LeTV is organizing fan meetups in several cities in India

You might not know about LeTV, but if you have heard about the Chinese OEM that means that its aggressive social campaigns are starting to show results. After experiencing a lot of success with pre-orders and then initial sales of its fourth handset offer - the LeTV Le 1s on the home turf, the young and ambitious company has been working hard to enter the vast India market and trying its hand at a lot of viral marketing in the process. Prior to launching its products, or as the company refers to them "Super Products" in India in early 2016, it has decided to celebrate fan attention and excitement and organize a few meetups across the country. Letv, before the official announcement of its launch in India, had already touched a milestone million number of likes for its Facebook page in a record time of just 60 days. To celebrate this milestone number, Le Meetup is being organized by the company to meet with its #SuperFans and bloggers community up close and give them a hands on experience with the brand's Le #SuperProducts. The events have actually been in the works for quite some time with a lot of input from the LeTV community, called LeMe (yes the Le puns never seem to stop) regarding locations. The chosen destinations and dates are: Bengaluru - December 26 New Delhi - December 30 New Delhi - January 9 Hyderabad - to be announced LeTV has promised a Q&A session at said event, as well as a hands-on experience with its products, as well as giveaways. In order to attend, you have to register in the LeMe community at the source link below, introduce yourself as a "SuperFan" and then register for one of the above meetings. LeTV has separate signup sheets set up for "Key Opinion Leaders (established tech bloggers and YouTubers)", which you can also use if you feel like you meet the bill. Source |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/letv_is_organizing_fan_meetups_in_several_cities_in_india-news-15627.php

Get the Surface Pro 3 or Microsoft Band 2 with a weekend discount form the Microsoft Store

The Surface Pro 3 hybrid might have gotten outshined by the OEM's new Surface Pro 4 , but it is still a pretty capable device for getting work done on the go and for the remainder of the weekend is a real steal. Normally priced at $899, the 128GB, Intel Core i3 model can now be picked up for just $599. That is a huge $300 discount, which is quite a bit of spending cash left over for more holiday gifts. The optional Type Cover, which is more or less essential for using the Surface at maximum productivity is also on sale and can be purchased for $70, instead of the regular $129. The lower-end 64GB Surface 3 is also on sale with a $100 discount, which brings its price down to just $399. The Microsoft Band 2 comes with a slashed price as well. Normally selling for $249.99, through Sunday, you can get it for just $199. The Band 2 offers several features, including continuous heart rate monitoring, notification alerts, as well as eleven sensors capable of tracking activities like running, weightlifting, exercising, rowing, and biking. The Microsoft Store has a lot of other deals up as well on things like the Xbox One, quite a few laptops, accessories and more. Most things are also eligible for free shipping within the...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/get_the_surface_pro_3_or_microsoft_band_2_with_a_weekend_discount_form_the_microsoft_store-news-15624.php

Apple was the top Flickr camera this year

Nearly one-third of the total photos uploaded to Flickr this year were captured using iPhones, making Apple the top Flickr camera in 2015. This was revealed by the photo sharing service in its Year in Review data for the year. Apple overtook Cannon, whose share dropped to around 20% in 2015. The first five spots in Flicker's this year's Top Cameras list were bagged by Apple's phones, including the iPhone 6, 5s, 5, 4s, 4, and 6 Plus. Some Samsung phones also made it to the list, although not in the top 10 - Galaxy S4 (11), S5 (13), and S III (19). Overall share of Samsung's handsets stood at 3.8%. The full report, which also has many other interesting stats like camera brand pairings, can be accessed by heading to the Source link...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/apple_retained_its_position_as_top_flickr_camera_this_year-news-15621.php

BlackBerry on the road to recovery with raising revenue

BlackBerry's saga in the mobile realm has been a long and arduous one, but unlike many other industry titans of old, the Canadian giant has managed to hold on to its business, adapting as best it can. After a prolonged period of steady decline it now appears that the company's damage control and course correction are finally starting to work with a new rising hope of returning to profitability. The good news became evident after Q3 financial results were published, showing a 13 percent rise is stocks and shrinking overall losses. This has been achieved through strategic marketing and investment in both software and hardware sales, part of which can definitely be attributed to the OEM's well-received bold step into the Android realm with the BlackBerry Priv handset. But even before the Priv hit shelves, BlackBerry had already put into action a new and improved licensing strategy for its rich software suite to combat steeply declining revenue form legacy system access fees and this time around, the measures seem to be showing results. Morningstar analyst Brian Colello commented on the matter saying: BlackBerry hit a software number that investors have been looking for them to hit for quite some time . I think the investment in security, in software, is the right move. Financial figures also back this statement. Apart from the aforementioned raise in stocks, the Ontario-based company also shrunk losses to 3 cents a share for a total on $15 million, besting analyst predictions of as much as $14 cents per share. Software revenue more than doubled in the quarter and so did device revenue form $201 million to $214 million, mostly thanks to the Priv. The air of optimism is definitely present, so much so, that chief executive John Chen has predicted a return to sustainable profitability in fiscal 2017. He even stated that the company could potentially break even from prior losses in this quarter, but this was postponed in favor of strategic software and hardware investments. As for the Priv, the bold experiment definitely proved successful, accounting for a lot of the aforementioned device revenue growth. Sales figures actually show that BlackBerry sold less devices during the quarter - 700,000, as opposed to the prior 800,000, but average selling price has jumped from $240 to $315, making for the overall increase in income. When asked about the future of BlackBerry's device business, Chen confirmed that a move to Android is indeed a possibility and does save a lot of production costs. We're planning on other Android phones, but it all hinges on how we do with the Priv . However, abandoning hardware entirely is still a possibility, if it turns out to be the better course of action, despite the OEM's best desire to stay in the device business. I've said that if we cannot make money we're going to get out of the phone business, and I mean hardware. We have tons of software that absolutely could run, not only on Android phones, but Apple and Windows phones too . We will remain in the phone business one way or the other Source 1 | Source...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/blackberry_on_the_road_to_recovery_with_raising_revenue-news-15626.php

Verizon deal: free memory upgrade on Galaxy devices or free 32GB microSD card with Droid Turbo 2

