Apple is making a small yet important change to the way search works on iOS, Mac, and Siri today. When you perform a web search within Siri, iOS Search, or Spotlight on Mac, you'll now see results from Google, as Apple has made it the new default search provider. Previously, the default search engine those services used was Bing from Microsoft.
This week the Fitbit Iconic smartwatch and the Fitbit Flyer wireless headphones got their release details in order. The folks at Fitbit appear to be aiming to expand their fitness device empire beyond the fitness tracker business, moving to all manner of accessories (that just happen to do similar things). The Fitbit Iconic attempts to take the market where Apple Watch reigns supreme, while the Fitbit Flyer seem to be made to take on Beats (also owned by Apple).
Although it may have been seemingly pushed to the sidelines, Firefox remains one the most popular browsers available on all major operating systems. And although it was late to arrive on iOS, it is making up for lost time by introducing new features like, finally, ad and content blocking. It is also adding new features to the Android version of its privacy-focused Firefox Focus which, almost ironically, removes one of the app's key strengths.
Super Mario Run made its debut late last year as one of Nintendo's first big smartphone games, along with marking the iconic character's first time appearing on a non-Nintendo platform. Those who are still enjoying the run-and-jump mobile game will be pleased to hear that its largest update yet is arriving next week, adding a new playable character and level. And for those who've been waiting to go beyond Super Mario Run's free trial, the full game will be on sale at a substantial discount.
Although initially intended for young gamers, Pokemon quickly became a grownup’s playground. Especially with “spinoffs” like Pokemon GO. In trying to bring the game back to its roots, Pokemon Company might have gotten carried away. The latest addition to its line of mobile games, Pokemon Playhouse is meant for those too young to play the actual video games but would still enjoy, but definitely not all, of the cute critters and maybe learn a thing or two about raising pets and responsibility.
What’s better than having tricked out cars racing and trying to “nearly” destroy each other, Fast & Furious style? Why having said cars be controlled by AIs, of course! While that might sound like a script for a sci-fi flick, that is basically the premise behind Anki’s latest OVERDRIVE set. The Anki OVERDRIVE: Fast & Furious Edition shrinks down two of the film’s iconic wheels to fit in your living room (or playground). And they can finally be yours on Sunday, if you didn’t pre-order them already.
As we wait for Halloween to roll up in Pokemon GO, Niantic's sprung a Solstice Event on us - and a new item. This item allows the user to attain the contents of Pokemon Eggs far faster than normal - and multiple times per item. At the same time, it's nearly time for everyone to have access to the master monster Mewtwo.
Earlier this year, Instagram added face filters to its service, allowing users to add special effects to their selfies. Those face filters served to further blur the line between Instagram and Snapchat, and today Instagram is taking it one step forward by adding those same face filters to Live Videos. With this new feature, you'll be able to swap between your face filters as your friends watch you in real time.
It's been quite some time since we heard from our old friend Flappy Bird. What began as something of a phenomenon on iOS and Android was quickly snuffed out by its creator. As long you downloaded the game in the short window of time it was available, you were able to keep playing it, but for iOS users, that all changes with the release of iOS 11.
Today is the biggest day in Minecraft history - if you don't count that one time the game went mobile. This is the first day when cross-platform play is live for all major Minecraft platforms. That means that Minecraft on Xbox One, Minecraft Mobile, Minecraft VR, and Minecraft for Windows 10 are all in the same universe. As Microsoft said in a release today, "Say goodbye to 'Minecraft: Xbox One Edition' or 'Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition' and hello to a universal 'Minecraft!'"
The smart home expanded this week as the Nest Hello was revealed as a new video doorbell from the company that made the smart thermostat. This doorbell includes a camera as part of the Nest Cams network. This camera can detect a person approaching or near the doorbell and send an alert and/or a photo to the device's owner.
This week the folks at Plantronics have gone to the wireless side with a collection of active/sport oriented earbuds and headphones. Their new lineup includes the BackBeat FIT 300 Series, the BackBeat FIT 500 Series, the BackBeat FIT Training Edition, and the BackBeat FIT Boost Edition. The BackBeat FIT 300 Series will be available starting today in four lovely colors, while the other three series will be made available "in early October."
