GSMArena

**GSMArena** · 15-05-16, 22:22

The Sony Xperia X is powered by a Snapdragon 650 - Qualcomm's new and highly popular mid-range chipset. To be honest, we tend to prefer its 652 sibling.Don't be fooled by their name, these are the true successors to the Snapdragon 810. They use the Cortex-A72 CPU core, faster and more powerful than the A57 it replaces. The Snapdragon 650 has two of them, the 652 has four, both add four Cortex-A53 cores for low-power needs.Better still, the GPU is part of the Adreno 5 series, a 510 to be exact. It's miles ahead of the Adreno 405 that's used in lower-end Snapdragon 6-series chipsets. It...

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Top 10 trending phones of week 19

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 remains undisturbed at the top for a third week in a row keeping ahead of struggling long-time champ Samsung Galaxy J7. Okay, "struggling" might be an overstatement for a phone that remains on top of its successor, which has been around a couple of months now.The Galaxy J7 (2016) seems to be gaining momentum though, jumping five spots from 8th last week to a podium finish this time around. And look at all those other Galaxy J's - the J5 from last year, and the J3 (2016) are only giving up a spot to let the J7 (2016) slide in, but no strangers are...

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Weekly Poll: Which is the best Android smartphone?

By the end of this month, all high-profile Android flagships should be available for purchase. You'll get to vote with your wallet, but let's do a dry run and vote for free - vote for your favorite flagship.There's some difference in strategy - Samsung, Huawei and Xiaomi launched their big and small flagships simultaneously while others like LG, HTC and Sony have launched the smaller models, leaving the big guns for the second half.So - Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge. Huawei P9 and Huawei P9 Plus. Xiaomi Mi 5 and Xiaomi Mi Max. HTC 10. LG G5. Sony Xperia X...

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Week 19 in review: 6.44" Xiaomi Mi Max unveiled, iPhone 7 and OnePlus 3 rumors

Big screen lovers rejoiced this week - the massive Xiaomi Mi Max was unveiled. The 6.44-inch device (Xiaomi just had to be that precise) still passes for a phone nowadays even though others are pushing for the return of 4-inchers (you know who).The iPhone 7 didn't stay in hiding this week either, with rumors suggesting that all of the 7 Plus models will have a dual-camera setup, and not just an alleged top version. Meanwhile, schematics put the dimensions of Apple's upcoming smartphones very much in line with the existing models, and ongoing talks may lead to made-in-India...

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WhatsApp testing video call feature

It wasn't too long ago that WhatsApp added voice call functionality to its app. Naturally, the company now wants to take it one step further, and introduce video calling.The latest beta for Android shows an option to video call whenever you try to call someone. Unfortunately, as of now it seems the feature is not enabled to all users, with some getting the 'Video Calling is unavailable at this time' error message, however, some other users are reporting using it.The feature is currently in testing phase then, and it probably won't be too long before we see it being enabled for...

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Acer Liquid X2 review: Switchboarding

Liquid X2, Acer called it, when it clearly should have been the Acer Liquid X3. Now, we understand how the smartphone comes to replace the X1, but how did they miss out on a chance to name a triple-SIM device the X3, even if it skips a digit? Yes, the Acer Liquid X2 has multiple SIM slots, three of them.

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HTC 10 lands on Sprint for $624

As scheduled, HTC's newest flagship smartphone - the HTC 10 - is now available for purchase from Sprint. The carrier is selling the device for $200 on a regular two-year contract, and $624 outright.Those opting for the monthly payment model will have to pay zero-down with 24 monthly payments of $21 each. It's worth mentioning that paying on monthly basis in fact helps you save $120 on the total price of the device.As for color options, Sprint is currently only offering the glacier silver option. Interested in purchasing? Head to the Source link below.Source

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Deal: Motorola Moto X (2014) going for $150 until May 17

If you are a Motorola fan, and are in the market for a a solid (though not necessarily latest) budget Android smartphone, here's a deal for you: the second-generation Moto X from 2014 can currently be purchased for $150.We're talking about the 32GB variant of course, which is already discounted to $200 on Motorola's official US website. To get the extra $50 off, you'll have to enter the coupon code SPRINGISHERE during checkout.Interested in availing the deal? Head to the Source link below. The promo runs through May 17, which is next Tuesday.Source | Via

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HTC 10 review: Time-saver edition

Every year phone manufacturers make the ultimate attempt at creating the perfect smartphone. HTC is no different and in 2016 presents us the 10 - its version of a full smartphone package experience without compromise.

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Xiaomi Mi Max scores over 8 million registrations for its first sale

The Xiaomi Mi Max - which was unveiled earlier this week in China, and is all set to go on its first flash sale next week on May 17 - has got over 8 million people interested in buying it at launch.This was revealed by the Chinese company in a post on Weibo (China's Twitter). To put the number in context, the company's Mi 5 smartphone received 14 million registrations for its first flash sale, although keep in mind that the handset falls in the flagship category, unlike the Mi Max.Note that only the 32GB SD650 model will go on sale on May 17. And in case you're wondering about the...

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Samsung announces Charm's availability details

Remember the Charm fitness tracker which Samsung unveiled at this year's Mobile World Congress (MWC)? Well, the South Korean company has now announced the availability details of the wearable.The tech giant says that the device is already available for purchase in Korea, Italy, France and Russia, and will soon also be launched in select other markets.While not explicitly mentioned anywhere in Samsung's post, the included images do indicate that these availability details are only for the squarish variant - for those who aren't in the know, a rectangular variant of the Charm also...

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Sony pulls the plug on Xperia C and M series as well, to focus squarely on X series

Back in February this year, Sony officially confirmed that the company's Xperia Z series of smartphones is dead. And now, it's all but official that the Xperia C and M series have also been killed by the Japanese company.Leaked Sony Mobile presentation slides clearly show that all future Sony phones - including flagship models - will be from the new Xperia X series. This will be the case at least until 2018.The leak (specifically the slide shown below) also makes it clear that the 'X' logo will be aggressively used by Sony in all kind of promotions and advertisements....

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Motorola XT1622 and XT1642 pass through FCC, could be Moto G4 and G4 Plus

A couple of unknown Motorola phones have been certified by FCC. The devices in question carry model numbers of XT1622 and XT1642, suggesting that these could very well be the upcoming Moto G4 and G4 Plus given that last year's Moto G3 was the XT1540.The Moto G4 has also been spotted on benchmarking site Geekbench, revealing some of its key specs, including Snapdragon 617 SoC, 3GB RAM, and Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow.An alleged front panel of the device leaked a few days ago, revealing 5.5-inch 1080p display as well as a fingerprint scanner. Both Moto G4 and G4 Plus are set to...

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Android Pay's UK launch around the corner

Back in February this year, there were reports that Google's mobile payments service Android Pay is coming to the UK in the month of March. But, as we all know, that didn't happen.However, now it looks like the launch is imminent as a fast food chain - Pret A Manger - has started advertising that they accept payments through Android Pay."According to employees at this particular Pret store, the We now accept Android Pay tags arrived overnight and have been displayed in stores from this morning, suggesting Android Pay will be imminently available to UK customers," a Telegraph...

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New update brings latest security patches to Droid Turbo

Verizon has started rolling out a new update to the Droid Turbo from 2014. The update brings along latest Android security patches as well as some call performance-related improvements.Sadly, the Android version remains at Lollipop, meaning no Marshmallow still. What's even worse is that there's currently no information as to when the device will get the Marshmallow update.Anyway, coming back to the latest security update, it has just started rolling out. So, it may take some time before the OTA notification pops up on your device. Meanwhile, if you're feeling impatient, you can...

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Sprint entices new customers with a free year of Amazon Prime for 40GB plan

Sprint is now offering a special offer for those customers who want to sign up for Sprint's Better Choice XXL plan. At a $99 value, customers can get one free year of Amazon Prime which, of course, gives you access to Amazon's legendary two-day free shipping, Amazon's video library, and Amazon's music subscription in addition to a bunch of other perks that Amazon Prime customers can receive.Sprint's Better Choice XXL plan gives subscribers 40GB of shared data for $99 plus taxes and device (access) fees. These Better Choice plans from Sprint do not change overages for going over your data...

