Category: Gadgets

Apple Lightning connector cables may come to an end

Jennifer Goula
Lightning Connector - Cables

The iPhone maker may need to abandon its charging cable due to moves by European lawmakers. Members of the European Parliament are moving to require technology giants to adopt one universal charging method, for which the Lightning connector would be in violation. Apple’s cable is used for charging and syncing its various devices and gadgets, such as the iPhone. That said, Apple products are not also compatible with the two other types of charger currently used in the rechargeable technology industry. Their compatibility is exclusive to the Lightning connector. They…

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Withings ScanWatch combines two heart health monitoring technologies

John Montgallo
Withings ScanWatch at CES 2020 - Engadget YouTube

The new smartwatch won’t be available to consumers until it receives its FDA approval. The new Withings ScanWatch has been unveiled, revealing a wearable device that brings together two important types of health monitoring tech. The first is a form that detects atrial fibrillation, a heart rhythm condition. The second measures oxygen levels in the blood while the wearer is asleep, which can help in sleep apnea detection. These two types of health monitor can help wearers to spot the presence of difficult to detect conditions. The Withings ScanWatch uses…

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AT&T launches validated calls with a green checkmark to avoid spoofing

Stephanie Beck
Validated calls - woman on phone

The telecom provider announced that it has turned on this service to help customers avoid scams. AT&T has announced the start of its validated calls feature, which it activated last week. This feature functions on certain Android phone models to provide a green checkmark for known callers. The goal is to make it easier for customers to identify spam calls or spoofed robocalls. The telecom’s customers using LG V40 ThinQ, Samsung Galaxy S10 or Galaxy S10+ will be able to benefit from the validated calls feature. It means thatusers of…

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Amazon Echo adds option to use Samuel L Jackson’s voice

Jorge Gonzalez
Amazon Echo - Amazon Device

Google Assistant users aren’t the only ones who can change the default voice on their smart device. Amazon Echo now has a unique new option available for users who would rather listen to Samuel L Jackson than the default voice. The company recently launched its celebrity voice program which will soon include several new sounds. Samuel L Jackson is the first voice being added to the new celebrity voice options for the Amazon Echo. The program was first unveiled in September, so users knew that it was on its way.…

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Facebook Oculus Quest is driving virtual reality sales

John Montgallo
Facebook Oculus - man using VR Oculus headset

VR is starting to attract people’s attention to a growing degree primarily due to this one gadget. Virtual reality has always had appeal, but the sales haven’t reflected this draw until Facebook Oculus Quest recently started driving things forward. This technology still has a futuristic and science fiction feeling for most average consumers. VR devices have been available to consumers since about 2016. Since then, the numbers have been disappointing at best. That said, new figures are indicating that Facebook Oculus Quest may be sending sales in a new and…

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