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Category: News

  • New Lamborghini hybrid supercar possibly incoming

    New Lamborghini hybrid supercar possibly incoming

    A new Lamborghini hybrid supercar is possibly on its way. The Italian super carmaker just teased an image of it’s upcoming offering on Instagram. The teaser shows a shadowy photo of the car’s front end with Y-shaped LED running lights and a glowing Lamborghini logo. Key sources indicate it’ll be the Lamborghini’s first hybrid production car. The company plans to unveil the car during the Frankfurt International Motor show, which kicks-off on September 14.

    Reports also note that the car gets inspired by the ‘Terzo Mellenio’ concept introduced in 2017. One can clearly notice the distinctive Y-shaped running lights on the car’s front end. Though just like a lot of concepts, the Terzo Millenio was never released. That said, the new teaser suggests that the concept may finally, become a reality.

    Besides, sources also indicate Lamborghini plans to produce limited quantities of this car, reportedly known as LB48H. The company is expected to churn out only 63 units of the vehicle a nod to1963, the year Lamborghini was founded.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B1eQe7Iorw-/?utm_source=ig_embed

    The LB48H is a hybrid supercar inspired by the ‘Terzo Millenio’ concept, though with a few tweaks. While the Y-shaped LED running lights reminds us of Terzo Milenio, but on closer look, we can see that the roof and front bumper look much like the Aventador. Under the hood, the car is expected to get powered by a hybrid V12 setup.

    As far as pricing goes, rumor has it that the LB48H, or whatever it may be called could set one back by $3 million. There’s still a lot to know as to what Lamborghini has in store for this one. That said, with the 2019 Frankfurt International Motor Show set to begin on September 14, we won’t have to wait too long to find out.

  • Android Q renamed Android 10, Google ditches dessert names

    Android Q renamed Android 10, Google ditches dessert names

    Until now, Google has named its Android operating system after treats or desserts in alphabetical order. After their alpha and beta versions, the company released Android Cupcake, Donut, Eclair, Froyo, Gingerbread, Honeycomb, Ice Cream Sandwich, Jellybean, KitKat, Lollipop, Marshmallow, Nougat, Oreo, and Pie.

    That said, that’ll change with the forthcoming release of Android. As after nearly ten years, Google has decided to ditched dessert-themed names for its Android operating system. The company’s next version, earlier known as Android Q, has been renamed Android 10. The move comes as Google believes that switching from dessert names to numbers won’t be confusing for global users, as numbers as easier to understand and remember.

    “We are changing the way we name our releases. Our engineering team has always used internal code names for each version, based on tasty treats, or desserts, in alphabetical order. This naming tradition has become a fun part of the release each year externally, too. But we’ve heard feedback over the years that the names weren’t always understood by everyone in the global community.” said Google in a blog post.

    The company also added that the change comes after feedback over several years. According to Google, some alphabets such as L and R aren’t easily distinguishable when spoken aloud in certain languages.

    “As a global operating system, it’s important that these names are clear and relatable for everyone in the world,” further added Google.

    Apart from the name, the Android logo also got a slight refresh. The green Android mascot now only shows the head instead of the full body. Besides, the Android name, which was earlier in green, is now in black. It’s only a slight tweak, and still, very much easily recognizable, something users might not even notice.

    Currently, in beta, Google is expected to release Android 10 in Q3 2019, most probably by the end of August.

  • Dell XPS 13 announced with Intel’s Comet Lake 10th Gen CPUs

    Dell XPS 13 announced with Intel’s Comet Lake 10th Gen CPUs

    Ahead of IFA 2019, Dell has refreshed its XPS 13 lineup with the latest Intel Comet Lake 10th Gen processors. The base model featuring the Intel Core i3-10110U processor gets a price tag of $899. Besides, Dell plans to ship the top-end model with the hexacore Intel Core i7-10710U chipset in October.

    Dell also announced that the XPS 13 2-in-1 is now available for purchase. It becomes the first laptop to get Project Athena certification, with 9 hours of battery life thanks to the 10th generation of Intel Core mobile processors for laptops and 2-in-1 devices.

