7 Tech Predictions for 2019

[TechSpot Weekly Newsletter] Latest in tech January 3 The Future [7 Tech Predictions for 2019]( Though it's a year shy of the big decade marker, 2019 looks to be one of the most exciting and most important years for the tech industry in some time. Thanks to the upcoming launch of 5G and foldable displays, as well as critical enhancements in AI, robotics, and other exciting areas, there's a palpable [sense of expectation for the new year]( that we haven't felt for a while. Though it's a year shy of the big decade marker, 2019 looks to be one of the most exciting and most important years for the tech industry in some time. Thanks to the upcoming launch of 5G and foldable displays, as well as critical enhancements in AI, robotics, and other exciting areas, there's a palpable [sense of expectation for the new year]( that we haven't felt for a while. 3.5 Years Later [Windows 10 surpasses Windows 7 to become most popular desktop OS]( Back when Windows 10 arrived in 2015, Microsoft famously said it planned to have the OS installed on one million devices by 2018. One year later, it admitted that prediction was overly optimistic—partly because of the demise of the Windows Phone. Back when Windows 10 arrived in 2015, Microsoft famously said it planned to have the OS installed on one million devices by 2018. One year later, it admitted that prediction was overly optimistic—partly because of the demise of the Windows Phone. iPhone [Tim Cook points out cheaper replacement batteries equals fewer iPhone upgrades]( As Apple is preparing to make adjustments for 2019, CEO Tim Cook has published a letter to investors with first quarter goals. It is yet another way to lower expectations back towards reality. As Apple is preparing to make adjustments for 2019, CEO Tim Cook has published a letter to investors with first quarter goals. It is yet another way to lower expectations back towards reality. ICE-ing [Tesla-hating pickup drivers are blocking charging stations, Model X owner shows they can be towed]( The ICE-ing phenomenon was first highlighted a couple of weeks ago in Hickory, North Carolina when 3 large pickup trucks blocked a Supercharger station next to a Sheetz, all while the owners chanted “f*ck Tesla.” It was only when confronted… The ICE-ing phenomenon was first highlighted a couple of weeks ago in Hickory, North Carolina when 3 large pickup trucks blocked a Supercharger station next to a Sheetz, all while the owners chanted “f*ck Tesla.” It was only when confronted… TechSpot Best Of [The Best Hardware: Our picks on routers, GPUs, CPUs, phones & more]( Deepfakes [Scarlett Johansson says trying to stop deepfakes is "a lost cause"]( Back in December 2017, Motherboard highlighted the work of a Redditor called deepfakes who was creating these videos, which can appear quite realistic. They’ve since been banned by the likes of Discord, Twitter, and GIF-hosting platform Gfycat. Pornhub was supposed… Back in December 2017, Motherboard highlighted the work of a Redditor called deepfakes who was creating these videos, which can appear quite realistic. They’ve since been banned by the likes of Discord, Twitter, and GIF-hosting platform Gfycat. Pornhub was supposed… Privacy [Many of the most popular Android apps are still illegally sending data to Facebook]( Despite heavy scrutiny and new privacy laws, a new study reveals that many of the most popular Android apps are still sending user data to Facebook. This data is sent regardless of whether or not a user is logged in… Despite heavy scrutiny and new privacy laws, a new study reveals that many of the most popular Android apps are still sending user data to Facebook. This data is sent regardless of whether or not a user is logged in… Industry [Nvidia hit with class action lawsuits following the cryptocurrency crash]( As anyone who was trying to build a computer during the cryptocurrency mining boom knows, GPU prices often follow trends in the crypto markets. When Bitcoin prices were up, GPU prices skyrocketed and cards were difficult to come by. This… As anyone who was trying to build a computer during the cryptocurrency mining boom knows, GPU prices often follow trends in the crypto markets. When Bitcoin prices were up, GPU prices skyrocketed and cards were difficult to come by. This… Featured Story [EU to fund bug bounties for open source projects including PuTTY, Notepad++, KeePass, Filezilla and VLC]( The European Union has recognized this problem, and as part of their Free and Open Source Software Audit (FOSSA) they’ve set up a bug bounty for 15 applications. The bounty ranges from $30,000 to $100,000 depending on the