The World's First Gigabit LTE Network Is Here

via Instagram Australian carrier Telstra has turned on the world’s first gigabyte LTE network. The network offers Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne transfer speeds of up to 1Gbps, several times faster than existing networks. Speed tests demonstrated 930Mbps downloads, enough to transfer a 3GB movie in three minutes. To take advantage of this, devices will need a compatible modem. Qualcomm is supplying the first to market and their upcoming Snapdragon 835 processor could be capable of harnessing the new gigabit network.
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Gaming Laptop Company Razer Buys Smartphone Maker Nextbit

via Instagram Smartphone startup Nextbit has just announced that it’s been acquired by gaming laptop company Razer. Razer acquired majority assets of Nextbit and is bringing the company's employees onboard. Razer reportedly confirmed that it plans to continue developing phones under the Nextbit brand focusing "on unique mobile design and experiences" but didn’t give a timeframe for when we should expect that. The news comes just a few months after Razer acquired the popular film audio company THX.
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Google Testing Multiple Next Generation Pixel Phones

via Instagram It seems like yesterday the Google Pixel was just released but now we're hearing details about Google's next generation smartphone. Reportedly, Google is again focusing intensely on the camera with the device currently being tested with improved chipsets from two different manufacturers that could bring a higher price tag. However, sources say Google has also been testing another Pixel device with lesser specs and a much lower price tag. Google is known to release new devices during the fall of each year.
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Comcast Teams Up With Verizon To Offer Mobile Phone Service

via Instagram As if Comcast doesn’t have its fingers in enough already, the company announced that it will begin offering mobile phone service thanks to an agreement with Verizon. Comcast plans to add the new service to the several bundles it currently offers for tv, internet and home phone. Comcast expects to launch its wireless service toward the middle of this year and customers will be able to purchase phones straight from Comcast in the same manner of other wireless carriers. No prices have been announced for the service. //

First Galaxy S8 Leaked Photo Confirms Major Details

via Instagram It appears we have our first clear picture of Samsung's next highly anticipated phone. A source claims this image to be the larger of two Galaxy S8 models. The screen is supposedly 6.2 inches with a body only slightly larger than the Galaxy S7 Edge. Reportedly, the screen takes up 83% of the front and due to the fingerprint scanner being moved to the back near the camera, Samsung will utilize software keys. Samsung is expected to announce the Galaxy S8 in New York on March 29 with sales starting April 21. //

Sprint Buys Into Jay Z's Tidal Music Service For $200 Million

via Instagram Wireless carrier Sprint announced, it has acquired a 33% ownership stake in Tidal, Jay Z's music streaming service. Reportedly, the deal is worth 200 million, valuing the 2-year company at 600 million. Sprint will leave Jay Z and other owners in charge. However, Sprint's CEO Marcelo Claure will join Tidal’s Board of Directors. Critics say Sprint didn’t really pay $200 million for a music service; it paid for access to 21 big music stars and instant relevance in the music streaming wars. //

President Donald Trump Still Using Unsecure Android Phone Despite Warnings

via Instagram Despite recent reports stating Donald Trump has moved on from his personal phone, it seems the President of the United States is still using “his old, unsecured Android phone, to the protests of some of his aides.” His personal Twitter account, shows new tweets are still coming from “Twitter for Android,” while tweets from his official @POTUS account are coming from "Twitter for iPhone." Regardless, you'd think that he would be more careful about not exposing himself to possible security breaches using his Samsung Galaxy S3 as President. //

Many Galaxy S8 Details Revealed Including Release Date Of April

via Instagram Many details regarding Samsung's Galaxy S8 have been obtained. Reportedly, there will be two different sized S8s with curved displays. The top portion will house the front camera, proximity sensors and iris scanner while the bottom will be too thin for a fingerprint scanner which is now moved to the back. The S8 will have 64GB with micro SD card support and a headphone jack. A new accessory dock can also turn the S8 into an Android PC. The phone could see an announcement on March 29 and a sale date of April 21. //

LG G6 To Use 2016 Processor Instead Of New Snapdragon 835

via Instagram According to reports, the LG G6 will feature a 2016 processor. Its the same Snapdragon 821 found in Google's Pixel which isn't bad but as we enter 2017, it is soon to be outdated. Qualcomm's 2017 processor promises more power and fast charging times. Insiders say that the new 835 processor couldn't be used without drastic delay because Samsung has "first dibs" on the chipset. LG is expected to announced the G6 on February 26th with anticipation building from leaked images revealing a beautiful bezel-less device. //

