The Identilock won't let you pull the trigger unless your fingerprint checks out

Smart everything is the way to go, and it was only a matter of time until the Identilock showed up. It's a smart gun lock that will only let you pull your pistol's trigger, if it recognizes your fingerprint. Or you have the mechanical key, but that's just for backup. The Identilock attaches to your choice of firearm thanks to interchangeable adapters (two come bundled, you select which ones upon ordering) and covers the trigger guard and trigger itself, making the gun inoperable. Touch the fingerprint reader and if it checks out, the smart lock falls out of the way and you can go ahead and blast away at those beer cans. The battery inside is good for 6 months of operation, gets recharged via microUSB and in case it dies, you can unlock the thing with a mechanical key. The Identilock is available now for pre-order, priced at $319. Targeted at responsible home gun owners, the Identilock should be a much quicker solution than the usual steel safe, tucked in the closet. That's not to say you should go put your 9mm on the coffee table for your toddler to fiddle with, but you're a responsible gun owner, you know that. Source |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/the_identilock_wont_let_you_pull_the_trigger_unless_your_fingerprint_checks_out-news-15964.php

Nokia 230 24K-gold-plating costs more than the phone, still worth it

We understand the urge to have your flagship LG V10 gold-plated, and the gold bath adds an extra bit of flair to curved-body Samsung high-end models Galaxy S6 edge and Note5. But what about that Nokia 230 that you keep in your car's glove box for backup, or use as a secondary phone for basic needs? Now Vietnamese specialists in the field of luxury customization Karalux can have the 230 gold-plated in 24K yellow gold too, to match your smartphone attire. We're only assuming that once you're looking into gold-plating, you have a smartphone to boot, but even if the unassuming Nokia feature phone is your primary means of communication, at VND 1,500,000 ($67) the treatment is still a bargain. That's the price if you bring in your own Nokia 230, but for VND 2,800,000 ($125) the company will happily pull a ready gold-plated one off its store shelves. So in effect, the gold-plating costs more than the phone itself. But who's to say that you can't have some bling just because you refuse to be bothered with constant notifications and want a battery life longer than a day....

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/nokia_230_24kgoldplating_costs_more_than_the_phone_still_worth_it-news-15963.php

Apple Campus 2 progressing steadily, ring structure almost done

Apple Campus 2 construction has seen some healthy progress over the past month and the Space Ring is now almost fully constructed. The monthly update comes courtesy of Duncan Sinfield and his DJI Inspire 1 drone. The ring may be nearing completion in terms of structure, but only a small sector has actually gotten its glass panes installed, so there's plenty left to be done. December vs. January footage shows auditorium progress There's a lot of development on the 1000-seat underground auditorium, with massive roof beams now installed. And massive they need to be, as the roof will have to support a significant amount of soil, once it's all complete. And trees too, there will be trees on top. Source |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/apple_campus_2_progressing_steadily_ring_structure_almost_done-news-15961.php

Motorola Mobility clears up branding confusion in official statement

In a bit of a PR mess up, Motorola Mobility CEO Rick Osterloh announced the other day that parent company Lenovo will be phasing out the Motorola brand, and that created confusion as to its future. To set the record straight, Motorola has issued a statement on its official blog. Motorola Mobility, as a company, continues to exist and keeps a central role in Lenovo's smartphone business, and is in charge of all smartphone engineering, design and manufacturing within the corporation. However, products will feature the Moto brand, as opposed to Motorola, as it sounds more contemporary, while still being synonymous with the traditional brand, the statement says. That said, product packages will still have Motorola printed here and there, it just won't be the brand used prominently for marketing. The batwing logo will not be lost either, and will continue to be used extensively, in marketing material too. The Vibe brand will coexist alongside Moto and Lenovo corporate branding will be found both on product packaging and promotional content, to remind consumers that the company is among a select few, which can offer a complete experience from smartphone through tablet to PC. We'll need some figuring out to do on our end - does the Motorola Moto G (3rd gen) become simply Moto G (3rd...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/motorola_mobility_clears_up_branding_confusion_in_official_statement-news-15960.php

Apple working with Beats to bring wireless earbuds to the iPhone 7

It's fair to say that quite a few people were infuriated by rumors that Apple might be abandoning the 3.5mm headphone jack for the iPhone 7 in favor of Lightning-connected accessories. There's an ongoing petition to keep the connectivity option, signed by more than 215,000 people, and counting. Now some new insider info reiterates the 3.5 jack's future demise, adding that Apple and its subsidiary Beats Electronics are working on developing wireless earbuds to launch alongside the iPhone 7. And we're talking wireless-wireless, with no cables at all, much like the Moto Hint, the Earin, and the Bragi Dash. iPhone 6s retail package What might very well be called the Airpods (Apple has the trademark registered) are reported to feature microphones too, for noise cancelling and summoning Siri. No ports will be found on them, instead they will ship with a carrying case with built-in battery - again, a similar design to already existing solutions. Apple's wireless earbuds are more than likely going to be sold separately. Competing models don't come cheap, the Earin has a suggested retail price of £159 ($230), though being a Kickstarter-ed project, you could have picked up a pair for half that and you can't actually order them now. Meanwhile, the Bragi Dash is $299/€299, and the Moto Hint is the cheapest at $130 MSRP. Whatever the price, you wouldn't expect Apple to bundle such a premium accessory with the iPhone 7. At least the source confirms that there are going to be Earpods with a Lightning connector inside the...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/apple_working_with_beats_to_bring_wireless_earbuds_to_the_iphone_7-news-15959.php

Microsoft Lumia 950 XL (unlocked, single SIM) selling for $565 in US

The XL variant of the Microsoft Lumia 950 flagship smartphone is now selling for $565 in the US. Expansys USA has the unlocked, single SIM model listed for that price - the retailer usually sells it for $700. While Expansys is selling both white and black color versions at the discounted rate, the latter is currently out of stock. A quick look on Amazon reveals that the retailer is currently selling the same model (RM-1085) for $590, and has both white and black color options in stock. Meanwhile, Microsoft has the Lumia 950 XL (both colors) listed for $649, although none of them is available for purchase as of now - the listing currently shows 'Email me when available' button instead of 'Buy' or 'Add to cart'. Source 1 2...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/microsoft_lumia_950_xl_unlocked_single_sim_selling_for_565_in_us-news-15958.php

