Le Max with 6.33-inch display and 4GB RAM landing in India next month, LeTV confirms

While we were expecting LeTV to launch its first smartphone in India on January 5, the Chinese company has now revealed that the launch will happen sometime in the mid of the month. The revelation was made during the company's fan meetup in Bengaluru. The phone that will be launched has also been revealed: the Le Max. The company said that the device will be showcased during the January 5 event, which is scheduled to be held in the country's capital city of New Delhi. Some other smartphones will also be launched along with the Le Max, LeTV confirmed. Specs-wise, the Le Max is powered by a Snapdragon 810 SoC and sports a 6.33-inch (2560 x 1440 pixel resolution) display. It comes with 4GB RAM and 32/64/128GB internal memory options, and packs in a 3,400mAh battery. In terms of camera, the device features a 21MP rear unit and a 4-UltraPixel front shooter. Measuring 167.1×83.5×8.95mm and weighing in at 204g, the Le Max runs Android 5.0 (Lollipop) based EUI, and also features a fingerprint...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/le_max_with_633inch_display_and_4gb_ram_landing_in_india_next_month_letv_confirms-news-15726.php

Nintendo 2DS to go on sale in Japan in February; pre-orders have begun

Launched back in 2013, the Nintendo 2DS gaming console will finally be available for purchase in Japan in the next couple of months. The country, however, will be getting four special edition transparent variants of the device, preloaded with Pokémon Red, Blue, Green, or Yellow (shown below). Of the variants shown above, the red and the blue models have already been available outside of Japan since last year. In Japan however, all four variants will come with a decorative sticker and special menu theme, as well as a poster based on the Kanto region's map. Those purchasing the console will also get a download code for the Pokémon Mew that will also work with some 3DS games, including the Omega Ruby, Alpha Sapphire, as well as Pokémon X and Y. As for the price, each variant will carry a JPY 9,980 price tag, which translates into around $83. They will be available for purchase starting February 27- pre-orders have already begun. Via 1...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/nintendo_2ds_to_go_on_sale_in_japan_in_february_preorders_have_begun-news-15725.php

Android 6.0 update for Xiaomi Mi 4, Mi Note, and Mi 3 in final testing stages

Earlier this month, it was revealed that the Marshmallow update for the Mi 4 and Mi Note smartphones would be arriving soon. And now, it has been announced that the update is in the final stages of testing. The announcement, which also revealed that the Mi 3 will also be getting the update, was made by the Chinese company's MIUI operations manager on Weibo. He also posted a screenshot of the update (shown below), revealing that it will weigh in at 518MB, but won't bring a new iteration of the MIUI interface, which means the version would stay at 7. It's worth mentioning that the update in question is a beta update, meaning it might have some bugs. The final version of the update is expected to roll out a few months from...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/android_60_update_for_xiaomi_mi_4_mi_3_and_mi_note_in_final_testing_stages-news-15724.php

Valve confirms Steam issue resolved, explains what happened

Gaming company Valve has now confirmed that the Steam security issue that allowed unauthorized access to other users' personal information has been resolved and the service is now back up. "Steam is back up and running without any known issues," a Valve spokesperson said. The company also revealed that the issue occurred due to a configuration change. "A caching issue allowed some users to randomly see pages generated for other users for a period of less than an hour. This issue has since been resolved. We believe no unauthorized actions were allowed on accounts beyond the viewing of cached page information and no additional action is required by users." For those who aren't already aware, the issue in question allowed Steam users to see other users' information - such as email address and credit card data - instead of their own details on their Account Details...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/valve_confirms_steam_issue_resolved_explains_what_happened-news-15723.php

Lenovo confirms K4 Note will feature fingerprint sensor and NFC

Lenovo has confirmed that its upcoming K4 Note smartphone will come with a fingerprint sensor as well as near field communication (NFC) capabilities. The confirmation came in the form of a tweet (shown below). The K4 Note now has Fingerprint security thnx to you! As a bonus, we threw in an NFC chip as well! #KillerNote2016 pic.twitter.com/MEQc8d4zUX— Lenovo India (@Lenovo_in) December 26, 2015 This comes just a few days after the Chinese company officially confirmed that the handset will have 3GB RAM. More than 99% of you preferred 3 GB RAM in the #KillerNote2016 & that's what you'll get! Get ready for the RAMpage! pic.twitter.com/CUjDyvDQpZ— Lenovo India (@Lenovo_in) December 23, 2015 For those who aren't already aware, the successor to the K3 Note is expected to be launched on January 5 - Lenovo has already sent out media invites for the launch event, which is scheduled to be held in India's capital city of New...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/lenovo_confirms_k4_note_will_feature_fingerprint_sensor_and_nfc-news-15722.php

Xiaomi smartphone with 5-inch display and octa-core CPU passes through TENAA

Over a month after it cleared China's 3C certification, the Mi 2015811 has been certified by Chinese certification and regulatory authority TENAA, revealing some of its key specs. The device is powered by an octa-core 1.5GHz processor, and sports a 5-inch (1280 × 720 pixel resolution) TFT display. It has 2GB RAM and 16GB expandable internal memory. In terms of camera, the handset features an 8MP or 13MP rear unit and a 5MP front shooter. Measuring 139.3 × 69.6 × 8.5mm and weighing in at 143g, the smartphone runs Android 5.1.1 Lollipop out-of-the-box. The Mi 2015811 comes in three color options: silver, gray, and gold. Source (translated) |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_smartphone_with_5inch_display_and_octacore_cpu_passes_through_tenaa-news-15720.php

HTC Vive is now FCC approved

The Vive VR headset from HTC has received certification from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the US. In addition to the headset, the Vive controller, Base Station, and Link Box, have also been approved by the government agency. For those who aren't already aware, the Vive was initially supposed to be launched in limited quantities before the holiday season this year, but the launch has been delayed to April 2016, with pre-orders starting in the month of February. The Taiwanese company's CEO Cher Wang recently said that they have made "a very, very big technological breakthrough" with the Vive, adding that it will be shown off at the upcoming Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in January. Source 1 2 3 4 |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/htc_vive_is_now_fcc_approved-news-15721.php

