Next-gen Samsung Galaxy A3 and A5 stop by FCC - large 2,900mAh battery in the A5

There's a certain set of stops a smartphone needs to make before it's allowed to hit the stores and in the US one such hurdle is the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Its database is often a source of intel on upcoming model launches and in this case we're talking about the Samsung Galaxy A3 (2016) and the Galaxy A5 (2016). Now, the vast majority of the data, included in one such filing, is dry legal documentation and not readily digestible test results. You're also unlikely to care about the FCC certification label placement, even more so now that manufacturers have generally switched to e-labels - a menu item buried somewhere in the settings. Both the A3 (2016) and A5 (2016) will have one those, by the way. Samsung Galaxy A5 (2016) menu screenshot But the one concrete bit of info, revealed by the FCC (or Samsung, whoever took the screenshot and put in the docs) on this occasion, is the A5 (2016) battery capacity and it's a very generous 2,900mAh. That's a substantial 600mAh increase over this year's Galaxy A5, which was already a dependable performer in the battery department, as we established during our review time with it. The next-gen A3's papers aren't as revealing, though, so no precise numbers there. The Galaxy A5 (2016) was already spotted in live images, once alongside the A7 (2016), and next to the A3 (2016) a week earlier. There was a certain inconsistency between the two sightings, but we'll be finding sooner rather than later which one is the real deal. Source 1 Source 2 |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/nextgen_samsung_galaxy_a3_and_a5_stop_by_fcc__large_2900mah_battery_in_the_a5-news-15146.php

Jawbone cuts 60 more jobs, closes New York office

After laying off 20 employees back in June this year, fitness wearable maker Jawbone has cut 60 more jobs, which translates into 15% of the company's total employee strength. The layoffs are global and aren't aimed at any particular area of the company's business - if you aren't in the know, the company also manufactures speakers and Bluetooth headsets. In addition to the layoffs, the company is also shutting its New York office and scaling down satellite operations in Sunnyvale and Pittsburgh. "Jawbone's success over the past 15 years has been rooted in its ability to evolve and grow dynamically in a rapidly scaling marketplace," said a company spokesperson. "As part of our strategy to create a more streamlined and successful company, we have made the difficult decision to reorganize the company which has had an impact on our global workforce. We are sad to see colleagues go, but we know that these changes, while difficult for those impacted, will set us up for greater success." The company recently entered the Indian market in partnership with e-commerce giant Amazon. Via | Image via...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/jawbone_announces_more_laysoffs_15_employees_affected-news-15141.php

Unlocked HTC One A9 starts receiving November security update

The day HTC unveiled its upper-midrange offering One A9 last month, the company also revealed that the device will receive every Android update within 15 (business) days of the Nexus line having received it. True to its promise, the Taiwanese company has just announced that the November security update has started rolling out to the handset in the US. The newest unlocked #HTCOneA9 update is rolling out & includes camera improvements, bug fixes and the latest Android security improvements.— HTC USA (@HTCUSA) November 21, 2015 As you can see above, the announcement came in the form of a tweet, where-in the company also noted that aside from latest Android security improvements, the update also brings camera improvements and some bug fixes. The update details and its imminent rollout was earlier also confirmed by HTC's Mo Versi on Twitter: HTC One A9 Unlocked Owners! The latest security updates (Nov) including improvements to the camera and battery will be OTA'd out tonight!— Mo Versi (@moversi) November 21, 2015 Source 1 2 |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/unlocked_htc_one_a9_starts_receiving_november_security_update_-news-15140.php

Apple guides you through what you already know in a new Apple Pay video

Apple has posted a video on its official YouTube channel, promoting the use of its mobile payment service. The Apple Pay walk-through reminds users of the system's benefits in terms of ease of use and security. Compatible terminals in physical stores or in-app purchases, it's equally easy and happens with a simple touch on the, well, TouchID. The video goes on to point out how straightforward the setup process is by guiding viewers on how to add a new bank card. Ironically, the how-to wraps up with an acknowledgment that "you already knew that". We're guessing the timing of the video's release has a lot to do with Apple Pay's expansion to new territories and the need for educating early adopters there - the service was launched in Canada earlier this week, and in Australia just...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/apple_guides_you_through_what_you_already_know_in_a_new_apple_pay_video-news-15142.php

Entry-level Oppo A33 with 5-inch display and SD410 SoC launched

Certified by TENAA back in September this year, the low-end Oppo A33 smartphone has now been launched. It is powered by a Snapdragon 410 SoC with 1.2 GHz quad-core Cortex-A53 CPU, and sports a 5-inch (960×540 pixel resolution) display. The handset comes with 2GB RAM and 16GB internal memory, and packs in a 2,400mAh battery. In terms of camera, the Oppo A33 features 8MP rear unit and a 5MP front shooter. Weighing in at 146 gms and measuring 142.7 × 71.7 × 7.55 (mm), the device runs the company's own Android 5.1 Lollipop-based ColorOS 2.1. Connectivity options include Bluetooth 4.0, MicroUSB 2.0, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, and GPS/A-GPS. Available in both black and white color options, the smartphone has only been launched in China, where it carries a price tag of RMB 1,499 (around $235), although it's listed as 'out of stock' currently. Source (translated) |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/entrylevel_oppo_a33_with_snapdragon_410_soc_launched-news-15139.php

Microsoft's new app shows how few of your Android apps are on Windows Phone

Microsoft has released a new app called AppComparison for Android. The purpose of this app is to show you how many of your existing Android apps are available on Windows Phone. When you install the app, it scans your phone to find all the installed apps. Then it asks you to choose the category of apps you are most interested in. Then it will show you all the apps on Windows Phone that have a direct equivalent to the apps installed on your phone, or the nearest equivalent (HERE Maps for Google Maps, etc.). As you can tell, not a lot of the Android apps have direct equivalents on Windows Phone, although you could find some similar ones. Unfortunately, even if the app does show a seemingly long list of identical or similar apps to the ones you have installed, it says nothing about the quality of those apps. Instagram, for example, is still in an extremely outdated beta stage on Windows Phone, Twitter app is also incredibly outdated, Snapchat doesn't even have an app on Windows Phone, and neither does Google for any of its services. The unfortunate side effect of this app then is that it further illustrates the massive gaps in terms of app quantity and quality between Android and Windows Phone, which doesn't do Microsoft's platform any favors. Microsoft had made a similar app in the past called 'Switch to Windows Phone' and it didn't work so well back then, either. Windows Phone has many strengths, and apps isn't one of them. Microsoft would do well by focusing on the strengths than the weaknesses. Download •...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/microsofts_new_app_shows_how_few_of_your_android_apps_are_on_windows_phone-news-15143.php