This weekend, Verizon is offering deals for subscribers looking to upgrade to a new phone. You can get up to a $300 gift card for your trade-in toward a Samsung Galaxy device (depending on your trade-in-value)(honestly, you may be better off selling the device on your own). You can also get a free memory upgrade on any of the newest Samsung Galaxy Devices when activating a payment plan. You can get either the Galaxy S6, S6 Edge, S6 Edge+, or the Note 5 with 64GB for the price of the 32GB model. Lastly, you can receive a free 32GB microSD card with the purchase of a Motorola Droid Turbo 2, doubling your memory. The first deal offering up to $300 toward a phone can be combined with either deal. The free memory upgrade discount will be applied immediately and does not require reimbursement. Both these deals are offered only this weekend for the purchase of the respective eligible devices and activating them on a device payment plan. Source | Source 2 |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/verizon_deal_free_memory_upgrade_on_galaxy_devices_or_free_32gb_microsd_card_with_droid_turbo_2-news-15625.php

Deal: Get $3 off on any Google Play purchase of $5 or more made through PayPal

PayPal is currently running a promotion that allows you to save $3 on any Google Play purchase (including games, movies, books, and apps) of $5 or more made through the payment company's service. The offer will be automatically applied when you use PayPal as a payment option during checkout. Savings will be listed in your PayPal email receipt and PayPal account transaction details, the company says. The promotion is valid until January 1 2016, and is only available to PayPal users in Canada, although Google Play terms and conditions say the offer is open to PayPal users in the United States as...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/deal_get_3_off_on_any_google_play_purchase_of_5_or_more_made_through_paypal-news-15620.php

ZTE announces 6.0-inch Axon MAX

ZTE has really been trying hard to step up its game with the high-end Axon series, employing powerful hardware and premium materials and built quality into the handsets. The device family already has quite a few offers in its ranks, like the core Axon model and modifications like the Axon Elite, Axon Lux and Axon Pro, all with a display size of 5.5 inches, as well as an Axon mini at 5.2 inches. Now the lineup has grown bigger in every sense of the word with the announcement of the Axon MAX, with its huge 6.0-inch FHD AMOLED display. Like the rest of its Axon siblings, the Axon MAX is designed with premium looks in mind and boasts a thin and slick body, measuring 160 x 80 x 7.5mm and made from aircraft-grade aluminum-titanium alloy. It is powered by Qualcomm's new mid-range octa-core offer - the Snapdragon 617, paired with 3GB of RAM and 32GB of storage, expendable through a microSD slot, housed within the second SIM tray of the dual-SIM device. The camera setup looks quite impressive with a 16MP shooter on the back with phase detection autofocus and a 13MP selfies shooter. The Axon MAX is powered by a quite large 4140 mAh battery, which also supports Qualcomm's Quick Charge 2.0 standard and promises a snappy top-up from zero to 60% in only 30 minutes. Other interesting specs highlights include a USB type-C port, dedicated AK4961 24-bit ADC for superior audio and a rear-mounted fingerprint reader. The Axon MAX is already up for order in China for CNY 2,799 (about $431). Color options are currently limited to Gold and sales on the local market should begin later this month, with no word on international availability yet. Along with the new handset, ZTE also announced its "Global VIP Passport" post-sales service. It is aimed at high-profile business users and offers an interesting mix of secure data-backup, protection and restore services, handset repair and replacement, as well as preferential ZTE rates on flights worldwide. Source 1 (in Chinese) | Source 2 |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/zte_announces_60inch_axon_max-news-15622.php

HTC says they've made "a very, very big technological breakthrough" with Vive

HTC CEO Cher Wang has claimed that the company has made "a very, very big technological breakthrough" with their Vive VR headset. She made the claim while speaking at the Vive Unbound developers forum in China yesterday. The revelation came in the wake of the announcement that the headset's launch is being delayed from December this year to April 2016. Commenting on the delay while speaking to Engadget, she said, "We shouldn't make our users swap their systems later just so we could meet the December shipping date." Pre-orders for the device will begin in February. Although Wang didn't provide any details on the big advancement, she did say that it will be shown off at the upcoming Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in January next month. She also said that aside from consumers, many major car brands, including Audi, will be installing Vives in their flagship stores for providing virtual reality test drive experience to...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/htc_says_theyve_made_a_very_very_big_technological_breakthrough_with_vive-news-15619.php

Nexus 6P Special Edition will be available in India starting next week

Huawei has confirmed that the gold colored Nexus 6P smartphone, which is officially called Nexus 6P Special Edition, will be available for purchase in India starting next week - December 21. The device will be a Flipkart exclusive in the country. "The Huawei Nexus 6P has been well received by the Indian audience and keeping in mind the niche target group, we have introduced the Gold color Special Edition of the smartphone," said Huawei India Consumer Device Business Group President Allen Wang. Launched recently in Japan, the handset will be available in 64GB memory configuration in India, and carry a price tag of INR 43,999 (around $665), which is around INR 1,000 ($15) more than the regular 64GB Nexus...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/gold_nexus_6p_special_edition_will_be_available_in_india_starting_next_week-news-15618.php

Report says Target working on its own mobile payments system, could launch next year

Just a week after Walmart launched a new mobile payments service Walmart Pay, there are reports that retailer Target is also working on a home grown mobile wallet, which is said to be in the "early stages" of development. The service - which would let customers pay using a mobile app - could be launched as soon as next year, although what's worth mentioning is that Target "has not committed to launch the product," the report notes. While in-store testing hasn't yet begun, the Minneapolis-based retailer has already partnered with credit card companies for the service, which, the report said, would use QR code technology rather than the near-field communication technology (NFC). If you aren't in the know, many big retailers including Target, Walmart, and BestBuy are already backing Merchant Customer Exchange's contact-less payment system, CurrentC. When reached out for comment, a Target spokesperson just said the company is also exploring additional mobile wallet...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/report_says_target_working_on_its_own_mobile_payments_system_could_launch_early_next_year-news-15617.php

Rumor: Huawei P9 to be launched in March 2016

The Huawei P9 flagship - which has been the subject of only a few rumors thus far - is expected to be launched in the month of March next year, according to a latest rumor out of the company's home country of China. It's worth mentioning that the handset's predecessor - the Huawei P8 (shown above) - was launched in April this year, and the company has just released a flagship smartphone (the Mate 8), so the rumored March 2016 launch time frame for the P9 does make sense. As for the specs, from what is known until now, the Huawei P9 will be powered by a Kirin 950 SoC and sport a 5.2-inch display. The smartphone will have 4GB of RAM, and feature a fingerprint sensor as well as a dual camera set-up on its back. Via...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/rumor_huawei_p9_to_be_launched_in_march_2016-news-15616.php