New Samsung tablet with 8-inch display receives Wi-Fi and Bluetooth certifications

A new Samsung tablet carrying a model number of SM-T375S has received Bluetooth certification from the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) as well as Wi-Fi certification from the WiFi Alliance (WFA). Both certifications were granted recently - Bluetooth on December 24 and Wi-Fi on December 16. The same device was also spotted listed on Zauba - a website which tracks India's import and export - revealing a screen size of 8-inches. The Zauba listing also revealed a price tag of around $100, which indicates that the device in question is an entry-level...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/new_samsung_tablet_with_8inch_display_receives_wifi_and_bluetooth_certifications-news-15719.php

LG Optimus Zone 3 leaks out on its way to Verizon

Verizon is getting ready to launch a new affordable smartphone from LG. The Optimus Zone 3 has been given the leaked press render treatment by none other than @evleaks today. The images show a 4G LTE capable device sporting software-rendered on-screen Android navigation buttons - not something often seen in this price range. The Optimus Zone 3 will be offered with prepaid plans from the carrier, so it's bound to be very cheap. Unfortunately no specs have accompanied the leaked renders. However, based on what the Optimus Zone 2 from 2014 was packing, you shouldn't expect much. The Optimus Zone 3's predecessor had a 3.5-inch touchscreen, a 3 MP camera, and Qualcomm's Snapdragon 200 at the helm, with just 512MB of RAM and a 1,700 mAh battery. Hopefully the new iteration will at least sport a 4" display and 1GB of...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/lg_optimus_zone_3_leaks_out_on_its_way_to_verizon-news-15718.php

$2,440 buys you a gold plated BlackBerry Porsche Design P'9983 from Vietnam

The gold plating experts from Vietnam are back again with a new offering. This time, Karalux focused its efforts on BlackBerry's Porsche Design P'9983, launched last year with BlackBerry OS 10.3 on board. If you still enjoy the Canadian company's own operating system (and thus don't care about the newer, Android-running Priv), this might be for you - especially if gold is your thing. You can now buy a gold plated P'9983 from Karalux for VND 55 million, which currently translates into $2,440 or €2,226. This price is valid for international orders, if you're in Vietnam you only need to pay VND 50 million ($2,219, €2,023). In either case you're getting a smartphone plated with 24k gold. As you may have expected, the handset's innards aren't touched, so in terms of hardware you're getting the same 3.1-inch 720x720 touchscreen, Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro chipset with 1.5 GHz dual-core CPU, 2GB of RAM, 64GB of expandable storage, 8 MP main camera, 2 MP selfie shooter, and 2,100 mAh battery. On the other hand if you already have the device and just send it in for gold plating, you'll shell out either VND 15 million ($665, €607) or VND 20 million ($887, €810), depending on which type of gold you prefer. The plating process takes three straight working hours, because more than ten different stages are involved, according to the chief engineer responsible for the P'9983's gold...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/2440_buys_you_a_gold_plated_blackberry_porsche_design_p9983_from_vietnam-news-15717.php

ArcaBoard is a $20k hoverboard nobody wants

It's almost 2016 and we still don't have legit hoverboards. Worst of all, we are now calling these things hoverboards, something that neither hovers nor is a board. One company - Arca Space - has decided to take matters into its own hands, and decided to make a $19,900 donut box with fans on it. The ArcaBoard, as it is called, uses 36 high powered electric fans that produce 200 kgf of downwards thrust to keep you and anyone above the board floating for all of six minutes. The board can supposedly be controlled by your smartphone. The batteries powering the 272bhp of power inside can be recharged in six hours, or in 35 minutes using the optional ArcaDock accessory that costs another $4,500. First of all, there is nothing elegant about the ArcaBoard design and not at all what we expect hoverboards to look like. What the cheesy promo video also doesn't tell you that having that many fans is going to be obnoxiously loud. Another thing the video doesn't show is any kind of lateral movement. All it does is, well, hover, which is fine but it also needs to move. Granted you are not going far in six minutes but the complete lack of any visible movement is terrible. Lastly, $19,900 for something that poor from a company you've barely heard of doesn't sound very exciting. Maybe if you have too much money lying around but this product has vaporware written all over it. Source •...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/arcaboard_is_a_20k_hoverboard_nobody_wants-news-15716.php

Microsoft exec confirms Lumia 650's existence

Although the Windows 10-powered Lumia 650 has been the subject of some rumors lately, there hasn't been any official word or hint about the device by Microsoft. However, that was until now as the company's CMO Chris Capossela has effectively confirmed the handset's existence. At a recent Windows Weekly podcast, while replying to a question from ZDNet's Mary Jo Foley on the Lumia 650's release, the executive said, "they had not announced a release date yet," suggesting that the device indeed exists. Specs-wise, from what has been rumored until now, the device is powered by a Snapdragon 212 chipset, and sports a 5-inch 720p touchscreen. It has 1GB RAM, and 8GB expandable internal memory. In terms of cameras, the handset features an 8 MP rear unit with LED flash, and a 5 MP selfie shooter. The Lumia 650 is expected to be made official in January or February next year, with reports saying that Cricket will carry it in the US starting in...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/microsoft_exec_confirms_lumia_650s_existence-news-15715.php

