Marshmallow is rolling out for the LG G4 across Europe

LG is definitely working hard on bringing Android 6.0 Marshmallow to its latest flagship offer. After what was essentially a soak test in Poland and a bigger staged rollout on the company's home market, users are now reporting that the update has started seeding across Europe as well. The package weighs about 1.55GB and can be obtained through LG Bridge (the OEM's new PC synch software). Judging by user feedback, the update is not available for every unit in Europe quite yet. The lucky few who have obtained the software mostly seem to be from Germany and own the H815. We also came across a list of G4 models that will, allegedly, be part of this first roll-out, but can't really confirm its authenticity: LGH815 PRT PORTUGAL PT Portugal Europe 2015-11-26 LGH815 POL POLAND PL Poland Europe 2015-11-26 LGH815 ROM ROMANIA RO Romania Europe 2015-11-26 LGH815 DEU GERMANY DE Germany Europe 2015-11-26 LGH815 EAP AMAZON ES Spain Europe 2015-11-26 LGH815 ESP SPAIN ES Spain Europe 2015-11-26 LGH815TR TUR TURKEY TR Turkey Mid. East/Africa 2015-11-26 LGH815 VDS VODAFONE ES Spain Europe 2015-11-25 LGH815 TWN TWN TW Taiwan China 2015-11-25 LGH815 VDF VODAFONE GB United Kingdom Europe 2015-11-25 LGH815 VIP VIP HR Croatia Europe 2015-11-25 LGH815 VDH VODAFONE HU Hungary Europe 2015-11-25 LGH815 VDP VODAFONE PT Portugal Europe 2015-11-25 LGH815 SWC SWISSCOM CH Switzerland Europe 2015-11-25 LGH815 VDR VODAFONE RO Romania Europe 2015-11-25 LGH815 VD2 VODAFONE DE Germany Europe 2015-11-25 We already have a fairly good idea of exactly what changes Android 6.0 brings to the handset. Apart from core Marshmallow features, like Dozing and the new app permission model, the LG G4 also has updated Knock Code settings and a few app renames, like QMemo+ in the notification panel, which is now Capture+. An official list of changes, along with screenshot can be found at the second source link. Source 1 | Source...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/marshmallow_is_rolling_out_for_the_lg_g4_across_europe-news-15249.php

Chromecast owners being offered 3-months Spotify Premium subscription for free

If you're an owner of Google's Chromecast streaming stick (first gen or the 2015 model), here is some good news: now you can get 90 days of Spotify Premium subscription without shelling out a single penny from your pocket. Officially, the offer is only available to Chromecast users in the United States and Malaysia, but those in other countries like Portugal have also been able to redeem it. So, there's a strong possibility that the offer can be availed in almost all the regions where Spotify is available. Aside from the free 90-day Spotify Premium subscription, you can also redeem 3 months of Google Play Music for free, if that's what interests you. Source |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/chromecast_users_being_offered_3months_spotify_premium_subscription_for_free-news-15243.php

OnePlus Icons earphones landing in India next week

Unveiled last month, the OnePlus Icons earphones were launched in the Unites States carrying a price tag of $50 - the accessory is currently on sale for $45 as part of a special Black Friday promotion. Now, the company has announced that the earphones will be launched in India next week. As you can see in the teaser above, the accessory will be available in the country starting Monday - November 30. You'll be able to purchase it from Amazon India website. There's currently no word on the pricing though. "Inspired by the king of Instruments, the organ piano, OnePlus Icons is not only a design marvel but an instrument made for a richer sound experience," OnePlus said in a forum post. "Composed of smooth aluminium, it feels sturdy and metallic, yet incredibly light." Head to the Source 2 link below to learn more about the earphones. Source 1 | Source...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/oneplus_icons_earphones_landing_in_india_next_week-news-15246.php

Sony Xperia Z5 Premium goes on sale in Canada

Sony has launched the Xperia Z5 Premium smartphone (which sports an eye-popping 5.5-inch 4K display) in Canada, where local carrier Bell is selling the flagship device for $749.99 outright or $299.99 on a regular 2-year contract. Although not officially, the smartphone is already on sale in the United States, where third party retailers including Amazon and Expansys are currently selling it for around $780 for the standard model. The handset is also available for purchase in Europe through Sony as well as third party retailers. As for the price, it carries a tag of £629 in the UK, €829 in Italy, €899 in Greece, and €799 in most other countries. The device is also on sale in...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/sony_xperia_z5_premium_goes_on_sale_in_canada-news-15245.php

Newly-launched Fossil Q Founder spotted listed on Google Store

Launched just a few days ago, the $295 Fossil Q Founder smartwatch is currently only available for purchase from select Fossil stores as well the company's website. However, you'll soon also be able to purchase it from the Google Store as well. The wearable is now listed on the Mountain View, California-based company's online store, available in two model options: Light stainless steel case with silver-finish steel bracelet and Light stainless steel case with leather band. There's, however, no word on the price tag as well as when exactly the Android Wear-powered smartwatch will be available to...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/newlylaunched_fossil_q_founder_spotted_listed_on_google_store-news-15242.php

Official CyanogenMod is in the works for the OnePlus 2

Initially geared towards Android enthusiasts and tinkerers, the OnePlus One definitely managed to find its way in the right hands and has become a legendary favorite of the dev community. Its successor - the OnePlus 2 has also retained a special place in the hearts of the modding community, but many loyal fans have found one vital piece of the puzzle missing - CyanogenMod. Well, this might soon change, as the OnePlus 2 can now be spotted on the CyanogenMod official Git repository. And while, some eager XDA developers have already delivered their ambitious ports of the OS for the OnePlus 2, this is a whole other cup of tea. At least in theory, any future builds that come out of this repository will benefit from the community's support and quality control. Yes, it might be an open-source port, self-driven by its community, but support and a proper workflow are still present for the user's benefit. If you don't know the backstory, a pretty quick version would be the following: The OnePlus One originally launched with CyanogenMod - an ambitious AOSP ROM, supported by an active community, but was later involved in a series of calamities that led to an end for official support. Since then, OnePlus has been using its own Oxygen OS platform, but eager developers have persisted in their efforts to often singlehandedly port CyanogenMod on to OnePlus handsets. Last, but definitely not least, it is worth noting that the aforementioned repository already features not one, but two separate branches of CyanogenMod. One is 12.2 and is thus based on Android 5.1.1, while the other one uses the latest CM 13, or Android 6.0 Marshmallow code base. So, if and when actual builds start coming in, chances are that OnePlus 2 users will be treated to Google's latest and greatest mobile OS core, with all the CyanogenMod bells and whistles on top. Source |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/official_cyanogenmod_is_in_the_works_for_the_oneplus_2-news-15244.php