Asus ZenFone 3 reportedly coming in May or June with fingerprint scanner

Asus is already working on the ZenFone 3, according to some unnamed "Taiwan-based supply chain makers". However, don't expect the next generation ZenFone to be out anytime soon. If these sources are to be believed, then the new iteration in the series will only launch in May or June. On the other hand, the wait might be worthwhile. That's because the ZenFone 3 is apparently going to be the first device in the line to sport a fingerprint scanner. This fact has already been confirmed by Asus CEO Jerry Shen back in March. So far we've seen fingerprint sensors in high-end phones as well as some mid-rangers, but in the future these are likely to become much more prevalent. Because of increased orders, the price of a fingerprint sensor could fall to $5 in 2016. That drop in costs is probably one of the reasons for its inclusion in the ZenFone 3. Fingerprint scanners are expected to be featured in 50% of smartphones in the future, up from around 30% nowadays. Asus will allegedly ship 20 million devices in 2015, and will aim for at least 30 million next year. In 2016, the company will expand sales of its handsets to new markets in Asia and Africa, after having so far been quite successful in Taiwan, India, Brazil, Russia, and Southeast...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/asus_zenfone_3_reportedly_coming_in_may_or_june_with_fingerprint_scanner-news-15615.php

Microsoft Band 2 now available for £170 in UK

Microsoft has given the Band 2 a decent price cut in the UK. The company is now selling the device for £170, which is £30 less than its regular price of £200. It's, however, a limited time offer, valid until January 3. The Band 2 was launched just last month in the UK, and this isn't the first price cut the wearable has received in the country - just last week, Amazon UK was selling it for £190. However, a quick look at the retailer's website now reveals that it's also offering the same £30 discount. For those who aren't already aware, the Band 2 offers several features, including continuous heart rate monitoring, notification alerts, as well as eleven sensors capable of tracking activities like running, weightlifting, exercising, rowing, and biking. The device comes in small, medium and large sizes. Source 1...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/microsoft_band_2_now_available_for_170_in_uk-news-15614.php

iPhone 6s is now being sold for $1 with contract

If you've been craving an iPhone 6s but haven't so far picked one up, Best Buy is now running a very good promo. Just in time for the holidays, you can buy a 16GB iPhone 6s model for only $1. You do however have to get it with a contract from either Verizon or Sprint. Still, the on-contract price of this handset is normally $199, so this $198 price cut isn't something to take lightly. All four colors of the phone are available, and the deal is valid until Sunday both online and in-store. And if you trade-in an iPhone 5 or newer model when you buy the 6s, the retailer will even throw in a $200 gift card. The iPhone 6 is also available for the same $1 price, but it's unclear why anyone would prefer it over its successor. Source 1 • Source 2 |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/iphone_6s_is_now_being_sold_for_1_with_contract-news-15613.php

Huawei Mate 8 passes through FCC

The Huawei Mate 8 was announced back in November for the Chinese market with promises for more details to come at CES. Today brings great new for US availability of the Mate 8 - the handset has already been certified by the FCC, which means its release on the US market is imminent and should follow shortly after the expo. The documents in question don't really detail much about the hardware of the unit, bearing the model number NXT-L09, but we can only expect specs to match up with the already announced Chinese version. Packing an in-house Kirin 950 SoC, 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, the Huawei Mate 8 also offers a Mali T880MP4 GPU, pushing pixels on a spacious 6.0-inch FHD IPS display. Memory options include 3GB/32GB, 4GB/64GB, and 4GB/128GB variants. The camera setup consists of Sony's latest IMX298 16MP sensor at the back and an 8MP shooter on the front and a 4000 mAh battery is powering the show. The OEM's industry-leading fingerprint tech is also on board. Source |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/huawei_mate_8_passes_through_fcc_us_announcement_expected_at_ces-news-15611.php

Vivo X6 hands-on: First encounter

Want an iPhone not designed in California and with a few tweaks unlikely to come out of Apple's Cupertino offices? Meet the Vivo X6.

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/vivo_x6_hands_on-review-1354.php

Samsung was top smartphone vendor last quarter

Samsung was the top smartphone vendor in the world in Q3 2015, followed by rival Apple, according to a latest report from research firm Digitimes Research. While the South Korean company captured 25.6% market share in the quarter, the iPhone maker's share stood at 14.5%. Huawei, Lenovo, and LG, rounded up the top 5 with 7.4%, 4.8%, and 4.5% market share, respectively. China's Xiaomi came in at the sixth spot with 3.8% market share, while Sony and Microsoft were at number 11 and 12, with 2% and 1.7% share, respectively. Of the top-15 smartphone vendors mentioned in the report, nine are from China, two each from the US and South Korea, and one from Japan and Taiwan. Overall, a total of 331.9 million smartphones were shipped globally last quarter, which translates into an year-on-year increase of 7.7% and a q-o-q increase of 10.5%. The report also forecasted a shipment of 396.8 million units in Q4, which would the take total 2015 shipments number to 1.326 billion, an y-o-y increase of...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/digitimes_research_says_samsung_was_top_smartphone_vendor_last_quarter-news-15602.php

Samsung Pay to officially launch in China in early 2016

It's official - Samsung Pay is set to launch in China, as earlier reports suggested. The company announced today its cooperation with the country's bank card organization China UnionPay mere hours after Apple did just the same, marking the day as a milestone in mobile payments history in the country. The mandatory sweet talk from both parties had China UnionPay stress its commitment to providing consumers with convenient services, while Samsung reiterated the security, widespread support and ease of use of the service. No specific launch date has been stated, but the promise is that the rollout will come "as soon as early 2016" - a wording suspiciously identical to that found in Apple's press release. Both services are undergoing testing and are awaiting regulator approval. Judging by the interval between announcements don't be surprised if you see them launching within a couple of hours from each other as well. Source |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_pay_to_officially_launch_in_china_as_soon_as_early_2016-news-15609.php

Huawei has shipped over 100 million smartphones this year

Huawei has announced that it has shipped more than 100 million smartphones this year. The announcement was made by the Chinese company through its official Weibo account today. With this, Huawei has joined companies like Samsung and Apple in the 100 million club. This comes nearly five months after the company, which is the third largest smartphone manufacturer in the world, said that it's ahead of schedule on smartphone shipments, and will hit the 100 million milestone before the year ends. Huawei recently launched its Mate 8 flagship in China, and the device is apparently selling well there. Next year will be an important year for the company as it is expected to start selling its handsets in the United States in 2016 - an announcement related to its US plans will be made at the upcoming CES show in January. According to a recent Wall Street Journal report, the Mate 8 and Honor 5X will be the first Huawei handsets that will be launched in the US. The company will also launch a smartwatch in the country sometime next year. Source |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/huawei_has_shipped_over_100_million_smartphones_this_year-news-15599.php

