http://dlvr.it/T4M9BR

The Pixel 8a could become a threat for the Pixel 8. http://dlvr.it/T4KBkQ

Samsung could release the Fold 6 and Flip 6 earlier than expected to sustain the momentum created by the Galaxy S24's success. http://dlvr.it/T4KB0Z

Public transit directions now rolling out widely on Wear OS http://dlvr.it/T4K9Lt

Xiaomi had a strong fourth-quarter with smartphone sales up 23% compared to the same quarter in 2022. http://dlvr.it/T4JsMN

You probably don't have a lot of time to buy the stainless steel kickstand-including Lenovo Yoga Tab 11 at a price of $189.99 instead of $319.99 before the company inevitably runs out of stock... for good. http://dlvr.it/T4JTd7

The Pixel 8a stops by FCC, hinting at imminent launch. http://dlvr.it/T4GQ7r

YouTube tackles AI-generated content with new transparency rules http://dlvr.it/T4GPr1

A report from Asia says Apple will release the new iPad Pro (2024) series and iPad Air (2024) line on March 26th. http://dlvr.it/T4GPg8

Google Wallet is rolling out support for Apple Wallet pass files http://dlvr.it/T4G5DK