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UK wants to let drivers carry virtual licenses in Apple Wallet

The United Kingdom is in the process of researching and testing the use of Apple Wallet as a valid driver's license. Drivers will only need to use their phones to pull up their drivers' licenses instead of carrying around a physical version.This could mean that really soon, more and more people will only need to carry keys and a phone and will no longer need to worry about carrying a physical wallet. However, availability of Apple Pay is what is still slowing this down from becoming a reality.So here's a little prototype of something we're working on #drivinglicence...

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Huawei P8 Lite receives Android 6.0 Marshmallow in Europe

Huawei has officially launched Android 6.0 Marshmallow for the P8 Lite. The release of the firmware update was announced on the company's Polish fan page.Weighing at 1.5GB, the software update for the P8 Lite will come first to those with unlocked smartphones as carrier ones will have to wait for the firmware approval and testing.In any case, the update is already seeding in Germany and Poland, but it should be available in the rest of Europe very soon.Follow the source link below if you want to get to the nitty-gritty and download the firmware update and apply it...

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**GSMArena** · 16-05-16, 22:24

If you are in Europe, and are planning to purchase a Samsung Galaxy S7 or S7 edge, here is some good news: you will get the Gear VR headset at a "special price" should you decide to buy it along with the handset. Not only this, you'll also get free access to exclusive premium games and experiences, including Anshar Wars 2, Darknet, Drift, Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes, Ocean Rift and Starchart. In the UK, select companies including O2, Dixons Carphone, and Vodafone are offering the deal. Available via Samsung's online store and selected carrier and retail partners, it's a limited...

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Windows 10 Mobile update to launch on July 29

Microsoft launched the big Windows 10 update titled "Threshold" back on July 29 2015 and now another big yearly update is on the cards - "Anniversary." As you can guess, it's scheduled for the 1-year anniversary of Threshold. That's not just a guess based on the name either, a leaked timeline shows the update will indeed arrive on July 29. Leaked Windows 10 update timeline So, what does Anniversary bring to Windows 10 Mobile? Continuum is getting some cool changes - it will add support for touch-enabled external screens, it will be able to send the image to screens connected to...

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21st century dad problems: capturing tween pop videos for the Gear VR

VR's rebirth has experienced its fair share of delays and now faces a different problem - there's very little content. While Oculus and Vive will focus on at-home gaming, Samsung's Gear VR can be used on the go and it pairs nicely with the Gear 360 camera. It can be used to capture photos and videos that you can "teleport" into with the Gear VR and compatible Galaxy handset. Of course, some sacrifices might have to be made to acquire the 360° video: Source | Via

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Android Marshmallow now available for the Galaxy S5 LTE-A

Samsung Galaxy S5 LTE-A model for South Korea was released in South Korea a few months after the Galaxy S5 premiere. It comes with a more powerful Snapdragon 805 chipset and faster LTE connectivity. The G906 (LTE-A) model is exclusive to South Korea, while the G901 (Plus) was released in Europe and Singapore. Now that we refreshed your memories for this rather obscure smartphone, we have some good news. The South Korean model (the G906) is now getting Android Marshmallow update with lots of under the hood optimizations. If you own this model you should have an update waiting for...

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Get a free Galaxy Grand Prime with your S7 or S7 edge order at T-Mobile

T-Mobile has a new deal for you if you'd like to buy a Samsung Galaxy S7 or S7 edge but feel like receiving something for free alongside that device. Hence, for a limited time if you order one of Samsung's latest flagships you'll also get a Galaxy Grand Prime smartphone (pictured below), which will be free - with a catch though. As is usually the case with carrier deals involving the word "free", you'll get the amount you spent on the Grand Prime back on a prepaid MasterCard. The Galaxy S7 can be yours for $0 upfront and 24 monthly payments of $27.92, or $669.99 if you prefer to pay...

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Apple iPhone 7 and its box caught by paparazzi

It's the season for iPhone 7 leaks and the forecast is for minimal changes - the phone will be the same size, but the antenna setup has been redesigned. You can see the new design in this leaked photo. There's just the one camera - the two-camera setup is reserved for the Plus models. This is the Gold color option, by the way, I know the colors of the photo are off, but it is. Apple iPhone 7 in Gold (leaked photos) Then there's this alleged photo of the retail box. It's particularly blurry, but you can still make out the text - "iPhone 7 Rose Gold 64GB." Alleged photo of...

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Play Store update improves beta download experience

While it has been possible to sideload beta versions of apps on your Android device, it usually involved downloading them from the developer website or through some Google+ group. With the latest Play Store update, however, things are about to get a lot easier for those who frequently install beta apps. To take advantage of these features, you will need to sign up as a beta tester. You will get a prompt when you open Play Store and you can accept to become a beta tester. Once you do that, you will see beta apps on the store. These apps will be clearly marked as (Beta) at the end...

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Video calling feature removed from WhatsApp's latest Android beta release

Just days after there were reports that some users are noticing (with some among them even using) a new video calling feature in WhatsApp, the functionality has been removed from the app's latest beta release (v2.16.81) on Android. While there was no official word on why the feature was removed, it'd be reasonable to assume that the company wanted to do some early testing, and that video calling on WhatsApp is not currently ready for a wider roll-out. As of now, there's also no information (not even rumors) on when the company plans to launch the feature, although we expect that to...

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Lenovo Vibe C with 5-inch display and quad-core SoC spotted online

Lenovo has apparently updated its Vibe series of smartphones with a new device. Dubbed Lenovo Vibe C, the handset is powered by a quad-core chipset, and sports a 5-inch 720p display. As for other specs, the phone comes with 1GB RAM and up to 32GB expandable internal memory, and runs Android 5.1.1 Lollipop. The camera department is handled by a 5MP rear unit and 2MP front shooter. A 2,300mAh battery is there to keep the lights on. The 4G-capable device is available for pre-order from Croatian e-tailer eKupi, which is selling it for around $105. Shipments begin May 18. Thanks for...

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Xiaomi Mi Max now up for international pre-orders

The Xiaomi Mi Max - which was officially unveiled earlier last week, and is all set to go on its first flash sale in China tomorrow - is now also up for international pre-orders. Online retailer Gearbest has started accepting pre-orders for the device, and will start shipping it from June 21. As for price, the variant with 3GB/32GB memory and SD650 chipset is listed for $325.89, while the 3GB/64GB/SD652 version costs $359.89. The 4GB/128GB model with Snapdragon 652 SoC, on the other hand, will set you back $499.89. For comparison, these models cost $230, $261, and $307 respectively...

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EU antitrust case: Google could get slapped with whopping Â€3 billion fine

The European Commission could ask Google to shell out around a whopping Â€3 billion in fines in the ongoing EU antitrust case where it is accused breaching rules by abusing its dominant position in the online search market. "Sources close to the situation said officials aimed to make an announcement before the summer break and could make their move as early as next month, although cautioned that Google's bill for crushing competition online had not been finalized," a recent Telegraph report said. A fine to the tune of Â€3 billion - if at all that happens - will become the toughest...

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Samsung Galaxy J2 (2016) is now FCC certified

The next-gen Samsung Galaxy J2 smartphone, which has been the subject of a couple of leaks this month, has apparently been certified by the FCC. Specifically, the listing - which is currently inaccessible due to some technical reasons - just reveals model number SM-J210F and a 1,500mAh battery (really?), but the former is enough for us to assume that the handset in question is the Galaxy J2 (2016). In case you missed, the phone has already been spotted in Geekbench and AnTuTu benchmarks, revealing most of its key specifications, including Spreadtrum SC8830 SoC with quad-core 1.5 GHz...

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New Telegram update brings ability to edit sent messages

Popular messaging app Telegram has rolled out a new update that - among other things - brings along the ability to edit messages after they've been sent. The new feature - which can be used within 2 days after posting a message - works across all Telegram chats, including groups as well as one-on-one conversations. "Simply tap and hold on a message, then press Â‘Edit'. If you're on desktop, press the up arrow button to edit your last message," the company explained in a blog post. "The messages will display a small Â‘edited' label so that it's easy to tell which were altered." In...