Google Glass could be reincarnated with an even more sci-fi second version

Google has tried its hand at quite a few outlandish projects over the years with Google[x] labs constantly trying to push technological innovation to the next level. But, for a number of reasons, few of said projects actually get much exposure to the general public, but one definitely stands out as an exception - Google Glass. Back in the late 2015 and early 2016, it seemed like the tech world was completely obsessed with Google's augmented reality endeavor and most everybody wanted a piece of what was hailed as the next big tech revolution. Sadly, despite all the hype and user exposure, the early access Google Glass Explorer Program came to an abrupt end this January. Many people believe that Glass was prematurely displayed to users and inevitably killed by inherent initial imperfection and there was also the reoccurring theme of social awkwardness and even moral dilemmas the technology raised. But, luckily, the ambitions project survived, despite receding from the public domain. The Google Glass team graduated Google[x] and currently has its own division. Ever since, fans have been eagerly awaiting a new product from the renamedProject Aurora and a new patent might actually offer a first glimpse of what appear to be Google Glass 2.0. The device described and even sketched in said document looks even more sci-fi than its predecessor. It uses a sort of half-glass design with a frame extending from the back of the user's head, over the year and into a familiar-looking main projection mechanism, complete with a button and camera. The description also mentions touch input capabilities for the band, as well as hints that a prism or other optical setup could extend the display to both eyes - now that would be impressive! While the patent does suggest the Glass project is alive and well, we can't really say when and even if it is going to land on user markets a second time. There have been rumors of the technology being repurposed as a professional tool to be used in healthcare, aeronautics and other prospective areas for augmented reality implementation. Still, in a job offer, posted back in June, the search giant was indeed looking to hire specialists to work on Google Glass, or rather its successor, so there might still be hope yet. Source 1 | Source 2 |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/google_glass_could_be_reincarnated_with_an_even_more_scifi_second_version-news-15241.php

Lumia 950 and 950 XL pre-orders start shipping in Italy

We already know that preordrs for the Microsoft Lumia 950 and 950 XL have started shipping in several European countries, including Germany, the Netherlands, and Spain. And now, you can add Italy to that list. According to a local Italian website, shipments for some Lumia 950/XL pre-orders placed via Microsoft Store on October 27 have already been delivered to customers in the country (see image above). For those in Italy who are planning to buy these devices now, a quick look at the Microsoft Store website in the country reveals that the smartphones are currently in stock, meaning they are available for purchase - Lumia 950 costs €599, while the 950 XL costs €699. Via | Microsoft Store...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/lumia_950_and_950_xl_preorders_start_shipping_in_italy-news-15240.php

Cortana for iOS is now available to eager beta testers

Following the beta release of its mobile assistant for Android, Microsoft has now started rolling out the first build of Cortana for iOS. Both moves are part of the software giant's strategy of making its services available on competing mobile platforms as well as Windows Phone and Windows 10 Mobile. The first beta of Cortana for iOS is now available through Apple's TestFlight app, which is the go-to method of distributing unfinished software on its mobile operating system. This means that only a small number of people will actually get to test it, since TestFlight releases are usually pretty limited. Earlier this month Microsoft put out a survey asking people that were interested in testing Cortana for iOS to register their details. And now some of those people are starting to receive emails with download instructions. Cortana for iOS can answer your voice queries, as well as manage your schedule, reminders, and alarms. It is able to track things too, such as flights, stocks, packages, and sports scores. Because it works alongside Cortana for Windows, you can, for example, set a reminder on your home PC, and you'll be notified about it on your iPhone afterwards. Source |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/cortana_for_ios_is_now_available_to_eager_beta_testers-news-15239.php

Sony Xperia C5 Ultra is now out in the US for $319.99 unlocked

The selfie-centric Sony Xperia C5 Ultra is now available to purchase in the US. As is the case with most Sony smartphones stateside, you can not get it from a carrier. Instead, you'll have to go the unlocked route, paying full price for the device. Thankfully though that price isn't all too big. The Xperia C5 Ultra is priced at $319.99 at Expansys, and $329.99 at Amazon. Both retailers only have the white version in stock at the moment, but they are selling different models it turns out. Expansys has the E5563 dual-SIM iteration of the phone, while Amazon is offering the E5506 single-SIM one. The Xperia C5 Ultra stands out through its 13 MP selfie camera that even has its own LED flash. Otherwise, it's a mid-range phablet. It has a 6-inch 1080p touchscreen, a 13 MP rear camera with LED flash, 2GB of RAM, 16GB of expandable storage, and a 2,930 mAh battery. It's powered by the MediaTek MT6752 SoC which has a 1.7 GHz octa-core Cortex-A53 CPU. The handset runs Android 5.0...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/sony_xperia_c5_ultra_is_now_out_in_the_us_for_31999_unlocked-news-15238.php

Instagram begins rolling out support for multiple accounts on Android

Tipsters over at Android Police have reported that the Instagram app version 7.12.0 on Android has begun supporting multiple accounts on one device. This is a big deal as Instagram has been in existence for more than 5 years since its initial release and has not had any official support for multiple accounts up until now. Source: Android Police It seems that not everyone who downloads the newest version of the app will immediately get the feature. Perhaps it is being rolled out in stages although Instagram hasn't commented on the matter. If you are one of the lucky users, you should see an option to "Add Account" right under the "Clear Search History" option all the way down the settings list. You can add or create an account to use alongside another account already logged in. Apparently, there is no sign of this feature on iOS even with the same version 7.12.0. This could be due to a couple of factors like the individual device or account status of the rollout. We weren't able to get the feature working but you can download the newest Instagram file from APK Mirror and let us know if you are able to add a second account to your Android...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/instagram_begins_rolling_out_support_for_multiple_accounts_on_android-news-15237.php

Galaxy A7 (2016) passes through the FCC with 3,300 mAh battery

The second generation Samsung Galaxy A7 has been certified by the FCC, after having already received the go-ahead from the Bluetooth SIG as well as China's TENAA. The successor to the original Galaxy A7 from earlier this year has been leaking a lot lately, along with other members of the new A family. We've seen the A7 in live images and it's been spotted in a benchmark database too. The FCC certification thankfully reveals that the new Galaxy A7 (2016) will have a 3,300 mAh battery, which is way bigger than the original A7's 2,600 mAh cell. This means the new model should hopefully last more on a charge. The FCC says the A7 (2016) is 151.8mm long and 74.5mm wide, which means it's narrower than its 76.2mm predecessor. The new phone has 4G, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and GPS, as you'd expect. While the FCC documents haven't outed any more specs, the TENAA certification from a few days ago basically gave us the full picture. The Galaxy A7 (2016) will have a 5.5-inch 1080p AMOLED touchscreen, a 13 MP rear camera, a 5 MP selfie snapper, 3GB of RAM, and a 1.7 GHz octa-core processor. It will run Android 5.1 Lollipop. Given all the times it's been in the news recently, we assume the new Galaxy A7 will become official pretty soon. Source |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_a7_2016_passes_through_the_fcc_with_3300_mah_battery-news-15236.php

