Two patent applications published today show that Apple is exploring the idea of bringing the Apple Watch Digital Crown to the iPad and iPhone. It describes using the crown to control volume, zooming in or out and resizing text. Apple has been moving away from physical controls, replacing the iPhone 7 mechanical Home button with a touch-sensitive one plus the iPhone 8 is rumored to have the Home button embedded into the display. It'll be interesting to see if these patents become reality.

via Instagram Two patent applications published today show that Apple is exploring the idea of bringing the Apple Watch Digital Crown to the iPad and iPhone. It describes using the crown to control volume, zooming in or out and resizing text. Apple has been moving away from physical controls, replacing the iPhone 7 mechanical Home button with a touch-sensitive one plus the iPhone 8 is rumored to have the Home button embedded into the display. It'll be interesting to see if these patents become reality. //

With 2016 coming to an end, we take a look at the year's best smartphones. With so many options to choose from, this wasn't an easy task. But after much analysis, we've compiled a list of this year's best of the best. These are the best smartphones of 2016. LINK IN BIO. Let us know if your phone made the list.

via Instagram With 2016 coming to an end, we take a look at the year's best smartphones. With so many options to choose from, this wasn't an easy task. But after much analysis, we've compiled a list of this year's best of the best. These are the best smartphones of 2016. LINK IN BIO. Let us know if your phone made the list. //

THE BEST SMARTPHONES OF 2016

Choosing a smartphone can be a tough decision because it's one of the most personal pieces of tech we own. 2016 was particularly difficult, because we had many incredible contenders to choose from. However after much analysis, we've compiled a list of this year's best of the best. In no particular order, these are the best smartphones of 2016.

OnePlus has really hit the mark with the OnePlus 3t. This budget friendly device checks nearly every box you're looking for, with it's high-end specs, solid camera, smooth software and long battery life. Best of all, it'll only set you back $429 unlocked. Though it may not have some mainstream features like water resistance or SD card expansion, the OnePlus 3t certainly offers the best value in a high-end phone today.

Samsung really knocked it out of the park with the Samsung S7 and S7 Edge. With a beautiful design and some of the most desirable features on any phone this year. It's compact, powerful, easy to use with an excellent camera, has water resistance and SD card support. It really is one of the most complete packages in the smartphone market.

The Google Pixel almost gets everything right. Regardless of 5" or 5.5", you're getting top-notch specs, great build quality, incredible performance and the best camera in the market. Combine that with Google's always-first Android updates, securing the Pixel as one the best options for most people right now. It may cost more than some other options but even the best manufacturers can't achieve what Google has with its first smartphone.

The iPhone 7 Plus wasn't the first phone to have two cameras but adding more capability to an already impressive shooter made the phone that much better. Add water resistance, stereo speakers and power internals making it one of the top performers in the market. With the removal of the headphone jack, the iPhone 7 is the most interesting and opinionated phone the company has ever released but it's still one of your best options from 2016.

Unfortunately, one of the best smartphones of 2016 can no longer be purchased. The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 was undoubtedly one of the most capable devices of the year. It showcased everything we wanted in our smartphone with superior design, battery life and speed. The 64GB base model could support a SD card and withstand water. It had a built in stylus and even an iris scanner. The Note 7 recall was definitely Samsung's biggest blunder of the year, it's a shame it happened to their best phone.

Aside from the Note 7, you can't go wrong with any of these smartphones. Each of these options will provide a great user experience and will lead you into 2017 with your head held high.

The French Ecology Minister has officially opened the world’s first solar road in a small village in Normandy, France. The road is over half-a-mile long with 30,000 square feet of solar panels. It took five years to develop, cost $5.2 million and generates enough electricity to power the street lights. It may not sound too impressive now, however, France has future plans. Once they get costs down and efficiency up, the Minister wants to see the solar panels across highways. But for now, this village is no longer concerned about powering the street lights. The sun handles that.

via Instagram The French Ecology Minister has officially opened the world’s first solar road in a small village in Normandy, France. The road is over half-a-mile long with 30,000 square feet of solar panels. It took five years to develop, cost $5.2 million and generates enough electricity to power the street lights. It may not sound too impressive now, however, France has future plans. Once they get costs down and efficiency up, the Minister wants to see the solar panels across highways. But for now, this village is no longer concerned about powering the street lights. The sun handles that. //

