Carry your battery pack around the waist with the Ion Belt, now on Kickstarter

Battery packs are heavy and bulky and are yet another item you need to remember to pick up when leaving home. Or risk being left with no power in your smartphone, but nobody does that, we've been told. Now, what if you could have batteries implanted or strapped to yourself, so you'd be guaranteed to have extra juice on the go? Or more realistically, embed them in an object you'd wear anyway, such as your belt. More or less that seems to be the reasoning behind the Ion Belt - a leather belt with a built in 3,000mAh battery pack. Filling the pack is done by inserting the pin into a USB port, while feeding your electronic device of choice takes place at the tail end of the belt where you have a female USB port. There is also an LED indicator for battery level like on any self-respecting battery pack. The Ion Belt is being crowdfunded on Kickstarter, and less than a day into the campaign it's gathered $20,000 of the $50,000 goal, so it's looking promising. Source |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/carry_your_battery_pack_around_the_waist_with_the_ion_belt_now_on_kickstarter-news-14773.php

Gionee Elife S Plus is an octa-core 5.5-incher, Indian launch imminent

Gionee is all set to launch the Elife S Plus phablet in India, apparently. Teasing the device on its Facebook page is part of the story, but the folks over at PhoneRadar have also managed to get their hands on a live unit and some press materials. The smartphone will come with a 5.5-inch AMOLED display protected by Gorilla Glass 3, though the HD resolution isn't spectacular. It will be powered by the Mediatek MT6753 chipset with an octa-core processor coupled with 3GB of RAM. Built-in storage is quoted at 16GB with the option for expansion via microSD. Gionee Facebook teaser • Elife S Plus handled • Press images A 13MP primary camera on the back is paired with a single-LED flash, while the selfie shooter is a 5MP unit. Battery capacity is listed at 3,150mAh and filling up is done through the USB Type-C port on the bottom. The Gionee Elife S Plus will boot Android 5.1.1 Lollipop with the company's home-grown Amigo OS on top, in its 3.1 iteration. The LTE-enabled smartphone will have dual-SIM capability and all of the above will be yours for INR 16,999 ($260). Source 1 Source...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/gionee_elife_s_plus_is_an_octacore_55incher_indian_launch_imminent-news-14776.php

Apple giving $50 off on an Apple Watch when purchased with a new iPhone

Apple will be offering a flat $50 discount on select Apple Watch models in select retail outlets in the US, on purchase of any new iPhone. Customers will be able to get the discount on the Apple Watch Sport and Apple Watch in any color, size or strap combination. The offer is not available on Apple Watch Edition or Apple Watch Hermès. Then again, you really shouldn't be looking for $50 off if you're purchasing either of those variants. The discount is available in select Apple Stores in California and Massachusetts, including Burlingame, Chestnut Street, Corte Madera, Hillsdale, San Francisco and Stonestown in the Bay Area, and Boylston Street, Burlington, CambridgeSide and Chestnut Hill in the Boston metro area. It is not available online. The promotion is available on purchase of any iPhone model till November...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/apple_giving_50_off_on_an_apple_watch_when_purchased_with_a_new_iphone-news-14772.php

Oppo Find 9 reportedly not coming until next year

Last we heard, the Oppo Find 9 was a Snapdragon 810-powered device and was expected to launch in September, something which - quite obviously - didn't happen. Now, a new report out of China is suggesting that the device won't be coming until next year. Reason? The report says it's going be powered by Qualcomm's upcoming SD820 SoC, which the chip giant says doesn't have SD810-like overheating issues, and is expected to be released in Q1 2016. This adds Oppo Find 9 to the list of devices, which includes the Xiaomi Mi 5, that are rumored to feature the chipset. Other rumored specs of the Oppo device include a 5.5 inch 2K display, 4GB RAM, 21MP rear camera, a fingerprint sensor, and Android Lollipop OS. And if this SD820 rumor turns out to be true, it wouldn't be a far stretch to say that the flagship would likely use the SoC's Ultrasonic Fingerprint Recognition technology. Via...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/oppo_find_9_reportedly_not_coming_until_next_year-news-14768.php

Samsung reportedly planning more job cuts

Back in September this year, there were reports that Samsung is planning huge layoffs. While the South Korean company quickly denied those reports, another report followed up claiming that around 1,000 jobs are at stake in China. Image credit: SeongJoon Cho/Bloomberg Now, a new report from the tech giant's home country is claiming that the company is planning to lay off managerial-level workers and executives in an effort to cut more costs. "Samsung's top priority is to save costs. Average workers with mediocre performance are being advised to leave the company with a sizable compensation," the report cited a Samsung official as saying. It was also revealed that the said job cuts will happen in countries where the company has manufacturing units, and respective HR teams have been asked to persuade employees in question to join the "voluntary retirement system." The report also notes that the layoffs are expected to result in Samsung Electronics firing around 30% of its workforce in finance, human resources and marketing...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/report_more_job_cuts_are_coming_to_samsung-news-14767.php

Facebook making changes to its real names policy in wake of criticism

Facebook has announced that it is making a couple of amendments to its 'real names' policy that requires users to use their real name on the social networking website. The announcement came in the wake of an open letter from groups including the Electronic Frontier Foundation, Human Rights Watch, and ACLU of California, claiming the policy is flawed and needs to be fixed. Firstly, those asked to confirm their name will now be given a chance to explain the context and other details related to their choice of name - till now, the company asked only for confirmation, with no room for any sort of explanation. "We want to reduce the number of people who are asked to verify their name on Facebook, when they are already using the name people know them by," said Alex Schultz, Facebook's vice president of growth, in a letter the company. "We want to make it easier for people to confirm their name if necessary." The second change Facebook is making is aimed at making the fake name reporting process less abusable - those reporting will now be required to provide more details on why they are doing so. Both the aforementioned changes are expected to come into effect starting December this year. Back in July this year, a German privacy watchdog said that Facebook cannot force its 'real names' policy on users of the social networking website, and also cannot ask them to provide an official...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/facebook_making_changes_to_its_real_names_policy_in_wake_of_criticism-news-14766.php

