Barnes and Noble launches NOOK Tablet 7-inch for less than $50

For a while, it seemed like tablets were going to become the most popular consumer devices, but then, they weren't. People tired of trying to retrofit them with keyboards to make them faux-laptops -- they just used actual laptops instead. Not to mention, with smartphones getting increasingly larger screens, tablets began to feel a bit redundant. With that said, tablets have their place for media consumption -- I still prefer my iPad to my iPhone for watching videos. If you know someone that wants a tablet this holiday season, but you don't want to spend too much money to get… [Continue Reading]

The future of project management technology

Emerging technologies are set to revolutionize project management. That won’t come as much of a shock to the average reader -- there’s been plenty of media coverage about the extent to which new technology like artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and the Internet of Things (IoT) will transform industries from the bottom up. However, people often struggle to isolate the challenges that emerging technologies will solve, and the specific practices they will change -- even within their own industries. There’s a tacit assumption that change will come -- but the 'what', 'how' and 'when' of these seismic shifts remains unclear.… [Continue Reading]

Microsoft adds real-time captions and subtitles to Skype -- PowerPoint to follow

We're all pretty used to subtitles for movies and TV shows -- even if we don't need them, they can prove useful -- and Microsoft has now added this feature to Skype. Ostensibly an accessibility feature (and launched on United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities), the new option means that Skype will be able to use voice recognition to show you the text of what is being said in a voice call. Microsoft will also bring the same feature to PowerPoint next year. See also: Microsoft is sending Skype classic to the software graveyard in November Microsoft is… [Continue Reading]

How I infected my phone with a virus

Smartphones are still shrouded by various myths. Reports say that long telephone conversations may cause tumors, your signal may weaken if you move too quickly, and strong signals from base stations could kill people. Whether or not these things are true remains a mystery, but one thing that we do know is real is the threat of mobile malware. Malicious programs are able to steal funds from your bank account, extract personal information, lock your phone screen, and render a smartphone useless, among other things. According to Statista, as of March 2018, "the total number of Android malware detections amounted… [Continue Reading]

Happy Holidays Giveaway: Win an Honor 7X or Honor View10 Android smartphone!

We are finally in the month of December, meaning many people are doing holiday shopping. While you can give your friends and family things like socks and underwear, let's be honest -- most folks want technology! A gift card is another option, but they are very impersonal and will not create a magical memory. If you really want to impress a loved one, you can't go wrong with a smartphone. Understandably, not everyone can afford to give a quality Android phone as a gift, so we here at BetaNews are giving two away! Yes, two winners will be selected to… [Continue Reading]

Google Play 'Best of 2018' revealed: YouTube TV, PUBG, Black Panther, PAW Patrol, and more

As 2018 comes to a close, many people start reflecting on the year. While there were many bad things occurring, such as the California wildfires and the murder of Jamal Khashoggi, it is important to remember many good things happen too -- they just don't often make the news. Hell, I am sure no person had a perfect 2018 -- everyone encounters peaks and valleys -- so hopefully you had more of the former than the latter. Media is a great way to distract us from the daily pitfalls of life. Things such as apps, games, music, and movies can… [Continue Reading]

5 sure-fire ways to kill your company's innovation

Innovation is difficult to come by. It is a fleeting concept that eludes most companies. In fact, the odds of a new product idea reaching full commercialization are less than 4 percent. And that is the best case. But, there are 5 sure-fire ways you can make certain innovation never sees the light of day at your company: 1.)  Don’t make innovation a top priority and an "all-hands" job requirement. Many CEO’s want innovation but only after "the real work" gets done. Here is a new flash: if you want to survive you better make innovation "the real work". Make… [Continue Reading]