Ryan Whitwam
Recent posts
Google has implemented a big security upgrade for Android users, and for once, you don't have to wait for a theoretical OS update to enjoy it. The Google Messages app now enables end-to-end encryption for all RCS chats by default, and that even applies to group chats. You can disable RCS if you want, but why would...
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YouTube is getting a new video streaming option, but only if you're a premium subscriber. After breaking cover in a limited fashion earlier this year, Google has announced that the new 1080p Premium setting is available across on the web, giving paying customers access to sharper video. But don't worry—Google isn't...
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Google Pixel Fold: Starting at $1799.99 Google's first foldable is slim and pocket-friendly, but its unfolded form factor could use some work. Attractive, slim foldable design The best cameras on a foldable Foldable screen is great for video and multitasking Comfortable folded form factor Battery might not last all...
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A couple of years ago, voice assistants were all the rage—Google, Apple, and Amazon all have their own personified virtual helpers, though most have scaled back spending on these systems. Now, generative AI is all the rage, and Google says via an internal memo that it's going to infuse Google Assistant with that tech...
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For the last eight years, internet service providers (ISPs) in the US have enjoyed a very liberal definition of "broadband." The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is poised to rain on their parade. The commission may update the definition of what constitutes broadband, raising the minimum speed requirement by a...
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OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro: Starting at $219.99 OnePlus and Keychron deliver enthusiast features and a compact design in a reasonably priced package with the OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro. Attractive Design Good value with many advanced features Open source, customizable firmware Hotswappable switches Excellent compact layout...
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Samsung just revealed a much-anticipated update to its foldable phones with some significant design changes, but that's not all Samsung had to offer at Unpacked. Alongside the new foldables, Samsung is launching new smartwatches and tablets. The Galaxy Watch6 family consists of two watches with two size options, and...
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It wasn't long ago that things were looking up for fans of classic game emulation. The developers of Dolphin, the iconic Wii and GameCube emulator, were working toward an official Steam release, but that is no longer on the table. After postponing the release, the Dolphin team has confirmed that Valve has pulled the...
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Samsung's next Unpacked event will take place on July 26, at which time we'll finally get to see the company's newest foldables, smartwatches, and tablets. In advance of that, Samsung's head of mobile experience, TM Roh, has published the company's customary Unpacked teaser. It focuses mostly on the foldable elements...
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It's hard to launch a new smartphone startup at this stage, but Nothing is giving it a shot. The company from OnePlus founder Carl Pei has just released its second phone, and it's a big improvement over the first. The Nothing Phone 2 is sleek, powerful, and it has glowing light bars—what else could you want? Oh, a...
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Microsoft has been trying to close its $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard for more than a year, and a recent court victory has moved the Xbox maker to within a hair's breadth of the goal line. The Federal Trade Commission failed to convince a court to block the deal, but the FTC has appealed the ruling...
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There is no shortage of companies trying to break into the smartphone market, but few ever manage to release a single phone, let alone two. Nothing, the smartphone startup brought to use by OnePlus co-founder Carl Pei, has unveiled its second smartphone, the predictably named Nothing Phone 2. By all accounts, it's...
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Today's AAA video games can cost hundreds of millions to produce over the course of years, so it's no surprise many publishers use anti-piracy tools to protect their games. Denuvo is one of the most effective, and therefore the most well-known of these DRM systems which has drawn the ire of many. Gamers claim Denuvo...
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Chronically online billionaire Elon Musk was forced to follow through on his proposed acquisition of Twitter late last year, and the site has changed dramatically in the intervening months. That has a lot of Twitter users searching for alternative social networks, and Meta just released one. The company's Threads app...
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It might be hard to remember, but there used to be a time when iPhone users could play Fortnite. That changed back in 2020 when Epic Games antagonized Apple by skipping the App Store billing system. Apple pulled the game, and the companies have been battling it out in court ever since. Apple came out on top in the...
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It's the time of year for spectacular, explosive light shows around the USA, but maybe your next phone will have a little light show of its own. Nothing launched its first phone last year, but it avoided the North American market. With the upcoming Nothing Phone 2, the company is headed to the US with enhanced "Glyph"...
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The jump from Pixel 6 to Pixel 7 wasn't huge, but Google didn't need to do much. The Pixel 6 was the first of the series that got everything mostly right, and the next version improved upon that. The Pixel 8, however, is shaping up to be a more substantial update. The rumor mill has already provided possible display...
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Microsoft is all-in with generative AI. After adding ChatGPT to Bing, Microsoft announced at the Build conference in May that the AI tool was coming to Windows 11 as "Copilot." Now, the first version of Copilot is rolling out. However, it won't arrive on the version of Windows 11 most people are using. If you want an...
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Google Pixel 7a - Starting at $499 The Google Pixel 7a gives you almost all the goodies from more expensive Pixels at a lower price. Class-leading cameras Sharp, bright OLED screen with 90Hz refresh Streamlined software with great features Wireless charging on board Good build quality with IP67 certification Sharp, bright display with 120Hz...
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The new Pixel 7a offers a lot for just $499, including several notable upgrades over last year's Pixel 6a. One of the improvements is a 90Hz display refresh, but now that the phone is in the wild, some owners have noticed that the OLED looks a lot less smooth in bright light. As it turns out, this is by design, but...
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We're still a few months out from the release of Google's next flagship smartphones, but leaks have pointed to a potentially major upgrade. The Google Pixel 8 might be able to power a desktop computing experience via USB DisplayPort alternate mode. So, you might be able to link a Pixel 8 with a monitor to get a...
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Google's original pitch for the Chromebook was a cheap, low-power device that connected to all your tools and data in the cloud. Consequently, most Chromebooks have modest hardware, and what few high-end Chromebooks we've seen have scarcely taken advantage of the extra power. That could be about to change with...
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