Google to reportedly launch Play Store in China next year

Reuters is reporting that Google is planning to launch a Chinese version of its Play Store sometime in 2016. Sources cited by the publication say that the launch could happen between February and early summer next year. As per the report, it would be a completely localized product featuring local payments options including Alipay and WeChat Payment, with no connection to any overseas version of Google Play whatsoever. The groundwork for the launch is already in progress, the report notes, adding that a successful launch would pave way for other Google products and services in the Asian country. Of course, the Mountain View, California based company will have to comply with Chinese government's laws related to data storage and content filtering if it is to go ahead with the launch. So, if the report turns out to be true, it would be an important development given that the search giant pulled out of China five years ago in part over concerns about government...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/google_to_reportedly_launch_play_store_in_china_next_year-news-15138.php

Sony CEO refutes mobile unit sale and in-house chipset rumors

Last month, Sony CEO Kazuo Hirai said if the company's mobile division doesn't turn profitable within a year, they'll consider "alternative options." This led to a widespread perception that the company would sell off the unit if it remains unprofitable. However, in a recent interview with media outlets in China, Hirai - who became president and CEO of Sony back in 2012 - refuted the perception, clearly saying that there are no plans to sell the company's mobile division. Reportedly, Sony might continue restructuring its business and cut production costs to restore profit margins. When asked to comment on recent rumors suggesting Sony's entrance in smartphone chipset market next year, Hirai simply rejected the rumors, saying the Japanese company isn't planning to come up with a in-house mobile...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/sony_ceo_refutes_mobile_unit_sale_and_inhouse_chipset_rumors-news-15136.php

Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow update begins rolling out

Google has apparently started rolling out the Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow update. According to a tweet from the usually reliable leakster @LlabTooFeR, the update is currently only rolling out to Android One devices. As I said 2 days ago. Android 6.0.1 become available for Android One program... pic.twitter.com/ap8NL4lImE— LlabTooFeR (@LlabTooFeR) November 20, 2015 As for the update, reports say that it's a minor one bringing some bug fixes and stability improvements, although a quick look at the image shared by @LlabTooFeR (see above) suggests that it also includes Google's December security patch. Reportedly, the Cherry Mobile G1 smartphone in the Philippines is among the first Android One devices to receive the Android 6.0.1 update. Via 1...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/android_601_marshmallow_update_begins_rolling_out-news-15135.php

Rdio will begin cancelling user subscriptions starting November 23

Earlier this week, it was announced that streaming music service Rdio will shut down, with Pandora acquiring its technology and staff. Now, Rdio has provided some details on what would happen to users' subscriptions. The company said that starting November 23, users will see their subscriptions getting cancelled on their next billing date, meaning they won't be automatically charged thereon. "Rest assured that your subscription will remain active for any period of time you've already been billed," the company said in a blog post, adding that after their subscription ends, users will still be able to access ad-supported stuff until the service goes offline. In addition, Rdio said that it will also no longer take new subscriptions starting November...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/rdio_will_begin_cancelling_subscriptions_starting_november_23-news-15137.php

Xiaomi Mi 4 passes through FCC

The Xiaomi Mi 4 flagship smartphone, which was released back in August last year, has been certified by the FCC in the US. This comes less than a month after the company's Redmi 2 Pro handset passed through the agency. Unfortunately, aside from the information related to the tests carried out by the agency, the Mi 4 FCC certification documents do not contain anything else (such as images of the smartphone, or its specifications). So, we assume that the model certified by the agency is the same that has been already outed. Specs-wise, the Mi 4 is powered by a Snapdragon 801 SoC with quad-core 2.5 GHz Krait 400 CPU and Adreno 330 GPU, and sports a 5.0 inch (1080 x 1920 pixel resolution) IPS display. It comes with 3GB RAM and 16/64GB internal memory options, and packs in a 3080 mAh battery. In terms of camera, the handset features a 13MP rear unit and an 8MP front shooter. Weighing in at 149 gms and measuring 139.2 x 68.5 x 8.9 mm, the device runs Android 4.4.3 (KitKat) - the US variant could be running an upgraded version though. Source |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_mi_4_passes_through_fcc-news-15134.php

OnePlus X Ceramic limited edition lands on November 24

The OnePlus X may already be available (if you have an invite at least), but only in one of its two versions. So far we've only seen the glass variation of the phone hitting the streets, but at its launch OnePlus also promised a much more exclusive ceramic edition of the X. And thanks to an announcement today, we now know that this should become available on November 24, which is next Tuesday. It's still unclear how you'll be able to purchase one, but it's safe to assume that you will need an invite, this being OnePlus and all. The Ceramic edition of the OnePlus X will cost £269 or €369 depending on where you are. Do note however that this version of the phone will not be sold in North America. Only 10,000 units will be made, so it might not be available for long. The limited run of this model has to do with how much time it takes to turn "exquisite zirconia" from Australia into the OnePlus X Ceramic. It's a 25-day process, believe it or not, that among many other things involves baking the zirconia at a temperature of 1,480 degrees Celsius for 28 hours. Other than what it's made from, this OnePlus X is identical to its glass-clad sibling. So it has the same 5-inch 1080p touchscreen, 13 MP rear camera, 8 MP selfie snapper, Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 chipset, 3GB of RAM, 16GB of expandable storage, dual-SIM functionality, 4G LTE, and 2,525 mAh battery. It runs Android 5.1.1...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/oneplus_x_ceramic_limited_edition_lands_on_november_24-news-15133.php

