Michael Allison
Latest articles by Michael Allison
![Verizon logo](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Y6Yn8psGHa32hycbtkpveK-320-80.jpg)
Verizon offers 10% accessory discount to vaccinated customers
By Michael Allison last updated
Verizon's latest perk for vaccinated customers and first responders is a 10% discount on accessories. This deal runs through August 15.
![Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 13 Hero](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/bt3EQEXFnkozLZ83G5s2Fa-320-80.jpg)
Google will start updating Chromebooks monthly from November
By Michael Allison published
Chromebook updates are about to get much faster as Google is set to ramp up the pace towards the end of the year. The company will switch from a six-week schedule to a monthly one.
![Facebook Messenger iMessage Alternative](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/YY3GHibzJpj725UtreXtuK-320-80.jpg)
Facebook Messenger's latest update makes it easier to pay strangers online
By Michael Allison published
Facebook expands Messenger's payments features with support for QR codes and links. The company will also add new themes for both Messenger and Instagram, including a Fast and Furious 9 theme.
![Amazon Dj Mode](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/homprhnWacpxrAgPk4ZBif-320-80.jpg)
Amazon steals one of Apple Music's coolest features with DJ Mode
By Michael Allison published
Amazon Music's newest feature is DJ mode, coming to Amazon Prime and Amazon Music Unlimited subscribers in the U.S. today.
![Samsung Galaxy Watch Active](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/9hLGdidntoDniGPypniYsm-320-80.jpg)
Samsung will show off redesigned Wear OS experience on June 28
By Michael Allison last updated
Samsung promises a first look at its reimagined smartwatch experience this month at its virtual MWC session.
![Tiktok Microsoft Logo Hero](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Bz4ct2eGxfjv3Ag7Yx6BWc-320-80.jpg)
Biden administration officially reverses Trump's TikTok and WeChat bans
By Michael Allison last updated
After being kicked around in the courts for the better part of six months, the TikTok ban drama ends in a whimper.
![Google Search Image](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/qQ8RDYXmy69CtHhh3V3yLZ-320-80.jpg)
Under heavy pressure, Android expands default search options in Europe
By Michael Allison last updated
Google is getting rid of its auction-based search choice screen in favor of one that offers a broader range of options after competitors complain.
![Samsung Smart Things Update](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/SVUKCmx8bTUy5S9jfqR83J-320-80.jpg)
Massive SmartThings update reminds us why it's the most underrated smart home platform
By Michael Allison published
Samsung today rolled out an update to the SmartThings experience on Android phones. This brings a fresh and simple new interface to the smart home app.
![Honor 50](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/aNjgTjGV9EgcPfeJNDoGah-320-80.jpeg)
The Honor 50 looks a lot like the Huawei P50, launches on June 16
By Michael Allison last updated
The first Honor phone you'll care about in years looks a lot like the best Huawei phone you won't get to buy.
![Tile Slim Lifestyle](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ZSZ2Phc5wMVTixd7e2SMtc-320-80.jpg)
Tile trackers will soon work with Amazon's Sidewalk network
By Michael Allison last updated
Amazon, Tile, and Level team up to expand the power of Amazon's Sidewalk network.
![Waze and Boy George](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/JvA9AKt2kwM2ijMMkVfga8-320-80.jpg)
Waze launches a fabulous Boy George experience for Pride Month
By Michael Allison last updated
Waze is hosting a takeover by a popular LGBT+ icon in celebration of Pride Month this June.
![A22 5g Rear](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/jhwwiTaFs5VvDSBxpkCsDa-320-80.jpg)
Samsung launches the £199 Galaxy A22 5G, its cheapest 5G phone yet
By Michael Allison last updated
Samsung today launched the Galaxy A22 5G, coming this summer for just under £200. The company also announced the A22 LTE, a cheaper phone coming sometime this year.
![Chromebook Tablet Hero](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/BJj5EuSEStFnDq79vfRKpD-320-80.jpg)
Google tests a Windows 10-like Chromebook launcher
By Michael Allison published
Google's been shipping Chrome OS with a full-screen app launcher for the past couple of years, a new test suggests that may change in the future.
![Spotify Lifestyle](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/7t8wgyPA2CHBRaB7XXigAi-320-80.jpg)
Spotify's new 'Only You' feature brings in even more personalized playlists
By Michael Allison published
Spotify is bringing its "Wrapped" experience earlier this year with a new 'Only You' campaign.
![Fitbit Ace 3 Lifestyle Minions Yellow Backyard Balloon Toss](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Xkzhs5gXxGuPH6ACgXRvRb-320-80.jpeg)
The new Fitbit Ace 3 Special Edition is aimed at kids who love Minions
By Michael Allison last updated
The Fitbit Ace 3 now comes in a Minion Yellow color as Google and Fitbit roll out software updates to Fitbit Sense and Fitbit Versa owners.
![Apple TV 4K vs NVIDIA Shield TV (2019)](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/GoFtmXc8rPp9M3xkjReBrJ-320-80.jpg)
Apple TV arrives on the NVIDIA Shield and other Android TV devices
By Michael Allison published
You can finally catch up on Apple's TV exclusives on Android TV.
![Twitter logo on a Pixel 4 XL](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Ds6oyBXR9JfXFBPaeryFxY-320-80.jpg)
Twitter accidentally 'confirms' rumored subscription service, will let you customize app colors
By Michael Allison published
Twitter's premium subscription service will reportedly be branded as Twitter Blue and include paid features such as tweet retraction.
![Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 Fe](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/JvAuQLc6rorMreRvEYGmDa-320-80.jpg)
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE and A7 Lite are two new Android tablets you may actually want to buy
By Michael Allison last updated
These cheap new Samsung tablets are now available for purchase after an earlier blip this week.
![Instagram on a OnePlus 6](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/t5FVr2RN9VP2EN5z3WPZV7-320-80.jpg)
Instagram will now let people hide their like counts
By Michael Allison last updated
You'll now be able to hide like counts on Instagram, the company announced today. A similar change is coming to Facebook in the next couple of weeks.
![Android 12 hands-on](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/X6v7CYREEgon4HnjrPuhsF-320-80.jpg)
Android 12 preps automatic app translation for Pixel phones
By Michael Allison published
Google is working on a Pixel feature that could help you cross the language barrier on Android 12.
![Google Meet hero](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/5qRw3ATkih6gxPRzLcXet7-320-80.jpg)
You'll soon get the huge new Google Meet redesign, but be aware of bugs
By Michael Allison published
Google today shared an update about the ongoing rollout of its promised redesign to Meet's web app.
![Vivo X60 Pro Plus](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/fke9G7bgfNEUuMfpR82g9n-320-80.jpg)
Vivo teams up with Zeiss to challenge the OnePlus 9 Pro with its new phones
By Michael Allison last updated
Vivo's bringing its X60 flagship phones to a global audience this month, but are a Zeiss partnership and hefty specs enough to elevate its camera?
![OnePlus Nord](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/sydMSJeJFzTLFrdJLRtWjU-320-80.jpg)
The OnePlus Nord 2 makes a cameo in a Stadia Premiere Edition promotion
By Michael Allison last updated
OnePlus may have just confirmed the existence and naming of its latest phone.
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