The BlackBerry Venice Slider Leaks In All Its Android-Powered, QWERTY-Packing Glory

A Blackberry phone with a codename of Venice leaked back in June, and is believed to be running Android. It’s slated to arrive in November with the following specs: a 5.4-inch Quad-HD screen, a 1.8GHz 64-bit hexa-core Snapdragon 808 processor, 3GB RAM, as well as an 18-megapixel rear camera and a 5-megapixel front-facing camera.
The Venice will reportedly feature a slide-out physical keyboard, so this could be the mysterious slider device CEO John Chen teased at Mobile World Congress. Even more interesting is the fact that the display supposedly has dual-curved edges just like the Galaxy S6 Edge.
The first high-quality images of what could be the BlackBerry Venice slider appeared online in late August. They give further confirmation to what the keyboard looks like and the presence of Google apps. However, this is the first time we get to see the sliding mechanism from the back of the device. You will also notice that the rear camera will likely sport dual LED flash.

How To : Activate GodMode in Windows 10

In Windows 10, settings and controls are divided between the new Settings menu and the traditional Control Panel. Some settings -- including touchscreen-specific settings and Windows Update -- are found only in the Settings menu, while others, such as the Device Manager, are still mostly accessed through the Control Panel.

Galaxy S6 vs. S6 Edge vs. Edge+ vs. Note 5: Which new Samsung smartphone should you buy?

If you're hemming and hawing over which of Samsung's four new and newish Galaxy superphones to order, let me help break down the major differences so you can decide which one (if any) is right for your pocket.
First things first. I reviewed both the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge in April, and they're both terrific. Then came the Note 5 and S6 Edge+, which share similar designs and core features but are larger, and in the case of the Note 5, comes with a specialized stylus, which Samsung calls the S Pen.
(I have a personal preference between the S6 and Edge, but more on that in my video below.)
Editors' note: This story originally published April 2, 2015 to compare the S6 and S6 Edge. It was updated on August 28 to add the Note 5 and S6 Edge+.

Inside Google's master plan for faster, sharper streaming video

We've all been there: After clicking or tapping a YouTube link, we're greeted with a long wait, then video marred by blurry details and distracting blocky patterns.
Google has been trying to improve the situation with technology called VP9 that compresses the video data so they can move across networks faster. And with a successor called VP10 due in a couple of years, it's promising an even bigger boost to image quality -- not just sharper images, but also richer color and a better ability to span from bright highlights to dark shadows.
Google's free-to-use VP technology is the proverbial underdog to the established standard for data compression, known as H.264. But it is getting new attention because of new patent fee problems afflicting its major rival for next-gen video, a technology called HEVC or H.265. What's shaping up is a potential battle for how video gets compressed and distributed.

iPhone 6s vs. iPhone 5s: 10 Things to Expect

Thanks to a budget price tag, solid hardware and quality software, the iPhone 5s is still a very solid smartphone nearly two years after its release. But how will it stack up with the rumored iPhone 6s? Here we take a look at what we expect from the iPhone 6s vs. iPhone 5s matchup.
Its been nearly two years since Apple announced the iPhone 5s and the iOS 7 update. And while the iPhone 5s has gotten older, it remains a budget option for those looking to score a high quality smartphone without a wallet-busting price tag. Apple sells it for $99 and $149 on-contract but you can find it for much less through third-party avenues.
The iPhone 5s’ hardware isn’t top of the line but it’s going to be good enough for a lot of people. The phone also stands to improve from Apple’s upcoming iOS 9 release. The iOS 9 release date is unknown but what we do know is that the software will bring tangible performance improvements to older devices. If you currently own an iPhone 5s, there’s reason to be excited.
Still, there are certainly going to be some iPhone 5s users who will be looking to upgrade later this year. Those who signed two year contracts in the fall of 2013 will be eligible for upgrades soon. There are a ton of options on the table right now and there will be more options coming in the future.

