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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.

Gameplay from Myst remake.

One of the world’s oldest indie game companies laid off half its staff

Cyan Worlds announced that it had made the difficult decision to lay off roughly half of its team to survive current "industry conditions."
Ayaneo Pocket Ace

Switch who? This pint-sized handheld could be your next go-to

The Ayaneo Pocket Ace is a miniature handheld with a retro focus, but don't worry: it can play more recent games, too.
Nest Protect on wall in bedroom.

Google is doing away with Nest Protect smoke alarms

Google is doing away with its Nest Protect smoke alarms and partnering with First Alert to manufacture a newer, more modern solution.
Alleged depiction of Google Pixel 9a.

Here’s when you can buy the Google Pixel 9a

Google has officially announced the release date for the Google Pixel 9a, its midrange alternative to the flagship Pixel 9.
Link pulls out the master sword in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.

Hey, listen! The Legend of Zelda live-action movie will debut in 2027

The Legend of Zelda movie has an official release date, but Nintendo has left fans in the dark about the tone, story, and casting.
A wizard casting avada kedavra.

Hogwarts Legacy’s unannounced expansion isn’t happening after all

Hogwarts Legacy's planned expansion has been canceled, but don't worry: the sequel is still in development with a planned release in the next few years.
how to send a text from your email account

AT&T shuts down long-running text-to-email services

AT&T announced that it is sunsetting one of its oldest features this summer: text-to-email and email-to-text.
Backbone One Xbox Edition

Playing Xbox games on Android just got a lot easier with the Backbone One

The Backbone One Xbox Edition is a USB-C powered controller for more comfortable Xbox Cloud Gaming experiences on your phone.
Homescreen with games on Nintendo Switch.

Game sharing is coming to Switch thanks to Virtual Game Cards

Nintendo has brought a new feature to Nintendo Switch that will let you share digital games between consoles.
A giant monster shoots fire in Shadow Labyrinth.

Shadow Labyrinth, Pac-Man’s gritty Metroidvania, launches this summer

Shadow Labyrinth, Bandai Namco's gritty Pac-Man meets Metroidvania, launches on Nintendo Switch this summer.
Leaked image of Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE showing its front and back.

Looks like the Galaxy Tab S10 FE will see a major price hike

The Galaxy S10 FE has leaked again, and the new information backs up what we already knew. Unfortunately, it seems the price is going to jump.
the best call recording apps for iphone 12 mini case feature image copy

Top Apple analyst suggests the iPhone Mini is truly extinct

Mark Gurman says that iPhone Mini fans are out of luck, and that Apple has no plans to bring back the small form factor devices.
Main building in the downtown area of Verdansk in Warzone

Call of Duty: Warzone season three kicks off with the return of a classic map

Call of Duty: Warzone season starts off with the return of the fan-favorite Verdansk map, along with a number of balance changes.
Lenovo Tab Extreme showing Chrome.

Can’t install Chrome? You aren’t alone, and here’s a fix

Some users are reporting trouble installing Google Chrome. If you're in that boat, we have a few alternative installation methods that seem to work.
No Man's Sky Relics

The new No Man’s Sky Relics update lets players dig for bones

The latest update to No Man's Sky lets you channel your inner Indy and unearth the bones of long-dead creatures — and their living guardians.
A Monster Hunter Wilds character wielding the Light Bowgun.

Monster Hunter Wilds’ first update is just around the corner, and it’s a big one

Monster Hunter Wilds' Title Update 1 is coming April 3 and introduces a new area for players to socialize, more monsters to fight, and much more.
A person using the Threads app on the OnePlus 13.

OnePlus 13 Mini tipped to have bigger battery than OnePlus 13

According to a trusted source, the OnePlus 13 Mini could have a battery capacity greater than the OnePlus 13 itself.
The Huawei Nova 13 Pro's camera.

The future of smartphone cameras might lie in old-school tech

Huawei's most recent patent suggests a more streamlined periscope camera that could reduce the need for large camera bumps.
Fortnite x Walking Dead

The Walking Dead brings new Fortnite maps, characters, and weapons

Fortnite's latest collaboration with The Walking Dead introduces Negan as a playable character, as well as new maps and weapons.
Players running from a massive sandworm in Dune: Awakening.

Dune: Awakening is getting some surprising haptic support

Dune: Awakening's system specs show that it will work with Razer Sensa HD haptics so you can feel every one of the titular dunes.
Google Gemini on an iPhone.

Gemini’s rumored video generation could be here soon

New and improved video generation features could be coming to Gemini sooner than expected.
Prince of Prussia

Wolfenstein meets Prince of Persia in this free retro game

Prince of Prussia combines all the Nazi-stabbing of Wolfenstein with the platforming of Prince of Persia.
The default Google TV homescreen, as seen on the Onn 4K Pro.

Google TV could get a feature that helps you find your next weekend binge

A new feature could be coming to Google TV that would help you find the latest, greatest shows for the days when you can't find anything to watch.
Apple Maps on the Apple iPhone 16 Plus.

An Apple Maps bug is showing airport baggage claims when zoomed out

Some Apple Maps users are seeing airport baggage carousels when zoomed out, even if they have never before been to that airport.
Concept render of a foldable iPhone.

It looks even more likely the iPhone Fold will release in 2026

Mark Gurman suggests a 2026 release date for the long-rumored iPhone Fold, adding even more weight to the idea that the handset is still a ways off.
Philips Hue Inara beside door.

Philips Hue might be adding a smart doorbell to its lineup

Philips Hue might be adding a doorbell camera to its lineup, if a recent leak in the iOS app is anything to go by.
Minecraft RTX ray tracing beta

Minecraft Vibrant Visuals makes the game look more like you imagine

Minecraft is finally getting an official graphics upgrade. It looks great, but perhaps not in the way you expect.
A distorted monster in a uniform in Silent Hill f.

Silent Hill f has been banned in Australia ahead of release

Details around Silent Hill f are still scarce, but Australia's review board has seen enough to ban the game entirely.
Pixel 9a display

Does the Google Pixel 9a have a 120Hz screen?

The Google Pixel 9a is officially here, but how does its display hold up? Here's everything we know about the screen size, refresh rate, and more.
The Traveler in a space suit in Cronos: New Dawn.

We just got our best look yet at the chilling Cronos: A New Dawn

Cronos: A New Dawn is the latest title from Bloober Team, throwing the player into a post-apocalyptic, 1980s Poland where the horrors don't stop in just one timeline.
this digimon card game set to rival pokemon tcg pocket screenshot

This Digimon card game is set to rival Pokémon TCG Pocket

Bandai Namco has announced Digimon Alysion, a new mobile trading card game that looks ready to go toe-to-toe with Pokémon TCG Pocket.

TikTok’s new feature aims to help locate missing children more quickly

TikTok's latest feature will bring Amber Alerts to you For You page with the intent of finding missing children as quickly as possible.
NotebookLM providing summary of YouTube videos.

Chromebooks could soon come with Google’s best AI notetaker

Google Chromebooks could soon come with NotebookLM installed by default, introducing the tool to a wider range of users.
A person holding the closed Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold.

Verizon users will soon be able to text via satellite with the right phone

Verizon has enabled non-emergency texting for customers with the Pixel 9 series and Galaxy S25 series devices.