BlackBerry's 3Q 2015 financial results to be announced on December 18

BlackBerry has scheduled an event to report its financial results for the third quarter of the fiscal 2015. Beginning at 8am ET on December 18, the announcement will take place in a conference call and a webcast. In case you miss the live broadcast, there will be a replay available for another two weeks until January 3. Market analysts and investors alike will be intrigued to find out what effect the launch of the BlackBerry Priv will have on the numbers. Rumors have claimed that the struggling Canadian company might be pulling out of the device market, depending on the success or failure of the high-end slider. Early as it may be for conclusions, this third quarter result may shed some light on what's to...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/blackberrys_3q_2015_financial_results_to_be_announced_on_december_18-news-15361.php

BlackBerry's 3Q 2016 financial results to be announced on December 18

BlackBerry has scheduled an event to report its financial results for the third quarter of the fiscal 2016. Beginning at 8am ET on December 18, the announcement will take place in a conference call and a webcast. In case you miss the live broadcast, there will be a replay available for another two weeks until January 3. Market analysts and investors alike will be intrigued to find out what effect the launch of the BlackBerry Priv will have on the numbers. Rumors have claimed that the struggling Canadian company might be pulling out of the device market, depending on the success or failure of the high-end slider. Early as it may be for conclusions, this third quarter result may shed some light on what's to...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/blackberrys_3q_2016_financial_results_to_be_announced_on_december_18-news-15361.php

Hands-on with the OnePlus Sandstone case for the iPhone 6/6s

OnePlus caused quite the buzz a few days ago, when it announced the Sandstone case for the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6s. Wait, what? A smartphone maker is releasing a case for a smartphone made by another smartphone maker? The internet was bewildered. It's fair to say then that the marketing stunt did what it was supposed to. People were talking and OnePlus was in the news thanks to a piece of plastic. We got one too and figured we'd share a few impressions. OnePlus Sandstone Case for the iPhone 6s - press images First up - presentation. The case comes in a box, made to a standard well worthy of holding a phone, not the tacky plastic or thin cardboard packages in which most other cases arrive at your doorstep. The pullout tab in the signature OnePlus red color is a nice touch, both functionally and in terms of design. Inside there's a plastic scratch card that in our case held an invite for an Onyx OnePlus X, but others may be for the Ceramic version. The luckiest of buyers might be getting a free smartphone, OnePlus announced. The case itself is very well made and is an excellent fit for an iPhone 6s. We didn't have an iPhone 6 lying around to test it, but we figure that OnePlus knows what it's doing by advertising it for both models. The minuscule difference of 0.2mm in thickness is unlikely to be of significance. The case measures 138.7 x 70.2 x 10.5mm, and covers the back and the sides, but not the top and bottom. Still the extreme corners are reasonably well protected. The camera doesn't stick out either - the back is thick enough to keep it recessed. We're polarized on the surface, just as we were about the OnePlus 2. The general opinion is that the coarse texture evokes the same feeling you get when someone scratches a chalk board. Then again there were those of us that appreciate that the material doesn't hold fingerprints, and is naturally very grippy too. Now, it's debatable whether iPhone users would be inclined to put on a case made by OnePlus. Not only that, but it completely covers the Apple logo, replacing it with OnePlus' and that seems like a big no-no. That aside, the case is pretty good if you're okay with the texture. And by the way, it's now discounted too, selling at...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/handson_with_the_oneplus_sandstone_case_for_the_iphone_6_6s-news-15359.php

4-inch Apple iPhone 7c might come in September 2016

Rumors on a possible successor to the iPhone 5c have been on and off at least since March. An alleged iPhone 6c then showed up in a live image (well, at least its back cover), and at one point it was also rumored to launch side by side with the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus. No such thing happened, as we're all aware, but rumors keep coming in that an iPhone 6c will eventually materialize. However, this new bit suggests that it will come even later, and thus will be named iPhone 7c instead of iPhone 6c. The info supposedly comes from suppliers to Apple's main manufacturer Foxconn. This 4-inch iPhone 7c is now tipped to arrive in September, as a build-up to the release of the proper iPhone 7. Alongside this information, a $400-$500 price ballpark has been quoted too, presumably off contract. Needless to say, there's little tangible data to support these claims, so take them with a due dose of skepticism. Source |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/4inch_apple_iphone_7c_might_come_in_september_2016-news-15360.php

December video update on Apple Campus 2 progress reveals underground auditorium

Construction of Apple Campus 2 is well underway with a launch date set for the end of next year. In his customary monthly aerial video photographer Duncan Sinfield gives us an update on how Campus 2 is progressing and reveals an undeground auditorium in the making. The giant circular complex is shaping up nicely, and parts of it are already waiting for the next phase of development when the glass panes will be put in. A view from Mt. Apple gives a glimpse of how the whole thing will look from the ground, sort of. Next to it is the said auditorium, which in its finished state will be below ground and thus away from prying eyes. The tiered venue will accommodate future product announcements and other key events. The R&D facility named Tantau is also coming together, now 3 to 4 levels up. You can view the video below and listen to the man himself Steve Jobs and snippets from his 2005 Stanford speech. Source |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/december_video_update_on_apple_campus_2_progress_reveals_underground_auditorium-news-15358.php

Microsoft holding Lumia 950/XL pre-launch event in Dubai next week

Microsoft has announced that it is holding a pre-launch event for its new Windows 10 flagships - the Lumia 950 and 950 XL - in UAE on December 11. Set to take place at Microsoft retail store in Dubai Mall, the event will begin at 6:00 pm local time. Those attending the event will not only be able to purchase the flagship devices, but the first 20 customers will also get "exclusive access" to the official launch event in the country, which is scheduled for December 15. For those who aren't already aware, the Windows 10 flagship duo is already available for purchase in the US and...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/microsoft_holding_lumia_950_xl_prelaunch_event_in_dubai_next_week-news-15357.php

Six-year-old HTC HD2 receives Android 6.0 port

Released back in 2009, HTC's legendary HD2 smartphone simply refuses to die. Although the device shipped with Windows Mobile 6.5 Professional, it has seen ports of several major mobile OS' including Windows Phone 7, MeeGo, and of course Android - v2.1, Jelly Bean, KitKat, and Lollipop. And now, Marshmallow has also been ported onto the handset. Frankly, it would be unfair to expect HD2 with Android 6.0 to function smoothly, so it comes as a little surprise that the port is "riddled with bugs and non-working features" - only screen, Wi-Fi, and audio are currently said to be working fine out-of-the-box. Even if it doesn't provide a complete experience, the port does show that the now struggling Taiwanese company gave us some of the most impressive mobile hardware we've ever seen. For instructions on how to install the port, head to the Via 2 link below. Via 1 | Via...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/sixyearold_htc_hd2_receives_android_60_port-news-15355.php

