Geek News

Instagram might be able to offer everything you need to keep in touch with friends in the future. TechCrunch has discovered hidden codes and icons for "Call" and "Video Call" in the platform's and its standalone Direct messaging app's Android APKs. Instagram refused to comment about TC's finding, but APKs typically contain features developers plan to switch on later. Having the ability to make audio and video call from within direct messages would make Instagram an even bigger threat to Snapchat, which could spell trouble for Snap, seeing as Instagram Stories already has more users . (TC reader Ishan Agarwal took this screenshot of the icons found inside the APKs.) The features could also transform Instagram's role in your life. In its current form, it serves as a platform where you can see snippets of your friends' activities -- their highlight reels, even -- but you probably still rely on a chat app like Messenger to connect with them on...

When reports came out late last year that Samsung was going to reveal the Galaxy S9 at CES 2018, it was bundled with rumors about a new DeX docking station. Well, the S9 reveal didn't happen at CES, but that part about a new DeX device might just be true: noted leaker Evan Blass (evleaks) has posted images of "the so-called DeX Pad" on his Twitter account. Like what previous reports said, it's a flat dock unlike the first DeX device for the S8, which looks like more like a traditional dock. The so-called 'DeX Pad,' first reported here: https://t.co/DowGkJrKUA pic.twitter.com/5hDaR4g5CM — Evan Blass (@evleaks) February 8, 2018 As you can see, it has a USB-C connector, where you'll have to plug your phone, two USB ports and one HDMI port. (And yes, the Galaxy S9 will have a separate headphone jack.) Your phone will have to lie on its back when plugged in, because it can apparently turn your S9 or S8 -- it's reportedly backwards compatible -- i...