Breitling Exospace B55 is an aviator's luxury smartwatch

Out of the blue Breitling unveiled a smartwatch - the Breitling Exospace B55. The exterior is based on the Cockpit B50 (and several others in the Professional line), but the interior features Bluetooth LE so it can connect to your smartphone. This isn't an Android Wear watch, you get a classic analog display with two line displays on the dial. Everything about this watch was made in Switzerland - from the movement to the smartphone app. The movement is a SuperQuartz (a thermos-compensated quartz) and is rated at 2 months of battery life. Naturally, the movement is chronometer-certified by the Swiss authority. Breitling says it's 10 times more accurate than a standard quartz watch. The black titanium case has a diameter of 46mm, it's 15.25mm thick and has 24/20mm straps (TwinPro). The watch face is protected by sapphire crystal with glareproofed coating on both sides. The watch is water resistant up to 100m (330ft), though this being an aviator watch it's best not to have an occasion to test that. The watch features a number of block and flight time functions, allowing you to record the time it takes you to take off, time and date of arrival and so on. Breitling Exospace B55 When connected to a smartphone, the line displays can show emails, messages (SMS or WhatsApp), phone calls and reminders of upcoming appointments. Price for the Breitling Exospace B55 is available upon request, but keep in mind this is priced as a premium watch - a whole different order of magnitude compared to $150-$300 smartwatches. Source |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/breitling_exospace_b55_is_an_aviators_luxury_smartwatch-news-15608.php

Samsung announces special Winter Edition Note5 with 128GB of storage

We are still unsure if and when Samsung will bring the Note5 to Europe worldwide and in the meantime, all we can do is keep tabs on its progress on the home South Korean turf. Today brings the latest piece of news about the handset - Samsung has announced a special Winter Edition for the holiday season. Its distinctive feature is undoubtedly the 128GB of built-in storage - an option that was circulated in rumors prior to the Note5's initial release, but never came to pass. The Winter Edition Note5 will only be available in the South Korean market, through SKT and KT carriers and with a price tag of KRW 999,900 (about $845 at current exchange rates). Color options for the handset include Gold Platinum and Silver Titanium. Samsung is offering other holiday deals as well on various S6 edge models, wireless chargers, battery packs as well as accessories like the Gear VR and Gear S2 smartwatch. As usual, you can get a pretty good deal this time of year. And if it is the Note5 you are after in particular and you currently reside in neither the US nor South Korea, you might actually have to wait just a bit longer, as rumors have been hinting at an early 2016 EU...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_announces_special_winter_edition_note5_with_128gb_of_storage-news-15600.php

OnePlus Power Banks available once again in India

OnePlus has started selling the popular OnePlus Power Banks in India once again. They are being sold through Amazon for INR 1399 ($21) till stock lasts. OnePlus had started selling the Power Banks in India earlier this year but they quickly went out of stock and disappeared completely after a while. OnePlus says it is due to the regulatory issues and certification process, which took a lot of time to complete but the company has seemingly sorted all of that out now and will be selling more Power Banks in India shortly. However, due to increase in production and operational costs has forced the company to increase the price next year onwards. You can buy them at the old price for now,...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/oneplus_power_banks_available_once_again_in_india-news-15605.php

Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+ in pink now available in China

Samsung has a habit of launching exclusive paintjobs of its flagships in some markets. It did it already with the Note 3, which god some exclusive makeovers varying by markets, the Galaxy S4 and Galaxy S5's market-limited pink versions, even the S6 series and the exclusive Green Emerald and Blue Topaz flavors. Now, Samsung is doing once of those regional-exclusivity thing with the pink flavor of the Galaxy S6 edge+. It has just kicked off in China, costing the same as the regular model, and you can order it right now. Unfortunately there is no official word on the matter, and we don't know if the pink S6 edge+ will remain a China exclusive or not. But we've checked a few of the official's sites and pink is still nowhere to be found outside China. Still, we believe there is a good chance other markets to get the same limited treatment early next year as well. Source |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s6_edge_in_pink_now_available_in_china-news-15601.php

Apple Pay arriving in China next year in partnership with China UnionPay

Apple has announced that it is partnering with China UnionPay, which operates China's national inter-bank clearing and settlement system, to bring its mobile payments service Apple Pay to the Asian country. "China is an extremely important market for Apple and with China UnionPay and support from 15 of China's leading banks, users will soon have a convenient, private and secure payment experience," said Eddy Cue, Apple's senior vice president of Internet Software and Services. The Cupertino-based company also revealed that the service will start rolling out in China "as soon as early 2016," following the required tests and certification by Chinese regulators. A specific date, however, wasn't revealed. It's worth mentioning that a Wall Street Journal report had earlier said that Apple Pay will arrive in China in time for the country's Spring Festival holiday on February...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/apple_pay_arriving_in_china_in_partnership_with_china_unionpay-news-15598.php

Xiaomi smartphone sales could hit 73 million mark this year, fall short of initial forecast

Back in March this year, Xiaomi Chairman Lei Jun said that the company is aiming to sell somewhere between 80 to 100 million smartphone units in 2015. However, it now looks like the five-year-old firm will miss the target this year. Jun has released a new statement saying that the final figure could be somewhere around 73 million. This came a day after he played down the 80 million target, saying that's not the first priority for the company. "What we care about the most is the rate of customer satisfaction," he had said. Quarter-wise, the Chinese smartphone manufacturer sold 15 million units in Q1 2015, followed by 20 million and 18.5 million units in Q2 and Q3, respectively. This suggests that Q4 will see Xiaomi selling over 20 million handsets, making it the most successful quarter for the company. Via 1...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_smartphone_sales_could_hit_73_million_mark_this_year_fall_short_of_initial_forecast-news-15597.php

Brazilian court overturns WhatsApp ban

A Brazilian judge has overturned a lower court order that banned Facebook-owned messaging service WhatsApp in the country for two days. The new ruling came around 12 hours after the ban came into effect. Image credit: Lionel Bonaventure/AFP/Getty Images "Considering the constitutional principles, it does not look reasonable that millions of users be affected as a result of the company's inertia to provide information," the judge said in his ruling, and recommended a higher fine instead. If you aren't already aware, the initial ruling to block access to WhatsApp was issued following the messaging service's repeated non-compliance of a judicial order passed earlier this year. The order was related to criminal proceedings in a case involving a drug trafficker who allegedly used the service in the commission of crimes. "Until today, Brazil has been an ally in creating an open Internet," said Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg. "I am stunned that our efforts to protect people's data would result in such an extreme decision by a single judge to punish every person in Brazil who uses WhatsApp." Meanwhile, rival messaging service Telegram has revealed that its app was downloaded over a million times in Brazil during the WhatsApp outage in the...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/brazilian_court_overturns_whatsapp_ban-news-15596.php