Xiaomi YI Action Camera lands in US for $100

Xiaomi first launched the YI Action Camera in China back in March this year. Now, nine months later, the camera has officially arrived in the United States, where Amazon is selling it for $99.95. The e-commerce giant also has a YI Action Camera Kit listed on its website. The kit, which consists of the camera, a selfie stick, as well as a Bluetooth Remote, carries a price tag of $139.95. For those who aren't aware, the action camera features a Sony 16MP Exmor R BSI CMOS sensor that is capable of recording 1080p60 HD videos. There is also built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity as well as a 1,100 mAh battery. The device weighs in at around 75g. Source 1 | Source...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_yi_action_camera_lands_in_us_for_100-news-15356.php

Asus ZenFone 2 Laser 6-inch variant goes on sale

Unveiled back in August this year, the Zenfone 2 Laser (ZE601KL) with 6-inch display has now gone on sale in India, where it's currently only available online through e-commerce sites such as Amazon, Flipkart, and Snapdeal. Those planning to purchase it through offline channels will have to wait until next week. Specs-wise, the device is powered by a Snapdragon 616 chipset, and as already mentioned, sports a 6-inch (1080x1920 pixel resolution) IPS display. It comes with 3GB RAM and 32GB expandable internal memory, and packs in a 3000mAh battery. In terms of camera, the Zenfone 2 Laser (ZE601KL) features a 13MP rear unit and a 5MP front shooter. Weighing in at 190g and measuring 164.5x84x10.5mm, the handset runs Android 5.0 Lollipop-based ZenUI, and carries a price tag of INR 17,999 ($270). Color options include red, silver, and gold. Source |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/asus_zenfone_2_laser_6inch_variant_goes_on_sale-news-15353.php

Sony launches first set of PS2 games for PlayStation 4

Last month, it was revealed that Sony is working on PS2 backward compatibility for PlayStation 4, and now, the company has launched the first batch of PS2 games for the PS4 gaming console. "To celebrate our PS2 heritage, I'm excited to announce that starting tomorrow, you will be able to purchase and play PS2 games on your PS4 via PlayStation Store in the Americas and Europe," said President of Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios Shuhei Yoshida in a blog post yesterday. As of now, a total of eight games have been confirmed. These include Dark Cloud, Grand Theft Auto III, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, Rogue Galaxy, and the Mark of Kri (available for $14.99 each), as well as Twisted Metal: Black and War of the Monsters (both carrying $9.99 price tag). All these games also include Trophy support. "Also, you will be able to experience all of these PS2 games like never before — in up-rendered 1080p with the features you expect from a PS4 game including Remote Play, Live Broadcast, Share Play, Activity Feeds, and Second Screen support for game manuals with PlayStation Vita or PlayStation App," Yoshida...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/sony_launches_first_set_of_ps2_games_for_for_playstation_4-news-15354.php

Alleged Lumia 850 renders leaked

Months after its specs leaked, alleged renders of the Microsoft Lumia 850 smartphone have surfaced online, courtesy of leakster @OnLeaks. While the Windows 10 device was earlier believed to be cancelled, the leakster suggests otherwise. According to the information leaked by @OnLeaks, the device sports a metal frame and measures 155.9 x 77.23 x 6.92 (mm), making it one of the thinnest Lumia phones till date. Lumia 850 renders Another popular leakster @evleaks also added his two cents on the matter by revealing that the handset has a gold-colored trim and golden Microsoft logo, as well as a front-facing flash. .@OnLeaks In real, non-CAD life, Honjo has gold-colored trim and a golden Microsoft logo on the back (as well as a front-facing flash).— Evan Blass (@evleaks) December 4, 2015 Via...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/alleged_lumia_850_renders_leaked-news-15352.php

TAG Heuer suspending online sales of its Connected smartwatch

Swiss watchmaker TAG Heuer is not able to keep up with the demand of its newly-launched Android Wear-powered Connected smartwatch. So, the company is not only stepping up the production of the $1,500 wearable, but is also suspending its online sales to give priority to physical stores. TAG Heuer has received around 100,000 orders from retailers, agents and subsidiaries, which apparently is way more than what the company anticipated. In order to meet the demand, the company has decided to manufacture 2,000 units a week, up from 1,200 units being produced currently. As for online sales, they are expected to be suspended until May/June next year. Meanwhile, the company is also planning to come up with different variants of the device. "Considering the success of this single and unique watch, we will develop a collection made out of different varieties, executions and materials at the end of next year or beginning of 2017," said CEO Jean-Claude Biver, adding that the new collection could also include a gold as well as a diamond...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/tag_heuer_suspending_online_sales_of_its_connected_smartwatch-news-15351.php

IDC: Detachable tablets predicted to pick up sales while tablet sales decline

Just a few years ago, before tablets took off, netbooks dominated the computing space. They offered basic computing with a full Microsoft OS (XP at the time) for studying or basic web browsing in a portable package with a long lasting battery. A couple of years after the original iPad came out in 2009, manufacturers started building tablets and demand for netbooks eventually phased away. Google shortly took over the netbook space with the Chromebook. According to the latest worldwide tablet market forecast by analysts from IDC, the market is showing signs of shifting from standalone tablets to tablets with detachable keyboards focused for productivity. The report predicts that Windows tablets with detachable keyboards will slowly take market share from Android powered tablets while iOS tablets will remain about the same. The introduction of Google's Pixel C, Apple's iPad Pro, and the continued success of the Microsoft Surface line will inevitably introduce lower cost alternatives and increase demand for these portable, productivity computing solutions. Basically, these cheaper tablets with detachable keyboards will become the new netbook. Source |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/detachable_tablets_predicted_to_pick_up_sales_while_tablet_sales_decline-news-15347.php

