Users would like to find apps quickly, and so do developer who’d want their apps or games easily found. However, it can be a daunting task for developers to get their application discovered among millions of apps on the Play Store. Now, in an attempt to boost their app’s ranking in search, Google will allow PlayStore developers to tag their applications with keywords to help discovery.
According to a report by 9to5Google, the ability to add tags on the Play Store arrived a few weeks ago. The feature gives Play Store the ability to compare a particular app with others and then decide where to place it.
Developers can choose up to 5 tags out of Google’s predetermined list of 150 tags, which can be found at the top of the tags section. Besides, developers can only change tags if they make noticeable changes to the app’s content or functionality.
For instance, a multiplayer racing game with classic cars is likely to have the tags Racing or Car Racing because that’s what the game is all about. Hence, the game should not have tags like Dirt Racing or Truck Racing because these tags do not reflect what the game’s true genre.
To access Tags, just bring up the Google Play console, then select Store Presence> Store Listing> Categorization> Manage Tags.
The ability to add tags with keywords will definitely improve application discoverability for developers. That said, we hope developers do not abuse the new system in an attempt to boost their app’s ranking on the Play Store.
Samsung has officially announced the Galaxy Note 10 range during its Unpacked event which was streamed live on YouTube. As expected, Samsung has launched two variants of the handset called the Galaxy Note 10 and Galaxy Note 10+. This makes it the first time that any Galaxy Note model is offered in two screen sizes. The new Galaxy Note 10 series is a fusion of modern design with edge-to-edge displays, high-end innards and top-end productivity tools.
“From the very beginning, the Galaxy Note has stood for the best-of-the-best technologies and features. The Galaxy Note10 re-imagines this promise for the modern Note fan who uses their smartphone to take their productivity and creativity to the next level, and who effortlessly flows between ideas and endeavors at a moment’s notice,” said DJ Koh, President and CEO of IT & Mobile Communications Division, Samsung Electronics.
One of the highlights of the new Galaxy Note rage is the new edge to edge Cinematic Infinity AMOLED display which supports HDR10+ and Dynamic Tone Mapping. Besides, it comes with an upgraded Bluetooth low-energy enabled S Pen which supports gestures. The standard Galaxy Note 10 comes with a 6.3-inch display, while the Note 10+ gets a 6.8-inch screen.
The new Galaxy Note 10 series also supports Samsung DeX for PC and Mac which transforms your smartphone into a full-fledged Android PC. Both handsets run the latest Android 9.0 (Pie) OS right out-of-the-gates.
In the photography department, both Galaxy Note 10 models come with a 10MP front-facing camera. On the back, both feature a 16MP ultra-wide lens, a 12MP wide-angle cam, and 12MP telephoto shooter. However, the top-end Galaxy Note 10+ also comes with a ‘DepthVision’ sensor on the back. It allows users to take 3D scans of objects which can be turned into animated GIFs. Users can even send the scan to a 3D printer to make copies of it.
Under the hood, the Note 10 and Note 10+ get powered by a 7nm 64-bit octa-core processor. However, the speed and model may vary based on the market. For instance, Note 10 models in the US are likely to come with Exynos processors, while markets in Asia will get the Snapdragon chipset.
Elsewhere, 12GB of RAM comes as standard in the Galaxy Note 10+. However, buyers get to choose between 256GB or 512GB of built-in storage. The standard Galaxy Note 10 will come with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of onboard storage. However, the 5G version of the Galaxy Note 10 will come with 12GB of RAM. Yes, both Galaxy Note 10 and Note 10+ will also come in 5G variants.
As expected, the Galaxy Note 10+ gets fuelled by a larger 4300mAh battery compared to the 3500mAh battery found on the Galaxy Note 10. Both Note 10 models also come with super-fast charging capabilities. Samsung claims it allows users to charge the devices in only 30 minutes using the 45W wired charging adapters. Besides, users can also wirelessly charge them with any Qi-enabled wireless charger.
