Steve Guttenberg/CNET Subwoofers are used in most home theater systems, but subs can also radically improve the sound of stereo systems — and not just the ones with small speakers. Subs can provide a foundation to the sound that few speakers can muster on their own. So adding a sub is not just about adding …

Sharing is a big part of Samsung’s products (just think of all those ads in recent months, like the one with a woman giving her husband a secret video). Now the Korean electronics giant is taking that a step further with the Galaxy S4’s improved Group Play. Related stories CNET’s take on the Galaxy S4 Beyond the Galaxy S4 hype: …

BlackBerry plans to ask U.S. and Canadian regulators to probe a report about high return rates for the company’s flagship Z10 smartphone, calling the comments “false and misleading.” The Canadian company said that within the next several days, it will formally ask the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the Ontario Securities Commission to review a report from research and …

Now playing: Watch this: Apple iPhone evolution 7:54 NOTE: We’ve updated this video to a more recent version that includes the iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C. To see the most recent edition, click here. Prepare yourself for a heady dose of tech nostalgia, as we explore the origins — and evolution — of Apple’s iPhone. Hit play on the video …

UK regulator the Office of Fair Trading is investigating whether in-app payments illegally tempt children to spend their parents’ money. After a series of high-profile incidents in which children have racked up bills of thousands of pounds on digital goods such as in-game currency and items, the OFT is looking into industry practices. While being careful to stress this investigation …

Samsung Galaxy S II Skyrocket owners finally have their shot at Android 4.1. Available as of Wednesday, the Jelly Bean flavor of Android can be downloaded courtesy of AT&T. Users can update their OS to Android 4.1.2 by following the how-to page on the carrier’s Web site. The update does require Galaxy S2 Skyrocket users to download the software through …

At long last, T-Mobile announced that it will carry its own iPhone 5, in addition to letting you bring over an unlocked iPhone 5 from another carrier, like from AT&T. Yet, when T-Mobile’s own iPhone hits stores on April 12, it’ll be a slightly different model and experience compared with other carriers. Here’s what’s altered. Related stories T-Mobile sells the …

Verizon has kicked off a new prepaid plan to lure in feature phone buyers. Launched yesterday, the new no-contract plan costs $35 a month and offers 500 anytime minutes of talk as well as unlimited text and Internet. Tipping over the 500 monthly minutes will ring up an extra 25 cents per minute. The deal is geared strictly toward feature …

Every parent knows (or should know) the importance of reading to their kids. And when it comes to stories adults and toddlers alike can enjoy, it’s hard to beat Dr. Seuss. Of course, browse the aisles (real or virtual) of any bookstore and you’ll see that your average Dr. Seuss hardcover can run $10-15. Ouch! That’s why I continue to …

Don’t want to wait for the Samsung Galaxy S4 to hit stores? Then perhaps you’ll be tempted by a new purple-hued version of Samsung’s hit handset from last year, the Galaxy S3. Sprint announced it will sell a special Amethyst Purple GS3, as well as the older Pebble Blue and Marble White models, for $99.99. Of course that discount applies …

At a glance, Facebook Home looks like a complete operating system. Cover Feed replaces your home screens, “Chat Heads” pop up as you receive new messages, and even your lock screen is ruled by a slideshow of Facebook updates. Luckily, Home is nothing but a launcher — a custom interface that lays over your existing Android operating system. It’s an …

BlackBerry is so upset that an analyst said more Z10 phones were being returned to shops by customers than were being bought every day that it’s ordered an investigation. The report, by Detwiler Fenton’s Jeff Johnston, said: “We believe key retail partners have seen a significant increase in Z10 returns to the point where, in several cases, returns are now …

The lines may not be as long as they typically are for the launch of a new iPhone, but T-Mobile customers and those looking to jump ship to the maverick wireless carrier are excited that the iPhone is finally coming to T-Mobile. The company began selling the iPhone 5 in retail stores and online today. The carrier is selling the …

Bump, the application that lets users share everything from contacts to photos and files, no longer supports iTunes music transfers. The company announced the feature loss yesterday in its App Store update, saying, “we’re sorry, but we are no longer permitted access to iTunes audio files on the device.” Bump didn’t say why it was forced to remove the feature, …

The tablet market should post strong growth this year, ABI Research said, as the traditional computing market slumps. The tech research firm expects tablet sales to climb 28 percent this year to $64 billion. In terms of shipments, ABI projected a jump of 38 percent to 150 million in 2013. “The convenience and mobility benefits afforded by tablet computers are …