GoPro Hero4 Session gets another price drop, now only $199

GoPro launched the Hero4 Session in July as its smallest camera up until that point, but the price wasn't especially low at $399.99. In the meantime, we've seen the Hero4 Session getting a $100 price cut at the end of September, but today it's become even more affordable. GoPro has announced that the Hero4 Session is now priced at just $199 in the US. That's half its original asking price, and the new level certainly makes it a lot more enticing for a lot more people. The new price in the UK is £160. The GoPro Hero4 Session has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, can shoot wide-angle 1080p60 videos as well as 8MP stills, and it's compatible with GoPro accessories such as helmet, chest, board, bike, gear and pole mounts. It's waterproof up to 10m, and has one-button control. Source | Via 1 • Via...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/gopro_hero4_session_gets_another_price_drop_now_only_199-news-15350.php

Samsung Galaxy J2 review: Little things

Samsung is flying high on the wings of its flagships success, but it hasn't turned its back on the entry-level market. The Galaxy J2 is the latest affordable smartphone by Samsung, having its sight on strengthening Samsung's push for low-end market dominance. The Galaxy J5 and the more distant Galaxy J1 were rather successful...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_j2-review-1348.php

Oppo's advent calendar game counts down to €80 discounts on R7 series

To celebrate the fact that Christmas is rapidly approaching, Oppo will be launching an Advent Calendar game on December 7 (that's this coming Monday, by the way). If you play the game, you can win one of two Oppo R7s units, or a few vouchers of different values, which you can use to make any R7 series device from Oppo cheaper than it already is. To play, you need to tear open the Advent Calendar each day from December 7 to December 13, and you'll earn badges. If you manage to be among those who earn 7 different badges, then you can win an R7s, if you are one of the first two contestants to collect this number of badges. If you get 5 different badges by the end of the game, you'll be able to use a €80 voucher at Oppo's official online store in order to purchase any R7 series product. 3 different badges net you a €40 voucher, while even just one badge gives you a €20 discount. And if you share the competition on social media you could also win a selfie stick or a VOOC battery charger from the...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/oppos_advent_calendar_game_counts_down_to_80_discounts_on_r7_series-news-15348.php

Samsung will pay $548 million to Apple, has the right for reimbursement

The Samsung vs Apple patent legal case has been an exhausting one spanning nearly 5 years. Ultimately, after numerous rehearings, appeals and injunctions, Samsung has agreed to pay Apple $548 million. Both companies have filed a joint case management statement with the USDC (United States District Court) for the Northern District of California, in which Samsung states it has "has made arrangements to complete payment to Apple." The South Korean company is now in the process of waiting an invoice from Apple. If the document arrives before the weekend in Korea, Samsung will pay Apple the $548 million in damages by December 14. Interestingly, in the case management statement, Samsung still shows hope that the judgement may be overturned and the company reserves its right to seek full or partial reimbursement of the money in such case. Samsung continues to reserve all rights to obtain reimbursement from Apple and/or payment by Apple of all amounts required to be paid as taxes. [...] Samsung further reserves all rights to reclaim or obtain reimbursement of any judgment amounts paid by Samsung to any entity in the event the partial judgment is reversed, modified, vacated or set aside on appeal or otherwise, including as a result of any proceedings before the USPTO addressing the patents at issue or as a result of any petition for writ of certiorari filed with the Supreme Court. Samsung notes that the Patent Trial and Appeal Board has issued a final decision of invalidity on the '915 Patent, and Apple filed a notice of appeal to the Federal Circuit in the USPTO last week. Naturally, in the case management statement, Apple writes that it "disputes Samsung's asserted rights to reimbursement." However, expect more news from the court battle between Apple and Samsung as the filing notes the agreement for the money transfer has been reached on November 2, but a settlement is yet to be made. Source |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_will_pay_548_million_to_apple_has_the_right_for_reimbursement-news-15346.php

Sony Xperia phones to get their Android 6.0 Marshmallow fix in the next two months

According to @Ricciolo1, a well-known leakster, Sony plans to update its Xperia Z5 lineup to Android 6.90 Marshmallow in January with older models to receive the same treatment shortly after. Marshmallow offers a bunch of improvements, optimizations and features that'd be welcome on any smartphone. Battery life improvements and performance boosts are the most noticeable changes to the software. Sony has been pretty good about keeping older devices in the update loop. It updated the Xperia Z (not the Z1) all the way to Lollipop 5.1.1, despite having an older Snapdragon S4 Pro processor. As i said, an update has come yesterday, #marshmallow READY next month for #sony #z5 family..older #xperia models to follow shortly.. ;)— Ricciolo (@Ricciolo1) December 2, 2015 Whether or not Sony will decide to update the Xperia Z this time around is unknown but it sure would be awesome to see Marshmallow running on a phone from early 2013. Source |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/sony_xperia_z5_lineup_be_updated_to_60_older_xperias_to_follow_soon_after-news-15344.php

A total of 5 Sony Xperia Z6's expected, a 4-inch Mini among them

HTC has a thousand and one Ones, others have S's and Pluses, well Sony will have the Xperia Z6, and a total of 5 of them, apparently. If the latest post on Antutu's Weibo page is to be believed, we'll be seeing a further diversification of Sony's flagship lineup, with diagonals ranging from 4 to 6.4 inches. The namesake model, the Xperia Z6, will keep the 5.2-inch display. Sony settled at that number for the Xperia Z2 (effectively the third-gen flagship after the Xperia Z and Z1) and appears to be considering that as the sweet spot. Sony is more or less exclusively occupying the mini flagship category with its Compacts, and the Z6 generation will have a 4.6-inch Xperia Z6 Compact as well. Not stopping there, for next year's lineup Sony may be gracing us with an even smaller 4-inch Z6 Mini. This one, however, is reported to be powered by a Snapdragon 620, unlike the rest of the bunch, which will all come with the Snapdragon 820 powerhouse inside. This year Sony debuted the Xperia Z5 Premium, but it would seem that the 5.5-inch diagonal will remain a one-off effort in the Z-series. Upwards of the 5.2 inches of the Z6, we're in for a 5.8-inch Xperia Z6 Plus and a 6.4-inch Xperia Z6 Ultra - joining the Plus trend and bringing back to life the Ultra moniker introduced with the original Xperia Z Ultra in the summer of 2013. But Antutu doesn't stop there. It's also revealed that the Xperia Z6 and Z6 Plus will feature a form of pressure sensitive displays, like Apple's 3D touch on the latest-gen iPhone 6s/6s Plus. Now, we know better not to expect any of this to become official at CES next month, more likely MWC in Barcelona. At least such extensive plans might serve as confirmation that Sony hasn't given up on its mobile business just yet. Source (in Chinese) |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/a_total_of_5_sony_xperia_z6s_expected_a_4inch_mini_among_them-news-15343.php