Motorola Droid Turbo 2 owners reporting mysterious green line on display

Several users of the Motorola Droid Turbo 2 smartphone are reporting an issue with their device where-in a vertical green light appears on the device's display. A quick look at Motorola's forums reveal that the issue dates back to November last year. A user who goes by the name of Venoran posted his side of the story on Motorola's forum, revealing that when he approached Verizon (Droid Turbo 2 is Verizon exclusive in case you don't know), he was told that "you must have dropped or hit this phone really hard, it's not shock-proof!" He was also shown an internal Verizon e-mail containing a picture of the phone affected by the green light issue, and titled "Droid Turbo 2 is Shatterproof, not Shock-proof." All this while he maintained that he never, ever dropped his phone. Thereafter, Verizon reps asked him to approach Motorola, which finally agreed to issue a new unit as replacement. Coming back to the issue, users say the green light is almost always there when the display is on, with some even saying that it widens with time. There's no information yet on whether it's a software or hardware issue. Source |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/motorola_droid_turbo_2_owners_reporting_mysterious_green_line_on_display-news-15956.php

Sony announces new high-speed XQD and SD memory cards

Sony announced new ultra high-speed XQD and SD memory cards along with adapters for newly launched cameras such as the Nikon D5 and the D500 that were launched at CES. The XQD-M series of cards have a read speed of up to 440MB/s and read speeds of 150MB/s, which should be perfect for burst capture of RAW images, 4K internal recording, and quickly transferring all that footage onto your computer. The XQD cards have a sturdier design for additional reliability. The new SD cards are UHS-II compliant and offer read speeds up to 260MB/s and write speeds up to 100MB/s. Sony also announced a new UHS-II supported card reader (MRW-E90) for quick transfers to a PC. It supports both the new XQD and SD cards that were announced and connects over USB 3.1. Availability and pricing will be announced...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/sony_announces_new_highspeed_xqd_and_sd_memory_cards-news-15957.php

BlackBerry CEO: BB 10 far from dead; another Android phone this year

BlackBerry CEO John Chen has said that the company's BB 10 operating system is "far from" dead. He made the comment in a post on the company's official blog, where-in he also revealed that BB 10-powered phones such as Passport, Classic, and others will be getting security and privacy enhancements this year. "The coming version 10.3.3 will be certified for NIAP compliance, meaning it will have passed the strictest government-grade security tests, enabling us to further support our government and regulated customers who use BlackBerry 10 devices and demand the highest levels of security," he said in the blog post. "We are also planning a version 10.3.4 for later this year with even more security improvements." While we already know that BlackBerry will only be launching Android phones in 2016, Chen revealed that only one such device will be launched in 2016, adding that the company will be sharing its road-map at an appropriate...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/blackberry_ceo_bb10_far_from_dead_another_android_phone_this_year-news-15955.php

Microsoft Lumia 650 clears the FCC hurdle

Just a few days ago, some documents confirmed that the Microsoft Lumia 650 will come in both single- as well as dual-SIM variants, carrying model number RM-1152 and RM-1154, respectively. Now, the single SIM variant - the RM-1152 - has been certified by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the United States, suggesting it could soon be launched there. Recently, a live image (shown below) of the Windows 10 smartphone leaked, showing the phone at an angle, and confirming that its outer frame is made of metal. As for the specs, from what all has been rumored until now, the Lumia 550 is powered by a Snapdragon 210 SoC and sports a 5-inch 720p display. RAM is 1GB, while the device packs in a 2,000mAh battery. Source |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/lumia_650_clears_the_fcc_hurdle-news-15954.php

First-gen Microsoft Band again drops to £50 in UK

If you recall, Microsoft slashed the price of the original Band to £50 in the UK back in November last year. If you missed that deal, here is some good news: the wearable has officially dropped to the same price again. It's exactly the same deal, as the Redmond, Washington-based company is also offering a free charging cable (normally worth £17) with the device. The deal runs through March 1, although the small and the medium variants of the Band are already out-of-stock. Third party retailers like Amazon are currently selling the wearable in the range of £115 - £130, depending on the size. Source 1...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/firstgen_microsoft_band_again_drops_to_50_in_uk-news-15953.php

Samsung announces Q4 2015 earnings guidance; Y-o-Y profits grow

Samsung Electronics has announced earnings guidance for the fourth quarter of the year 2015. The company forecasted an operating profit of 6.1 trillion Korean won (around $5.08 billion), which is up around 15% compared to the 5.3 trillion won figure the company reported in Q4 2014. However, compared to Q3 2015, when the company reported a profit of 7.4 trillion won, the profit was down around 18%. The forecast also missed market expectations - analysts were expecting the company to report a profit of around 6.6 trillion won. Overall sales revenues are forecasted to be around 53.0 trillion won (around $46.4 billion), slightly up from the 52.7 trillion won figure reported in the same quarter of the year 2014. Samsung is expected to release final figures towards the end of this...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_announces_q4_2015_earnings_guidance_yoy_profits_grow-news-15952.php

Google Now weather card becomes a lot more colorful, app-like

Google is currently testing a new design for the weather card that shows up in Google Now or in Google searches on Android. While the previous card was functional, it couldn't be called pretty. The new design aims to change that. Furthermore, the card now looks and behaves more like an actual app. There's a new tab system that lets you switch between the forecast for today, tomorrow, and the next ten days. The card also takes up a lot more vertical space than it used to. Colors change based on time of day and the current conditions, and there's a frog-like character that gets portrayed in different settings (such as beaches or hiking trips). More information is packed in the new card too. It has details about things like air quality, sunrise and sunset times, as well as certain health messages. At the moment not many people have seen the new card, but hopefully that will change in the near future based on how well the testing goes. Source 1 • Source 2 • Source 3 |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/google_now_weather_card_becomes_a_lot_more_colorful_applike-news-15951.php