The Galaxy Note10 and Note10+ come in a choice of three different color options. These include Aura Glow, Aura White, and Aura Black. The Galaxy Note 10 will be available for purchase starting August 23rd.
LG has shown off a new video teaser for a multi-screen smartphone slated for an unveiling during IFA berlin next month. The teaser reveals a smartphone that can not only fold out to double its display, but also has a translucent display or what may be called as a tertiary display.
While LG has already indicated that it has no plans to launch a foldable smartphone with a flexible OLED panel like the Galaxy Fold or Huawei Mate X. But that doesn’t imply it isn’t interested in the idea of a phone with at least a secondary display.
For instance, the LG V50 5G has a secondary display though it’s not as large as the main display. That said, that could all change with its next dual display smartphone.
The company just teased a new video for a smartphone set to be unveiled at IFA Berlin next month. It appears to be a smartphone that adopts the same approach as the LG V50, with a dual-screen accessory case or something on the lines of ZTE Axom M. That said, we won’t rule out the possibility that we might see something entirely different from LG.
If we look at the video teaser closely, LG could be working on smartphone that has a transparent or translucent OLED screen that folds out and then can be used as a secondary display. In the teaser video, there appears to be a transparent display layered over the primary display which folds out before it’s activated.
We can expect more details about LG’s upcoming multi-screen phone before its official unveiling on September 6 in Berlin. We’ll update you as soon as we hear anything new. Until then, keep checking back for more.
A new Fitbit Versa with Amazon Alexa integration has been spotted on the web. The leak comes via credible tipster Evan Blass aka @evleaks, who has a good track record when it comes to leaks about upcoming products long befoe their official release.
A new Fitbit Versa model to be in the works isn’t surprising at all, considering the popularity of the original Fitbit Versa. Going by the image posted in the leak, the new Fitbit Versa will come with Amazon Alexa integration, which could certainly turn out to be an attractive feature for buyers.
Besides, the upcoming Versa will also get a microphone, giving it the ability to take voice calls. Besides, it might also get a new AMOLED display that should help Fitbit compete better with other smartwatches. Also, this would be a massive upgrade from the LCD display on the original Versa that should seamlessly blend with the surrounding lack bezels.
Besides, there’s also a curved, 2.5D glass cover and updated case design that would make it look much like the Apple Watch. However, the bezels still appear to be much bigger than Apple’s smartwatch. There’s also just a single button on the new Versa, instead of three found on the old model.
Elsewhere, the leaked image suggests there are no buttons on the right edge, just like the Versa Lite. Besides, the backplate appears to have the same sensors. All in all, the leak suggests the Versa 2 might have a lot in common with earlier iterations of the smartwatch.
That said, Fitbit is yet to annnounce officialy aabout its plans on the next Versa smartwatch. Even though the information does come from a reliable source, we have to take this leak with pinch of salt until Fitbit acknowledges its working on a new smartwatch.
Apple is widely expected to announce three new iPhones in September. These include the iPhone XI, iPhone XI Max, and iPhone XR. The closer we near the official release, the more information emerges about the new features that cloud arrive with the iPhone 11. Now, analysts at Citi Research predict that Apple Pencil support might finally arrrive on the next iPhone.
That said, this isn’t the first time we’ve heard rumors of Apple expanding stylus support for iPhones as well. There were rumours last year that the iPhone XS and XS Max might be the first smartphones by Apple to support the Pencil. Since the debut of original Apple Pencil, the stylus is only offered on iPads. Besides, Apple later expanded suport for Apple Pencil to its entire iPad lineup. Analysts at Citi Research now suggest that Apple feels it’s finally time to bring the Apple Pencil support to the iPhone.
With 5G not debuting this year, and no new display technology or design upgrades being added to the 2019 iPhone lineup, Apple needs a standout feature for the iPhone 11. By bringing Apple Pencil support to the iPhone 11, Apple fans could get a key reason to upgrade to the new iPhone 11.
