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Microsoft might still be working on a pocket-sized Surface
Microsoft has been evidently working on a foldable tablet, code-named Andromeda, for a while now. It's supposed to focus on pen input and was rumored to hit the market as early as this year. Now, according to a leaked Microsoft document acquired by The Verge, it will likely be a pocket Surface device.
Apple rumor points to a TV, music and news subscription bundle
Just three months ago, Apple purchased a company described as the "Netflix of magazine plans" and now The Information reports that it may have bigger ambitions. A plan it's considering, according to sources, is to integrate Texture's digital magazine plan with its own Apple News app, and then in the future offer a bundle that includes news, video content (like the kind it will get from Oprah) and Apple Music. While all of the items would still be available separately, it would offer an interesting package to cord-cutters willing to get their media from the same company that makes their phones, laptops, speakers and streaming boxes. If this is the idea, Apple would hardly be the only one going that route, as Amazon offers similar content under Prime, Google just refashioned YouTube premium plans to cover music and original video streaming, and there are indications Spotify will increase its focus on video. Meanwhile, just in video there's competition like Netflix, Hulu and traditional TV providers like Comcast or AT&T. Subscription rumors are nothing new for Apple, whether it's about video, news (from 2010!), or anything else. As usual, offering exclusive content is a way to increase revenue from its customers in between their hardware upgrades, and keep them tied in with its products. Nothing appears to be confirmed yet, but The Information's report follows a recent rumor from Bloomberg that said the news package could launch next year.
All signs point to 'Fortnite' launching on the Switch
Since its launch last September, Fortnite has already appeared on PS4, PC, Xbox and your iPhone, but it's not stopping there. Rumors suggest a NintendoSwitch release, soon — which would go nicely alongside that Android port we've been promised this summer. First up, a leaked E3 document from 4chan yesterday outlined a showroom display for Nintendo's hybrid console lineup that includes Fortnite (alongside Mario Tennis Aces, Dragonball FighterZ and several more titles). Kotaku sources backed up the claims, and then hours ago Fortnite made another appearance, this time on the Korean game ratings board (GRAC), headed for the Switch once again. The filing doesn't give that much away, yes there's cartoon violence and in-game purchases, but you knew all that already, right?
Microsoft may release a lower-cost Surface tablet this year
Microsoft will try making another inexpensive tablet. Redmond is rumored to launch a new, cheaper slate to compete with the iPad this year, according to Bloomberg's sources. Like Apple's tablet, the device will have rounded corners and a 10-inch screen, along with a kickstand and a USB C port for charging and syncing. It'll cost around $400, or half that of a Surface Pro.
Apple exploring 'touchless' gestures and curved iPhone screens
A future iPhone could be controlled without you even touching it. Apple is exploring touchless gesture control and curved screens, according to the latest rumors from Bloomberg. A display that "gradually" curves inward from top to bottom is still at least two to three years away, while the touch-free tech "likely won't be ready for consumers for at least two years." That's assuming Apple finds merit in continuing with the R&D cycle for it. Samsung and Motorola have both used touchless gestures in their handsets before, but it sounds like Apple's version is a bit different in terms of implementation. Rather than using motion sensors in the bezel, Bloomberg says that the display itself will apparently act as the sensor and your hands will have to be much closer to the screen as a result. Of course, Apple works on far out technology all the time, and more often than not, it doesn't come to market. Remember when the company teased swappable camera lenses back in 2012? Or a solar powered iPhone? Well, it's six and eight years, respectively, since those patents were filed and neither feature has been added yet.
Google is reportedly acquiring Lytro for around $40 million
Lytro burst onto the scene in 2011 with its then-unprecedented "light field" technology that powered an oddly-shaped camera with the ability to refocus pictures after they're taken. The first $400 camera arrived in 2012, however, after a pivot to virtual reality (where its technology creates photographs and videos that you can move around in to experience from different angles) and pro cameras, TechCrunch reports the company will be acquired by Google. According to unnamed sources, Google is mostly grabbing the company's technology and patents for about $40 million, with some employees having already departed.
LG may update its flagship V30 with an AI camera
LG's V30 smartphone arrived last fall as a strong flagship with notable flaws, but we loved how much it suited the vlog life. Rumor has it that LG will announce a new model at the upcoming Mobile World Congress: The V30s, a largely similar phone equipped with a new AI-powered camera.
Google is reportedly working on a video game streaming service
It sounds like Google might be working on a game streaming service. According to a report from The Information, the tech juggernaut has been floating the idea for a streaming service (like PlayStation Now or NVIDIA's GeForce Now) for around two years. The service is codenamed "Yeti" and Google is apparently even testing hardware for it as well. The Information's sources say that the service might stream to a Chromecast, and that hiring Phil Harrison last month as VP of hardware -- formerly of Microsoft and Sony's gaming divisions -- could point toward a standalone gaming console.
Samsung Galaxy S9 box leak hints at variable aperture camera
Sometimes leaks are obviously legitimate, and sometimes people go out of their way to dupe us with an elaborate hoax. And sometimes, you just can't call it -- say, when an image pops up on Reddit allegedly showing the box a Galaxy S9 will eventually be tucked up in. The gloves, the clinically white work space, the layout and font; nothing seems too suspect. And given we know the S9 and S9+ will be announced next month, this is when you'd expect the leaks to start flowing. Assuming this is, in fact, final Galaxy S9 packaging, then what does it tell us about Samsung's next flagship? Well, that it's much like the S8, but with a few new features thrown in.
