
Michael Allison
Latest articles by Michael Allison

Google Currents will finally replace Google+ in July
By Michael Allison last updated
Google is finally killing off Google+, it's ill-fated social media turned enterprise communications board. It'll be replaced with Google Currents from July 6th, marking the end of the also-ran brand.

Four services Google replaced in 2020 — and five it killed
By Michael Allison last updated
Google is notorious for killing off apps and features at a rapid pace. Here are some of the the apps and services it killed off during 2020.

Samsung has a new Smart Monitor that works with Google Assistant and DeX
By Michael Allison last updated
Samsung announced a new AirPlay and DeX compatible Smart Monitor today. It'll start shipping later this month from $230 for its cheapest model.

Samsung's AR emoji will offer more customization options in the future
By Michael Allison last updated
Samsung's AR emoji will soon be able to be customized with new clothing and accessory options as part of an expanded partnership with avatar creator Tafi.

YouTube and other Google services go down for many [Update: Google statement]
By Michael Allison last updated

Samsung's new 5G-optimized display has nothing to do with 5G
By Michael Allison last updated
Samsung Display announced a new 5G optimized display this week. The improvements have little to do with the new wireless standard, instead focusing on reduced blue light emission and power savings.

Discord experiences outages in Europe and North America
By Michael Allison last updated
Not able to access Discord? You're not alone. Users all over North America and Europe are experiencing a sever outage.

Vivo catches heat in Hong Kong over flaming phones
By Michael Allison last updated
A shipment of Vivo phones reportedly caused a fire in a Hong Kong Airport, leading to a ban from a cargo airline pending an investigation.

In 2021, Android apps on tablets and large screens need to get better
By Michael Allison last updated
Android apps are predominantly built for the small screen. in 2021, that won't be anywhere near enough.

As 2020 ends, so does Samsung Pay's rewards program
By Michael Allison last updated
Samsung Pay's rewards program will end on the 31st of December. The company had already cut the benefits one would get from this in years prior.

Discord's new feature mutes the world to make voice chat better
By Michael Allison last updated
Discord is adding background noise suppression to its mobile apps. This addition comes as a result of a partnership with Krisp.ai.

Google brings smart replies to YouTube comments
By Michael Allison last updated
Google is bringing its smart reply tool to YouTube videos. Creators will be able to get AI-driven auto-replies to speed up engagement.

OnePlus phones support Xbox Game Pass (xCloud) for Android after all
By Michael Allison last updated

Google Assistant gets new workday routines to help you manage your day
By Michael Allison last updated
Google is rolling out new routines to Assistant to help users strike a better work/life balance as working from home becomes more commonplace.

Google rolls out 'visitor sharing' for G Suite accounts
By Michael Allison last updated

The Microsoft Surface Duo might actually be worth it at just $410 — but only for today
By Michael Allison last updated
A time-limited price drop sees the Surface Duo drop to an all-time low on Woot.

Twitter Blue premium subscription expands to the U.S., New Zealand
By Michael Allison published

UK regulator presses pause on NVIDIA's $40 billion Arm acquistion
By Michael Allison last updated
UK privacy regulators will be launching an investigation into NVIDIA's $40 billion deal to take over Arm.

Clubhouse is now open to everyone, because invites are so last year
By Michael Allison published
The audio-based social network is finally available to everyone without the need for an invite.

Clubhouse finally lets users slide into DMs with Backchannel
By Michael Allison published
Clubhouse has opened up one of the most important parts of social media messaging, peer-to-peer messaging.

Google launches new Drive for desktop app, slowly kills off Backup and Sync
By Michael Allison published
Google today announced a rollout timeline for its Google Drive for Desktop as well as an end date to the Google Backup and Sync app.

Google accidentally tips 'Pixel 6' and 'Pixel 6 XL' names, quickly removes references
By Michael Allison published
A Google slip-up this week may have just revealed the names of the next Pixel flagships — and they're exactly what you'd expect.

Here's your first look at the OnePlus Nord CE 5G, coming to Europe and India at 'an affordable price'
By Michael Allison last updated
With the OnePlus Nord CE 5G, OnePlus isn't reinventing the wheel. The smartphone will come to Europe and India later this year.
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