Lenovo Vibe K4 Note got 200,000 registrations in India already

Lenovo made the Vibe K4 Note official in India earlier this week, after a teaser campaign. The phone will become available on January 19 by itself, and starting on January 20 bundled with a VR headset. It will be offered through flash sales carried out on Amazon, for which you need to register in advance. And in just 3 days from the start of registrations, more than 200,000 have been received by the retailer. This means plenty of people are interested in the K4 Note. Furthermore, registrations for the VR bundle have been closed ten days ahead of plan because of the overwhelming response seen in the first two days. You can still register to buy the handset by itself, however, and you'll be able to do that all the way up until January 18. Lenovo hasn't said how many K4 Note units will be up for grabs in the first flash sale. The Vibe K4 Note comes with a 5.5-inch 1080p touchscreen, a 13 MP rear camera, a 5 MP selfie snapper, 3GB of RAM, 16GB of expandable storage, the MediaTek MT6753 SoC with a 1.3 GHz octa-core Cortex-A53 CPU, and a 3,300 mAh battery. It runs Android 5.1 Lollipop. It's priced at INR 11,999...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/lenovo_vibe_k4_note_got_200000_registrations_in_india_already-news-15950.php

Xiaomi Redmi 3 to come with large 4,100mAh battery

Just a day after revealing its display size and launch date, Xiaomi has confirmed that the Redmi 3 will come with a large 4,100mAh battery. The confirmation again came in the form of a teaser posted on Weibo. In the Weibo post, Xiaomi also stressed that despite the large battery, the phone is thin thanks to the high energy density tech used. So, the specs that have been officially confirmed until now include a 5-inch display and a 4,100mAh battery. In addition, it has also been confirmed that the device features an all metal body with a unique plaid design on the back. As for the remaining specs, rumors say the handset is powered by a Snapdragon 616 SoC, has 2GB RAM and 16GB internal memory, and features 13MP rear and 5MP front camera. It is said to run Android 5.1.1 Lollipop out-of-the-box. The Redmi 3 is set to be launched next week on January 12. Source...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_redmi_3_to_come_with_large_4100_mah_battery-news-15945.php

Xiaomi Mi 5 confirmed to rock Snapdragon 820 chipset

Xiaomi co-founder Liwan Jiang has confirmed on Weibo the Xiaomi Mi 5 will feature a Snapdragon 820 chipset. The phone will be presented on January 21 at a special event. Sales are expected to start February 8, in time for the Chinese New Year. Additional rumored specifications include 4GB of RAM, a 16MP main camera and a 13MP selfie one. The 5.2" QHD display boasts a 565 ppi pixel density. The battery will have 3,600mAh capacity and support Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0. The price of the Xiaomi Mi 5 isn't confirmed yet, but reports suggest it would be between $385 and $462. Source |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_mi_5_confirmed_to_rock_snapdragon_820_chipset-news-15942.php

Samsung points out key features of the Galaxy TabPro S in an infographic

Samsung wants to make sure you know full well that the TabPro S is a Windows 10 tablet despite the Galaxy moniker, so far reserved for the company's Android lineup. In this latest infographic Windows is only mentioned some 8 times, but other key selling points of the TabPro S have been highlighted as well. It's the best of Galaxy tablets, thanks in no small part to its "long battery". The full-size keyboard and touchpad are prominent features as well, making productivity more than a buzzword. The multi-port adapter is not the best thing to advertise, but we figure fitting full size USB and HDMI ports on a 6.3mm-thin tablet might have been on the impossible side of being an engineering challenge. Samsung Galaxy TabPro S infographic There's the obligatory tribute to the 12-inch AMOLED screen, with "more than 94% true color reproduction" - a first in the Windows realm, Samsung claims. Fastest network, fast charging and not as fast Intel Core M processor also get a...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_points_out_key_features_of_the_galaxy_tabpro_s_in_an_infographic-news-15944.php

HTC launches Desire 728 Dual SIM in India

HTC has launched a new mid-range smartphone in the Indian market, the Desire 728 Dual SIM. The Desire 728 has a 5.5-inch display with 720p resolution. It runs on a MediaTek MT6753 chipset with 2GB of RAM and 16GB storage, which can be expanded using microSD. On the back is a 13 megapixel camera, and on the front is a 5 megapixel shooter. The battery is 2800mAh and the phone runs on HTC Sense UI on top of Android 5.1. The Desire 728 also has the company's BoomSound stereo speakers. True to its name, the phone includes dual SIM support with 4G LTE. The Desire 728 Dual SIM is priced at INR 17,990 ($269), which is a bit expensive as you can get phones like the OnePlus X and the Lenovo Vibe S1 for the same money, and both are better equipped in...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/htc_launches_desire_728_dual_sim_in_india-news-15943.php

Mobiado m|CUBE is an iPhone charger that costs as much as an iPhone 6s

Now, we understand that a smartphone can be a fashion statement, but a charger? Apparently, Mobiado thinks you'll need an extra outlet to express your sense of style, and that comes in the shape of a glass/metal cube. The m|CUBE charger supports iPhones going back to the iPhone 5 (in other words ones with a Lightning connector), and suspends them in the air in what the company calls a "unique levitated position". We call it putting a strain on said connector, with the 192g iPhone 6s Plus suffering the most. Three color options are available, the plain ones being Black Satin and Silver. You'd definitely want to get the Guilloche version, though, for maximum style points. That one will set you back $675, which is $26 more than a 16GB iPhone 6s. Charger fashion statements don't come cheap. Source |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/mobiado_mcube_is_an_iphone_charger_that_costs_as_much_as_an_iphone_6s-news-15940.php