Samsung Confirms "Safer, Innovative" Galaxy Note 8 In The Works

via Instagram In a recent interview, Samsung's CEO confirmed that they will bring a successor to the Galaxy Note 7. "I will bring back a better, safer and very innovative Note 8." The direction of the phone line had been questionable following a recall due to a number of units catching fire. Loyal customers for the brand convinced the company to move forward. Commitment for the device seems so strong that some consumers are still willing to risk harm, despite many attempts to encourage owners to return their Note 7s. //

FaceTime May Get Group Calling Update In iOS 11

via Instagram According to rumors, Apple's video calling application, FaceTime is getting a new feature in iOS 11, namely group calling. This will allow multiple iOS users to live stream in addition to the usual one-to-one. Since messaging apps like Facebook and Skype already offer it, Apple needs to update FaceTime to keep up. With the company possibly upgrading FaceTime's capabilities, it wouldn't be surprising to see them upgrade the iPhone's front facing camera to 8 or 12MP. //

These Two Flaws Caused The Note 7 Battery Explosions

via Instagram After months of investigation, Samsung has officially announced the cause of its Galaxy Note 7 explosions. First, the original battery casings were too small to safely fit the electrode assembly inside, which lead to short-circuiting and explosions. Second, welding defects were found inside the batteries of the "safe" replacements causing them to short-circuit and explode as well. Going forward, Samsung will enforce an 8-point battery test to avoid making the same mistakes again.
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Tesla Autopilot 2.0 Could Be Much Safer Than Human Driving

via Instagram Based on recent data, Tesla vehicles with first generation Autopilot had a crash rating 40% less than cars without it. Now Tesla's Autopilot team is aiming to further reduce the crash rating by 90% with the second generation system. Autopilot 2.0 vehicles are equipped with more cameras and a supercomputer capable of supporting a new image processing system. If all cars in the US had autopilot 2.0 or better by 2025, then traffic deaths could be reduced from 35,000 to 4,000 per year.
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Apple Could Replace Touch ID For Face Recognition

via Instagram Analysts believe that Apple is looking to pass on its existing Touch ID sensor, and instead rely on new biometric technologies. Facial recognition and optical fingerprint sensors would be necessary for Apple to execute a zero-bezel smartphone, currently rumored for the iPhone 8. The analysts also suspect Apple will eventually rely solely on face recognition for authentication, eliminating the Touch ID sensor entirely. The timeline for this is unclear but seems to be in the distant future. //

Google Reportedly Bringing Budget Friendly Android One Smartphones To The US

via Instagram According to reports, Google intends to bring its ultra-budget smartphone line called Android One to the US later this year. For those unfamiliar with Android One, the goal is to provide extremely affordable, stock Android phones approved by Google to countries like India and Pakistan. The Android One devices are rumored to sell between $200-$300 and could arrive sometime in the next few months. Although that price is twice as much as the original phones, it's still low-cost compared to most phones sold in the states. //

Donald Trump's Android Phone Not Secure Enough For 45th Presidency

via Instagram Now that Donald Trump has officially been sworn in as the 45th president of the United States, he’s surely having to make adjustments to his new life. One of those adjustments, evidently, is giving up his personal smartphone. Donald Trump has been known to use an Android phone for business and personal matters, however, once he receives his first security briefing as commander-in-chief, he will officially have to turn it in for something more secure. This says little about the security of Android considering his predecessor was required to do the same. //

New 10.5 iPad Pro Expected Later 2017 With New Apple Pencil

via Instagram Supply chain sources report that Apple is prepping a new 10.5" iPad alongside an updated 12.9" model and a downgraded entry-level 9.7" tablet. Both Pro models are rumored to feature a next-generation A10X processor. The new 10.5" iPad is said to have a similar footprint to the existing 9.7" model thanks to smaller bezels. Sources state, these tablets may not be released until the second half of 2017. A new magnetic Apple Pencil 2 should be available at the same time the new iPads are released. //

iPhone 8 Rumored To Have IP68 Rating And More

via Instagram Reports claim that the iPhone 8 will have a higher water and dust resistance IP68 rating compared to the iPhone 7. This means it can withstand submersion for up to 30 minutes in about 3' of water. There's certainly much anticipation for big changes with Apple’s tenth anniversary iPhone. Customers, analysts and investors are expecting radical design changes and new features like wireless charging. The iPhone 8 could see an announcement in the Fall of 2017. //

