Click's launch of a new Communicator phone featuring a keyboard and signal lights marks BlackBerry's return to the mobile device market, emphasizing its focus on communication features.
Netflix is discontinuing support for casting from mobile devices to most newer TVs and streaming devices, requiring users to navigate content using their TV remote. While casting still works with some older Chromecast devices and Google Cast-compatible TVs for ad-free plan users, many users are experiencing the loss of this feature, which simplifies browsing and resuming content. Netflix has not provided detailed reasons but previously removed AirPlay support due to technical issues.
Netflix has discontinued the ability to cast shows and movies from mobile phones to most TVs and streaming devices, directing users to use their TV remote instead. The change, rolled out in recent weeks without prior notice, affects all but older Chromecast devices and certain high-tier plans, and the reasons for this shift remain unclear.
A new concept for a foldable iPhone resembles two titanium iPhone Airs joined at the hinge, suggesting a potential design innovation in foldable smartphones.
Apple announced its iPhone 17 lineup, including four models—iPhone 17, 17 Air, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max—with various upgrades in display, camera, and processing power, available for pre-order and release in September, with prices ranging from $799 to $1,199.
Cyber Monday set a new record as the biggest online shopping day in the US, with consumers spending $13.3 billion, a 7.3% increase from the previous year, according to Adobe Analytics. The five-day shopping period starting on Thanksgiving saw $41.1 billion in sales, driven by significant discounts and increased mobile device usage, which accounted for 57% of online sales. Popular items included toys, consumer electronics, and apparel, with discounts peaking at over 23% for some categories. Global sales also rose, reaching $49.7 billion.
The first image of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 reveals a more squared-off design with a smaller hinge and reduced bezels compared to the Z Fold 5. The device is expected to be fully detailed in Paris this July alongside other new Samsung products.
Razer has launched the Kishi Ultra mobile gaming controller, featuring a larger form factor to accommodate bigger mobile devices and some foldables, USB-C compatibility, Sensa HD haptics technology, Chroma RGB lighting, Mecha-Tactile ABXY buttons, and access to Razer’s Nexus app for custom button-mapping. Priced at $150, it aims to provide an authentic console experience on various devices and is complemented by an updated $100 version of the Kishi V2.
Google will make its AI-powered photo editing features, including Magic Eraser, Photo Unblur, and Portrait Light, available to all Google Photos users on Android and iOS starting May 15. The expansion will also bring these features to more devices, including Pixel tablets, and will include access to the Magic Editor tool for all Pixel devices. Additionally, Google Photos users will receive 10 Magic Editor photo saves per month, while Pixel device users and premium Google One subscribers with 2TB of storage will have unlimited saves.
Samsung is set to roll out the One UI 6.1 update for its 2023 Galaxy flagships, including the Galaxy S23 series, on March 28, with the possibility of the Galaxy S23 FE also receiving the update on the same date. The update may also extend to other devices such as the Galaxy Z Fold 5, Z Flip 5, and the Galaxy Tab S9, but availability in all countries may not be immediate, potentially taking until the end of April.
YouTube TV has introduced multiview to mobile devices, allowing users to watch multiple games simultaneously on their phones. This feature, previously available only on TV, now enables viewers to select and watch up to four pre-selected sporting events on their mobile screens. While the update makes it easier to find combinations of available multiview experiences, users can only create these channels from a list of preselected sporting events. The feature is now available for a wide range of sporting events, addressing the needs of customers who have struggled to find their desired games in the same multiview window.
Qualcomm has established itself as a leader in mobile AI with its Snapdragon processors and Cloud AI100 Ultra, offering specialized hardware, energy efficiency, widespread adoption in mobile devices, and comprehensive AI software tools. The company's Snapdragon X Elite demonstrates impressive AI and CPU performance, outperforming competitors in benchmarks. Qualcomm's AI Hub provides developers with pre-optimized AI models and resources for on-device AI development, positioning the company to lead in edge AI hardware and software.
Shure has introduced the MoveMic Lav, a compact wireless Lavalier microphone that expands the MoveMic One system, allowing for the recording of two talents simultaneously on mobile devices or cameras. The mic features omnidirectional pickup, two operating modes, and can be configured using ShurePlus MOTIV apps. It is compact, water-resistant, and has a rechargeable battery with 8-11 hours of life. The MoveMic Lav is available for $129, with the MoveMic Receiver priced at $199 and the MoveMic Two receiver kit at $499.
Samsung has announced the production of faster microSD cards, including a 256GB SD Express version and a 1TB UHS-1 microSD card, aimed at enabling on-device AI by allowing more data-intensive AI tasks to be performed on mobile devices. The 256GB SD Express card boasts read speeds of up to 800MB/s and features dynamic thermal guard technology to maintain optimal temperatures. The demand for on-device AI has increased, and these microSD cards could expand phone memory to support data-heavy AI applications without relying on cloud services.
Samsung is set to bring its flagship AI features, including Live Translate, Circle to Search, Note Assist, and generative image editing, to millions of older Galaxy handsets from the end of March, with plans to reach over 100 million Galaxy users by 2024. The move is seen as a generous gesture by Samsung, but there is speculation that the company may eventually introduce paid subscriptions for these features. Additionally, Samsung is offering a Try Galaxy promotional app to showcase its new Galaxy AI abilities to Android and iOS users, aiming to make its smartphones more accessible and efficient through AI technology.