Top news of 2018: Q2
As the year 2018 draws to a close we are taking the chance to look back at what the past twelve months brought. We already went through Q1 and now it's time for Q2.
“AI” infiltrated every corner of mobile realm, from digital assistants to algorithms that improve image quality. Other big trends highlighted on this list – our most-read news articles for Q2 this year – include software security and updates, as well as gaming phones.
A detailed write-up on Google Duplex proved to be the most interesting article of the April-June period. Duplex has the Google Assistant talk to other people for you, which has much greater possibilities than simple voice control.
The launch of the Xiaomi Mi 8 was a big deal, the phone brought iPhone X-inspired features at less than half the price. The Mi 8 SE caused a splash too, it was the first Snapdragon 710-powered phone.
Xiaomi scored many wins during the quarter, including the Mi 6X debut and the Redmi 6 Pro launch – both with a healthy dose of AI, of course. The company’s first gaming phone, the Black Shark, gathered big crowds too.
HMD did well too, with Nokia X6 rumors and teasers building up anticipation for the launch and news of global availability.
Meanwhile, people were concerned about iOS security and got excited at the possibility of an iPhone SE sequel (which sadly did not come to pass).
Finally, a bit of retrospective – a look back at the evolution of iOS and Android.
The list below is in chronological order so that the rumors come before the official announcements.
Huawei Mate 20 goes through AnTuTu, its Kirin 980 aces the test
Huawei Mate 20 launch might be six months away, but it has already posted a record score on AnTuTu.
OnePlus 6 leaked image reveals complete front panel
A more complete look at the front was delivered in an alleged leaked image.
Samsung Galaxy Note9 tipped to come with 6.4" screen, larger battery
It's a small tick over the 6.3" screen of the Note8, but it will double the gap to the Galaxy S9+'s 6.2" screen.
OnePlus 6 is fully revealed by a case maker
No more guessing what it will look like - you can now glance at the phone in all its glory inside a range of cases.
Xiaomi's gaming phone is here: Meet the Black Shark
Liquid cooling system, MEMC ISP, and a Snapdragon 845 chipset for less than $500.
Nokia 7 Plus in for review
Nokia's current top midranger has landed at the office of a full review. Here are some initial impressions.
Apple's iOS through the years
In Past Tense takes a slightly different tack for this article and takes you on a nostalgia-infused ride of the highlights of Apple’s iOS through the years.
iPhone SE 2 to come in May with A10 Fusion chipset, missing 3.5mm jack
The handset is rumored to be very similar in looks to the original iPhone SE.
Xiaomi Mi 6X debuts with AI dual cameras
The 12 MP + 20 MP setup has two Sony sensors and recognizes over 200 different scenes.
Nokia X live photos leak ahead of launch
The first Nokia with a notched screen will have dual cameras and a fingerprint scanner on the back.
LG G7 ThinQ debuts with 6.1" notched screen
Ultra-bright, notched LCD display, dedicated Google Assistant key and powerful Quad DAC audio, with DTS-X.
Lenovo Z5 sketch with nearly 100% screen-to-body ratio revealed
Chang Cheng, former CEO of ZUK and current VP of Lenovo Group, teased the flagship on Weibo.
All you need to know about Google Duplex
Google previewed the ability for its Google Assistant to make calls on your behalf at Google I/O this week. Called Google Duplex, let's look at the science behind the magic.
OnePlus 6 pricing and colors leaked by Amazon
The phone will arrive in Europe on May 22 with 64 GB or 128 GB respectively at €519 or €569.
Nokia X6 goes official with notched display, dual-camera
The Nokia X6 offers high-quality build and mid-tier hardware.
Nokia X6 to go global after all [Updated]
HMD CPO Juho Sarvikas has launched a poll on Twitter and the response could lead to a global launch.
Android's evolution through the years
Now that we've had our first hands-on with the Google's Android P beta let's take a look back at how Google's Android has evolved over the years
Xiaomi Mi 8 is official with 3D Face Unlock, dual GPS
There is also an Explorer Edition with translucent back and in-display fingerprint scanner.
Xiaomi Mi 8 SE unveiled - the first Snapdragon 710-powered smartphone
Xiaomi Mi 8 SE offers low price, high performance and
MIUI 10 announced - focus on gestures, camera enhancements and AI
The phone will be unveiled soon, pre-orders (well, registrations) start June 1 and actual sales commence on the 15th.
Oppo Find X goes official with a pop-up slider with three cameras
The motorized slider hides away the dual rear camera, the selfie camera and the 3D facial scanning tech.
Hacker bypasses iOS passcode and it's surprisingly easy
Turns out, you can get around Apple's anti brute force measure on an iPhone quite easily.
Xiaomi Redmi 6 Pro goes official with 19:9 notched screen
The device is powered by a Snapdragon 625 SoC, and sports a 5.84 inch display with 2280x1080 pixel resolution.
Samsung Galaxy Note9 specs and features revealed in detailed hands-on
One of the industry's veterans had some quality time with the still unreleased Note9 and shared his experience.
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