Sony Xperia Z5 now available for purchase in Canada

As expected, the Sony Xperia Z5 smartphone - which was made official last month along with its Compact and Premium variants - has been officially launched in Canada, where local carrier Bell is exclusively selling it for CAD 649.95, which translates into just under $500. The handset, which is available in black and white color options in the country, can also be purchased for CAD 199.95 (just over $150) on a regular two-year contract. It's worth mentioning that the Xperia Z5 series isn't yet officially available in the US, although a couple of third-party retailers (Expansys and Amazon) are currently offering the international variants in the country. In the UK however, it went on sale earlier this...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/sony_xperia_z5_now_available_for_purchase_in_canada-news-14765.php

Periscope for Apple TV is now available

Last month, there were reports that Twitter-owned live video streaming service Periscope is developing an app for the fourth generation Apple TV. Well, the company has now announced the availability of that app. "In our living rooms today, broadcast television is the closest thing we have to this. However, as live television becomes more and more produced, it can also become less genuine," Periscope said in a blog post. "This is what excites us about bringing Periscope to the Apple TV — the notion that you, your friends and family, can share what's happening in the world right now, together." As you can see in the GIF image above, you're greeted with a collection of live broadcasts from around the world when you open the app - no account signup needed. The usual experience of comments popping up and floating hearts is also there. At any moment, you can skip to the next broadcast as well as hide comments and hearts. There's also an option to return to the main menu, and the app automatically starts playing the next broadcast after the current one...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/periscope_for_apple_tv_is_now_available-news-14764.php

BlackBerry Priv Verizon variant spotted online

Back in the days, when the BlackBerry Priv was just a rumor, the usually reliable leakster @evleaks revealed that the device - which was known then as the Venice - will be available on all four major US carriers. While none of the carriers have yet mentioned their launch plans for the handset, a Verizon variant has been spotted online. The above image, which was shared by a user on Instagram, clearly shows the device is running on Verizon's network - see the top right corner of the screen. What's more, there's also a notification that reads Enhanced Verizon Store visits. Of course, a random image like this cannot ensure in any way that a Verizon variant of the Priv will indeed be available, let alone when and for how much. However, for existing Verizon customers, it could be a ray of hope, given that the Priv model which is officially up for pre-order in the US isn't compatible with the Big Red, as well as other CDMA carriers like Sprint and US...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/blackberry_priv_verizon_variant_spotted_online-news-14763.php

Google's new Who's Down app is aimed at teens

After a not-so-successful stint with Google+, search giant Google is apparently dipping its toes into the social media waters again - the company has just launched a new app, dubbed Who's Down, that's specifically aimed at teenagers. As you can see in the image above, the app lets you broadcast your availability for whatever you're interested in (for example, lunch, movie, and workout), effectively helping you connect with similarly inclined people. The app, which is available for both iOS and Android, is currently invite-only, and the reason we say it's aimed at teenagers is when you try to sign up for it, you are asked to provide the name of your school alongside your email address. "We're not down to share more details just yet, but check out this page for more info in the meantime," a Google spokesperson said when asked about the app. Google Play link | App Store link |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/googles_new_whos_down_app_is_aimed_at_teens-news-14762.php

Specs of alleged Galaxy A5 successor show up in a GFXBench listing

Just days after it received Bluetooth certification from the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG), the Samsung smartphone carrying model number SM-510F - alleged to be the successor to last year's Galaxy A5 smartphone - has now shown up on GFXBench. The GFXBench listing of the handset reveals that it is powered by Samsung's Exynos 7 Octa SoC with four Cortex-A57 cores and four Cortex-A53 cores that are clocked at 1.6 GHz, and sports a 5.2-inch screen with 1080 x 1920 pixels resolution. It has 2GB RAM, and internal memory should be 16GB. In terms of camera, the SM-510F features a 13MP rear unit and a 5MP front shooter. It runs Android 5.1.1 Lollipop, while connectivity options include Bluetooth, GPS, WiFi, and NFC. Via...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/specs_of_alleged_galaxy_a5_successor_show_up_in_a_gfxbench_listing-news-14761.php

OnePlus almost launched a fitness tracker and a Bluetooth speaker

Here's a surprising revelation: according to its co-founder Carl Pei, OnePlus was on the verge of launching two more products, but decided against both at the last minute. We're talking about a fitness tracker and a Bluetooth speaker. Both of these were apparently just one month away from launch when they were canceled by the Chinese company. A timeline for this happening isn't given, but we assume either of these products could have been the one Carl Pei exclusively told us about back in March. So they may have been prepped for an April release, which eventually never happened. As to why they did this, Carl Pei says the OnePlus crew decided they needed to focus on smartphones, "to ensure we're launching quality products and leave the wearables and speakers to the people who know what they're doing". So that's that then. In the future, OnePlus doesn't seem to be planning to add any new categories to its product line, sticking with the yearly flagship (now the OnePlus 2) and the design-led X range (of which the OnePlus X just got official). There won't be a OnePlus flood of devices coming to all possible price points. The company is also working on improving its customer services and the Oxygen OS that it plasters atop Google's Android. And obviously we shouldn't bet on OnePlus trying once again to enter the wearables market, at least not anytime soon. Source |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/oneplus_almost_launched_a_fitness_tracker_and_a_bluetooth_speaker-news-14760.php

Motorola tells you why you need a shatterproof display through an infographic

Surely you know by now that Motorola has recently introduced what it's calling the world's first smartphone to feature a shatterproof display - the Droid Turbo 2 (as well as its twin headed to international markets, the Moto X Force). For those people who for some reason simply can't imagine why such a screen would be useful to have on a smartphone, Motorola has published an infographic that's all about explaining how "a shattered screen is all too real". Having a cracked or shattered screen on a handset is a surprisingly common occurrence, and people generally don't replace those broken displays because of how much that operation costs. Hence, some are using their devices even if they've cut their fingers on the screen. That's certainly sad. Obviously Motorola's idea here is that if every person out there would buy the Moto X Force or Droid Turbo 2, the world would be a much safer place - for fingers, at least. The full infographic is below for your viewing...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/motorola_tells_you_why_you_need_a_shatterproof_display_through_an_infographic-news-14759.php