The upcoming iPhones are expected to get similar screens as the current iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR, though with larger batteries. The iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Max are expected to pack three rear cameras. The selfie camera is expected to be upgraded to a 10-megapixel sensor, while the rear ones are expected to have 14-megapixel sensors. Meanwhile, the iPhone XIR is expected to boast dual-rear cameras, as opposed to a single-lens primary camera found on the current iPhone XR.
Analysts at Citi also predict Apple’s pricing structure will remain largely unchanged this year, with the iPhone XI to retain the $999 price tag as the current iPhone XS. Key sources also indicate that Apple’s 2019 iPhone-lineup will be the last generation to include an LCD model, as Apple plans to switch to OLED screens entirely from 2020 onwards.
We finally might have some concrete details about the next generation Galaxy S11. According to credible tipster @IceUniverse, one of the Galaxy S11 models is codenamed Picasso, just like the Galaxy S10, which was codenamed Beyond before its official release.
Besides, the latest leak claims that the Galaxy S11 will have significant camera upgrades over the current model. That said, no specifics were provided about the camera improvements we can expect with the next-generation Galaxy flagship. For now, we can say it might use the same camera configuration that’ll featrure on the forthcoming Galaxy Note 10, which is expected to get a quad-camera setup including a ToF sensor.
Elsewhere, the Galaxy S11 could also see its front camera cutout repositioned or redesigned. Samsung could further refine the camera cutout by making it even smaller than the one found on the Galaxy S10, or for that matter on the upcoming Note phablet. The Galaxy Note 10 slated for a release in August will have its camera cutout in the center of the screen, as opposed to the top right corner found on the Galaxy S10.
Finally, the leak indicates that the Galaxy S11 will run Android Q out-of-the- box with Samsung’s One UI 2.x atop. Google is expected to release the next version of its Android operating system this summer, therefore, by the time the Galaxy S11 releases, the search engine giant would be ready to push it to flagships from other manufacturers as well.
Samsung is excpected to launch the Galaxy S11 in early 2020, while its global unveiling is likely to take place in February.
In other related news, Samsung has finally confirmed the launch date of the Galaxy Fold. The handset was originally slated for a release in April. However, the launch was pushed back due to screen issues found by earlly reviewers of the device.
Samsung is now beleived to have resolved such issues that delayed the handset’s launch by four months. The Korean giant has announced that the handset will go on sale in September, just a few weeks after it launches the Galaxy Note 10. Samsung also confirmed that only select markets will get it first, though other specifics haven’t been provided.
The Apple Card is expected to launch in the first half of August. According to a new report by Bloomberg, the first customers are likely to receive the card in the next few weeks, which falls in line with Apple’s original release window for the summer.
To recall, the Apple Card was announced back in March. The whole idea with Apple Card is to make traditional paymnets more convenient for users. It’ll be available via the Wallet app on the iPhone and will need iOS 12.4. The key attributes of the Apple Card will be its easy-to-understand spending, no fees and lower interest rates, along with privacy and cash returns.
The iPhone-maker has joined hands with MasterCard and Goldman Sachs to launch the Apple Card. It’ll offer users a slew of benefits such as 2 percent cashhback on Apple Pay transactions and 3 percent cashback on Apple purchases. Besides, Apple Card users won’t have to pay any extra fee, so there’ll be no annual, late, or international or over-the-limit fee.
“We are excited to be the global payments network for Apple Card, providing customers with fast and secure transactions around the world,” said Ajay Banga, president and CEO of Mastercard.
The titanium Apple Card is specifically designed keeping in mind user privacy. Hence, it has no card number, CVV security code, expiration date, or signature on it. The only it has is your name embossed on it.
“Apple Card transforms the entire credit card experience by simplifying the application process, eliminating fees, encouraging customers to pay less interest and providing a new level of privacy and security,” said Apple.
Samsung has officially confirmed its plans to launch the Galaxy Note 10 at an event on August 8. We already have a fairly good idea about the upcoming flagship thanks to numerous leaks in the past.