Yahoo will now alert users about suspected state-sponsored hacking attacks

Following other technology giants including Facebook, Twitter, and Google, Yahoo has announced that it will begin alerting users it suspects may have been targeted by a state-sponsored attack. The Internet giant made the announcement in a recent blog post. "Yahoo will now notify you if we strongly suspect that your account may have been targeted by a state-sponsored actor," said Bob Lord, Yahoo's Chief Information Security Officer in the post. "We'll provide these specific notifications so that our users can take appropriate measures to protect their accounts and devices in light of these sophisticated attacks." Some of the actions that the company suggests users should take immediately include turning on Account Key or Two-Step Verification, choosing a strong and unique password, reviewing recent activity in account settings, and checking account recovery info as well as mail forwarding and reply-to settings. It's worth stressing that receiving such a notification from Yahoo doesn't necessarily mean that your account has been hacked by a state-sponsored actor, just that the company "strongly suspects" that it may have happened. The company refused to share any details on its detection methods for obvious...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/yahoo_will_now_alert_users_about_suspected_statesponsored_hacking_attacks-news-15712.php

Samsung Galaxy S6 Mini with 4.6-inch display spotted listed on online retailer's website

Speculations about a possible Mini version of Samsung's Galaxy S6 smartphone have been there for quite some time now. Although we saw some purported live photos of the handset earlier this year, there's hasn't been a more concrete proof of the device's existence. However, that was until now, as the Galaxy S6 Mini has now been spotted listed on an online retailer's website. UAE-based retailer LetsTango has the device listed on its website, revealing some of its key specifications. As per the listing, the smartphone is powered by a hexa-core 1.8 GHz CPU and sports a 4.6-inch Super AMOLED display. It has 2GB RAM and 16GB internal memory. In terms of camera, the listing says the Galaxy S6 Mini features a 15MP rear unit and a 5MP front shooter. It packs in a non-removable Li-Ion battery, although capacity isn't mentioned. Featuring a PayPal certified fingeprint sensor, the device runs Android 5.1 Lollipop out-of-the-box. The handset isn't available for purchase yet, although you can submit your email address to get notified whenever it is. Thanks for the tip...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s6_mini_spotted_listed_on_online_retailers_website-news-15713.php

Microsoft Lumia 550 now available for purchase in India

In line with what was reported earlier this week, the Windows 10-powered Microsoft Lumia 550 is now available for purchase in India. The device went on sale in the US and Europe earlier this month. In India, the Redmond, Washington-based company is selling the device for INR 9,199 (around $139), a discount of INR 200 on its official pricing of INR 9,399. On the other hand, a quick look at Amazon India website reveals that the retailer is selling the handset for INR 9,999, which is in fact INR 600 more than the official price. As for color options, while Microsoft is offering the device in both white and black options, Amazon currently only has the white variant listed on its website. Source 1 2 3 |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/microsoft_lumia_550_now_available_for_purchase_in_india-news-15714.php

Amazon says it was the largest e-tailer in India this year; 70% traffic came from mobile

Amazon is claiming that it was India's largest online store this year, and that it added more than 55,000 new products each day. "The year 2015 has been another great year for us and we are humbled by the response received from both, the customers as well as sellers," said Amazon India's vice president and country manager Amit Agarwal. He also also revealed that the company's seller base in the Asian country grew by around 250% this year. "We believe our focus on working backwards from customer needs and innovating on the three things that matter to customers - selection, low prices and convenience - is paying us rich dividends," he said. According to market research firm comScore, Amazon's India website was the most visited e-commerce site in the country in 2015, with around 70% of the total traffic coming from...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/amazon_says_it_was_the_top_etailer_in_india_this_year_70_traffic_came_from_mobile-news-15711.php

Microsoft Lumia 550 gets another price cut in UK

The Microsoft Lumia 550 smartphone, which was launched just a few weeks ago, has received another price cut in the UK. The device can now be purchased from retailer Carphone Warehouse for as low as £59.99 (£49.99 + £10 top-up for a Pay As You Go plan with EE or Virgin Media). That's a great discount - a quick look the handset's listing on Microsoft UK Store website reveals that it's officially selling for £99.99, while other third party retailers like Amazon have it listed for around £80. And if you're an existing Pay As You Go customer, you'll be glad to know that upgrade prices start at £29.99, which is down 50% compared to the previous upgrade cost of £59.99. It's worth mentioning that this is the second price cut the Windows 10 device has received at Carphone Warehouse. Source 1 2...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/lumia_550_now_selling_for_as_low_as_60_in_uk-news-15709.php

Oppo A35 with octa-core CPU and 13MP camera passes through TENAA

A new Oppo smartphone, dubbed A35, has been certified by Chinese certification and regulatory authority TENAA, revealing some of its key specs. The device is powered by an octa-core 1.5GHz processor and sports a 5-inch (720 x 1280 pixel resolution) display. It has 2GB RAM and 16GB internal memory, which can be expanded up to 128GB via microSD card. In terms of camera, the device sports a 13MP rear unit and an 8MP front shooter. Measuring 143.5 × 71.0 × 7.25 (mm) and weighing in at 133g, the handset runs Android 5.1.1 out of the box. The Oppo A35 comes in gold and silver color options. Source...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/oppo_a35_with_octacore_cpu_and_13mp_camera_passes_through_tenaa-news-15710.php

Merry Christmas from the GSMArena team

On behalf of the whole GSMArena team we'd like to wish a very Merry Christmas! May all your dreams come true and your days be filled with love, laughter and joy. We hope everyone has a fantastic time with their loved ones and we hope everyone finds what they want under the Christmas tree! We'd like to use to occasion to thank you for all your support through the year - we know we can't please everybody with everything we do but we are certainly trying our best and you have our word that we'll continue to do so going forward. Thank you for being around! The GSMArena...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/merry_christmas_from_the_gsmarena_team-news-15685.php

