Best Galaxy S21 fast chargers to replace the in-box charger

Posted on by Samuel Martinez

We have great news for all of you Samsung fans waiting to upgrade your device. The new Samsung Galaxy S21 series is now official. However, we can also officially say that your new device will not include a power adapter in the box. Hence, we have decided to create a list featuring some best fast chargers for your Galaxy S21.

Sometimes getting the right charger for your new device is not as simple as it may sound. If you go online to look for options, you will probably find yourself swamped. There are tons of brands, models, colors, shapes, and more. However, we have already taken the time to pick out the best options for your Samsung Galaxy S21. We’re not only including Samsung branded accessories, as we also include products from other companies with an excellent reputation. Whatever the case, you can rest assured that any item listed in this selection will surely get your device charged up in no time.

    Samsung 45W USB-C Fast Charging Wall Charger

    Samsung's best wired charger

    Samsung’s most potent and fastest charger will deliver up to 45W with Power Delivery to provide the most efficient charge possible
    Samsung Wireless Charger Convertible

    Samsung's fastest wireless option

    Choose to use the Wireless Charger Convertible as a pad or a stand, and get up to 15W of wireless Fast Charge.
    Samsung Wireless Charger Pad Trio

    Fast Charge for more than one device

    Get a fast battery boost with the Fast-Charging capability, which is not as fast as wired charging, but 9W is still better than some 5w power adapters in the market
    Samsung 15W Dual Port Car Charger

    Samsung's Fast Charging on the go

    Dual fast-charging USB port output lets you power up to two devices simultaneously, and its LED blue light indicator lets you know if your device is charging correctly.
    Anker 48W 2-Port Fast Charger Adapter

    Anker's Fast Charging option of your Galaxy S21

    Charge up to two devices with 30W and 18W Power Delivery speeds. And after you’ve charged your phone, you can also charge your tablets, notebooks and more, since Anker’s PowerIQ 3.0 technology is designed to work flawlessly with virtually any USB-C device.
    AUKEY 36W PD Car Charger

    AUKEY's dual 18W PD alternative

    This car charger simultaneously charges two devices in 36W total output and 18W for each port. It will also protect your devices from excessive current, overheating, overvoltage and overload thanks to its built-in safeguards.
    AUKEY Omnia 90W 3-Port Charger

    AUKEY's best option for your Galaxy S21

    Offers 90W Power Delivery 3.0 charging from a single USB-C port. You can easily charge your new Samsung Galaxy S21, a MacBook Pro or any other device that supports USB Power Delivery. Plus, its foldable plug and travel-friendly design will help you take it anywhere you want to.
    AUKEY Fast Charger 72W 3-Port with 60W Power Delivery

    AUKEY's best option for your Galaxy S21

    A powerful USB C Fast charger with a Power Delivery 3.0 output of up to 60W through its USB-C port, with 12W coming out of the USB-A ports. And you also get built-in safeguards protects your devices against excessive current, overheating, and overcharging.
    Anker 60W Power Delivery Fast Charger

    60W PD for your devices

    Anker’s signature power 3. 0 technology provides high-speed charging to virtually any device including the new Samsung Galaxy S21, or any other device that supports USB Power Delivery, since it will deliver 60W of power.

As you can see, there’s plenty of where to choose from. However, we may still want to take Samsung’s options as our best pick, as these chargers are designed for their flagships, hence the Samsung Galaxy S21. Still, that doesn’t mean that 3rd-party options are a bad choice, and more when you consider that both Anker and AUKEY offer excellent products that will charge your device in no time thanks to their Power Delivery technology.

If it were my choice and my money, I’d first go for Samsung’s 45W USB-C Fast Charging Wall Charger to keep it close to my nightstand. Second, I’d take Samsung’s Wireless Charger Convertible to keep on my desk or workstation to charge the phone when I’m not using it. I’d also grab the AUKEY Omnia 90W 3-Port MacBook Pro Charger to have it in my backpack. That way, I’d have enough power to juice my Samsung Galaxy S21 and any other device that needs some juice. Finally, I would also grab the Anker 48W 2-Port Fast Charger Adapter that would allow me to charge two devices while on the road.

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Save $49 on this top-rated Asus AC1900 router for a limited time

Posted on by Pocketnow Digital Offers

High-speed internet has always been seen as a luxury, but our shift to remote work has made it a necessity. If you have multiple people working under your roof, you need to take extra steps to ensure that your network can handle high-bitrate content consumption, file uploading, and even day-to-day emailing.

Many people think that paying for faster internet will solve their connectivity issues, but your router is just as important as it acts as the road through which all of your wireless devices must travel. Simply put, you need a router that can support high-speed internet if you want everyone to game, work, and stream 4K content all at once. This top-rated Asus router fits the bill, and it’s on sale right now for just $79.99.

This Asus router features dual-band connectivity supporting AC1900 speeds. That means it has a 5 GHz band offering 1300 Mbps of bandwidth and a 2.4 GHz band offering 600 Mbps of bandwidth, for a total of 1900 Mbps that can be accessed at once. 