Reflexion is OnePlus' own photo app, now out for Android and iOS

OnePlus is surely having a busy week. Just yesterday the Chinese startup unveiled its third smartphone, the OnePlus X, and today it's launching something new already. This isn't a new device, however. Instead, it's a photography-focused app called Reflexion. OnePlus releasing an app may be surprising enough, but perhaps more so is the fact that it's available for both Android and iOS. And of course, on Android, it's not limited to OnePlus devices, so anyone can use it. The video above probably best summarizes what Reflexion is all about. It's a simple app that creates images that are made out of four parts, two of which are reflections of the other two. OnePlus says Reflexion lets you explore "contrasts and harmony in everyday moments", as well as "capture your world, express your unique personality and share it with those you care about". It uses both the rear and the front camera on your phone, each of them capturing one image. These are then transformed by the app into the four component bits of a Reflexion image. Reflexion by OnePlus is free to download in both the iTunes App Store for iOS and the Google Play Store for...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/reflexion_is_oneplus_own_photo_app_now_out_for_android_and_ios-news-14758.php

iPad Pro to be available on November 11, report says

Apple unveiled the iPad Pro at its event at the beginning of September, but so far the company has not announced a release date for the biggest tablet it's ever made. Apple only mentioned the month of November as a time frame for when we should expect the iPad Pro to hit stores. Yet according to a report that is said to come from multiple trustworthy sources, the iPad Pro's release date will be November 11. That's when you'll be able to find it in stock both at physical and online stores. The information only seems to be valid for the US, keep that in mind. The $99 Apple Pencil and the $169 Smart Keyboard for the iPad Pro will also go on sale on November 11, alongside the tablet they're designed for. The iPad Pro itself starts at $799, coming with a 12.9-inch 2,732x2,048 touchscreen. It's powered by Apple's A9X chip, and it has a four speaker...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/ipad_pro_to_be_available_on_november_11_report_says-news-14757.php

You can get a free wireless charger just for activating Samsung Pay

Samsung is now running a new promotion for its mobile payments service, aptly named Samsung Pay. If you activate Samsung Pay and add a valid credit or debit card to it, you can receive a Samsung wireless charger for your phone, totally free. The charger is a $49.99 value, apparently, so this deal is nothing to sneeze at, especially if you are a fan of wireless charging. There are some caveats, however. First off, the offer is only addressed to those who activate Samsung Pay and add a card by November 8. Second, you need to do that on one of only four smartphones: the Samsung Galaxy S6, S6 edge, S6 edge+, or Note5. And finally (though you may have seen this coming), the promo is US-only. If you're eligible, after activating Samsung Pay on your phone, go to this page and register your claim for the free wireless charger. You can do that until November...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/you_can_get_a_free_wireless_charger_just_for_activating_samsung_pay-news-14756.php

Upcoming Xiaomi Redmi Note 2 Pro has its metal back leaked

Xiaomi is apparently working on a slightly improved version of the already available Redmi Note 2 phablet. This is reportedly going to be called Redmi Note 2 Pro, and today out of China comes the first leak about it - purportedly showing us its back casing. This is going to be a smartphone with a metal construction, as you can see. Furthermore, it's going to be the first Xiaomi device to feature a fingerprint scanner. The sensor will be placed underneath the camera and LED flash, on the back of the Redmi Note 2 Pro. By the size of its cutout, we assume the flash will be a dual-LED (and possibly dual-tone) affair. The speaker will be on the lower part of the back, while the power and volume buttons will be on the right side of the phone. The top and bottom parts of its back will be made out of plastic, and that's where all the antennas will live. The Chinese rumor mill pegs the price of the upcoming Redmi Note 2 Pro at around CNY 999, or $158 (€143) at the current exchange rates. One of its most important competitors will be the recently outed Meizu metal. No other details have been uncovered this time around, but according to mumblings in the Chinese media, the Redmi Note 2 Pro will sport a 5.5-inch touchscreen, Qualcomm's Snapdragon 808 at the helm, and at least 2GB of RAM and 16GB of built-in storage. Source (in Chinese) |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/upcoming_xiaomi_redmi_note_2_pro_has_its_metal_back_leaked-news-14755.php

Lenovo Yoga 700 convertible laptop is official, sales start next month

Lenovo has launched the Yoga 700 convertible laptop in 11.6" and 14" size options. While similar in looks, the two Yoga 700 offerings are quite different from one another, save from the 1080p resolution on their touch screens and trademark 4 working positions. The Yoga 700 14" is powered by a Skylake Intel Core i7 with Intel HD Graphics 520. An optional 2GB NVIDIA GeForce GT 940M can be added, too. The base model comes with 8GB of RAM and 128GB SSD, but you can opt in for a 256GB storage. The laptop weighs 1.6kg with a 4-cell Li-Polymer 45Wh battery. Lenovo has equipped the Yoga 700 with 2 x USB 3.0 ports, a single USB 2.0 (also used for charging), a card reader and an HDMI-out. Stereo speakers and Wi-Fi 802.11ac round up the package. As for the 11" Yoga 700, it's quite less powerful with an Intel Core m3 CPU and Intel HD Graphics 515. The smaller 40Wh battery has made it lighter at 1.1kg. The 11" Yoga 700 comes with 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage as standard. There's also just a single USB 3.0 port and micro-HDMI port. Lenovo is pricing the 11" Yoga 700 at $649, while the larger 14" model costs $799. Sales commence from next month. Source |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/lenovo_yoga_700_convertible_laptop_is_official_sales_start_next_month-news-14753.php

HTC ends Q3 2015 on a $139 million loss, stops future earning forecasts

HTC has released its financial results for Q3 2015 and they haven't changed much from the grim unaudited ones outed in the beginning of October. Revenue was $660 million, almost half the $1.3 billion recorded a year ago. Operating loss is $151 million, which is $13 million more than the company's unaudited report suggested. In Q3 2014, the company had just $6.2 million loss. HTC's assets shrunk from $5.1 billion a year ago to $4.2 billion now. Finally, the company officially stated that it will no longer issue guidance for the coming quarters in order to avoid "side effects." We're yet to see if the company's latest One A9 offering will be strong enough to help HTC take a breath of fresh air for Q4. This is a good time to read our One A9 review and judge for yourself if that's going to be the...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/htc_ends_q3_2015_on_a_139_million_loss_stops_future_earning_forecasts-news-14754.php

Microsoft starts selling the Band 2 in the US

The Microsoft Band 2 is now available for purchase in the US. Major retailers, both online and in brick-and-mortar stores, are offering the smartband including Amazon, Best Buy, Dell and Target. Priced at $249, the band is offered in small, medium and large sizes. For the price, Microsoft gives you continuous heart rate monitoring, notification alerts as well as eleven sensors, which combined can track not only running, but also complex weightlifting exercising, rowing, biking, but not swimming. The Microsoft Band 2 comes with a Microsoft Health companion app. It works on Android, iOS and Windows Phone alike and can give you pretty interesting data around your way of life and exercising routines. Best of all, the data that Band 2 collects can be exported to a plethora of popular fitness and activity applications. Source |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/microsoft_starts_selling_the_band_2_in_the_us-news-14752.php