Android Wear 2.0 Expected To Be Released February 9th

via Instagram Originally delayed last Fall due to “quality requirements,” Android Wear 2.0 has a big focus on making smartwatches independent devices. It promises a number of new features, including better fitness tracking, a separate App Store and support for Google Assistant. Additionally, two new watches are expected to be unveiled during the announcement with one possibly featuring LTE support. Rumors suggest Android Wear 2.0 will be released on February 9th. //

LG G6 Heat Pipes To Ensure A Cool Battery

via Instagram LG is going the extra mile to ensure their G6 smartphone doesn't overheat. LG will use heat pipes in their new phone. These are copper pipes designed to keep core components cool, like the battery cool. The company has confirmed conducting battery heat exposure tests and putting the phone through accelerated-life tests, designed to uncover issues that can be exposed over a lifetime of use. With a likely announcement at the end of February, expect to hear more about the G6's features soon. //

Nintendo Switch Price, Specs and Release Date

via Instagram Nintendo has officially announced the Nintendo Switch at an event in Tokyo. The console will have a 6.2″ touchscreen, come with 32GB storage with micro SD card expansion and has a battery life ranging from 2.5 to 6.5 hours. Up to 8 Switches can be connected for local multiplayer. A new online multiplayer service with a smartphone app will start free but eventually require a monthly cost. The Nintendo Switch will launch with 11 games including a new Zelda. The company’s next console will be released worldwide on March 3 for $300. //

Meet the first major Android flagship unveiled in 2017, the HTC U Ultra. It's made of glass with a thin aluminum frame that integrates the antenna lines. A 5.7" display features an additional display that learns user habits providing notifications and reminders. The U Ultra is a powerful phone with a Snapdragon 821 processor, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of memory. The HTC U Ultra costs $749 with shipping starting in mid-March.

via Instagram Meet the first major Android flagship unveiled in 2017, the HTC U Ultra. It's made of glass with a thin aluminum frame that integrates the antenna lines. A 5.7" display features an additional display that learns user habits providing notifications and reminders. The U Ultra is a powerful phone with a Snapdragon 821 processor, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of memory. The HTC U Ultra costs $749 with shipping starting in mid-March. //

JetBlue Now Offers Free WiFi On All Flights

via Instagram JetBlue has completed rolling out Fly-Fi to its entire fleet of planes. This free internet service is available at every seat and offers speeds between 12-15Mbps, far exceeding the usual experience found on most airlines. Given that Wi-Fi costs around $20 on most major airlines, it remains to be seen if any competitors will follow JetBlue's lead but for now you can stay connected and save a few bucks at the same time. In other news, with 96% of Galaxy Note 7s returned, the FAA no longer requires passengers to receive a pre-boarding Note 7 notification. //

LG isn’t hesitant sharing important details about its next flagship smartphone. The company has revealed that the LG G6 won't be a modular device and now they announced a new “QHD+” display panel. It will be a 5.7" LCD display with an 18:9 aspect ratio, 10% brighter and consume 30% less power. The wider panel will allow the G6 to be more "manageable." Reports suggest an announcement late February with sales expected to start March 10 in Korea.

via Instagram LG isn’t hesitant sharing important details about its next flagship smartphone. The company has revealed that the LG G6 won't be a modular device and now they announced a new “QHD+” display panel. It will be a 5.7" LCD display with an 18:9 aspect ratio, 10% brighter and consume 30% less power. The wider panel will allow the G6 to be more "manageable." Reports suggest an announcement late February with sales expected to start March 10 in Korea. //

Samsung Pay Mini and Bixby Personal Assistant Leaked on Beta Website

via Instagram Samsung historically aims to introduce new software services with each major smartphone launch. It seems they accidentally revealed two new services in an internal Samsung Pay login portal on their Korean website. Bixby is Samsung's digital assistant to compete with Siri and Google Assistant. They’re also planning a version of Samsung Pay designed to make easier online payments on websites. Samsung is expected to announce the Galaxy S8 within the next few months. //