Dual-band functionality allows you to designate devices to particular bands based on their bandwidth consumption. For example, low-powered IoT devices that consume little bandwidth can operate on the 2.4 GHz band, freeing up bandwidth on the 5 GHz band for more data-intensive workloads like online VR gaming. Similarly, you can switch your laptop to the 2.4 GHz connection if your work only consists of simple web browsing and emails. 

More importantly, this Asus router delivers 3,000 square feet of Wi-Fi coverage, which is more than enough for most homes. If you need wider coverage, the router’s AiMesh technology lets it connect with other compatible Asus routers to create a mesh network for uniform coverage throughout your home. 

At 4.5 out of 5 stars, this dual-band Asus router is one of the most popular routers on Amazon. Best of all, you can purchase it right now for $79.99, or $49 off the price on Amazon. That’s a 38% discount. 

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Honor could unveil a foldable phone this year

Posted on by Prakhar Khanna

Honor recently got separated from its parent company, Huawei. The Chinese company then announced its Honor V40 as a separate entity earlier this month. Since then, reports about the company resuming business with Qualcomm, MediaTek, Google and more have been circulating. Now, a new report claims that Honor is also prepping to launch a foldable smartphone. The device is said to be a part of Honor’s Magic series.

Earlier this week, a tipster shared a new piece of information on Weibo, a Chinese microblogging website. The leakster stated that Honor is planning on launching a new foldable smartphone within the Magic lineup. It is likely to be a premium smartphone from the company. Previously, Zhao Ming, CEO of the company, had also mentioned that Honor will soon launch flagship series like the ‘Mate’ and ‘P’ series from Huawei. And now, it seems like Honor is all set to compete in the foldable smartphone segment as well.

On the other hand, Xiaomi is said to be working on bringing three foldable phones next year. It is expected to unveil an outfolding phone, an in-folding device as well as a clamshell. While we don’t know what type of display technology the devices are going to use, these devices could house Samsung’s display. There is no word on when we could the devices in action. That said, OPPO is also reportedly prepping to launch its foldable in the market this year.

Further, Samsung is also working on several foldable phones. It could announce a new Z Flip Lite in late 2021. The South Korean giant is likely already working on the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3, which are tipped to be announced in the third quarter of 2021. As per previous reports, the Galaxy Z Flip Lite will have a 6.7-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate.

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Galaxy Note 10 Lite starts receiving Android 11 update with One UI 3.0

Posted on by Prakhar Khanna

Lately, Samsung has been swift in pushing out Android 11 update to its devices. In fact, it is doing better than companies like OnePlus and Nokia in updating their smartphones to the latest version of Android. Now, the Galaxy Note 10 Lite has started receiving the One UI 3.0 update with the Android 11 OS. It is rolling out to users in France already as software version N770FXXU7DUA8. However, it should arrive in more regions soon.

As per SamMobile, the Galaxy Note 10 Lite’s Android 11 update also comes with January 2021 Android security patch. This update is the first major OS upgrade for the smartphone, which was launched in January 2020 with Android 10. The smartphone is said to get three Android OS upgrades. Hence, you should expect Android 12 and Android 13 updates to hit the device in future.

The One UI 3.0 Android 11 update for Galaxy Note 10 Lite brings a new user interface, new camera features, and a redesigned Quick Settings among others. The smartphone features a 6.7-inch 2400 x 1080 display with a centered punch hole for a 32MP camera. It is powered by the 10nm Exynos 9810 processor, paired with 6GB or 8GB of RAM. It comes with 128GB of storage but there is also a MicroSDXC card slot that allows for storage expansion.

The device sports three 12MP cameras on the back. It gets a telephoto camera with OIS and 2x optical zoom as well as an ultra-wide-angle lens alongside the primary sensor. It packs a 4500mAh battery with support for 25W fast wired charging. To keep the price in the budget, Samsung skipped on features like wireless charging and reverse wireless charging. Plus, there is an audio jack, NFC, and an in-display fingerprint scanner.

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Best Cheap Cases for the iPhone 12 Pro Max

Posted on by Nadeem Sarwar

The iPhone 12 Pro Max is one pricey phone, carrying a base asking price of $1,099 and goes all the way up to $1,399. But you don’t always have to spend an equally handsome amount on protective cases to shield your phone. There are a host of acclaimed brands out there that offer some really impressive cases for Apple’s top-of-the-line offering. To save you the trouble, we’ve rounded up the best cheap cases for iPhone 12 Pro Max you’ll find out there.