UMI Iron Pro boasts fingerprint and eye security encased in metal

The UMI Iron Pro launched with a metal frame adorned with a number of security features. The affordable 5.5" mid-ranger has a fingerprint reader (works in just 0.32s) on its back and Eyeprint ID, a sensor that uses the unique veins in your eyes for authentication. The chassis is carved out of a single piece of aircraft-grade magnesium-aluminum alloy and measures 7.9mm thick and weighs 148g. Not bad for a 5.5" 1080p screen (LTPS, 403ppi). UMI Iron Pro The UMI Iron Pro is a dual-SIM phone with 150Mbps LTE connectivity. One of the nanoSIM slots can house a microSD card instead (up to 64GB) if the built-in 16GB isn't enough. Additional connectivity includes dual-band Wi-Fi a/b/g/n and USB Type-C. The phone is powered by a MediaTek MT6753 chipset (octa Cortex-A53 at 1.3GHz, Mali-T720 GPU) with a generous 3GB of RAM. It runs Android 5.1 Lollipop out of the box, but UMI Rootjoy lets you choose between a number of ROMs, including CyanogenMod, MIUI 6, Yun OS and others. The camera department is built around a 13MP main camera (Sony IMX 214) with dual-LED flash and f/2.0 lens. On the front is an 8MP selfie camera (OmniVision OV8858) with its own flash and f/2.2 aperture. The Iron Pro boasts a dedicated headphone amp that promises a noise-free experience. The Skyline notification feature is a soft line of light at the bottom, subbing for the regular notification light. You also get a roomy 3,100mAh battery. The UMI Iron Pro can be had for $180 from...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/umi_iron_pro_boasts_fingerprint_and_eye_security_encased_in_metal-news-14751.php

Microsoft Edge will let you cast photos, videos, and music to other devices

Microsoft has released a new Windows 10 Insider Preview Build that brings along various new features, including the ability to cast photos, videos, and music from the Edge web browser to other devices on your network. Dubbed 'Cast media to device', the feature allows you to cast media - like YouTube videos, Facebook photo albums, as well as music from services such as Pandora - from the web browser to any Miracast and DLNA enabled device on your network. However, in case you're looking to beam content from places like Netflix and Hulu, you're currently out of luck as casting protected content is not yet supported. Hopefully, the functionality will be made available in the near future. For other features included in the new Windows 10 build, head to the Source link...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/microsofts_edge_browser_will_let_you_cast_photos_videos_music_to_other_devices-news-14746.php

OnePlus X hands-on: First look

HTC One A9 is not just a phone, it's a corporate rejuvenation. A9 is the boost HTC needs to swim out of the murky waters and claim its piece on the market. HTC may have outed a few very capable phones this year, but it needs a game changer, a statement that the king is still alive and kicking...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/one_plus_x_hands_on-review-1332.php

With iOS 9.1 already rolled out, Apple stops signing iOS 9.0.2

Last week, Apple outed iOS 9.1 for supported iPhones, iPads, and iPod touch devices, bringing more than 150 new emojis and better Live Photos functionality. Now, the Cupertino-based company has stopped signing iOS 9.0.2. Needless to say, this means that if you have already updated your device to iOS 9.1, you won't be able to roll-back to iOS 9.0.2, which was released at the beginning of the month. It's worth mentioning that Chinese team Pangu had earlier this month released a jailbreak tool that works on devices running iOS 9 through 9.0.2. Apple quickly fixed the exploits used by the tool in iOS 9.1, and even credited the Pangu Team for discovering the vulnerabilities. For those who aren't aware, the iPhone-maker has now also released the first public beta of iOS 9.2 that brings several bug fixes and a feature enabling user-installed extensions for Safari while the Web browser is working in third-party...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/apple_is_no_longer_signing_ios_902-news-14748.php

Apple releases Beats Pill+ app for iOS and Android

Apple has released a new app for those who own the Beats Pill+ Bluetooth speaker. The app is not just available on iOS but also on Android. Although you don't need the app to use the product, which works normally like any other Bluetooth speaker system, the app lets you control some additional functionality, such as being able to customize the audio quality, connect two Pill speakers to your device and then adjust their volume individually through the app, connect two audio sources to a single Pill speaker, keep track of the power levels of your Pill speaker and get additional software updates and product support. Both apps are now available on their respective stores. Unfortunately, the Android app is once again being bombarded with 1 star ratings by petty manbabies who literally do not have anything better to do with their time. iOS •...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/apple_releases_beats_pill_app_for_ios_and_android-news-14747.php

Security-focused Tor Messenger enters beta

The Tor Project has announced the availability of the beta version of its security-focused, cross-platform chat application Tor Messenger. "There have been three previous alpha releases to the mailing lists that have already helped smooth out some of the rougher edges," the team behind the messenger said in a blog post. Image credit: Rob LeFebvre/Cult of Mac Tor Messenger is based on Instantbird IM client developed in the Mozilla community. Its USP is that it sends all of its traffic over Tor, an anonymizing network that consists of thousands of nodes (called onion routers) that are located all over the world. It supports various transport networks - including Jabber (XMPP), IRC, Google Talk, Facebook Chat, Twitter, and Yahoo - and uses Off-the-Record (OTR) protocol by default for encrypting your messages. "Tor gives us location anonymity. OTR gives us encryption and secrecy," said Sukhbir Singh, a Tor Messenger developer. Source |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/securityfocused_tor_messenger_enters_beta-news-14745.php

LG's new V10 smartphone begins shipping worldwide

LG has announced that the V10 smartphone, which was announced earlier this month, has started rolling out globally. The United States, China and Hong Kong are getting it this week, while key markets in North America, Europe, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and the Commonwealth of Independent States will get the device sometime this quarter. Over in the US, some of the major carriers including T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon will be carrying the device. The former two have already announced their launch plans - T-mobile begins selling it today, while AT&T will start offering it on November 6. For those interested in more premium look, you can now also get the V10 gold plated from Vietnam-based company Karalux. If you aren't already aware, until now, the handset was only available in the company's home country of South Korea, where - as per reports - it isn't doing very...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/lgs_new_v10_smartphone_begins_shipping_worldwide-news-14744.php

