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. //