    Caseology Skyfall

    Two tone guard

    One of the most stylish dual-tone cases out there, the Caseology Skyfall has a slim bumper with reinforced corners, dual-layers on the transparent rear and supports wireless charging.
    Gear4 Holborn Slim

    All rounder

    Claimed to suvive drops from a height of up to 10ft, the Gear4 Holborn Slim is made out of recycled plastic and comes with the RepelFlex Antimicrobial - all in a slim form factor.
    Gear4 Piccadilly Case

    Transparent guard

    Touted to offer superior impact protection - thanks to the D30 technology - and capable of surviving 10 feet drops, Gear4 Picadilly is one of the strongest tranaparent cases.
    Speck Gemshell Grip

    Grip and clarity

    The Speck Gemsheel Grip case is touted to survive drops from a height of up to 8 feet, has a ridged pattern to offer a superior grip and comes with an anti-microbial layer of as well.
    Spigen liquid air armor

    Budget king

    A personal favorite of mine, the Spigen Liquid Air Arrmor is a slim, form-fitting case that has a matte texture, patterned surfaced for better grip and offers military-grade shock absorption.
    Spigen rugged armor

    Rugged on budget

    One of the most affordable, yet high-quality rugged cases out there, the Spigen Rugged Armor has a carbon fiber build with Air Cushion tech for shock absorption and raised lips as well.
    Spigen ultra hybrid

    Clear Cut

    If you’re among the folks who don’t liking your phone’s design behind a case, the Spigen Ultra Hybrid clear case offers the best of both worlds - unhindered aesthetics and great protection.
    Supcase UB pro case

    The Hulk

    If you want a case that offers a no-compromise approach to protection, the Supcase Unicorn Beetle Pro is simply the best option. And the best part is that it doesn’t cost a bomb either.
    Supcase UB Style

    Trustworthy

    The Supcase Unicorn Beetle Style series case is a hot favorite of my colleagues here at Pocketnow. It offers a great blend of minimalist design and superior protection against damage.
    Torras diamonds series

    Crystal Clear

    Claimed to survive 26 drops from a height of up to 4 feet, the Torras Diamonds Series clear case offers high clarity with an assurance of anti-yellowing and has raised lips on both sides.
    Torras shockproof case

    Sturdy fit

    This shockproof case from Torras looks quite clean, yet it can survive over 2000 drops from up to 4 feet height. It is quite slim, has raised edges on both sides, and is smudge-proof too.
    Torras slim fit case

    Sleek warrior

    If you are a fan of cases that fit like a second skin and also offer sufficient protection against drops and abrasive forces, you can’t go wrong with the acclaimed Torras Slim Fit case.

Well, that brings an end to our list of the best cheap cases for iPhone 12 Pro. As for my favorites, I’d go with the SupCase Unicorn Beetle Style Series case for iPhone 12 Pro Max, as it strikes a great balance between form and function. The transparent hard polycarbonate rear panel will let you flaunt your iPhone 12 Pro Max in all its glory, while the shock-absorbvent TPU bumper will shied it againts bumps and accidental falls. And it is extremely affordable too!

However, if my top priority was a budget iPhone 12 Pro Case that offers a slim fit without compromising with style and durability, my top pick would be the Torras Slim fit case. With just 0.03-inch thickness and weighing 19 grams, this case offers a matte finish on the rear panel that keeps smudges at bay, can handle wear and tear on a day-to-day basis, and has raised lips on booth sides to protect the camera s and display.

And now that you’re here, how about checking out the best iPhone 12 Pro Max battery case recommendations for some power on the go, and some screen protectors to protect the cameras of your Apple flagship? Also, watch this detailed comparison of the iPhone 12 Pro Max against the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra to find out if Apple can beat the best of what Samsung has to offer.

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iPhone 13 Pro could have a 1TB storage variant

Posted on by Prakhar Khanna

Within a few months of iPhone 12’s launch, the rumors for its next iteration have started trickling in.  From a smaller notch to the return of TouchID, we’ve heard it all in the past few weeks. Now, a new report reveals details about a new storage variant. It is said that Apple is planning to offer the iPhone 13 Pro models in a new 1TB storage variant.

According to a report from ITHome, iPhone 13 Pro could have up to 1TB of storage. For reference, the iPhone 12 Pro models come with maximum 512 gigs of inbuilt storage. The new rumor hints at Apple prepping to double this storage capacity. The last time the Cupertino company doubled the storage, it was with the iPhone XS. It offered the smartphone in a 512GB storage variant. Apple hasn’t added any more storage options in the past two years with the iPhone 11 and iPhone 12. However, there is no information on whether the company plans to increase the storage capacity in the base model, which is currently at 128GB for the Pro models.

The iPhone 13 series is said to have Wi-Fi 6E, which offers higher performance, lower latency, and faster data rates in the 6GHz land as compared to Wi-Fi 6. It allows more airspace beyond existing 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi. It is also rumored that Apple is planning to integrate TouchID on the upcoming iPhone 13 lineup. Further, the base variants(iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13) will reportedly have LTPS while the Pro variants with 120Hz will feature the LTPO display. The LTPO-TFT backplane could be used to evade the power consumption caused due to the 120Hz refresh rate. You can expect:

  • iPhone 13 mini- 5.4-inch LTPS display, 60Hz refresh rate.
  • iPhone 13- 6.1-inch LTPS display, 60Hz refresh rate.
  • iPhone 13 Pro- 6.1-inch LTPO display, 120Hz refresh rate.
  • iPhone 13 Pro Max- 6.7-inch LTPO display, 120Hz refresh rate.