iPhone 7 might come with 3GB of RAM and waterproofing

Sure, the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus are only a couple of months old at this point, but we're already starting to hear rumors and predictions regarding their successors. One such report came out from research company TrendForce. It says two things will stand out in the next generation of iPhones: 3GB of RAM and waterproofing. These are supposed to be the defining new features of the next iPhones. However, it's possible that only the iPhone 7 Plus will get its memory bumped up. On the other hand, both models should be waterproof, marking a first for Apple - though this is something quite common in the Android world, especially when it comes to Sony devices. The same source reiterates that we'll see a new 4-inch iPhone next year (and pegs its release in the second quarter, so from April to June), and understandably says the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus will be unveiled sometime during the second half of 2016. TrendForce estimates that Apple will sell 260 million iPhones next year, 12.5% more than in 2015. It won't, however, manage to take the smartphone sales crown from Samsung, which is expected to move around 310 million units. Source |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/iphone_7_might_come_with_3gb_of_ram_and_waterproofing-news-15132.php

Xiaomi smartwatch rumored to be outed at November 24 event too

We already know that Xiaomi plans on unveiling both the Redmi Note 2 Pro smartphone and the Mi Pad 2 tablet at its big event on November 24. That's because the Chinese company itself has already teased these devices. Now though it turns out that there may be (at least) a third product starring in Xiaomi's show: a smartwatch. According to a leakster based in China, the company will also present a Mi watch at that event. This would be Xiaomi's first smartwatch, following two iterations of the very successful Mi Band fitness tracker. Sadly no other details have been outed just yet, but we're mere days away from the event anyway. So we're bound to find out if this rumor's been true pretty soon. Source (in Chinese) |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_smartwatch_rumored_to_be_outed_at_november_24_event_too-news-15131.php

New Samsung Gear S2 promo video is all about that rotating bezel

Today Samsung has outed a fresh new promo video for its latest smartwatch (and its first round wearable), the Gear S2. We'd call this an ad, but at over two minutes it's unlikely you'll ever see the full version on TV. The new video is all about the rotating bezel that the Gear S2 features (unlike any of its competitors). Interestingly enough, the previous such commercial from the Korean company was also focused on the rotating bezel of the smartwatch, so it's clear that it thinks this is a big differentiating feature for its product. This time around, though, Samsung's gone with a big, synchronized choreography to get the point across. With every turn of the bezel, an app comes to life, as you can...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/new_samsung_gear_s2_promo_video_is_all_about_that_rotating_bezel-news-15130.php

Samsung W2016 high-end clamshell gets official in China

Samsung has made a new clamshell smartphone official in China today. It's called W2016, and we've already seen it passing through TENAA not long ago. That said, it appears not to bear the Galaxy Golden 3 name as previously anticipated. The W2016 is now listed on Samsung's official website for China, but oddly enough there isn't a proper spec list over there, at least not yet. So when it comes to the handset's innards, we'll have to mostly rely on TENAA's data. The Samsung W2016 thus comes with two 3.9-inch 1,280x768 Super AMOLED touchscreens, a 16 MP rear camera with LED flash, a 5 MP selfie shooter, the Exynos 7420 SoC at the helm, 3GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, 4G+ and dual-SIM support, and a 2,000 mAh battery. It runs Android 5.1 Lollipop. It has support for both fast charging and wireless charging. Like Samsung's top of the line smartphones of 2015, the W2016 is built only with metal and glass. It's apparently 15.1 mm thick, and it weighs 204g. It's said to cost a whopping CNY 9,999, which is $1,565 or €1,470 at the current exchange rates. So this is one for clamshell lovers who are also quite rich. There are two color options as you can see, grey and gold. For now, it's only out in China and only for China Mobile. And you probably shouldn't expect it to ever be officially sold elsewhere. Source (in Chinese) | Via (in...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_w2016_highend_clamshell_gets_official_in_china-news-15129.php

Huawei Watch review: Smart and pretty

Smartwatches offer few practical uses, have terrible battery life, and are little more than plasticky toys - you've heard the rants. Well, while we're waiting for developments on the first two counts, the Huawei Watch addresses the last one.

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/huawei_watch-review-1340.php

Apple admits problem with iPad Pros freezing after charging

Some users have reported problems with the iPad Pro freezing after charging and unable to respond to pressing the wake or home buttons. Users are suggesting the culprit is iOS 9.1. Hopefully this is the case since a simple software update to iOS 9.2 can fix the issue. Apple released a short support document explaining how to fix the issue. You need to force-restart the iPad Pro by holding the sleep/wake and home button together for 10 seconds. Source |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/apple_admits_problem_with_ipad_pros_freezing_after_charging-news-15128.php

Google releases source code for Brillo

Google released Brillo's source code for connected things. Manufacturers of appliances and home gadgets can start developing Brillo for their own products. Back in May at I/O, Google announced it was working on a project called Brillo. Brillo was to be derived of Android as a barebones OS with a minimal footprint. Requiring the very lowest of hardware to operate, Brillo promises to be the OS for your connected things, gadgets, and appliances. The idea is for connected things to work together seamlessly and share a standardized language for easier...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/google_released_source_code_for_brillo-news-15127.php