Fujitsu splits its computer and mobile divisions

Fujitsu has announced that it will be splitting its PC business and mobile business into two separate entities. The PC business shall henceforth be known as Fujitsu Client Computing Limited and the mobile business as Fujitsu Connected Technologies Limited. The reason for the split, as Fujitsu puts it, is because, "With the ongoing commoditization of ubiquitous products, mainly of PCs and smartphones, it has become increasingly difficult to achieve differentiation, and competition with emerging global vendors has intensified." "The Company has resolved to implement Each Company Split in order to clarify management accountability, to enable swift management decisions, and to pursue comprehensive efficiency by creating independent companies for the PC business and the mobile phones business, respectively, and to establish an integrated system covering all aspects of research, development, design, manufacturing, sales, planning, and after-sales services." Basically, the PC division is not doing so well and it would be better to spin it off into its own thing to make it easier to get rid off in the future. With the PC division on the decline in general, this is hardly a surprise. Source •...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/fujitsu_splits_its_computer_and_mobile_divisions-news-15708.php

Apple demands additional $180 from Samsung for patent infringement

If you thought the Apple vs. Samsung legal fracas was over, you can't be more wrong. After Samsung paid $548 million this month to settle its previous fines, Apple is now demanding an additional $180 million. The new amount is for supplemental damages, that is, damages for infringements after the cutoff date of the jury trial, which is $178.7 million plus an additional $1.2 million prejudgement interest totaling around $180 million. Of course, Samsung will be fighting this demand in court. The supplemental damages are for five Samsung phone models sold after 2012 that were found infringing upon the patents. We'll have to wait and see which way this decision...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/apple_demands_additional_180_from_samsung_for_patent_infringement-news-15707.php

Microsoft Surface Pro 4 landing in India in January first week

Less than a couple of months after Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella announced that the Surface Pro 4 will land in India in January 2016, it has been revealed that the launch will happen in the "first week" of the month. The revelation was made by the Redmond, Washington-based company's India chairman Bhaskar Pramanik today. Although he didn't reveal the exact date on which the tablet will be launched, reports say the event will be held on January 7 in the country's capital city of New Delhi. For those who aren't already aware, the Surface Pro 4 will be the first device in the lineup to be officially launched in the Asian country. The device launched in the US back in October this...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/microsoft_surface_pro_4_landing_in_india_in_january_first_week-news-15705.php

LG sells 450,000 V10 units in North America in 45 days

LG is announcing that it's managed to sell 450,000 V10 units in North America in 45 days from the handset's release over there. That means an average of 10,000 units have been purchased in North America every day. Needless to say, LG is proud of this achievement. The company goes on to boast that its US market share for phones with screens measuring 5.7" or larger has increased in November from 26.7% to 35.7%, something that apparently happened thanks to the V10's success. Speaking of which, the smartphone is reportedly most popular with young American consumers, but also white collar workers in big cities, who have all bought a lot of V10s. Source (in Korean) |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/lg_sells_450000_v10_units_in_north_america_in_45_days-news-15703.php

Galaxy S6/S6 edge Marshmallow beta not compatible with Gear VR

The Marshmallow beta for the Samsung Galaxy S6/S6 edge is not compatible with the company's Gear VR headset. The Galaxy Beta Program app clearly mentions this, but claims that the headset will work fine with the official Android 6.0 update. This came into light shortly after the firmware started rolling out in the UK, so this is bad news for Gear VR owners who have already installed the update on their compatible smartphone. The update was first launched by the company in its home country of South Korea. For those who aren't already aware, the Galaxy S6 Marshmallow beta program is aimed at improving the quality of the upcoming firmware updates, based on the user feedback from those participating in the...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/galaxy_s6_s6_edge_marshmallow_beta_not_compatible_with_gear_vr-news-15701.php

Moto G (3rd gen) starts receiving Android 6.0 Marshmallow update

Following the rollouts for the Moto X Style, Moto X Pure Edition, Moto X Play, and Moto X (2nd gen), Motorola has started pushing out the Android 6.0 Marshmallow update for the Moto G (3rd gen). This iteration of the company's best selling smartphone ever was launched in July, and as is usual for the G line it pairs a decent price with decent specs. The update is rolling out over-the-air in the US and Canada, currently only for handsets purchased unlocked and SIM-free. That said, the Marshmallow release is bound to spread to other versions of the 3rd gen Moto G soon. If you own a Moto G (3rd gen) and get the update notification, you are apparently looking at a 2GB download, so it's probably best if you grab it via Wi-Fi. After applying it, you'll be on software version 24.11.25.en.US. The update incorporates Google's security patches created up to December 1, and it obviously contains everything that's new in Android 6.0, including Now On Tap and the revamped permissions system. As previously announced, Motorola is also removing its Migrate and Assist apps in this...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/moto_g_3rd_gen_starts_receiving_android_60_marshmallow_update-news-15702.php

Now Amazon offering 75% discount on movie rentals

Just a couple of days after Google Play launched a limited time promotion offering 75% discount on movie rentals, Amazon has also announced a similar or nearly identical deal for its Amazon Video users. This means that users of the service will now get 75% off the retail price of a digital movie rental (SD or HD). As with the Google's offer, the deal Amazon is offering is also only valid for one movie rental per person or account, and expires on January 4, 2016. Available only in the US, the offer can be availed by applying the promotional code MOVIE75OFF to your Amazon.com account and then proceeding with your digital rental. The total discount applied to your order will be displayed in your order...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/now_amazon_video_offering_75_discount_on_movie_rentals-news-15700.php

HTC One X9 goes official

The HTC One X9 has finally gone official in China. The phone is priced at 2399 yuan ($370) and will go on sale soon. The One X9 is the more premium version of the A9 launched earlier this year. It has a 5.5-inch 1080p display flanked on either sound by HTC's BoomSound speakers, the latter being conspicuously absent on the A9. Inside there is the MediaTek Helio X10 processor with 3GB of RAM and 32GB of storage. There is a 13 megapixel camera with OIS and 4K video on the back and UltraPixel camera on the front. The phone is powered by a 3000mAh battery. The version of Android is not yet known but it's likely Marshmallow considering the A9 launched with Marshmallow out of the box. Oddly enough, even though the X9 seems like an upgrade in nearly every count over the A9, it lacks the fingerprint sensor found on the A9. That aside, this is definitely the better option for anyone who found the A9 a bit underwhelming. Hopefully, it is released in other markets soon. Source •...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/htc_one_x9_goes_official-news-15704.php