A new report claims that Apple is planning the addition of yet another iPhone model. According to the report, Apple plans to introduce a 5" iPhone next fall. This 5" model will reportedly feature a vertically designed dual-camera setup rather than horizontally. It seems more of an extension of the lineup rather than a radically different or a replacement model. Although, it is believed that Apple is saving all big design changes for the entirely new iPhone 8.

via Instagram A new report claims that Apple is planning the addition of yet another iPhone model. According to the report, Apple plans to introduce a 5" iPhone next fall. This 5" model will reportedly feature a vertically designed dual-camera setup rather than horizontally. It seems more of an extension of the lineup rather than a radically different or a replacement model. Although, it is believed that Apple is saving all big design changes for the entirely new iPhone 8. //

According to reports, Apple, Google and Microsoft are secured buyers of foldable displays after viewing the significantly high technical level of LG's prototype. During 2016, LG invested around 5.8 billion into the development of flexible displays as they competed to secure Apple’s orders for future iPhones. It seems it paid off as the company will now have multiple global manufacturers as partners. Flexible displays could be the breakthrough feature of 2017, as manufacturers look for something to set them apart.

via Instagram According to reports, Apple, Google and Microsoft are secured buyers of foldable displays after viewing the significantly high technical level of LG's prototype. During 2016, LG invested around 5.8 billion into the development of flexible displays as they competed to secure Apple’s orders for future iPhones. It seems it paid off as the company will now have multiple global manufacturers as partners. Flexible displays could be the breakthrough feature of 2017, as manufacturers look for something to set them apart. //

According to sources, Google will launch two flagship Android Wear smartwatches in 2017. The watches will not be branded as Pixel but they will be Google’s vision for Android Wear, complete with Android Pay and Google Assistant. A manufacturer has yet to be named but sources claim that the company has made Android Wear devices before. The watches are expected to be unveiled early 2017 along with new Android Wear 2.0 software.

via Instagram According to sources, Google will launch two flagship Android Wear smartwatches in 2017. The watches will not be branded as Pixel but they will be Google’s vision for Android Wear, complete with Android Pay and Google Assistant. A manufacturer has yet to be named but sources claim that the company has made Android Wear devices before. The watches are expected to be unveiled early 2017 along with new Android Wear 2.0 software. //

It's no secret that Nokia has an extensive portfolio of patents covering a wide variety of smartphone research and development. Today the company has filed patent infringement suits against Apple. Nokia claims that 32 patents are being violated by Apple, including technologies relating to the display, user interface, software, antenna, video coding and more. While Nokia may not be the dominant force it once was, those patents count for a lot. Apple has since countered stating Nokia took an overly aggressive stance with its licensing terms.

via Instagram It's no secret that Nokia has an extensive portfolio of patents covering a wide variety of smartphone research and development. Today the company has filed patent infringement suits against Apple. Nokia claims that 32 patents are being violated by Apple, including technologies relating to the display, user interface, software, antenna, video coding and more. While Nokia may not be the dominant force it once was, those patents count for a lot. Apple has since countered stating Nokia took an overly aggressive stance with its licensing terms. //

Analysts say Tesla is in shape to meet deadlines despite fears that they won’t be able to get its new Model 3 out to customers during the second half of 2017 as originally promised. Tesla execs were able to convince analysts that the electric car will arrive without hitting manufacturing snags or delays which aren't uncommon for them. If the Model 3 ships within the promised timeframe, it’s still likely that a majority won't arrive until the following year. The all-electric Tesla Model 3 starts at $35,000.

via Instagram Analysts say Tesla is in shape to meet deadlines despite fears that they won’t be able to get its new Model 3 out to customers during the second half of 2017 as originally promised. Tesla execs were able to convince analysts that the electric car will arrive without hitting manufacturing snags or delays which aren't uncommon for them. If the Model 3 ships within the promised timeframe, it’s still likely that a majority won't arrive until the following year. The all-electric Tesla Model 3 starts at $35,000. //

According to reports, the Galaxy Note 7 currently has higher usage than the LG V20, OnePlus 3t and HTC Bolt combined. That’s pretty impressive for a recalled device. The Note 7 once dominated global usage numbers and it wasn't until recently did another device overtake it. Its understandably difficult to part from arguably one of the best smartphones of 2016, however it's still a safety risk. Samsung will begin rolling out updates to cut Wi-Fi, cellular data and even prevent the phone from charging.

