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A future Apple Watch could be essential for diabetics
Apple is quietly developing a sensor that can monitor a person's blood sugar levels continuously and non-invasively. If successful, the technology will be integrated into a future version of the Apple Watch to help people with diabetes manage their condition. At least, that's the scuttlebutt being slung around by CNBC, which claims the project was set up by Steve Jobs before his death.
Google might bring curved screens to its next Pixel phone
Google, which has taken a hands-off approach to Android hardware until recently, may be getting more involved in smartphone production. It's reportedly investing up to $875 million in LG Display to develop a stable supply of flexible OLED screens for its Pixel phones, according to reports from Korea's Yonhap News and Electronic Times (ET). That would help ease supply problems for the next-gen device, as the current model has been nearly impossible to find.
Comcast could chase cord-cutters with 'Xfinity Instant TV'
For years we've seen Comcast preparing to distribute video like an internet service instead of traditional cable methods, and now there's word it will roll the project out widely. While recent rumors indicated Comcast has signed deals preparing to compete with other video services nationwide, Reuters says that "Xfinity Instant TV" will only be available for Comcast internet customers when it launches later this year. It's an expanded version of what we already know as Comcast Stream, the $15 per month cloud DVR-equipped package it's been testing in a few areas since 2015. In something that's probably not a coincidence, it launched the same month Comcast announced that for the first time ever it had more customers subscribing to internet service than TV.
WSJ: 10th Anniversary iPhone will have a curved OLED screen
The chorus of voices claiming that Apple will release a limited-edition iPhone with an OLED display just got a little bit louder. The Wall Street Journal's anonymous sources, familiar with the matter, claim that the 10th iteration of the device will pack a curved OLED screen. Unfortunately, this is likely to further split Apple's formerly seamless lineup, since the regular iPhone refreshes are believed to pack LCD displays.
Next iPhone might have depth-sensing front camera
It's that time of year, folks. Rumors of what the next iPhone will be like are coming in hot and heavy. Last week, well-connected Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo noted that the new handsets would nix the home button for a touch-friendly "function area." Now there's another bit of info. In a KGI Securities report detailed by 9to5Mac, the analyst explains that the upcoming OLED iPhone will feature a "revolutionary" front camera that's capable of sensing 3D space via infrared.
Sonos 'Playbase' soundbar price and images leak
It looks like Sonos is about to release a new home entertainment speaker system, judging by a deleted B&H Listing (via article on Zatz Not Funny), a tweet and an FCC listing. Reportedly called the Playbase, it appears to be a flat soundbar that, rather than going in front of your TV like the Sonos Playbar, goes under it. According to the listing, it will cost $699, the same price as the Playbar and Sonos Sub. The idea may be to give folks a low-profile soundbar that elevates your TV a bit, not unlike LG's SoundPlate.
Analyst rumor: iPhone 8 'function area' to replace home button
While we're still months away from finding out exactly what's what with any new iPhone, the rumor mill is already running at full tilt. Following up on earlier reports of a 5.8-inch edgeless OLED-screened device arriving as the "iPhone 8," well-connected analyst Ming-Chi Kuo is telling investors more about what its home-button-less front screen could be like. As explained by AppleInsider and 9to5Mac, the analyst notes that this presumed OLED iPhone with its $1,000+ price tag will be similar in size to the current 4.7-inch iPhone. However, instead of the home button, it will include a "function area" that can also display controls for video or games.
Apple's 10th anniversary iPhone could cost over $1,000
To mark 10 years of metal and glass slabs, Apple is expected to debut an ultra high-end version of the iPhone alongside its next scheduled update. According to a report from Fast Company, Tim Cook and company will likely roll out three new phones this year: the incremental iPhone 7S in the 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch sizes, as well as a slightly larger, even more expensive 5.8-inch iPhone 8 with an edgeless OLED display and a few completely new features.
LG G6 photo shows off some rounded corners
We've already learned a lot about LG's next mobile standard-bearer, but a picture posted by The Verge provides a look at the G6 -- well, half of it anyway. We can't tell much about its tall 2:1 (1,440 x 2,880) screen ratio without seeing the rest of the device, but its emphasis on minimal bezels and Mi Mix-ish rounded screen corners are apparent. The device will be officially unveiled during Mobile World Congress 2017 on February 26th, when we should be able to tell you all about it.
A cheap Android One phone could come to the US this year
The Android One program that aimed to standardize expectations for low-cost phones launched in 2014 and hasn't revolutionized the mobile arena so far. Still, Google is expected to make another run at the initiative, and a report by The Information claims that we can expect to see at least one approved device launch in the first half of 2017. The outlet isn't sure who will make the phone, but LG is said to be a potential partner. A major point of the One program is enabling Google to provide updates directly, and this device should guarantee two years of "timely" updates including security patches.