Sony is working on PS2 backward compatibility for PlayStation 4

The season's hot Star Wars PlayStation 4 bundle includes a special edition of the console, the anticipated Battlefront game and four downloadable classics - Super Star Wars, Star Wars: Raced Revenge, Star Wars: Jedi Starfighter, and Star Wars: Bounty Hunter. As it turns out those four games, once downloaded, are actually untouched PS2 ROMs running via emulator on the PS4 console. Naturally Sony was asked to respond on these findings and the official statement confirms Sony is prepping a PS2 emulator for the PS4. "We are working on utilizing PS2 emulation technology to bring PS2 games forward to the current generation ... We have nothing further to comment at this point in time." It seems Microsoft's bold move to add Xbox 360 backward compatibility on the Xbox One finally worried Sony and made the Japanese company take additional actions. Shortly after Microsoft announced its plans to add X360 emulation on the X1, Sony was asked for comment and the reps said the company had no plans for backward compatibility outside the PlayStation Now streaming service PS3 games. The PlayStation Now service is a subscription-based streaming of PS3 games on a PS4, selected Sony Bravia TVs and Samsung Smart TVs. It requires a compatible PS4, PS Vita or just a smart TV, a DualShock 4 controller and $20 per month. This seemed like a tempting workaround for those not owning physical copies of the games, but not so much for fans with the original discs still in their collection. Now that Microsoft released the Xbox 360 emulator on the Xbox One with the latest software update, many people are opting for the Xbox One as a great holiday gift instead of the PlayStation 4. Sure, the PS4 has a great sales record so far with Microsoft always needing to catch up, but it seems things may change in a few months. Many of you will probably ask - why not PS3 instead of PS2? First - there is the PlayStation Now service, which we doubt Sony will retire after all the investments it made to make it happen. And second, the PS3 hardware was a lot more complex than the X360 and it may be impossible to make a proper emulator anyway. So, Sony is going to bring PS2 compatibility on the PS4. Are you...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/sony_is_working_on_ps2_backward_compatibility_for_playstation_4-news-15124.php

AT&T Lumia 950 now available for purchase through Microsoft Store

Less than a week after the Lumia 950 XL officially went up for pre-order in the US, its smaller sibling Lumia 950 is now also available for purchase through the Microsoft Store. The smaller flagship is selling for just $19.97 on contract. Keep in mind that the listed device is an AT&T variant - for those who aren't in the know, Microsoft has already confirmed that the Lumia 950 will be exclusive to the carrier at-least for some time initially. The $649 Lumia 950 XL, on the other hand, won't be available subsidized on any carriers in the US. As always, you can purchase the Lumia 950 sans contract, too - that'll cost you $598.99. The handset is available in black and white color...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/at_t_lumia_950_now_available_for_purchase_through_microsoft_store-news-15117.php

ZTE announces Blade X9, X5 and X3 mid-rangers

ZTE has updated its Blade smartphone lineup in Russia with the launch of three new devices: the X3, X5, and X9. The trio covers the different segments of the mid-range market, aiming to bring lots of bang for your buck. Starting with the ZTE Blade X9, which is the most interesting of the lot. It is powered by a Snapdragon 615 SoC with octa-core CPU, and sports a 5.5-inch (1920 x 1080 pixel resolution) IPS display. It comes with 2GB/16GB memory configuration and 13MP/5MP camera combo, and packs in a 3,000mAh battery. This phone actually features a fingerprint sensor on the back. The Blade X5 is powered by a MediaTek MT6735 chipset with quad-core CPU, and sports a 5-inch 720p display. It has dual 8MP shooters back and front and packs in a 2,400mAh battery. It's worth mentioning that the control below the rear camera isn't a fingerprint sensor but a shutter button for capturing selfies. Cheapest of the lot, the Blade X3 is powered by the same MediaTek MT6735 chipset with quad-core CPU, and packs a 5-inch 720p display. It comes with 1GB RAM and 8GB internal memory, and a large 4,000mAh battery - it is capable of charging other devices as well. In terms of camera, the handset features a 8MP/2MP combo. The Blade X3 carries a price tag of RUB 8,990 ($138), while the X5 and X9 will set you back RUB 10,990($169) and RUB 17,990 ($277), respectively There's also currently no information on if and when they'll be available in other regions...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/zte_launches_three_new_blade_smartphones_in_russia-news-15122.php

Apple Pay arrives in Oz, only available to Amex card holders

In line with what CEO Tim Cook revealed last month, Apple's mobile payment service - Apple Pay - has now also been launched in Australia, making it the fourth country - after the US, UK, and Canada - where the service is now available. The service - which allows you to make payments using an iPhone 6 (or higher) or an Apple Watch - is, however, only available to Amex card holders Down Under, and that too only those who've got their card issued directly from American Express. Similar restrictions are also there in Canada, where the mobile payments service was launched earlier this week. Several other countries, including Spain, Singapore, and Hong Kong are scheduled to get Apple Pay in 2016. Source |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/apple_pay_launched_in_australia-news-15119.php

Marshmallow update for T-Mobile Nexus 6 to roll out soon

The T-Mobile variant of the Motorola-made Google Nexus 6 smartphone will start receiving the Android 6.0 Marshmallow update soon, according to T-Mobile's senior product manager Des Smith. Great News! The @TMobile #Nexus6 Marshmallow SW MRA58X has been approved & should start rolling out soon! pic.twitter.com/oiyZ5mO9MC— Des (@askdes) November 20, 2015 As you can see above, Smith made the revelation in a tweet, where he also noted that the software update (with version MRA58X) has already received the required approvals. If you aren't aware, Motorola has already announced which of its devices will get the Android 6.0 update - of those, the Moto X Style and the Moto X (2nd Gen) already started receiving the Marshmallow update last...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/marshmallow_update_for_tmobile_nexus_6_to_roll_out_soon-news-15116.php

Leica announces the Leica M (Typ 262)

Leica has announced the newest member of its rangefinder-style cameras, the Leica M (Typ 262). With this, Leica aims to bring the focus back on photography. The Leica M (Typ 262) has a 24 megapixel CMOS sensor with a Leica M lens mount. The important thing here is that the camera lacks any kind of video recording and live mode. The display on the back is only for looking at images after shooting them and for the simplified menu, which Leica boasts is only two pages long. The camera is also now more discreet, with a considerably quieter shutter cocking mechanism than the Typ 240 with a shutter speed of 2 frames per second. In normal continuous mode, the M (Typ 262) has the shooting speed as the M (Typ 240), which is 3 frames per second. The Leica M (Typ 262) also has a aluminum top plate instead of brass, which makes the camera 100g lighter. On the back are dedicated buttons for white balance and ISO and on the top is a mechanical dial for setting the shutter speed. There is no built-in flash but the camera has a hotshoe for accessories. The Leica M (Typ 262) is not your average everyday camera that can be used for any kind of situation. Those used to using a live viewfinder or recording videos will obviously need to look elsewhere. But for those who just want to take photos, the simplified interface and the lack of distraction would be a pleasant change. Of course, that does come at a cost, which in this case is...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/leica_announces_the_leica_m_type_262-news-15118.php

