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Patrick Hearn

Patrick Hearn

Mobile Writer

Patrick Hearn writes about smart home technology like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, smart light bulbs, and more. If it's a smart or connected device, he has probably been hands-on with it or at least written about the product at some point.

Patrick also has bylines at CNET, Progressive, Xfinity, GameSpot, Online Tech Tips, and a number of other publications. When not working on the latest smart tech, he spends his time writing a sci-fi/fantasy fiction series.

The Samsung Galaxy Ring on someone's finger.

A new Samsung Galaxy Ring may launch sooner than expected

Though there's no word yet on when it might release, leaks suggest the Galaxy Ring 2 could be here sooner than anyone expected.
A close-up view of the App Library page on the iPhone 16.

iOS 18.2 may make charging your iPhone even easier. Here’s how

Your iPhone's next update could tell you exactly how long you need to reach a certain level of charge, with more granular controls than are currently present.
Emoji reactions on Google Messages running on OnePlus 11.

Sending photos via RCS is about to get better in Google Messages

You'll soon be able to send full-resolution, max-quality photos to friends and family through Google Messages.
Someone holding the violet/purple Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 may get an Exynos chip after all

The Samsung Galaxy S25 could ship with the Exynos 2500 instead of the Snapdragon Elite. Or it might not. No one is really sure at this point.
iOS 18 logo on the iPhone 16 Pro

iOS 18.2 just took another step toward its official release

Apple has released another version of its iOS 18.2 beta. Here's what's new (and why it matters).
Samsung One UI 6 Quick Settings on Galaxy A34 held in hand.

Samsung’s One UI 7 update might steal this Apple Intelligence feature

Samsung wants to take a page from Apple and add notification summaries to its next release of the One UI 7 build.
A person holding the Oppo Find X6 Pro, showing the back of the phone.

Miss the iPhone mini? This company may have an alternative for you

If you long for the bygone days of smaller phones instead of the larger displays of today, the Oppo Find X8 Mini could be exactly what you're looking for.
A person taking a photo with the Apple iPhone 16 Plus.

The best Apple iPhone 16 Plus cases for 2024

The Apple iPhone 16 Plus is available now, so make sure you get a case that can keep your big new phone protected. Here are the best Apple iPhone 16 Plus cases.
the best fps games half life 2

Project Borealis might be the closest we get to Half-Life 3

The long-awaited Project Borealis finally has a Steam page, and that's a better indicator of an impending release than anything yet.
Amazon Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition on a table.

Discolored line on your new Kindle? You aren’t alone

The Kindle Colorsoft is meant to look like a piece of paper, but some users are experiencing an issue that yellows part of the screen.
Official OnePlus 13 product renders showing rear panel colors.

Everything you need to know about the OnePlus 13

The OnePlus 13 is official, and it's packing quite a punch. Here's everything you need to know about OnePlus' newest smartphone.
talking tests gwent elder scrolls legends elderscrollslegends1

Bethesda is shutting down a game it had already forgotten about

The Elder Scrolls: Legends will shut down permanently on January 30th, 2025, and is already unavailable for purchase on Steam.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra in Titanium Gray in hand.

Updating your Samsung Galaxy S25 could be easier than ever

Samsung is reportedly making the S25 compatible with seamless updates, which means all the hard work happens in the background.
A photo of many Android figurines on a white wall.

Android updates will look very different in 2025

Android has kept to a pretty constant release schedule, but Google is changing things up in 2025 with an early release of Android 16.
A person using the Apple iPhone 16 Plus.

The iPhone 17 will reportedly get a new type of Wi-Fi chip

Apple currently gets its network chips from an outside manufacturer, but it might soon begin producing its own components in-house.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra in Titanium Gray with S Pen on back.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 lineup just got a lot more interesting

The Samsung Galaxy S25 is set to release in just a few months, but a recent leak suggest there might be a fourth, slim model added to the lineup.
A photo of an Apple screen and a close-up of the App Store icon with three notifications on it.

