John Kanellakos-Reporter

John Kanellakos

Reporter

March, 2024
Bachelor's Degree in Classics and Sociology & Social Anthropology | Dalhousie University, Diploma in Journalism | Nova Scotia Community College
smartphones, tablets, laptops
  • 729
    articles
  • 154
    News
  • 191
    Features
  • 217
    Lists
  • 108
    Guides
  • 16
    Reviews
  • 43
    Deals

Page 5

About John Kanellakos

John is a writer at Pocket-lint. He is passionate about all things technology, and is always keeping up with the latest smartphone and PC releases. John has previously written at MobileSyrup. When he’s not reading and writing about tech, he enjoys listening to history podcasts and watching documentaries.

When did your interest in technology begin?

My interest in technology began at a young age, spearheaded by my love for the then-current Game Boy Advance SP and GameCube consoles. From there I quickly became interested in retro sprite-based gaming. When I received my first smart device, an iPod Touch 4th generation, my interests expanded into the realm of mobile computing.

What was your first phone?

My first phone was an HTC Wildfire S, which I received in 2011. By today's standards, the phone is downright microscopic. Even so, it served as my introduction to the world of Android, and it kindled my love for later phones like the HTC One (M8) and the HTC 10.

What tech products or categories are you most passionate about?

I'm extremely passionate about mobile computing, both from a software and a hardware perspective. I've long enjoyed tinkering with various builds of both Android and Windows, and I'm particularly fond of the paradigm that is tablet computing.

Latest

Windows 11 blog hero image
Microsoft wants to transform every Windows 11 system into an AI PC

Microsoft has revealed its next-generation AI plans for Windows 11, and it involves a whole lot of Copilot and agentic experiences.

1
GIMP app hero image
5 free Windows 11 apps I use to get my boss off my back

These classic Windows 11 programs are completely free, and they've served me well over the years when hunkering down to get work done.

Waze sidekick hero image
All 50 Waze sidekick characters available as driving companions

The Google-owned Waze app is an excellent navigational service for GPS mapping, and its unique sidekick character system adds extra personality.

directv person AI
DirecTV wants your face in its new AI screensaver ad
TVs

Satellite TV provider DirecTV is partnering with Glance to roll out a new "AI-commerce experience" screensaver mode, and I have some concerns.

Fun Pixel apps
3 apps that make my Pixel much more fun to use

These Android-exclusive applications go a long way in making my Google Pixel phone experience a more fun one in every way.

filmmaker mode
This free update will make dark TV and movie scenes a thing of the past
TVs

The UHD Alliance has announced Filmmaker Mode 1.1, which endows the video standard with dynamic ambient light-based picture brightness.

Roku TV os copy
Roku supercharging some devices with quiet update rollout
TVs

Roku OS 15.0 has been available in beta for developers since July, and now the next-gen smart TV platform is reportedly rolling out to more users.

2
Google Maps Immersive View16by9 copy-1
Google Maps could be turning into a chatbot soon

Uncovered within a beta built of Google Maps is a new Ask Maps homepage chip - tapping on it reveals an early form of tigher Gemini AI integration.

Waze hero image
New Waze feature will help keep your eyes on the road

The Waze mapping app is joining forces with Gemini AI to unlock Conversational Reporting - a mode that lets you describe road conditions using voice.

Android Private space hero image
This secret Pixel feature helps keep my data secure

As of Android 15, Private space is the best way to lock sensitive files and documents behind an encrypted virtual vault - here's how to set it up.

TV upgrade hero image
I know it's time to upgrade my TV when this starts happening
TVs

Knowing if and when the time is right to upgrade to a new television set can be daunting - here's how long your new flatscreen TV should last.

Android phone accessories for handheld console gaming hero image
I turned my old Android into a full-fledged game console with these 5 add-ons

With these five smartphone accessories in tow, I've successfully transformed my Android handset into a full-blown gaming console.

Vizio TV Watch Free Plus-1
I use this hidden streamer to watch free, on-demand live TV
TVs

With over 300 free live TV channels and over 15,000 on-demand movies and shows, Vizio's WatchFree+ streaming service is secretly a game changer.

4
Moto X (2014) and Galaxy S5 hero image
5 Android myths that just won't die (but should)

There are a number of lingering stereotypes to do with Android and the smartphones that run on it - I'm here to debunk five such misconceptions.

iPad mini in Slide Over mode.
Apple is bringing back Slide Over for iPad, and I'm genuinely shocked

Slide Over, a popular iPad multitasking mode, was given the axe in favor of Apple's rearchitected iPadOS 26 windowing experience - but now it's back.

iOS 26 Apple Maps Visited Places hero image
I found a way to stop Apple Maps from tracking my every move

iOS 26 introduces a new Apple Maps feature called Visited Places, which records and categorizes all your location history - here's how to disable it.

The Asus Chromebook Plus sitting on a table
5 ChromeOS settings I changed on day one of owning a Chromebook

After years of using Windows and macOS laptops, I booted up a Chromebook for the very first time - here are the settings I adjusted right on day one.

1
A Microsoft Surface Pro 12-inch situated on a table.
Windows 11's quick boot option sped up my PC's boot time, but it isn't perfect

Windows 11's fast startup function makes your PC boot up quicker than it otherwise would, but, depending on use case, you might want it disabled.

1
Google Wallet hero image
Google Wallet's latest update brings expression to your digital card collection

Google Wallet's Material 3 Expressive software update is finally rolling out to Android users, and it polishes up and beautifies several UI elements.

Nothing Phone 3 and Phone 3a Pro hero image
5 apps I use that feel right at home on my Nothing Phone 3

I'm a sucker for Nothing's unique dot matrix-inspired user interface design, and these third-party apps integrate with the aesthetic seamlessly.