Samsung Galaxy J3 launched with quad-core CPU, 720p screen

The Galaxy J3 smartphone from Samsung, which received TENAA and 3C certifications earlier this month, has now been listed on the company's China website, although with a slightly different name - Galaxy J3⑥. It's worth mentioning that the listed model is a China Telecom variant, but a quick comparison reveals that its design and specifications are largely similar to that of the J3 model (SM-J3109) cleared by the FCC. The device is powered by a quad-core 1.2GHz CPU, and sports a 5-inch 720p Super AMOLED display. It comes with 1.5GB RAM and 8GB expandable internal memory, and packs in a 2600mAh battery. In terms of camera, the handset features an 8MP rear unit and a 5MP front shooter. It weighs 138g and measures 142.3 x 71x 7.9mm. While the official listing doesn't include any information on which Android version the smartphone runs, the model certified by TENAA was running Android 5.1.1 out-of-the-box. On the software side, the device comes with Milk Music app, and a Smart Manager tool that provides features including virus scanning and battery monitoring. There is currently no information on the price tag the handset carries in the country, and if and when it will be available in other markets worldwide. Source (translated) | Via...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_j3_9317_launched_in_china-news-15115.php

Gionee Marathon M5 India launch scheduled for November 24

Announced back in June this year, the Gionee Marathon M5 is all set to land in India next week. The Chinese company has sent out invitations for the launch event which is scheduled to be held in the city of Bengaluru on November 24. If you aren't in the know, the USP of the device is its dual-battery setup - it packs in a pair of batteries, each 3,010mAh in capacity for a total of 6,020mAh. In addition, the handset also uses dual charging chips to charge both batteries at the same time. Other specs of the smartphone include quad-core 1.3 GHz CPU, 5.5 inch (720 x 1280 pixels) AMOLED display, 2GB/16GB memory configuration, 5MP/13MP camera combo, and Android 5.1...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/gionee_marathon_m5_india_launch_scheduled_for_november_24-news-15113.php

Samsung to cease sales of digital cameras in Germany

Samsung has stated that it will be phasing out its digital cameras and accessories in the German market. According to the company, this decision is due to the slow decline of the market in Germany and so the company is adapting to the requirements of the market. Before the official confirmation there were rumors that Samsung might be ceasing sales of cameras across Europe. A forum member over at EOSHD even claims to have received an official email from a Samsung representative claiming the company will be stopping sales of the NX1 series of cameras in Europe. For now, though, Samsung has officially only confirmed it for...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_to_cease_sales_of_digital_cameras_in_germany-news-15114.php

Moto G 2013 (Verizon) getting Android 5.1 Lollipop update

The Verizon variant of the first-generation Moto G smartphone (version XT1028) is now receiving the Android 5.1 Lollipop update, which bumps the device to software version 221.26.7.falcon_cdma.Verizon.en.US. It's worth mentioning that the Motorola handset - which was released towards the end of 2013 - first started getting the update back in July this year, but that was only for the unlocked units. Bringing features like Material Design, Ambient Display, priority notifications, and a new flashlight option in Quick Settings, the update has already been rolling out for the past few days now - if you haven't received it yet, you can manually check for it by heading to your phone's settings. Source |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/moto_g_2013_verizon_getting_android_51_lollipop_update-news-15112.php

Sales of newly-launched Watch Urbane 2nd Edition LTE halted over hardware issue

LG has halted sales of the newly-launched Watch Urbane 2nd Edition LTE over what it says is "a hardware issue which affects the day-to-day functionality of the device." The wearable was currently only available through AT&T, which has now reportedly started notifying customers about the issue, and is also offering refunds to those who have already purchased the smartwatch - there's also an option to exchange the device in question for another connected watch. Verizon was scheduled to carry the smartwatch starting today, but that obviously won't happen now. As for the issue, LG didn't provide any further...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/sales_of_newlylaunched_watch_urbane_2nd_edition_lte_halted_over_hardware_issue-news-15111.php

Microsoft Lumia 950/950 XL UK launch event scheduled for December 2

Windows Insiders were recently invited to Microsoft's launch event - which will be held in both Manchester and London on December 2 - to be the first to experience the company's new flagship phones Lumia 950 and Lumia 950 XL with Windows 10. Insiders will also have the ability to purchase the 950 or 950 XL at the event. Those who do purchase either device will also receive a Microsoft Display Dock to "turn an external screen into a PC-like experience", as mentioned in the invitation. The event will begin at 18:00 local time. The Lumia 950 and 950 XL both feature liquid cooling, USB Type-C, Windows Continuum, and 1440p OLED displays. The 950 XL will also have a larger 5.7 inch display vs the 950's 5.2 inch display. Check out our hands-on of Microsoft's new Lumia line of...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/microsoft_lumia_950_and_950_xl_launch_event_on_december_2-news-15110.php

Rose Gold Huawei Watch is now available starting at $699

Huawei has just announced its Black Friday and Cyber Monday promotions today, but the Chinese company also released a new version of its first smartwatch. This one, however, will surely not be part of any Black Friday deals. We're talking about the most premium iteration of the Huawei Watch, the one that comes with a 22K rose gold plated stainless steel case with "coin-edge top ring". Only one version of the rose gold Huawei Watch is currently up for grabs in the company's own US online store, and that's the one coming with "an alligator pressed brown suture fine-leather strap". You need to pay $699 for the privilege of owning one, but act fast, as the quantities are apparently limited. The rose gold Huawei Watch also comes in a different configuration, with a 22K rose gold plated stainless steel link band, and for this variant you should be prepared to shell out no less than $799. However, it isn't available...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/rose_gold_huawei_watch_is_now_available_starting_at_699-news-15109.php