5 Reasons to Buy the Galaxy Note 5

Samsung’s best smartphone yet is the Galaxy Note 5 and it’s finally official, hitting all carriers in the United States on August 21st, and some users have received it early. Almost every aspect of the device was already known based on a slew of leaks before it was announced. However, now that it’s here and we have all the details, here are five reasons to buy the new Galaxy Note 5.
On August 13th after months of leaks and rumors Samsung unveiled the all-new Galaxy Note 5, and a bigger Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+ with a huge 5.7-inch curved display. Both phones are among the best on the market and have plenty to offer users.
Taking one look at the Galaxy Note 5 should tell most buyers what they need to know. It looks gorgeous, has a massive and beautiful 5.7-inch screen, powerful specs, and a great camera. That said, below we’ll go over the important aspects of what makes this phone great.

Apple iPhone 6S rumor roundup

If Apple follows the schedule it's established over the past several years, we've got less than 15 days until the introduction of the next iPhone.

And if Cupertino sticks to its script for upgrades -- big redesigns for even numbered years, internal specs updates for odd ones -- we can likely expect something a bit less radical than the big-screen phablet makeover the iPhone got in 2014.

Samsung Galaxy Note 5 review

Samsung Galaxy Note 5 is the smoothest, sleekest stylus-equipped jumbo-screen smartphone that the company has ever made. And it could have been even better.

On the plus side, it's ablaze with slim, shiny, large-screened luster, a strong camera, a retooled stylus and killer battery life. But the Note 5 only incrementally improves upon last year's Note 4, while also sealing in the battery and doing away with the expandable storage slot (there is, however, free cloud storage). These last two omissions could hurt Samsung by opening the door to less expensive rivals, from the likes of LG, HTC and Motorola, which continue to equip devices with removable batteries and/or a storage slot for saving movies, games and apps.

The Note 5, while eye-catching, is also the least distinctive of the Note line. It's still Samsung's only phone for 2015 with a stylus (and a good one at that), but at a glance it looks pretty much the same as the Galaxy S6 Edge+ -- which features a dual curved-edge screen, but otherwise near identical specs. Meanwhile, both the Note 5 and S6 Edge+ are basically supersized versions of the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge models that Samsung debuted back in March.

Change your mind about Windows 10? Here's how you can roll back

o Windows 10 is here and we think it's great. If you've already upgraded, but are feeling a little buyer's remorse (as much buyer's remorse as one can have for something that costs zero dollars), don't fret. We're here to help.

Microsoft gives you 30 days from the day you upgraded to Windows 10 to roll back to your previous version of Windows. Before you do so, however, it's a good idea to back up your data, even though it will remain intact.

(On the other hand, if you are totally happy with Windows 10 after the upgrade, make sure you check the bottom of the post for what you can do to gain your storage space, occupied by the previous Windows' files, back.)

All backed up? OK, let's get going.

How to install Windows 10 on a Mac

If you haven't already heard, Windows 10 is pretty great and worth installing on your PC. Apple fans won't miss out either, since the new operating system can be installed on your Mac as well.

To install Windows 10 on a Mac, you will need the following:

• The Mac you plan to install Windows 10 on
• A thumb drive with at least 5GB of storage space (for reference, I named mine "WININSTALL")
• A second computer that already runs Windows
• A fast Internet connection

Note that you won't need a Windows 10 license for the installation, but you will need to buy one if you want to continue to use it on your Mac after the 30-day trial period.

[Changelog] Announcing MIUI 7 Global Beta ROM 5.8.22: Full Changelog & Fastboot Download

Dear MIUI users around the world,

We are extremely excited and proud to announce that we are entering a new phase of our global beta program. As Hugo announced in the MIUI 7 Global Launch Premiere on Aug 19, starting from today we will support Redmi 1S, Redmi 2, Mi 4i, Mi 3, Mi 4, Redmi Note 3G and Redmi Note 4G. MIUI 7 Global beta ROM is now available via OTA. And here are the links to download all the global beta builds!