Sony buys Toshiba's image sensor business for JPY 19 billion

Sony and Toshiba officially announced the deal that has been in the works for months now - Toshiba's chip 48,800 sq m manufacturing plant in Oita City and some 1,100 employees will transfer to Sony. The deal will be carried out to the tune of JPY 19 billion ($155 million/€€142). The factory will primarily manufacture image sensors on its 300mm wafer production facility (Toshiba used the factory for other chips as well). The deal is at the "memorandum of understanding" and is expected to complete by March 31, 2016, subject to regulatory approvals. While Sony's own phone division isn't doing too hot, its image sensors are very sought after. Sony image sensors are used by the majority of the mobile industry manufacturers - from Apple and Samsung to small-scale makers. Interestingly, Toshiba may be looking to merge its PC production business with Fujitsu and Vaio (Sony's former PC...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/sony_buys_toshibas_image_sensor_business_for_jpy_19_billion-news-15339.php

Cyanogen OS 12.1 update for YU Yuphoria to begin rolling out today

Back in June this year, it was announced that the Cyanogen OS 12.1 update for YU Yureka and Yuphoria smartphones will be rolled out soon. After months of waiting, the update landed on the Yureka and Yureka Plus in November, but Yuphoria users were still left hanging. The good news is that the wait is now over, as YU has announced that the Cyanogen OS 12.1 update for the Yuphoria is ready for its roll-out. The announcement was made by CEO Rahul Sharma on Twitter. He says that the company has just received the CTS approval for the update, and will begin the roll out tonight. Just received the CTS approval for Cyanogen OS 12.1 for #YUPHORIA. Roll out begins tonight. Your device. Your OS.@YUplaygod— Rahul Sharma (@rahulsharma) December 4, 2015 As for the update, it brings along several new features including a new launcher that is claimed to be redesigned for one-handed use, expanded support of codecs for video and audio playback, as well as a LiveDisplay feature that the company claims intelligently adjusts your screen based on environmental...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/cyanogen_os_121_update_for_yu_yuphoria_to_begin_rolling_out_today-news-15340.php

IDC: Samsung slips out of top 5 wearable vendors worldwide

Samsung has slipped out of the top five wearable vendors in the world, according to the Q3, 2015 numbers released by market research firm IDC. The South Korean company - which was at the number five spot in the firm's Q2 rankings - lost to Chinese vendor XTC (a subsidiary of BBK) by 100,000 units. Fitbit retained the number one position with 22.2% market share, down from 32.8% in the same quarter last year. The company's shipments, however, were up from 2.3 million to 4.7 million in the same period. Apple's shipment volumes were up slightly (compared to the previous quarter), something which was "mostly the result of additional markets and channels coming on line," IDC noted. With most of its volumes shipping into China, Xiaomi managed to substantially increase both its market share as well as shipment numbers in Q3 2015 as compared to the same time last year, claiming the third spot. Garmin came in at the fourth position with 4.1% market share, down from 7% last year. Overall wearable shipments saw a jump of 197.6% on year-on-year...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_slips_out_of_top_5_wearable_vendors_worldwide-news-15337.php

Telltale, Warner Bros. and DC working on a Batman game

Telltale Games has revealed that it is working on a Batman game with Warner Bros. and DC Comics. The game will be released on consoles, PC, Mac, and mobile devices. It will be in the same episodic format that Telltale games are known for. The name is yet to be announced and the game will release some time in 2016. A teaser trailer will be released next week. "At Telltale, we've been honored to bring our unique approach to interactive storytelling to some of the biggest entertainment franchises in the world, and we're excited to announce that we'll soon be exploring what it means to be Batman in an all-new series starting next year," said Kevin Bruner, Co-Founder and CEO of Telltale Games. "This iteration of Batman will give fans a first-hand opportunity to dive deeper into the complex life and mind of Bruce Wayne, the duality of his own identity, and the struggle of responsibility in saving a city overcome with corruption and villainy." "Telltale has an established track record of creating award-winning content for some of the best properties in the world," said David Haddad, President, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. "We look forward to working with the team as they deliver a new interactive way for fans and gamers to experience the rich narrative world of Batman." With Warner Bros. being involved, it's clear this is not purely just a Batman game but will likely tie in with the movie set to release early next year. We can probably expect the game to release some time...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/telltale_warner_bros_and_dc_working_on_a_batman_game-news-15335.php

Marshmallow update for Xiaomi Mi 4 And Mi Note coming soon

The Android 6.0 update for the Mi 4 and Mi Note smartphones will be rolled out soon, according to Xiaomi's MIUI operations manager, who made the revelation in a Weibo post today. This would make both these handsets the first Xiaomi devices to get Marshmallow. It was also revealed that the update won't bring a new iteration of the Chinese company's MIUI interface, which means its version would stay at 7. This comes just a day after Microsoft released the Windows 10 ROM for the LTE variant of the Mi 4 smartphone. Source (Chinese) |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/marshmallow_update_for_xiaomi_mi_4_and_mi_note_coming_soon-news-15336.php

IDC forecasts single-digit growth for worldwide smartphone market this year

Market research firm IDC is forecasting a single-digit growth for worldwide smartphone market this year, something which would happen for the firm time. The firm is predicting a growth of 9.8% in 2015 to a total of 1.43 billion units. As for the reason, IDC mentions slowdown in shipments in Asia/Pacific (excluding Japan), Latin America, and Western Europe. It also notes that the economic slowdown in China - the largest smartphone market by shipments - has affected the overall market growth. Image credit: Lam Yik Fei/Getty Images "With the smartphone market finally slowing to single-digit growth, maintaining momentum will depend on several factors," said Ryan Reith , Program Director with IDC's Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker. "The main driver has been and will continue to be the success of low-cost smartphones in emerging markets." "This, in turn, will depend on capturing value-oriented first-time smartphone buyers as well as replacement buyers. We believe that, in a number of high-growth markets, replacement cycles will be less than the typical two-year rate, mainly because the components that comprise a sub-$100 smartphone simply do not have the ability to survive two years. Offering products that appeal to both types of buyers at a suitable price point will be crucial to maintaining growth and vendor success." As for areas of growth, IDC says the Middle East & Africa (MEA) region will surpass "hot markets" like India and Indonesia this year with an year-on-year shipment growth of 50%. The research firm is predicting the worldwide smartphone market growth to come down to just 4.7% by the year 2019. Here's the detailed forecast data IDC shared for the 2015-2019...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/idc_forecasts_singledigit_growth_for_worldwide_smartphone_market_this_year-news-15334.php