Now, just a few weeks before its official unveiling, the upcoming flagship was leaked on Indian ecommerce website Flipkart. Besides, the site also confirms what we already know about the device, based on past leaks and rumors. Addtionally, the latest leak also reveals some key info that was previously unknown.
To begin with, the leak suggests we’ll have two variants of the Galaxy Note 10. One of them featuring a 6.3-inch Full HD+ display and a plus-sized model having a 6.8-inch display. The former will get fueled by a 3500mAh battery while the 6.8-inch model will pack a 4300mAh battery. Both variants will come bundled with a 25W charger, however, the top-end model is said to have support for a 45W charger as well. Customers will have to buy the standalone 45W charger as it won’t come bundled with the handset.
Besides, leaks suggest Samsung has removed the Bixby button as well as the headphone jack. Physical keys are still there though, contrary speculations. Past reports also indicate that the fingerprint sensor will be integrated into the screen, just like the Galaxy S10.
The Galaxy Note will be offered in a choice of 128GB and 256GB storage variants. Under the hood, it’ll get powered by the latest Snapdragon 855 processor. Elsewhere, the S Pen will also get significant upgrades. Reports indicate it’ll have support for gesture control which gives users the ability to scroll through the gallery without having to touch it.
Talking about cameras, the leak suggests the front-facing cameras will have support for Night Mode. This would essentially allow users to take better selfies in low-light conditions. Besides, the rear camera is said to come with integrated Live Focus and audio zoom capability. The audio zoom feature found on a few of LG phones allows users to enhance audio on a point of focus in a video.
The Galaxy Note 10 is slated for a global launch at an event in New York on August 7. Users can watch the Galaxy Note 10 launch event livestream via Samsung’s official website. The event kicks-off at 4PM EST on August 7.
A serious iPhone text bomb has now been discovered which can only be fixed with a full device wipe. Google’s Project Zero found this critical bug, who’ve also reported about other major issues of products from different companies.
Google found the bug in April this year. However, as per the group’s policy, a public disclosure is only allowed if Apple fixes the bug or after 90 days since informing them of the vulnerability. As expected, Apple rolled out a fix for the same in iOS 12.3. Hence, all details about this issue are now disclosed to the public, such as steps to reproduce the bug.
Google’s Project Zero team found that sending a malformed iMesage to a Mac or an iPhone causes several issues on these devices. For instance, a malicoius message receieved on the Mac can crash the soagent, however, users can recover by relaunching the service.
Bug causes Springboard to crash on an iPhone
Things, however, go up a notch on the iPhone as the bug causes the Springboard to crash and then fails to reload. Even rebooting doesn’t help in this case, as the bug reappears after unlocking the iPhone.
Google explained the only way to rectify the issue is to wipe the device completely with Find my iPhone, put it in recovery mode and update via iTunes. However, in case of a device where iMessage is disabled, it will not be affected.
As already mentioned, Apple shipped a fix for this issue in iOS 12.3. Hence, all users are advised to update their iPhones or iPads as soon as possible to ensure they are safe. Also, users are recommended to activate the automatic software update in iOS 12 in order to be not impacted by such issues. Tu tuen on automatic update in iOS 12, Just head over to Settings, then navigate to the General Section, and select the software update option.
Apple reportedly plans to shift to a new keyboard design for future MacBook models. Key sources indicate that Apple plans to ditch the current buttefly mechanism design in the future that is used in current MacBooks. Instead, next-gen MacBook models will use scissor switch style keyboards. Notably, scissor style keyboards is what Apple used before employing the butterfly mechanism in 2015. Now, this seemingly appears that Apple is taking a step backwards if it indeed decides to use scissor sytle keyboards in future MacBooks.
With that being said, butterfly keyboards are known for all the wrong reasons despite their slim and durable build. MacBook users have consistently reported of dropped keystrokes with butterfly switch based keyboards.
The reason being that butterfly keyboards have a tendency to let debris accumulate under the keys which essentially affects normal functioning. With external debris under the keyboard, it usually led to individual keypresses going unregsitered or cases of multiple keypresses. Besides, it also led to overheating issues with MacBook keyboards.