BlackBerry Priv Verizon variant stops by FCC

Less than a couple of months after Verizon confirmed that it will start carrying the BlackBerry Priv "soon," the carrier variant of the device has been spotted at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). As you might already know, the Priv is currently an AT&T exclusive in the US. However, in a recent earnings call, CEO John Chen had said that the Android smartphone will be more widely available in the country once the 60-day exclusivity agreement with AT&T ends. Back in October this year, a random BlackBerry Priv unit (shown above) running on Verizon's network was spotted online, although at that time there was no information on if and when a Verizon variant will be available. There's still no information on when the Verizon Priv will be launched. However, given that the handset has been spotted at the FCC with short-term confidentiality release date as January 20, we can expect the launch to happen sooner than later. Source |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/blackberry_priv_verizon_variant_clears_fcc_hurdle-news-15699.php

Google 'bubble level' to get an instant spirit level

Ever felt the need to urgently check the leveling of a surface but didn't have a spirit level handy or lazy to download an app? Then this is just for you. If you Google 'bubble level' or 'spirit level' on your phone's browser or the Google Search app, you will instantly get a spirit level that works with the magnetometer on your phone, assuming it has one. You can keep a device flat on its back to check overall level or sideways to check horizontal tilt. Do keep in mind your phone's magnetometer needs to be properly calibrated for this to work and that any bumps on the back or side (cameras, buttons) will automatically unlevel the phone and mess up your reading. For any serious work you should be using an actual spirit level since the ones on phones could go whack for a number of reasons but for a quick, casual check this should work...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/google_bubble_level_to_get_an_instant_spirit_level-news-15698.php

LeTV expected to launch its first smartphone in India on January 5

While we already know that LeTV is planning to enter the Indian market, it now looks like that's gonna happen in less than a couple of weeks. The Chinese company has sent out invites for a press event scheduled for January 5 in the country's capital city of New Delhi. While the invite contains little information other than the event's date, time, and venue, reports say the company will take the opportunity to launch its first smartphone for the Indian market. Speculations are that the LeTV Le 1s could be launched at the event. The device was unveiled in China back in October and has been selling well there. The handset is powered by a MediaTek Helio X10 SoC and sports a 5.5" 1080p IPS LCD display. It also features mirror-surfaced fingerprint recognition, which the company claims offers 99% accuracy on first touch, and responds in just .09 seconds. For those who aren't in the know, aside from smartphones, LeTV also manufactures televisions, and is also into original productions and content aggregation. Via 1...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/letv_to_launch_its_first_smartphone_in_india_on_january_5-news-15697.php

Asus' proprietary browser will have AdBlock Plus turned on by default starting 2016

Asus and Adblock Plus (ABP) have entered into a partnership that will see the former not only including the latter's ad-blocking software with its proprietary browser, but also turning it on by default. Image via: AndroidCentral "We're extremely happy to team up with Asus, the first major hardware manufacturer to integrate ad blocking into their mobile devices," said AdBlock Plus co-founder and CEO Till Faida. "This is another call for innovation in the ad industry—a call getting louder by the day." It's worth mentioning that the browser in question currently has around 15 million users, compared to other popular alternatives being used by hundreds of...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/asus_proprietary_browser_will_have_adblock_plus_turned_on_by_default_starting_2016-news-15696.php

Alleged Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Plus cases leak online

Just over a couple of weeks after we brought you exclusive Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Plus renders, images showing protective covers for the yet-to-be announced flagship smartphones have leaked online. The images reveal things like a rectangular home button, a bulging out rear camera unit, volume buttons on the left, and power button on the right. A quick comparison reveals that all this is inline with what the renders had revealed. The Galaxy S7 Plus case (shown above) suggests a design similar to the S7, although it does indicate a huge display - the Plus variant is expected to be a 6.0-inch device. Micro USB and headphone ports, as well as speaker grill are all at the bottom of the devices. For those who aren't already aware, aside from the Galaxy S7 and S7 Plus, the flagship is said to have two more variants: the S7 edge, and S7 edge...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/alleged_samsung_galaxy_s7_and_galaxy_s7_plus_cases_leak-news-15695.php

YouTube says all video traffic is being throttled by T-Mobile, even if you opt out of Binge On

A YouTube spokesperson told the Wall Street Journal that T-Mobile is throttling all video traffic to its subscribers, whether or not you opted out of Binge On. Binge On is T-Mobile's newest Un-Carrier movement that gives customers the freedom to stream video from any of the approved video services without counting against your monthly data allowance. T-Mobile is receiving a lot of flak from net neutrality supporters deeming that T-Mobile is treating data unfairly and not providing internet that is fair for all internet services. Magenta hasn't yet replied to the accusations made by YouTube, but it has said that customers are really enjoying Binge On and "customers love having free streaming video that never hits their data bucket". The problem here lies with T-Mobile degrading all other video traffic and not notifying the customer of what's going on. We have seen situations like these end up in FCC fines *cough* AT&T *cough* where the carrier was throttling its subscribers without their knowledge. Source |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/youtube_says_all_video_traffic_is_being_throttled_by_tmobile_even_if_you_opt_out_of_binge_on-news-15694.php

Marshmallow beings rolling out for Canadian Moto X Play

The Moto X Play, one of Motorola's current gen devices, will be receiving the Marshmallow update over the next few days in Canada. Users over on Android Central have started posting about an incoming update weighing in around 570 MB, bringing with it the Marshmallow update along with security patches, optimizations and other features that come with Android 6.0 The update will also remove some of Motorola's added features that have already become a part of Android as to not have double features and confuse users. For example, in Marshmallow, Motorola will no longer include Moto Assist, Moto Migrate, nor Motorola Connect via the Chrome extension. Motorola promised back in October to cut back on these added features that have since become integrated into stock Android. The company stated that it simply would like to compliment Android, not compete against it. As with any update. The OTA process will be unpredictable and released in batches of phones as to not overwhelm the servers. Has anyone received the Marshmallow update on their Motorola device...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/marshmallow_beings_rolling_out_for_canadian_moto_x_play-news-15693.php