GSMArena smartphone buyer's guide: 2015 Holiday Edition

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/gsmarena_buyers_guide_november_2015-review-1345.php

Galaxy S7 chipset gets crazy high benchmark score

The Galaxy S7 rumors keep coming our way. Today we got a leaked AnTuTu score that blows every other SoC out of the water. A source in China shows the Exynos 8890 processor in an unnamed handset with the model number: SM-G9300, scoring a ridiculously high mark on the test. As a point of reference, the newest Kirin 950 chip from Huawei scored around 65k in the same test. The new Exynos chip allegedly scored a record shattering 10,3692. As with any leak like this one, we can't confirm these numbers are even real. The Galaxy S7 is expected to debut in Q1 2016 with an earlier launch than last year. Samsung believes it can better compete with other phone makers by pushing up its flagships' launch...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/galaxy_s7_soc_allegedly_gets_crazy_fast_benchmark_score-news-15235.php

OnePlus X and Oneplus 2 available sans invite all weekend

Although OnePlus isn't discounting the X nor the 2, it is still having a cool Black Friday offer as it lets you order those without an invite all weekend. OnePlus is holding an "unlimited" sale until Monday. Accessories are also on sale over the weekend, a few OnePlus One cases are 90% off and everything else is 10% off. You can get a Power Brick for just $1 and screen protectors for the OnePlus One for 50 cents. OnePlus has its own USB Type-C to USB Type-A cables for the OnePlus 2 for 5 bucks. Though, we wouldn't recommend using these with anything else but the OnePlus 2 and its charger as they were found to be out of spec. Source...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/buy_a_oneplus_x_or_oneplus_2_all_weekend_without_an_invite-news-15234.php

GSMArena Meizu PRO 5 giveaway: the lucky winner has been drawn!

The winner is: Mazammei H. A Meizu PRO 5 just found its new owner! The flagship is heading off to Myanmar where Mazammei H. is eagerly awaiting his gift, courtesy of HonorBuy. We'd like to thank the 7,000+ users who took part in the giveaway with over 31,000 entries. We wish them better luck next time. Next time? Yep! We're still working out the details, but we'll let you know as soon as we select the next phone to give...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/gsmarena_meizu_pro_5_giveaway_the_lucky_winner_has_been_drawn-news-15232.php

Nexus 5X on sale in the US, 16GB version at $299

Google's latest Nexus 5X is now on sale in the US, saving you $80 across the version range. The US Google Store, as well as major retailers Amazon, BestBuy and B&H Photo are carrying the LG-made smartphone and all colors and storage options (well, the two of them) seem to be in stock. The 16GB version can now be purchased for $299, compared to its regular $379 list price. The 32GB variant, on the other hand, will set you back $349. A quick reminder, the Nexus 5X is the lower-specced of this year's two Google phones, and comes with a 5.2-inch FullHD display, Snapdragon 808 chipset and 2GB of RAM. The headline here is the 12.3MP camera with large (as smartphones go) 1.55 micron photosites, meant to excel in the dark. Before hitting that "Order" buttun you can check out what we though of the Nexus 5X when we had it here for review. Source 1 2 3 4 5 6 |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/nexus_5x_on_sale_in_the_us_16gb_version_at_299-news-15229.php

OPPO R7s will go up for sale online on December 1

Oppo is giving us a heads-up that the latest addition to its device family - the R7s will be going up for sale online shortly. The phone will retail for $399 or €349, and can be picked-up at oppostyle.com, as well as Amazon UK, France and Germany. Sales will kick-off on December 1 and Amazon is already accepting pre-orders. The R7s is a solid mid-range offer, equipped with a 5.5" 1080p AMOLED, covered by 2.5D glass, 4GB of RAM, 32GB of storage and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 chipset. A 13MP main camera and 8MP front-facing unit are also on board. Oppo R7s boots Android 5.1 Lollipop with ColorOS 2.1. It is also worth noting that Oppo is currently running a Black Friday sale on oppostyle.com with pretty nice deals - N3 for $549, R7 Plus for $399 and the R7 for as little as $299. Accessories also go for a...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/oppo_r7s_will_go_up_for_sale_online_on_december_1-news-15226.php

Amazon US drops Nexus 6 to $200 for 32GB, $260 for 64GB

Just a couple of months ago the Motorola Nexus 6 64GB was $370 in the US - a sweet deal for a phone with a 6" QHD AMOLED. Amazon's Black Friday deal just blew it out of the water - the 32GB model is $200 and the 64GB one is $260. That's much cheaper than the current crop of Nexus phones, the Nexus 6P 64GB is $550. Sure, the Moto Nexus has only a metal frame instead of a unibody and the chipset is older, but its screen is bigger, the camera has OIS and you get basic water resistance to boot. Luckily, this isn't one of Amazon's lightning deals and you have about 22 hours left to think about it. Just a fair warning: don't look at the Amazon UK or DE sites looking for a similar deal on the Nexus 6. There's only disappointment and heartbreak...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/amazon_us_drops_nexus_6_to_200_for_32gb_260_for_64gb-news-15227.php

PlayStation 4 Remote Play coming to PC and Mac

Sony is bringing the much requested Remote Play functionality to your desktop computer. Shuhei Yoshida, President of Sony's Worldwide Studios for Sony Computer Entertainment Inc., said on Twitter that the company plans to bring the functionality to the PC and Mac and that it is working on an official application. Some people asked if we plan to provide Remote Play function to PC, and yes, we are indeed working on an official application for PC/Mac. :D— Shuhei Yoshida (@yosp) November 27, 2015 The Remote Play functionality on the PlayStation 4 allows you to play PS4 games by streaming them to your PS Vita, PlayStation TV or select Xperia devices. But people have been asking to be able to play their PS4 games on the PC or Mac by streaming it over a local connection. With the release of the Remote Play app on the desktop, you will be able to do just that, so you no longer have to wait for the TV be available for you to play and can just start your computer and play on that instead. Sony did not reveal any dates as to when this app will be...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/playstation_4_remote_play_coming_to_pc_and_mac-news-15228.php