How to install Windows 10 on your phone

Microsoft has made Windows 10 Mobile available for those who like to live life on the bleeding edge of tech and help troubleshoot issues found in the upcoming operating system. The Insider Preview is a beta of what will eventually make its way to consumer devices when it's released this summer, but you can use it now if you're so inclined.

Xiaomi announces MIUI 7: here’s what’s new

Following its Chinese announcement the other day, Xiaomi has now lifted the lid on the global version its latest Android-based operating system – MIUI 7. While perhaps not as drastic of an update as some users were hoping for, there are a number of useful features to get to grips with. Let’s delve on in.

Microsoft Wants to Block Pirated Content? Pirate Sites Ban Windows 10 Instead

The misunderstanding around Microsoft's Services Agreement is starting to trickle into the ordinary life of regular Internet users, with scared torrent tracker admins banning or thinking of banning Windows 10 users from their sites.

We aren't talking about The Pirate Bay, Kickass Torrents, RARBG, or ExtraTorrent here, but the small scene trackers which are so private that it takes 30 minutes of googling just to find what the site acronym stands for, what their URL is, and what the correct sign-up procedure is.

These trackers, along with the release scene, are where most pirated materials first get posted and spread online, and where privacy, security, and anonymity are very crucial factors, helping protect the identity of the people spreading the pirated material online.

If you've been away from your computer this past week, you've probably missed all the talk about Microsoft's new Windows 10 update procedures which, coupled with the company's Services Agreement could allow it to block pirated material and unauthorized hardware.

While the waters are still murky around this issue, with Microsoft staying silent around the topic, and with not a single complaint from one Windows 10 user screaming that he had his downloaded torrents whipped from their hard drive, some pirate tracker admins are already taking some steps to protect themselves, just in case.

Windows10 Improve performance by optimizing your drive

One of the best ways you can improve your PC's performance is by optimizing the drive. Windows includes features to help optimize the different types of drives that PCs use today. No matter which type of drive your PC uses, Windows automatically chooses the optimization that's right for your drive.

Be default, Optimize Drives, previously called Disk Defragmenter, runs automatically on a weekly schedule. But you can also optimize drives on your PC manually.

Windows 10: The Dream Of A Cross-Device Operating System Is Becoming Reality & It’s Free

Windows as a service and mobility of experience were the major keywords from the recent Windows 10 briefing. Most importantly, Windows 10 will be free, if you uprade from Windows 7, 8.1, or Windows Phone 8.1 within one year of the final release.
When you upgrade to Windows 10, you will have access to a continuous stream of innovation, including Cortana, universal apps, and a seamless experience between devices. And if you so desire, you can enjoy Windows 10 on novel devices, like the Surface Hub or the HoloLens. Microsoft is boldly stepping into the future with innovative software and hardware.

7 Quick Tips & Hacks To Optimize Your Windows 10 Experience

Windows 10 is more than an upgrade from Windows 8, it’s an evolution. We’ve covered many of the big changes, including Cortana integration, the resurrected Start Menu, or new Gaming features. Lots of minor things changed, too and knowing them could significantly enhance your Windows 10 experience.
We’ve compiled the most useful small tips & hacks for Windows 10. Let’s see whether we can teach you a new trick.

How to Flash a ROM to Your Android Phone

Android is great, but sometimes, the version you get with your phone—whether its vanilla Android or something like Samsung's TouchWiz—leaves a bit to be desired. Here's how to install a new version of Android (or ROM) on your device for an even better Android experience.

MIUI 7 Global Launch Premiere: MIUI 7 Global ROM, Colored Mi 4i

Dear MIUI users across the global,

How to sync your Android or iPhone with Windows 10

If you upgraded to Windows 10, you can finally test out the Windows 10 Phone Companion app that Microsoft announced back in March. It is installed along with Windows 10 by default. This app, it seems to me, reflects the “new Microsoft” that embraces the non-Microsoft mobile platforms dominating the market — Google’s Android and Apple’s iOS — in addition to Microsoft’s own Windows Phone.