Nvidia infringed Samsung patents, ITC judge rules

A judge at the US International Trade Commission (ITC) has ruled that Nvidia did in fact infringe three patents held by Samsung. The ruling isn't final, however, since it's subject to review by the full agency. A final decision on the matter is expected in a few months. An Nvidia spokesperson expressed the company's disappointment at the news, while Nvidia stocks dropped 27 cents to $32.66 in after-hours trading following the release of the information. The spat between the two companies dates back to 2014, when Nvidia filed a patent lawsuit at the ITC against Samsung and Qualcomm, claiming their GPUs infringed some of its patents. Samsung then filed a retaliatory case against Nvidia, claiming that the Shield tablets infringe three of its patents that relate to how chips are made. In the meantime, the full ITC has found that there's no merit to Nvidia's lawsuit, but obviously the company has vowed to appeal. The ITC can block products from being sold in the US, which is why companies like to use it for such disputes. Source |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/nvidia_infringed_samsung_patents_itc_judge_rules-news-15692.php

Samsung Galaxy View infographic focuses on entertainment

Samsung's Galaxy View tablet is huge. The Korean company knows that of course, but through various marketing techniques it's been trying to play it down as an obvious disadvantage and turn it into a unique selling point for the device. The latest attempt by Samsung to convince consumers that the Galaxy View isn't too big to be useful comes in the form of a new infographic about the tablet. The word "movable" is used here a lot - and we're thankful that Samsung doesn't consider the View to be "portable". You can, however, move it from room to room inside your home, and that isn't even very hard, since it comes with a back handle. The Galaxy View is tailor-made for consuming entertainment, it seems, as it apparently enables "immersive viewing within arm's reach". So you can watch your favorite videos, movies, or TV shows, wherever you may be in your house. The claimed eight-hour battery life (when playing videos) clearly helps too. But you can also play games on it, or share handwritten notes with your family if you want to. Source |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_view_infographic_focuses_on_entertainment-news-15691.php

Xiaomi Mi 5 is portrayed in a new set of leaked renders, specs outed too

A couple of newly leaked renders out of China claim to portray the upcoming Xiaomi Mi 5. These are said to be unofficial, but based on the design of the real thing - which was briefly used by the creator of the pictures. As you can see, the image of the front of the device shows an incredibly small Home button - which is there in order to house a fingerprint scanner. According to the source of the pictures, the Mi 5 will in fact sport the world's smallest such sensor, and also the fastest. The rest of the design is unmistakably Xiaomi. And as the render to the right can attest, we're going to be treated to a metal frame for the Mi 5. On the front we can discern 2.5D glass on top of the display panel, while the back is said to feature even more curved "3D" glass. The smartphone will have a USB Type-C port. One important thing to note is that the product depicted in these shots looks nothing like the one in the previous leak supposedly showing the Mi 5 (or the one before that). So clearly one of the leaks is wrong, there's just no telling which one at this point. The Mi 5 will allegedly be powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 820 chipset, which is something that's been claimed in many previous rumors about the device. The handset is apparently going to feature a 5.2-inch touchscreen with 1080p or QHD resolution, a 16 MP rear camera, a 13 MP selfie snapper, dual-SIM functionality, and a 3,600 mAh battery. It will run Android 6.0 Marshmallow underneath MIUI 7. It will be offered in two versions. If you choose 3GB of RAM and 32GB of storage, you'll need to pay CNY 1,999 ($308 or €283 at the current exchange rates). If, on the other hand, you go for 4GB of RAM paired with 64GB of storage, the price rises to CNY 2,299 ($354, €326). Source (in Chinese) |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_mi_5_is_portrayed_in_a_new_set_of_leaked_renders_specs_outed_too-news-15690.php

Samsung Galaxy A9 is official with a 6-inch screen and 4,000mAh battery

The Samsung Galaxy A9 has been officially announced in China. Hardly anything about it is a surprise by now, as the smartphone has starred in more than its fair share of leaks. The Galaxy A9 sits on top Samsung's premium-built A-series and is positioned right where midrange meets flagship. The design is the newly adopted glass and metal affair, and this 6-incher features a FullHD AMOLED panel. Side bezels are minimal and Samsung is overly specific about their 2.74mm width. The recently renamed Snapdragon 652 (which used to be S620) is in charge of computing, and is paired with ample 3GB of RAM. Internal storage is 32GB and, unlike the company's true flagships, it is expandable. Imaging department is represented by a 13MP primary camera with a wide f/1.9 aperture and optical image stabilization. On the front there's an 8MP snapper behind an equally bright lens. The Galaxy A9 comes with a battery well befitting its display size, and the 4,000mAh capacity can be topped up in a flash thanks to the QuickCharge support. There's a fingerprint sensor inside the home button, complete with Samsung Pay support. The smartphone comes with an extensive connectivity package including Wi-Fi a/b/g/n (but sadly, no ac). Bluetooth is v4.1, there's GPS/Beidou for positioning and NFC too. A minor bummer is that the smartphone launches on Android 5.1 Lollipop, which is halfway out the door already, and certainly not a welcome sight on a newly announced premium handset. Pricing and availability remain to be...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_a9_is_official_with_a_6inch_screen_and_4000mah_battery-news-15687.php