Chromebooks' share of US edtech market jumps from under 1% to 50% in just three years

Google's Chromebooks now constitute over 50% of all devices in US classrooms, up from under 1% just three years ago, according to a new CNBC report which cited latest data from Futuresource Consulting. Of the 8.9 million devices bought by the country's schools and school districts K-12 so far this year, around 4.4 million have been Chromebooks. Image credit: Michele Molnar Looks like even Google didn't anticipate such rapid progress. "It's been amazing to us to see that growth happen just in that short amount of time," said Rajen Sheth, director of product management for Android and Chrome in business and education. "If you look at the overall market for devices in education, it's actually expanded a lot and Chromebooks have actually taken a lot of the expansion." Rivals including Apple and Microsoft have seen their share of the market plummeting from 52% to 24% and 43% to 24%, respectively, during this three-year...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/nearly_50_of_all_of_us_classroom_devices_are_now_chromebooks-news-15333.php

Amazon Fire tablet arrives in China

Amazon has announced that its latest Fire tablet is now available for purchase in China, where it carries a price tag of RMB 499 ($78), and includes access to "hundreds of thousands" of Kindle books as well as English language learning features like Word Wise. In addition, the e-commerce giant has also inked a deal with Chinese firm Baidu as part of which the latter will provide search, apps, and online video experience on Amazon tablets in the Asian country. "With millions of readers already using Kindle e-readers in China, we're excited to now offer another incredibly affordable option, particularly for customers learning to read English," said Neil Lindsay, Vice President, Amazon Devices. "With tools and features like Word Wise and Blue Shade, plus a large selection of Chinese and English content, we think readers will love the new Fire tablet." Lindsay also said that the company has already sold "millions" of Fire tablets since...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/amazon_fire_tablet_arrives_in_china-news-15332.php

Samsung Galaxy Note5 finally landing in Europe early next year

When Samsung unveiled the Galaxy Note5 back in August this year, it was announced that the device won't be available in Europe, at least not this year. Now, the year is about to end, and a couple of new reports are claiming that the handset is all set to land in Europe early next year. A report from Gadgette says the smartphone will go on sale in the UK in January, i.e., next month. And AndroidCentral, on its part, has confirmed that the device will indeed be available for purchase in European markets in early 2016. There's, however, still no word on the price tag the Galaxy Note5 will carry in...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_note5_finally_landing_in_europe_early_next_year-news-15331.php

Details on entry-level LG K7 surface

Less than a month after the usually reliable leakster @evleaks confirmed its existence, details on the entry-level LG K7 have surfaced. According to a new report, the device - which currently carries a code name of M1 - will be launched next year, and is expected be available from multiple carries in the US (including T-Mobile). Specs-wise, the report notes that the handset is be powered by Snapdragon 210 chipset, and sports a 5-inch (480 x 854 pixel resolution) FWVGA display. It has 1.5GB RAM and 8GB internal memory. In terms of camera, the K7 features a 5MP rear as well as front unit. There is currently no information on how much the device will cost, although the report says pricing information will be revealed in the next few...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/details_on_entrylevel_lg_k7_surface-news-15330.php

Uber testing a new way to easily spot your driver

In Seattle, Uber is testing a new way to spot your driver's vehicle. The ride sharing company has outfitted some drivers' vehicles with a colored bar called SPOT that illuminates different colors to let passengers easily identify their ride. The only ways to identify your ride right now is by model, color, and tag number. Some people may not know cars by models and sometimes there can coincidentally be two of the same model with the same color (a black Toyota Camry is quite popular in NYC). Source: Uber Newsroom The best way to tell apart your car is by squinting to read the plate number. This is not ideal though, as some states don't even have front plates so you would not be able to rely on the plate facing your way. A passenger can use the Uber app to choose a color to look for and he or she can also tap and hold the screen to wave to the driver and in exchange, the driver is more easily able to spot the passenger. Uber's plan for SPOT can help to avoid passengers trying to get into the wrong car and help trim down on time wasted calling the passenger because the passenger was unable to spot the driver. Source |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/uber_testing_a_new_way_to_easily_spot_your_driver-news-15329.php

ZTE Blade A1 gets official with fingerprint sensor, sub-$100 price

Today ZTE has added a new member to its Blade family of affordably priced smartphones. At an event in China the Blade A1 became official. This is a small handset that comes packing a fingerprint scanner on its back. It also has a design slightly reminiscent of the iPhone 5c and an incredibly glossy plastic build. ZTE Blade A1 The specs are nothing earth-shattering, then again that's not the point here. The Blade A1 will cost just CNY 599 (that's $93 or €85) when it goes on sale on December 11. It has a 5-inch 720p touchscreen, a 13 MP rear camera with LED flash, an 8 MP selfie snapper, the MediaTek MT6735 chipset (with 1.3 GHz octa-core Cortex-A53 CPU), 2GB of RAM, 16GB of expandable storage, and a 2,800 mAh battery. It runs ZTE's MiFavor 3.2 on top of Android 5.1 Lollipop. Its dimensions are 142 x 70.2 x 8.9 mm. It will be available in Smart White, Vibrant Yellow, Dream Green, Cool Blue, and Space Grey. Because we've seen quite a few Blade-series members in certain parts of Europe in the past, the A1 has a chance of making it to places outside of China too. Source (in Chinese) | Via (in...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/zte_blade_a1_gets_official_with_fingerprint_sensor_sub100_price-news-15328.php

Dual-SIM LG Nexus 5X is apparently available in Kuwait

The LG Nexus 5X may be the first ever Nexus device to have a dual-SIM version. That is, if the information listed by one Kuwaiti retailer is correct. Xcite is the company that claims to have the dual-SIM Nexus 5X already in stock, ready to be purchased for KWD 145 in its 16GB iteration (that's around $477 or €437, by the way). All the other specs are identical to the single-SIM Nexus 5X we all know, but there's the added mention of two nano SIM slots to complete the package. So unless this is a mistake, we should probably expect to see the dual-SIM Nexus 5X launching in some other markets in the near future as well. However, it's unlikely that LG and Google will bring this model to Europe or North America, since they've traditionally not been markets with high demand for dual-SIM smartphones. On the other hand, the dual-SIM Nexus 5X could be offered pretty much everywhere else in the...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/dualsim_lg_nexus_5x_is_apparently_available_in_kuwait-news-15327.php