    Besides, Dell’s Inspiron and Vostro range will also soon start shipping with Intel’s 10th Gen CPUs. These include the likes of Inspiron 14 7000 and Inspiron 7000 13-inch 2-in-1 laptops, which begin shipping on October 1st starting at $929.99 and $849 respectively. Both devices will feature 10th Gen Comet Lake CPUs. The 2-in-1 will come in 13-inch, 15-inch, and 17-inch configurations, featuring DDR4 RAM and support for Nvidia GeForce MX250 graphics.

    Intel’s latest 10th gen Comet Lake processors come in i3, i5, and i7 configurations with up to 6 cores, promising 2x performance improvement with increased productivity and multitasking.

    “From multitasking to everyday content creation, the newest additions to the family-scale performance for even higher levels of productivity,” said Intel’s Chris Walker, Vice President and General Manager of Mobility Client Platforms in the Client Computing Group.

    The new 10th-generation Intel Core lineup also gets Intel Wi-Fi 6 (Gig+) wireless chipset with WPA3 security support for a secure and faster Internet connection. Besides, the new range also scales the performance of Thunderbolt 3 ports with capabilities of up to 40 Gb/s data transfers. They take advantage of the super optimized 14nm process technology to offer a gain of 16 percent overall performance and more than 41 percent better productivity and multitasking.

    Built using super optimized 14nm process technology, they deliver a 16 percent improvement in overall performance as well as over 41 percent improvements in productivity and multitasking.

  • Apple TV+ set for a November release at $9.99 a month

    Apple TV+ set for a November release at $9.99 a month

    Apple’s upcoming streaming service, Apple TV+, is all set for a release in November. Although Apple is yet to confirm any launch window or monthly tiers officially, key sources indicate that the company plans to launch its streaming service at $9.99 a month. Upon its release, the service will directly compete with the likes of Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, and more.

    Apple will likely offer a free trial period for subscribers, just like Apple Music, which had a free trial period of three months. Likewise, even Apple’s game subscription services offer a free trial, but only for a month.

    For now, sources indicate Apple will offer five shows when Apple TV Plus is officially released. These include ‘Truth Be Told’ featuring actress Octavia Spencer, ‘See’ starring Jason Momoa, and ‘The Morning Show’ featuring Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon. Besides, there’s also going to be a show called Amazing Stories by Steven Spielberg, along with a show called ‘Home’ that’ll showcase luxury and extravagant houses.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eA7D4_qU9jo

    That said, Apple will to need to acquire rights for many other shows, as the original content they have on offer isn’t enough.
    In comparison to what competitors have on offer, Apple’s streaming service pales in comparison.

    Well established names like Netflix and Disney have more to offer for the same basic monthly plan. The iPhone-maker is late to the party with its streaming service, and the only way to make a mark into the streaming world would be to offer viewers a plethora of choices. Now, this means investing a lot of money to make binge-worthy content. Financial Times reports that Apple plans to spend nearly $6 billion on shows and rights.

    That said, it is still far less than what the likes of Netflix and Disney are expected to invest. Netflix is reported to have a budget of $14 billion for new releases this year, while Disney is said to spend around $24 billion on new releases this year.

    As already mentioned, Apple’s new streaming service launches in November with tiers starting at $9.99 per month. It’ll be interesting to see how Apple TV+ will compete against the likes of Netflix and Disney, who offer a plethora of content for their viewers.

  • iOS 12.4 bug lets anyone jailbreak an iPhone

    iOS 12.4 bug lets anyone jailbreak an iPhone

    During the early days of the iPhone, jailbreaking was primarily done to install third-party apps that were not available via the App Store. Since then, there’s been no need to jailbreak iPhone thanks to the availability of thousands of apps and more customizable operating systems. That said, a new vulnerability was found this week in iOS 12.4, making it the first iOS jailbreak to be publicly revealed in years.