AdDuplex: 7% of all Windows phones are now running Windows 10

Microsoft's Windows 10 Mobile OS is now powering 7% of the company's smartphones, according to market research firm AdDuplex. That's up 1.3% from the 5.7% share the OS had in the Windows ecosystem last month. It's worth mentioning that official Windows 10 Mobile update hasn't started rolling out yet, so the number mentioned above only represents Windows Insiders at the moment. As for other versions, Windows Phone 8.1 claims the maximum share - around 79%, while the share of versions 8.0 and 7.x stand at 9.1% and 5.0%, respectively. AdDuplex stats also give some details on Windows Phone devices that are popular in the US. As you can see in the image below the Lumia 635 is the most popular device in the country, followed by the Lumia 640, whose share was up 2.2% compared to the last month. The firm has also included data from Turkey for the first time, with the old Lumia 520 topping the charts there, followed by the Lumia 1320 (see image below). The full AdDuplex report will be published on the company's blog sometime...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/adduplex_7_of_all_windows_phones_are_now_running_windows_10-news-15225.php

Powered by Windows 10, EveryPhone is thinnest Windows phone till date

After the Katana 01, another Windows 10-powered smartphone has surfaced in Japan. Dubbed EveryPhone, the device is manufactured by local OEM Yamada Denki, and will start retailing tomorrow - November 28. Specs-wise, the handset is powered by a Snapdragon 410 SoC, and sports a 5.5 inch 720P display. It comes 2GB RAM and 32GB expandable internal memory, and packs in a 2,600 mAh battery. In terms of camera, the EveryPhone features a 13MP rear unit and a 5MP front shooter. The smartphone weighs in at 138.6 gms and measures 154.8mm x 78.6 mm x 6.9mm, making it the thinnest Windows Mobile handset ever, matching the Apple iPhone 6s. As for the price, the device carries a tag of JPY 39,800 (around $325) - it'll also available on a regular two-year contract for JPY 1791 ($14) per month. First 3,000 buyers will also get a Bluetooth keyboard and a screen protector (worth a total of $45) for free. The EveryPhone will be available for purchase from LABI, Tecc Land, Best Denki, Tsukumo, Yamada mobile, Matsuyadenki, as well as from Yamada's own website. Source (Japanese) |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/powered_by_windows_10_everyphone_is_thinnest_windows_phone_till_date-news-15224.php

LG V10 isn't coming to Canada

If you are in Canada and are waiting for LG to launch its recently unveiled V10 smartphone in the country, there is some bad news: the South Korean company has effectively revealed that the handset won't be launched there. The revelation came in the form of a Facebook post where-in the company - in response to a question on the device's availability in Canada - said, "Unfortunately, there aren't any plans to bring the V10 to Canada," adding that "We encourage you to check out some of other amazing phones, like our flagship LG G4." The Facebook page is currently inaccessible. Announced last month, the LG V10 features a dual front camera setup, as well as a secondary ticker display positioned directly above the main touchscreen. The phone went on sale in the US early this...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/lg_v10_isnt_coming_to_canada-news-15223.php

Samsung Galaxy S6, S6 edge, S6 edge+, and Note5 are all $100 cheaper at T-Mobile

As Black Friday is almost upon us, every carrier and retailer in the mobile world is having promotions left and right. The latest one comes from T-Mobile, as the magenta carrier has now taken $100 off the pricing of all four of Samsung's flagships of 2015. We're talking, of course, about the Galaxy S6, S6 edge, S6 edge+, as well as the Note5. Whichever of these you get from T-Mobile, you'll pay $100 less than before. This works automatically, there's no need to apply any promo code. And the offer is valid regardless of how you choose to pay for the handset - all at once or in monthly installments. The deal is going to be available until November 29. Additionally, if you trade in an eligible device, you can get the Galaxy S6 for $0 down and $0 per month, meaning you'll only pay the sales tax. The catch comes from the fact that those eligible handsets for trade-in are only high-end ones, such as the iPhone 6 (or newer), Galaxy S5, any S6 version, Note5, Note 4, or Note Edge. Oh, and after 18 months you'll need to return that Galaxy S6 you got for essentially free. You can pick other handsets to get for cheap, once again if you trade-in one of the phones on the list above. The S6 edge can be had for $4 per month, the S6 edge+ for $8 per month, while the Note5 is $5 per month. Source |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s6_s6_edge_s6_edge_and_note5_are_all_100_cheaper_at_tmobile-news-15222.php

Motorola's Black Friday deals for the UK shave up to £229 off device prices

A couple of days ago we told you about Motorola's "Cyber Week" deals for the US, and now it's time to see what the company has in store for the UK. Black Friday deals are already live on its UK website, and they're valid until 11:59 PM on November 30. With the festive price reductions applied, the Moto X (2nd Gen) 16GB is £199.99, while the 32GB model costs £250. In both cases, you save £195. If you choose the Nexus 6, you actually save £229 according to Motorola. The 32GB version goes for £250, and the 64GB one is £310. The 16GB Moto X Play is priced at £219, the 32GB model at £259 (both £60 off). And finally, you can buy the Moto E (2nd Gen) for only £69.99, £39 less than before. Source |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/motorolas_black_friday_deals_for_the_uk_shave_up_to__pound229_off_device_prices-news-15221.php

OnePlus offers refund for out of spec USB Type-C accessories

Remember when a Google engineer found that OnePlus' accessories didn't fully adhere to the USB Type-C spec? That was less than two weeks ago, and today OnePlus has responded to the allegations - by essentially confirming the problem. See, both the OnePlus USB Type-C cable and the USB Type-C adapter use a type of resistor that could, under certain circumstances, "allow fast-charging devices to try to draw more power than a power source may allow". If this happens, it will result in damage to the power source (be that a third-party charger or USB port, for example). It is however important to stress that the accessories that ship with the OnePlus 2 are fully compatible with the phone, since it doesn't use "fast charging". So there's no risk of anything happening to the OnePlus 2 charger if you use the supplied USB Type-C cable. But some people have bought OnePlus' Type-C accessories to use with other devices, especially since they're very cheap. For these customers, OnePlus is offering to refund the value of the accessories they purchased. If you've done so in Europe or North America, just head to this page and fill out the form. If your claim is approved, you'll get the money back through PayPal. If you're in India or China, go to the nearest OnePlus repair center with the cable or adapter you want a refund for, and you'll get the money back on the spot. The refunds will be provided until December 31. Because the stuff that shipped in the box with the OnePlus 2 will work with this handset without issues, you can not get a refund for that cable and charger. OnePlus is already working on fully spec-compliant USB Type-C accessories, which will become available at some point in the...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/oneplus_offers_refund_for_out_of_spec_usb_typec_accessories-news-15220.php

