Google

Google Nest Mini vs Home Mini: What’s the difference?

(Pocket-lint) – Google’s second generation of its smallest Google Assistant speaker comes in the form of the Nest Mini. The Nest Mini replaces the Google Home Mini, and while it looks very similar, there are a few differences and a few upgrades. Here’s how the Nest Mini compares to the Home Mini and what the… Read more

Asus ROG Phone 5 review: A gaming phone with little compromise

(Pocket-lint) – Gaming phones have become something of a fixture in the Android space; while many flagship devices push their gaming prowess, for a select few, gaming is their raison d’être, their everything. The ROG Phone is one such device, pushing Asus’ Republic of Gamers brand and weaving into that the experience Asus has gained… Read more

Bungie accidentally turns on Destiny 2 crossplay months early

Some Destiny 2 players have been able to play with people on other platforms after developer Bungie inadvertently switched the feature on. Bungie previously said that crossplay would be coming in fall 2021 for every platform that the game is available on, including PC, PS4/5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Google Stadia. The Verge’s… Read more

Walmart could undercut Roku and Amazon with $30 4K Android TV streamer

Home News (Image credit: Walmart) Earlier this year we reported that Walmart was prepping a new streaming stick under its affordable ‘Onn’ brand. The big-box retailer is yet to release details of that product, but now another Onn media streamer has shown up on Walmart’s website. First reported by 9to5Google, the official listing for the… Read more

Samsung won’t physically attend Mobile World Congress

Samsung representatives won’t show up in person to Mobile World Congress in Barcelona this year, according to a statement obtained by Reuters. The company says it has “made the decision to withdraw from exhibiting in-person” and will instead attend remotely to prioritize the health and safety of its customers and employees. Samsung has yet to… Read more

Matter is the new name of Project CHIP, the partnership that promises to simplify your smart home

Project Connected Home over IP (CHIP) — the ambitious smart home partnership that will see Apple, Apple, Google, Samsung, the Zigbee Alliance, and dozens of other companies work together on an open standard — has gotten a new name: Matter. The rebranding comes ahead of the first Matter certifications, which are set to arrive before… Read more

Exceptional growth is the ‘new normal’ for solar and wind energy

Solar and wind energy growth soared in 2020 and is on course to keep catapulting upward. Last year, renewable sources of electricity grew faster than they have since 1999. That rapid rise is far from a one-off event, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA), which said today that the “exceptionally high” growth in 2020… Read more

Nothing’s first wireless in-ear headphones are coming in June: get ready for Ear 1

Home News (Image credit: Nothing) In the six short months since Carl Pei (the brains behind smartphone brand OnePlus) announced the launch of his new London-based tech brand, Nothing, the firm has not only garnered plenty of interest and investment, but clearly has been working long hours. Because Nothing has revealed that it’s first product… Read more

Walmart’s in-house Android TV device might only cost $30

Walmart appears to be getting into the streaming devices with the Onn Android TV UHD Streaming Device, according to a new listing on its website (spotted by 9to5Google). The company’s new streaming box (in this case, really more of a flattened cube) is currently listed for $29.88 but is also “out of stock” — which… Read more

State attorneys general pressure Facebook to abandon plans for children’s Instagram

In an open letter today, the National Association of Attorneys General called on Facebook to abandon plans for an Instagram platform focused on children under the age of 13. The letter is signed by 44 different state-level attorneys general (including non-states like Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Northern Mariana Islands), representing a majority of US… Read more

New Bluesound Node and Powernode are fittingly well-furnished streamers

Home News (Image credit: Bluesound) Bluesound has refreshed its excellent Node 2i music streamer and Powernode 2i streaming amplifier. The next generation of the What Hi-Fi? Award-winning devices or now boast new DAC designs, more powerful processors, and touch panel controls with presets. They simply carry the original Node and Powernode monikers. For the uninitiated,… Read more

Samsung Galaxy Buds 2: release date, price, design, leaks and news

Home Advice (Image credit: Samsung) Samsung has some more true wireless earbuds in the works: the Galaxy Buds 2. The Samsung wireless earbuds range already includes the Galaxy Buds, Galaxy Buds+, Galaxy Buds Live and Galaxy Buds Pro, and they will soon be joined by the Galaxy Buds 2. As the name suggests, they should… Read more

How to add voice control to your hi-fi system

Home Advice (Image credit: Bluesound) Voice control isn’t the sole preserve of wireless smart speakers, you know. Barking “Alexa, open Just Eat” at your Echo Dot (or other Alexa speaker), or “Hey Google, what’s in my calendar for today” to your Google Assistant speaker just for the joy of hearing that your schedule is clear,… Read more

Unannounced Lenovo Tab M10 5G shows up online

It seems Lenovo is working hard on a new batch of tablets. Hot on the heels of the alleged Yoga Pad Pro leak form a couple of days ago, detailing a intriguing tablet, with HDMI input support, we are now seeing a more-traditional form-factor tablet also pop-up in various places. As per the name suggests… Read more

Vivo promises three years of Android updates for upcoming flagships

Vivo’s upcoming X-series flagship phones will receive three years of Android OS upgrades and security updates, the company announced today. The policy will come into force for phones launched after July 2021 in Europe, Australia, and India. “We are making a promise to our customers that they will be able to enjoy a premium smartphone… Read more