Samsung rolls out second One UI 3.0 beta for the Galaxy S10

While One UI 3.0 is being finalized for the Samsung Galaxy S20, some work needs to be done with the Galaxy S10 series. The Korean company has rolled out the second beta of One UI 3.0 for the Galaxy S10 series. It was initially supposed to come out last week, but it got delayed. The countries getting the update first are Korea, India, and the UK. If you're part of the beta and have an S10 device, you can check the update by heading to Settings > Software update and download it from there.

This update (version ZTL8) brings fixes to problems like those found in the Members app and Home UI being stuck in a restart loop. It offers a better camera experience, and unlocking using a fingerprint is finally possible. The stable version is expected to roll out in January, at least in some regions. The Galaxy Note10 series' One UI 3.0 beta is also coming soon. It was supposed to roll out last week as well, but it got delayed.

Source: GSMArena

Review: Microsoft Surface Duo

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

By now you’ve probably read the scathing reviews of Microsoft’s ambitious and expensive new device. Initially available only in the US for $1400 but now coming to Canada as well. Surface Duo is Microsoft’s first Android device, and it was built with Google’s collaboration.

We’re seeing different takes on larger mobile devices like folding smartphones and even LG’s strange Wing device with a t-shaped screen array. The Surface Duo is composed of two screens that can be used independently or together in various ways. Which makes it more versatile than a three-screen folding phone, if you don’t mind the seam in the middle where the hinge resides.  

Designed around productivity, Surface Duo is built for multitasking and is capable of running two apps at the same time. It is also for spanning one app a cross the makeshift 8-inch display (composed of two 5.6-inch AMOLED displays connected by a hinge. Hit jump for our review.

Click to read more ...

Review: 2021 Toyota Corolla Hybrid

Text and photos by Emily Chung

My 2004 Toyota Corolla is still in great shape with over 600,000kms on it! With proper maintenance (more than the manufacturer’s recommendations – those are minimum guidelines for the purposes of their warranty), Corollas can last a long time. I wanted to see what has changed with the long running nameplate and road tested the hybrid version.

Initially introduced as a subcompact car in 1966, the Corolla has been one of Toyota’s most enduring models. 55 years later, the 2021 Toyota Corolla is now a popular compact car with modern design and technology, and has a hybrid option available.

Click to read more ...

Google officially retires Home Max speaker

Source: Google

Google's original large smart speaker is going away. The company confirmed with Engadget that it would no longer manufacture the Home Max, and the last few units on the Google Store have already been sold. But existing users can still expect to see support for the foreseeable future. Google doesn't plan to end support for the Home Max or the original Google Home speaker. The company said, "We're committed to delivering great sound and whole home audio features across all of our Assistant-enabled products."

It makes sense for Google to halt manufacturing for its old speaker as the new Nest Audio speakers are similarly priced and deliver similar, if not, better audio quality.