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Xiaomi’s crazy Mi Air Charge Technology is just that – Charging into thin air!

Posted on by Prakhar Khanna

Xiaomi has unveiled an all-new technology in the wireless charging segment. It has announced Mi Air Charge Technology that charges multiple devices simultaneously without the need for cables or a wireless charging stand. Yes, you read that right. It is a wire-less wireless charging technology. You don’t need to connect your device to the charger in the form of a stand. Xiaomi took to Twitter to announce its new technology.

The company’s patented Mi Air Charge Technology makes use of a special self-developed tower/box-like device. It uses beamforming technology to send millimeter waves directly to a device and charge it by converting these waves to electric power that charges the device. There are 144 beamforming antennas that transfer millimeter waves. The tower has 5 phase-detection antennas that will help it locate the precise position of your device within milliseconds.

We’re excited to bring you the remote charging technology – Mi Air Charge Technology! Charge multiple devices simultaneously while you’re gaming, walking around or even when something’s in the way, no strings attached. Another giant leap forward in wireless charging technology!

Xiaomi

A compatible device is fitted with two antenna arrays similar to the ones in the charging device but much smaller in size. The first is a beacon array. It communicates with the charging tower. And, the second one is the receiving antenna array made up of 14 antennas that receive the millimeter waves. These are converted into electric power via a special circuit and used to charge the device.

As of now, the Mi Air Charge Technology supports the charging of multiple devices simultaneously at long-range at a maximum power of 5W per device. As per Adam Zeng Xuezhong, the new head of Xiaomi’s mobile division, the aim of this technology is to charge wearable devices such as smartwatches and fitness trackers in the future. 

That said, you won’t be getting your hands-on this tech for a while. Xiaomi’s Global PR, Agatha Tang confirmed that the company won’t be rolling out this technology to consumer products this year. Plus, health implications (if any) remain unknown.

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More Android smartphones from OnePlus, Google and more are on sale

Posted on by Samuel Martinez

Well, we have recently listed some of the best deals available for anyone looking to get a new Samsung Galaxy S21 phone or for those who are also interested in the Galaxy Note 20 series. Now, we have also selected some excellent options from other OEMs. First, we find that OnePlus is giving some amazing discounts over at its online store. You will find that the OnePlus 8 Pro is currently selling for $700 with $200 savings, but that’s not all. Depending on how much you spend, you can get up to $200 off on purchases over $1,000. Buying $800 in OnePlus products will get you a $100 discount, $70 off on purchases over $500, and $40 off purchases over $300.

    OnePlus 8 Pro

    OnePlus Final Sale in January event

We then move over to B&H, where the Nokia 8.3 Dual-SIM smartphone with 128GB storage and 8GB RAM is currently selling for $380 after a $320 discount. Now, this deal will be available until January 31 at 11:59 EST, so you may want to hurry. If you’d rather get this phone from Amazon, you can also get it and save some cash, as it’s selling for $570 with $129 savings.

    Nokia 8.3

    Now, for those Moto fans, the Motorola RAZR 5G is also on sale, and you can get one for $1,001.02 after a $398.97 discount. This is the Polished Graphite version that comes with 8GB RAM, 256GB storage, and the Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G processor under the hood. You can also add a 2,800mAh battery, a dual-camera setup featuring a 48MP and a 12MP sensor, and a 20MP selfie shooter.

    Suppose you’re looking for a more affordable Moto phone, then you should consider the Motorola Edge that comes with 6GB RAM and 256GB storage space for $494.07 with $205.92 savings. The Moto G7 Plus is also an option to consider. You can get yours for $123 after its latest $127 discount. This will get you an unlocked device with 4GB RAM and 64GB storage.

      Moto RAZR 5G

      Moto Edge

      Moto G7 Plus

    Finally, we have several Google Pixel devices on sale. We will start with the latest Google Pixel 4a 5G that’s available for $459 after a $50 discount. If you’re looking for the 64GB storage option of the Google Pixel 4, you can get one for $519 with $280 savings or get the Pixel 4 XL for $609 after a $198 discount. Last but not least, the Google Pixel 3a is up for grabs at just $349 after a $50 discount.

      Google Pixel 4a 5G

      Google Pixel 4

      Google Pixel 3a

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    New rumors give us alleged Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 specs and features

    Posted on by Samuel Martinez

    It seems that Samsung is already working on a new Galaxy Tab. The latest rumors hint the new Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 may arrive with a couple of nice upgrades. However, this information also suggests that we may lose charging speed.

    The new Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 is expected to arrive later in 2021, but we are already starting to get rumors talking about its possible specs and features. The new Galaxy Tab S8 and Tab S8+ have recently been mentioned on a YouTube channel known as The Galox. According to its information, the new Galaxy Tab S8 series will be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor. It would offer 8GB and 12GB RAM options and 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB to choose from.

