LG may or may not launch a foldable smartphone at MWC

Could the next LG smartphone look like this ZTE Axon M?

With CES 2019 done, we’re now gearing up for Mobile World Congress in Barcelona next month. But there’s been contradicting rumours about what one of the big companies are putting out at the show. A report claims LG has plans to release a smartphone with a foldable screen similar to what the ZTE Axon M does. LG is reportedly taking this route to help keep price down. Another report says the company plans to add the option for a second-screen attachment, which is going to be some sort of case and would then double the screen size of the phone. It isn’t clear how this will be implemented or what the device will be named. But it shows what the company might be willing to do to stay relevant in the smartphone space. We have a little over a month to hear more about this. But what implementation would you prefer? And would you even consider getting a foldable smartphone in the first place?

Spotify introduces simplified ‘Car view’ mode

Aside from integrating with apps like Google Maps, Waze, and Android Auto, Spotify is rolling out to Android users a new Car view mode. It automatically enables a more driver-friendly interface when your phone connects to your car’s Bluetooth connection. This mode simplifies your controls with bigger buttons for play/pause, skip, shuffle, and favorite. The song’s title and singer come out bigger and it does away with distracting album artwork. According to Android Authority, you might not be able to swipe to the next or previous song. In this mode, it seems like you’ll need to tap on the Previous and Next buttons (which we remind you not to do while driving).

If you’re not a fan of the interface, you can disable Car View for the current ride; or turn it off altogether in the Settings page of your app. While it’s being rolled out to Android users, there is no word yet when iPhone/iOS users are getting the update. Also, it seems to only work with Bluetooth, so if you connect your phone via AUX, this won’t pull up the interface.

Source: Engadget

Mastercard protects consumers from automatic billing after free trials

Updated on Thursday, January 17, 2019 at 3:54PM by Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

We've all been there. A magazine we're interested in, a streaming video service, or beauty products that promise free trials of their amazing service and product provided you give your credit card information. You know, for easy billing after the demo period. The next thing you know, you've been paying the company for a service or product you don't really want and now have to run through the time-consuming process of cancelling payment.

Mastercard now protects consumers from this disreputable tactic. Mastercard wants to make sure these experiences are hassle-free and is introducing rules for merchants that offer free-trials. The rule change, going into effect globally in April 2019, will require merchants to gain cardholder approval at the conclusion of the trial before they start billing.

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Huawei Mate 20 Pro and P20 Pro get support for Netflix HD and HDR

Review: Huawei Mate 20 Pro

Here’s great news if you watch a lot of Netflix on your phone. Huawei Mate 20 Pro and P20 Pro now support Google’s Widevine DRM. This means you can play HD and HDR content on Netflix. Before your Netflix videos were capped at 540p, because the phones only supported Widevine L3. Now, it supports Widevine L1. So, now you can watch your shows and movies in better resolution.

Source: Gizmochina