New Microsoft Translator update is aimed at making conversations more comfortable

Microsoft has released an update to its Translator app that brings along a new conversation feature which allows you to communicate across languages more comfortably by leveraging your phone as well as smartwatch. This means that now you can enjoy a near-real-time conversation by letting the other party use your smartphone while you use your smartwatch, be it an Android Wear watch or an Apple Watch. "Instead of two people having to bend over your phone, passing it back and forth, being far from the microphone (and picking up background noise), or being at an uncomfortably close distance with each other, you can now face each other more naturally and at a more comfortable distance, while talking to each other in your own language," the software giant said in a blog post. The new feature supports translation to and from seven different languages, including Chinese Mandarin, English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish. Source ...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/new_microsoft_translator_update_is_aimed_at_making_conversations_easier-news-15595.php

Sprint starts rolling out LG G4 Marshmallow update

Sprint has started rolling out the Marshmallow update to LG G4 devices on its network. The update, which bumps the software version to LS991ZV9, also includes the carrier's Global Roaming feature. With the update, Sprint LG G4 owners will be able to access all the usual Android 6.0 features, including Doze, which promises improved battery life with lower standby power use; Google Now on Tap, using which you can get more information about whatever is on your screen; and redesigned app permissions. Sprint's updates are usually released in stages, so it may take some time before the Android 6.0 update hits your device. Meanwhile, you can manually check for it by heading to your handset's...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/sprint_lg_g4_starts_getting_marshmallow_update-news-15594.php

Windows 10 Mobile update for older Lumias not coming this year after all

If you have a Windows Phone 8.1 device, here's some bad news for you. Microsoft has just announced that the updates to Windows 10 Mobile for older devices will only start rolling out "early next year". Previously, the company had said that Lumias with Windows Phone 8.1 on board would start receiving the Windows 10 update in December. Yet now that we're more than halfway through the month already, the time frame change is being made official. So no Windows 10 Mobile holiday gift for you then. Absolutely no reason was given for this switch, and it's pretty concerning that the new timeline is actually more vague than the old one (which referenced one month, whereas "early next year" could mean almost anything - a rollout in April, for example, may still be reasonably thought as on time by this measure). And in case you're wondering, Microsoft still hasn't presented a definitive list of all Lumias that will get the Windows 10 update. We just know which devices are going to be the first ones to run the new software, but that list dates back to July - hopefully nothing's...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/windows_10_mobile_update_for_older_lumias_not_coming_this_year_after_all-news-15593.php

Apple outs iOS 9.2.1 Public Beta 1

iOS 9.2 only started rolling out to supported devices less than ten days ago, and today Apple's already pushing out a new software version. This time however we're not talking about a final release, rather a new public beta. iOS 9.2.1 Public Beta 1 is now available for those who've signed up for Apple's beta testing program. If you're in it, then expect to see an update notification any minute now (if you haven't gotten it already). As of now it's unclear what exactly is included in the new software, because there's no changelog to speak of. However, as this is a x.x.1 release, you probably shouldn't expect any new features, just a number of bug fixes and performance enhancements. If the beta testing goes well, it's possible that we'll see the finalized iOS 9.2.1 in the wild...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/apple_outs_ios_921_public_beta_1-news-15592.php

Facebook events are now listed by category

The latest change Facebook is implementing into its mobile apps as well as onto its website has to do with events. The social network seems to want to put more emphasis on this feature compared to the past. From this point on, if you use the Facebook iOS app, you'll be able to browse nearby events by category. Some examples of such categories include Music, Food & Drinks, Nightlife, as well as Sports & Fitness. These will help you find interesting stuff happening near you in a much easier manner than before. What's more, you can even search for events taking place in other cities, so you can plan your trips accordingly. Unfortunately there are a couple of caveats regarding the revamped events functionality. First off, for now it's only available for ten US cities: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Washington, DC, Boston, San Francisco, Dallas, Seattle, Miami, and Houston. And the new feature is currently limited to the social network's iOS app (an update to which should arrive later today containing the new events discovery style), though it's said to be on its way to the website and the Android app as well. Source 1 • Source...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/facebook_events_are_now_listed_by_category-news-15590.php

Xiaomi Mi 5 could cost $385, or even $462

A new rumor from China is out today discussing the possible price level of the upcoming (and much talked about) Xiaomi Mi 5. Since all of its predecessors have been launched with a CNY 1,999 asking price (which translates into approximately $308 right now), you may have expected the situation to remain the same this time around too. But that may not be the case. It's being speculated that the phone will in fact start at CNY 2,499 ($385), or even CNY 2,999 ($462). If either of these levels pans out, then the Mi 5 is on track to be the most expensive of all the non-phablet Xiaomi flagships. Apparently the price increase will be resorted to in order to boost the Chinese company's brand image. It wants consumers to perceive it as more premium than before. Of course you shouldn't take any of this for granted - just consider it a distinct possibility. The Mi 5 has been rumored to feature Qualcomm's Snapdragon 820 chipset, 3GB of RAM, Android 6.0 Marshmallow underneath the latest iteration of MIUI, and a fingerprint sensor. Although it's been in the news a lot already, the Mi 5 may not arrive until April - that is, if yesterday's info saying the Snapdragon 820 will be exclusive to Samsung until then is actually real. Source (in Chinese) |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_mi_5_could_cost_385_or_even_462-news-15591.php

Adobe Post is a new iOS app that lets you easily create social graphics

Today Adobe has launched a new iOS app. It's called Post and it's already available to download for free from the iTunes App Store. Adobe Post is a way to quickly and easily create shareable graphics. You start with an image (which can be a photo you've captured, a picture from your Lightroom library or Creative Cloud collection, or one of half a million stock photos that are available inside the app), and then choose a design. You add text, and play with the various design filters if you want to. And when you're done, sharing your creation to a social network of your choice (or via email) is just one tap away. You will need to login first, however, either through Facebook or with an Adobe ID. All graphics you make are saved in the cloud (where you get 2GB of space for free, after which you can purchase 20GB for $1.99 per month), so you can go back to any one of them whenever you want. By default, your graphics will contain an Adobe Post watermark, but you can remove this by simply tapping on it. You can unlock additional fonts and shapes if you agree to tweet a link to the app. Source |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/adobe_post_is_a_new_ios_app_that_lets_you_easily_create_social_graphics-news-15589.php