    Further, Samsung’s new tablets would arrive with the same display configurations as the Galaxy Tab S7 and the Galaxy Tab S7+, which means that we could get an 11-inch LCD display and a 12.4-inch AMOLED display, both of them with 120Hz refresh rates. The battery size inside the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 and Tab S8+ are also expected to mimic the ones in their predecessors, giving us 8,000mAg and 10,090mAh capacity, respectively. Unfortunately, fast charging won’t be as fast, as it is believed that we may only receive 25W fast charging.

    Now, the guys over at SamMobile don’t believe that these rumors are as trustworthy, and they consider them to be something more along the lines of an educated guess. In other words, take this information with some salt, as we may get more accurate and believable information as time goes by. And if you don’t feel like waiting for the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8, you can also go for the Galaxy Tab S7, which can be yours for just $130, or the Galaxy Tab S7+ for $330 when you trade-in an eligible device. You may also want to take the time to check out the Samsung Galaxy S21, as this may be your last chance to pre-order and get tons of freebies.

    Source YouTube

    Via SamMobile

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    Sony Xperia I III flagship leaks rocking an old design and periscope zoom lens

    Posted on by Nadeem Sarwar

    Sony is working on a new flagship smartphone, and going by the naming convention the company has been following lately, it might be called the Xperia I III. So far, the phone has been surrounded by mystery, and the only detail we knew so far was a rumored February 2021 launch. Now, leakster Steve H (aka OnLeaks via Voice) has shared hi-resolution renders of the upcoming Sony flagship, showing the device in all its glory from various angles.

    Sony is still not giving up on 3.5mm headphone jack and microSD card slot

    Starting with the design, the core aesthetics remain familiar. The Xperia I III appears to follow in the footsteps of its predecessor, flaunting a glass-and-metal build with a few refinements. The bezels are slimmer and there is now a new physical shortcut key on the side. Sony is retaining the dual front-firing stereo speakers, and thankfully, the 3.5mm headphone jack is still there. The display is reportedly a 6.5-inch OLED panel with what appears to be a 21:9 cinematic aspect ratio and likely 90Hz or higher refresh rate. 

    Image: Steve H / Voice

    As per the leak, the Xperia I III will support 5G, and there is also a microSD card for storage expansion. And just like its predecessors, the fingeprint sensor is embedded in the power button. Over at the back, Sony has equipped its upcoming flagship with a triple rear camera camera system accompanied by a 3D ToF sensor and ZEISS T anti-reflective coating on top. 

    6.5-inch OLED display with a familiar tall design and three cameras at the back

    But there is one notable change. The telephoto camera at the bottom has a rectangular lens opening, which is a clear sign that Sony is going with a periscope or folded lens camera system for the zoom camera on Xperia I III. As we’ve already seen on devices such as the Galaxy S21 Ultra, the periscope system helps achieve a higher optical zoom output. Details about rest of the internal specifications are not known, but being a flagship device, we expect it to come equipped with Qualcomm’s top-of-the-line Snapdragon 888 processor.

    Image: Steve H / Voice

     

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    Facebook plans anti-trust lawsuit against Apple as war over iOS privacy updates heats up

    Posted on by Nadeem Sarwar

    The equation between Apple and Facebook is apparently at a tipping point right now and might soon evolve into a long-drawn court battle over anti-trust allegations. After taking potshots at each other for a while – with Facebook even pushing full-page newspaper ads to make its point – over an iOS privacy update that could hurt Facebook’s ad-tracking business severely, the social media giant is ready to duke it out against Apple in court by filing an anti-trust lawsuit. In fact, The Information reports that Facebook has been preparing an anti-trust case against Apple for a while now and might finally go ahead with the legal proceedings.

    “With the aid of outside legal counsel, Facebook for months has been preparing an antitrust lawsuit against Apple that would allege the iPhone-maker abused its power in the smartphone market by forcing app developers to abide by App Store rules that Apple’s own apps don’t have to follow, according to two people with direct knowledge of Facebook’s efforts,” the report says, This would be the second major anti-trust battle for Apple after Fortnite developer Epic Games dragged the company into a lawsuit over what it claims exorbitant App Store charges and the policy around in-app payments.

    READ MORE: In ‘Privacy vs Business’ war with Apple, Facebook faces criticism from within

    Facebook is facing heat internally and may ultimately decide against filing the lawsuit

    In the case of Facebook though, the report mentions that despite harboring extreme objection to Apple’s privacy updates, the company may ultimately decide against filing an anti-trust lawsuit. Facebook is reportedly facing some heat from its employees who are questioning Facebook’s stance against Apple. Previously, Facebook employees had internally questioned – and criticized – the company’s pro-business approach as it tried to present itself as the champion of small businesses on its platform, while Apple took the side of user privacy and talked about giving them a choice whether they want to be tracked and served personalized ads.