    First reported by Motherboard, the latest iOS 12.4 has a bug that Apple apparently fixed in iOS 12.3. Now, this essentially makes it possible to exploit the vulnerability to jailbreak iOS 12.4. Security researcher Pwn20wnd released the first free public version of the jailbreak that users are already using to customize the look of their Homescreen or to download unauthorized apps. That said, readers are advised not to do so, as jailbreaking makes your iPhone more susceptible to risks and hacks.

    Therefore, until Apple rolls out a fix for the same in iOS 12.4.1, many iPhones are at risk as the bug makes it easier to hack iPhones. A security researcher told Motherboard that hackers could exploit this vulnerability to develop a malicious app that could steal data from other apps on your iPhone. Given the security risks, readers are advised not to jailbreak their iPhones. Besides, they should also beware of the apps downloaded from the App Store until Apple rolls out a fix.

    Jailbreaking allows iOS users to add apps and other functions that Apple wouldn’t usually allow users to perform on their iPhones. iOS has rather strict limitations that are designed to protect users from malicious apps but also gives Apple more control over the ecosystem. Therefore, jailbreaking has an adverse effect on your iPhone’s security, but at the same time gives users more control over the phone.

  • Some MacBook Pro units pose a fire risk, now banned from US flights

    Some MacBook Pro units pose a fire risk, now banned from US flights

    Select MacBook Pro models are considered a fire threat and banned on flights in the United States. The US Federal Aviation Authority has stated that some MacBook Pro laptops pose a fire risk, and won’t be allowed on board any flights in the country. The aviation body added these MacBook units wouldn’t be allowed either as hand baggage in the cabin or the cargo.

    Apple had earlier confirmed that the batteries of MacBook Pro units sold between September 2015 and February 2017 tend to overheat, therefore, could pose a fire risk. The company issued a recall back in June for faulty MacBook Pro models which might have an issue with lithium-ion batteries. Apple, however, stated that only a small number of MacBook Pro units had flaws with the battery.

    Notably, the company hasn’t revealed an exact number of faulty MacBook units sold between the said period. That said, researchers estimate the number of affected units to be 460,000, out of which 26,000 were from Canada.

    The ban mainly applies to 15-inch Macbook models sold between September 2015 and February 2017. To find out whether your MacBook Pro is or isn’t a safety risk on flights, you’ll have to find out your serial number. Just go to the ‘About this Mac’ page found at the top-left corner of your Mac’s screen. Then head over to the link and type in your serial number in the search bar under ‘Eligibility.’ If your MacBook is eligible for a recall, go to your local Apple store and get a battery replacement for free.

    Apple reportedly received “26 reports of battery overheating, one report of smoke inhalation and five incidents of minor burns, along with 17 reports of minor damage to personal property in close vicinity.”

    The FAA is now working with major airlines in the US to enforce safety guidelines for affected MacBook Pro units by ensuring that passengers don’t take them on flights.

  • Google Pixel owners can claim up to $500 over defective mic

    Google Pixel owners can claim up to $500 over defective mic

    Google finally settled a class-action lawsuit for regarding defective mic found in first-gen Pixel phones. A lawsuit filed against Google alleged that the company chose to ignore the problem. Following the class action lawsuit, Google decided to settle the defective Pixel lawsuit for $7.25 million. Google denied allegations that it chose to ignore the problem, but still agreed to pay over $7 million to settle the lawsuit. Now, owners of defective first-gen Pixel handsets can file a claim via the new Pixel settlement website.

    Owners can get up to $500 if they purchased multiple defective Pixel devices. Besides, everyone that bought the first-gen Pixel before the cut off date can claim $20, even if the device has no defects.