Xperia Z5 and Z5 Compact receiving update with Stagefright patch

The Sony Xperia Z5 and Z5 Compact smartphones, which were made official last month and released this month, are now receiving a software update which brings along fix for the Stagefright exploit. All variants of the aforementioned handsets along with those of the Xperia Z5 Dual are getting the update. Sized at 281MB and carrying a build number of 32.0.A.6.152, the update - according to certain users who've received it - also enhances camera performance, improves heat management, and makes the fingerprint sensor comparatively more accurate. The OTA update is currently rolling out in several regions, so it should hit your device anytime now if it already hasn't. However, if you're feeling impatient, you can also manually check for it through Sony's PC...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/xperia_z5_and_z5_compact_receiving_update_with_stagefright_patch-news-14743.php

Android 6.0 update for HTC One M8 receives Bluetooth SIG certification

Shortly after Android 6.0 made its debut late last month, HTC released a list of smartphones that it said will receive the Marshmallow update. In that list, the company specifically mentioned that its One M9 and One M8 smartphones would get the update towards the end of this year. However, it now looks like the One M8 could get Android 6.0 a bit sooner given that the update for the handset has been certified by Bluetooth SIG. As you can see in the screenshot above, the certification was issued on October 28. Keep in mind that we're just speculating an early arrival of the update as neither the Bluetooth SIG filing contains any specific date related to the roll out, nor there is any other proof of the...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/android_60_update_for_htc_one_m8_receives_bluetooth_sig_certification-news-14741.php

Google to combine Chrome OS and Android into a single operating system

Google is working on merging the Chrome OS and Android into a single operating system. The news was first reported by the Wall Street Journal but has since been confirmed by the search giant. The new OS, which is in the works for the past couple of years, is expected to be ready for a preview next year, but would be launched only in 2017. Image credit: DAVID PAUL MORRIS/BLOOMBERG The move would result in PC users getting access to Google Play, which is currently home to millions of apps. In addition, Chromebooks - the lightweight and portable laptops that got their name from the Chrome OS - will also get a new name. The Chrome browser (both mobile and desktop versions), however, won't be affected in any way. It's worth mentioning that Google's newly-announced CEO Sundar Pichai has been heading both Android and Chrome OS divisions for the past two years. "Mobile as a computing paradigm is eventually going to blend with what we think of as desktop today," he said last week. Via 1...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/google_to_combine_chrome_os_and_android_into_a_single_operating_system-news-14742.php

BLU Studio 7.0 LTE goes official with 7 inch display and dual-SIM

The Miami-based smartphone manufacturer BLU took the wraps off the Studio 7.0 tablets with 4G LTE connectivity and dual-SIM functionality. The unlocked slate is already available to order on Amazon in the United States for $199.99. BLU Studio 7.0 LTE features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 chipset, 1GB of RAM, and 16GB of expandable memory. A 7" 720p display, 8MP main camera, 2MP front-facing snapper, and 3,700mAh battery are also on board. The tablet boots Android 5.1.1 out of the box. The slate is available in four colors. They include Ceramic White, Midnight Grey, Rose Gold and Navy Blue. Source...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/blu_studio_70_lte_goes_official_with_7_inch_display_and_dualsim-news-14740.php

BlackBerry details the Priv's main features on video, launches first ad

BlackBerry has been busy producing videos about its latest smartphone, the Priv. First off, we're treated to one that's all about the features that BlackBerry thinks will be the key differentiators for the Priv in the very crowded smartphone market. The BlackBerry Hub is mentioned, for example, which gives all your communications one simple inbox. The company also bets on the easily accessible pop-up widgets, then goes on to talk about some specs such as the 5.4-inch QHD dual curved screen, the touch-enabled physical keyboard, the "best in class" virtual keyboard, the "colossal" 3,410 mAh battery, and the 18 MP rear camera with Schneider-Kreuznach certification, OIS, and dual-LED flash. The camera can record 4K video at 30fps, we're told, and the DTEK feature alerts you when your privacy is at risk from the apps you've installed. BlackBerry has also outed what seems to be the first TV commercial for the Priv, which you can see above. It's short, it's black and white, and it focuses on privacy - namely, how the BlackBerry Priv can protect yours. Oh, and the word "privilege" is in there...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/blackberry_details_the_privs_main_features_on_video_launches_first_ad-news-14739.php

OnePlus X will have wood, kevlar, and silicone cases available on November 5

Unlike the OnePlus One and OnePlus 2 before it, the newly introduced OnePlus X does not come with a removable back cover. So obviously OnePlus can't sell you replacement backs made out of fancy materials such as wood. However, that hasn't stopped the Chinese company from creating a line of accessories for the OnePlus X. Only these are cases, and not back covers. The materials used are mostly the same as for the OnePlus 2's covers, though. So you'll be able to choose from Rosewood, Sandstone, Black Apricot, Bamboo and Karbon options, along with some silicone cases coming in five colors. Three of the special ones are made from wood, while Karbon features kevlar, and Sandstone is sort of a OnePlus trademark material, having debuted as the default back cover for the 64GB OnePlus One last year. The OnePlus X cases will be available on November 5. The silicone ones and the Sandstone case will be priced at $14.99, while the others will go for $24.99. Oh, and you won't need an invite to buy any of...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/oneplus_x_will_have_wood_kevlar_and_silicone_cases_available_on_november_5-news-14738.php

First public beta of iOS 9.2 is now out

Today Apple has released the first public beta of iOS 9.2. This build first went out to developers a couple of days ago, and now it's available for everyone who's signed up for Apple's beta program for software. As before, if you're in the beta program iOS 9.2 beta 1 will be offered to you as an over-the-air update on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. Once you apply it, you can't turn back to older versions of the OS, keep that in mind. So far only one thing seems to be new in this build, namely the fact that it's now possible to enable user-installed extensions for Safari while the Web browser is working in third-party apps. Obviously some bug fixes are bound to be in too. The final version of iOS 9.1 was only sent out to the public last week, so you should probably expect a few more betas before iOS 9.2 is...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/first_public_beta_of_ios_92_is_now_out-news-14736.php