via Instagram According to reports, the Galaxy Note 7 currently has higher usage than the LG V20, OnePlus 3t and HTC Bolt combined. That’s pretty impressive for a recalled device. The Note 7 once dominated global usage numbers and it wasn't until recently did another device overtake it. Its understandably difficult to part from arguably one of the best smartphones of 2016, however it's still a safety risk. Samsung will begin rolling out updates to cut Wi-Fi, cellular data and even prevent the phone from charging. //

Not wanting a repeat Note 7, Samsung will apparently turn to a third party battery manufacturer and design team. Sources mention of a strong chance LG will supply smartphone batteries to Samsung starting next year. Although, the company tried to refrain from using LG due to "pride." Since it takes six months to design, test and manufacture new smartphone batteries, the first model that could be powered by LG batteries may be the Galaxy Note 8.

via Instagram Not wanting a repeat Note 7, Samsung will apparently turn to a third party battery manufacturer and design team. Sources mention of a strong chance LG will supply smartphone batteries to Samsung starting next year. Although, the company tried to refrain from using LG due to "pride." Since it takes six months to design, test and manufacture new smartphone batteries, the first model that could be powered by LG batteries may be the Galaxy Note 8. //

Lucid Motors founding members include former Tesla, Mazda and BMW employees. The company just unveiled its first car, a fully electric sedan aimed at the “executive” market. The Lucid Air will have some autonomous features, boast a combined 1,000 horsepower across its electric motors and could have a max 400-mile estimated range option. The company plans to build these electric vehicles starting in 2017 with a target market date of 2018. Early releases are expected to cost $100,000.

via Instagram Lucid Motors founding members include former Tesla, Mazda and BMW employees. The company just unveiled its first car, a fully electric sedan aimed at the “executive” market. The Lucid Air will have some autonomous features, boast a combined 1,000 horsepower across its electric motors and could have a max 400-mile estimated range option. The company plans to build these electric vehicles starting in 2017 with a target market date of 2018. Early releases are expected to cost $100,000. //

LG is looking to equip its next flagship phone with the latest technology to capture the hearts of buyers. There will be major design changes for the LG G6. Reportedly, it will sacrifice a removable battery to give way to a new glass and metal waterproof design. The G6 will be powered by a Snapdragon 830 processor, feature wireless charging and an iris scanner. LG will be competing directly with Samsung's Galaxy S8 in terms of features and functionality. Both phones are expected to be unveiled at the Mobile World Congress in February.

via Instagram LG is looking to equip its next flagship phone with the latest technology to capture the hearts of buyers. There will be major design changes for the LG G6. Reportedly, it will sacrifice a removable battery to give way to a new glass and metal waterproof design. The G6 will be powered by a Snapdragon 830 processor, feature wireless charging and an iris scanner. LG will be competing directly with Samsung's Galaxy S8 in terms of features and functionality. Both phones are expected to be unveiled at the Mobile World Congress in February. //

Apple just moved iOS.2 from beta to the final software. The update focuses on the camera, messaging and a new TV app. The camera app gains a feature called Preserve Settings which lets you return to a camera mode instead of it resetting when the app is closed. iOS 10.2 adds more than 100 new emoji and full-screen message effects for more animation. Apple's brand new TV app combines services like iTunes, HBO Now and Hulu under a 'Watch Now' tab for easier viewing. Apple also threw in three new wallpapers to discover.

via Instagram Apple just moved iOS.2 from beta to the final software. The update focuses on the camera, messaging and a new TV app. The camera app gains a feature called Preserve Settings which lets you return to a camera mode instead of it resetting when the app is closed. iOS 10.2 adds more than 100 new emoji and full-screen message effects for more animation. Apple's brand new TV app combines services like iTunes, HBO Now and Hulu under a 'Watch Now' tab for easier viewing. Apple also threw in three new wallpapers to discover. //

Leaked images of BlackBerry’s final hurrah shows a return to a favorable form. Rumors suggests a 4.5" screen, 3GB of RAM, USB-C connectivity and a fingerprint sensor integrated into the space bar. This is unlikely the last smartphone with BlackBerry's name on it but it may be the last where the company has direct input on hardware. Moving forward the brand name will be licensed to other manufacturers along with BlackBerry’s software. Code named Mercury, is expected to release in the first quarter of 2017.

