Wordle finally offers to sync your game stats between devices
Word-guessing game Wordle took the world by storm, so it was little surprise when it was snapped up by a big name -- the New York Times. There were promises that the game would not be changed and that it would remain free, and players raised a collective eyebrow skeptically.
Anyone playing the game in the last few days will probably have noticed something. While the NYT is not going back on the promises it made, players are being encouraged to create a New York Times account. The carrot being dangled as an incentive is the ability to have game statistics synchronized between devices.
The tech devices we worry about the most
Technology is supposed to make our lives easier, but it seems that in many cases it also gives us something else to worry about.
Research by Bespoke Software Development Company has used the online analytics tool Ahrefs to work out which products we're most concerned about being hacked.
It won't be long until the iPhone ditches the Lightning connector in favor of USB-C, thanks to the EU
USB-C is now all-but ubiquitous as a connection and charger type for everything from smartphones and webcams to laptops and Bluetooth speakers. There are some notable exceptions, of course, not least of which is Apple's iPhone.
Although just about every Android phone has made the switch to USB-C, Apple has decided to doggedly hang on to its proprietary Lightning connector for the iPhone. But the EU could soon force the company's hand as it moves towards implementing a legal requirement for all phones to have USB-C port in Europe.
Smartphone use linked to decline in mental wellbeing for young adults
Smartphones have made a significant change to the way we live our lives, giving us access to information on the go and keeping us in touch wherever we are.
But the benefits they offer are only part of the story. An alarming new study from non-profit research organization Sapien Labs suggests that a decline in the mental health of younger generations has occurred alongside smartphone use and an increase in social isolation.
The Google Pixel 6a is affordable and looks great, but you can't buy the damn thing!
The Google Pixel 6a was announced today, and there is both good and bad news regarding it. The good news is, the Android smartphone doesn't cost an arm, nor does it cost a leg. Yes, as is typical with Google's "a" smartphones, the 6a is inexpensive. This is very much appreciated at a time when inflation is causing everything to be so expensive. The bad news we can touch on in a bit...
Despite being fairly affordable at just $450, the Pixel 6a is powered by the famed Google Tensor processor that is also found in both the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro. The Pixel 6a has some other nice specifications too. For instance, you get 6GB RAM and 128GB storage, and that's it -- there's only one configuration to be had. I rather like that strategy, as it makes things less confusing for consumers.
Teracube Thrive is a sustainable Android 12 smartphone that can monitor your children
Like it or not, children of all ages have smartphones these days. Long gone are the days where kids could just be outdoors without technology. While parents surely wish their little ones would just play hide-and-seek or baseball like in the good ol' days, instead, kids seem to just want to be on YouTube and TikTok. It is what it is, folks.
Thankfully, parents can still be in control of their child's online activity. There are apps and services which allow you to monitor and limit what your kids do while using a smartphone. Today, Teracube announces a new child-focused smartphone designed specifically for this purpose. Called "Thrive," it runs a specialized version of Android 12 designed to empower parents. And yes, like Teracube's other devices, Thrive is built with sustainability in mind.
When is the best time to buy a new smartphone?
The trouble with buying any technology is that whatever you lay down your hard-earned cash for today you can guarantee that something faster, cheaper and with more features is going to be along soon.
But the longer you wait the more you risk being left behind. UK-based reseller Buymobiles is looking to help break this vicious circle by doing some research into when is the best time to take the plunge and get a new handset.
Satechi ST-UC165GM is an elegant 165W USB-C 4-Port PD GaN Charger
The days of charging just one device are long gone. Back in the day, people just charged their smartphone. Nowadays, they charge their phone, tablet, wireless headphones, smartwatch, and more. And so, things can get quite messy when needing to charge them all at once. You can use multiple individual charging adapters, of course, but outlets are usually installed in pairs. With that said, you can add a power strip to gain extra outlets, but that can be an eyesore. Instead, a multi-charger can help keep things tidy.