Nikkei expects Nintendo Switch will sell for less than $250 in Japan
It's almost a tradition: Nintendo teases a new product and Nikkei reports a key detail just before its official reveal. The Japanese paper successfully called the Nintendo DSi, key details of the 3DS and got pretty close to the Wii U's launch price. Now, paper is predicting a ballpark price for the Nintendo Switch. Nikkei says fans should plan to spend about ¥25,000 for Nintendo's next device in Japan -- about $215 at today's exchange rate.
DJI may have quietly bought (most of) Hasselblad
Okay, here's a weird one: Chinese drone manufacturer DJI has reportedly bought a majority stake in famed camera brand Hasselblad. The news comes from TechCrunch and photography website Luminous Landscape, both of which claim that inside sources have confirmed the as-yet-unannounced deal.
Spotify isn't acquiring SoundCloud after all
Just a couple of months ago, rumors indicated Spotify was negotiating to acquire fellow music streamer SoundCloud. Now, TechCrunch reports hearing from a source that those talks have ended and Spotify is walking away. According to the Financial Times, Spotify has considered this deal twice before and ended negotiations because it couldn't agree on a price.
Samsung's Galaxy S8 may ditch the headphone jack
With Apple, Motorola and others releasing phones without 3.5mm headphone jacks this year, there's been a looming question: will Samsung follow suit? Like it or not, SamMobile sources claim the answer is yes. Reportedly, the Galaxy S8 will rely solely on its USB-C port for sound -- if you want to use your own headphones, you'll likely either need to use an adapter (no guarantee that you'll get one in the box) or go wireless. But why make the move, outside of being trendy?
TiVo appears to be testing cloud DVR recording
While a few companies have tried on network/cloud DVR features, TiVo has always been associated with storage that's sitting right in your living room. Previous leaks pointed to a new TiVo box, codenamed Mantis, that might do network recording of OTA channels, but now Dave Zatz posted this picture, showing that there may be similar features in the works for the existing Bolt DVR.
Fitbit is reportedly buying Pebble
Pebble might only live on in our memories and Fitbit's devices in the future. According to The Information, Fitbit is buying smartwatch maker Pebble for an undisclosed amount. An anonymous source indicates to Engadget that Fitbit is buying the indie smartwatch maker for only $34 to $40 million -- barely enough to cover its debts to suppliers, which amount to at least $25 million. Pebble has apparently been looking to sell for quite a while now due to financial issues. If you'll recall, the indie smartwatch company laid off 25 percent of its workforce back in March this year because money was "pretty tight."
Intel is reportedly backing away from wearables (update: it says no)
When Intel bought Basis back in 2014, there were hopes the acquisition would push the wearables firm to the next level. Sadly, things didn't go that way -- the company's first Intel-backed product had a tendency to catch fire, and was subsequently pulled from the market earlier this year. Now, any hope for a bounce back has been all but extinguished: according to a report from TechCrunch, Intel's wearable division is facing massive layoffs.
A full 'Pokémon' game could come to Nintendo's Switch
It sounds like a version of Pokémon Sun and Moon could be headed to Nintendo's upcoming Switch console. It'd be akin to Red and Blue's sibling Yellow or Pearl and Diamond's Platinum, according to Eurogamer's sources. Currently the code name is Stars. Now, for a bit of unpacking. Both Yellow and Pearl were similar to their generational predecessors, but offered new features like different legendary-class pocket monsters or starting with the adorable Pikachu at your side.
Bloomberg: An OLED iPhone is coming next year
OLEDs make for better displays because they draw less power and provide much nicer color reproduction. The only thing stopping them from being on every smartphone in the world is that they're a hassle to make. It's one of the reasons that an OLED iPhone remains as much-rumored as Half-Life 2: Episode Three. Bloomberg, however, believes that we'll see the device hit store shelves in limited quantities by next year. At least, that's what Apple is planning, but like the sapphire crystal display that never was, these things can always change.
Apple could lower its cut of subscription fees on video apps
Earlier this year Apple sweetened the split with iOS developers on subscriptions, by promising to halve its usual 30 percent cut -- once a user has been signed up for a year. Now, Bloomberg reports rumors that the company will move to an 85/15 split for all subscription video apps, with no time restriction. That could make partners and customers alike happy, since some services like Spotify, Netflix and YouTube have tacked on an extra buck or two whenever customers sign up via iTunes, just to cover the extra costs.