software in… The European Union has recognized this problem, and as part of their Free and Open Source Software Audit (FOSSA) they’ve set up a bug bounty for 15 applications. The bounty ranges from $30,000 to $100,000 depending on the software in… [Manufacturers intend to make 2019 the year 8K begins]( According to a marketing agency with sources within LCD manufacturing companies, nine players will be pushing the 8K panel market next year, across seven different sizes. Samsung will have the largest range, with 65”, 75”, 82” and 98” panels. Next… [8+ Tools for Finding and Deleting Duplicate Files on Windows]( ve covered many ways that you can save space on your storage drives over the years, most recently discussing methods for deleting the Windows.old backup folder made when installing Windows 10 updates and reclaiming several gigs in the process… [You can now buy a single dot in COD: Black Ops 4 for $1]( First reported by MP1ST's Alex Co, Activision has just introduced a new set of in-game items for COD: BO 4’s Black Market. One of these is an ‘Open Dot’ — a single red dot that’s used as a reticle for… [Google's next OS, Fuchsia, will run Android apps]( As spotted by 9to5Google, a change to the Android Open Source Project suggests Fuchsia will be able to run Android apps using the Android Runtime. [Netflix warns people to not do the 'Bird Box' challenge]( The Bird Box challenge has people donning blindfolds and attempting to complete tasks seen in the movie such as closing the blinds, navigating the house, and even driving (below). It is only a matter of time before someone winds up… [Samsung patents rollable TV display to compete with LG]( As CES 2019 draws near, Samsung could be ready to engage in some steep competition with LG. Recently, we learned that LG is ready to commercialize its rollable OLED display tech. Over the holidays, Samsung has published a patent for… [USB Type-C authentication program launches to protect against hardware hacks]( System administrators have had to take additional precautions over the past several years in order to avoid abuse of USB ports on devices. Today, the USB Implementers Forum has officially launched the USB Type-C Authentication Program that sets standards for… [Chinese probe successfully lands on far side of moon, sends back images]( China's National Space Administration (CNSA) landed the craft in the basin's Von Kármán crater—the oldest and deepest crater on the moon's surface. The country said it “opened a new chapter in human lunar exploration." [Hackers have hijacked Chromecast devices to convince users to subscribe to PewDiePie]( Some of PewDiePie's more avid fans have taken to hacking to convince people to subscribe to Kjellberg, whereas others, such as well-known YouTuber Mr. Beast, have chosen to buy virtually every advertising spot in their home cities (including billboards) to… [Sony's Xperia XZ4 beats all other handsets in leaked benchmark scores]( Spotted by GizChina, the Snapdragon 855-sporting Xperia XZ4 scored 395,721 on the popular benchmarking platform. What’s interesting is that other phones using the same upcoming chip have averaged around 360,000 points on Antutu. [After months of freeze, China reopens its doors to new games, except for Tencent's]( Now, finally, China’s State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television has begun reviewing games to see if they can be published in China. First noticed by Reuters, 80 new games were given the OK yesterday. Noticeably absent from… [NASA shares first close-up images of distant Ultima Thule]( NASA during a press conference on Wednesday shared the clearest images yet of Ultima Thule, the furthest object ever explored by a spacecraft. [Court dismisses lawsuit over Google Photos' facial recognition]( The plaintiffs were asking for a total of $5 million claiming that Google had violated Illinois’ Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIFA). The law provides that companies must get written consent before collecting any biometric data including fingerprints and facial scans… [Slightly Mad game studios says it is building the most powerful console ever]( UK-based Slightly Mad Studios, developer of the Project Cars games and Need for Speed: Shift, made the announcement through CEO Ian Bell via Twitter. He told Ars Technica that the Mad Box is expected to launch in “three-plus years,” and… [Epic may launch app store to challenge Apple and Google]( Epic earlier this month launched the Epic Games Store, a digital storefront for PC games on Windows and macOS. The store is already making waves but Epic isn’t done shaking up the waters just yet. [Nikki Haley required