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Mark Jansen

Mark Jansen

Contributor

Mark Jansen is an avid follower of everything that beeps, bloops, or makes pretty lights. He has a degree in Ancient & Medieval History, which obviously makes him a shoo-in to write about technology for a living. He currently contributes to the Mobile section on Digital Trends, with a particular emphasis and expertise on exploring the weirder side of smartphones, from tiny rugged phones to massive gaming phones. You'll most often find him seeking out leaks and rumors on upcoming devices, and playing with a variety of new apps for both Android and iOS.

A render of the Google Pixel 8a next to an official Google case.

The best Google Pixel 8a cases in 2024

The Google Pixel 8a is seriously impressive, but it still needs protection against hazards. Here are the best Google Pixel 8a cases and covers.
Amazon Kindle (2022) Dark Mode

10 best apps and websites for downloading free books in 2024

If you're an avid reader, then you're always looking for new books. Here are 10 websites and apps where you can score free e-books.
The main workout screen on the Google Pixel Watch 2.

5 smartwatches you should buy instead of the Google Pixel Watch 2

The Google Pixel Watch 2 proves that Google is on the right track with its smartwatches. But it's not perfect. Here are five alternatives you should consider.
Disney+ app on the iPad Air 5.

The best tablets in 2024: top 11 tablets you can buy now

Here are our picks for the best tablets in every category, so you can find the right one to fit your needs.
The home screen on the Google Pixel 8 Pro.

The most common Google Pixel 8 problems and how to fix them

The Google Pixel 8 and 8 Pro are two of Google's best devices in years, but they're not perfect. Here are some of the more common issues (and fixes) for them.
A person folding up the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5.

Every Samsung gadget we still expect in 2024

Samsung isn't done with 2024 yet, as it has a whole bunch of gadgets that it's yet to launch. Here are all the Samsung gadgets we still expect to see in 2024.
iPhone 14 Pro showing the Moon always-on screen, held in a man's hand.

10 iPhone productivity apps you need to download right now

The iPhone is great, but it could be better, especially for productivity. Here are some of the best apps to boost your iPhone's productivity.
A person holding the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and Google Pixel 8 Pro.

The 10 best photo editing apps for Android and iOS in 2024

From simple filters to light leaks and effects, step up your smartphone photography with 10 of the best photo editing apps for iPhone and Android.
iBlason iPhone 15 Pro case sponsored

The best iPhone 15 Pro cases in 2024: our 21 favorites

The Apple iPhone 15 Pro is the iPhone to buy if you want the most powerful iPhone available in a smaller size. Here are the best cases to keep it safe.
A person holding the Google Pixel 8, showing the back of the phone.

This Google Pixel 8a leak just spoiled everything about the phone

It's very likely Google is winding up to reveal the Pixel 8a at the start of next month, but this leak may have just stolen its thunder entirely.
The Moto G Power 5G (2024) laying next to the Motorola Edge (2023).

The best Motorola phones in 2024: which one should you buy?

Looking to buy a Motorola smartphone? Not sure which one to get? You've come to the right place! Here are the best Motorola phones available in 2024.
Front and rear profile of leaked Google Pixel 9 renders.

Google Pixel 9: news, rumored price, release date, and more

The Google Pixel 9 and 9 Pro phones are undoubtedly on the way, and the few rumors we've seen so far point to a big design refresh and new AI smarts.
Emoji reactions on Google Messages running on OnePlus 11.

How to get new emojis on your iPhone or Android device

We all use and love emojis. But how do you know if you have all of the latest ones? Here's how to get new emojis on your iPhone or Android device.
Epson WF-7510 front printing

How to print from an Android phone or tablet

Printing from a mobile device is now easier than ever — you don't even need a PC. Here's how to print from an Android smartphone or tablet in multiple ways.
Someone holding the Bay blue Google Pixel 8 Pro.

5 phones you should buy instead of the Google Pixel 8 Pro

The Google Pixel 8 Pro is Google's best ever Pixel phone. But there are alternatives. Here are five other phones you should buy instead.
The Garmin Forerunner 165 Music sat in an open gym bag.

I reviewed Garmin’s newest fitness watch. Here’s why it’s a must-buy

The Garmin Forerunner 165 is a new, reasonably priced entry in Garmin's roster of fitness watches. But is it worth its price tag compared to other options?
Renders of the Moto G 5G (2024) and Moto G Power 5G (2024).