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Alleged Moto G4 press render leaks ahead of unveiling

A new press render alleged to be of Motorola's upcoming smartphone the Moto G4 has leaked online. The leak - which shows off the front of the device - comes courtesy of the usually reliable tipster @evleaks. Surprised there was so much confusion here. Thought quoting the G4 Plus leak would make it obvious that it's the G4. https://t.co/dVa8wcR0oTÂ— Evan Blass (@evleaks) May 15, 2016 As for the 'confusion' @evleaks is referring to in the tweet, it's worth mentioning that the leakster first tweeted the image saying "Say hello to your little bro," and linking to one of his earlier...

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Best Apps and Games of the Week

These are some of the best apps and games that came out this week. Gboard Gboard is a keyboard by Google for iOS. It integrates Google Search within the keyboard, so you don't have to switch back and forth between your current app and your browser. By having the search engine built-into the keyboard, you can not only search for things such as addresses, images, and videos but can also instantly paste them in the app you are currently typing in. iOS Dark Sky Dark Sky is a weather app, previously exclusive to iOS, but now also available on Android. Dark Sky...

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Top 10 trending phones of week 19

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 remains undisturbed at the top for a third week in a row keeping ahead of struggling long-time champ Samsung Galaxy J7. Okay, "struggling" might be an overstatement for a phone that remains on top of its successor, which has been around a couple of months now. The Galaxy J7 (2016) seems to be gaining momentum though, jumping five spots from 8th last week to a podium finish this time around. And look at all those other Galaxy J's - the J5 from last year, and the J3 (2016) are only giving up a spot to let the J7 (2016) slide in, but no strangers are...

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Weekly Poll: Which is the best Android smartphone?

By the end of this month, all high-profile Android flagships should be available for purchase. You'll get to vote with your wallet, but let's do a dry run and vote for free - vote for your favorite flagship. There's some difference in strategy - Samsung, Huawei and Xiaomi launched their big and small flagships simultaneously while others like LG, HTC and Sony have launched the smaller models, leaving the big guns for the second half. So - Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge. Huawei P9 and Huawei P9 Plus. Xiaomi Mi 5 and Xiaomi Mi Max. HTC 10. LG G5. Sony Xperia X...

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Week 19 in review: 6.44" Xiaomi Mi Max unveiled, iPhone 7 and OnePlus 3 rumors

Big screen lovers rejoiced this week - the massive Xiaomi Mi Max was unveiled. The 6.44-inch device (Xiaomi just had to be that precise) still passes for a phone nowadays even though others are pushing for the return of 4-inchers (you know who). The iPhone 7 didn't stay in hiding this week either, with rumors suggesting that all of the 7 Plus models will have a dual-camera setup, and not just an alleged top version. Meanwhile, schematics put the dimensions of Apple's upcoming smartphones very much in line with the existing models, and ongoing talks may lead to made-in-India...

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WhatsApp testing video call feature

It wasn't too long ago that WhatsApp added voice call functionality to its app. Naturally, the company now wants to take it one step further, and introduce video calling. The latest beta for Android shows an option to video call whenever you try to call someone. Unfortunately, as of now it seems the feature is not enabled to all users, with some getting the 'Video Calling is unavailable at this time' error message, however, some other users are reporting using it. The feature is currently in testing phase then, and it probably won't be too long before we see it being enabled for...

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**GSMArena** · 17-05-16, 22:30

By now you probably know that a Samsung Galaxy S7 active is in fact in the works and it's coming soon to AT&T. The extremely rugged handset has been spotted in some live images already, and a benchmark run from a few days ago made sure that we know most of its specs too. So what next, you wonder? That would be a couple of leaked official press renders, of course. They show a previously unseen color version, which is probably the result of Samsung wanting to bring the oh-so-popular 'gold' hue to its line of rugged devices. The result, though, may not immediately be thought of as 'gold' by...

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Samsung may supply 60% of AMOLED displays for new iPhones

Information continues to trickle out that Apple is looking to switch from LCD to AMOLED displays, starting with the larger iPhone Plus model. Samsung, having the most mature AMOLED manufacturing line, will reportedly provide 60% of AMOLED displays used by Apple. The company made a huge investment - between $6.64 billion and $7.47 billion - that should see manufacturing capacity grow to 45,000 units a month in order to meet the order of 100 million displays for next year. Apple's multiple source strategy means that another company - LG, say insiders - will build around 30% of the AMOLED...

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Newly-unveiled Xperia XA Ultra landing in Canada this summer

Sony has announced that the newly-unveiled mid-range Xperia XA Ultra smartphone - which features 6-inch full HD display, Mediatek Helio P10 SoC, 3GB RAM, and Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow - will be available in Canada "this summer." That's inline with the July launch time-frame which was revealed when the device was made official earlier today. Sadly, the handset's pricing information is still a mystery. Color options include Black, White, and Lime Gold. Other Xperia X series smartphones including the Xperia X Performance, Xperia X and Xperia XA will also be landing in Canada in the...

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Moto G4 Play completes the Moto G4 Family

Lenovo announced two new Moto smartphones earlier today - the Moto G4 and the Moto G4 Plus. Those are an upgrade over the popular Moto G3 lineup from last year and brings bigger displays, faster chipsets, and better snappers. There is another Moto G4 phone announced shortly after those two - the Moto G4 Play. Basically, it's last year's Moto G3 with a refined design and it's splash-proof. The Moto G4 Play features a 5" 720p display and runs on the Snapdragon 410 chipset with 2GB of RAM. The 410 chip packs a quad-core 1.4GHz Cortex-A53 CPU and Adreno 306 GPU. The rest of the...

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Upcoming ZTE Axon 7 will be available in US as well

We already know that ZTE's upcoming Axon series phone is called the Axon 7. We also know that the device will be made official on May 26. And given that its predecessor Axon was launched in the US, there was little doubt that the Axon 7 will also land there. However, now it looks like that the handset's US launch has been made official by ZTE. The company published a full page ad (shown below) in the Wall Street Journal thanking its user-base in the country as well as giving them a glimpse of a phone which clearly resembles the upcoming Axon 7. There's currently no information...

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Exclusive: Lenovo Moto G4 Plus hands-on, camera samples too

After a long round of rumors, the eagerly anticipated Lenovo Moto G4 and G4 Plus were just announced at a dedicated event. Being the lucky folks that we are, we have the Moto G4 Plus here at the office for a few quick first impressions. Lenovo Moto G4 Plus at a glance Plastic build, removable back cover 5.5-inch FullHD display, 401ppi Qualcomm Snapdragon 617 chipset: quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 & quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A53, Adreno 405 2GB of RAM, 16GB of storage, 3GB/32GB, 4GB/64GB 16MP primary camera, f/2.0 aperture, phase detection and laser autofocus, dual-LED...

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Xiaomi sells 600,000 Redmi Note 3 units

Xiaomi has announced that it has sold a total of 600,000 Redmi Note 3 units in India within a period of 60 days. The announcement came in the form of a Facebook post from the Chinese company's VP Hugo Barra, who described it as their "biggest record yet." The device was launched in India back in March this year, carrying a price tag of INR 9,999 ($148) for the 16GB model and INR 11,999 ($178) for the 32GB model. And as you might already know, the model available in India is powered by SD650. The device recently went on open sale in the country, but was out of stock within a couple...

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Oppo R9's monthly production volume stands at 2 million units, way more than Xiaomi Mi 5 and Huawei Mate 8

According to a report out of China, Oppo is producing an impressive number of R9 units each month. The report - citing IHS research director Kevin Wang's revelation - notes that the Chinese company is currently churning out a whopping 2 million R9s per month. The monthly production volume of the Xiaomi Mi 5 and Huawei Mate 8 was also revealed - while the former stands at 700,000 units, the latter is comparatively higher at 900,000. The R9 was made official in March, while the Mi 5 was officially unveiled in February this year. The Mate 8, on the other hand, has been available since...

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Lenovo Moto G4 and Moto G4 Plus unveiled with 5.5" 1080p screens

Goodbye Motorola, Hello Moto! The first two phones under the "Lenovo Moto" have been unveiled and they are the successors to the Moto G (3rd gen). Yes, successors, plural. Screens have grown larger and sharper - 5.5" 1080p - after staying at 5" 720p for the 2nd and 3rd generations. The processing power has doubled with a higher-end Snapdragon chipset, the camera and memory have been improved as well. Lenovo Moto G4 Plus Rather than "Turbo", this one is a "Plus" and in its high spec option, the Moto G4 Plus places in the upper echelons of the mid-range segment. The 5.5"...