Nokia's First Android Smartphone is Official - The Nokia 6

via Instagram Nokia marks it's official re-entry into the industry with the announcement of the brands first Android smartphone, the Nokia 6. Boasting an aluminium unibody design, a 5.5" full HD display, powered by a Snapdragon 430 processor with 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage and a 16 megapixel camera. The Nokia 6 is exclusive to China, however rumour has it that they are expected to announce six phones throughout 2017, which could mean one new phone launched every two months. //

Industry insiders are reporting that DJI has acquired a majority stake in the camera company Hasselblad. Founded in 1941, Hasselblad was once known for the iconic moon photographs from the Apollo missions. DJI's cameras are actually good but they’ve been missing the brand recognition loved by professional photographers. This deal provides DJI with some of the best camera technology in the world.

via Instagram Industry insiders are reporting that DJI has acquired a majority stake in the camera company Hasselblad. Founded in 1941, Hasselblad was once known for the iconic moon photographs from the Apollo missions. DJI's cameras are actually good but they’ve been missing the brand recognition loved by professional photographers. This deal provides DJI with some of the best camera technology in the world. //

New Galaxy S8 images have just leaked and this time we are looking at real photos, not renders of Samsung’s next big thing. This appears to be the gold model with Samsung's branding placed below the display. Notice that the physical home button is missing. Additionally, the phone's bezels are noticeably thin and the frame seems a bit more curved. If the rumors are accurate, Samsung is planning to release the S8 in April, though it could be announced sooner.

via Instagram New Galaxy S8 images have just leaked and this time we are looking at real photos, not renders of Samsung’s next big thing. This appears to be the gold model with Samsung's branding placed below the display. Notice that the physical home button is missing. Additionally, the phone's bezels are noticeably thin and the frame seems a bit more curved. If the rumors are accurate, Samsung is planning to release the S8 in April, though it could be announced sooner. //

16 days after launch GoPro recalled its first drone. Now the company states that it will be relaunching the Karma drone later this year. GoPro recalled the drone due to instances of instant power loss causing the drone to literally fall from the sky. This was reportedly due to not properly securing the battery within the drone. GoPro is currently completing it's testing, though it doesn’t have a specific relaunch date yet.

via Instagram 16 days after launch GoPro recalled its first drone. Now the company states that it will be relaunching the Karma drone later this year. GoPro recalled the drone due to instances of instant power loss causing the drone to literally fall from the sky. This was reportedly due to not properly securing the battery within the drone. GoPro is currently completing it's testing, though it doesn’t have a specific relaunch date yet. //

According to a leaked image, Samsung is working on a "Desktop Experience" for a new smartphone. You'll be able to connect your phone to a monitor, keyboard and mouse, in order to use it like a proper PC. In order to provide a meaningful experience, Samsung must enhance the phone's user interface for multitasking and other features to work better on a large display. The phone shown doesn't seem like a Galaxy S8 but Samsung is expected to announce it relatively soon.

via Instagram According to a leaked image, Samsung is working on a "Desktop Experience" for a new smartphone. You'll be able to connect your phone to a monitor, keyboard and mouse, in order to use it like a proper PC. In order to provide a meaningful experience, Samsung must enhance the phone's user interface for multitasking and other features to work better on a large display. The phone shown doesn't seem like a Galaxy S8 but Samsung is expected to announce it relatively soon. //

HTC has sent out invitations for an event being held on January 12th. According to leaks, we may know the meaning of the "U" within the invite. The "U" will stand for "U Ultra." Originally codenamed the HTC Ocean Note, this phone will feature a 6" screen. The HTC U Ultra will be available in Black, Blue and White. It will also be one of the first phones unveiled in 2017 without headphone jack. HTC is expected to announce two additional phones on January 12th as well.

via Instagram HTC has sent out invitations for an event being held on January 12th. According to leaks, we may know the meaning of the "U" within the invite. The "U" will stand for "U Ultra." Originally codenamed the HTC Ocean Note, this phone will feature a 6" screen. The HTC U Ultra will be available in Black, Blue and White. It will also be one of the first phones unveiled in 2017 without headphone jack. HTC is expected to announce two additional phones on January 12th as well. //