Phone Scoop

Verizon Wireless has removed the SIM lock from the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL. Some users had noticed the phone was locked before being activated on the network, something Verizon began doing earlier this year to deter theft. "At launch, there was an update…

The Galaxy A6 from Samsung finds a good spot in the middle of Sprint's lineup. This affordable Android phone features a metal chassis, a pair of capable 16-megapixel cameras, and Samsung's Infinity Display. It looks and acts like a flagship at half the cost.…

Google is prepared to charge its hardware partners a steep price for access to Google Apps. The company is prepared to tack on a fee ranging between $2.50 and $40 for each device, reports Reuters, with the average hovering around $20. Device size, screen…

Asus has made its ROG gaming phone available to U.S. consumers. The device is available online from Asus, Amazon, and Microsoft. The 128 GB version costs $899 and the 512 GB version costs $1,099. The company says the phone will start to ship during the last…

Google today updated its Play Store developer tools, giving app writers more latitude to build and test their apps. To start, the Android App Bundle should allow for downloads that are 8% smaller, and on-device packages that are 16% smaller. Google says it…

Google's YouTube today announced a new partnership with Eventbrite that's meant to help people find concert tickets. As people watch music videos or performances on artists' official YouTube channels, they'll see Eventbrite listings for live music performances…

Google has made it easier for people to share their estimated time of arrival with others. Moving forward, people can tap the ^ button in Maps to begin sharing their trip progress, which can include their live location, route, and ETA. The update allows live…

Sony today made it clear which phones will receive Android 9 Pie and when they'll receive it. The update has already reached the Xperia XZ2 and XZ2 Compact, and Pie ships on the new XZ3. Sony says Android 9 Pie will be available to the XZ Premium, XZ1, and…

Spotify is giving its paying subscribers a better app. The company has released an updated version of its mobile application for Android and iOS with streamlined navigation meant to help people find music faster. The app provides more recommendations on the…

Google is distributing Chrome 70 to Android devices via the Google Play Store. This new build of Google's browser introduces a number of changes and updates. To start, Chrome more thoroughly adopts Google's Material Design so it is cohesive across devices.…

Essential Products has laid off 30% of its staff, reports Bloomberg, amidst a reorganizing effort that promises to deliver a "game changing consumer product." Several months ago, the Andy Rubin-run company cancelled plans to create a second version of the PH-1…

T-Mobile today announced new handset and service promotions that offer new phones for low monthly payments with one big catch: the equipment installment plan runs for 36 months. That means it will be three years before customers pay off their device, rather…

Spotify today showed off a new way for people to manage their music. The company has developed a small app specifically for Wear OS devices. Once installed, people will be able to play, pause, or skip to the next track; instantly set tempo-matching songs for…

Apple has updated its privacy web site and given customers new tools to manage their personal information. Specifically, Apple has made it possible for owners of Apple devices to download and view all the data Apple has collected on them. This change is…

At an event in NYC today, RED CEO Jim Jannard revealed how owners of the company's forthcoming Hydrogen One phone will be able to access and share 3D content. The phone has stereoscopic 3D cameras on both sides, and a "holographic" display that displays 3D…

Verizon Wireless today said that it will automatically credit its customers in areas impacted by Hurricane Michael for three months of service. The credit will be made for every line on both consumer and business accounts. While the company continues to make…

FCC Chairman Ajit Pai lowered the boom on the nation's wireless network operators and their collective lack of progress in bringing wireless service back to the areas impacted by Hurricane Michael. "Even though efforts to restore communications services have…

Google today said it is appealing the European Commission's recent decision against Android. The EU sees the mobile platform's dominance as anti-competitive and fined Google $5 billion. Google believes Android has spurred competition and created a rich and…

Google today said people can now search for and locate electronic vehicle charging stations in Google Maps. In addition to displaying the closest stations, Maps will provide information about the business where the charger is located, the types of ports that…

Huawei today unveiled two devices apart from the Mate 20 and Mate 20 Pro. First up, the Mate 20 X is a massive slab with a 7.2-inch screen and a 5,000mAh battery. Huawei is pitching the phone as a gaming device. It relies on a graphene film and vapor chamber…