    The company has also detailed four payment tiers for customers:

    “FIRST, MONEY WILL BE SET ASIDE TO PAY UP TO $20 TO EACH PERSON WHO DID NOT EXPERIENCE THE ALLEGED AUDIO DEFECT OR WHO CANNOT PROVIDE ANY DOCUMENTATION TO SHOW THAT THEY EXPERIENCED IT. SECOND, PEOPLE WHO PAID AN INSURANCE DEDUCTIBLE TO RECEIVE A REPLACEMENT PIXEL WILL BE REFUNDED THE AMOUNT OF THE DEDUCTIBLE. THIRD, PEOPLE WHO EXPERIENCED THE ALLEGED AUDIO DEFECT ON MORE THAN ONE PIXEL WILL BE PAID $500 EACH. FOURTH, PEOPLE WHO EXPERIENCED THE ALLEGED AUDIO DEFECT ON ONE PIXEL WILL BE PAID $350 EACH, UNLESS THERE IS NOT ENOUGH MONEY LEFT TO MAKE THOSE PAYMENTS, IN WHICH CASE THE REST OF THE FUND WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO THEM ON A PRO-RATA BASIS.”

    The Pixel settlement site also states that Pixel 1 owners are eligible for compensation if they bought a new Pixel or Pixel XL manufactured before January 4, 2017. It’s also important to note that you need to be a US citizen and must have purchased the handset before January 4, 2017. Besides, you’ll no longer qualify if Google has already replaced your original phone.

    “If you are in the United States and bought, other than for resale, a new Pixel or Pixel XL smartphone manufactured before January 4, 2017, and did not receive a replacement Pixel manufactured after January 3, 2017, or refurbished after June 5, 2017,’ explained Google.

    To get the full amount, you’ll need to prove you bought the Pixel 1 before January 4, 2017 and could not get a replacement. Besides, it appears that almost every Pixel owner is eligible for at least a $20 payment.

  • Apple likely to tweak namimg scheme for next iPhones

    Apple likely to tweak namimg scheme for next iPhones

    Just like last year, Apple is widely expected to launch three iPhone models in 2019. With only a few weeks left before the official unveiling, leaks about the iPhone 11 are pouring thick and fast. The latest leak via Twitter suggests that Apple plans to change the naming scheme for its 2019 iPhone lineup slightly.

    Multiple sources point to the fact that Apple will incorporate a triple-lens camera setup for this year’s flagship iPhone model. Now, the latest leak via Twitter suggests that Apple’s top-end iPhone model for 2019 might have the word ‘Pro’ in its name, as opposed to the ‘Max’ moniker.

    This suggests that Apple’s top-end iPhone for 2019 might be called the iPhone 11 Pro, or simply the iPhone Pro. Whether this could be a step in the right direction, it remains to be seen. That said, incorporating the Pro moniker for the flagship iPhone makes more sense, as it clearly suggests the device offers top-of-the-line features to help distinguish it from other models in the iPhone lineup.

    As already mentioned, Apple plans to launch three iPhone models in 2019. These include the successor to the iPhone XR with a 6.1-inch LCD screen, along with two OLED models with 5.8-inch and 6.5-inch displays. The upcoming iPhones are expected to get similar screens as the current-gen iPhone models, though with larger batteries.

    New iPhones coming in September

    The flagship iPhone 11 Pro or Max is expected to pack three rear cameras. The selfie camera is likely to get an upgrade, while one of the rear lenses is expected to boast a 14-megapixel sensor.

    Meanwhile, leaks indicate that the iPhone XIR is expected to boast dual-rear cameras, as opposed to a single-lens primary camera found on the current iPhone XR. Also, analysts at Citi Research have indicated that Apple Pencil support might arrive with the iPhone 11.

    As far as the release goes, leaks suggest that Apple will unveil its 2019 iPhone range on September 11, while shipping is likely to commence on September 20.

  • Huawei announces Harmony OS after US ban

    Huawei announces Harmony OS after US ban

    Huawei has finally announced Harmony OS, the official Android replacement following its ban in the United States. The new OS is supposed to run on all of Huawei’s consumer gadgets and smartphones. The move comes following a trade war between the US and China.