AT&T's Samsung Galaxy S6 Active receives Android 5.1.1 update

AT&T has started sending out a pretty important software update to the Samsung Galaxy S6 Active. Unfortunately it's not Marshmallow yet, but it is the next best thing: namely, the last version of Lollipop. That's Android 5.1.1, to be exact, and this has finally reached the Galaxy S6 Active, many months after first being released by Google. Alongside the version bump, the update also comes with support for Samsung Pay, the Korean company's own competitor for Apple Pay and Android Pay. As this update is rolling out over-the-air in stages, it may be a few days before your S6 Active pops up that notification for you. Though if you're impatient, go to Settings > System > About device > Software update and manually check. After having applied the update, you'll be on build version G890AUCU3BOJE. Source |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/at_ts_samsung_galaxy_s6_active_receives_android_511_update-news-15107.php

Facebook wants to help you see less of your ex after you break up

Facebook has announced a new feature today, and while this may be an unexpected one it does have the potential to be genuinely helpful to people. It's meant to help manage how much of your ex you see on Facebook after you break up. It all starts when you change your relationship status from "in a relationship" to something else, as depicted in the first screenshot below. On that screen Facebook already informs you that you can see less from your ex, limit what he or she can see, and edit your previously uploaded photos. So let's take them one at a time. First off, you can choose not to see your ex in News Feed. If you pick this setting, Facebook additionally won't ever prompt you to message this person, or tag him or her in your pictures from that point on. If you want, you can limit what your ex will see from your activity on Facebook. The setting ensures that he or she will only see your public stuff, posts you've tagged him or her in, and things you've shared on the timelines of mutual friends. This also limits his or her ability to see posts you're tagged in. As for your past posts, you can either edit these one by one to decide which to make private or untag, or choose to make all of your posts that your ex is tagged in only visible to those who are tagged in them. This new feature is currently undergoing testing in the US on mobile. Things can still change based on people's feedback. And it's good to remember that everything you've just read is optional. There's no word on when or if this will become available...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/facebook_wants_to_help_you_see_less_of_your_ex_after_you_break_up-news-15108.php

Huawei details its Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals

Huawei is offering $25, $50, and $100 dollar discounts for new Huawei Watches and $50 off its P8 Lite smartphone . Huawei will offer the deals through GetHuawei.com, Best Buy, Target, Amazon, and Google Play complete with its new two-year warranty (requires you to register your device online). Black Friday deals for Huawei Watch on Nov 26 & 27: Available at all stores mentioned above (only Novemer 27 for Amazon) $50 off silver Watch with black leather strap $80 off silver Watch with silver mesh band $80 off silver Watch with silver link band $100 off black Watch with black link band Black Friday deals for Huawei P8 Lite November 26 & 27: $50 off @ GetHuawei.com, Amazon, and Target.com $25 off @ Best Buy in-store and online Cyber Monday week deals for Huawei Watch November 29 through December 5: Available at all outlets mentioned above $50 off silver Watch with black leather strap $50 off silver Watch with silver mesh band $50 off silver Watch with silver link band $50 off black Watch with black link band Cyber Monday week deals for Huawei P8 Lite November 29 through December 5: $50 off @ GetHuawei.com, Amazon, And Target in-store and online $25 off @ Best Buy in-store and...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/here_are_huaweis_black_friday_and_cyber_monday_deals_and_discounts-news-15106.php

Google Fit update brings support for strength training, real-time stats

The latest version of Google Fit, which started rolling out yesterday to Android devices that have it installed, brings with it some interesting new features. These have been detailed by Google today. First off, real-time stats are now supported, which means you can instantly see how you're doing in your runs, walks, and rides. Google Fit records information about your speed, route, pace, and elevation. All of these things are available at a glance while you're training. If you have an Android Wear watch, you now also get support for strength training in Google Fit. Your smartwatch will automatically detect and count all of your sit-ups, push-ups, and squats. These will be added to your daily activity, all you need to do is start a daily challenge first. Finally, Google Fit is now integrated with more apps and fitness trackers than ever. It can monitor your diet through MyFitnessPal, Fatsecret, Lifesum, or LoseIt. And sleep tracking can happen with Sleep as Android, the Xiaomi Mi Band and Mi Band 1S, Sony Smartband 2, or the Basis Peak. These new integrations are going to be rolled out "in the coming days". Source |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/google_fit_update_brings_support_for_strength_training_realtime_stats-news-15105.php

OnePlus X is now up for grabs in the US and Canada with an invite

After having been released in other parts of the world already, the OnePlus X is finally available to order in the US and Canada starting today. There's one huge caveat, though (and you might have seen this coming): you need an invite in order to purchase the phone. OnePlus isn't giving up on its much-hated invite system, so this launch in North America will only be of interest to you if you've managed to secure an invite. Otherwise, you simply can't officially buy the device. Now if you don't yet have an invite, you can put yourself onto OnePlus' reservation list and you'll be sent one at some point in the future, once it's your turn. The OnePlus X costs $249 unlocked. It comes with a 5-inch 1080p touchscreen, a 13 MP rear camera with phase detection autofocus and LED flash, an 8 MP selfie cam, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 chipset, 3GB of RAM, 16GB of expandable storage, dual-SIM functionality, 4G LTE, and a 2,525 mAh battery. It runs Android 5.1.1 Lollipop. To find out if it's worth your time getting an invite for it, make sure you go through our...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/oneplus_x_is_now_up_for_grabs_in_the_us_and_canada_if_you_have_an_invite-news-15104.php

Xiaomi is now teasing the Mi Pad 2 ahead of November 24 unveiling

Xiaomi is holding a big event on November 24, and the Chinese company would sure like you to pay attention. Yesterday we saw Xiaomi President Lin Bin outing a teaser image for the upcoming Redmi Note 2 Pro phablet, and today he's at it again. This time around, however, what we have seems to be a corner of the next Mi Pad tablet. The Mi Pad 2 has been in the rumors for a very long time (since December of last year in fact), and now it looks like we're finally just days away from its unveiling. As you can see, the tablet seems to be made out of metal, and very thin. The camera sits in one corner of its back, with no LED flash accompanying it. The power and volume buttons are placed close together on what is the right side of the device if you hold it in portrait mode. Nothing about specs has been teased by Xiaomi, but based on previous leaks we assume the Mi Pad 2 will be powered by an Intel chipset which should be aided by 2GB of RAM and 16GB of built-in storage. The touchscreen could be a 7.9-inch 2,048x1,536 affair, emulating the one in the original Mi Pad. As for software, expect to see MIUI on top of Android of course. Thanks for the tip, Skyflyer! Source (in Chinese) |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_is_now_teasing_the_mi_pad_2_ahead_of_november_24_unveiling-news-15103.php

