Alan Martin
Freelance contributor Alan has been writing about tech for over a decade, covering phones, drones and everything in between. Previously Deputy Editor of tech site Alphr, his words are found all over the web and in the occasional magazine too. When not weighing up the pros and cons of the latest smartwatch, you'll probably find him tackling his ever-growing games backlog. Or, more likely, playing Spelunky for the millionth time.
Latest articles by Alan Martin
![AT&T phone deals](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/sgdqAeotRxzR4JNfqVGEH6-320-80.jpg)
Massive AT&T data leak hits 73 million users — what to do now
By Alan Martin published
Firm resets passcodes and offers credit monitoring after breach leaks Social Security numbers and other personal information.
![Google Pixel 8 shown held in hand](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/dy85RaLbNqB5xoKMMQwArN-320-80.jpg)
Pixel 8’s initial Gemini AI snub was down to RAM, Google says
By Alan Martin published
If generative AI isn’t a flash in the pan, it looks like phone makers will have to up their base RAM.
![Instagram app on iPhone](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/HLZt9vYuGBhxXJJbJQNzEb-320-80.jpg)
Instagram Blend could surface reels for you and a friend
By Alan Martin published
The feature, currently in internal testing, generates a private feed of reels based on two people’s interests.
![iMessage app on iPhone](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/h7GshAFaKKDsDz9S83y28n-320-80.jpg)
Google says RCS messaging is coming to the iPhone this fall
By Alan Martin last updated
Landing page for Google Messages suggests Apple will push its messaging update along the iPhone 16.
![iPad Pro 2022](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/JGnbU9b4SeRgaWcbDGThFL-320-80.jpg)
New iPad Pro OLED and iPad Air reportedly set for May launch
By Alan Martin last updated
Once tipped to arrive this month, Apple’s first iPad refreshes since 2022 are now expected to launch in May.
![Galaxy Z Fold 6 render](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/bRDqerbxKXNcejBecvtfzW-320-80.jpg)
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 could get this big upgrade
By Alan Martin published
The foldable is once again tipped to take on a titanium frame, bringing it closer to the Galaxy S24 Ultra.
![Snapdragon X Elite](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ZxjXFVjMFEzxsbHA4LDijN-320-80.jpg)
Snapdragon X Elite laptops could have a big advantage over the latest MacBooks
By Alan Martin published
“Your game should already work,” Qualcomm tells developers in a major boost to Windows Ultrabooks.
![Meta Quest 3 headset on table](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/dLe8kyA44HpoHuH3XrgbKo-320-80.jpg)
Cheaper Meta Quest 3 Lite just leaked — here’s your first look
By Alan Martin published
New renders show a ‘Lite’ version of Meta’s superb VR headset without the passthrough cameras.
![Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Press Images.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ufiiowFCU2BKqt7UweAxeY-320-80.jpg)
Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 could get a significant speed and battery boost
By Alan Martin published
Leaker claims the smartwatch’s Exynos W940 chipset will offer a 50% efficiency boost and a 30% speed increase.
![iOS 18 logo on iPhone in person's lap](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/KpXF6F6f4rs4WNejjKc36c-320-80.jpg)
Apple just acquired AI startup ahead of huge iOS 18 launch
By Alan Martin published
Canadian artificial intelligence startup DarwinAI was purchased quietly earlier in the year, according to a new report.
![The TikTok logo displayed on a smartphone screen with a computer keyboard in the background.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/iEfespe8PSbNtTKBMip7T8-320-80.jpg)
TikTok ban update — what it could mean for you and what happens next
By Alan Martin published
TikTok’s possible ban in the United States still has a few hurdles to clear. Here’s what may or may not happen next.
![The Samsung Galaxy A55 in yellow, lilac and navy](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Z8YkwtQLnPrbEY96LgpKq5-320-80.jpg)
Samsung Galaxy A55: Release date, price, specs and more
By Alan Martin last updated
Samsung's made its new budget phone official, so here are the Galaxy A55 details you need to know.
![iPhone 15 Pro Max shown in hand](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/NsU3dBMcmFKVahLYMa3f2B-320-80.jpg)
New iPhone 16 Pro renders just revealed two major upgrades
By Alan Martin last updated
CAD renders show a slightly larger shell and screen, as well as the location for the rumored Capture button.
![Samsung Galaxy Ring](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/caMWkHaY7rgVzQZh69KQWH-320-80.png)
Samsung Galaxy Ring release date just tipped — here’s when you can get the Oura Ring rival
By Alan Martin last updated
A new report claims the experimental wearable will go into mass production in May, with a release following in August.
![MacBook Air 15-inch M3 display showing Dune 2 trailer](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/TLVbeusqeA6yBvpQNTeB79-320-80.jpg)
M3 MacBook Air has this one major upgrade Apple didn't advertise
By Alan Martin published
The 256GB base model of Apple’s latest super-thin laptop has significantly faster SSD performance than its M2-powered predecessor.
![iPad Pro 11 Mini LED display rumor](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/492TBKJv4dhTqvmcrRCsM-320-80.jpg)
2024 iPad Pro and iPad Air could get this major design change
By Alan Martin published
Both the upcoming Pro and Air tablets could follow the iPad 10 in its more natural position for the front-facing camera.
![iPad Air 5](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/TKXpvkgfMk62oQ7QQowjSW-320-80.jpg)
New iPad specs revealed in Apple leak, and they could confirm this rumored iPhone 16 upgrade
By Alan Martin published
Leak outlines chipsets for 16 models: four iPads and the full iPhone 16 family.
![Google Pixel Watch 2 display](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/kJJYGiguVQ6FTswhhRwh3m-320-80.jpg)
Pixel Watch 3 set to fix the wearable’s biggest weakness
By Alan Martin published
Report confirms a 45mm model is coming, with Google set to follow Apple, Samsung and Garmin in giving buyers more choice.
![Apple smart ring](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/96ZA6ogZsNXaFDEMutgDrC-320-80.png)
The rumored Apple ring could let you feel objects in the Vision Pro
By Alan Martin last updated
Apple patent shows the possibilities of rings for AR — though you might need to buy a few…
![MacBook Pro 14-inch M3 on table](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/wu5ytH8AAeBB4EP6xgad9C-320-80.jpg)
Forget M3 — Apple’s likely already working on 2nm chipsets for iPhone 17 Pro and M5 MacBooks
By Alan Martin published
LinkedIn profile suggests work is underway on even smaller chips, which should boost both battery life and performance for iPhones, Macs and iPads.
![Ray-Ban Stories in charging case](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/jXmH4JVNui9TczmQiDmzYF-320-80.jpg)
Forget Meta Quest 3 — Meta’s first true AR smart glasses reportedly launching this fall
By Alan Martin published
Described by Andrew Bosworth as possibly the “most advanced piece of technology on the planet in its domain”, we might get a glimpse of Meta’s next big thing at Connect 2024.
![Xbox Series X console next to TV](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/t4JRZhFdBifwBDfm4AvbRQ-320-80.jpg)
Xbox Series X may get a digital-only version within months
By Alan Martin published
A new report claims an all-digital version of Microsoft’s flagship console could arrive in June or July, but it’s a far cry from the major upgrade signposted in last year’s FTC leaks.
![iPhone 15 Pro Max Dynamic Island](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/4mKkAV859a6MUDFMzv9UxF-320-80.jpg)
iPhone 15’s Dynamic Island could have looked a lot worse
By Alan Martin published
Mockups show the notch-replacement ideas that Apple rejected — and it’s hard to argue that it didn’t make the right call.