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ZUK Z2 Pro with 6GB RAM is now available for pre-order

Nearly a month after it was officially announced, the Lenovo ZUK Z2 Pro - which is powered by Snapdragon 820 chipset, and comes with whopping 6GB RAM and 128GB internal memory - is now available for pre-orders in China. The phone costs RMB 2,699, which is $415 at current exchange rates. It's worth mentioning that currently only the white ceramic variant is on sale - those interested in the black version will have wait a while longer. Actual availability comes in exactly one week - on May 24. The downgraded version of the phone that has 4GB RAM and 64GB storage will be available for...

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Xiaomi pips Apple to become world's No. 2 wearable vendor; Samsung's back in top 5

Market research firm IDC has released its latest (Q1 2016) stats for the worldwide wearables market, revealing that Xiaomi is now the number two player in the business, surpassing Apple which is now at the third position. While Fitbit continued to be the top vendor, Garmin also retained the fourth spot. What's worth mentioning here is that Samsung has made a come back in the top 5 list, something which the report credits to the success of the company's Gear S2 and Gear S2 Classic smartwatches. Overall, the market continued to grow, although growth in Q1 2016 slowed down a bit...

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Moto G4 Plus retail box leak confirms octa core CPU, 5.5-inch display

The Motorola Moto G4 and G4 Plus are just a few hours away from their official unveiling, but looks like there's no stopping the leaks related to the devices, with the latest one bringing us the retail box of the Plus variant. The front of the box confirms that the Plus variant comes with a square shaped fingerprint sensor, while the back reveals some of the phone's key specs, including octa-core CPU, 5.5-inch full HD display, 2GB/32GB memory configuration, 16MP/5MP camera combo, and 3,000mAh battery. In addition, a couple of live images of the Moto G4 Plus have leaked as well,...

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Bloomberg: Photos and links could soon be out of purview of Twitter's 140-char limit

Looks like users will soon be able to compose and send longer tweets. According to a latest report from Bloomberg, the micro-blogging company is considering keeping photos and links out of the purview of the service's 140-char limited. Currently, links consume at-least 23 characters. The change, which the report says could happen as soon as in the next couple of weeks, is being seen as part of Twitter's ongoing effort to make its service more flexible. If you recall, the company removed the 140-character limit on Direct Messages last year. Earlier this year, there were rumors that...

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Sony Xperia XA Ultra hands-on: First look

Big-screen lovers rejoice! Meet the 6-inch Sony Xperia XA Ultra, the replacement for the popular Xperia C5 Ultra.

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Sony Xperia XA Ultra is official with a 16MP OIS selfie camera

Sony has just made the Xperia XA Ultra official. The phone packs a huge 6" 1080p display resulting in a pixel density of 367ppi. That edge-to-edge display is encased in a metal frame, which is quite nice for a mid-range offering. Under the hood, the Sony Xperia XA Ultra features a Mediatek Helio P10 chipset and 3GB of RAM, which help it run Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow. Internal storage is 16GB, but is easily expandable with the microSD card slot on board. Sony Xperia XA Ultra press images The phone features two cameras and each sports an LED flash by its side....

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Marshmallow beta update for Sony devices brings back STAMINA Mode

Sony's Marshmallow Beta has recently been updated and will bring back one of Sony customers' favorite power saving features: STAMINA mode. Which automatically shuts down app processes when they are not in use. This feature was first removed from Sony's first Android Marshmallow builds. Most likely because they were working on getting the feature working correctly. Some users have said that this newest version of STAMINA mode does not offer the same customizability as the Lollipop version of Android VS the latest Marshmallow. But, hey, this isn't the final version of the product yet. It...

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Pokemon Go U.S. Beta is live, sign up form available now

If you've been following Nintendo's moves in the mobile industry for the last couple of years, you'll know that Nintendo has been thinking about entering the mobile gaming industry and so far it already has two games out on the iOS and Android mobile platforms, namely Pokemon Shuffle and Miitomo. The most anticipated mobile game for Nintendo is Pokemon Go, conceived by the same developers that created Ingress, a giant online game of capture-the-flag, to use the same geography based technology in the newest and biggest online community of Pokemon trainers in the real...

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Windows 10 Mobile update to launch on July 29

Microsoft launched the big Windows 10 update titled "Threshold" back on July 29 2015 and now another big yearly update is on the cards - "Anniversary." As you can guess, it's scheduled for the 1-year anniversary of Threshold. That's not just a guess based on the name either, a leaked timeline shows the update will indeed arrive on July 29. Leaked Windows 10 update timeline So, what does Anniversary bring to Windows 10 Mobile? Continuum is getting some cool changes - it will add support for touch-enabled external screens, it will be able to send the image to screens connected to...

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21st century dad problems: capturing tween pop videos for the Gear VR

VR's rebirth has experienced its fair share of delays and now faces a different problem - there's very little content. While Oculus and Vive will focus on at-home gaming, Samsung's Gear VR can be used on the go and it pairs nicely with the Gear 360 camera. It can be used to capture photos and videos that you can "teleport" into with the Gear VR and compatible Galaxy handset. Of course, some sacrifices might have to be made to acquire the 360° video: Source | Via

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**GSMArena** · 18-05-16, 22:30

Coming with the final Android N release later this summer is Daydream. This is essentially the name for Google's new VR platform that will be part of Android itself.Daydream will be the home of VR content inside Android. There will be a Daydream version of the Google Play Store, and it will contain all the VR-ready apps. You'll use this in VR mode, and whenever you are in Daydream you can easily go back to the list of your VR-capable apps. Among those you'll find Street View, YouTube, Play Movies, and Google Photos, but also many games as you'd expect. When inside Daydream, your...

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Give Google your Android N name suggestion

Android N is coming and is under heavy development. However, Google doesn't have an official name for the latest Android version just yet. This is where it would like your help.Interestingly, you can offer a name that's not a dessert, but as you'd imagine, it's preferable. While thinking of a name, check out the funny video Google did to promote the project.If you have an idea on your mind, check out the source link and share your name idea for Android 7.0 N. Don't forget to share it in our comments section, too.My idea name is Nougat.Source

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New Android N Developer Preview release is out with automatic updates

Google usually announces a new version of Android at its annual developer conference called I/O. This year, however, we've already seen two Android N Developer Preview releases, so the search giant doesn't have anything new to announce - or does it?Today the company is pushing out the third big release of the Android N Developer Preview. According to the company, this is the first "beta quality" iteration of the next OS version, so you may even get away with installing it on your main device without any nastiness (then again, "beta" doesn't mean "bug free", keep that in...

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Google Home becomes official as the search giant's Amazon Echo competitor

The recent rumors were true, as it turns out. At its developer conference today, Google has announced Home, a device that's basically its response to Amazon's highly successful Echo line of smart Bluetooth speakers.Like Amazon's offerings, Google Home will take voice commands from you (including letting you search, naturally), it will talk back to you, and it's also a speaker. So you can play some music on it if you want.Unlike the Echo, Google Home supports the Google Cast protocol, so you can even send stuff to it from your phone, tablet, or laptop. You can also tell it to play...

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Sony Xperia X battery life

The Xperia Z brand was a mark of Methuselah-like battery life, but now fans are a little antsy - the Z-series is no more, the X-series replaces it. Has the battery gene carried over?The Xperia X has definitely lost some capacity - the Z3 had 3,100mAh, the Z5 had 2,900mAh, the Xperia X has 2,620mAh. Even the Xperia Z5 had 2,700mAh, so it falls to a new chipset and newer components (the screen largely) to cut back on their power use and make up the difference.Before we use up the battery, we have to charge it first. The Sony Xperia X supports fast charging, but you'll have to bring your...

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T-Mobile starts selling the HTC 10, Samsung Galaxy J7 and LG K10

As promised, T-Mobile has started selling the flagship HTC 10 as well as the mid-range Samsung Galaxy J7 and LG K10. The HTC 10 is offered without a downpayment with a 2-year contract for $28.34 per month. By getting the HTC 10 before May 10, T-Mobile will gift you an Ice View case and Rapid Charger.The HTC 10 is also offered sans a contract for $679.99. Naturally, the Samsung Galaxy J7 is cheaper at $10/month for 2 years or $239.99 full retail. The LG K10 is up for grabs at $6.68 for the same period, while its retail price is $164.99.The two midrangers are aslo going to be sold...