Nexus 6P teardown yields very low repairability score

There are many differences between the two Nexus smartphones Google announced this year, the Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P. One is cheaper, the other more premium, for example. But there's a new big difference between the two - how easy each of them is to repair. The Nexus 5X teardown which we told you about last week resulted in a 7 out of 10 repairability score, which isn't perfect, but it's not bad either. Now though the Huawei-made Nexus 6P has been put through the same process by the teardown experts at iFixit. And it was found to be in the exact opposite situation compared to its smaller sibling. In fact, the Nexus 6P got only a 2 out of 10 repairability score. The problems include the fact that the display assembly can't be replaced without tearing the whole phone apart, which means that one of the most common repairs for a handset is very difficult to accomplish. Furthermore, tough adhesive is used to hold the rear cover panels and battery in place, and it's very difficult to open the device without damaging the glass camera cover. On the other hand, the phone's solid construction is said to improve durability, and once the opening procedure is complete the battery is easily accessible. As an oddity, the circular-looking fingerprint sensor on the back of the Nexus 6P is actually square - the circle shape is merely due to the round hole in the phone's case. So it turns out that this isn't the exact same sensor as on the Nexus...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/nexus_6p_teardown_yields_very_low_repairability_score-news-14737.php

Samsung's huge Galaxy View tablet lands on November 6 for $599

Samsung finally announced the Galaxy View, its biggest tablet yet, through a press release yesterday. This came after many months of rumors regarding this particular device. While the official unveiling made no mention of its price or a release date, we now know both of those things. The Galaxy View will be out in the US on November 6, and you'll need to pay $599 to pick one up. That amount of cash will net you the Wi-Fi-only iteration bundled with 32GB of storage. Apparently a US carrier will sell the Galaxy View too, at some point in the future. This company hasn't been named, but it's probably going to be AT&T. There's no word yet on other markets when it comes to availability and pricing. The Galaxy View has an 18.4-inch 1080p touchscreen, Samsung's Exynos 7580 SoC at the helm (with a 1.6 GHz octa-core Cortex-A53 CPU), 2GB of RAM, a 2 MP camera, two 4W speakers, and a 5,700 mAh battery. It runs Android 5.1...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsungs_huge_galaxy_view_tablet_lands_on_november_6_for_599-news-14735.php

Moto X Force gets official as the international version of the Droid Turbo 2

The rumor mill was right about this one, too. Motorola's new top of the line smartphone with the world's first shatterproof display may be exclusive to Verizon in the US (where it's known as the Droid Turbo 2), but it's coming to international markets too. And outside of the US it will be known as the Moto X Force. Thus, this is the third Moto X family member to be announced this year, following the Moto X Style and the Moto X Play. Spec-wise, the Moto X Force is identical to the Droid Turbo 2, and it obviously includes that touchscreen that's said to be shatterproof. To back up this claim, Motorola is even offering a four-year warranty covering serious screen damage. The phone will launch in a few key markets first, starting in mid-November, then expanding its rollout next year. One of the countries to get it in the first wave of availability is the UK, where it will cost £499 for the 32GB model and £534 for the one with 64GB of storage. Like the Droid Turbo 2, the Moto X Force can be customized using the Moto Maker tool. The Moto X Force has a 5.4-inch QHD display, a 21 MP rear camera with dual-tone LED flash, a 5 MP selfie cam, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 SoC at the helm, 3GB of RAM, microSD card support, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, NFC, and a 3,760 mAh battery. It runs Android 5.1.1 Lollipop. Source | Via 1 • Via...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/moto_x_force_gets_official_as_the_international_version_of_the_droid_turbo_2-news-14734.php

Microsoft gives away a free Display Dock with each Lumia 950 XL in UK and DE

Microsoft Lumia 950 and Lumia 950 XL are the first Windows 10 running smartphones. Both are powerful enough to use the so-called Continuum feature - that's the ability to turn your phone into a full-fledged PC by plugging in an external monitor and a keyboard via the Microsoft Display Dock. This in theory make for lighter packing when traveling or save you the expense of a standalone computer. Both Lumia smartphones are now available on pre-order as is the Display Dock, required for the phone-to-PC magic. This small gadget is quite expensive though, it costs about €75 in Europe. Luckily, Microsoft will be throwing this dock for free if you get a Lumia 950 XL via the Microsoft's official online stores in UK and Germany. The dock itself won't come bundled with your Lumia 950 XL though. Instead you'll get a promo voucher and you'll have to order it for free from the Microsoft Online Store. "Buy a Lumia 950 XL and get a free Microsoft Display Dock * * Valid with purchase of 950 XL and offer registration between 20th November 2015 and 31st January 2016, while supplies last. Redeem promotional code through the online Microsoft Store by 28th February 2016. Valid credit or debit card required at time of redemption. Terms and Conditions apply." We hope other Microsoft stores across the globe offer the same promotion - it's sure a clever way to make more people switch to Windows 10. This promotion does NOT apply for the regular Lumia 950. Both Lumia 950 (€599) and Lumia 950 XL (€699, £530) will kick off on November 28. Microsoft UK • Microsoft DE •...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/microsoft_gives_away_a_free_display_dock_with_each_lumia_950_xl_in_uk_and_de-news-14733.php

LG's quarterly results show declining smartphone shipments, company still posts a profit

LG's mobile division turned in its quarterly with mixed feelings. It sold 8.1 million LTE smartphones worldwide for the quarter, a record for the company. Also, in North America revenues went up by 36% on a yearly basis, driven largely by the successfully mid-range smartphones and tablets. Now for the bad news - performance in its home country of South Korea isn't as stellar and the premium segment saw a weaker demand, which affected the overall profitability. Revenues are up 1% to $3.33 billion, however shipments by units is 3% lower for a total of 14.1 million. The mobile division posted a loss of $67.8 million. LG will implement a dual strategy going forward, it will focus on premium devices as well as mid-rangers for emerging markets. The LG Home Entertainment Company reported a declining operating margin due to a weak global market for LCD TVs and negative currency effects. The company does expect the market to improve, especially the market for 4K TVs. LG will expand its OLED line too and offer new designs and better prices. The TV division brought in $222 million in operating profits. As a whole the company turned in a profit of $206 million in an "extremely challenging environment." Source |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/lgs_quarterly_results_show_declining_smartphone_shipments_company_still_posts_a_profit-news-14732.php