via Instagram Leaked images of BlackBerry’s final hurrah shows a return to a favorable form. Rumors suggests a 4.5" screen, 3GB of RAM, USB-C connectivity and a fingerprint sensor integrated into the space bar. This is unlikely the last smartphone with BlackBerry's name on it but it may be the last where the company has direct input on hardware. Moving forward the brand name will be licensed to other manufacturers along with BlackBerry’s software. Code named Mercury, is expected to release in the first quarter of 2017. //

According to sources, Apple may release three phones in 2017 and there could be a new red color option. Two of these new phones will be the iPhone 7s and 7s Plus. These two devices will feature the usual internal updates, moving from the A10 processor to the A11 and improvements to the camera. The radical changes are expected for the premium iPhone 8 model. Its expected to feature an all-glass body, wireless charging, a bezel-less OLED display and a Home Button integrated into the screen. Next year marks the 10-year anniversary of the iPhone.

via Instagram According to sources, Apple may release three phones in 2017 and there could be a new red color option. Two of these new phones will be the iPhone 7s and 7s Plus. These two devices will feature the usual internal updates, moving from the A10 processor to the A11 and improvements to the camera. The radical changes are expected for the premium iPhone 8 model. Its expected to feature an all-glass body, wireless charging, a bezel-less OLED display and a Home Button integrated into the screen. Next year marks the 10-year anniversary of the iPhone. //

One of the most anticipated devices of 2017, is said to not have a physical home button. Instead, the Galaxy S8 will use a virtual home button behind the lower screen glass. According to sources, Samsung's S8 will have a new design with a nearly bezel-less display and bring an all-new voice assistant for making calls, appointments and texting. Reports confirm the use of the new Snapdragon 835 processor but lack comment on the headphone jack. The S8's release is expected in April due to Samsung implementing tougher battery testing standards.

via Instagram One of the most anticipated devices of 2017, is said to not have a physical home button. Instead, the Galaxy S8 will use a virtual home button behind the lower screen glass. According to sources, Samsung's S8 will have a new design with a nearly bezel-less display and bring an all-new voice assistant for making calls, appointments and texting. Reports confirm the use of the new Snapdragon 835 processor but lack comment on the headphone jack. The S8's release is expected in April due to Samsung implementing tougher battery testing standards. //

It seems the lack of the headphone jack has proven to be a non-issue for US consumers, as the iPhone 7 was the top selling device of 2016's quarter three, despite not being available for the full three month period. While Android remains the most popular operating system in the US, the iPhone 7 is the best-selling smartphone with 10.6% of all new sales. The iPhone 7 Plus was the 4th best-selling at 5.3%, behind the iPhone 6s and Samsung Galaxy S7. All together, Apple ruled the United States sales charts in the third quarter of 2016.

via Instagram It seems the lack of the headphone jack has proven to be a non-issue for US consumers, as the iPhone 7 was the top selling device of 2016's quarter three, despite not being available for the full three month period. While Android remains the most popular operating system in the US, the iPhone 7 is the best-selling smartphone with 10.6% of all new sales. The iPhone 7 Plus was the 4th best-selling at 5.3%, behind the iPhone 6s and Samsung Galaxy S7. All together, Apple ruled the United States sales charts in the third quarter of 2016. //

Google is making it easier for your family and friends to keep track of you with its new Trusted Contacts app. Simply assign some contacts as “trusted” and they’ll be able to request your current activity status and location. If you don’t respond to a location request within five minutes, it will be shared with other trusted contacts. Another neat feature is to follow their location as they travel, to virtually ‘walk’ someone home. The overall idea is to make sure loved ones are safe. You can download now in the Play Store with no word on an iOS version yet.

via Instagram Google is making it easier for your family and friends to keep track of you with its new Trusted Contacts app. Simply assign some contacts as “trusted” and they’ll be able to request your current activity status and location. If you don’t respond to a location request within five minutes, it will be shared with other trusted contacts. Another neat feature is to follow their location as they travel, to virtually ‘walk’ someone home. The overall idea is to make sure loved ones are safe. You can download now in the Play Store with no word on an iOS version yet. //