BlackBerry moving completely to Android in 2016

Following the moderate commercial success and generally positive reception of its latest Priv smartphone, BlackBerry has announced that it is going all-in as far as Android is concerned. Company CEO John Chen confirmed in an interview at CES that all BlackBerry smartphones launched this year will run Google's operating system. One could say this move has been a long time coming, and it's better late than never. Once an industry juggernaut, BlackBerry has struggled for a good part of the last decade to find favor with new users, who care increasingly less about BlackBerry's core strengths in enterprise and security and more about things like apps and games, something the now distinctly long in tooth BlackBerry OS was never good at. The move to Android has already won the company some brownie points in the past few weeks so it's good to see the company continue down that road. Chen refused to comment on the availability and details of the upcoming...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/blackberry_moving_completely_to_android_in_2016-news-15939.php

Xiaomi MIUI 7.1 to reportedly hit more devices starting next week

As you might already know, the latest iteration of Xiaomi's mobile OS - MIUI 7.1 - started rolling out earlier this week. While the list of supported devices was comprehensive, some handsets were left out. Image credit: Thomson Reuters Now, according to a new report, the update will hit more devices starting next week - Janaury 11. The new devices that are reportedly set to receive the update include the Mi 2/2S, Redmi 1S 3G, Redmi 2, Redmi 2A, and Redmi Note 3. The update will be available both as OTA as well as direct download from the Chinese company's official website. The report also notes that devices running MIUI 5 or 6 will also be eligible to receive the...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_miui_71_to_reportedly_hit_more_devices_starting_next_week-news-15937.php

HTC's sales were down 35% last year

Taiwanese smartphone manufacturer HTC has released its annual financial report for the year 2015, revealing a sales drop of over 35%. The company's last year's revenue stood at NTD 121.68 billion ($3.65 billion), down from NTD 187.91 billion ($5.64 billion) in 2014. HTC saw its monthly revenue jump to a six-month high in the month of November, something that led us to believe that the One A9 would have played an important role in this. Expectations were that sales would go further up in December due to holiday season and as well as the release of the handset in more markets. However, surprisingly, December sales stood at just NTD 6.52 billion ($195.7 million), down 57.08% year-on-year and 36.64% sequentially. HTC is now pinning its hopes on its newly announced Vive VR headset, pre-orders for which will begin in...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/htcs_sales_were_down_35_last_year-news-15938.php

Hey Cortana feature comes to Lumia 950/XL devices in Canada

The "Hey Cortana" feature, which lets users invoke Microsoft's Cortana personal assistant through voice activation, is now available on Lumia 950/XL devices in Canada. This was reported by some users on Reddit who said the feature was included in the latest firmware update they installed. "Hey all, I had a firmware update today, and going through Cortana settings I've noticed that we can now select and use 'Hey Cortana' keeping our Canada region and settings," said a Reddit user. The feature can be activated by heading to Cortana's Notebook -> Settings, and then turning on the Hey Cortana slider. For those who aren't aware, the feature was recently removed from Cortana for Android in US following reports that it interferes with Google Now's Ok Google functionality, leading to malfunctioning of the device's microphone. Via |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/hey_cortana_feature_comes_to_lumia_950_xl_devices_in_canada-news-15936.php

LG V10 Verizon variant receiving bug fix update

Verizon has started rolling out an update to LG V10 devices on its network. The update bumps the software version to VS99011B, and brings along various bug fixes, including those related to Contacts app and Second Screen. As per the change log, the update fixes a QRemote crash issue as well as how navigation icons are displayed when an app is closed while in Dual Window mode. In addition, Second Screen now no longer overlaps the device Status Bar, and the Contacts app now displays latest updates to your contacts opened from Second Screen. This could be a staged roll out, so it might take some time before the update hits your device. However, if you're feeling impatient, you can manually check for it by heading to your handset's...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/lg_v10_verizon_variant_receiving_bug_fix_update-news-15934.php

Deal: Buy Moto X Pure Edition and Moto 360 (2nd Gen) together and get $100 off

If you're a Motorola fan and are in the market for a new phone and smartwatch, here is some good news: the company is currently offering a $100 discount on the total amount if you purchase the Moto X Pure Edition and Moto 360 (2nd Gen) together. It's worth mentioning that there's no promo code that you need to enter - just add both devices to your basket and the discount will automatically apply when you checkout. The deal is, however, only available to those living in the US, and valid until January 12. The company is also offering discounts on some of its other products, including the Moto X (2nd Gen), Moto G (2nd Gen), and Nexus 6 - head to the Source link below to learn more about the...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/deal_buy_moto_x_pure_edition_and_moto_360_2nd_gen_together_and_get_100_off-news-15935.php

Snapdragon 820-powered LeTV Le Max Pro to cost around $535

Chinese company LeTV's latest smartphone - the Le Max Pro - will carry a price tag of RMB 3,500 (around $535) in China. This was revealed by a leaked screenshot/teaser obtained by a Chinese website. If you aren't already aware, the Le Max Pro was unveiled by Qualcomm as the first Snapdragon 820-powered smartphone at the ongoing Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas earlier this week. As for other specs, the handset has a 6.3-inch (2,560 x 1,440 pixel resolution) display and 4GB RAM, sports a 21MP rear camera, and runs Android 6.0 Marshmallow with custom LeTV skin on top. It also features ultrasonic fingerprint technology and supports WiFi ad. There's currently no information on when the Le Max Pro will go on sale. Via...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/snapdragon_820powered_letv_le_max_pro_to_cost_around_535-news-15933.php

Lenovo phasing out Motorola brand for smartphones

When Lenovo completed the acquisition of Motorola Mobility back in 2014, it said "We plan to not only protect the Motorola brand, but make it stronger." However, looks like the Chinese company's priorities has changed with changing times as the brand is now being phased out. "We'll slowly phase out Motorola," said Motorola Chief Operating Officer Rick Osterloh. Motorola's phone business will now come under the Lenovo name, meaning it will be merged with Lenovo's phone business, with high-end smartphones using the Moto branding while budget devices using the Vibe brand. You'll also see future Moto products featuring the blue Lenovo logo, although Motorola's batwing-like "M" logo will still be there. The Motorola name, however, won't vanish completely - it'll live on as a division under...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/lenovo_phasing_out_motorola_brand_for_smartphones-news-15932.php

LG K10 and LG K7 hands-on: LG at CES 2016

This year the CES expo in Las Vegas is mostly about HDR TVs and smart appliances (fridges, washing machines) rather than smartphones and slates. LG is among the few manufacturers to bring new mobile gadgets - the LG K10 and LG K7.