ZUK Z2 to come with rotating camera, alleged leaked renders claim

We've already heard that there's a ZUK Z2 coming in 2016, from the Lenovo-backed company's CEO no less. No other details about it have been known until now, however, except the fact that it might be powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 820 chip. Today though a set of renders have been leaked claiming to depict the ZUK Z2 in all its glory. And, as you can see, it appears that ZUK's second smartphone will sport a unique feature. Its top side fully rotate, which means the phone will only have one camera. But you'll be able to use it for selfies by simply rotating it towards the front of the device. The pictures describe the mechanism more accurately than words could, so have a look (for the images below, click the thumbnails to get bigger versions). ZUK Z2 Unfortunately these renders don't come with additional specs. Yet given the fact that the Z1 has 64GB of storage, we assume its successor will get at least that. And what is obvious from the images is that the Z2 will have a metal frame with 2.5D glass both on its front and on its back. Of course, there's a chance that these renders show a concept made by some ZUK fan, so hopefully you've taken them with a pinch of salt. Source (in Chinese) |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/zuk_z2_to_come_with_rotating_camera_alleged_leaked_renders_claim-news-15219.php

Samsung Galaxy A5 (2016) has 720p screen, user agent profile reveals

Samsung is planning on refreshing its Galaxy A series of metal-clad smartphones pretty soon, judging by all the leaks we've seen recently about the new Galaxy A3, A5, and A7. And now one of these devices has had its screen resolution exposed through a user agent profile. The Galaxy A5 (2016) is set to keep the same number of pixels as its predecessor from last year, since it will also come with 720p resolution. The user agent profile doesn't reveal anything else about the handset, but past rumors had its screen size at either 5" or 5.2". The new Galaxy A5 could also be powered by an Exynos chipset with octa-core processor, aided by 2GB of RAM and 16GB of storage. The rear camera should be a 13 MP unit, while the front-facing snapper will have 5 MP resolution. Its battery capacity is 2,900 mAh as per the FCC. The phone is expected to run Android 5.1 Lollipop. And like the first generation A5, it too will come with a full metal body. Via (in...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_a5_2016_has_720p_screen_user_agent_profile_reveals-news-15218.php

Oppo is gearing up for Black Friday with big price cuts

If you are currently in the market for a new phone, then it is more than likely that you are waiting for November 27 to snatch the best deal possible in the shopping frenzy. And if an OPPO phone happens to pique your interest then you might just be in luck, as the OEM is planning a big sales promotion. Starting at midnight tonight EST, all the way to November 28, 02:59 EST, OPPO will be offering the R7, R7 Plus and N3 handsets for $100 (€90) less. That should put the N3 at $549, the R7 Plus at $399 and the R7 should go for as little as $299. The latter two also come with a free OPPO Selfie Stick (blue) included as a gift. You can also accessorize your new shiny phone for a bargain with 30% to 50% off accessories. All the deal will be up on...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/oppo_is_gearing_up_for_black_friday_with_big_price_cuts-news-15217.php

Windows 10-powered Katana 01 to go on sale next week

A low-end, Windows 10-powered smartphone will be released next week. Dubbed Katana 01, the device is manufactured by Japan-based OEM Freetel, and will go on sale in the country on November 30. Specs-wise, the device is powered by a quad core 1.1GHz CPU, and sports a 4.5-inch (480 pixel resolution) display. It has 1GB RAM and 8GB internal memory (expandable up to 32GB via MicroSD card), and packs in a 1750mAh battery. The Katana 01 features a 5MP camera on the back and a 2MP front shooter. As for the price, the dual-SIM supporting Katana 01 will carry a tag of JPY 12,800, which translates into around $105 at current exchange rates. The successor to the handset, dubbed Katana 02, is also listed as 'coming soon' on Freetel's website. It's specifications include 5-inch (1280 x 720 pixel resolution) display, 2GB RAM, 16GB storage and 8MP camera but there's no saying when it will come out. Source (translated) |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/windows_10powered_katana_01_to_go_on_sale_in_japan_next_week-news-15216.php

ZeroLemon launches 3,500mAh battery case for Galaxy S6 edge+ and Note 5

ZeroLemon has released a 3500mAh battery case for Samsung's newest flagship devices, the Galaxy S6 edge+ and Galaxy Note5. The case should be able to provide more than one full charge for the built-in battery of both devices. The 3,500mAh battery is housed in a TPU protective case, offering your device protection against dangerous situations like hard drops and heavy shocks, although it add significant heft and bulk to your device. If you're interested in purchasing the accessory for your Galaxy S6 edge+ or Note5, head to Amazon, which has the cases in stock and is selling them for $40 each. Source 1...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/zerolemon_launches_3500mah_battery_case_for_galaxy_s6_edge_and_note_5-news-15215.php

Microsoft Lumia 950 and 950 XL sales start in Europe

After the US, it looks like the pre-orders for the Windows 10-powered Microsoft Lumia 950 and 950 XL flagship smartphones have also started shipping in Europe. Stock is also available in stores so no need to worry if you didn't book your unit. Users from Germany, the Netherlands, and Spain who pre-ordered the devices are reporting on Reddit that the software giant has charged their bank account for the order, and has also sent emails informing them about the shipment. In Germany, only the Lumia 950 is on pre-order at the Microsoft Store - the 950 XL is currently out of stock. However, both are currently on pre-order on Amazon, which says they'll be shipped starting December 4. It's worth mentioning that those purchasing the devices from Amazon will also get a Transcend Micro SDHC 32GB memory card as well as a Fatboy wireless charging pillow for free - the deal is valid till tomorrow. In addition, Lumia 950 XL customers will also get a free Microsoft Display Dock until January 31 - similar deal is also there at the Microsoft store. Over in the Netherlands, although both are available for pre-order at the Microsoft Store, they in stock (ready to ship) at several third-party stores - including Belsimpel, Studentmobiel, GSMwijzer, and Algebeld - with delivery in 2 to 4 working days. As for the price, while the Lumia 950 carries a tag of €599, the bigger cousin Lumia 950 XL will set you back €699. Via 1 2 (translated) 3...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/lumia_950_950_xl_preorders_start_shipping_in_europe-news-15212.php

Raspberry Pi Zero announced, costs just $5

Raspberry Pi has long been the favorite of modders and hackers who wanted a small, but more importantly, a cheap computer they can play around with. At around $20-35, it is one of the cheapest computers you can buy today. But what if you wanted something even cheaper? Sounds kinda impossible but they have managed to make it in the form of the new Raspberry Pi Zero, a $5 computer. So what does $5 get you? For starters, it has the same Broadcom BCM2835 processor from Raspberry Pi 1, except it's now 40% faster. There's also 512MB of LPDDR2 RAM, microSD slot for storage, mini-HDMI port for 1080p60 output, microUSB for data and power, unpopulated 40-pin GPIO header and unpopulated composite video header. At 65mm x 30mm x 5mm, it is also the smallest Raspberry Pi yet. The Raspberry Pi Zero will be available in UK from element14, The Pi Hut, and Pimoroni and in the US from Adafruit and Micro Center. They will also be giving away one with every December issue of The MagPi magazine in the...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/raspberry_pi_zero_announced_costs_just_5-news-15214.php