Apple Pencil torn to bits by the folks at iFixIt

The iPad finally got its own smart stylus and it's quite a looker compared to other smart styluses out there. That beauty comes at a cost though. Apple wants you to throw down $99 for it. A bit crazy, considering you just spent at least $799 on the iPad Pro itself (this doesn't even include the smart keyboard either). The folks over at iFixIt did what they do best and tore this thing to shreds. The Apple Pencil's battery is impossible to get to without destroying the outer shell, so they decided to use a rotary grinding tool to part the outer shell in half. No surprise then that the Apple Pencil received a 1/10 reparability score on iFixIt. If you are interested you can check out the full teardown from iFixIt complete with high-res...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/apple_pencil_torn_to_bits_by_the_folks_at_ifixit-news-15102.php

Want Marshmallow for Black Friday? Nexus 5 dropped to $199

Despite the 2013 production date, the LG made Nexus 5 is still an awesome, not to mention iconic device, especially for $200. Expansys has started posting its Black Friday deals early and among them you can spot the 32GB vanilla Android handset in White, Black and even Red for $199.99. That is for an unlocked unit to be used on compatible networks. And $200 buys you a 4.95 inch, FullHD, True HD IPS+ display, Snapdragon 800 SoC 2GB of RAM and an 8MP main camera - all still pretty relevant, especially considering the ongoing support and upgradability to Android 6.0 Marshmallow - perfect for tinkerers. Other interesting Expansys deals include Chromebooks by Asus, HP, Acer and Hisense for as low as $119 and also a 32GB Samsung Galaxy S6 edge for $469. Check out the rest for yourself at the source link below. Source |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/expansys_black_friday_deals_are_here_nexus_5_for_199-news-15101.php

LG G Pay will allegedly require a special card to work

Card payments seem to be the next thing in the mobile world and the process is already well under way with Apple Pay and Samsung Pay. It is now a matter of not falling behind for the rest of the mobile realm and as we already know, LG was quick to hop on the payment train as well. A new industry source now claims to reveal how the LG service will work and it is definitely an interesting approach. While Samsung has gone out of its way with specialized Loop Pay technology to ensure you don't need to carry extra plastic cards around, LG has allegedly embraced it. LG G Pay is said to rely on a special smart credit card replacement, which will connect with your phone and be used for the service. This is quite reminiscent of what Plastic and Coin are doing and definitely has its own merits, mainly - compatibility. A specialized card might allow G Pay to support mid-range and even low-end phones out of the box, whereas dedicated hardware must be present for Samsung Pay to work. The flip side are some security concerns and, of course, the matter of not actually getting rid of your credit card. Still, it is too early to make any conclusions on whether or not the approach is good and the information is far from official, so things might change down the road as G Pay develops. LG has reportedly already started working with South Korean card holders Shinhan Card and KB Kookmin Card, so, hopefully, it won't be long now. Source |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/lg_g_pay_will_allegedly_require_a_special_card_to_work-news-15100.php

Pepsi Phone P1 - an affordable, metal phone with a fingerprint reader

Diet Pepsi, Pepsi Max, Pepsi Phone P1 - one of those things is not like the other. The rumors were completely true and the soda-maker has lent its brand to a smartphone. It's actually a surprisingly available mid-ranger that carries Pepsi's famous logo on its back. The phone itself is manufactured by Shenzhen Scooby Communication Equipment. Its aluminum unibody houses a 5.5" 1080p screen (with 2.5D glass) and an octa-core MT6592 chipset. The software is called dido OS and is based on Android 5.1 Lollipop. The phone has a 13MP main camera (f/2.0, 1/3.06") and a 5MP selfie camera, also as is popular these days there's a fingerprint reader on the back. A 3,000mAh battery powers the handset. The Pepsi Phone P1 is a dual-SIM phone with LTE-connectivity. There's a version for China Unicom (with FDD-LTE) dubbed the P1s. Either way you can replace the second SIM card with a microSD. The handset is available right now on JD.com for CNY 699 ($110/€100), though that's a limited offer for 1,000 users (an early bird offer for CNY 499 already ran out). The P1 will come with a charger, cable and a protective...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/pepsi_phone_p1__an_affordable_metal_phone_with_a_fingerprint_reader-news-15099.php

Samsung Galaxy A7 (2016) does AnTuTu with Exynos 7580 chipset

The Samsung Galaxy A7 update makes the news again with another leak. Just after it went by the Bluetooth SIG, it has cropped up in AnTuTu. The benchmark confirms Exynos 7580 chipset for the A710F, A710S and A710K. This doesn't rule out a Snapdragon 615 version like the Galaxy J7, which also has versions with the 7580. The chipset is aimed at the mid-range (unlike the 7420) and has eight Cortex-A53 cores and Mali-T720 GPU. Samsung Galaxy A7 (2016) running AnTuTu In the new Galaxy A7 it is paired to 3GB of RAM and 16GB of storage. The phone was running Android 5.1.1 Lollipop for the benchmark. .jrGraphContainer { background: none !important; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee !important;} ul.jrGraph { left: 146px !important; } ul.jrGraphControls { padding: 0; margin-left: -10px !important; } JRGRAPH_EXPANDABLE_VERSION = false; AnTuTu 5 Higher is better Samsung Galaxy J7 38263 Samsung Galaxy A7 2016 (leak) 37563 Samsung Galaxy A7 (S615) 31436 Samsung Galaxy E7 21562 Like the current model, it has a 5.5" 1080p screen and a 13MP main camera, plus a 5MP selfie shooter. The new A7 hasn't changed much in terms of looks, though the screen glass may have a 2.5D shape and the loudspeaker has been relocated. The Samsung Galaxy A7 (2016) may not launch until after new year and from leaks we know there's an A5 update in the works too. Source (in Chinese) |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_a7_updated_does_antutu_with_exynos_7580_chipset-news-15098.php