    To recall, the United States government blacklisted Huawei in mid-May. Back then, the President of the United States signed an executive order in which the Chinese brand was banned to do any business with American firms. This restricted Huawei to use American products like Android and Windows, which means that its new consumer gadgets would have remained without an operating system to run them.

    The main issue with Huawei has been about its close ties with the Chinese government. Now, this triggered fears in the US that its equipment could be used to spy on other nations and companies, which banned companies from using Huawei networking equipment in 2012. Following this, Huawei was added to the US Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security Entity List in May after an executive order from President Donald Trump, effectively banning Huawei from United States communications networks.

    Huawei then started working on an internal operating system to replace Android on its own devices. Sources indicate that Huawei has been working on the new Harmony OS for quite sometime now, and recent developments forced Huawei to accelerate its development. The Chinese brand finally announced the OS during the Huawei developers conference.

    Just like Android, Huawei’s new Harmony OS uses micro-kernel, implying that kernel is developed using only the necessary drivers. This would allow Huawei to deploy the OS swiftly on multiple devices. The Chinese brand also added that Harmony OS is faster than Android because the connections between the phone’s hardware and several parts of the OS is made through a single layer. Besides, the company also plans to make Harmony an open-source OS in the near future, which would allow developers to create apps easily for this OS.

  • iPhone sales drop by 15 percent in third quarter: Report

    iPhone sales drop by 15 percent in third quarter: Report

    iPhone sales have seen a decline in the second quarter of 2019, according to research provided by IHS Markit. The study further notes that shipments will continue to drop, primarily due to high prices.

    Apple sold 35.3 million iPhones in the last quarter, down by 15 percent year-over-year and 19 percent quarter-over-quarter. The company was able to sell 43.8 million units in Q1 2019, while shipments reached 41.3 million units in the second quarter of 2018.

    “Apple continues to face challenges in terms of unit shipments—a trend that is unlikely to be fixed soon. Apple shipped 35.3 million iPhones in the second quarter, down 14.6 percent from 41.3 million units one year ago” explained IHS Markit

    Samsung retained the top spot, which sold 75.1 million units in Q2 2019, an increase of 6 percent compared to the same quarter a year ago. Huawei remained the runner up despite the challenges imposed by the US government ban.

    The Chinese brand sold 58.7 million units in the second quarter of this year, which is a 1 percent drop from the previous quarter. That said, it’s still an 8 percent increase from the 54.2 million units it shipped in the Q2 2018.

    According to IHS Markit, one of the main reasons for iPhones sales going down is the price.

    “Apple continues to be more aggressive with its promotional activities, but still faces two key challenges: super-premium pricing for its latest models and insufficient price elasticity in its older models to drive significant additional shipments of two-to-three-year-old devices,” IHS Markit further explains in a statement obtained by 9to5mac.

    Apple is widely expected to introduce three new iPhones next month, while sales of Apple’s 2019 iPhone range is expected to begin by the end of September.

  • Samsung Galaxy Note 10, Note 10+ with new S Pen are finally official

    Samsung Galaxy Note 10, Note 10+ with new S Pen are finally official

    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.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYA_XAMfRfo#action=share

    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.

  • Apple reportedly working on a foldable iPhone

    Apple reportedly working on a foldable iPhone

    UBS has claimed in an investor note that Apple is reportedly working on folding devices. The report indicates that a folding iPhone is already in the works, but Apple might initially launch a folding iPad. Additionally, the report notes that a folding device from Apple is more likely to release in 2021, but it could also arrive early in 2020.

    According to UBS, Samsung dominates intellectual property filings for folding display and device technologies. However, Apple has been continuously working on the technology for folding display. UBS added that Apple might launch a folding device as early as next year, though 2021 seems more likely for now. Furthermore, UBS suggests that Apple’s first folding device will more likely be an iPad than the iPhone.

    The report, however, notes that pricing would be a significant hurdle which shouldn’t come as a surprise. Customers are willing to shell out a little extra for folding devices, but not the outrageous $2000 price tag of the Samsung Galaxy Fold.