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/lg_ces_2016-review-1361.php

Sony creates world's first "48K" 360-degree video by using 12 Xperia Z5 Compact units

4K simply isn't enough for Sony anymore. After having launched the world's first smartphone with a display that can sometimes show 4K content (the Xperia Z5 Premium), the company is now aiming even higher. Much more so. Sony is now boasting about having created the world's first "48K" 360-degree video. This has not been achieved using some yet-unreleased camera technology or anything like that. In fact, the company has used no less than 12 Xperia Z5 Compact units at the same time - all of which were placed inside a custom 3D-printed rig. The 12 phones covered the entire 360-degree range, and each one was recording video in 4K. Sony has arrived at the "48K" count by simply multiplying 12 by 4. The resulting "48K" 360-degree can be seen above. For best results, make sure you watch it in a Google Cardboard-type viewer, using the YouTube Android app. Even if you don't employ such a setup, you should still be able to "look around" inside the interactive video by using the four navigation keys that show up in the top left. The footage was shot at the Rise Ski & Snowboard Festival in Les Deux Alpes,...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/sony_creates_worlds_first_48k_360degree_video_by_using_12_xperia_z5_compact_units-news-15931.php

Facebook Messenger now has over 800 million active users

The Facebook team has just boasted that its Messenger reached yet another milestone and now has over 800 million active user. The 700 million mark was breached back in June 2015 and before that, 500 million was achieved as early as August 2014, so their service has been expanding rapidly in popularity. Stan Chudnovsky, head of the Messenger product comments: We are growing very, very fast, and it's all shaping up into thinking about what we can make this year better than last year. What started out as merely a nuisance after Facebook decided to break off its IM feature into a separate app in 2014, later grew into a huge tension point and major drawback from the social network itself for a lot users when the second application became a mandatory download. But despite the apparent tidal wave of negative feedback, the bold move might have actually provided the initial boost Facebook Messenger needed to explode into a vast and popular communication platform of its own in later years. Messenger has really come a long way since its humble IM roots. It now lets you send money to contacts, no longer requires a Facebook account to chat and even make calls and has its own dedicated web client. For 2016, the Messenger team is working on new concepts, Chudnovsky said. For example, Messenger now lets people make video and voice calls without requiring a phone number or even being Facebook "friends." "All you need is just a name as Messenger provides that capability to find anybody by name or the name of their business. And the future holds even more exciting innovations for Facebook Messenger, like the company's own take on a virtual voice assistant, called M that lives inside the app or its plans to introduce Snapchat-like ephemeral...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/facebook_messenger_now_has_over_800_million_active_users-news-15930.php

Polaroid Power and Snap smartphones unveiled

Over at CES Polaroid has announced a couple of new smartphones (or 4, if you count display diagonal options). Not a major player on the smartphone scene, Polaroid has placed the focus of the new models on affordability. Polaroid Snap The Polaroid Snap is the lower-specced model, and comes in three display sizes: 5", 5.5", and 6". Whatever the diagonal, resolution is 1,280 x 720 pixels, so pixel density gets progressively worse with the larger displays, dipping as low as 244ppi. The Snaps are all be powered by a quad-core processor as part of an unnamed chipset, and feature 1GB of 2GB of RAM paired with 8GB and 16GB of storage respectively. They sport a 13MP/5MP camera combo and snappers are coupled with LED flashes. LTE radios are on board and the Snap will launch on Android 5.1.1 with a Marshmallow update coming some time in the future. List prices range from $130 to $180, depending on display size. Polaroid Power The Polaroid Power is a more heavily-equipped phablet with a FullHD 6-inch display. There's an octa-core processor running things, but again Polaroid chose not to reveal its make and model. The chip may be unknown, but the smartphone comes with a generous 3GB of RAM and 32GB of storage. The rear camera is the same as the one on the Snap, on paper at least, employing a 13MP sensor. On the front though, there's an 8MP cam without a flash - there's no room for gimmicks on the more serious Power. And if you think Power makes it sound like it will have a whopping battery, you're wrong, and then you're right. The power pack inside the smartphone has a 3,000mAh capacity, but Polaroid is bundling an 8,000mAh power bank with the smartphone. LTE support, Lollipop out of the box and Marshmallow later - same as the Snap. This one will cost $250, which is not entirely unreasonable for the hardware. Via 1 Via...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/polaroid_power_and_snap_smartphones_unveiled-news-15928.php

iOS compatibility for the Samsung Gear S2 coming mid-January

Samsung announced the other day that it's working on bringing iOS support for the Gear S2 smartwatch. And when you hear that it's undergoing development, you're likely to assume that's marketing talk for "not gonna happen anytime soon". Not true - compatibility is coming in mid-January, Samsung has told Pocket-lint, and it would most likely be implemented through a dedicated app that you'll be able to install off the App Store. Android Wear watches have been (sort of) compatible with iPhones since the end of August. However, the Gear S2 runs on Tizen and not Google's wearable platform, so it wasn't an option for iPhone users until...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/ios_compatibility_for_the_samsung_gear_s2_coming_midjanuary-news-15929.php