    Apple’s claims about privacy are misleading: Mark Zuckerberg

    As Facebook declared its financial results during its Q4 2020 earnings call, CEO Mark Zuckerberg landed a few direct attacks at Apple, calling it one of the company’s biggest competitors and how its claims about privacy are lopsided. Zuckerberg also claimed that WhatsApp is clearly superior to iMessage when it comes to privacy, as the Facebook-owned instant messaging platform offers end-to-end encryption by default.

    “We have a lot of competitors who make claims about privacy that are often misleading. Apple recently released so-called nutrition labels which focus largely on metadata that apps collect rather than the privacy and security of people’s actual messages,” Zuckerberg said during his lengthy opening remark. “But iMessage stores non-end-to-end encrypted backups of your messages by default unless you disable iCloud, so Apple and governments have the ability to access most people’s messages. So when it comes to what matters most — protecting people’s messages, I think that WhatsApp is clearly superior.”

    READ MORE: Facebook targets Apple over privacy policy update, Apple says users must get a choice

    Zuckerberg sees Apple as a direct competitor, thinks WhatsApp is superior to iMessage

    Zuckerberg also made it clear that his company sees Apple as a direct competitor, and that the latter is trying to choke other platforms and depriving them of ad-based revenue opportunities to put the focus on its own apps and services. “Apple has every incentive to use their dominant platform position to interfere with how our apps and other apps work, which they regularly do to preference their own. This impacts the growth of millions of businesses around the world, including with the upcoming iOS14 changes, many small businesses will no longer be able to reach their customers with targeted ads. Apple may say that they’re doing this to help people, but the 4 moves clearly track their competitive interests,” the Facebook chief added.

    Tim Cook fires back with veiled shots at Facebook

    While Zuckerberg went on an offensive against Apple during Facebook’s earnings call, Apple CEO Tim Cook had a few words of his own to say during the 14th Computers, Privacy & Data Protection (CPDP) International Conference. Even though Cook didn’t namedrop Facebook, it was quite evident in whose directions his remarks about privacy and exploitative business strategies were headed.

    READ MORE: Apple fires back at Facebook for attacking app privacy labels, warns of taking down apps

    “If a business is built on misleading users, on data exploitation, on choices that are no choices at all, it does not deserve our praise. It deserves reform,” Cook said. The Apple CEO also targeted the role of social media platforms and the inherent algorithms for the spread of misinformation, and how it often bears a catastrophic outcome, including violence. You can listen to Cook’s entire speech starting at the 3:40 mark in the video below:

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    Apple was top global smartphone vendor in Q4 2020, retakes second spot from HUAWEI

    Posted on by Nadeem Sarwar
    It's only fair to share...Share on RedditShare on FacebookShare on Google+Tweet about this on TwitterPin on PinterestShare on Tumblr

    The smartphone industry’s quarterly and fiscal financial results are out, and so are market research reports of how smartphone makers fared in a pandemic-hit year that saw the supply chain crippled and demand slowing down. Apple emerged as a big winner, driven by the success of the iPhone 12 series that helped the company post an all-time high profit and shatter its own previous record.

    iPhone 12 series helped Apple overtake HUAWEI and witness a record quarter

    As per independent reports by IDC, Counterpoint Research and Canalys, Apple shipped over 81 million smartphones in Q4 2020, capturing anywhere between 21% to 23.4% of the market share in the quarter ending December 31, 2020. Samsung took the second spot with Q4 2020 smartphone shipments of around 62 million, while Xiaomi sat at the third spot. (NOTE: Shipment data compiled by IDC, Counterpoint Research, and Canalys varies to some extent, but the rankings remain the same.)

    READ MORE: Samsung had a profitable year despite a drop in smartphone sales

    On a yearly basis, Samsung topped the global smartphone charts with approximately 255 million units shipped and commanded a net market share of 19%, despite recording a year-over-year decline of 14%. Apple, on the other hand, shipped between 210` and 207 million iPhones in 2020. Apple’s growth – and other Chinese vendors too – appears to have materialized at the expense of HUAWEI (including Honor), which slipped from the second spot in the global rankings at the end of 2019 to the third spot, and even further to down to the sixth spot on the basis of Q4 2020 shipments. 

    Apple saw record iPhone sales in China, a market where HUAWEI reigned supreme

    In particular, iPhone sales in China grew by 57% and brought in a staggering $21.31 billion, with CEO Tim Cook claiming during Apple’s earnings call that two of the top three highest-selling phones in urban China were from Apple. “Apple delivered a phenomenal performance in 4Q20, returning to the number 1 position with 90.1 million devices shipped, driven by the success of the iPhone 12 series. This represents the highest shipment volume from a vendor in a single quarter and resulted in 23.4% market share and 22.2% year-over-year growth,” says IDC’s report. 

    The post Apple was top global smartphone vendor in Q4 2020, retakes second spot from HUAWEI appeared first on Pocketnow.