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Samsung Pay has rung up 1 trillion KRW ($850 million) in transactions in South Korea

Samsung has announced that its mobile payments service Samsung Pay has processed a total of over 1 trillion KRW ($850 million) in transactions in its home country of South Korea. The milestone comes nine months after the service was launched in the country."Samsung Pay is changing the way consumers pay and we will continue to add the best services to create a differentiated mobile payment culture," a company spokesperson said.The service made its US debut in September last year, and roughly six months after that, Samsung announced that over 5 million users have signed up for the...

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Huawei MediaPad M2 10.0 now available in the UK

The Huawei MediaPad M2 10.0 is available for purchase in the UK starting today. So far Currys has exclusivity on the tablet, and only the Standard edition is available, listed at £249.99.Standard in this case means 2GB of RAM and 16GB of storage, while the Premium edition has an extra gig of RAM and four times the storage, plus support for the M-Pen stylus. This one will have a retail price of £329.99, but is nowhere to be found on the retailer's website.Both versions come with a 10.1-inch IPS display with 1,920 x 1,200 pixel resolution, Kirin 930 chipset with an octa-core...

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Alcatel Flash Plus 2 goes official, to cost $160 in Asia

Alcatel (owned by TCL) has been very consistent with the Flash brand. The first Alcatel Flash went official back in September 2014 while the Flash 2 was announced a year later in September 2015. The Flash Plus model, an expansion of the original Flash, was introduced in May 2015 and this May we are getting its refresh with the Alcatel Flash Plus 2.Enough with the history lesson, though. The Alcatel Flash Plus 2 is an all-metal smartphone, which is great news for a mid-ranger. It features a 5.5" 1080p display and runs on the Helio P10 chipset with an octa-core Cortex-A53 processor (4x...

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Marshmallow update starts rolling out to Samsung Galaxy Tab A

Samsung has started rolling out the Marshmallow update to Galaxy Tab A. The update, which brings Android version 6.0.1 and bumps the build number to T550XXU1BPE1, is currently hitting the 9.7-inch Wi-Fi model (SM-T550) in France.Aside from the usual Marshmallow goodies - including Doze, Google Now on Tap, and redesigned app permissions - it isn't yet known what else (if at all) the update brings along. It is currently only available via Samsung Smart Switch, although OTA roll out shouldn't be far off.Via

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Invite reveals Samsung Galaxy C series launching on May 26

Because Samsung hasn't run out of letters in the Latin alphabet, it's getting ready to launch the Galaxy C on May 26 (that's next Thursday). The event will take place in China, so expect a China-only launch.So far we've seen two devices leak - the Galaxy C5 and the Galaxy C7. They will come with 1080p screens (5.2" and 5.5" respectively) Android 6.0 Marshmallow and a generous 4GB of RAM, a Snapdragon 617 chipset (C5) or its replacement, the Snapdragon 625 (C7).Going by these specs, the new Galaxy C series will be above the E and J, but below the A and S series. Source | Via

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Connecting people once more: Nokia phones, tablets are coming back

Nokia is back! The former phone king officially announced its plan to return to the world of phones, smartphones and tablets. And to answer your burning question - yes, it will be Android smartphones and tablets!This move will include the formation of a new company - HMD global Oy, a newly founded company based in Finland that will be headed Arto Nummela as CEO, who was a senior Nokia exec in the past and currently manages a big chunk of Microsoft's phone divisions.Nokia will take a seat on the board of directors of HMD and will set standards for performance and brand requirements so...

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iTunes update brings UI changes, music deletion bug fix

Apple released an update for iTunes that brings with it some UI changes.You now see the return of the sidebar that shows your library folders and playlists. The icons for various sections, such as music, movies, tv shows, etc. have been replaced with the previous drop down menu. The current playlist is now a separate buttons outside the play area. Lastly, on Windows, the menu bar is now permanently visible.According to TechCrunch, the update also includes bug fixes for the music deletion issue that some users were facing, where their entire local iTunes library was deleted...

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Report says Motorola planning to ditch Moto X lineup in favor of new 'Moto Z' branding

While Sony moved from 'Z' to 'X,' Motorola is apparently planning to make a switch in the opposite direction. According to a new report, the Lenovo subsidiary is planning to update its Moto X line-up with a new 'Moto Z' branding. If true, this would mean that there won't be any Moto X branded phones in the future.Remember the two Motorola devices (shown below) - code-named Vector Thin and Vertex - that leaked early last week? The report notes that those will be called the Moto Z Style and Moto Z Play, respectively.Further, the change will also affect Verizon's Droid line-up, where...

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YouTube Red now also available in Australia and New Zealand

After launching it in the US last year, Google has expanded the availability of the YouTube Red ad-free subscription service to a couple of more countries - the service is now available in Australia and New Zealand as well.Apparently, the search giant hasn't yet made a formal announcement in this regard, just the YouTube help pages were updated with the new locations. Also, it isn't yet clear how much the service will cost in these new regions.To refresh, aside from being ad-free, YouTube Red also lets you save videos on your mobile for viewing offline, as well as supports...

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Samsung Galaxy S7 Active leaks with a camo paintjob

The Samsung Galaxy S7 Active leaked yesterday painted in an unfortunate color scheme, here's another look - the camo paint job is much more palatable.We have seen it before, about a week ago, but then it sported an AT&T logo on the back (as did yesterday's leak). This one does not, however, meaning this is the international model.Samsung Galaxy S7 Active (leaked render)Going by leaked benchmarks, the Galaxy S7 Active will have a bigger screen than the base S7 - 5.5" QHD, like the S7 edge without the edge - a Snapdragon 820 chipset and a 12MP camera.Considering the current...

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Always on Display for Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 edge receives update

The Always-on display feature on the Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 edge is new to the smartphone world. This year, phone makers like LG and Samsung decided to bake in software features that let the screen stay permanently on with minimal information constantly on display such as time, date, and basic notifications.Samsung has updated its Always on Display feature by allowing users to customize the range of time that the feature should be active. Now users can only have their Samsung Galaxy S7s only stay permanently on for an allotted amount of time per day such as the full shift at work, or...

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New update hitting Galaxy Note 4 units in India

Samsung has started rolling out a new update to the Galaxy Note 4. Weighing in at around 525MB, the update carries a build number of N910GDTU1DPE1. It's not clear exactly what the update brings along - the change-log is pretty generic, saying stability and performance-related improvements and bug fixes.In case you missed, Galaxy Note 4 units in India have already received security patches for the Month of May.As is usually the case, it may take some time before the update hits your device. Meanwhile, if you're feeling impatient, you can check for it manually by heading to your...

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Sony Xperia Z5 down to $500 at Best Buy, B&H, and Amazon

With Sony's new Xperia X lineup almost here for the summer, the Xperia Z5 is slowly but surely finding its way down the price ladder. The phone that originally retailed on sale on Best Buy for $600 is now $100 off the original retail price. With Sony's incoming Xperia X phones already around the corner, it doesn't feel like Z5 has had enough time to mature.Anyway, Amazon, Best Buy, and B&H Photo have all listed the Xperia Z5 in all three colors: white, graphite black, and gold, all unlocked and ready to activate on any GSM network for $500. It's worth noting that B&H Photo also carries...

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Marshmallow starts hitting AT&T Galaxy S6 and S6 edge

AT&T has finally started rolling out the Marshmallow update to Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 edge units on its network. Weighing in at around 1.5GB and carrying a build number of MMB29K.G920AUCU3CPD6, the update brings along Android version 6.0.1.The update also includes several other changes, such as video calling support and full preload for Amazon. While Keeper, AT&T Live, FB Messenger have been removed, AT&T Mail and YP Mobile have been moved to a Virtual Preload.Given that the update has just started rolling out, it may take some time before the OTA notification pops up on your...

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**GSMArena** · 19-05-16, 22:40

For the first time since Chrome OS was launched, devices running Google's operating system have outsold Apple's Macs in the US in the first quarter of this year. The data comes from IDC, though an exact number for Chrome OS device sales hasn't been given.That said, Mac OS computer sales are estimated to be around 1.76 million for Q1 2016, so Chrome OS device makers have probably sold almost 2 million units during the same time frame. IDC notes however that most of those Chrome OS sales have gone to schools, where they are apparently very popular.Chromebook laptops, Chromebase...