LG is restructuring its business to optimize growth in promising areas

Just like its Korean cousin Samsung, LG is a huge corporation with many divisions across a number of markets. And while it is no secret that the company's mobile division has been struggling to turn a profit lately, some of LG's other branches have been thriving. The OEM is currently supplying the majority of display panels for the iPhone 6s and TV sales have been quite profitable as well. In a bold new step, LG has opted to reform the overall company structure in hopes of giving more freedom within divisions to enable: "more independence and responsibility to facilitate rapid decision-making,". LG will now be led by thee veteran executives, who will be overseeing every aspect of the business: Jo Seong-jin, president and CEO of the home appliances division; Juno Cho, president and CEO of the mobile business; and David Jung, overall president and CFO. Executive rearrangements don't stop there. David Jung will also take the role of Corporate Business Administration Officer. Current Vice Chairman and CEO Koo Bon-joon will be taking a leading role in LG Corp - the LG Electronics parent company - although it is yet to be specified. Executive Vice President Lee Sang-bong, head of the LG Energy Business Center, will be promoted to President and will also act as B2B Officer. Global Sales and Marketing Officer Wayne Park will assume the new title of Executive Vice President and Head of LG's European Operations. Executive Vice President Brian Na will be responsible for LG's Overseas Sales and Marketing. New appointments will take effect on December 1 and the whole process should be complete after a general shareholder meeting in early 2016. Hopefully, the radical undertaking will prove beneficial for LG's overall business, as despite hardships as a smartphone manufacturer, the company still has a lot to offer the mobile industry. Source |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/lg_is_restructuring_its_business_to_optimize_growth_in_promising_areas-news-15213.php

LG is offering $100 rebate on purchase of Verizon G4 and V10

For those planning to purchase the LG G4 or V10 from Verizon this holiday season, here is some good news: the South Korean company is offering a $100 prepaid card with the purchase of any of the two handsets from the carrier. Keep in mind that the promotion is available till December 25. Also, to receive you prepaid card, you need to register at a special website (head to Source link below) after you purchase your unit - this has to be done before January 8. If LG V10 is what you are aiming for, then you're in for a double treat as Verizon is also offering a solid discount on the handset on Black Friday. The carrier will be selling the device for just $11.33/month for 24 months. Source |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/lg_is_offering_100_rebate_on_purchase_of_verizon_variants_of_g4_and_v10-news-15211.php

WhatsApp for Android gets starred messages, rich link previews

WhatsApp for Android has been updated with a few handy new features, couple of which had been introduced on iOS a few weeks back. The first is the ability to star messages. You can now press and hold on a message and get the option to star it. This works like bookmarking, where you can star messages to go back to them later in a separate folder. The other new feature is rich link previews. No longer will you see just the URL or a small thumbnail when you or someone else shares a link. The app will generate a small preview with the article title and a larger thumbnail. You can choose not to show the preview while sharing links. The last new feature is exclusive to Android, or more specifically to Marshmallow, where you can now get access to Android DirectShare, allowing you to share directly to specific contacts or groups on WhatsApp within the share sheet itself. The update is now live on the Play...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/whatsapp_for_android_gets_starred_messages_rich_link_previews-news-15210.php

Huawei Mate 8 goes official with 6-inch display, Kirin 950 SoC

As expected, Huawei has launched the Mate 8, which is being called the company's "most advanced flagship smartphone." In line with what was teased before, the smartphone is powered by the Chinese firm's latest Kirin 950 SoC with octa-core CPU, and sports a 6-inch FHD display For those who aren't already aware, the Kirin 950 chipset comes with four high-power Cortex-A72 cores, clocked at up to 2.3 GHz and an additional four power-saving Cortex-A53 ones, working at 1.8 GHz. There's also an i5 coprocessor that "supports speech recognition, low-power consumption MP3, all the functions of a sensor hub, fused location provider (FLP) navigation, and reduces location-based power consumption," the company said in a press release. The SoC is manufactured using TSMC's 16 nm FinFET process. Made from aerospace-grade aluminum and 2.5D curved diamond cut glass, the Mate 8 also features a fingerprint sensor at the back, and will be available in Champagne Gold, Moonlight Silver, Space Gray, and Mocha Brown color options. On the software side, the handset comes with the company's next-generation EMUI 4.0 OS based on Android 6.0 Marshmallow, and offers features including voice controls, a power-saving firewall, a defragmenter, and eRecovery. Other details will be made available when the Mate 8 will be officially unveiled at CES 2016, after which it will be available for purchase in China sometime in Q1. There's currently no information on the pricing, as well as if and when it will be available in other markets...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/huawei_mate_8_launched_with_kirin_950_cpu_android_60_marshmallow-news-15209.php

Mozilla says it doesn't rely on Google for revenue anymore

Mozilla - the company behind the popular Firefox Web browser - has revealed that it's no more dependent on search giant Google for its revenue, noting that it's expecting to earn even more from the new search deals. For those who aren't aware, for the past several years, Mozilla's main source of revenue was Google - the search giant paid for being the default search engine in Firefox. However, the deal - which earned Mozilla nearly $330 million in 2014 alone - ended late last year when the non-profit organization entered into a similar agreement with Yahoo instead. Mozilla also struck some local deals including those with Baidu in China and Yandex in Russia. For 2015 and beyond, Mozilla seems to be confident that things will only pick up. "We really look forward to displaying our results next year," said CFO Jim Cook. "2015 will show our continued track record of really strong financial results." As for Google, it's still the default option on Firefox in Europe, but Mozilla is getting no money from the arrangement now. "We don't have a commercial relationship with Google at this point," said Denelle Dixon-Thayer, Mozilla's chief business and legal...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/mozilla_says_it_doesnt_rely_on_google_for_revenue_anymore-news-15208.php

Lumia 950 and 950 XL already available at some Microsoft retail stores in US

Microsoft's latest flagship smartphones - the Lumia 950 and 950 XL - are now available for purchase at some of the software giant's retail stores in the United States. FYI, that's a day earlier than what was previously announced. That's good news especially for those planning to purchase the Lumia 950 XL given that the device isn't available to order online currently - instead of 'Order' or 'Pre-order', the official listing currently shows 'Email me when available' button. The Lumia 950, on the other hand, is available for purchase online. Currently an AT&T exclusive in the country, the device is not only listed on the carrier's website, it's also available from the Microsoft Store website. Via | Microsoft Store 1 2 |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/lumia_950_and_950_xl_now_available_at_some_microsoft_retail_stores_in_us-news-15207.php