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    Honor CEO George Zhao says talks with Google are underway to resume partnership

    Posted on by Nadeem Sarwar

    Reeling from sanctions imposed by the US government, HUAWEI sold its Honor sub-brand to a government-backed consortium in November last year, in hopes of giving it a fighting chance in the face of multiple trade restrictions. Not long after, Honor signed crucial deals with some big names such as AMD, MediaTek, Microsoft, Samsung, and Sony that could again open the doors for sourcing components and software solutions. However, access to Google’s services is of critical importance for the company, especially if it hopes to revive its smartphone business in international markets. However, Honor CEO George Zhao has indicated that the company might soon get its partnership with Google back on track. 

    “Last week, alongside a new smartphone, Honor announced that it was resuming partnerships with the biggest semiconductor companies in the world, including Intel and AMD, as well as Qualcomm, the largest smartphone chip designer. Zhao even said the company is in talks with Google and expects to resume its partnership with the company,” says an SCMP report. “While the company has not confirmed whether it will have GMS outside China, Honor could be waiting for confirmation that Google will once again support its phones.”

    Honor might be awaiting Google's nod to bring back GMS on its phones

    Another report from a Russian publication earlier this week mentioned that Google Mobile Services (GMS) will likely make a comeback on Honor smartphones around spring. What this means is Honor smartphone buyers will soon be able to access Google services such as Maps, Gmail, YouTube – and most importantly – Play Store, on their device. Restrictions imposed on Google when it comes to maintaining ties with Honor were supposed to become void as the company is no longer owned or affiliated to HUAWEI.

    HUAWEI and Honor shipments have registered a steep decline

    Following its split with HUAWEI, the company launched a high-end  5G phone called Honor V40 in China, but details about the device’s overseas debut with access to Google services are still unclear. In the wake of the US government’s trade sanctions, HUAWEI’s smartphone shipments registered a drop of 21.5% in 2020, while the Q4 2020 decline stood at a massive 42.4% (IDC). While the future looks bright for Honor, the fate of HUAWEI still hangs in the balance, as the company doesn’t expect immediate measures of relief from the freshly elected Joe Biden government in the US.

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    Best Galaxy S21 thin cases in 2021: slim yet protective!

    Posted on by Samuel Martinez

    Samsung’s new flagship series is beautiful, indeed. The three new variants of the Samsung Galaxy S21 come with different features and a couple of design changes that make them stand apart. However, they all feature a glass display, which means that they may break if they happen to fall. So getting yourself a new protective case for your device may be the best choice. Of course, protection needs will vary according to every user’s activities.

    A Thin case is perfect for those users who want to protect their new device, but they don’t want to, or they don’t need the extra bulk. Users whose activities won’t put their new Samsung Galaxy S21 in immediate danger, I mean, how dangerous is a game of cards? Or maybe you like to stay at home. Perhaps you take a short walk in the park when you’re bored. Or you go to get a coffee every once in a while. Maybe your phone is usually safe in your pocket, in your bag, or purse. If that’s you, then you should take a look at this list. We have taken the time to search between tons of options for the best thin cases to keep your Samsung Galaxy S21 safe.

      Official Galaxy S21 5G Silicone Cover

      Comfortable and stylish

      Samsung’s Silicone Cover case is made of soft silicone that gives your phone sleek protection without having to add extra bulk, and its matte finish will also keep fingerprints away.
      Official Galaxy S21 5G Clear Cover

      Samsung’s essential protection

      Samsung’s official Clear Cover for the Galaxy S21 is slim yet durable, and it adds a layer of protection that doesn't thicken the phone's shape.
      Organicore for Samsung Galaxy S21 5G

      Eco-Friendly protection

      Incipio’s Organicore features materials made from plants and Impact Struts Technology, to create a case that delivers 8 feet of drop protection.
      Otterbox Galaxy S21 5G Symmetry Series Case

      Thin and Clean

      Otterbox’s Galaxy S21 5G case that's easy to install and fortified with drop protection, that also features a silver-based antimicrobial additive.
      Spigen Galaxy S21 5G Case Liquid Air

      Slim and grip-friendly

      Spigen’s Liquid Air case for the Galaxy S21 brings sleek and slim into your hands, with single layer that will give your device the protection it needs.
      Spigen Galaxy S21 5G Case Thin Fit

      Classic Protection

      Spigen’s Thin Fit case for the Galaxy S21 leaves your device flawlessly fitted and guarded from everyday bumps, while managing to stay lightweight and slim.
      Nillkin for Samsung Galaxy S21 Case

      Light-weight and stylish

      This Ultra-thin case fits your phone with high precision cutouts that allow easy access to all buttons, controls and ports, and it also features a slide cover to protect your phone’s camera.
      Zagg Gear4 Denali case for the Samsung Galaxy S21

      Clear and strong

      Havana is more than just a pretty case. It comes with reinforced top, bottom, and corners with D3O to give your device amazing drop protection.
      Olixar Clear Case for Samsung Galaxy S21