BLU Vivo 5 and Vivo XL are official with 5.5" displays

US-based smartphone maker BLU used CES 2016 to announce its latest phones - the BLU Vivo 5 and Vivo XL. Both feature 5.5" Super AMOLED screens, MediaTek chipsets with octa-core CPU and metal unibody design. BLU Vivo 5 The BLU Vivo 5 comes with a 5.5" Super AMOLED screen of 720p resolution resulting in a pixel density of 267 ppi. Inside the metal unibody, there's a MediaTek 6753 chipset with a 1.3GHz Cortex-A53 octa-core CPU, 3GB of RAM and 32GB of storage. BLU Vivo 5 official photos At the back of the Vivo 5, there's a 13MP camera coupled with a 5MP snapper at the front. The battery is 3,150mAh and the phone runs Android 5.1 Lollipop. Capable of LTE connectivity, the Vivo 5 also has dual-SIM card slots. Expect the phone to be available next month on Amazon and BestBuy for $199. Available colors are White-Silver and Solid Gold. BLU Vivo XL Despite what the phone's name suggests, the Vivo XL features the same 720p 5.5" Super AMOLED display and chipset, but it has slightly downgraded memory specifications. RAM is down to 2GB, while the internal storage of 16GB supports expansion via microSD card slot. There's a slight difference in terms of the build, as the Vivo XL features a glossy finish complete with a subtle pattern at the back. BLU Vivo XL official photos The BLU Vivo XL will cost $149 and its sales start some time this month on Amazon and BestBuy. Color options include Liquid Gold, Chrome Silver, Midnight Blue and Rose Gold. Source • Source...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/blu_vivo_5_and_vivo_xl_are_official_launch_in_february-news-15927.php

HTC One A9 now also comes in pink

Launched back in November last year, the HTC One A9 has been available in Carbon Gray, Opal Silver, Topaz Gold, and Deep Garnet colors. Now, the Taiwanese company has added another color option - Pink. The Pink-colored One A9 is currently limited to the company's home country, and there's no word on if and when it will be available in other markets worldwide. The device will go on sale in Taiwan on January 15, with 2GB/16GB variant costing NTD 14,900 (around $450) and 3GB/32GB variant setting you back NTD 15,900 (around $480). The new model comes just days after the Deep Garnet version of the smartphone was launched in the...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/htc_launches_pink_color_option_for_one_a9-news-15926.php

All-metal Nubia X8 leaks in live photos

Nubia, ZTE's premium sister company, is planning to launch a couple of devices on its January 18 event. As it's often the case, one of the phones to be announced at the event has leaked. What you see below are live photos of the Nubia X8 - a metal-clad smartphone with a fingerprint sensor below the main camera. According to the source of the photos, the phone features a massive 6.44" screen akin to its predecessor, the Nubia X6. Rumor has it, that the Nubia X8 will pack a Snapdragon 820 chip as well as a 4,500mAh battery. We'll know everything about the phone once it becomes official. Hopefully, Nubia announces it on January 18. Lastly, the company is anticipated to reveal the Nubia Z11. It is said to feature a curved glass and a Snapdragon 820 as well. Source |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/allmetal_nubia_x8_leaks_in_live_photos-news-15924.php

Samsung Galaxy TabPro S prices start at €999

Samsung's surprise Windows 10 tablet, the 12-inch Galaxy TabPro S was announced a couple of days ago at CES, but there was no word on pricing. That blank gets filled now, with information coming our way from Germany. According to All about Samsung the base model with Wi-Fi-only connectivity and Windows 10 Home will set you back €999. The Pro version of the OS adds another €100, and then LTE cellular support commands and equal premium, so a TabPro S with Windows 10 Pro and LTE is €1,199. At least the keyboard is included. The article doesn't specify which of the two SSD options (128GB/256GB) is concerned, but a quick check on Amazon.de says 128GB=€999. It's the only option listed so far on the retailer's website. Logic would dictate that doubling the storage will likely push the top-model's price in the whereabouts of €1,299 or even more. Meanwhile the Surface Pro 4 with an Intel Core m3 CPU, 128GB SSD, stylus in the box (an option for the TaPro S), and Windows 10 Pro is listed at €999, but then it's no AMOLED, and the keyboard is an extra €120. Decisions, decisions. Source 1 Source...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_tabpro_s_prices_start_at__euro999-news-15925.php

Microsoft Lumia 650 shows up in a live image, design confirmed

The Microsoft Lumia 650 has been popping up here and there over the past month, and its existence nearly got official confirmation from a company senior exec. Now a new live photo has appeared, confirming the design in previous renders, and the source also has intel on the specs. The lone image depicts the phone at an angle and other than establishing that it exists, it also proves that the outer frame is indeed made of metal. And while all this is fine and dandy, the hardware inside is not particularly inspiring. The chipset was so far rumored to be the Snapdragon 212, but the source now states that it will be the 210. There's no principal difference between the two, the 212 just has a higher CPU clock rate at 1.3GHz vs. 1.1GHz for the 210. The 5-inch 720p display has been confirmed, as is the single gig of RAM. The real bummer revealed today is that the Lumia 650 will allegedly pack a 2,000mAh battery, small all by itself, but also smaller than the Lumia 640's (2,500mAh) and the most recent Lumia 550 (2,100mAh). So to sum it all up, the 650 will have less battery capacity and an inferior chipset, compared to its predecessor. You must really like the metal frame to consider it an upgrade. Source |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/microsoft_lumia_650_shows_up_in_a_live_image_design_confirmed-news-15923.php

Amazon Germany offers free 200GB microSD with an LG V10

The US got a sweet deal on the LG V10 last year, the flagship came with a free 200GB microSD card, an extra battery and a cradle to charge it. A few months later Europe is getting a similar deal - just the microSD though. If you get an LG V10 from Amazon Germany before January 24, you can score the free 200GB card with the V10AKTION coupon code. The phone is currently €650, but the offer is good for a limited number of units and it's only one per...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/amazon_germany_offers_free_200gb_microsd_with_an_lg_v10-news-15921.php

Huawei has already sold a million Mate 8 units

Huawei's latest flagship smartphone - the Mate 8 - went on sale in China early last month. At that time, there were reports that the device sold out at many retailers on the launch day itself, leading us to believe that it's in great demand. The latest information we've received confirms that the handset is indeed selling like hotcakes in the Asian country. According to the company's CEO Yu Chengdong, over a million units of the smartphone have already been sold in China. That's more or less inline with what Huawei was expecting given that prior to the device's China launch, the company's smartphone division head He Gang had said that they're planning to manufacture a million Mate 8 units per month. For those who aren't in the know, the Chinese company has already announced the first-wave of international markets where the flagship will be launched. The US, unfortunately isn't in the list, despite the handset being FCC approved...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/huawei_has_already_sold_a_million_mate_8_units_in_china-news-15919.php