According to a new report, Samsung's aggressive battery design may have caused the Galaxy Note 7 explosions that led to the company removing their best phone from the market. Polymer layers covered in electrolytes were used to separate a positive and negative layer within the battery. Compressing the phone could force the positive and negative to meet causing the electrolytes to heat up and explode. The report also states if it wasn't recalled, the phones would've slowly pushed apart by battery swell. Samsung will lose more than $5 billion in revenue with the Note 7 recall.

via Instagram According to a new report, Samsung's aggressive battery design may have caused the Galaxy Note 7 explosions that led to the company removing their best phone from the market. Polymer layers covered in electrolytes were used to separate a positive and negative layer within the battery. Compressing the phone could force the positive and negative to meet causing the electrolytes to heat up and explode. The report also states if it wasn't recalled, the phones would've slowly pushed apart by battery swell. Samsung will lose more than $5 billion in revenue with the Note 7 recall. //

According to reports, Apple plans to deploy a fleet of flying drones to help with data collection for Apple Maps. The drones will be analyzing street signs, track changes in roadworks and more. Apple already uses camera and sensor equipped vehicles however, drones can reach places that cars sometimes can't, greatly expanding the reach of the data collection work. The reports state that Apple has hired at least one person from Amazon's Prime Air division to get the project off the ground.

via Instagram According to reports, Apple plans to deploy a fleet of flying drones to help with data collection for Apple Maps. The drones will be analyzing street signs, track changes in roadworks and more. Apple already uses camera and sensor equipped vehicles however, drones can reach places that cars sometimes can't, greatly expanding the reach of the data collection work. The reports state that Apple has hired at least one person from Amazon's Prime Air division to get the project off the ground. //

Blu took a big hit last month when a security firm discovered a service on several of their phones was sending user's data to a server in China. Even Amazon has halted sales of some Blu phones following news of the spyware threat. Blu put an end to the data transmission, but the damage was done. The company is now looking to convince customers that it can be trusted once again. The CEO has pledged to not install third-party services it doesn't fully understand and updated their privacy policy.

via Instagram Blu took a big hit last month when a security firm discovered a service on several of their phones was sending user's data to a server in China. Even Amazon has halted sales of some Blu phones following news of the spyware threat. Blu put an end to the data transmission, but the damage was done. The company is now looking to convince customers that it can be trusted once again. The CEO has pledged to not install third-party services it doesn't fully understand and updated their privacy policy. //

According to reports, a manager at Foxconn has stolen around 5,700 iPhones between 2013 and 2014. The former manager worked in the testing department at Foxconn in Shenzhen, China. According to the reports, he instructed eight employees to smuggle the phones out. The phones were meant to be scrapped but landed in Shenzhen stores instead, making them around $1.56 million. Foxconn caught up with the scheme after an internal audit and reported it to authorities. If found guilty, the man could face up to 10 years in jail.

via Instagram According to reports, a manager at Foxconn has stolen around 5,700 iPhones between 2013 and 2014. The former manager worked in the testing department at Foxconn in Shenzhen, China. According to the reports, he instructed eight employees to smuggle the phones out. The phones were meant to be scrapped but landed in Shenzhen stores instead, making them around $1.56 million. Foxconn caught up with the scheme after an internal audit and reported it to authorities. If found guilty, the man could face up to 10 years in jail. //

According to sources, Fitbit is in the closing stages of buying smartwatch maker Pebble. Fitbit holds a large portion in the wearable market but both companies are underdogs compared to the Apple Watch and Android Wear. Fitbit is mostly after Pebble’s intellectual property, including its operating system, as the Pebble brand will be phased out after the deal closes. Reports stated, Luxury watch maker Citizen was interested in purchasing Pebble for $740 million in 2015 but was refused by their chief executive. Fitbit is now paying $34-40 million for Pebble.

via Instagram According to sources, Fitbit is in the closing stages of buying smartwatch maker Pebble. Fitbit holds a large portion in the wearable market but both companies are underdogs compared to the Apple Watch and Android Wear. Fitbit is mostly after Pebble’s intellectual property, including its operating system, as the Pebble brand will be phased out after the deal closes. Reports stated, Luxury watch maker Citizen was interested in purchasing Pebble for $740 million in 2015 but was refused by their chief executive. Fitbit is now paying $34-40 million for Pebble. //