LG V10 is on its way to the UK

After a period of indecisiveness on the matter, LG seems to have finally come to a decision regarding the V10's availability in the UK. And it's good news if you live in the UK and wanted to purchase the Korean company's latest flagship offering. It turns out that LG will officially sell the V10 in the UK after all. The handset is already listed on LG's UK website, which means it's coming soon. For now, the "where to buy" section is still empty, meaning we don't yet know which retailers and operators will be teaming up with LG to offer the V10. But that information should probably be out soon, when we'll also hopefully find out how much you'll need to pay for one V10. The device should become available by the end of the year, according to LG's own press release from October - where it mentioned that the V10 would be out in Europe this quarter. As you may remember, LG introduced the phone at the beginning of October. Its main claims to fame are the dual front-facing cameras and the secondary display that sits right above the main 5.7-inch QHD touchscreen. The V10 also has a 16 MP rear camera with OIS, laser autofocus, and LED flash, the Snapdragon 808 chipset at the helm, 4GB of RAM, 64GB of expandable storage, and a 3,000 mAh battery. It runs Android 5.1.1 Lollipop. Thanks for the tip,...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/lg_v10_is_on_its_way_to_the_uk-news-15326.php

OnePlus 2 will no longer require an invite to buy

OnePlus took to its forums and announced it was no longer going to require invites to purchase a OnePlus 2. The open sale begins on December 5 at midnight with both the OnePlus 2 and the OnePlus X up for grabs. The OnePlus X, however, will only be invite-free until December 7. After that, the OnePlus X will be invite-free only one day of the week. The Chinese phone maker also guarantees that all orders placed on or before December 7 will be fulfilled before Christmas. Aside from dropping the invite system for the OnePlus 2, there will also be a mini sale from December 5 through 7 that offer the OnePlus 2 Style Swap covers for 50% off and discounts on all other...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/oneplus_2_will_no_longer_require_an_invite_to_buy-news-15325.php

Honor 7 users in the UK can now test Marshmallow beta

Huawei is hard at work on an Android 6.0 Marshmallow update for its lineup and it seems it is now entering the home stretch. This is all but natural, considering the OEM's latest flagship - the Mate 8 does come with Marshmallow out-of-the-box, so, at this point, the ground work is surely done. By the looks of things, the Honor sub-brand might be the first to experience EMUI 4.0, based on the latest version of Android, as evident by today's announcement of a beta test for the Honor 7 in UK. The beta was actually hinted in an earlier rumor. Eager owners of said handset can sign-up now at the source link to join in the test run. It should be a fairly easy procedure as well, with no flashing or modding required, as the conditions suggest the new ROM will simply be pushed to your device as an OTA once you enroll. Still, bugs are naturally expected. Source |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/honor_7_users_in_the_uk_can_now_beta_test_marshmallow-news-15324.php

KDDI and Kyocera introduce world's first phone you can wash with soap - Digno Rafre

Waterproof phones are nice for hygiene since you can always give them a light wash. KDDI and Kyocera went a step further and introduced the Digno Rafre - the world's first soap-proof phone. That's right, you can use soap to make sure the phone is as clean as it looks. The Rafre has been specifically rated for hot water resistance at 43° (hot water is not included in the usual IP ratings, of which the Rafre has IP58). And, and!.. it comes with a rubber ducky dock, which floats in the bathtub. "Netflix and chill" just got waterborne. Or, you know, kids can play with it, or something. The Digno Rafre comes in Navy Blue, Cashmere White and Coral Pink. The touchscreen will work even when wet and it's guarded by Dragontrail X glass against accidents. The phone itself is shock-proof (MIL-SSTD-810G) to survive its young potential owners. The specs include a 5" 720p screen, Android 5.1 Lollipop, 2GB of RAM and 16GB storage (with a microSD slot) and a 13MP camera. It supports 4G LTE and WiMAX plus VoLTE and its 3,000mAh battery should last over 20 hours of VoLTE calls. Kyocera's Digno Rafre is launching on KDDI next Friday for JPY 57,420 ($465/€440). Source |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/kddi_and_kyocera_introduce_worlds_first_phone_you_can_wash_with_soap__digno_rafre-news-15323.php

Windows 10 ROM now available for Xiaomi Mi 4 LTE

As promised, Microsoft has released the Windows 10 ROM for the LTE variant of the Xiaomi Mi 4. The ROM is part of Microsoft's Windows Insider program and although stable enough to be installed could have some bugs still. The ROM currently is only compatible with the LTE variant of the device and it is not recommended to install it on any other variant. Once installed, you can expect the full Windows 10 experience devoid of any Xiaomi influence as this is coming straight from Microsoft. The ROM with instructions can be found in the link...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/windows_10_rom_now_available_for_xiaomi_mi_4_lte-news-15322.php

Samsung Galaxy Tab E 8.0 gets FCC approval

FCC has spilled the beans on the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Tab E 8.0 tablet. The slate will have an 8" 1280x800 pixel display and will utilize a Snapdragon 410 chipset with a quad-core 1.2GHz CPU. Further specs include 1.5GB of RAM with 16GB of built-in storage and Android 5.1.1 Lollipop to boot. Measurements are 126 x 221 x 8.9mm. At the back, the tablet will have a 5MP camera and a 1.9MP front-facing one. Connectivity includes GPS, Bluetooth 4.0, Wi-Fi 802.11n and 4G LTE. The battery is rated at 5,000mAh. The successor to the Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 8.0 should launch on Verizon in January next year. We're still unclear on pricing and international availability. Source |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_tab_e_80_gets_fcc_approval-news-15321.php