Apple screen components leak in photos, possibly from the iPhone 7

It's 2016 and you know what that means - a new iPhone lineup from Apple is on its way. Out of a credible source in Taiwan now comes yet another fresh rumor about the Cupertino handsets, to add to the growing pool of hunches, obscure predictions and speculation. This new set of shots is about as close as we have come to actually seeing one of the new iPhones, but don't get too excited, as it seems to depict a backlight illumination component. Now, we can't really guarantee anything, but the source is quite credible and the Apple logo can clearly be spotted on one of the cables, so, we'll give the photos the benefit of the doubt. If we assume that the hardware in question is for the new iPhone 7 or 7 Plus, one would naturally expect Apple's 3D touch "mesh" to be present as well, but a detailed inspection reveals it is nowhere to be found. That could mean that the component is actually for the rumored iPhone 6C - a successor to the still very controversial "affordable" iPhone 5C. Sadly, despite this observation, no actual additional information can be acquired from the photos. They are nothing more than a curiosity at this point. However, we do have a few other rumors about the iPhone to explore, like the possibility of an OLED display, but other sources do suggest that the switch from LCD might come as late as 2018. There has also been word of possible waterproofing in the iPhone 7 range, along with 3GB of RAM, also no visible antenna stripes and a lack of a 3.5mm audio jack on some or all of the models. Source (in Taiwanese) |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/new_applebranded_screen_components_leak_in_photos_possibly_from_the_iphone_7-news-15922.php

New Intel Compute Sticks come with Core m processors

Smart sticks let you turn any display into a smart one, but the Windows-powered ones have been underwhelming, even the one by Intel. Well, the chip giant is having another go at it and this time the results are much better. There are three options, the top-specced one is powered by a Core m5 vPro processor, that's a lot of computing power on something you tuck behind the TV. There's a more affordable but still powerful Core m3 version and an Atom x5 one for the no-thrills experience. The Core m versions come with 4GB of RAM, much better than the 1GB/2GB of the original. You also get 64GB of built-in storage, plus a microSD slot and two USB 3.0 ports to expand storage. The Atom x5 version has 2 gigs of RAM and 32GB storage, also one of the USB ports drops to 2.0. You'll probably use it for a keyboard/mouse anyway (unless you use Bluetooth ones). There's on-board dual-band Wi-Fi ac so that saves a port. All three sticks end with an HDMI 1.4b plug which supports 4K at 24Hz and 3D 1080p at 60fps (but no 4K @ 60fps or 3D). All three versions have hardware decoding for the new HEVC/H.265 standard, but it seems like the Atom version is limited to 1080p (even though the chipset should support 4K). Intel Compute Stick: Atom x3 • Core m3/m5 Note that Windows 10 costs extra on the Core m3, an extra $100 over the $300 base, while the $160 Atom model gets it for free. As for the Core m5 stick, that one will cost $500 and comes only without an OS. They go on sale next month. Source |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/new_intel_compute_sticks_come_with_core_m_processors-news-15920.php

BlackBerry Priv Marshmallow update not coming anytime soon

Back in early November last year, BlackBerry said it's targeting to deliver the Android 6.0 update for its Priv smartphone "sometime in the New Year." Now, the company has given a heads-up on when the update will arrive. While we were expecting a more specific time-frame, the Canadian company just said that details on when the update will begin rolling will be outed sometime during the ongoing quarter. With the company taking time to even announce the roll out month, it's safe to assume that Priv's Marshmallow update isn't coming anytime soon. As before, the latest heads-up was also given by BlackBerry's President of Devices Ron Louks. He was speaking at a presentation at the ongoing Consumer Electronics Show (CES), where-in he also revealed that news on new third-party Priv accessories is expected sometime in the next few...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/blackberry_priv_marshmallow_update_doesnt_seem_to_be_coming_anytime_soon-news-15918.php

Microsoft Surface Pro 3 and Surface Pro 4 now available in India

Microsoft has launched the Surface Pro 3 and the (relatively) new Surface Pro 4 in India. The newer Surface Pro 4 will be available in three variants. The base version comes with Core i5, 4GB RAM, and 128GB flash storage and is priced at INR 89,990 ($1347). The second model upgrades the RAM and storage to 8GB and 256GB, respectively with the rest of the hardware being identical. It will cost you INR 120,990 ($1811). Lastly, the top of the line model comes with Core i7, 8GB RAM and 256GB storage and is priced at a hefty INR 144,990 ($2170). Meanwhile, the older Surface Pro 3 comes in a single variant with Core i3, 4GB RAM, and 128GB storage for INR 73,990 ($1107). The pricing of the Surface Pro 4 is roughly on par with the pricing of the 13-inch MacBook Pro in India and the hardware is roughly on par. However, the MacBook Pro comes with an integrated keyboard whereas the Microsoft requires you to spend INR 12,490 ($186) extra for the Surface Type Cover accessory. There's no doubt that the Surface is priced too high in India and on par with premium laptops. Unfortunately, it lacks the all important keyboard out of the box which would have made it a true laptop replacement instead of the overpriced tablet it is right...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/microsoft_surface_pro_3_and_surface_pro_4_now_available_in_india-news-15917.php

OnePlus X Ceramic limited edition to be available in India starting tomorrow

OnePlus has announced that the limited edition OnePlus X Ceramic will be available for purchase in India starting January 8. The good news is that the device will be available invite-free tomorrow, although only at select locations and for a limited time. The invite-free sale will be held at French Connection retail stores (from 7 to 9 PM) in the Indian cities of New Delhi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad. What's more, there will be a flat 10% discount on the device. Plus, the first 50 buyers will also get a special gift bag including an INR 500 voucher from the retailer. For more details on tomorrow's sale, head to the Source link below. It's worth mentioning that starting January 9, the handset will be exclusively available through invites via Amazon India. It will carry a price tag of INR 22,999 (around...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/oneplus_x_ceramic_limited_edition_to_be_available_in_india_starting_tomorrow-news-15916.php

Misc brands at CES 2016: Hands-on of ZTE Grand X 3, and more

CES 2016 is now well underway and, frankly, while we are not exactly complaining, calling it a great year would definitely be a stretch and us being nice more than anything else.

