10 Major, Must-Know Tech Innovations to Kick Off Your Week

Katelan Cunningham
Mar 02, 2015

Tech conferences are starting to feel more and more like fashion week except with techy rockstars instead of actual rockstars and souped up smartphones instead of expensive threads. What we’re trying to say is — they’re a big deal. Starting today in Barcelona, the annual Mobile World Congress launched some major innovations in the way of all things mobile. Smartphones are getting bigger, SD cards are getting smaller and we’re getting more and more excited to update our gadget collection. Here’s the biggest news so far.

1. Samsung Ditched the Plastic: Even though Samsung’s technology has always been powerful and its displays pretty impressive, their phones have always felt cheap. Take it from an Android user, no matter how nice the inside is, when you feel like you’re carrying around a toy phone, your mobile capabilities feel stunted. That’s why people are really stoked (us included) about their new Galaxy S6 launching in April. It’s all metal and glass, baby. And, hold the phone (pun intended). The “Edge” model has a curved screen.

2. SD Cards are Getting Smaller and Bigger: Compared to floppy discs, micro SD cards are getting so small, they’re basically disappearing. At MWC, SanDisk unveiled a card that’s basically the size of a tiny icon on your phone’s home screen. And get this: it holds 128GB. Our ’90s selves are flipping out. Before you go ditching all of your storage cards though, just know that when this microSDXC hits the market this year, it’s expected to cost $400. Ouch. We may just wait until the even faster version launches in hopes that the price of this one will go down. (via The Verge)

3. HTC is Getting a Workout: It’s time to add a new fitness band to the bunch. Soon, HTC will be releasing Grip and it’s not for the fair-weather fitness fan. It’s built to be 100% sporty, perfect for the worker fiends and marathon trainers. With its built-in GPS, it definitely stands out from the other bands on the market, but that’s not its only star feature. Apparently, it will also be able to detect what type of workout you’re doing: cycling, running, swimming (yes, it’s waterproof), etc. It doesn’t have a heart rate monitor because HTC believes that the tech available for that feature isn’t up to par quite yet. (via Business Insider)

4. Ford Has a Smart Bike?: As part of their new Smart Mobility Plan, Ford is trying their hand at smart bikes. They gave MWC a peek at two foldable, battery/pedal-powerd prototypes by the name of MoDe. The bike can connect to iOS navigation, charges your phone and detects your heart rate so it can kick on the motor when you’re getting worn out. We’ll keep an eye out for the day when we can test ride one of these puppies, but until then, we’ll be crushing on the world’s smallest foldable bike. (via The Verge)

5. There’s a New OS in Town: It’s not all Android and iOS. Based on the Android platform, there’s an open-source operating system called Cyanogen that has people in the tech world buzzing. Overall, it has many more capabilities in addition to better performance. At MWC, they’ve announced a plan to hit the mainstream by way of partnering up with Qualcomm. What does this mean for you? You don’t have to be a hacker or tech fiend to get your hands on Cyanogen’s fancy functionality. They’re releasing a phablet called Hero 2+ which will run the newest version of the Cyanogen OS and have stylus capabilities. (via The Verge)

6. Google Gets a Phone Service: If you live in any of Google Fiber’s flagship cities, we’d be lying if we said we weren’t totally jealous. But soon there may be even more ways to ditch annoying outdated contracts for more services than just Internet. Rumor has it that by summer, Google will announce their own phone service. There’s buzz that they’re partnering with Sprint and T-Mobile to make it happen.

We’re not exactly sure in what capacity Google will further its influence on the smartphone-sphere, but their Senior VP, Sundar Pichai reported: “We don’t intend to be at the carrier scale.” It’s more likely to be innovation in the way of cell features rather than an altogether new cell service. We’ll keep our ears to the ground (or wherever we get the best service) on this one. (via The Verge)

7. Tablets with Get Big Sound: You may watch movies on your tablet for convenience, but soon your mobile theater experience may be getting more intense. Lenovo launched an impressive line of three new tablets at MWC at really great prices — we’re talking $200 max. But one of the tablet’s most impressive features is its Dolby Atmos technology and multi-speaker soundbar. The slim little speaker is a mini version of what you may get for your home sound system, except it gives you that full sound experience on the go. (via Engadget)

8. Android Pay is a Go: Google confirmed rumors that they’re working on a new mobile payment system called Android Pay that’s built for versatility. Pichai hopes that with Android Pay, people will develop innovative services on top of the framework to set up models that fit their business the best. Google Wallet fans, don’t fear. That will still remain its own entity, but it too will be built on top of Android Pay. (via The Verge)