Apple tried to rectify this issue by redesigning the keyboard with added silicon layers around the keys. However, to no avail as it could barely prevent external debris entering the insides of the keyboard. The company also announced an extensive repair program because of this issue, which applied to all MacBook models manufactured in 2015 and later. Sadly, all these efforts did little to negate such keyboard issues.
Now, it appears Apple could finally ditch butterfly mechanism and employ scissor-switch style keyboards for MacBook models to be released in 2020 and later. The switch to new keyboard design could improve the typing experience with longer key travel.
Apple is expected to announce its 2019 iPhone-lineup in September. And just like last year, the Cupertino giant is said to announce three iPhone models this year as well. These will be direct successors to the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR. That said, a new report has emerged which indicates that Apple could add a cheaper iPhone model to the lineup.
However, this particular affordable model will lack features such as FaceID, given that facial recognition is one of the more expensive parts of a handset. Instead, this model could mark the return of Touch ID with a fingerprint sensor. That said, the cited source also suggests that Apple is working on two options for the Touch ID. One of them being the addition of TouchID on the back of iPhone, just like you’d find on Android devices. The other being placing the fingerprint reader under the screen.
Cheap iPhone Only for China
The report further adds that this more affordable iPhone model would be specifically aimed at the Chinese market. Now, this essentially means that this particular model with TouchID and no FaceID won’t be available anywhere else.
The reason being that Apple wants to handle the increasing popularity of cheaper handsets in China to compete against likes of Huawei, Xiaomi, and more. In markets like China and India, cheap Android alternatives keep popping up every day featuring bezel-less screens, more RAM and storage, and cameras with multiple lenses. Hence, in order to tackle the popularity of cheap Android alternatives, Apple needs to develop budget iPhone models for these markets.
That said, we’d take this infirmation with a pinch of salt as Apple has traditionally never compromised on features to bolster iPhone popularity and demand. Only time will tell whether this report turns out to be accurate.
As per earlier reports, Apple is widely expected to introduce three iPhone models this year as well. These are said to be the iPhone XI, iPhone XI Max, and iPhone XIR. Key sources also indicate that Apple’s 2019 iPhone-lineup will be the last generation to include an LCD model, as Apple plans to switch to OLED screens entirely from 2020 onwards.
Samsung has finally confirmed that it’ll launch the upcoming Galaxy Note 10 on August 7. The unveiling will be held at Samsung’s usual Unpacked Event in New York city, at 4PM EST. Rumor has it that we might see two different variants of the device at the launch event, one of which could be called the Galaxy Note 10 Pro or Galaxy Note 10+.
While Samsung has been rather tipped about the changes coming to the upcoming Note 10. That said, the Korean giant did hint at an improved camera performance and S Pen capabilties.
As already mentioned, Samsung is expected to unveil two models of the handset. One of them with a 6.3-inch display, while the other model could get a 6.75-inch display. The latter will be the top-end model, which is expected to come with higher specifications than its smalller sibling. Past leaks have indicated it could pack a whopping 12GB of RAM.
With that being said, we might also witness the end of the classic 3.5mm jack with the Galaxy Note 10 series. Word is that Samsung is expected to use wireless headphones or USB Type-C capabilities with its next-gen model. Besides, Samsung might remove the Bixby button as well.
Past reports also indicate that the fingerprint sensor will be integrated into the screen, just like the Galaxy S10. However, the punch-hole selfie camera has been relocated in the center instead of the top-right corner found on the Galaxy S10.
You can watch the Galaxy Note 10 launch event livestream via Samsung’s official website. The event kicks off at 4PM EST on August 7.
More information about the Galaxy Note 10 is likely to surface as we near its official release. We’ll update you as soon as we hear anything new. Until then, keep checking back for more.
Sir Jonathan Ive aka Jony Ive, the brainchid behind many of Apple’s iconic products is leaving the company after nearly 30 years. Ive stated that his next move would be to spend time with his own compnay which is called LoveFrom. He also added that he’ll continue to be fully associated with Apple, as the Cupertino-based giant will be one of the primary clients of his new company in the future. Ive was involved in creating some of the most iconic Apple products. Those include the likes of the iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watc, Mac devices, and so on.