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Meizu Pro 6 Edge or Pro 7 with curved screen shows up, may launch in H2

The double curved screens made popular by Samsung with its recent edge-branded smartphones are starting to catch on even among competing manufacturers, it seems. Case in point: Meizu. The Chinese company is working on its own 'edge' handset, which might launch in the second half of this year. The existence of the phone has apparently been confirmed by Meizu CEO Huang Zhang.An image supposedly depicting the handset has been leaked in China, and you can see it below. The phone will either be called Meizu Pro 6 Edge or Pro 7. It's expected to cost at least $450, and will run Meizu's upcoming...

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A black ZUK Z2 hides in the dark, teaser reveals similar design to the Z2 Pro

The ZUK Z1 from last year was followed up last month with the ZUK Z2 Pro. If you've been wondering where's the non-Pro, stay calm - it's coming. Senior vice president of Lenovo Group (ZUK's parent company) has shared an image of the ZUK Z2 on Weibo disclosing a few design details.The almost pitch-black render requires some adjustment to actually reveal the phone but once that's done, we're given a glimpse of the metal frame and 2.5D front glass. A hardware home button and a Type-C USB port have been borrowed from the Z2 Pro.Image as shared on Weibo Â• With shadows...

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SHIELD TV update to bring YouTube 4K60 support, Netflix HDR

SHIELD TV owners have a major update to look forward to from NVIDIA.Two of the major features coming is 4K at 60fps and HDR video, that should help you get the very best out of your Ultra HD Premium TV. The 4K60 support will be available on the YouTube app, which means you can watch all the latest 4K gaming videos the way they were captured. The HDR support will be available on apps like Netflix, which currently has a growing library of HDR content. The SHIELD TV will be the first smart TV box to have support for this feature. Other than that, VUDU will also be now available to stream in...

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Nextbit's cloud-focused Robin landing in India next week

A couple of weeks after announcing that it has received necessary approvals to sell the device in India, Nextbit has started sending invites for a May 25 event where it will launch the cloud-focused Robin smartphone.Originally, the India launch was scheduled for April-end, but it got delayed. The device started shipping to Kickstarter backers in the country last week, and starting May 25, it will be available to the general public as well.There's currently no information on how much the handset will cost in India. In the US, it carried a $399 price tag at launch. To refresh,...

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Asus Zenfone 3 details leak: 3 sizes, metal frames, 23MP cams on some

The third-generation Zenfone is coming and a comprehensive leak gives us a lot of juicy details. For starters, there will be three models ranging from $110 to $370 based on size and features.The models will be divided by screen size: 4.5", 5" and 5.5" (there's a chance the last one will be 6" instead). The screens will be covered with 2.5D Gorilla Glass 4. Some will get in on the back too and a brushed spiral pattern is reported along with five glossy color options - White, Silver, Gold, Rose Gold and Black.Asus Zenfone 3 out in the wildThe new Asus Zenfone 3 handsets will be...

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Google Keyboard 5.1 gets theme support

Yesterday, Google released Android N Developer Preview 3. One of the inclusions is the new Google Keyboard 5.1.The main addition here is the presence of themes. You can choose from a bunch of solid color themes for the keyboard. There is also an option to set any image of your choice as a background for the keyboard.5.1 also brings support for the new emoji that are included in Android N. The previous versions of Google Keyboard could not access the new emoji, meaning you can see them but couldn't type them, and this update fixes that.Android Police has an APK for the update,...

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Axon 7's first teaser video focuses on device's sound quality

ZTE has released first teaser video for its upcoming Axon 7 flagship smartphone. The video - which is aimed at showcasing the device's sound quality - shows close-up of an animated character playing piano on stage. But as the camera zooms out, it's revealed that the animated movie is in fact being played on the Axon 7.If you recall, the invite image that the company sent out for the device's launch event also contained a caption "Listening to the heart of power." Although we told you it could be something related to the device's audio output, we weren't really sure about it at that...

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Samsung Pay in the US now supports loyalty, membership cards

Samsung Pay is expanding fast - both in supported territories and in features. The latest addition to the service helps you pay less - with the addition of loyalty and membership cards (US-only for now).The feature is pretty simple - it shows a barcode on the screen and that the cashier can scan just like a regular barcode. This allows you to carry as many cards as you want - an average American family has 30 loyalty cards, which is impractical to lug around (so often you forget to take them and miss out on deals and savings).Of course, once those savings are applied you can just...

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Exclusive: Apple iPhone 7 renders appear

We received exclusive Apple iPhone 7 renders from a reputable source in the case-making business. The renders you see below are based on actual 3D technical drawings of the upcoming iPhone 7. However, colors and materials are not official but made up.Since the renders are based on technical drawings of the device, the buttons, camera placement and all functional elements are in their correct locations. The color scheme and actual materials might differ slightly, but knowing Apple's style these are also likely correct.Apple iPhone 7 rendersInterestingly, Apple has...

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Resident Evil 5 comes to NVIDIA SHIELD TV

Capcom has launched a mobile version of the Resident Evil 5 game, which was released on PC and consoles back in 2009. The game is exclusively available on NVIDIA SHIELD TV, and no other Android device, not even NVIDIA's other SHIELD devices.The game comes in at a massive 3.7GB download and expands to 5.5GB after installing, which should take a sizable chunk out of your storage. The game is limited to 720p resolution, however, which shouldn't really be a big deal since you sit away from the TV screen.The game is currently priced at $9.99 with an included 33% discount, so expect the...

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Gionee brings 5,020mAh battery toting Marathon M5 Plus to India

The Gionee Marathon M5 Plus - which features Mediatek MT6753 SoC and a 6-inch display, and packs in a 5,020mAh battery - has been launched in India, five months after it was launched in the company's home country of China.In India, the device will be available across retail outlets, and online exclusively through e-tailer Flipkart, which has it listed for INR 26,999 (or around $400 at current exchange rates). Color options include Champagne Gold and Polar Gold."We are thrilled to bring the M5 Plus to India. The device is a perfect reflection of a beautifully crafted powerhouse,"...

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Samsung Galaxy C5 with octa-core CPU and 5.2-inch display clears TENAA

The Samsung Galaxy C5 - which has already been the subject of several leaks, and is expected to be unveiled on May 26 along with the Galaxy C7 - has now been spotted on the website of Chinese telecommunication authority TENAA, confirming some of its key specs.The listing reveals that the device is powered by an octa-core processor (two variants - 1.5GHz and 1.2GHz - are mentioned), and sports a 5.2-inch full HD display. It has 4GB RAM and 32GB/64GB internal memory options.The camera department is handled by a 16MP rear unit and an 8MP front shooter. A 2,600mAh battery is there to...

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Play Store and Android apps headed to Chrome, Google announces

It's not like we didn't already know it, but Google has now officially confirmed that Android apps will be available on Chrome through the Play Store. The confirmation came in the form of a session description on the website of the company's I/O 2016 conference.The description has apparently been pulled, but not before it was captured by tech media. Here it is:Today we announced that we're adding the best mobile app experiences in the world, Android apps and the Google Play store, to the best browser in the world, Chrome! Come to this session and test your Android apps for Chrome...

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BlackBerry 'Hamburg' spotted on GFXBench with SD615 SoC, 5.2-inch display

If you recall, late last month, we told you about a couple of upcoming Android-powered BlackBerry devices - codenamed Hamburg and Rome. Well, the former has now been spotted on GFXBench, revealing some of its key specifications.As per the listing, the device is powered by Snapdragon 615, and sports a 5.2-inch full HD display. It comes with 3GB RAM and 16GB internal memory, and features a 12MP rear camera and 8MP front shooter.The handset carries a model number of STH100-x, and runs Android 6.0.1 out of the box. There is currently no information on exactly when the device will be...

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Google Cardboard app downloads hit 50 million milestone

Google has announced that a total of over 50 million VR apps for its Cardboard platform have been downloaded from the Play Store so far. The announcement was made by the company's head of VR Clay Bavor at the ongoing I/O 2016 conference.The figure stood at 25 million back in January this year, meaning the number of Cardboard app downloads has doubled in the past four months. "We think that's pretty good for what is, after all, just a piece of cardboard," Bavor said.Although Bavor didn't reveal the exact number of Cardboard units that have been shipped globally until now, he did...