9. Sony Gets Thin(ner): The Xperia Z4 tablet is so thin, it may have you rethinking that iPad 2. Just maybe. It’s a 10-inch tablet that’s the same thickness (or should we say thinness) of the iPad 2, but even lighter. It runs on an Android OS, and has a snap-on keyboard that turns it from a super thin tablet into a super thin laptop. The Verge reports the keyboard feels kind of cheap though and the keys are a bit too small to make it fully replace a laptop experience. But, it does last a really long time without charge — 17 hours of video playback — which may make it all worth the gamble, if only to upgrade keyboards down the line. (via The Verge)

10. Mark Zuckerberg Is Boring: If you’ve been reading along like “I’m missing everything. I should be in Spain playing with all of the gadgets,” then rest assured — because a bunch of people attending Zuckerberg’s keynote sure did. Throughout the audience, people were catching up on their sleep right in the midst of of his talk on Internet.org, a service Facebook is creating to bring the web to the entire globe. It’s an awesome mission, but when gentlemen from the project’s mobile partnerships came out and started getting into the nitty gritty tech talk, leaving Zuckerberg as a mediator, some people basically declared it nap time. (via Business Insider)

What is the world of mobile still missing? Let us know what you think in the comments!

(Feature image via David Ramos/Getty)

Microsoft Might Be Coming Out With a Phone That’s a Tablet

In the game of tech, Microsoft is always a name on the tip of the tongue, and the company has certainly been busy lately. Windows 10 has expanded into a large ecosystem which gives its users the ability to integrate their numerous devices for a more fluid experience. Now it sounds like they’re turning their attention to smartphones again.

Microsoft quietly filed a patent for a phone that folds out into a tablet back in October 2014, and now rumors are circulating the internet that after the popularity of the Surface Book, Microsoft might be working from a new patent to create a Surface Phone.

The original patent discovered by MSPowerUser showed a device with two or three screens that unfolded into either the standard tablet layout we’re used to or a tent-like display — similar to the way the Surface stands, but with an additional screen or two.

We aren’t exactly sure if Microsoft plans to make this phone a reality or not, but before the highly anticipated Surface Studio ($3000), a gorgeous desktop computer that can change positions to suit your needs, was announced, patent leaks gave away their plans. It’s possible the Microsoft Surface Phablet (that’s what we’re calling it) is in the works.

In the meantime, we’ll be waiting.

Would you use a phone/tablet device? Tell us @BritandCo!

(h/t The Verge, photos via Microsoft, Google Patents, Getty)

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Not Close With Your Family? Here's How To Have a Joyous And Connected Holiday Season

Last year, some of us celebrated the holidays apart from our families for the first time. COVID has brought with it many changes, some of them arguably positive (like increased flexibility to work from home), some difficult (such as the realization of vastly different political and social views between family and friends), and some horrible (obviously, the health implications of a global pandemic). However, for some of us, celebrating the holidays without family members isn't exclusively due to COVID. In addition to so many of us living in different areas than our families of origin, some of us simply don't have close bonds with the people we grew up around. Sometimes, this can cause loneliness.

If you're not close with your family members, the holidays can be a difficult time. This is doubly true if you don't have a close circle of friends to call upon. But make no mistake, if this sounds like your situation, you're not alone — there are thousands of other people going through the same struggles you are. We sat down with Irad Eichler, founder of Circles, a website that connects people who are sharing similar struggles, like heartbreak, grief, or loneliness. Here are some of Eichler's tips for coping — and even thriving! — during the holiday season when you're not planning on spending it with your family, for one reason or another.

Don't Fall For "Perfect Families" On Social Media

Laura Chouette

The first VERY important step to having a joyous holiday season when you're going it alone is to stop believing the narrative that others' family situations are perfect, Eichler says.

"Remember people only post a moment in time, and only the moments when they look their happiest and best."

In addition to the fact that everything you see on social media is curated for the 'gram, it's also important to remember that by focusing on what others have and you lack, you risk failing to see the great things at play in your own life.

"These holiday periods can become a time of focusing on who and what we don't have, rather than who or what we do, and can cause a negative spiral into depressing and dreadful feelings of inadequacy," says Eichler.

Gratitude is the reason for the season, after all. So instead of only seeing the negative, try some gratitude journal prompts to help you focus on what's actually really wonderful about your life right now.

Make An Effort To Deepen New Connections

Joel Muniz

While it may seem like everyone has friends and family to spend time with during the holiday season, that doesn't mean no one is available for deepening a blossoming relationship or new friendship.

