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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.

Pixel 9 Pro in Rose Quartz.

Android 16 adds a new way to use the Google Pixel 9’s fingerprint sensor

Android 16's latest update introduces the ability to unlock your phone even with the screen off, thanks to the Pixel 9's ultrasonic sensor.
Someone picks up a Nintendo Switch OLED Model.

The Nintendo Switch 2 could fix its predecessor’s biggest problem

More possible details have emerged about the Nintendo Switch 2, giving us a clearer picture of what to expect (and possibly when).
A dreary swamp in Stalker 2.

Stalker 2’s 110GB patch includes a whopping 1800 updates

Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl is getting a much-needed update to fix the buggy A-Life system. The patch is 110GB, with more than 1,800 changes.
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and the S Pen stylus.

New renders provide a clear look at the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and S25 Plus

New Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus and S25 Ultra renders have emerged, showing the design differences between the two phones.
A quarterback throws the ball in EA Sports College Football 25.

Numbers don’t lie: EA Sports College Football 25 is 2024’s bestselling game

EA College Sports Football 25 is this year's bestselling game, but Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is right behind.
High res key art for Helldivers 2- Escalation of Freedom.

Helldivers 2 is getting a surprising Killzone crossover

Helldivers 2 is getting its first crossover: DLC that introduces Killzone 2 items into the game, including a new primary weapon.
A close-up of the cameras on the iPhone 16 Pro.

The iPhone 17 Pro may not have a redesigned camera after all

There have already been quite a few leaks about the iPhone 17, but the latest contradicts many previous rumors about the phone's camera layout.
The back of the yellow Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.

The Samsung Galaxy S25’s release date is all but confirmed

The Samsung Galaxy Unpacked event date has leaked again, corroborating existing rumors and all but confirming that it will take place on January 22.
Teams of marvel heroes flying towards each other.

Marvel Rivals devs say cross-progression is coming, but not soon

Marvel Rivals' devs say that cross-progression is coming, but they aren't sure when. Keep any optional purchases limited to one platform for now.
Pokemon TCG Pocket cards from right to left: Serperior, Aerodactyl ex, Celebi ex, Vaporean, Mew ex.

Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket just got its first major update

Thanks to the first expansion of Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket, you can now add powerhouse cards like Celebi and Mew to your deck.
A person using the S Pen stylus with the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.

Samsung’s next stylus may take inspiration from the Apple Pencil

The next Samsung Galaxy Z Fold might be a lot thinner, with an S-Pen that looks eerily familiar to another popular stylus.
Front view of Apple iPad mini with A17 Pro.

An OLED iPad mini is coming in 2026, says Apple insider

The iPad mini might get an upgrade in the form of a new OLED display in 2026, with other Apple devices receiving the same treatment later.
Magick in Marvel Rivals

Marvel Rivals’ winter update adds new skins and a limited-time mode

Marvel Rivals is getting a winter update with several new skins, a new game mode, and a whole lot more.
A screenshot from Stellar Blade showing the new Christmas outfit and holiday song choices.

Stellar Blade gets a major holiday-themed update today

Stellar Blade is getting a free, holiday-themed update that brings all the festivities of the season into the world of Xion.
Hinge of the OnePlus Open Apex Edition.

OnePlus Open 2 specs leak reveals camera and charging upgrades

A leak on Weibo suggests the OnePlus Open 2 is under development and also reveals significant upgrades for the cameras, charging, performance, and more.
lg v30 vs. galaxy note 8

MagSafe for Samsung? The Galaxy S25 may introduce new magnetic accessories

The Samsung Galaxy S25 will have its own lineup of first-party accessories, including a MagSafe-like case that enables Qi2 wireless charging.
Nintendo Switch.

We might have just gotten our best look at the Nintendo Switch 2 yet

There's a fantastic new look at the Nintendo Switch 2, courtesy of multiple leaks — including one from Dbrand.
A samurai and monster clashing swords in Onimusha: Way of the Sword.