Sony Xperia Z5 Premium review: Premium Definition

Sony's flagships have always been playing off each other in a nice but, after a certain point, rather repetitive way. When Sony decided to pass on QHD screens, it looked like it had the right reasons to keep up with 1080p for flagship generations on end...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/sony_xperia_z5_premium-review-1344.php

New render claims to depict upcoming Nokia C1 running Android and Windows 10 Mobile

The C1 is supposedly going to be the first handset to bear the Nokia logo after the Finnish company sold its smartphone business to Microsoft a few years ago. That there will be new Nokia mobile devices coming in 2016 has already been confirmed by the CEO, so that's nothing new. Yet whether the first one will be called C1 remains to be seen. Also a mystery are its specs and even what it looks like. We've already seen a round of alleged renders back in September, quickly followed by a supposed hands-on photo session showcasing a different device. And today we get yet another interpretation of the C1's design, courtesy of the leaked render you can see above. This is in fact the fourth time a picture is claimed to show the C1 - one of them was quickly debunked, while the remaining three are all different. So at this point it's still anyone's guess which of these is the C1. The image that leaked today reportedly comes from a first-time tipster, which lends even less credence to what's shown. Also interesting is that the C1 is depicted running both Android (in the foreground), as well as Windows 10 Mobile (in the background to the right). The tipster seems to allege that there will be two versions of the smartphone, one running each mobile OS. But so far all of the rumors have only mentioned Android, and no Nokia official has ever said the company would be making Windows phones as well. Given how well Windows Phone has been doing with Microsoft itself making devices running it, it's unclear why any other company would want to release products running its latest...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/new_render_claims_to_depict_upcoming_nokia_c1_running_android_or_windows_10_mobile-news-15206.php

Gold Samsung Galaxy Note5 is finally available at Verizon and AT&T

A couple of weeks or so ago, T-Mobile started selling the gold variation of the Samsung Galaxy Note5. And today its two biggest competitors have finally followed suit. Both AT&T and Verizon are now offering the gold Galaxy Note5. While AT&T only has it with 64GB of storage, Verizon only sells it with 32GB. So keep that in mind when you compare prices. The gold Galaxy Note5 can be had from AT&T for $349.99 with a new two-year contract, or $28 per month for 30 months using the carrier's installment plan. The full price for the device is $839.99. At Verizon, you either pay $29 per month for two years, or shell out the full retail value of $696. As you'd expect, the gold Note5 is identical to its differently colored siblings. It still comes with that 5.7-inch QHD AMOLED touchscreen, a 16MP rear camera, a 5 MP selfie shooter, 4GB of RAM, Samsung's Exynos 7420 chipset, and a 3,000 mAh battery. It runs Android 5.1.1...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/gold_samsung_galaxy_note5_is_finally_available_at_verizon_and_at_t-news-15204.php

Apple's Smart Keyboard for the iPad Pro undergoes teardown, is impossible to repair

Last week the folks over at iFixit did one of their famous teardowns for the Apple Pencil stylus, and the result was not good if you've been thinking of how repairable that is. It got only a 1/10 repairability score, where 10 means easiest to repair. Now iFixit has put the other accessory Apple custom designed for the iPad Pro through the teardown treatment. We're talking about the Smart Keyboard, and this one is record-breaking. But maybe not in a manner you'd expect it to. The Smart Keyboard incredibly managed to achieve a 0/10 repairability score, which means it's pretty much impossible to fix once it's broken. If you open it up, you'll damage it, there's simply no way around that. No internal components can be replaced without destroying the keyboard. To make the Smart Keyboard water and stain resistant, Apple's "encapsulated the entire accessory inside some high tech fabric". And this needs to be cut in order to take the keyboard apart. On the flip side, the accessory is said to be quite durable. So it's pretty clear that Apple is simply going to replace your Smart Keyboard if anything goes wrong with it, yet that is unlikely to happen too often. Source |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/apples_smart_keyboard_for_the_ipad_pro_undergoes_teardown_is_impossible_to_repair-news-15205.php

Nvidia Shield Tablet X1 has Tegra X1 SoC, gets benchmarked running Android 6.0

As you may remember, a while back Nvidia started designing and selling its own devices, after having been left practically without customers for its mobile chipsets. Hence, the company's Shield Tablet (since renamed and relaunched as Shield Tablet K1) served as a kind of showcase for the Tegra K1 chipset. However, Nvidia has already announced the newer Tegra X1 SoC early this year, and a new tablet bearing this particular chip was at one point tipped to arrive in March. That obviously didn't happen. Moreover, seven additional months have passed and this successor to the Shield Tablet is nowhere to be seen. That said, it might actually become official soon. That's because a prototype has been put through the paces of GFXBench, which means a list of most of its specs is now available. It will be called Nvidia Shield Tablet X1, which makes sense given the chipset employed. And yes, the Tegra X1 SoC has been confirmed by the benchmark. GFXBench for some reason only counted the four Cortex-A57 cores in the CPU, but this should be an octa-core part with four additional Cortex-A53 cores. The custom-developed GPU is apparently going to be twice as good compared to the one seen in the Tegra K1, and it will be capable of 1 teraflop of floating point performance. The Shield Tablet X1 seems to keep its predecessor's 8-inch 1,920x1,200 touchscreen, yet it comes with 3GB of RAM and 32GB of storage. It will have Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and GPS too and will run Android 6.0 Marshmallow. Source | Via (in...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/nvidia_shield_tablet_x1_has_tegra_x1_soc_gets_benchmarked_running_android_60-news-15203.php

New Oxygen OS update is headed to the OnePlus X today

A new software update is on its way to the OnePlus X starting today. It's not Marshmallow, in case you were wondering. Your OnePlus X will still run Android 5.1.1 Lollipop even after applying this update. But what Oxygen OS 2.1.3 does bring with it are several enhancements to the microSD card support on the device. You'll find UX improvements, along with exFAT SD card support, and the ability to move apps to and from the card. Thankfully, one nasty bug that made the handset reboot when you removed the SD card has been fixed. According to OnePlus, some unnamed security patches are in too, as well as "general bug fixes and optimizations". The over-the-air rollout starts today, but the new bits will first only arrive on around 10% of devices out there, to ensure that everything about the update procedure is working fine. A wider release will then follow in a few...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/new_oxygen_os_update_is_headed_to_the_oneplus_x_today-news-15202.php