Facebook Messenger update brings Photo Magic to all, new customization options

Just in time for the holidays, Facebook is rolling out a pretty significant update to its Messenger app. This comes with the Photo Magic feature now available to all users, after having been in testing since last month. Photo Magic reminds you to send pictures you've taken of your friends to them. This works using the social network's facial recognition capabilities. It recognizes which of your friends are in each photo you shoot, and then asks you to send them said pics. And you can quickly create a group thread with those friends, through which you can also share your images. You can turn this on or off at any time through Settings, and you also control if you are recognized in the pictures your friends snap. So if you don't want this to work for you, it won't. Messenger has received a bunch of new customization features too. You now have new color choices and emojis to pick from, and you can assign nicknames to your contacts. All of these are accessible in the iOS app by tapping on people's names at the top of the conversation, and in the Android app through the info button on the top right. And if you send a Santa, Christmas tree, or snow-related sticker or emoji to someone, you will instantly make it snow inside that conversation. If you're north of the Equator and use Chat Heads on Android, you'll see a snow globe effect on them "for a limited time this season". And when the New Year comes, confetti will take snow's place. Finally, two new sticker packs are available: Frozen and Star...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/facebook_messenger_update_brings_photo_magic_to_all_new_customization_options-news-15588.php

Samsung Galaxy A9 passes the FCC hurdle, release imminent

A notable source on info about a smartphone's development progress, the FCC database now lists the Samsung Galaxy A9. The US communications authority has thoroughly examined the device and has given it the green light. There's little detail revealed in such filings, at least in terms of specs, but we've already covered most of those. The Galaxy A9 already starred in a number of leaks, including our exclusive story on its dimensions. What we can take out of this FCC certification is that the launch of the Galaxy A9 is just around the corner. Just to remind you, the Galaxy A7 (2016) stopped by the FCC on November 27 and got officially announced on December 2 (in the opposite part of the world, but still). Source |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_a9_passes_the_fcc_hurdle_release_imminent-news-15585.php

OnePlus X Champagne Edition announced, available starting December 22

OnePlus officially unveiled the OnePlus X Champagne Edition. The new color combination features white for the front and back, while the metal frame is done in champagne gold color. Check out the new look below, we find it quite fancy. OnePlus X Champagne Edition official photos Mind you, this is not a variation of the Ceramic OnePlus X, but rather of the Onyx one. As such, the Champagne Edition is now available for €269. The phone has been very well received in China in the last few weeks, which is the reason why OnePlus decided to make the phone available internationally as well. Be wary, that unlike the OnePlus 2, you're going to need an invite to get this one. Alternatively, you can just get it on Tuesady, when it's on open sale. Before rushing to buy it, make sure to check out our OnePlus X...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/oneplus_x_champagne_edition_announced_available_starting_december_22-news-15587.php

Microsoft adds 16 more Xbox 360 games to Xbox One

Microsoft has really been trying hard lately to sweeten the deal for current Xbox fans and possibly captivate a whole new wave of players. The major change we are referring to is the much requested Xbox 360 backward compatibility, just recently introduced to Xbox One. For anyone unfamiliar with the ambitious undertaking, last month, Microsoft released a major Windows 10-based, update to the Xbox One, complete with backward compatibility with Xbox 360 titles. Seeing how it is quite a complicated endeavor, the process does require a fair amount of work from the EOM so the project was launched with an initial list of 104 supported Xbox 360 games, but also with a promise to periodically enrich the database. Today, Microsoft has shown commitment to keep said promise with another 16 titles joining the list. Highlights among them include fan favorites, such as Deus Ex: Human Revolution, Fable III, and Halo: Reach. The full list is as follows: Braid DEUS EX: HUMAN REVOLUTION Doritos Crash Course Fable III Halo: Reach Hydro Thunder Iron Brigade Kane & Lynch 2 Motocross Madness MS.PAC-MAN Peggle Portal: Still Alive Spelunky Splosion Man Ticket to Ride™ Zuma's Revenge! If you own any of these titles as a digital edition or on a disc, they will now work on the Xbox One, as well as any of the other 104 titles, a fully list of which can be found here. The announcement also came with a statement by a Microsoft spokesperson, which hints that legal matters might actually be more of a concern to adding additional titles to the list than technological issues. We're continuing to work with our publishing partners to grow our library of Xbox One Backward Compatibility titles . We'll be adding to the catalog on a regular basis. As an added bonus, since Xbox One also has support for Windows 10 streaming, so you can play all your Xbox titles on your PC as well. Source |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/microsoft_adds_16_more_xbox_360_games_to_the_backward_compatibility_list_of_the_xbox_one-news-15586.php

Samsung and LG won't be making the leap to 4K displays in 2016

It seems the Sony Xperia Z5 Premium will remain the only smartphone (well, at least from a major brand) to pack an UltraHD display throughout next year as well. Samsung and LG are in no hurry to make the switch to 4K phone panels, a Korean report states. Industry insiders have reported that that the resolution race is not a priority for the two companies, and they will instead concentrate on improving outdoor visibility, brightness and power efficiency. The choice to keep flagships in QHD territory will also help to keep production costs lower than what 4K panels would entail. Part of the reasoning behind the move (or lack thereof) is that the two Korean corporations' display divisions manufacture panels for other makers and demand hasn't been high, the report goes on. And even though Samsung is in a leading position in the VR-for-mobile market with its Gear VR headset, virtual reality hasn't yet taken off as much as to require the immediate switch to higher-res screens. Source |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_and_lg_wont_be_making_the_leap_to_4k_displays_in_2016-news-15583.php

Future ZTE phones to come with Fleksy keyboard

Mobile software company Fleksy has announced a partnership with Chinese smartphone manufacturer ZTE that will see the latter pre-loading its keyboard on its phones. This means that users of upcoming ZTE handsets will be able to access complete Fleksy experience, including GIFs, stickers and emojis, out-of-the box. The integration will also include the recently launched custom theme builder, which you can use to customize your keyboard with photos, colors, and effects. "We're committed to delivering a faster and more expressive input experience for users across the globe," said Fleksy CEO Kosta Eleftheriou. "ZTE is one of the world's leading device manufacturers, and we're pleased to bring Fleksy to their users." Commenting on the partnership, ZTE CEO Adam Zeng said, "At ZTE, we are constantly listening and working with both our consumers and partners to enhance our smartphone feature offerings. As such, we are delighted to work with Fleksy to incorporate their award winning user typing interface to give our end users the best possible smartphone...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/fleksy_keyboard_coming_to_zte_phones-news-15584.php