Alcatel Fierce XL: 5.5'' Android with Polaroid camera for MetroPCS, T-Mobile

Alcatel unveiled a low-cost, large-screened Android for one of the smaller carriers in the US, MetroPCS. The Alcatel Fierce XL will cost $139 when it launches on November 2. It will be available on T-Mobile alter this winter too. The phone has an 8MP main camera plus a 2MP selfie camera, which are bundled with Polaroid Photo Editing Software. The Polaroid camera mode will enable a variety of filters and borders, including the iconic Polaroid border. Single, double and multi-shots can be assembled in custom layouts with time, location and note added. Alcatel Fierce XL The Alcatel Fierce XL features a 5.5" IPS screen with 720p resolution (267ppi) and runs Android 5.1.1 Lollipop. At its heart is a Snapdragon 210 chipset (quad-core Cortex-A53 @ 1.1GHz) with 2GB of RAM and 16GB of expandable storage. The phone supports up to 150Mbps LTE speeds along with VoLTE, HD Voice and Wi-Fi calling. The smallish 2,500mAh battery is good for 12 hours of talk time. "A smartphone has to be more than a respectable list of specs, it has to deliver an engaging and value-focused consumer experience, and this is where Fierce XL delivers," said Jon Maron, Vice President of Marketing and Communications for Alcatel...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/alcatel_fierce_xl_55_android_with_polaroid_camera_for_metropcs_tmobile-news-14728.php

Sony ends Q3 2015 profitable thanks to PlayStation, image sensors

In spite of a lagging mobile division, Sony announced today it ended Q3 with a profit. The company's PlayStation and image sensor divisions are to thank for the $278 million (JPY 33.6 billion) profit. Overall revenue for the quarter is down 0.5% over a year ago to $15.8 billion, partly because of the strong dollar. Operating profit came in at $733 million. Sony Mobile revenue is also down by 15% from over a year ago reaching $231 for the quarter. Sony surely remembers Q3 2014's loss of $1.58 billion, so this quarter's $172 million isn't as bad. The company explains the low smartphone sales with its "strategic decision not to pursue scale in order to improve profitability." The game and network services division, from which the PlayStation 4 is part of, rose 16.5% year-over-year and account to $3 billion in revenue and $199 million profit. The company's image sensor division continues to be one of the company's most important parts with $215 million profit on $1.5 billion...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/sony_ends_q2_2015_on_a_profit_thanks_to_playstation_and_image_sensor_divisions-news-14731.php

Qualcomm refutes Snapdragon 820 overheating rumors

A couple of days ago, there were rumors that Qualcomm's upcoming Snapdragon 820 chipset has overheating issues just like its predecessor SD810, and Samsung - which is manufacturing the SoC - is working to fix to the problem. Now, Qualcomm has responded to the aforementioned rumors, clarifying that there are no such issues with the chipset. The company also said that the SoC currently meets its design specifications, and will continue to be enhanced. FYI, Qualcomm's response on the matter came in the form of a Weibo post. The said rumor came over a month after Qualcomm revealed details about the chipset at an event where Snapdragon 617 and Snapdragon 430 SoCs were also announced. For those who aren't already aware, Samsung is reportedly busy testing the SD820 for integration inside its next Galaxy S7...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/qualcomm_refutes_snapdragon_820_overheating_rumors-news-14730.php

IDC: Q3 smartphone shipments were second highest on record

A total of 355.2 million smartphones were shipped worldwide in Q3 this year, which is the second highest number on record, according to a latest report from market research firm IDC. When compared to Q3 2014, that's a 6.8% growth - a total of 332.6 million units were shipped in that period. The total number of smartphones shipped in Q3 this year, however, was less than what was predicted (363.8 million) by IDC, which blamed slightly lower than expected iPhone shipments and pricey Android flagships for it. As for individual smartphone vendors, Samsung again topped the list with 84.5 million units shipped, up 6.1% from last year, while Apple came in second with total shipments of 48.0 million units, up 22.2% from the 39.3 million units last year. Chinese companies Huawei, Lenovo, and Xiaomi rounded up the top five. It's worth mentioning here that IDC's estimate for Huawei's Q3 shipments (26.5 million) is less than what the Chinese company itself revealed yesterday. "The vendor landscape and product offerings are really unique at the moment as many markets are seeing consumers become more aware of alternative buying options when it comes to paying for their smartphone," said Ryan Reith, Program Director with IDC's Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker. "In mature and subsidized markets, we now have a wide range of operators offering equipment installation plans (EIP), as well as early trade-in options. At the same time the number of unlocked/off-contract offerings has increased significantly and it's slowly starting to resonate with consumers. Within these markets these moves will put pressure directly on Android OEMs with offerings that are greater than...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/idc_q3_smartphone_shipments_were_second_highest_on_record-news-14726.php

Former Apple creative director is Huawei's new chief UX designer

Chinese smartphone manufacturer Huawei has hired Apple's former creative director Abigail Sarah Brody as its new chief UX designer. She will also be serving as the vice president of Huawei's Device & Consumer division. A quick look at Brody's LinkedIn profile reveals that she has worked with multiple Fortune 500 companies in her 20 years carrier. At Apple, she worked with the team that designed iOS 1 for the first-gen iPhone. In addition, she also worked on the company's cloud-storage service iCloud as well as ProKit, which is Apple's internal professional application design language. As for Huawei, the company seems to be doing quite well lately. It is now China's top smartphone vendor and claims the third spot globally. The company has just revealed that it shipped 27.4 million smartphones in Q3 this year, compared to 16.8 million it shipped in the same period last year. Source |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/huawei_hires_former_apple_creative_director_as_as_chief_ux_designer-news-14727.php