CNBC: GoPro is putting itself up for sale
Hot on the heels of GoPro announcing plans to fire up to 300 people and pull out of the drone business is the news that the company may put itself up for sale. CNBC is reporting that the action-camera maker has enlisted the services of JPMorgan Chase to help it find a potential buyer. Earlier in the day, the outlet reported that CEO Nick Woodman would "look at" opportunities to "unite with a bigger parent company." At this time, it's not clear if other parties are interested or how much it would cost to swallow the brand.
ZTE may unveil a dual-screen folding phone in October
Weeks ago, sources told Venturebeat's Evan Blass that ZTE and AT&T had teamed up to release a dual-screen, unfoldable smartphone codenamed the Axon Multy. Today, Android Authority followed up with leaked screenshots of a similarly-designed phone, which sources claimed might be called the Axon M. Regardless, both sets of details imply that this is the device ZTE will announce at an anticipated press conference in NYC on October 17th.
Google rumored to replace 2-factor with 'Advanced Protection' keys
According to Bloomberg, Google is close to rolling out a hardware replacement for current 2-factor authentication setups. Right now, adding the need for a constantly changing code is one of the best ways to protect your account beyond just a password, which can be guessed, stolen from another service you reused it on or obtained via phishing. The report describes an "Advanced Protection Program" that replaces two-factor codes with a pair of physical keys, presumably similar to items like a Yubikey. According to the report, users will need both keys, which includes one that plugs in via USB.
GoPro's Hero6 camera may feature 4K 60 FPS recording
GoPro is inching toward profitability, and its new Hero6 Black might finally bring the action-cam maker into the black. Spotted by a Photo Rumors reader, the camera will apparently capture 4K 60 FPS video (the Hero5 was 4K 30 FPS) from its 12 megapixel sensor. That's according to a photo of what looks like final retail packaging. Other than that, there are about as many new details as there were when CEO Nick Woodman confirmed the Hero6's existence in February.
What’s the deal with Google and HTC?
Rumors out of Taiwan suggest that Google is preparing to purchase some or all of HTC's smartphone division. If true, it would mark a sad end for the company that built the first Android phone. What's not clear, however, is why Google wants to buy HTC, and what it's looking to get out of the deal.
Facebook is reportedly working on a tablet for video calls
Facebook's hardware aspirations go beyond virtual reality. The social network is working on a video calling device that'll feature a wide-angle lens, a mic, speakers, a touchscreen between 13-and-15 inches and will maybe even run Android, according to Bloomberg's sources. Like offerings from Amazon, the unnamed Facebook video device could only cost a "few hundred dollars" when it's ready to buy. The publication's sources say that could happen as soon as Facebook's F8 conference next spring. One potential feature is an auto-scanning camera that'd lock in on individual people in a room, a la how Microsoft's Kinect works. The piece of kit comes from Zuck's Building 8 lab, where developers and engineers cook up experimental ideas. Beyond the video calling tablet, apparently the social network is working on an AI-powered smart speaker of its own that'd cost $100 -- similar to Amazon's Echo line, Apple's forthcoming HomePod and Google Home.
WSJ: Sprint has proposed a merger with Charter
Another day, another rumor of a deal bridging the worlds of cable and mobile involving Sprint. Tonight a report from Wall Street Journal claims that Sprint has proposed a merger with Charter, to create a media/telecom giant controlled by the Japanese company Softbank. Of course, since this is Sprint then nothing is so simple, as Bloomberg reporter Alex Sherman tweeted that according to a source, Charter has "no interest" in the arrangement. This news comes after the end of an exclusive negotiating period between Sprint and the combined forces of Charter/Comcast, however, Bloomberg reported those talks are continuing. Of course, Charter and even Comcast have been named in rumored arrangements with (Engadget parent company) Verizon, so while there's certainly interest in teaming up, it's unclear who might make a deal and when. The door is also open for merger talks to resume with T-Mobile, but so far we haven't seen any new magenta-tinged rumors flying around.
WSJ: Sprint is discussing a new deal with Charter/Comcast
Not that long ago, there was a report that the on again/off again merger talks between T-Mobile and Sprint had resumed, but tonight the Wall Street Journal reports they're on hold. That's apparently due to Sprint negotiating exclusively with the combined unit of Charter and Comcast. An unlikely result could be an acquisition of the fourth largest wireless carrier, or the two cable companies could invest in it to help improve the company's network, which they could then use to offer their wireless services instead of Verizon.
Facebook reportedly has a teen-friendly chat app in the works
As Snapchat continues to rule among the teen set, Facebook continues to take a more active role in encouraging younger folks to use its own communication apps. According to a report at The Information, code inside the main Facebook app points to a new, unreleased app called Talk. The code alludes to parent-centric features for filtering who teens can talk to, saying "Talk is a messaging app where you fully control the contacts." Another line in the code states that children will talk to parents in Messenger. Another line from the code appears to reference additional features that might actually appeal to teens. One comment in the code says, "Kids love using the creative tools in "Talk" to play games and share fun masks with family and friends," according to The Information.
Nintendo is working on a 'Zelda' mobile game
One of Nintendo's premium franchises is coming to smartphones, according to a report in the Wall Street Journal. The Legend of Zelda, co-developed by Japanese developer DeNA, will be be its next mobile title after Animal Crossing, the unnamed sources say. That lines up with president Tatsumi Kimishima's recent comments that Nintendo will release two to three smartphone titles per year.
'Anniversary' iPhone reportedly crams big screen into smaller device
Apple is prepping up to three iPhones for a possible fall launch, including a flagship stainless steel and curved glass tenth anniversary model, according to Bloomberg's Apple guru Mark Gurman. That jibes very closely with past rumors from Fast Company and others that believe Apple will release two iPhone 7s models along with a pricey high-end version. Unlike others, however, Gurman thinks the new model will not have a curved OLED display, but merely curved glass on the back and front.