to archive personal Twitter account per State Department]( United Nations ambassador Nikki Haley was forced to relinquish her personal Twitter account due to Obama-era regulations that took effect in January 2017. The State Department rules state that political appointees cannot take their social media accounts with them when… [Olympus teases high-end sports-oriented OM-D camera]( Olympus has published a teaser video showcasing what appears to be its next digital camera offering. Details are a bit scarce but here’s what we’ve been able to discern from the 18-second clip thus far. [Lego's Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 kit turns into a classic hot rod]( Earlier this year, Lego released a 1:8 Bugatti Chiron kit that came with 3599 pieces and moving parts. This $349 box set was the latest sports car from the Lego Technic line, which includes a 2704-piece Porsche 911 GT3 RS that costs $300. [Leaked press render and video show off Nokia 9 PureView's five rear cameras]( We saw the first leaked images of the Nokia phone and its penta-lens setup back in September. Judging from the press render tweeted by ever-reliable leaker Evan Blass, they were quite accurate. The Nokia 9 PureView will have hexagonally arranged… [Tesla cuts vehicle prices by $2,000 to 'partially absorb' the blow from reduced tax credits]( Tesla's cars are some of the most popular electric vehicles out there, but there's no denying that they are also pretty expensive. The Model 3 might be the most affordable option, but its $35,000 still puts it slightly out of… [Thunderbird is getting a UI overhaul and better Gmail integration in 2019]( For starters, yet another major UI overhaul is on the way (the last redesign came a couple months ago with Thunderbird 60) courtesy of a "UX team" Mozilla has assembled. Presumably, the redesigned app will utilize more elements of "Photon… Trivia [What is Google's Android mascot unofficially known as?]( [- Android - Bugdroid - AutomaTom - Dandroid]( [Bohemian Rhapsody's Blu-ray/DVD version to include full Live Aid performance]( The story of Freddie Mercury and Queen arrives on Digital Download on January 22 and 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD on February 12. The main included extra is ‘The Complete Live Aid Movie Performance Not Seen in Cinemas.’ [Netflix poaches its new CFO from Activision]( On Monday, Activision Blizzard revealed in an SEC filing that it intended to fire Neumann for reasons "unrelated to the company's financial reporting or disclosure controls and procedures." He has also been placed on paid leave “pending an opportunity for… [Check out this homemade jukebox that uses swipe cards to play songs]( As reported by The Verge, designer Chris Patty made the jukebox for his father after his family decided they would only exchange handmade presents this year. He posted a video of it to Twitter, which shows the creation in action. Tech News - [Tyler 'Ninja' Blevins made nearly $10 million in 2018]( - [Super Meat Boy is available for free from the Epic Games Store]( - [Black Mirror: Bandersnatch is loaded with Easter eggs and alternate endings]( - [This cartridge turns your old Game Boy into a wireless controller]( - [FlixBus to test VR headsets on trips to Las Vegas]( - [Apple's 'AirPower' wireless charging mat could finally be on its way]( - [Sony is hiring for the 'Next Chapter of Cinematic Storytelling']( - [Android Messages will now fight against spam texts]( - [AT&T's Power Drum is a multi-purpose wireless charging solution for iPhone and Apple Watch]( - [Stranger Things season 3 gets clue-filled trailer, premiere date]( - [Google gets permission to operate Soli gesture detection radar at higher powers]( Software Downloads - [Facebook Lite for Android 127.0]( - [iDevice Manager 8.5.0.0]( - [ImageMagick 7.0.8-23]( Drivers - [Intel Chipset Software Installation Utility 10.1.1.42]( 2019-01-02 14:23:46 - [Realtek 2.5G Gigabit Ethernet PCIe Network Driver 10.031]( 2019-01-02 14:09:54 Tech Pic of the Day [New Year's Resolution]( Hot discussion [News and Comments]( [RTX 2060 vs GTX 1160: Ten new leaks that suggest Nvidia will dominate the mid-range]( [News and Comments]( [Microsoft is building a disc-free Xbox to launch this year]( Follow TechSpot TechSpot: [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [RSS]( [Google+]( [Instagram]( [Steam]( [Flipboard]( [YouTube]( Feeds: [News](, [Reviews & Features](, [Downloads](, [Drivers]( [View this email in your browser]( This email was sent to {EMAIL} [We only send these emails with your permission after you've registered on TechSpot.com]( [Click here to unsubscribe]( © 2018 TechSpot, Inc.