    “The survey indicates greater willingness to pay a premium ($600) and generally higher interest among Apple buyers for foldable products. This suggests that the industry will need to work to reduce costs for foldable mobile devices further to take off as a products category,” said UBS.

    UBS also indicates that the concept of a folding phone held a much higher appeal for more than a third of customers. That said, Apple will likely adopt a different approach than Samsung. The Korean brand didn’t have the start they might’ve have hoped for with the launch of the Galaxy Fold.

    The device was earlier set for a release in April; however, the launch was pushed back due to screen issues found by reviewers. Samsung now claims it has fixed such problems and announced the handset would go on sale in September.

  • iPhone 11 could hit store shelves on September 20

    iPhone 11 could hit store shelves on September 20

    We already know that Apple will unveil its 2019 iPhone lineup in September. Apple is widely expected to unveil three new iPhone models this year. That said, details about an exact release date remain a mystery. Unlike Samsung, Apple is rather good at keeping details about its future products a closely guarded secret. That said, it appears president of a Japanese carrier might have accidentally revealed the date when the next iPhone range could go on sale.

    During an investor meeting earlier this week, Softbank president Ken Miyauchi tipped that the iPhone 11 could go on sale on September 20.

    Telecom authorities in Japan recently announced new regulations for carriers. The new rules no longer allow them to offer separate data and device plans. While trying to explain how they will tackle these new regulations which go live on October 1, Miyauchi dropped a hint that the iPhone 11 could start shipping on September 20.

    “Honestly, I am wondering what should I do for 10 days. No, I shouldn’t say that. Anyway, I don’t know when the new iPhone will be released. However, almost after 10 days, it will be unbundled,” said Miyauchi.

    iPhone 11 to start shipping on September 20 does make a lot of sense. Key sources indicate that Apple is expected to host an event on September 10, while pre-orders are likely to begin next Friday on September 13. Apple typically starts shipping new iPhones a week after their official unveiling; therefore, the first customers who pre-ordered the handset will likely get it by September 20.

    Apple is widely expected to announce three new iPhones in September. These include the iPhone XI, iPhone XI Max, and iPhone XR. The upcoming iPhones are expected to get similar screens as the current-gen iPhone models, 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. Besides, analysts at Citi Research have also indicated that Apple Pencil support might finally arrive with the iPhone 11.

  • New Fitbit Versa with Alexa integration leaked

    New Fitbit Versa with Alexa integration leaked

    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 faces another lawsuit over slowing down iPhones

    Apple faces another lawsuit over slowing down iPhones

    It appears the iPhone slowdown saga won’t come to an end, as Apple is being sued again for slowing down iPhones unethically, so to speak. In the lawsuit filed in Northern California, a group of 18 individuals have taken the company to the federal court.

    The plaintiffs claim that Apple is apparently responsible for ‘one of the largest consumer frauds history’, as the company intentionally slowed down iPhones starting January 2017.

    In late 2017, Apple admitted that it rolled out software tweaks in an iOS update in order to handle battery degradation issues. Shortly after, the company announced a discounted battery replacement program and shipped more iOS updates that showed battery health of every iPhone.

    That said, the new lawsuit alleges that Apple did so only to make money, as it forced many customers to purchase new iPhones because of performance issues.

    “While Plaintiffs and the class need not attribute any motive behind Apple’s intentional degradation of the Devices, it is evident that Apple continued to do so for the simple reason most frauds are committed: money,” the lawsuit states according to documents obtained by MacRumors.

    “Although technically complex in part, the scheme was logical and simple: The Devices were designed defectively, and Apple released software updates to conceal the Defects, all the while exacerbating the effects of the Defects – principally decreased performance – so that Device users had no choice but to purchase new batteries or upgrade their Devices, resulting in additional payments to Apple and a sustained (albeit forced) customer base.”

    Apple is yet to offer any statement on this new lawsuit. Sources, however, indicate that the company is currently involved in nearly 60 similar class action lawsuits internationally. Hence, it could take a while before we could arrive at a conclusion for all them.