The OnePlus X is a Snapdragon 801 5-incher with a Ceramic body option

OnePlus is diversifying its current portfolio of one model (spreading two generations) with the brand new OnePlus X. Announced today, the new smartphone will fight a whole different battle - where the OnePlus One and 2 were meant as flagships on a budget, the X aims to put design on top of its list of priorities. The OnePlus X comes in a choice of either Onyx or Ceramic attire. Both versions feature an anodized metal frame with 17 grooves etched into it. The first one has a black glass panel on its back with a glossy mirror-like finish, nothing out of the ordinary. It's the Ceramic version where things go bonkers. The panel takes 25 days to manufacture, OnePlus says, and starts its life as a 0.5mm zirconia mold heated in a 1480-degree furnace for more than 28 hours. It's then left to cool down for two whole days, goes through some polishing and in the end is good for an 8.5H hardness rating on the Mohs scale. The thing is also a smartphone, and comes with a 5-inch FullHD AMOLED display. The aging, but still somewhat relevant Snapdragon 801 chipset is in charge, coupled with 3GB of RAM. There's a modest 16GB of built-in storage, expandable via microSD. Mind you, one of the card slots is of the hybrid variety - you can forget about having a couple of SIMs and a microSD inside at the same time. OnePlus X press images Imaging is taken care of by a 13MP primary camera, with an ISOCELL sensor courtesy of Samsung and an f/2.2 lens. It can't shoot 4K video though, despite the fact that the chipset supports it. The front camera uses a 8MP OmniVision imager behind a slower f/2.4 lens. The OnePlus X measures 140 x 69 x 6.9mm, which should please compact phone lovers. The Onyx version tips the scales at 138g, while the Ceramic one adds a hefty 22g on top of that - you'd constantly be reminded you're carrying a rock of sorts in your pocket. You'd be getting a basic, but all-round connectivity suite - multi band 2G/3G/4G, single-band Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, and GPS with GLONASS and BDS. The phone boots Android 5.1.1 (so no Marshmallow just yet) with OxygenOS on top. An average-sized 2,520mAh battery provides power. The OnePlus X is priced at $249/£199 for the Onyx variant, while the Ceramic variant commands a whopping £70 premium and won't be sold in the States. And by the way only 10,000 of those will be made. Talk about...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/the_oneplus_x_is_a_snapdragon_801_5incher_with_a_ceramic_body_option-news-14729.php

Huawei ships 27.4M smartphones in Q3, 4M P8 units

Last week, market research firm Canalys revealed that Huawei has surpassed Xiaomi to become China's largest smartphone manufacturer in Q3 2015. While the firm did not share the exact shipment numbers, Huawei has now revealed that it shipped a total of 27.4 million smartphones last quarter. The information was revealed by the Chinese company in a tweet (see below). Thanks to our fans, 27.4M smartphones were shipped in Q3 and 4M #HuaweiP8's were shipped since April. #HuaweiFacts pic.twitter.com/p00SLWp2vv— Huawei Device (@HuaweiDevice) October 28, 2015 For comparison, a total of 16.8 million smartphones were shipped in the same period last year. In addition, it was also revealed that the company has shipped 4 million units of the Huawei P8 smartphone ever since it was launched back in April this year. For those who aren't aware, the company recently launched the Honor 5X in China, and has schduled a November 5 event for Kirin 950 chipset...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/huawei_ships_274m_smartphones_in_q3_4m_p8_units-news-14725.php

Samsung's Q3 earnings report reveals first profit growth in two years

Samsung has released its earnings report for the third quarter, and as expected, the company has registered its first profit growth in the last two years. The report reveals an operating profit of around $6.4 billion, which is an impressive increase from $3.6 billion it reported in the same period last year. Overall revenues stood at $45.6 billion, up from $41.7 billion in Q3 2014. The South Korean company said the increase in revenue was driven mainly by the Semiconductor Business and the Display Panel segment. It was also revealed that operating profits increased by $440 million QoQ due to a favorable exchange rates, although Samsung made it clear that it expects QoQ earnings to decline in Q4 as it does not expect the foreign exchange rate to have a positive effect in the quarter. Looking at the company's mobile division, operating profit stood at $2.1 billion, up from $1.54 billion it reported in Q3 last year, but down QoQ. "Samsung saw a significant increase in sales of smartphones in the quarter, compared with the second quarter with increased shipments of Galaxy Note5, Galaxy S6 Edge+ and the Galaxy A and J series," the company said. "However, due to the price adjustment of Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge, and increased shipments of mid-to-low end smartphones, revenue increased slightly whereas profit decreased QoQ." Looking ahead, Samsung is expecting tablet and smartphone sales to improve QoQ due to higher market demand companies generally see in the year-end holiday season. Source |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsungs_q3_earnings_report_reveals_first_profit_growth_in_two_years-news-14724.php

YouTube Red ad-free subscription service is now live in US

As promised, Google has launched the YouTube Red ad-free subscription service in the United States. Although it's priced at $9.99 a month, it comes with a one-month free trial so you can get a taste of it before you start paying for it. For those who aren't aware, the new service - aside from being ad-free - also lets you save videos on your mobile for viewing offline, as well as supports background playback. Google has also promised that YouTube Red will soon feature new original shows and movies made by "some of YouTube's biggest creators." Also what's worth mentioning is that the service comes bundled with Google Play Music - conversely, those already subscribed to Play Music will also get access to YouTube Red for no additional...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/youtube_red_adfree_subscription_is_now_live_in_us-news-14723.php

Xbox One Kinect bundle and Kinect for Xbox One receive price cuts

Microsoft has announced a limited-period price cut for both Xbox One Kinect bundle and standalone Kinect for Xbox One units. While the price of the former has been dropped by $100, the latter has received a $50 price cut. The Xbox One with Kinect bundle - which includes 500GB Xbox One console, Kinect sensor, Xbox One wireless controller, as well as full game downloads of Dance Central Spotlight, Kinect Sports Rivals, and Zoo Tycoon full - is now available in the US, Canada, and Mexico for $399, CAD 449, and MXN 7,999, respectively. On the other hand, Standalone Kinect for Xbox One units are now selling in these countries for $99, CAD 109, and MXN 1,999, respectively. There is, however, no information on how long the promotion will last, so those interested should act...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/xbox_one_kinect_bundle_and_kinect_for_xbox_one_receive_price_cuts-news-14722.php

Alleged Samsung Galaxy A5 successor passes Bluetooth SIG certification

Over a week after its showed up on Zauba, a website which tracks India's import and export, the Samsung device - which is alleged to be the successor to last year's Galaxy A5 smartphone - has received Bluetooth certification from the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG). Keep in mind that the reason the new handset is being said to be the sequel to the Galaxy A5 is its model number, which is SM-510F - the A5, in comparison, carries a model number of SM-A500. From what is known till now, the SM-510F will sport a a 5.2-inch display, compared to the 5-inch screen the A5 features. And the certification now reveals that the device will support Bluetooth version...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/alleged_samsung_galaxy_a5_successor_passes_bluetooth_sig_certification-news-14721.php