"Make a list of people you can or would like to connect with, and try to reach out to at least one of them," advises Eichler.

Reaching out doesn't have to mean a big plan or an hour-long conversation. Even a quick text letting a friendly coworker know you're thinking about them can go a long way toward deepening the relationship and moving it in the direction of closer friendship.

Don't have an acquaintance in mind? Then it's time to make new acquaintances. What's more in line with the Christmas spirit than attending a Meetup or event full of people eager to make new friends?

"Join groups with similar interests to yours, such as hiking, baking, or games. Push your boundaries and be brave - you might find new people who have much in common with you."

Give Back

Priscilla Du Preez

The holiday season is a great time to focus on giving back to your community, and coincidentally, acts of generosity and kindness are known to reduce loneliness and help people feel happier. One study found that knowing a few of your neighbors and doing small acts of kindness for them — such as cheering them up, listening to them, mowing their lawn, providing advice about local business recommendations and job opportunities, and chatting over the fence — was statistically correlated with feeling less lonely and having a lower risk of depression.

Helping out elderly neighbors can be a particularly gratifying way to give back.

"Notice older lonely people in your neighborhood or community who might have no family at all, and offer to help them," says Eichler. "These can become mutually meaningful connections, and help you 'adopt' a grandparent."

Connect With Others Online

Thought Catalog

Finally, use the Internet for its highest and best purpose: to connect people. Whether you're using Meetup to find in-person events, digital forums for having conversations about special interests, or programs like Circle for getting support from others in your situation, the opportunities to create new connections are practically endless.

"There are many interest groups that can be found digitally, where or any person can connect with others in the same life stage, going through the same challenges, or who would like to explore the same interests," Eichler states. "Meaningful connections can be formed easily in these circumstances. The Internet enables us to find and connect to people all over the world who fit this, and to whom we can become more easily attached, as we are able to find people with the exact interests that energize us."

If you're struggling with loneliness, you're not alone. Connect with our digital community of makers and creatives here at Brit+Co by following us on IG and signing up for our newsletter!

This post has been updated.

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What Is the iPad Pro and Why You’ll Actually Want It

Tomorrow marks Apple’s latest “Special Event” where months of speculation and rumors will finally culminate in the iPhone 6S reveal — pink or no pink? How will Force Touch change the way we use our phones? So many questions! We’re expecting to receive some answers on September 9, but it looks like iPhone answers won’t be all that we’re getting.

First of all, this will be Apple’s biggest iPad yet. The last couple of years have seen Apple trying to go smaller and lighter with the iPad Air and iPad Minis. This year, however, in an attempt to court enterprise notebook computer users, they plan on going big. According to 9to5Mac, this behemoth of a smart tablet is going to feature a display measuring 12.9-inches and start at 64G storage capacities — a huge jump for previous iPads’ 16GB base models.

The iPad Pro will come equipped with LTE capabilities, which will liberate users from being bound to Wi-Fi. The tablet with feature the iOS 9.1 from the get-go and a stylus accessory. Additionally, rumors say that the iPad Pro will be coming with a USB 3.0 port, which allows you to transfer data at never-before-seen speeds for the technology. Also, for you sound buffs, the iPad Pro will have not one, not two, not even three — but four speakers.

Essentially, the tablet is such a multi.-functioning device that bridges the gap between computers and tablets, we *might* soon be bidding adieu to laptops as we know it.

Will you be getting the iPad Pro? Tell us in the comments below!

(h/t 9to5Mac, photos via Apple)

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Zach Bryan & Brianna Chickenfry's Break Up Is COMPLICATED — Here's What To Know

Zach Bryan and Brianna "Chickenfry" LaPaglia's explosive breakup is everywhere right now. From his seemingly one-sided social media posts to all the bombshell revelations she keeps dropping, it's clear this split is NOT amicable. Both parties are dropping tons of lore, info, and everything in between — including new music?! — right now, so it makes sense if you can't keep up. Luckily, I'm here to help break this breakup down for you! Here's everything you need to know about Zach Bryan and Brianna Chickenfry's relationship...or lack thereof.

Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

October 22, 2024 – Zach Bryan Announces His Breakup With Brianna Chickenfry

On October 22, 2024, after some recent speculation that Zach Bryan and Brianna Chickenfry split up, Zach took to his Instagram stories. The country star said, "Addressing something: Brianna and me have broken up with [each other] and I respect and love her with every ounce of my heart. She has loved me unconditionally for a very long time and for that I'll always thank her."

