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Google actually made a Star Trek-style communicator prototype

The future is already here – we can talk to our mobile devices, deliver internet access through balloons in the sky, and even ride in self-driving vehicles. And just how do we know the future is here? One of the best ways to gauge the progress we’ve been making is by comparing our technological advancements with those featured in popular sci-fi shows, such as Star Trek. Sure, we’re still a ways off from teleportation and time travel, but wouldn’t it be amazing if there was a device similar to the Star Trek communicator that actually existed in real life?

Google under investigation in Australia over alleged data harvesting

TL;DR The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) will reportedly investigate Google over data harvesting on Android. Google is reportedly collecting around 1GB of data per month from Android devices in Australia, containing detailed location data. Google’s privacy policy agreement covers data collection for its services, but there are questions about the transparency of the agreement. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) plans to investigate Google regarding data harvesting on Android phones.

Install Android 4.0.3 ICS Ice Cream Sandwich on the Galaxy Tab 8.9

Until the Galaxy Tab 8.9 gets an official, stable release of Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, Galaxy Tab 8.9 users have an option of trying out an unofficial alpha build of Android 4.0.3 Ice Cream Sandwich. A team of coders from XDA Developers has put together a ROM which gives many users a taste of what it would be like to run ICS on their Galaxy Tab 8.9. Before you get too excited about this preview, there are a few snags that are worth mentioning.

LG Optimus 2X Android Ice Cream Sandwich upgrade only in South Korea

What’s more frustrating than an Android manufacturer keeping complete silence about its plans of updating a certain phone to Ice Cream Sandwich? That’s right, a manufacturer that plays games with its customers, pushing upgrades back and forth, cancelling them and then bringing them back under the spotlight. That’s exactly what LG has done with the Optimus 2X, a phone released a year and a half back with 2.2 Froyo on-board. Smoothly and swiftly updated to Gingerbread in November 2011, the 4-incher was initially planned to get an ICS upgrade in Q2 2012.

Lost Echo is a beautiful point-and-click puzzle game that's now available on Android

If you’re a fan of challenging point-and-click puzzle games on Android, look no further. Video game developer KickBack has just released a new indie title called Lost Echo to the Google Play Store. Featuring realistic graphics, a unique soundtrack that was written specifically for the game, and a killer storyline, Lost Echo will have you hooked in no time. In the game, you play as a character named Greg searching for his girlfriend, Chloe, who mysteriously disappears in front of him.

Millions of Xiaomi devices had security flaw

Even though Xiaomi’s security app is meant to protect its devices and user data, researchers at security firm Check Point disclosed earlier today that the app did the opposite. Called Guard Provider, the app uses anti-virus scanners from Avast, AVL, and Tencent to detect potential malware. With Android malware finding different ways to get onto your device, it’s not surprising to learn that Xiaomi pre-installs Guard Provider on all of its phones.

OnePlus yet again teases always-on display in OxygenOS 11

TL;DR OnePlus’ Pete Lau has hinted at an always-on display in OxygenOS 11. There aren’t many clues, but you could see an analog clock on your screen. OnePlus has ticked more than a few of its remaining feature checkboxes with phones like the 8 Pro and Nord, but it now appears close to addressing one more: the always-on display. Company chief Pete Lau has shared a teaser on Twitter that not-so-subtly hints at long promised always-on screen technology appearing in OxygenOS 11.

The best new gaming products from CES 2021

CES is normally where you’d expect to find tons of new gaming products, but it’s been a little quieter this year with just a few notable exceptions. Whether you’re on the lookout to update your gaming setup or are just interested in what the future of gaming has to offer, you’ll want to check out our roundup of the best new gaming products and announcements from CES 2021. AMD 7nm Ryzen 5000

Fujitsu's new ad transmission technology pulls info from TV

We currently have a plethora of ways to get data to our smart phones. We can use QR codes, messages and email, and even NFC. At this year’s CEATEC, Fujitsu has demonstrated a new way to get data from the world to our smart phones. This method uses our televisions.It’s much the same premise as a QR code. When a TV commercial prompts you to, you open up your camera and point it at the screen.

LG could beat Samsung to market with first flexible displays

Flexible display prototypes by Samsung LG Display is aiming to ship the first flexible displays for mobile applications this year, beating Samsung to the market. Flexible displays have been a common appearance at consumer electronics shows and in technology predictions columns for the past couple of years. Samsung in particular has touted its upcoming flexible OLED displays, branded Youm, as the next big thing for mobile devices. At CES 2013, the Korean conglomerate showed us how Youm could be integrated into innovative product designs, like foldable tablets and smartphones with intelligent bezels.