This Chinese handset has a whopping 9000 mAh battery

Remember all those times when you wished your battery could last just a bit longer to get you through the day? The frustration is real and it appears it was too much to cope with for one Chinese makers. MACOOX took it upon itself to remedy the issue by sticking a 9,000 mAh battery pack inside a handset. To be fair, it looks like they actually glued the front of a modest android phone on to a beefy power bank but still - it's the thought that counts. The device, called EX1 has a 4.5-inch display, 1GB of RAM, 8GB of onboard storage and is powered by an undisclosed quad-core processor. The main camera is 8MP with an LED flash and it also has 2MP on the front. But, before you rush to place your order, you might want to consider if you you are into really baggy pants that can hold what appears to be a 14 or 15 mm thick body. By the way, if you plan on getting lost in the woods, the EX1 could come in handy, but then again, so would an extra power bank in your bag coupled with a more contemporary handset that at least gives you decent enough coverage and GPS to navigate yourself out of trouble. Source (In Chinese) |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/this_chinese_handset_has_a_whopping_9000_mah_battery-news-15097.php

New Huawei Mate 8 images surface

A new render was released by @OnLeaks showing us a bit more than we saw yesterday of the Huawei Mate 8. It looks like textures were applied to a render that case makers get from the manufacturer. This 3D render can be seen below and shows more angles of the alleged device The Huawei Mate 8 is rumored to have two different models, one sporting a 1440p display and the other getting a 1080p unit. The camera will pack a 20.7 MP sensor, storage options are 32GB and 128GB, both with microSD card expansion, and 3GB or 4GB of RAM. Both models would house a 4,100mAh battery and ship with Android 6.0 Marshmallow. As reported yesterday, we expect Huaweui to announce the Mate 8 on November 26. And here comes the full length video... Cheers! #Huawei #Mate8 https://t.co/KbmRzPgjoD pic.twitter.com/P08j1jpPsf— OnLeaks (@OnLeaks) November 17,...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/new_huawei_mate_8_images_surface-news-15087.php

Gartner: Windows Phone's market share in Q3 was just 1.7%

Market research firm Gartner has released its latest report on quarterly smartphone market share, revealing a major drop in Windows Phone's share - from 3% in Q3 2014 to 1.7% in Q3 this year. In terms of number of units, the Redmond, Washington-based company shipped 5.87 million units in the third quarter this year, down from 9.033 million units it shipped in Q3 last year. It's worth mentioning that Microsoft - in its earnings report for Q3 2015 - revealed that it shipped 5.8 million Lumia phones in the quarter, effectively suggesting that only 70,000 Windows Phone units were shipped by other OEMs in that period. "Despite the announcement of Windows 10, we expect Windows smartphone market share will continue to be a small portion of the overall smartphone OS market as consumers remain attracted by competing ecosystems," said Roberta Cozza, research director at Gartner. "Microsoft smartphones will mainly focus on driving value for enterprise users." Source |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/gartner_windows_phones_market_share_in_q3_was_just_17-news-15095.php

Google Camera app update brings the new design to everyone

If you have been wondering why the Google Camera app on your non-Nexus or older Nexus phones doesn't have the same UI as the new Nexus 6P and 5X camera app, then you can stop wondering now, as Google has updated the app to match the design of the new one. The updated app now has the same look as the one on the newer Nexus devices, including sideways swipe to switch between photo and video modes. Unfortunately, if you have also been looking forward to the new features such as the burst mode or slow motion, then you might be disappointed, as neither of those are available on other devices. Also, certain devices don't even get the Auto HDR+ mode, and you will have to switch manually. So for all intents and purposes, this is just a redesign. Via •...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/google_camera_app_update_brings_the_new_design_to_everyone-news-15096.php

Amazon adds two-factor login authentication to boost security

With an aim to boost security, Amazon has rolled out two-factor authentication feature for user logins. First spotted by Engadget, the feature - according to one of the company's engineers - was launched a couple of weeks ago after a private beta. For those who aren't in the know, the two-factor login authentication mechanism requires you to enter a unique security code in addition to your password during sign in, adding an extra layer of security. All popular services including Facebook, Twitter, Microsoft, Google, Apple, and Dropbox offer this feature. If you're interested in enabling the feature (we suggest you should) for your Amazon account, the e-commerce giant has detailed instructions available on it - head to the Source link below. Source |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/amazon_adds_twofactor_login_authentication_to_boost_security-news-15094.php

Skype for Android updated with enhanced search and ability to save video messages

Skype's Android app has received an update, bumping it to version 6.11 and bringing several new features such as the ability to save videos, share photos with groups, as well as enhanced search. The updated app now lets you save a video you record or receive to your phone's photo gallery with just a tap. It also allows you to share photos from your gallery directly to a group conversation, and forward a file/image shared in group chat to another contact or group. In addition, doing a long tap on a contact or chat in the Recents tab now brings up a new toolbar containing options to delete, mark as read, or mute notifications. Finally the update also brings the ability to perform search on conversation content, as well as upgraded Mojis. Source | Google...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/skype_for_android_updated_with_enhanced_search_and_ability_to_save_video_messages-news-15093.php

New teaser suggests Redmi Note 2 Pro will be slim

We already know that Xiaomi is holding a product launch event on November 24. While we were initially expecting the Mi 5 flagship, it's all but confirmed that the Redmi Note 2 Pro will be unveiled during the event. And Now, it looks like the company has started teasing the features of the handset. A new teaser (see above) posted by the company on its official Weibo account indicates that the smartphone - which was spotted listed at TENAA last week - will be thin. What's interesting is that the title of the Weibo post says (translated), "Phone design is very complex, each adding a new feature , may mean that other aspects of compromise ...... November 24 grand finale , willful and uncompromising." While it's a bit difficult to say what exactly that means, the best guess (considering the word "uncompromising" at the end) would be that the device will not only be thin but will also feature a large battery - rumors currently say that the device will pack in a 3,060 mAh battery. Whatever the case, will know pretty soon, as the unveiling is just days away. Source (Chinese) |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/new_teaser_suggests_redmi_note_2_pro_will_be_slim-news-15092.php