Official Samsung Galaxy A9 listing hints at December 1 release

Ever since its first appearance in trademark documents way back in March, the Samsung Galaxy A9 has seen its fair share of rumors. Those include a few leaked specs sheets, the last one from only a few days ago, so it is safe to say we already have a pretty good idea of what the metal handset will offer. Still, a little official confirmation is always welcome and it comes in the form of a new listing for the device on the company's Iran website. The cited hardware coincides with what we already know, so it's almost official. The Galaxy A9 is equipped with the new Snapdragon 620 SoC with four next-get Cortex-A72 cores, four Cortex-A53 ones and a fresh new Adreno 510 GPU. The impressive new mid-range chip is backed by 3GB of RAM and 32GB of onboard storage with a microSD card slot for up to 128GB more. All this horsepower will be pushing pixels on a 5.5-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 1080p, which adds up to 401 ppi. The camera setup includes a 16MP main shooter with HDR and autofocus and a 5MP selfie one. Connectivity is pretty standard with GPS, NFC, Bluetooth 4.0 LE and the A9 should boot Android 5.1.1 out of the box. The only piece of the puzzle still missing seems to be the battery capacity. The Samsung page also lists a December 1 launch date for the Galaxy A9 and we have every reason to believe the information. It is also worth noting that the enclosed photos are of the Galaxy A8 and merely a placeholder. Source |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/official_samsung_galaxy_a9_listing_hints_at_december_1_release-news-15201.php

Mysterious Huawei handset pops up on GFXBench, could it be the Honor 5X Plus

The eagerly-anticipated Huawei Mate 8 is mere hours away from its November 26 unveiling, but the OEM has apparently found time and resources to keep the wheels turning on other projects as well. A newly unearthed GFXBench result offers a glimpse of one such handset. Codenamed Huawei ABC-UL00, it is believed to be a new addition to the Honor line, presumably the Honor 5X Plus. The revealed specs paint a decidedly mid-range picture. The phone is equipped with a 5.2 inch FullHD display and utilizes the OEM's custom Kirin 935 chip. We have already seen it powering the Honor 7 and Mate S and it is one of the better HiSilicon offers, although somewhat lacking in the GPU department. Memory is set at 3GB and the reported storage looks to be from a 64GB model, though other varieties might also be available. The camera setup features a 13MP shooter on the back and a 8MP selfie one. Other than that, GFXBench assures us that the Honor 5X Plus has all the standard connectivity options one would expect, life Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, also GPS and NFC. From the looks of things, the Honor 5X Plus might be Huawei's answer to the recently announced Xiaomi Redmi Note 3. However, with a fingerprint reader and a tantalizing price tag starting at RMB 899 ($140), it might prove a hard opponent to...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/mysterious_huawei_handset_pops_up_on_gfxbench_could_it_be_the_honor_5x_plus-news-15196.php

2.8-inch aluminum Nokia 230 is official

Microsoft just pulled the wraps off the Nokia 230 and its 230 Dual SIM counterpart. This newest featurephone relies on a trifecta of aluminum build (sort of), front-facing flash and an affordable price. The Nokia 230 features a 2.8-inch display with 240 x 320 pixel resolution (QVGA). It has a total of 16GB of RAM, reminiscent of simpler times, but that's enough for the Series 30+ to run Opera Mini, Bing Search, and MSN weather. There's no internal storage to speak of, in the sense of keeping MP3s internally - microSD cards up to 32GB are the way to go. Nokia 230 press images A 2MP rear camera is on board, capable of shooting 1,600 x 1,200 pixel images and videos at 240p/15fps. It has a flash too, but most importantly so does the front-facing 2MP shooter, which can also capture higher-res VGA videos (640 x 480 pixels). There's a very basic set of wireless connectivity options with only dual-band 900MHz/1800MHz GSM support and Bluetooth 3.0. There's an FM radio receiver, too. A microUSB port takes care of charging, and there's also a 3.5mm headphone jack. The phone measures 124.6 x 53.4 x 10.9mm and weighs 91.8g grams. It's mostly made of polycarbonate, but has a sand-blasted aluminum back cover for a touch of premium on a $55 device. Behind it is a 1,200mAh battery, which Microsoft promises is good for up to 27 days of standby on the single-SIM version and 22 days for the dual-SIM. Availability starts in December. Source |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/28inch_aluminumbacked_nokia_230_is_official-news-15198.php

Fossil Q Founder is an Android Wear watch with classic looks

Fossil (in collaboration with Intel) has unveiled a stylish Android Wear watch, the Fossil Q Founder. Yep, the one they've been teasing since August. It has a steel chassis and a round display (with a Moto-like "flat tire" display) and comes with a selection of steel and leather bands. Fossil has prepared several companion apps that will help you load a new Fossil dial - one you download or one you make yourself. The Fossil Q Founder smartwatch can track your activity - walking, running, jumping - and the Q Curiosity feature will alert you to interesting details on your surroundings. "Technology is a major disruptor in many industries right now - even fashion. But to successfully merge the two, you need to have the fashion design expertise and focus on it first," said Jill Elliott-Sones, chief creative officer at Fossil. The smartwatch is powered by Android Wear and supports Android (4.4+) and iOS devices (iPhone 5 and later, iOS 8.2+). The retail package comes with a wireless charging dock. There's no word on screen type or resolution, no mention of water resistance either. The Fossil Q Founder will go on sale today in select Fossil stores, starting at $275. It seems that the initial units will come with a stainless steel band, the leather band option is marked "coming soon." By the way, if this one is too gadget-y for you, the Q Grant smartwatch has a classic look (with physical dial and arms) but more limited functionality. Source |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/fossil_q_founder_is_an_android_wear_watch_with_classic_looks-news-15199.php

Large 5.5'' screen and 8MP selfie camera - meet the LG Ray

The LG Ray X190 goes after the crowd shopping for a large screen on a budget. The smartphone is similar to the LG G4 Stylus and has a 5.5" IPS display, plus an impressive camera setup for its price range. It brings an 8MP camera for selfies, plus a 13MP/1080p one for general photography. The design of the new phone is fairly similar to the G4, with a brushed aluminum look on the back (not actual aluminum though) and hardware keys below the camera. It measures 9.3mm thick and packs a fairly large 3,000mAh battery. The LG Ray does have its limitations though. Starting with the screen, it only has 720p resolution (267ppi). Then there's no LTE (just 3G), dual-SIM is optional. Also, the battery officially promises a mere 10 hours of talk time (really?). LG Ray X190 The phone runs Android 5.1 Lollipop with features borrowed from the flagship G-series, including Knock Code and Gesture Shot. The MediaTek MT6592M chipset packs an octa-core processor, but an outdated Mali-400 GPU and only 1GB of RAM. In Russia the LG Ray X190 will cost RUB 15,000 ($232/€215). Tech there usually gets a hefty markup, so expect a more affordable price tag...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/large_55_screen_and_8mp_selfie_camera_meet_with_the_lg_ray-news-15200.php