Apple is going to make it easier to read App Store reviews

App Store listings could soon get a taste of Apple Intelligence in the form of a combined summary of every review.
Official OnePlus 13 product render in three colors.

Massive OnePlus 13 leak just revealed everything about the phone

The official certifications for the OnePlus 13 have emerged, revealing little new information, but confirming most of the rumors about its specs.
OnePlus Open in Emerald Dusk open halfway showing home screen.

Here are some of the specs for the OnePlus Open 2

We have specs for the OnePlus Open 2, including an improved battery, larger display, and upgraded camera system.
OnePlus 12 Glacial White cameras.

The OnePlus 13 will beat most other smartphones in one surprising way

The OnePlus 13 is just days away from its Chinese launch, and we've learned about three key specs — including an insane level of water resistance.
Samsung Galaxy AI on the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6.

We just got an early tease for Samsung’s next folding phones

The Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Galaxy Z Fold 7 are in development, but we aren't likely to see a release until the second half of 2025.
The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9's cameras.

The next Google Pixels may have major camera upgrades

A massive leak from Google's gChips division hints at loads of upcoming features in the Pixel 10 and Pixel 11, including AI video editing.
indie studios leave steam for epic game store satisfactory

Satisfactory is about to get its last update for a while

Satisfactory has finally left early access, and now its developer says that updates will slow down until the Ficsmas event later this year.
Google Gemini running on an Android phone.

Google Gemini is good, but this update could make it downright sci-fi

Google's Gemini 2.0 could release as early as December and come with a dedicated AI agent that operates like Tony Stark's Jarvis.
Someone wearing an original Apple Watch Ultra showing the weather app.

Future Apple Watches could tell you if you’re at risk for diabetes

Apple has been working on a way to measure blood sugar levels without using a needle, and it looks like some progress has been made.
Three characters, including two humanoid bears, holding spears in Guild Wars 2.

Guild Wars might be getting a spinoff. Here’s what we know

Guild Wars 2 is one of the most popular MMORPGs on the market, and a few eagle-eyed fans spotted a new application bearing the name.
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus laying face down.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 is set to sparkle in gorgeous new colors

The Galaxy S25 and S25 Ultra both come in four colors, while the S25 Plus has five colors to choose from — not including any possible online exclusives.
A person holding the Samsung Galaxy A55.

Samsung’s great midrange phones might have a disappointing 2025

Although the Galaxy A56 is set to receive an upgraded front camera, the rear lenses remain the same for yet another year.
The Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro's screen.

We just got our first look at this crazy-fast gaming phone

The Asus ROG Phone 9 is a like the genie equivalent for gaming phones: smallish package, huge cosmic powers. And maybe a bit of AI, too.
Samsung Galaxy Ring next to the Galaxy Watch Ultra.

The Galaxy Ring 2 could fix the biggest problem with the device

Samsung filed a patent that hints at an adjustable smart ring. Imagine being able to purchase the Galaxy Ring without the need for a sizing kit.
samsung galaxy s24 fe review 18

The first Galaxy S27 details just leaked. Here’s what we know

The first details of the Samsung Galaxy S27's chipset have emerged, and it looks like a big step up from the current generation.
Apple Vision Pro gameplay of Gibbon: Beyond the Trees.

Apple’s new app could be the next big thing in mobile gaming

Apple is reportedly working on a new app that would combine elements of the App Store, Game Center, and communication tools.
A person checking the fitness data on an Apple Watch Series 9.

Telsa may be making an official app for the Apple Watch

After the most recent update to the Tesla iPhone app, users spotted code that suggests an Apple Watch version of the app might be on the way.
A person opening the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6.

Samsung might be designing a trifold phone for next year

A tip from a leaker suggests Samsung is working on its own trifold device and possibly even a special edition of the Galaxy Z Flip.