Qualcomm renames Snapdragon 618 and 620 to Snapdragon 650 and 652

Qualcomm isn't new to renaming products, in fact it has done it quite a few times in the past. At one point the company was changing its naming conventions after each generation. Few years back Qualcomm introduced the Snapdragon S4 and renamed the prior models to S1, S2, and S3. Later the S4 chip was divided into categories - Play, Plus, Pro, and Prime. After the premiere of Snapdragon 800 the previous series were once again renamed to Snapdragon 200, 400, and 600. It seemed Qualcomm has finally settled down with this naming convention, but the chip manufacturer is still in an adventurous mood after all. Last February Qualcomm introduced the upgraded Snapdragon 618 and 620 platforms with hexa and octa-core processors. As of today those same chips are known as Snapdragon 650 and Snapdragon 652. Qualcomm says the change of name was needed in order to differentiate the new chips from the older Snapdragon 615 and 617 generation. The 650 and 652 models utilize new processors, new GPUs, new models, and improved camera capabilities. Thus they need а bigger jump than the initial names suggest. We can't help but wonder why it took them 10 months to figure it out, though. The Snapdragon 650, previously known as 618, features a hexa-core processor (2x 1.8GHz Cortex-A72 and 4x 1.2GHz Cortex-A53), while the Snadragon 652, previously known as Snapdragon 620) has an octa-core CPU (4x 1.8GHz Cortex-A72 and 4x 1.2GHz Cortex-A53). Both chip come with a new Adreno 510 GPU supporting Quad HD screens, 4K video recording support and LTE Cat.7 connectivity. The first smartphone to run on the Snapdragon 652 (620) is the upcoming Samsung Galaxy A9, which leaked recently. More upper-mid-rangers running on those chips are expected to be announced early next year. Source |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/qualcomm_renames_snapdragon_618_and_620_to_snapdragon_650_and_652-news-15580.php

Skype for Business in now available on the Play Store

Ever since Microsoft acquired Skype back in 2011, the US giant has been diligently working on integrating the VoIP solution in various places across its ecosystem. Since the last and also first major update to Windows 10 on PC, Skype is now baked right into the OS and its messaging center, but advancements are ongoing on mobile devices as well. Starting today, Android users can download Skype for Business on their devices for free. The specialized version of the app is geared towards enterprise use and actually replaces the Microsoft Lync 2013 mobile app for the OS. This means, it is now taking over as the primary professional communication tool that integrates with Microsoft's famous Active Directory platform, utilized within thousands of businesses worldwide. Besides the standardized authentication support, Skype for Business also comes with a simplified UI, specifically designed to ease business communications. This includes an enhanced call and meeting experience, with easy controls and quick access to participants and contact search. Also, managing upcoming meetings and logs from past ones is simplified. All of this is wrapped in a familiar Skype interface. If your company currently uses Lync 2013, then you can simply update the existing app or download it from the Play Store if you want to try taking your business communications mobile. The app itself is actually free for anybody to download, but you do have to be invited to a Skype for Business of Lync 2013 meeting to test its features out. Source |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/skype_for_business_in_now_available_on_the_play_store-news-15582.php

Motorola starts seeding Marshmallow update to Moto X (2014)

The second generation Motorola Moto X smartphone has started receiving the Android 6.0 update in certain regions. According to the information currently available, the update has started rolling out in India and Australia. Weighing in at 884MB, the update bumps the software version to 24.11.18, and brings along all the usual Marshmallow goodies, including Doze, Google Now on Tap, and redesigned app permissions. It's worth mentioning that the roll-out in Australia is a bit surprising given that Motorola had said that Marshmallow update for 2014 Moto X will only be rolled out in Latin America, Canada, Europe and Asia. We received the information regarding the Australian roll-out through a tipster, who also shared a screenshot confirming that the device getting the update is a Telstra unit. Either the handset in question is an import unit, or Motorola is considering Australia as part of Asia as far as market separation is concerned. We'll update you as soon as we hear an official word on this. Thanks for the tip...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/motorola_starts_seeding_marshmallow_update_to_moto_x_2014-news-15578.php

One Galaxy S7 concept suggests e-ink buttons, another sticks to the current gen

Allegedly under testing already, the Samsung Galaxy S7 is expected to debut some time in February. It's only natural that it entertains the minds of the tech folk, and with the lack of live images so far, we're left with design concepts to marvel at. One such concept comes out of a Martin Hajek/Computerbild.de collaboration and, cool as it may be, it's safe to assume that the Galaxy S7 will look little like it. For one, the suggested capacitive keys, which are in fact e-ink displays, seem quite far-fetched. We like the idea though, to be able to customize the layout to suit your preference or habit if you're coming from a different brand. You won't be surprised to learn that we also appreciate the removable back cover and user-replaceable battery - a feature Samsung abandoned with the Galaxy S6, and it doesn't seem too likely to bring it back as soon as the next generation, despite the outrage this particular decision caused. The dual camera setup on the back is another aspect to its design that's unlikely to materialize. And placing the heart rate sensor above the camera module doesn't seem too convenient, either. Of course, that's just a concept and the ideas in it are nothing but one man's vision (or that of a team, maybe) of what the perfect Galaxy S7 could look like, not really a guess at what's actually to come. And with renders already out, actually depicting the future smartphone, it's clear that the artist hasn't tried to stay too close to Samsung's reality. An exercise in this direction comes from Jermaine Smit and SamMobile, who have teamed up to produce a more realistic render of the Galaxy S7. A lot like the existing S6, these renders show almost nonexistent side bezels as the greatest design tweak. On a side note, we won't lament if the rose gold version remains confined to the concept video. Source 1 Source...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/one_samsung_galaxy_s7_concept_suggests_eink_buttons_another_sticks_to_the_current_gen-news-15581.php