Android 6.0 beta seeding to Galaxy S6 and S6 edge in the UK

What do you know - the Marshmallow beta for the Samsung Galaxy S6/S6 edge that was supposed to be exclusive to South Korea, has started rolling out in the UK as well. The TouchWiz-zed Android 6.0 firmware comes in the form of a 1.2GB download and brings quite a few changes. The RAW image capture, which was rumored for previous updates is now finally a reality, as well as the option to manually select a shutter speed. Adding apps to a folder is now possible from within the folder and lockscreen shortcuts are no longer limited to camera and dialer and can now be customized. Android 6.0 Marshmallow beta on the Galaxy S6 edge The power menu has changed from the small pop-up window it used to be for ages to a row of icons on a blurred background. And now that we've mentioned power, the update brings back the option to disable fast charging, if you're particularly concerned about your battery's health. Android 6.0 Marshmallow beta on the Galaxy S6 edge A redesign of the notification shade marks the departure from Lollipop, much like the blue/green combo introduced us to it. The new color scheme was featured in an earlier Samsung Marshmallow leak, and people seemed to believe it was fake on those grounds alone - well, apparently it's the real deal. Certainly, those are cosmetic changes, and there's a lot going on under the hood as well. The initial information was that beta testing will last until January 18 and from then on the waiting game begins for the official...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/android_60_beta_seeding_to_galaxy_s6_and_s6_edge_in_the_uk-news-15686.php

Samsung to spruce things up with Platinum and Rose Gold Gear S2 models

If you've been eyeing up the Gear S2 smartwatch, but the Classic was just too plain and the regular - too sporty, it would appear that Samsung knows that you exist and is prepping a couple of flashier versions. Rumor is that Platinum and Rose Gold variants are to be expected - presumably differently colored takes on the Gear S2 Classic, rather than the.. well, non-Classic. It was really a matter of time before Samsung made the move to cases with a bit more flair - after all, Motorola has a Gold option for the Moto 360 (2nd gen), and Huawei does too for its Watch. Not to mention the Apple Watch Edition in Gold or Rose Gold, exorbitantly priced as it may be. Now, if you already got a Samsung Gear S2 Classic - tough luck, you're stuck with black. Variation with the wristbands is always an option, as it takes standard aftermarket 20mm straps, unless you insist on Samsung's own $60 ones. Source |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_to_spruce_things_with_platinum_and_rose_gold_gear_s2_models-news-15681.php

The Beatles coming to streaming services on Christmas Eve

Ever wish you could just listen to your favorite Beatles tracks on your favorite music streaming service, one you pay for every month but somehow conspicuously lacks music from the biggest band in the world? Well, it's finally coming this Christmas to everyone who has been nice this year. Or happens to have a Spotify, Apple Music, Google Play, Tidal, Amazon Prime Music, and any other music service subscription. Billboard has revealed that the Beatles music will finally be available for streaming on all the major music streaming services. The ones that won't be getting it include Pandora, which doesn't do direct deals with music owners, and Rdio, which is now dead. Until then you can continue streaming it on YouTube and pretending the audio quality isn't terrible. Source •...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/the_beatles_coming_to_streaming_services_on_christmas_eve-news-15682.php

New leak suggests LG G5 will feature dual rear camera setup

LG's upcoming G5 flagship smartphone, which has been the subject of some rumors and leaks until now, will come with a dual camera set-up (16MP + 8MP) at the back. This was revealed in a new leak, which came courtesy of a Reddit user who also shared the following image that apparently shows the device's body partially obscured by a black box. A number of other specs were also revealed, including 5.3-inch Quad HD display, SD820 SoC with 3GB RAM, 8MP front camera, as well as a SIM and microSD slot. In addition, the leakster said that the device will also have a color spectrum and a heart rate sensor fitted in the camera assembly, as well as a fingerprint sensor embedded in the power button. Other features that were revealed include a USB-C port, bottom firing speaker, as well as IR blaster on top. There was no word on the launch time frame though - recent reports have suggested that will happen in February. Source |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/new_leak_suggests_lg_g5_will_feature_dual_rear_camera_setup_full_metal_body-news-15679.php

HTC One X9 to go official tomorrow, teaser indicates

The HTC One X9, which recently appeared in leaked live photos, could be unveiled tomorrow - December 24. The Taiwanese company has posted a teaser image (shown below) on its Weibo account that indicates the same. Things like the letter 'X' in the middle of the device as well as those highlighted capacitive buttons clearly suggest that the star of the December 24 event is going to be the One X9. As far as specs are concerned, pretty much everything about the device is already known, as it has already been certified by China's TENAA. The listing revealed that the handset is powered by a 2.2 GHz octa-core processor (should be MediaTek MT6795 SoC), and sports a 5.5-inch 1080p display. RAM is 2GB, while internal memory is 16GB, although expandable. In terms of camera, the handset will feature a 13 MP main camera with OIS, and a 5MP front shooter. Measuring 153.2×75.9×7.99 mm, and weighing in at 174 g, the One X9 runs Android 5.0.2 out-of-the-box and packs in a 3,000 mAh battery. It is expected to cost somewhere between $366-$457 in HTC's home country of...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/teaser_indicates_december_24_unveiling_for_htc_one_x9-news-15683.php

Google offering 75% off on Play Store movie rental

Google is currently running a promotion where-in the company is offering Play Store users 75% off the store price of any one movie rental. It's a limited time offer that ends January 4. Keep in mind that the promotion is only available in select countries, including the US, UK, Australia, India, France, Russia, Italy, and Japan. Also, it's worth stressing that the discount - which gets applied at checkout - is only valid for a single movie rental per user. Aside from this offer, Google is also running many other promotions (head to the Via link below) for Play Store users. For example, it's offering 3 months of Play Music subscription for just $1, although the deal is only valid for new subscribers. Source |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/google_offering_75_off_on_play_store_movie_rentals-news-15677.php

Google allegedly working on yet another messaging service, this time with chatbots