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Netflix launches fast.com, a simple speed test website

Netflix wants you to keep tabs on how fast your internet connection is. That's why it trademarked and launched a data speed test site that launches instantly as soon as you enter the website www.fast.com. This is likely to help customers who are having trouble with their internet connections to identify the issues fast.While we still have speedtest.net, there are still many people who cannot understand what the speed test is actually measuring or how to even start a speed test using Speed Test's interface. Netflix has so much internet traffic already but believes it's still up to the task...

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YU Yunicorn unveiling delayed to May 31

Micromax subsidiary YU Televentures has postponed the unveiling of its upcoming Yunicorn flagship smartphone. The device, which was earlier scheduled to be made official on May 19 (today), will now be announced on May 31.Apparently, the reason behind the delay is lack of media coverage - May 19 has been chosen as "vote counting day" by the Election Commission of India (several states in the country went for elections recently), so obviously the media will be focusing there.Coming back to Yunicorn, YU is marketing it as "the phone that will redefine flagships." Not much is known...

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Google to make it easier to discover apps in Beta

Signing up for an app that's in Beta has always been a cumbersome process. You'll usually be invited to try a Beta app through a link that puts you on a whitelist to download the latest build of such apps. The problem with this model that has been plaguing it for a while, is that the system always took several moments for the Beta request to go through before you could even download the application.Google is taking new steps in order to make it simpler for people to discover new apps in Beta by putting these apps in the search results for the general public to download and access. This...

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Google says you'll soon be able to use Android Auto without a compatible car

Google I/O brought the announcement that might make many Android using drivers pretty happy. Google has announced that soon the Android Auto app will be fully accessible through your phone's screen and will no longer require an actual radio compatible with the platform. All you would need in order to use Android Auto is to hook up your audio to your car via 3.5mm auxiliary jack or Bluetooth streaming.Google has also announced new features to the platform such as voice activation and Waze integration. But the bigger news is that Google has allowed for car-makers to customize Android Auto...

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**GSMArena** · 20-05-16, 22:40

After a few delays, it looks like Google's much-hyped Project Ara modular smartphone is almost ready to ship. The device will be out for developers to try sometime this fall, while consumers will be able to get their hands on it at some point next year. To celebrate the news, the search giant has created a new promo video for Project Ara. It obviously plays on the Ara's modular strengths, though it looks like some of those small modules are actually going to be pretty easy to lose. According to a report, around 30 people inside Google are already using Ara prototypes as their...

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AT&T expands BOGO offer to 12 devices, including the HTC One A9

AT&T's had quite a few Buy One, Get One free (BOGO) deals this year - be they for the Galaxy S7 or LG G5, for example. But today the carrier has announced an unprecedented expansion of its BOGO deal, which now covers a whopping dozen smartphone models. Here's the full list - you can buy either one of these and get another one for free: Samsung Galaxy S7 edge, Samsung Galaxy S7, Samsung Galaxy S6, Samsung Galaxy S6 edge, Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+, Samsung Galaxy S6 active, Samsung Galaxy Note5, LG G5, LG V10, Microsoft Lumia 950, HTC One A9 (pictured below), and Kyocera DuraForce. The...

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Meizu MX6 will have two RAM and storage versions, new report claims

That Pro 6 or Pro 7 with a double curved touchscreen isn't the only device that Meizu is going to launch at some point in the second half of this year. It will be joined in the Chinese company's portfolio by the MX6, obviously the successor to the MX5 from last year. Although we've already heard a few mumblings about the MX6's specs, today a new report from China comes to shed some light on the two hardware versions it will allegedly have. Accompanying the info is the image you can see below. It's not clear if this is supposed to depict the upcoming MX6 or not, though. If it is, then...

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Sony Xperia X review: Rated X

There's a shift of command in the house of Xperia. The Sony Xperia X and its two siblings are taking over from the Xperia Z. A dynasty has come to an end. We hear the C and M families are being put out to pasture as well, soon it will be all X top to bottom.

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LG G5 pre-bookings to start May 21 in India

LG has announced that its flagship device, the modular LG G5, will go on pre-bookings starting May 21 in India. The pre-bookings will go from May 21 till May 30. Customers eager to buy the phone will be able to pre-book from retail outlets, LG branded stores, and online exclusively through Flipkart. As a bonus, LG is giving away a LG CAM Plus - a camera grip for the G5 that gives you a better grip as well as physical buttons for the camera, and also includes a built-in battery to extend the battery life of your phone - to everyone who is pre-booking the G5 in India. You can...

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ZUK Z2 to come with an Exynos 8890 inside, the tease continues

The teasing of the ZUK Z2 by high-ranking company officials continues. After the render shared yesterday by a Lenovo VP, today it is the ZUK CEO that took it to Weibo to share that the Z2 will be powered by Samsung's Exynos 8890 chipset (best known from its starring role in the Galaxy S7). With a hat tip to Meizu VP Li Nan for thinking alike, ZUK's Chang Cheng has labeled the SoC "good" after spending a day with the smartphone. So far Meizu has been the only manufacturer to use Samsung chipsets, other than the Korean company itself, hence the pleasantries between the two Chinese...

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Android N seamless updates not coming to existing devices

Google announced a bunch of new features in the upcoming Android N during the Google I/O keynote, one of which was seamless updates. With this, new Android devices running N will be able to download the updates in the background and the next time you restart the device you will be running the new version. Turns out, the key word here is 'new'. According to Android Police, the seamless update features won't be coming to existing Android devices. The feature requires two partitions, one offline and one online, and it installs the update on the offline partition and then switches it to...

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Uber offering $10 off when you pay using Android Pay

Ride sharing service Uber is currently running a promotion where-in it's offering $10 off a ride if you pay using Google's mobile payments service Android Pay. To avail the deal, first download the Android Pay app from the Play Store and set up the service (if you haven't done that already). Then open your Uber app, and enter "ANDROIDPAY" promo code in the Promotions section of your app. The offer - which is valid for a single trip (per account) requested via UberBLACK, UberX, UberSELECT, or UberPOOL options - is limited to the US only, and expires May 31. Source | Via

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Leak reveals native call and SMS blocking feature in the works for Windows 10 Mobile

Microsoft is working on adding native call and SMS blocking capability to the Windows 10 Mobile platform. This was revealed by a leaked set of screenshots that show an app named ID & Filter offering the aforementioned functionality. "ID & Filter provides info about numbers known to send spam, and shows caller ID info about businesses who contact you," says the app description. ID & Filter also allows you to block calls from a specific category of business, such as advertising, real estate, couriers, finance, and taxi. There's currently no information on when the app will be released...

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Another Priv Marshmallow beta build starts rolling out

BlackBerry's debut Android smartphone Priv has started receiving yet another Marshmallow beta update, making it the fourth beta build that has been rolled out to the device. The update weighs in at 1.8GB. Like it has been the case previously as well, the update is not hitting all Priv variants - this time around models STV100-1 (purchased from ShopBlackBerry or Amazon), STV100-3 (Canadian carrier variants and those available within Asia-Pacific), and STV100-4 (available in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa) are getting the new beta build. It's worth mentioning that BlackBerry has...

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Microsoft's Bing continues to gain US market share

Market research firm comScore's latest report reveals that Microsoft's Bing is continuing to gain market share in the United States, although slowly and steadily. On the other hand, market leader Google's share has dropped a bit. The latest numbers reveal 21.6% market share for Bing, up slightly from the previously revealed 21.4% share. Google, meanwhile, saw its market share dipping from 64.0% to 63.8% during the same time period. Yahoo came in at number three with 12.2% share, while Ask Network and AOL rounded up the top 5 with 1.5% and 0.9% share, respectively. In case you don't...

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Google releases list of Chromebooks that will support Android apps

With Google confirming Play Store's arrival on Chromebooks, we're sure most of you will be waiting to know exactly which Chromebooks will support Android apps. Well, the wait is over as the Mountain View, California-based company has released the list. The list of Chromebooks that Google says will work with Android apps starting next month currently includes Acer Chromebook R11, Asus Chromebook Flip, and of course Google Chromebook Pixel (2015). The search giant also released a long list of Chromebooks that will get the Play Store later this year (head to the Source 2 link below)....