Huawei Enjoy 5S goes official with octa-core CPU and fingerprint scanner

In line with a recent teaser, the Huawei Enjoy 5S has been made official - the device is now listed on the company's official online store VMall. It is a variant of the Enjoy 5 smartphone which was launched back in October this year. The handset is powered by a MediaTek MT6753T chipset with an octa-core 1.5GHz processor, and sports a 5-inch 720x1280 pixel IPS display. It comes with 2GB RAM and 16GB expandable internal memory, and packs in a 2200mAh battery. In terms of camera, the Enjoy 5S features a 13MP rear unit and a 5MP front shooter. Running Android 5.1 Lollipop-based EMUI 3.1 Lite on top, it comes with hybrid SIM slot with dual sim dual standby support. Weighing in at 135g and measuring 143.5 x 71 x 7.6 mm, the smartphone also features a fingerprint sensor at the back. Connectivity options include 4G-LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, microUSB, and GPS/A-GPS, while color options include silver and gold. The Enjoy 5S is priced at RMB 1,199 ($187) and will go on sale in China starting December 10 - you can currently book it by making a RMB 99 ($15) deposit. Source (Chinese) |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/huawei_enjoy_5s_goes_official_with_octacore_cpu_and_fingerprint_scanner_-news-15320.php

Microsoft plans to support Windows 10 Mobile until January 2019

Window 10 Mobile is now making its debut on user devices, with the Lumia 950 and 950XL leading the show. And, judging be a freshly uncovered Microsoft support schedule, it might stick around until the beginning of 2019. The document details the beginning and presumed end of the support lifecycle for the mobile OS. It seems the Microsoft marked the official release of Windows 10 Mobile as November 16, about 24 hours before the Lumia 950 and 950XL went on sale from AT&T. As for the end support date, January 8 2019 is listed. That might hint that whatever the US giant has planned for the future of its smartphone platform, it is likely to go live around the same time (likely a few months earlier). Meanwhile, Windows 10 will be actively supported in the familiar mobile OS fashion. Incremental updated will be issued for a minimum of 36 months, but there are no guarantees of frequency or schedule nor any promises for device reach. This is the standard procedure in recent years, so nothing really unexpected there. And if you can't wait to get your hands on Windows 10, the aforementioned Lumia 950 and 950XL can already be picked up. Of course, if you already own a Lumia device, you might also be in luck. As far as we currently know, the initial wave of device updates will start on December 14 and include the Lumia 630, 635, 640, 735, and 830. Unfortunately the second wave will come much later, starting on February 1, 2016. This will bring Windows 10 to the Lumia 520, 532, 625, 720, 820, 920, 925, 930, 1020, and 1320. For more on Windows 10 for mobile, you can check the freshly-outed in-depth review of the Lumia...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/microsoft_plans_to_support_windows_10_mobile_until_january_2019-news-15319.php

Enterprise-focused Panasonic Eluga Mark with 5.5-inch display launched

Panasonic has updated its Eluga lineup in India with the launch of a new smartphone. Dubbed Eluga Mark, the device is aimed at enterprise users, offering support for enterprise mobility management (EMM) platform Android for Work. The handset is powered by a Snapdragon 615 SoC, and sports a 5.5-inch (720x1280 pixel resolution) IPS display. It comes with 2GB RAM and 16GB expandable internal memory, and packs in a 2,500mAh battery. In terms of camera, the Eluga Mark features a 13MP rear unit and a 5MP front shooter. It runs Android 5.1 Lollipop with the company's FitHome UI on top. There's also a fingerprint scanner at the back. "With the growing use of smartphones for a wider range of high-risk activities such as access to cloud data and private information, mobile security is a top priority for users," said Pankaj Rana, Business Head - Mobility Division, Panasonic India. "This control-sensitive device, which achieves complex tasks with the press of a finger or a swipe of the thumb, is personalized for the user and protects the smartphone investment." The device carries a price tag of INR 11,990 ($180) in India, and will be available for purchase through both online and offline retail channels in the country. Color options include Royal Gold or Metallic...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/enterprisefocused_panasonic_eluga_mark_with_55inch_display_launched-news-15318.php

YU Yutopia launch pushed back to December 17

Indian smartphone manufacturer Micromax's subsidiary YU has announced that the launch of its upcoming Yutopia smartphone has been delayed. The device, which was earlier scheduled to be unveiled on December 7, would now be launched on December 17. The announcement was made by YU's CEO Rahul Sharma on Twitter. .@YUplaygod Hold your excitement, as we plan to announce something special with YUTOPIA. The most powerful phone now launches on 17th Dec— Rahul Sharma (@rahulsharma) December 2, 2015 As for the reason behind the delay, a company spokesperson said that in addition to the Yutopia, one more handset is lined up for launch, and the company didn't want two separate launch events. It's worth mentioning that invites for the December 7 launch event were already sent out. Apparently, the delay is related to a recent Delhi High Court order restraining YU from importing and selling devices that infringe upon Ericsson's patents until it pays royalties to the Swedish firm. For more details on the matter, head to the Via 2 link below. Source | Via 1 | Via...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/yu_yutopia_launch_pushed_back_to_december_17-news-15316.php

Check out the second 'Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice' trailer

Couple of days ago, Warner Bros. released a teaser of the upcoming Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, a few months after the original trailer released. Today they released a second full length trailer that delves a lot deeper into the events of the movie. Here's a quick rundown of everything that happens. We see Clark Kent interact with Bruce Wayne for the first time, the former initially unaware of the latter's existence yet eventually it seems the two are well aware of who they are really talking to. We also see Jesse Eisenberg's Lex Luthor in action once again. Luthor in the movie seems nothing like what we have come to expect and has a totally different personality as was hinted in the previous trailer but made very clear now. The trailer also shows the fight between Batman and Superman in quick flashes, clearly not intent on spoiling the whole thing. The main about this trailer, however, is the introduction of Doomsday as the main antagonist. The movie shows him being created by Lex Luthor by experimenting on the body of General Zod, which is a departure from the original Doomsday story. We also see Wonder Woman's entry into the movie, which was saved for the last and was admittedly the best part of the trailer. The movie is set to release on March 25, 2016. Hopefully we will see more of Aquaman before...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/check_out_the_second_batman_v_superman_dawn_of_justice_trailer-news-15317.php

High-end LeTV Max Pro with SD820 SoC and 4GB RAM spotted on AnTuTu

A high-end LeTV smartphone has been spotted on the AnTuTu benchmark. Dubbed LeTV Max Pro, the device in question carries a model number of X910. As you can see in the screenshot above, the benchmark listing also reveals some of the key specs of the device. It is powered by Qualcomm's upcoming Snapdragon 820 chipset, and sports a 5.5-inch (2560x1440 pixel resolution) display. The Max Pro comes with 4GB RAM and 64GB internal memory. In terms of camera, the listing shows that it features a 21MP rear unit and a 4MP front shooter. The device runs Android 6.0 Marshmallow...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/highend_letv_max_pro_with_sd820_soc_and_4gb_ram_spotted_on_antutu-news-15315.php

