TikTok has gone through so many ups and downs in the United States. The controversy around the ByteDance-owned app started during Donald Trump's presidency, with politicians accusing the platform of having suspicious ties with the Chinese Communist Party and potentially even acting as a spying tool for China. After multiple rounds of sanctions by the Trump and Biden administrations, it seems like TikTok will have to divest from its parent company, ByteDance, to be able to continue operating in the US.
Google Pixel Tablet 2: Rumors and what we'd like to see
What we know about, and want from, Google's next tablet
Google's grand return to the tablet form factor, the two-in-one Google Pixel Tablet, was resoundingly fine. While the double-duty form factor held some promise and the tablet performed well enough, the execution of the whole package didn't quite hit the mark. It seems like Google's hard at work on a sequel, though: codenames believed to be related to a future Pixel Tablet 2 were discovered in early 2024. With Google I/O 2024 around the corner, we could learn more about Google's next tablet very soon. But in the meantime, here's what we've heard about the Pixel Tablet 2 so far — and what we hope it'll be like.
T-Mobile is beefing up its defense against SIM swap attacks
Tweaks to customer verification aim to limit successful SIM swap attacks
When you switch mobile service providers, you’re typically required to start using a new SIM card. It’s this tiny piece of technology that houses your identification information as it pertains to the mobile network. While it may not seem like it holds much sensitive data, such personal information has grown in demand among hackers as of late. When your SIM card is in the wrong hands, a bad actor can take possession of your phone number and potentially access accounts requiring two-factor authentication. Now, T-Mobile is stepping up its defense against such attacks.
ChatGPT’s Android app could finally get this missing feature
Update puts the ChatGPT Android app on par with the web version
ChatGPT and AI have been the hottest buzzwords in the tech world since 2022. Supported by OpenAI, ChatGPT was initially launched as a web-based chatbot, but now you can find its traces on numerous other platforms, including Android. However, the app version, which is more convenient to use and offers more features, lacks one crucial feature of its web counterpart — the ability to edit existing prompts. But here's the exciting news for ChatGPT app users: you'll soon be able to edit prompts in the app, too.
Amazon allegedly instructed devs to disregard copyright policy
You won't find any violations if you just stop looking
A complaint filed in a California state court in Los Angeles on behalf of Dr. Viviane Ghaderi alleges senior staff instructed her to ignore a legal department directive to flag violations of internal copyright policy. It also outlines a series of unethical actions against the former team lead, a doctor of electrical engineering who spent two stints at Amazon between 2018 and late 2023.
Anker's ultra-popular ANC wireless earbuds plummet to lowest price at 51% off
Great sound, ANC, and style — what more could you want from a $49 pair of earbuds
If you're looking for a great pair of earbuds that won't cost you an arm and leg, these Soundcore Space A40 by Anker are going to be right up your alley. Not only do you get earbuds that are compact and sleek, but you also get impressive performance as well, with rich sound and jaw-dropping ANC.
How to set up a PIN on your Roku stick or streamer
Prevent unauthorized purchases on your Roku streaming device and TV
Roku devices have a Channel Store to install streaming apps and games on your TV. Roku makes it easy to find and download channels on your top streaming device. The company also offers an option to set a PIN to prevent guests and children from making unintentional purchases, downloading irrelevant channels, and accessing restricted content on the Roku Channel.
14 simple Roku tips and tricks to try on your next movie night
Take your streaming to the next level
Streaming is how we access everything, from movies, sports events, and TV shows to music. The on-demand and live content is available on everything from our phones to our TVs. We even have smart devices that make our older devices smart. Streaming devices are one of the best examples, and using them makes older devices smarter or TVs with complicated systems simple.
WhatsApp wants you to know when someone likes your status updates
The feature is currently in development
WhatsApp is a full-blown communications platform that doesn’t hide the influence parent company Meta has had on its functions and features. As one of the best messaging apps around, Meta’s way forward with WhatsApp has been the gradual inclusion of features from sister apps like Instagram and Messenger. We saw that when status updates launched a few years ago. The app’s developers seem to be working on a notification system for likes you receive for posted status updates.