Don’t buy this new Motorola phone — get this other one instead

Motorola's two new budget smartphones look great, but how do they compare? We put the Moto G Power 5G (2024) against the Moto G 5G (2024) to find out.
WhatsApp logo on a phone.

How to know if someone blocked you on WhatsApp

Do you suspect you've been blocked on WhatsApp? Here are some ways you can test to see whether you've been blocked by a specific WhatsApp contact.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra in Titanium Gray camera module.

How to get developer options on your Android phone

Want to go behind the scenes with Android? We’ll teach you how to access your phone’s developer options, where plenty of new features and settings await you.
The Moto G Power 5G and Moto G 5G phones in a render.

Motorola’s two new budget phones shouldn’t look this good

Budget phones are far from being the slow, ugly affairs they once were, as the new Moto G Power 5G and Moto G 5G from Motorola prove.
OnePlus 5 soft gold with the phone app open.

How to block a number on iPhones and Android phones

No matter what type of smartphone you're using, we can help you avoid all of those pesky robo and sales calls. Here's how to block a number on any smartphone.
A person holding the open Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5, showing the screen.

If the Galaxy Z Fold 6 Ultra is real, it needs these 7 features

What's better than a Z Fold 6? A Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 Ultra, that's what! Here are seven features a Z Fold 6 Ultra will need to really make it worthwhile.
The 1Password Android app, side-by-side, showing the light and dark mode.

The 1Password Android app just got a huge upgrade

It's time to upgrade to a new level of account safety. 1Password's Android app now supports passkeys, helping to make your accounts even more secure.
The Apollo Neuro being worn on an ankle.

This $350 wearable is one of the strangest gadgets I’ve ever used

The world is an anxious place, but can a wearable help you to manage that? I took one for a spin, and I'm still none the wiser.
A render of a ZTE tablet announced at MWC 2024.

ZTE’s new Android tablet is one of the craziest we’ve seen in 2024

ZTE has announced a new tablet with a whole lot of buzzwords attached to it. Say hello to the ZTE Nubia Pad 3D II, which combines 3D, AI, and 5G.
Tecno's new renewable fiber on the back of a phone.

This company gave us a sneak peek at the future of smartphone design

One of 2023's most interesting smartphone companies is at MWC 2024, and it just gave us a sneak peek at what the future of smartphone design could look like.
The Tecno Dynamic 1 robot dog on a cyberpunk background.

This AI-powered robot dog looks like something from The Terminator

Domo Arigato, Roboto Doggo. Tecno Mobile has announced the Dynamic 1, an AI-enhanced robot dog for your household.
Instagram app running on the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5.

How to download Instagram photos for free

Wishing you could download all of your Instagram photos or save a photo to use as wallpaper? It's easier than you think. We've got several methods you can try.
Holding the Galaxy Tab S8 in hand and showing multiple apps running simultaneously.

How to use Split Screen View on a Samsung tablet

Ever wish you could look at two apps side by side on your Samsung Galaxy Tab? Here's how to use Split Screen View on a Samsung tablet.
QR code scanning shortcut on an iPhone.

How to scan a QR code on Android and iPhone

Here's how to scan a QR code on your iPhone or Android phone. Many phones have QR code scanners, but if yours doesn't, we also recommend some apps to help.
New cases for the iPhone 15.

The best iPhone 15 cases in 2024: our 20 favorites

The Apple iPhone 15 has had a big makeover, making it as important as ever to keep your new iPhone 15 safe with the best Apple iPhone 15 cases.
The OnePlus 12 and Pixel 8's screens.

The best Android phones in 2024: the 14 best ones you can buy

If you’re an Android fan in search of a new smartphone, then allow us to find the perfect partner. Here are the best Android phones at various prices.
A person holding the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.

5 phones you should buy instead of the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is an incredible phone, but there are some phones you should consider instead. Here are five of the best S24 Ultra alternatives.
The Samsung Galaxy S24 laying on a shelf with its screen turned on.

The best Samsung Galaxy S24 cases in 2024: the 15 best ones

The Samsung Galaxy S24 may be the smallest of the new S-range, but it's no wimp. Here are the best Samsung Galaxy S24 cases to help it last for years.