GaN chargers are all the rage these days, as they offer a lot of wattage in a tiny package. Today, Satechi launches a new multi-charger that uses GaN technology. It offers four USB-C ports for with a maximum output of 165 watts. It even comes with a removeable stand to hold it vertically. Not only can it charge mobile devices, but laptops too!
Pssst... Wanna buy a dead BlackBerry?
Online searches for 'Sell BlackBerry' rocketed 1,528 percent today as the company announced it would be ending support for the operating system used on its phones.
Analysis by VpnOverview shows interest in selling Blackberry phones is 16 times the daily average. Searches on Google for 'BlackBerry phones' were also up 590 percent.
Google Nest Hub comes to LEGOLAND Hotels
About a year ago, we told you that Google was partnering with some hotels to have Nest Hub smart devices installed in guest rooms. Understandably, some people were concerned about having a microphone and camera in their hotel rooms.
However, those worries were unfounded. You see, Nest Hub doesn't even have a camera! Plus, Google is extremely focused on privacy, and the microphone can be totally disabled with a hardware switch. Ultimately, this hospitality partnership was simply a big win for hotel guests as they get to experience the convenience of Google Assistant when away from home.
This is Google Pixel 5a with 5G
If you are a hardcore Android user, you should buy a Pixel. Google’s smartphones may not have the best specifications, but they do offer the purest Android experience. They are the only way to truly experience Android as Google intends it -- including timely OS updates. They are free of bloat, unlocked, and often very affordable. Best of all, they offer a remarkable photography experience.
Today, Google officially announces the oft-rumored Pixel 5a with 5G. It isn’t a flagship device, but with a reasonable $449 asking price, the Android 11 smartphone looks to be a great value. The 6.34-inch OLED screen features a respectable 2400x1080 resolution, while the 12.2 MP dual-pixel and 16 MP ultrawide rear cameras should take exceptional photos. While it does get water resistance, the Pixel 5a with 5G lacks wireless charging -- you must use USB-C to charge the 4680 mAh battery.
Lenovo Legion Phone Duel 2 is the ultimate 5G Android gaming smartphone
For the most part, Android smartphones are pretty boring nowadays. LG has often been a risk-taker in the Android market, taking chances with unique phones that have funky designs and cool features. Sadly, LG has decided to leave the mobile market. Thankfully, Lenovo seems ready to take the reins with its brave new Legion Phone Duel 2 -- a drool-worthy gaming-focused 5G smartphone that is a successor to last year's model.
What makes the Lenovo Legion Phone Duel 2 so special? Well, it builds upon its predecessor with better specifications and a nicer overall design. It has a huge (6.92-inch) high-resolution (2460 x 1080) AMOLED HDR display, 44MP front camera, and 64MP rear shooter. The front camera pops out from the side of the phone, meaning there is no notch to interfere with the screen.
LG exits the smartphone business as Android's future looks terribly bleak
Smartphones are no longer exciting and they never will be again. You know what? That's fine. These devices are just tools in our day to day lives at this point. The good ol' days where people lined up overnight to get the newest models are long gone. Even the once-popular keynote event where companies highlighted their newest phones on a stage has fallen out of favor with consumers -- those events have largely become a joke at this point. An unintended parody of sorts.
And so, it is not surprising that a major smartphone maker has decided to exit the overcrowded and boring mobile market. Yes, folks, after many rumors, LG has finally decided to officially stop making smartphones and tablets.
Samsung unveils the Galaxy S21 and S21+ -- its (more) affordable flagship devices
At this year’s Samsung Unpacked event, the South Korean tech giant introduced its latest S Series of flagship smartphones. The Galaxy S21 and Galaxy S21+ sport a new design, advanced processors, and upgraded cameras.
The Galaxy S21 has a light design and compact 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity-O display (2400x1080, 421 ppi) with adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, while the Galaxy S21+ sports an expanded 6.7-inch screen (2400x1080, 394 ppi) and larger battery.
No more muffled conversations with the MaskFone
Thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic mask wearing has become the norm in many public situations. While this might be good to prevent infection spreading it does have some downsides including muffled phone calls.
Consumer electronics company Binatone is using this week’s CES to launch a clever solution, a wireless headphone and facemask combined.
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