How to delete your TikTok cache, and why you should
Your doomscrolling is attracting clutter. Here's why you need to clear it
TikTok houses entertaining content that can quickly fill up the storage on your Android phone or tablet. Like most apps, it stores caches containing videos you recently watched and thumbnails. Since the data is on your device, the app loads quicker and uses less mobile data when you revisit content. Caches typically prevent lags or crashes from apps constantly fetching data. But as they accumulate, they cause technical issues, and you need to clear them. If your TikTok app misbehaves, here's how to free the cache system.
How to send iMessages from your Windows PC or laptop
Continue your iMessage conversations without leaving your desktop
Apple is steadily bringing its apps and services to Windows. However, the company doesn't seem to have any intention of launching iMessage on Windows PCs or Android phones. If you use an iPhone with Windows, Microsoft has a workaround for sending or receiving iMessages from your computer. When working on the desktop, reaching for your iPhone for incoming iMessages isn't productive. Microsoft's Phone Link app on Windows connects your iPhone to Windows and manages your iMessages like a pro.
Best Pixel 7a deals: One of our favorite phones is now free from participating carriers
Or you can score $150 off an unlocked model and get it for its lowest price yet
The Pixel 7a is still one of the best budget Android phones you can buy in 2024. It comes with the perfect combination of style and performance, and really caters to those that want the experience of a Pixel without spending a lot of money. While it original retail price came in at $499, it has since dropped quite a bit, with plenty of great deals to be had that can save you a lot of money.
With the Pixel Watch 2 strutting in the space once occupied by the original Pixel Watch and a new mysterious Wear OS-powered device surfacing, it may seem like Google’s first foray into smartwatches is on the outs. However, there’s still plenty of life in your Google Pixel Watch, which remains a relatively low-cost wearable for those looking for an entry-level option. Most importantly, you can still customize the Pixel Watch with a new band that may fit your style better.
How do fingerprint sensors work?
From sci-fi movies to everyday life, fingerprint scanners are everywhere
Despite our best efforts, locks are susceptible to picking and passwords to hacking. So, how should we protect our stuff? The answer might lie in biometrics. Once a feature of Sci-fi cinema, fingerprint scanning technology now fits in our pockets, marking its presence across devices from secure buildings to ATMs and premium Chromebooks. There are three primary types of fingerprint scanners: optical, capacitive, and ultrasonic. Here's how these technologies function and why they are favored today.
Answering phone calls can be anxiety-inducing, especially when you receive too many robocalls. Robocalls are tools for scamming and other fraudulent activities. Whether you use a high-end or budget Android phone, you can combat robocalls by turning on the built-in spam filter or using third-party apps. This guide shows you all the ways you can eliminate pesky robocalls.
Gmail offers 15GB of free storage for each new account, and that space fills up fast. It is shared across all Google services, whether it's Photos, Drive, or any Google Workspace apps you use. To get extra room in your Gmail storage, upgrade to a paid Google One storage plan or clean up existing files. We walk you through some digital cleaning tips to try when your Gmail storage is full. Try these tips on your desktop rather than a 5G Android phone or iPhone for an easier time managing files.
How to turn off your Roku streaming device
Shutting down your Roku streaming device isn't absolutely necessary
Thanks to an intuitive user interface, robust app support, and multiple products at different price points, Roku's offerings remain popular in the streaming device market. Except for Roku TVs and a few USB-powered streamers, most Roku devices are designed to stay on and connected to the internet at all times. However, there are times when you want to power off your Roku device.
Smart home technology should make your life easier, safer, and more relaxed, and today's extensive selection of refined smart devices makes that a more reasonable expectation than ever. No matter what smart ecosystem you're interested in, there's a glut of worthwhile devices to consider.
There's no dearth of social media apps that you can try out today. However, some major platforms, like X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, etc, stick out, mainly due to the sheer volume of active users. We see competitors trying to eat into each other's market share from time to time, with Meta taking that route last year when it announced Threads. While its popularity may have plateaued a bit since its initial arrival, the app continues to work on new features, with a new test bringing the familiar archiving feature to the Meta-owned platform.
The Samsung Galaxy S24 is one of the best Android phones in 2024, thanks to its compact form-factor, fast chipset, excellent cameras on the back, and the incredible seven years of software support. The phone sports a large 6.2-inch LTPO AMOLED display that’s bright, colorful, and gorgeous regardless of what you play on it. However, as is the case with all smartphones, it’s made of glass and easy to scratch and scuff.