Capcom plans to continue reviving its dormant IPs

In a recent press release, Capcom said it is working on bringing back its older IPs, suggesting that Onimusha and Okami are just the start.
Key art for Arcane's Ambessa in League of Legends.

Project K is an upcoming League of Legends TCG and it looks like fun

Project K is Riot Games' upcoming League of Legends-inspired trading card game. It's set for a 2025 release, although the exact date isn't known.
The Nomad Magnetic Leather Back on the iPhone 16 Pro Max

Some iPhone users report overheating when using Apple Intelligence

Some iOS 18.2 users have reported concerning amounts of heat generation while using Image Playground and other AI-features.
the elder scrolls online shadow over morrowind 2023 updates

As more layoffs hit the game industry, ZeniMax Online Studios votes to unionize

ZeniMax Online Studios has voted to unionize, ensuring better worker protections amid unprecedented waves of video game industry layoffs.
The vertical app drawer in One UI 7.

Unhappy with One UI 7 animations? Samsung says they’re going to get better

The One UI 7 beta has been out for about a week, but fans report sluggish animations and a less-than-pleasant user experience.
The iPhone 14 Plus held in a man's hand.

Apple is about to stop selling multiple iPhones in Europe. Here’s why

Apple will pull the iPhone SE and iPhone 14 series from sale in Europe at the end of the year to comply with EU charging regulations.
Key art for the Super Citizen Edition of Helldivers 2.

You may have missed the reveal of this limited-edition Helldivers 2 controller

The new Helldivers expansion is here and it's brought a new, limited-edition controller with it with all the black-and-yellow tones you expect.
okami sequel hideki kamiya lead screenshot

Okami is back, and Hideki Kamiya is at the head once more

The beloved franchise Okami hasn't seen a new entry since 2010, but now the sequel is in development with Hideki Kamiya once more at the reins.
mafia the old country franchise roots screenshot

Mafia: The Old Country takes the franchise back to its bloody roots in new trailer

Mafia: The Old Country reveled a new trailer showing off its beautiful and bloody gameplay at The Game Awards 2024.
elden ring nightreign announcement beabppwiskoqaeftbhan

Play Elden Ring: Nightreign together with friends in 2025

Elden Ring: Nightreign is a new multiplayer game set in the world you know and love, and it's coming out in 2025.
iPhone 16 Pro Max in Desert Titanium.

Things still aren’t looking good for Apple’s iOS 19 update

Following the slow rollout of iOS 18, iOS 19 might face similar delays as engineers face a backlog of work on iOS 18 features.
Back of the iPhone 16 Pro next to the Pixel 9 Pro

This may be our first look at the iPhone 17 Pro’s massive redesign

The iPhone 17 could get a major redesign that arranges its cameras in a way that's closer to a Pixel than any previous iPhone.
A Pokemon and Aardman teaser trailer.

Clay-types? Pokemon is partnering with Aardman on a 2027 project

The Pokemon Company and Aardman, the minds behind Wallace & Gromit and Chicken Run, have announced a project set to release in 2027.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth running on the Steam Deck.

You can now buy a refurbished Steam Deck straight from Valve — if it’s in stock

The weather might be getting colder, but refurbished Steam Decks are available from valve at prices so hot, you won't need a jacket.
Someone holding the Google Pixel 9 with the screen on.

Here’s how your Android phone could help stop your motion sickness

Google has a feature in the works that could potentially reduce motion sickness symptoms. Here's how it could work on your Android phone.
A violet Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus lying face-down on a shelf.

Is the Samsung Galaxy S25 going to be more expensive? It’s complicated

The Samsung Galaxy S25 might see different prices in different regions based on the cost of manufacturing, potential tariffs, and a variety of other factors.
Person holding Satisfye grip.

We might have accidentally gotten our first look at the Switch 2

A potential Switch 2 accessory was teased online, and a video shows what might be a blurry Switch 2.