He continued, noting, "I have had an incredibly hard year personally and struggled through some pretty severe things. I thought it would be beneficial for both of us to go our different ways. I am not perfect and never will be. Please respect Brianna's privacy and space in this and if you have it in your heart, mine too."

To wrap it all up, he closed by apologizing to his fans. He said, "With everything I am and to anyone I let down, I am sorry. I try my best in everything. I failed people that love me and mostly myself."

www.youtube.com

- YouTube

Brianna hopped on her own Instagram stories shortly there after. She posted, "Hey guys I'm feeling really blindsided right now. Gonna hop off social media for a while and attempt to heal privately, when I'm ready I'll be back and ready to talk. I love you guys so much thank you for all of your kind words. Remember you are so loved and everything's always gonna be okay 🫶"

The Brianna got on Youtube next, posting a raw, emotional video about the situation. Sitting on the floor of her bathroom, she opened up as much as she could in the moment about her breakup. She said, "I just woke up to Zach posting on his Instagram that we broke up and I had no idea that post was going up. He didn't text me, he didn't call me. I just woke up to a bunch of texts, like, 'Are you okay?'"

Brianna, with her teary eyes and red face, explained she's been crying for "five days straight." She said, "I'm at the point where it's like, how can you give someone everything and love them so unconditionally, like through stuff that you shouldn't because you just love them and you want them... like you see the good in them?"

The internet personality said that this is all "so embarrassing" and "really, really heartbreaking." She elaborated that the couple broke up on October 21, but wanted to process on her own and "didn't want it to be public."

Much like her Instagram story, she told her audience that she'll come back when she's ready.

www.youtube.com

- YouTube

November 7, 2024 — Brianna Claims Zach's Emotionally Abusive, Wanted $12Mil NDA

Well, it appears this week, Brianna decided she's ready. On Barstool Sports' BFF's Pod November 7, 2024, Brianna gave an inside look at the breakup unlike any other. Not only did she claim Zach was abusive, but she also alleged that he offered her a $12 million NDA to "not talk about the relationship."

After saying it's been the hardest year of her life, she said. "I'm still scared right now because I'm scared of him. My brain's rewired and I'm scared to make him mad and last week, I didn't want to talk about it 'cause I was scared."

Brianna then described the alleged emotional abuse. She noted that everything was cyclical and that he would build her up only to break her back down again. "There was always another excuse as to why he was treating me so poorly and why I'm crying myself to sleep every night, why he's screaming at me," she said. "And then you wake up, it's the apology, it's the 'I'm going to be better like I need you in my life,' but if you've been through this — I don't expect people to understand emotional abuse if you haven't been through it. I hope you never have to go through it but if you've been there you know what I'm talking about."

Not only does Brianna allege she was offered an NDA, but she said that other women that came before her had to sign their own agreements. She declined the offer because she didn't want to "sign away [her] experiences and what [she] went through to protect someone that hurt [her]." She also wanted to share this experience for other women who've suffered something similar.

And when it comes to the logistics of losing out on the famous lifestyle and alleged $12 million? She said, "It was never about the money — I was with the dude because I loved the dude."

Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival

November 8, 2024 — Zach Quit Touring Amid Abuse Allegations

On November 8, 2024, Zach posted on Instagram — where he clearly loves to share all his big news — that not only is his new single "High Road" out today, but that he's also ending his tour early. Read his full statement here:

After not being home for a year and a half I drove out to my mothers gravestone in the dead of night a few days back on familiar Oklahoma roads and I came to realize just like in the past, that she never would call me again

Told her I quit touring because I got accepted to get my masters in Paris next year, I told her I was back in Oklahoma, told her about all my best friends in New York and all the nights we howled with the moon, told her about the immeasurable laughter my band and me have shared these last five years, all the calluses on my finger tips, every tear shed, told her about making it on The Rolling Stone and most importantly told her about porch swinging with my beautiful sister.
I wrote the chorus for this song a month or two back and finished it when I realized I was blessed with all these things.

I figured it was about time I released it.

Thank you guys for listening to ‘This Worlds a Giant’ last night and thank you to all the people who love me; who have truly carried the weight with me.

Seems that all these Quiet Dreams have gotten much too heavy but I’m home now and I’ll hold you through the pain.

High Road is out today and I appreciate all of you"

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83 Budget-Friendly Finds Under $30 That'll Have You Gifting Ready This Season

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Thanks for reading about our favorite finds from across the internet! FYI: We participate in affiliate programs and may get a share of the revenue from your purchase.