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Lenovo picks at our nostalgia with a RAZR ad for June 9th Moto event

I am confused as I write this. Before reading ahead, you need to see the same video that left me with a baffled look on my face. I feel as if I just got back from my own high school days once filled with acne, confused teenagers, long hair, and Motorola RAZRs. The video is titled "Moto 06.09.16", likely the date for a new phone to launch or to hold an unveiling event. Lenovo quietly released this ad, on Motorola Mobility's YouTube channel, set in a high school with a bunch of adolescents living through their high school phases. The ad starts with a girl sending a text message to...

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OnePlus CEO says upcoming OP3 feels good to hold

In an apparent attempt to create hype around the device, OnePlus CEO Liu Zuohu (aka Pete Lau) has said that the company's upcoming OnePlus 3 smartphone feels good to hold. He made the comment in a post on Weibo (China's Twitter). This came just days after the usually reliable leakster @evleaks shared a press render of the OnePlus 3, showing the handset in all its glory. As for specs, rumors say that the OP3 is powered by Snapdragon 820 chipset, and sports a 5.5-inch 1080p display. The device is said to come in two RAM variants - 4GB and 6GB - with 32GB and 64GB internal memory,...

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Google confirms it is developing VR headset and controller

If you recall, when Google announced Daydream VR platform at the ongoing I/O 2016 conference a couple of days ago, the company revealed that it has created a reference design for a virtual reality headset as well as a controller that will be shared with partners. While that gave an impression that Google itself won't be launching such a product, the search giant has now confirmed otherwise. The confirmation came from Google's VR division head Clay Bavor who said that the Mountain View, California based company is developing its own VR headset and controller. Sadly, he didn't reveal...

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Meizu Pro 6 Edge or Pro 7 with curved screen shows up, may launch in H2

The double curved screens made popular by Samsung with its recent edge-branded smartphones are starting to catch on even among competing manufacturers, it seems. Case in point: Meizu. The Chinese company is working on its own 'edge' handset, which might launch in the second half of this year. The existence of the phone has apparently been confirmed by Meizu CEO Huang Zhang. An image supposedly depicting the handset has been leaked in China, and you can see it below. The phone will either be called Meizu Pro 6 Edge or Pro 7. It's expected to cost at least $450, and will run Meizu's upcoming...

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A black ZUK Z2 hides in the dark, teaser reveals similar design to the Z2 Pro

The ZUK Z1 from last year was followed up last month with the ZUK Z2 Pro. If you've been wondering where's the non-Pro, stay calm - it's coming. Senior vice president of Lenovo Group (ZUK's parent company) has shared an image of the ZUK Z2 on Weibo disclosing a few design details. The almost pitch-black render requires some adjustment to actually reveal the phone but once that's done, we're given a glimpse of the metal frame and 2.5D front glass. A hardware home button and a Type-C USB port have been borrowed from the Z2 Pro. Image as shared on Weibo Â• With shadows...

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SHIELD TV update to bring YouTube 4K60 support, Netflix HDR

SHIELD TV owners have a major update to look forward to from NVIDIA. Two of the major features coming is 4K at 60fps and HDR video, that should help you get the very best out of your Ultra HD Premium TV. The 4K60 support will be available on the YouTube app, which means you can watch all the latest 4K gaming videos the way they were captured. The HDR support will be available on apps like Netflix, which currently has a growing library of HDR content. The SHIELD TV will be the first smart TV box to have support for this feature. Other than that, VUDU will also be now available to stream in...

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Nextbit's cloud-focused Robin landing in India next week

A couple of weeks after announcing that it has received necessary approvals to sell the device in India, Nextbit has started sending invites for a May 25 event where it will launch the cloud-focused Robin smartphone. Originally, the India launch was scheduled for April-end, but it got delayed. The device started shipping to Kickstarter backers in the country last week, and starting May 25, it will be available to the general public as well. There's currently no information on how much the handset will cost in India. In the US, it carried a $399 price tag at launch. To refresh,...

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**GSMArena** · 21-05-16, 22:53

Outside of the typical monthly schedule, which brings in the latest Android security patch, Samsung has released new firmware updates for the current flagships Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge. The timing is extraordinary, but then so is the nature of the updates. Unlike the usual generic release notes that cite unnamed bug fixes and performance improvements, these latest releases address very specific issues. The first one on the list is perhaps the one that's hardest to understand, but the summary is that screen clarity when using Always On Display has been improved. Other things...

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Deal: Lumia 640 now $30 on Cricket, $10 if you're switching carriers

Cricket Wireless is now offering the Microsoft Lumia 640 for $29.99 with a new activation. That number changes to a nominal $9.99 if you bring your number from another carrier. If you go for the more recent Lumia 650, you'll need to pay $119.99 and there's no number transfer benefits. Microsoft Lumia 640 The offer is valid with any of the carrier's available plans, except the basic Talk and Text plan. The plans range from $40 to $70 a month with $5 off of that each month if you enable the Auto Pay option. Source 1 Source 2 | Via

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Apple CEO shares plans for the company's future in India

Apple's CEO Tim Cook is on an official visit in India, meeting up with the government and carriers to talk about the company's future in the country. Amidst those talks he went for an exclusive interview on NDTV, where he shared Apple's plans for making a move on the Indian market. For one, Apple sees India as having an "enormously bright future" and it's one Apple wants to be a part of. "We're here for a thousand years" were the exact words. Tim Cook sees the rollout of 4G as key to both India's future and Apple's part of it. Tim Cook was clear that he sees talent in India, and...

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Samsung Pay partners with Alipay in China

Samsung has partnered up with Ant Financial Services Group, the Chinese company behind the Alipay online payment service. The collaboration will now allow payments with users' Alipay accounts on select Samsung smartphones. Users need to register their Alipay accounts into Samsung Pay and simply swipe upward from the locksreen, homescreen or even standby to bring up an Alipay QR code for the merchant to scan. Samsung Pay was launched in China in the end of March and the service has gotten positive reception since. Supported handsets include the current flagships Galaxy S7, S7...

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Sony behind on iPhone 7 camera sensor production, LG steps in

Apple may be going to LG as a primary supplier of dual-camera modules for initial batches of the iPhone 7, Japanese analysts from Nomura Securities have been quoted as saying. Sony, which was originally meant to be the main vendor, is facing lower-than-expected yield, as well as having to deal with the aftermath of the Kumamoto earthquakes in April, which affected the company's production facilities in the region. Additionally, Nomura Securities predicts that Apple will opt for an optically stabilized camera on the regular-sized 4.7-inch iPhone 7, and not just the 7 Plus model. Both...

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Sprint plays the BOGO game too with the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus

Just a few hours ago AT&T announced a big expansion of its Buy One, Get One free (BOGO) offer, which is now available for a whopping 12 smartphones. Notably absent from that list, however, are any Apple devices. Not to worry, though. If you don't mind having Sprint as your carrier, there's a new BOGO deal to be had for the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus too. Here's how it works. If you're a Sprint customer you need to have a line that's eligible for an upgrade, and you'll also have to add a new line. New customers will be required to add two lines, as you'd expect. You can take advantage of the...

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Nubia exec teases Z11 Max with 83.27% screen-to-body ratio

ZTE's nubia sub-brand has already announced the Z11 mini, the first member in its Z11 family. And earlier this month we've seen the other two devices in the line getting certified for sale in China by TENAA. So both the Z11 and the Z11 Max should become official soon. In the meantime, Ni Fei, nubia's general manager and co-founder, has decided to start teasing the Z11 Max. He's done so on Weibo by posting the image you can see below. The render of the upcoming Z11 Max is accompanied by a claim that should bring very good news to people who love big displays on phones but hate...

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Xiaomi drone launches on May 25

Xiaomi is officially getting into the drone business. The Chinese company has announced an event for May 25, which is next Wednesday. At this event it will present its first ever drone, which we assume will be called something along the lines of Mi Drone. The event invite has the picture you can see below on it, helpfully revealing some of the drone's design elements. Recent rumors have mentioned that this device won't be as cheap as Xiaomi's other wares, in fact it could cost as much as CNY 3,999 (that's about $610 or Â€543 at the current exchange rates). The drone may in fact be...

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AT&T expands BOGO offer to 12 devices, including the HTC One A9