The Wall Street Journal has reported that Google is working on yet another mobile messaging service, with the twist this time being the inclusion of chatbots. The way this works is, you can message your friends the way you currently do but there are also chatbots that can answer your queries. The bots will use Google's web search expertise to find answers for your questions. It's like using Google Now or Siri, but you type instead of speaking and it will supposedly be more conversational. Google will probably allow developers to build their own chatbots to include within the service. Not much else is known about the service at this point. Google hasn't had much success in the messaging and social arena. Most people didn't take kindly to the rebranding of Google Talk to Hangouts and the service has since had trouble finding favor among users. Competitors, in the form of Facebook with its Messenger and WhatsApp services, and Apple with its exclusive iMessage service, are doing a lot better in comparison. This is Google's way to yet again try and get back into the messaging space and at the same time earn revenue by directing users to specific...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/google_allegedly_working_on_yet_another_messaging_service_this_time_with_chatbots-news-15675.php

Mediatek Helio X20 posts record scores on GeekBench

Next-years crop of flagship chipsets has been undergoing some vigorous testing over the past couple of months, and aside from the occasional leak, we've also been treated to credible benchmark results of the Snapdragon 820. Mediatek's high-end SoC Helio X20 (a.k.a. MT6797) hasn't been in the spotlight as much, but has just shown up on GeekBench posting some seriously good numbers. The multi-score result north of the 7,000 mark is far and away the highest score we've seen posted by a mobile chipset and in an actual listing on the benchmark's website. The Tri-cluster 10-core CPU architecture of the SoC, consisting of 2 Cortex-A72 cores and double quad-core Cortex-A53 is responsible for the record-breaking figures. However, a single Cortex-A72 isn't up to the standards of Apple's current Twister cores in the A9 chip, or Qualcomm's upcoming Kryo cores. The Helio X20's single-core performance is rated at a little over 2,000 units, while the above two can push upwards of 2,300-2,400. All that said, a previous chipset comparison had next-year's Exynos 8890 posting a mind-blowing 7,400 points, while the Helio X20 was trailing at 6,500. So until all of these SoC's end up in production devices, which we can test, the above numbers are nothing but a general indication of the direction the industry is headed. Source |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/mediatek_helio_x20_posts_record_scores_on_geekbench-news-15678.php

Acer sells 70,000 Liquid Leap Active units in a day in US

Acer recently debuted its Liquid Leap Active wearable in the US, and the company has announced that it sold 70,000 units of the device in just 24 hours. The Taiwanese firm also managed to sell a total of 30,000 interchangeable bands during the same time. The said number of units were sold via TV shopping network HSN in a 24-hour promotion on December 13. The promotion saw the company offering two Liquid Leap Active wearables or one wearable with three interchangeable bands for a total of $99.95. Unveiled back in June at Computex Taipei, the wearable device allows users to track their daily activities and exercise, as well as record their sleep time. It also notifies users about incoming calls, texts, and social media messages, as well as provides meeting...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/acer_sells_70000_liquid_leap_active_units_in_a_day_in_us-news-15676.php

Marshmallow update for HTC One M9 (unlocked) ready for US rollout

In line with what was promised earlier this month, HTC has announced that the unlocked units of its One M9 smartphone in the US will start receiving the Android 6.0 update shortly. The announcement was made by the company's US VP of Product Management Mo Versi on Twitter. Happy Holidays! Updates to the Unlocked A9 6.0.1 and Unlocked M9 6.0 will be able to be downloaded within next 24 hours! Enjoy :-)— Mo Versi (@moversi) December 23, 2015 It is, however, currently not known when unlocked M9 units outside the US will start receiving the update. For those who aren't already aware, the One M8 Marshmallow update started rolling out in the US earlier this month. In addition, Versi also announced that the company's latest One A9 smartphone will receive the Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow update during the same...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/htc_one_m9_marshmallow_update-news-15674.php

Google confirms it's testing passwordless logins

Google has confirmed that it's testing a new, password-less login system that allows users to sign in to their Google account with just their phones. The functionality was first revealed by a Reddit user who received an invite to test it. He also posted the following screenshots: It is apparent from the screenshots that in order to use the feature, you should first have a compatible smartphone that needs to be set-up. Once that is done, the feature is enabled, meaning thereon whenever you try to sign in to your Google account on any other computer or device, you just have to enter your email address and ask the system to let you in. A notification seeking your permission to approve the login will be sent to your phone. Once approved, the sign in attempt will be successful. Of course, you would still be able to use your password to login the old fashioned way. "We've invited a small group of users to help test a new way to sign in to their Google accounts, no password required. 'Pizza', 'password' and '123456'—your days are numbered," a Google spokesperson said, adding that the feature is being tested on both Android and...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/google_confirms_its_testing_passwordless_logins-news-15673.php

Huawei begins selling Honor smartphones through brick-and-mortar stores in India

Until now, Huawei's Honor brand of smartphones have only been available through online retailers in India. However, that's changing as the company has announced that customers will now also be able to purchase the devices through brick-and-mortar stores. The Chinese company has entered into a partnership will Zopper, which is basically a hyperlocal marketplace that lets users search products, check their offline prices, and order them from nearby stores. The partnership will see the Honor brand reaching out to a total of 267 outlets in select Indian cities, including Delhi NCR, Chennai, Vellore, Pondicherry, and Bangalore. "We are very encouraged with the response we have received for our Honor smartphones in India, including the Honor 4X, Honor 6 Plus and Honor 7," said Allen Wang, President of Consumer Business Group, Huawei India. "To reinforce our commitment towards our customers in India, and allow a higher level of access to Honor smartphones, we have decided to introduce Honor smartphones in the offline sales channel, which starts with the tie-up with Zopper, which allow customers to choose the retailer offering the best price for a product." It's worth mentioning that the prices of the Honor devices will remain the same, whether you purchase them online or...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/huawei_begins_selling_honor_smartphones_through__brickandmortar_stores_in_india-news-15672.php