“After nearly 30 years and countless projects, I am most proud of the lasting work we have done to create a design team, process and culture at Apple that is without peer. Today it is stronger, more vibrant and more talented than at any point in Apple’s history. The team will certainly thrive under the excellent leadership of Evans, Alan and Jeff, who have been among my closest collaborators. I have the utmost confidence in my designer colleagues at Apple, who remain my closest friends, and I look forward to working with them for many years to come,” Ive said.
Ive’s departure from Apple has certainly shocked the entire tech inddustry. Some even suggest he had been instrumental in shaping what Apple is today as the late Steve Jobs. Apart from designing Apple products, Ive was also credited for the company’s new Apple Park campus, also referred to as the spaceship campus given its futurustic look and feel.
Besides, Ive was also known to have played an instrumental role in iOS 7, which was by far Apple’s biggest overahaul to its mobile operating system. Similarly, Ivy was also known to play a crucual role in the design and development of macOS.
“Apple will continue to benefit from Jony’s talents by working directly with him on exclusive projects, and through the ongoing work of the brilliant and passionate design team he has built. After so many years working closely together, I’m happy that our relationship continues to evolve and I look forward to working with Jony long into the future,” Apple CEO Tim Cook said in a press release.
Filling in the shoes of Jony Ive will be the likes of Jeff Williams. Alan Dye, and Evans Hankey. Evans is the VP of industrial design and Alan is the VP of human interface at Apple. Both of them will likely be reporting to Jeff Williams.
Sony has already confirmed that its latest Xperia 1 flagship is slated for a release in the US on July 12. That said, the company recently announced that preorders for the smartphone begin Friday, June 28. The Japanese tech giant also confirmed that those who pre-order the Xperia 1 would get Sony’s 1000X M3 wireless noise-cancelling headphones for free, which carry a standalone price tag of nearly $350.
If you’re planning to buy Sony’s latest flagship, this should make for a rather good deal given the fact that the Xperia 1 is priced at $949 in the US. However, the pre-order deal ends on July 12th, the day when Xperia 1 will be officially released.
The Xperia 1 features a super tall 6.5-inch, 21:9 4K HDR OLED display, which Sony brags as a first for any smartphone. Under the hood, the smartphone gets powered by the latest Snapdragon 855 processor bundled with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. Elsewhere, the Xperia 1 boasts triple rear cameras , Dolby Atmos sound, and ‘game enahncer’ mode that disables notifications and other distractions during gaming.
The Xperia 1 will be available on AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon. Interested buyers can take advantage of this pre-order deal via Best Buy, Amazon, B&H Photo, along with several other outlets.
Key sources indicate that all Google Home products might be renamed to the Nest brand. According to a listing spotted on Google Store, the Connected Home Accessories section for old swappable bases for Google Home is showing as Nest Home bases.
The official product page still mentions them as ‘Base for Google Home’, however, the disocunt listing had renamed it to ‘Nest Home Base’.
That said, after multiple reports about the new name change were published, Google has apparently removed all references to ‘Nest Home’ today. Now, this essentially implies that the rebranding was wasn’t ready to go live.
To recall, Google did confirm during I/O 2019 that all its smart-home products in the future would be rebranded to Google Nest. The first product under the new brand name is the Nest Hub Max, while Google Home Hub was immediately rebranded as Nest Hub. The Google Nest branding has already started rolling out to multiple already-available smart home products in the company’s portfolio. These include the classic Nest Thermostat, security cams, as well as Hello Video Doorbell.
For now, it appears Google hasn’t rebranded any smart speakers with the new brand name. That said, it could all change in the near future. Google VP Rishi Chandra has already confirmed that the Nest rebrand will eventually come to Google Home speakers. That said, it appears the rebranding isn’t happening right away, and would likely apply to next-generation products, instead of current ones.