      Great daily protection

      The Olixar Clear case for the Galaxy S21 is ultra-thin and transparent, giving your device great daily protection without adding extra bulk to your phone.
      Olixar Carbon Fiber Case for Samsung Galaxy S21

      Extra protection in a slim package

      The Olixar Carbon Fiber Case for the Galaxy S21 features a slim TPU body that will provide shock absorption. Its external case is coated to prevent slips, at the same time that it will improve comport and enhance grip.
      ESR Clear Case Compatible with Samsung Galaxy 6.2-Inch

      Clean and clear

      The ESR Clear Case for the Samsung Galaxy S21 will give you shock-resistant protection in a slim, light and clear polymer body. In other words, you will get amazing protection in a thin package.
      ESR Metal Kickstand Case Compatible with Samsung Galaxy 6.2-Inch

      For hands free action

      ESR’s Metal Kickstand Case for the Samsung Galaxy S21 is made from powerful flexible polymer that will give your device better impact protection than plastic.
      AINOYA Case Compatible with Samsung Galaxy S21 6.2 Inch

      For military grade protection

      AINOYA’s Samsung Galaxy S21 case is made with an Anti-yellowing, military grade PC back and soft TPU silicone bumper. This is all packed together in a slim design that will give your device protection from drops of up to sis feet.
      ATRAING Galaxy S21 Case

      For better grip

      ATRAING’s case for the Samsung Galaxy S21 is made of hard acrylic and a flexible TPU bumper. It won’t add extra weight or bulk to your new device, at the same time that it is designed to enhance your grip on the device.
      Dbrand Skins for the Samsung Galaxy S21

      For the Bold

      For those who are just looking to keep scratches away from the surface of their new Samsung Galaxy S21, a Dbrand skin may be the way to go. Customize the design of the back panel of your device with more than 20 different options.
      Totallee Case for the Samsung Galaxy S21

      A minimalist design

      Totallee’s case for the Samsung Galaxy S21 comes in two color variants. You can get it in Mate solid black or in a transparent version that features an ultra-thin minimalistic design, just 0.1 oz of added weight.
      Caseology Vault Compatible with Samsung Galaxy S21

      Strong yet slim protection

      The Caseology Vault case for the Samsung Galaxy S21 comes in Mate Black or Urban Grey. It comes with a two-year limited warranty.

    These are some of the best thin cases for your Samsung Galaxy S21. Our favorite pick would be with the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Clear Case Cover or the Galaxy S21 5G Silicone cover. Samsung cases may be your best option, as the company knows how much its phones can handle, meaning that they will give them the necessary protection to keep them safe.

    However, you can also check out third-party cases, as there are several case companies that do a great job keeping your phone intact. We can recommend cases from Spigen, Incipio, Otterbox, and Olixar, as they have a good record of taking care of previous Samsung devices. Still, you may want to come back in soon, as we will update this list as soon as we get new case options from more respectable case makers.

    The post Best Galaxy S21 thin cases in 2021: slim yet protective! appeared first on Pocketnow.

    WhatsApp Web and desktop app add biometric support as an extra layer of security

    Posted on by Nadeem Sarwar

    WhatsApp is making the experience of using its instant messaging platform on desktop a tad more secure by adding support for fingerprint and face unlock. The new security feature has been enabled for both the WhatsApp Web client and the desktop app. And while the company is at it, the Facebook-owned company is sending the message in easy and comprehensible language – it will NOT store fingerprint or face unlock data of users. The biometric authentication experience for the desktop client can be enabled by linking a device.

    Here’s how you can apply the added layer of biometric security in WhatsApp’s own words:

    1. Open WhatsApp on your phone.

    For Android: Tap the more options (three-dot button) in the top right corner
    For iPhone: Go to WhatsApp Settings.

    2. Tap WhatsApp Web or WhatsApp Web/Desktop.

    For Android: Tap LINK A DEVICE. Follow the on-screen instructions if your device has biometric authentication.
    For iPhone: Tap Link a Device > OK. On iOS 14 and above, use Touch ID or Face ID to unlock.

    3. Select the checkbox next to Keep me signed in on the QR screen on your computer or Portal to stay logged in on this device.

    4. Use your phone to scan the QR code on your computer or Portal.

    5. If prompted, tap or select Done.

    Circling back to the security aspect here, WhatsApp notes that the biometric authentication process – both facial and fingerprint – is handled by the connected smartphone, and that the biometric data is stored locally on the phone. “WhatsApp can’t access the biometric information stored by your device’s operating system,” the company says on its FAQ page.

    READ MORE: Telegram testing a new tool that lets you migrate chats from apps like WhatsApp

    Just for the sake of clarification, it must be noted that the facial recognition or fingerprint sensing hardware for Windows Hello login on your laptop won’t play a role here. It will be limited to the device lock or unlock process, and won’t be linked with how biometric security is handled while using the WhatsApp web client or its desktop app.

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