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/various_ces_2016-review-1359.php

Teaser confirms January 12 launch date for Xiaomi Redmi 3

Xiaomi has confirmed that the Redmi 3 smartphone will be launched next week - on Tuesday, January 12. The confirmation came in the form of a teaser the China-based company posted on its official Weibo account. The teaser also revealed that the device sports a 5-inch display, as well as features an all metal body with a unique plaid design on the back. As for the remaining specs, there's no official word yet. However, a Xiaomi device alleged to be the Redmi 3 recently passed through TENAA. The device's TENAA listing revealed that it is powered by an octa-core 1.5GHz CPU, and sports a 5-inch (1280 × 720 pixel resolution) TFT display. The listing also revealed 2GB/16GB memory configuration, 13MP/5MP camera combo, and Android 5.1.1 Lollipop. Source (Chinese) |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/teaser_confirms_january_12_launch_date_for_xiaomi_redmi_3-news-15915.php

Razer enters smartwatch market with Nabu Watch

Razer, a company known for its gaming peripherals and hardware, has now entered the smartwatch market. At the ongoing Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the company unveiled its first product in the category, dubbed Nabu Watch. Razer stresses that the Nabu Watch is not a smartwatch but a watch that's smart. It focuses "first on the digital chronograph as the primary function and the smart features as a secondary addition," the company says. Featuring an illuminated backlit display, the smartwatch can be used for things like setting countdown timer and alarms, running a stopwatch, and viewing world time. It also automatically syncs with phone via Bluetooth to make sure the time is accurate to the global standard. Then there's a second OLED screen which delivers all the smart features including discreet notifications and fitness tracking. It also provides watch-to-watch communication capability that allows two Nabu Watch users to exchange Facebook and Twitter info with just a hand shake. "We're bringing together the reliability and incredible functionality of a digital timepiece, with added smart features to empower the tech enthusiasts of today," says Razer CEO and co-founder, Min-Liang Tan. Razer claims the main display has a battery life of 12 months (thanks to a coin cell battery), while that of secondary screen is seven days - you can recharge it using an included USB cable. Compatible with iOS 8 (or higher) and Android 4.3 (or higher), the watch is also water (5ATM) as well shock resistant (up to 5m). The Razer Nabu Watch comes in two different variants: the standard edition and the Forged Edition. While the former is priced at $149.99 and will be available later this month, the latter sets you back $199.99 and is already available for purchase exclusively at RazerStore retail locations and at RazerStore.com. Source 1...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/razer_enters_smartphone_market_with_nabu_watch-news-15914.php

You can purchase Moto 360 Sport and pre-order Fitbit Blaze from Verizon starting today

As announced earlier, the Sport variant of the second generation Moto 360 smartwatch will be officially available for purchase in the United States starting today. The device was unveiled back in the month of September last year. Verizon has announced that it'll also be carrying the wearable device. Those interested in purchasing it from the Big Red will have to shell out $299.99, which is also the watch's official price in the country. Color options include Black, Flame, and White. In addition to selling the Moto 360 Sport, the carrier will also start taking pre-orders for the Fitbit Blaze (shown below), which was announced just yesterday at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES). The pre-order price at Verizon will be $199.99, which similar to the smartwatch's official pre-order price. Finally, starting today, the carrier will also be selling the Fitbit Charge at discounted rates - for $99.99, down from $129.99. The deal will run through the end of the...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/moto_360_sport_arriving_in_the_us_starting_today-news-15913.php

Verizon to start offering BlackBerry Priv by March-end

BlackBerry's debut Android phone Priv will be available for purchase through Verizon in the month of March - or by the end of the month to be precise. This was revealed by the carrier's VP of communications Jeffrey Nelson in a tweet. We expect to have the @BlackBerry #PRIV on the nation's most reliable network by the end of March (if not sooner).— Jeffrey Nelson (@JNels) January 6, 2016 The revelation comes a couple of months after the Big Red confirmed that it will start selling the device "soon." Late last month the carrier's variant of the device was certified by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). For those who aren't in the know, the handset is currently an AT&T exclusive in the US - the deal expires on January 20 though. BlackBerry CEO John Chen confirmed at the ongoing CES that the Priv will soon be available from other major US carries, including Verizon, T-Mobile, and Sprint. While the magenta carrier is expected to carry the smartphone starting January 26, there's currently no information on when Sprint will start offering it. Source |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/verizon_to_start_offering_blackberry_priv_in_march-news-15912.php

Oculus Rift is finally up for pre-order, priced at $599

As anticipated, the Oculus Rift has become available for pre-order today. The VR headset can be yours for $599, and it will start shipping to 20 countries on March 28. You'll find it at select retailers in the US starting in April. When you buy an Oculus Rift, you receive the headset itself, complete with built-in headphones and microphone, the sensor, an Xbox One controller, as well as the newly unveiled Oculus Remote. This lets you easily browse through the Oculus store, explore 360 video content, or experience VR games and entertainment. According to Oculus, the remote is "the easiest way to introduce non-gamers to VR". If you pre-order the Oculus Rift, you're also securing your place in line for pre-ordering the Touch controller, which has recently been delayed until the second half of the year. With the VR headset you get Lucky's Tale by Playful, an "amazing VR platformer", but also access to EVE: Valkyrie through the Founder's Pack, which will include exclusive in-game content, and founder status in Valkyrie, among other things. From February, you'll be able to pre-order bundles including the Rift as well as an Oculus-ready PC, starting at $1,499. These computers have been tested by Oculus to ensure they can deliver great experiences with the...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/oculus_rift_is_finally_up_for_preorder_priced_at_599-news-15910.php