Samsung details CES press conference, Galaxy S7 a no-show

The New Year is just around the corner and as usual, 2016 will be kicked off with the annual CES event in early January. We had little doubt that Samsung will attend the Las Vegas venue, in fact, a leaked invitation already confirmed a January 5 press conference. What has remained a mystery, however, is the Korean giant's CES agenda and most importantly, whether or not it will announce its next flagship phone. Well, sadly, a CES announcement for the alleged Galaxy S7 lineup, as hinted in rumors has been ruled out. Samsung just officially announced its January 5 conference with no mention of new smartphones. All we get is "innovations in TVs and home appliances|. This development hints that the Korean giant will probably be sticking to a March unveiling of the new Galaxy S7 flagship, just like it did with the Galaxy S6. There is still a chance that the announcement will be pushed forward, but we can't really say until the first hints of an upcoming Samsung event start...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_details_ces_press_conference_no_new_phones_expected-news-15579.php

Samsung Galaxy J1 mini passes Bluetooth SIG certification

Less than a month after its existence was revealed in multiple leaks, the Samsung Galaxy J1 (SM-J105F) has received certification from the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG). This suggests that the device could be made official soon. The new leak doesn't contribute anything to the list of known specs, but from what is known until now, the handset is powered by a Spreadtrum SC8830 chipset with quad-core 1.5GHz CPU, and sports a 4-inch (800x480 pixel resolution) display. It has 1GB RAM and 8GB internal memory, features 5MP/VGA snappers, and runs Android 5.1.1 Lollipop. The dual-SIM supporting Galaxy J1 mini was also spotted in Zauba - a website which tracks India's import and export - carrying an INR 3,368 (around $50) price...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_j1_mini_passes_bluetooth_certification-news-15576.php

Amazon discounts Moto X Pure in the US ($100), in Europe too (€70 off)

With a fresh Marshmallow update in its pocket, the Motorola Moto X Pure Edition gets a discount too - Amazon US is selling the 32GB version with a $100 price cut. This puts it at $350, or $50 less than the 16GB version (which wasn't discounted). The 64GB model didn't get a price cut either, so the extra 32GB will set you back $150 - you'd be much better off getting a 128GB microSD card and keeping the change (those cards are as cheap as $50). In Germany and France, the Moto X Style (the international version of the phone) got a smaller price cut - €430 for the 32GB model (the French price is a bit more), down from €500....

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/amazon_discounts_moto_x_pure_in_the_us_100_in_europe_too__euro70_off-news-15577.php

YU announces flagship Yutopia smartphone in India

YU has launched its newest smartphone and the company's first premium flagship device - the Yutopia - in the Indian market. The Yutopia has a unibody aluminum design with the antenna bands integrated around the edges and a PureBlack glass up front that gives it a seamless look. The phone has a 5.2-inch QHD LCD manufactured by Sharp. The display has a color gamut covering 91% of the NTSC color spectrum and a contrast ratio of 1000:1, and uses OGS to laminate the display and the touchscreen layer to the Corning Gorilla Glass. Inside, the Yutopia runs on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 processor, with 4GB of DDR4 RAM and 32GB storage with microSD expansion. There's also a 21 megapixel Sony IMX230 camera on the back with phase detection autofocus and optical image stabilization. On the front is a 8 megapixel shooter. Yutopia also includes a fingerprint sensor on the back that can also be used to take quick selfies. The phone has DTS audio support and comes with Little Birds earphones from the House of Marley in the bundle. Customers will also get a six-month subscription to the music streaming service Gaana. In terms of software, the phone runs on the familiar Cyanogen OS 12.1, which is based on Android 5.1 Lollipop, with the Marshmallow update arriving later. The phone also includes a new service called 'Around YU', which integrates multiple services in collaboration with companies like Zomato for ordering food, Scandid for shopping, Ixigo for travel bookings, Ola, Taxi for Sure and Easy Cabs for booking cabs. The goal is to integrate the services from these companies into one app so you can find everything in one place without having to install their individual apps. You can order your dinner, book your flight tickets, or call for a cab from within the Around YU app. The Yutopia is powered by a 3,000mAh non-removable battery. The phone supports Qualcomm QuickCharge 2.0 for fast charging. The YU Yutopia is priced at INR 24,999 ($375) and will be available exclusively through Amazon India. Pre-bookings start today and the phone will go on sale December 26...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/yu_announces_flagship_yutopia_smartphone_in_india-news-15575.php

Brazil blocks WhatsApp for 2 days

A Brazilian court has ordered local telecom companies to block access to popular messaging service WhatsApp in the country for the next 48 hours. The order came into effect Thursday midnight, meaning Brazilians won't be able to access WhatsApp until Saturday this week. The order was passed following WhatsApp's repeated non-compliance of a judicial order that was passed back in July this year, and is related to criminal proceedings in a case involving a drug trafficker who allegedly used the messaging service in the commission of crimes. Commenting on the order, WhatsApp CEO Jan Koum said, "We are disappointed in the short-sighted decision to cut off access to WhatsApp, a communication tool that so many Brazilians have come to depend on, and sad to see Brazil isolate itself from the rest of the...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/brazil_blocks_whatsapp_for_2_days-news-15574.php

Sprint offering free 32-inch Samsung LED TV with select Galaxy smartphones

If you're in the US and are planning to purchase a latest Samsung smartphone, here is some good news: Sprint is offering a 32-inch Samsung LED TV (J4000 Series) with purchase or lease of select Samsung smartphones, including the Galaxy S6, S6 edge, S6 edge+, and Note5. "A free TV from Samsung is the perfect gift for yourself or a loved one," said Sprint's chief marketing officer Roger Sole. "Sprint is excited to team up with Samsung and offer consumers an exciting promotion with the popular Galaxy smartphones." Available to existing Sprint customers who upgrade or add a new line of service as well as new customers switching to the carrier, the promotion begins tomorrow, and ends next week - on December 24. Qualifying handsets can be purchased through Sprint Lease and Sprint Easy PaySM, while customers can also sign a two-year contract or pay full retail price. Once done, you'll have to submit your offer claim online by December 31. Source 1...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_offering_free_32inch_led_tv_with_select_galaxy_smartphones-news-15573.php

ZTE Axon and Axon Pro receiving new updates

ZTE has started rolling out new updates to its Axon and Axon Pro smartphones. While the updates aren't exactly same, they do bring along certain common features, including latest Google Android security patches. Other common features include Qualcomm modem patches, new settings for operation on MetroPCS, as well as support for camera quick-launch. Device specific features include T-Mobile WiFi calling 2.0 support as well as better camera white balance and faster low-light camera focus for the Axon Pro, and improved camera zoom for the...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/zte_axon_and_axon_pro_receiving_new_updates-news-15572.php