HTC One smartwatch tipped for February 2016 launch

Rumors of HTC developing a smartwatch have been there since late 2013, but the company is yet to launch a device in that category. While at one point we were led to believe that the Taiwanese company has given up on the idea, a couple of rumors that have since followed have suggested otherwise. Thankfully, the usually reliable leakster @evleaks has now shared some useful information on the matter. HTC fans, you'll finally have One watch to call your own come February.— Evan Blass (@evleaks) December 3, 2015 As you can see in his tweet above, @evleaks has effectively confirmed that the Taiwanese company is indeed working on a smartwatch, saying that it will be launched in February next year (at MWC may be?). He also revealed the name of the wearable device: One. If you aren't in the know, a recent rumor had suggested that the device is codenamed Halfbeak. The rumor also revealed that the Android Wear smartwatch would sport a round 360x360px...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/htc_one_smartwatch_tipped_for_february_2016_launch-news-15314.php

LeTV creates new record, sells over 1 million smartphones in November

Back in August this year, LeTV became one of the fastest growing Chinese smartphone manufacturers after it was revealed that the company sold 1 million smartphone units in three months. Now, it is being reported that the company has broken its own record by selling a million handsets in just one month. Of the million smartphones it sold in the month of November, around 780,000 were Le 1s units. For those who aren't aware, the Le 1s is the company's latest smartphone which was made official back in October this year. Just a week after the unveiling, LeTV revealed that it received over a whopping 11 million pre-orders for the device. In addition to the Le 1s, the company's 1 Pro and Max smartphones also contributed in the latest achievement - a total of 100,000 units of these two devices were sold last...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/letv_sold_more_than_1_million_smartphones_in_november-news-15313.php

Two more Gionee phones (GN9010L and GN5001S) pass through TENAA

Several Gionee phones have been spotted listed on TENAA's website in the past couple of months. And now, two more handsets from the company have been certified by the Chinese agency. The new devices carry a model number of GN9010L and GN5001S, respectively. Starting with the GN9010L (see image below), its TENAA listing reveals that the handset is powered by a 1.3GHz octa-core CPU and sports a 5.5-inch (720 × 1280 pixel resolution) AMOLED display. It comes with 3GB RAM and 32GB internal memory. In terms of camera, the device features an 8MP or 13MP rear unit and a 5MP front shooter. Weighing in at 145.2 gms and measuring 151.9×74.6×6.9 mm, the GN9010L runs Android 5.1 Lollipop and comes in silver and gold color options. Moving on to the GN5001S, it's a low-end device which is powered by a 1.3GHz quad-core CPU and sports a smaller 5-inch (1280 × 720 pixel resolution) TFT display. It has 1GB RAM and 16GB expandable internal memory. In terms of camera, the device features 8MP rear unit and a 5MP selfie shooter. Weighing in at 185 gms and measuring 143 × 69.9 × 86.5 mm, the GN5001S also runs Android 5.1 Lollipop, but comes in black and gold color options. Source 1 (translated) | Source 2 (translated) |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/two_more_gionee_phones_gn9010l_and_gn5001s_pass_through_tenaa-news-15312.php

Android 6.0 update for HTC One M8 (unlocked) ready to roll out in US

The Android 6.0 Marshmallow update for the unlocked units of the HTC One M8 smartphone is ready to roll out in the US. This was revealed by the company's VP of Product Management Mo Versi on Twitter. HTC One (M8) unlocked owners! Great news, all testing has been complete and the update for Marshmallow will be sent out within 24 hours. Thx— Mo Versi (@moversi) December 2, 2015 When asked about the Marshmallow update for the One M9, he replied that the update is being readied, and should be arriving soon. It's worth mentioning that HTC had previously said that both One M8 and One M9 devices in the US will receive the update before the end of the year. As for the carrier versions of the M8, Versi said the Taiwanese company is "working with all of them closely" to get the update out "as soon as possible." For users in Europe, while there has been no official word yet on when the One M8 Marshmallow update will arrive there, the usually reliable leakster LlabTooFeR has said that it will begin rolling out in a couple of...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/android_60_update_for_htc_one_m8_unlocked_ready_to_roll_out_in_us-news-15311.php

Crowd-funded MicroFlip reversible micro USB cable starts shipping to pledgers

This summer, a reversible micro USB cable called Micro-Flip hit Kickstarter. The campaign promised to design and manufacture a micro USB cable with pins on both sides that'll fit into a micro USB port regardless of the direction it's inserted. The cable is capable of charging at up to 2.4A and is fully compatible with Qualcomm's Quick Charge 2.0. It also offers a built-in fuse that will protect devices from damage in case of spillages or splitting that can lead to shorting of circuits. Pledgers have received an email update today that shipments are being fulfilled as we speak and shipping notifications will be going out over the next couple of days. If you want one, you're out of luck, the campaign is closed and orders are no longer being taken. Coincidentally, there is another campaign on Indiegogo offering a similar product with a rather similar name (MicFlip), which is also shipping its products as we speak. Be sure to check out the original campaign video on the Kickstarter page for Micro-Flip, and check out the Indiegogo campaign for...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/crowdfunded_microflip_reversible_micro_usb_cable_starts_shipping_to_pledgers-news-15308.php

Google Phone and Contacts apps for Android 6.0 Marshmallow are now in the Play Store

Today Google has brought two more of its apps to the Play Store for Android. Contacts and Phone are part of Google's version of Android, the one it ships on the Nexus line for example. But up until now, in order to issue updates to these apps, the company had to make them part of a new Android software rollout. That's no longer the case, now that both Contacts and Phone are to be found in the Play Store, with updates handled in this much more convenient way. And, as a matter of fact, the two apps' debut in the Play Store coincides with them receiving some new features. For example, Phone has added call blocking, as well as a slightly enhanced in-call UI. Also, the dialer will display the nickname instead of the name for any contact you have given a nickname to in Google Now. And if your carrier supports Google's visual voicemail iteration, you'll get a voicemail count from now on. The Contacts app comes with "streamlined editing", which should make changing contact information easier than before. The Phone and Contacts apps by Google only work with Android 6.0 Marshmallow. For now, devices that have them preinstalled can update them, but it's unclear whether you can install either of them on a non-Nexus...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/google_phone_and_contacts_for_android_60_marshmallow_are_now_in_the_play_store-news-15310.php