MWC 2016 coverage

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Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/mwc_2016_coverage-news-16753.php

Idol 4 and 4s, Plus 10: Alcatel at MWC 2016

Alcatel brought the whole family - two Idol 4 phones, Pixis of all sizes and even a Windows 10 hybrid laptop. The phones really like to party and have dedicated Boom button, which turns up the sound, launches the camera (and dose a few other things), while the stereo speakers can work in any direction you want.



Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/alcatel_mwc_2016-review-1381.php

Alcatel Plus 10 is a hybrid Windows laptop with LTE in its keyboard

Meet Alcatel's first 2-in-1, the Alcatel Plus 10, and it's a Windows 10 device. Its detachable keyboard has unique functionality - it is an LTE hotspot. The tablet features a 10.1" IPS LCD with 1,280 x 800px resolution. It's powered by a quad-core Intel Atom x5 Z8350 1.92GHz processor. Memory is a little tight with 2GB of RAM and 32GB storage (you can add up to 64GB more with a microSD card). The Alcatel Plus 10 tablet also boasts stereo speakers on the front. There's also a 2MP selfie camera in the corner and a 5MP camera on the back. The keyboard has a full-size USB port, a microUSB and a microHDMI. It brings built-in LTE connectivity and can serve as a Wi-Fi hotspot for up to 15 devices. The tablet's own connectivity features Wi-Fi b/g/n and Bluetooth 4.0. The battery life is good for 8 hours of work in total. The split in capacity is uneven - 5,830mAh in the tablet, 2,580mAh in the keyboard. The Alcatel Plus 10 will be available in June in the following markets: Europe, Latin America, The Middle East and Africa. There are multiple color options, including a gray leather finish that's "silky to the touch." No pricing info...



Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/embargo_feb_22_5am_cet_alcatel_plus_10_is_a_hybrid_windows_laptop_with_lte_in_its_keyboard-news-16752.php

Alcatel unveils new IDOL 4 and IDOL 4S at MWC 2016

Today Alcatel announced its new flagship IDOL 4 and IDOL 4S models at the MWC venue. In a lot of ways, the devices are a logical upgrade over last year's IDOL 3 series, although, the OneTouch moniker seems to be absent this time around, but more on that later. The styling is quite similar and Alcatel has made sure to include its signature reversible design one again. This time, however, it has been taken one step beyond with three way reversibility - the phone can operate in both vertical orientations, horizontally and even when you turn it around the stereo sound orientation remains correct. And while we are on the topic of sound, both IDOL handsets promise a superb experience, thanks to the collaboration with JBL and Waves. This includes two powerful 3.6 watt speakers, Hi-Fi surround-sound for the headset, and optimization of audio presets both automatically and manually. The new Alcatel premium line comes in two main varieties. The basic IDOL 4, measures 147 x 72.5 x 7.1 mm and is equipped with a 5.2" FHD (1080 x 1920), IPS LTPS display. Underneath the hood is one of Qualcomm's new mid-range chips - the Snapdragon 617, along with 3GB of RAM and 16GB of storage (10GB user-accessible) with a microSD slot. The camera setup consists of a 13MP main shooter, with touch focus, auto HDR and the promise of ultrafast auto-focus (0.1-0.3 seconds). It is complemented by an 8MP front camera with a flash. Other features include Cat.6 LTE, as well as a dual-mic noise-canceling setup and dual 3.6W speakers. The more premium Alcatel IDOL 4S ups the stakes even further with a 5.5-inch QHD AMOLED display inside its 153.9 x 75.4 x 6.99 mm body. The processor is also improved - the Snapdragon 652. Storage is bumped up from the core model to 32GB (25GB accessible) and so is the battery - 3000 mAh, instead of the 2610 mAh, inside the IDOL 4. Another innovation to the series, which Alcatel made sure to stress upon is a new physical button, dubbed the BoomKey. It is mapped to do a whole bunch of interesting things across the Android 6.0 Marshmallow OS, some admittedly more logical than others. "Boom my camera" for instance is a quick way to shoot photos from standby and "Boom my music" promises audio optimization, no matter what is playing (although it raises the question why would you want to have it off). "Boom my videos", introduces "surprising effects in existing videos", "Boom my game" releases Nitro in Asphalt games and "Boom my view" intensifies the 3D parallax effect in the launcher. And while we are on the topic of 3D, a nice little addition to the IDOL 4 mix, comes courtesy of its retail box. It can be easily transformed into a Google Cardboard-style headset for an entry level VR experience. Last, but not least, as part of this year's announcement Alcatel OneTouch decided it is time to simplify the moniker and shorten in to Alcatel. The company still remains part of the TCL Communications family, so only the branding is changing, along with a new logo...



Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/embargo_7pm_cet_on_feb_20_alcatel_unveils_new_idol_4_line_an_mwc-news-16754.php

Galaxy S7 and S7 edge prices confirmed, to hit the shelves on March 11

Samsung is going to unveil the Galaxy S7 series in just a day in Barcelona, but the leaks have been giving us tiny bits of information over the past few months. We pretty much know almost everything there is to know about the new flagships, but we finally get conformation of the pricing. We had reports the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge will go on pre-order on February 22, while the actual launch will happen on March 11 in many markets. We even heard the phones will retail at €699 for the S7 and €799 for the S7 edge, plus there is a chance the first to pre-order those to receive a free Gear VR headset. Now we can confirm all of those rumors. Leaked promotional materials plus tips that we personally received from employees at phone retailers across Europe reveal the exact prices of the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge - €699 and €799. We also know for sure that all who pre-order the devices not only will get them three days sooner and will get a free GearVR. Indeed, many official retailers will be throwing a free Gear VR headset for the first batch of pre-orders. The confirmed markets so far are Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands. The S7 flagships will go on pre-order this Monday - February 22 - and they both will ship on March 8. The actual in-store availability will begin three days later on March 11. We already had lots of confirmation on the specs of the devices, thanks to various tips and leaked materials. The Galaxy S7 will come with a 5.1" Super AMOLED Quad HD display and will run on either Snapdragon 820 or the new Exynos chip, both version featuring 4GB of RAM. The main camera utilizes a new 12.1MP sensor, and the microSD slot is expected to make a return. Also returning will be the IP68 dust and water resistance. The S7 and S7 edge are going official tomorrow, so we'll know everything in a few hours. Stay tuned! A big thank you to Max, Ciprian, and our other anonymous...



Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/galaxy_s7_and_s7_edge_prices_confirmed_to_hit_the_shelves_on_march_11-news-16761.php

LG K10 now available in Europe for €249

The LG K10 smartphone - which was announced at this year's Consumer Electronics show and went on sale around a week later - is now available for purchase in Europe, with Greece becoming one of the first European countries where the device is now up for sale. When the K10 was unveiled, LG said that aside from a 5.3-inch 720p touchscreen, 2,300mAh battery, and Android 5.1 Lollipop, all other specs of the handset will vary based on the country you buy it from. The model available in Greece is 4G-capable, powered by a Snapdragon 410, and comes with 1.5GB RAM and 16GB internal memory. In terms of camera, it has 13MP rear unit and a 5MP front shooter. Source (Greek) | Via...



Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/lg_k10_now_available_in_europe_for_249-news-16760.php

Next ZUK phone launching in March

Lenovo-backed ZUK has announced that its next smartphone will be launched in March. There is, however, currently no official information on the device, although some reports say it could be a Pro variant of the ZUK Z1 - a phone, which was launched back in August last year by a subsidary of Lenovo. It is also being speculated that ZUK might release a successor to the Z1, or an altogether different mid-range phone to compete with devices like the OnePlus X. In case you don't already know, there have been rumors about the ZUK Z2 launching this year. The device is said to be powered by SD820 SoC and feature a rotating camera (alleged render shown above). Whatever be the case, like the Z1, the new handset is also expected to make its sales debut in Hong-Kong/China before being available on international...



Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/next_zuk_device_reportedly_launching_in_march-news-16756.php

Mysterious HTC A16 renders surface online

Sadly, by all accounts, HTC won't be unveiling the One M10 flagship at MWC 2016, but the Taiwanese manufacturer might still show up at the venue and bring some announcements. A fresh leak, courtesy of Evan Blass, showcases an unknown device, allegedly dubbed the HTC A16. Tomorrow's news, yesterday: HTC A16 pic.twitter.com/oCvO4abh5w— Evan Blass (@evleaks) February 20, 2016 Sadly, not much else is known about the device, but simply going by the model number, we can assume that it won't be a flagship offer, but rather more of a Desire-style one. This goes for design aspects as well - a plastic body, beefy main camera and BoomSound speakers. The latter seem to have undergone some modifications, at least on a cosmetic level, as the grill is now more compact. A16 could also be a working title and the device could easily end up in the Desire family. The only other thing worth noting from the renders, is the pair of odd holes, within a circular module on the back of the phone. These could be for a case or accessory, perhaps even some sort of charging, we can't say for...



Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/mysterious_htc_a16_renders_surface_online-news-16751.php

will.i.am comes up with yet another smartwatch, the Dial

It seems the failure of his first smartwatch (more of a smartbangle, really) hasn't dampened the enthusiasm of musician will.i.am, as he has come up with yet another one, called the Dial. The Dial, thankfully, looks more like a traditional smartwatch (if there even is such a thing). It still is a wide black band but it fits more like a watch, and has a large square display on the front. The Dial is self sufficient, which means it has its own 4G SIM and can work on its own without being paired to a smartwatch. You can take calls, messages, play music, and it even has basic fitness tracking features, such as a step-counter. There is also a voice assistant called AneedA. Also, there is a camera up front, presumably for video calls or selfies. The watch runs on a Qualcomm processor, possibly the Snapdragon 410 that everybody else is using, but the software is not your more common Android Wear but something proprietary. The Dial will be available exclusively through Three UK in April with a two-year contract, with prices being said to be around £20 per month. Doesn't exactly sound like a recipe for...



Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/william_comes_up_with_yet_another_smartwatch_the_dial-news-16755.php

Reuters: Xiaomi to use home-grown SoCs in some of its upcoming smartphones

Less than a year after there were rumors that Xiaomi is developing its own mobile chipsets, Reuters is reporting that some of the company's upcoming smartphones will be powered by home-grown SoCs. Specifically, the report says that the chipsets are aimed at the Chinese company's mid- to low-priced handsets (Redmi Note series), adding that the first of these devices will be launched in the second half of this year. A team of 200-300 people is currently working on the project. Xiaomi currently relies on Qualcomm and Mediatek for mobile chipsets. The report says the move will hit Mediatek hard as it supplies most of the company's mid- to low-priced smartphone chips - the number was around 20 million last year. If the report turns out to be true, Xiaomi will become the fourth smartphone vendor after Apple, Samsung, and Huawei to enter the mobile chipset...



Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/reuters_xiaomi_to_use_homegrown_socs_in_some_of_its_upcoming_smartphones-news-16750.php

LG G5 pre-registrations are now open

Just a day before it goes official, LG's upcoming G5 flagship is now up for pre-registrations in the United States. Those signing-up will be among the first to know when the handset is available for purchase. "The G5's fast processing speed will make this phone ideal for the ultimate multi-tasker," the pre-registration page says. "The G5 offers quick and easy access to all of your favorite apps and programs for when you need them most" The device has already been the subject of endless rumors and leaks. Specs-wise, while Snapdragon 820 chipset has already been confirmed, rumors says it will feature a 5.6-inch QHD touchscreen, 4GB of RAM, as well as Android 6.0 Marshmallow. The phone is also said to come with dual-camera setup on the back, with a fingerprint sensor below...



Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/lg_g5_preregistrations_are_now_open-news-16749.php

BlackBerry Priv receives price cut in Canada

BlackBerry's Android-powered Priv smartphone has received a price cut in Canada, where carrier Bell is currently selling the device for CAD 299.99 on a regular two-year contract. Other local carriers like Rogers and Telus are currently selling the handset at higher rates. What's worth mentioning here is that Sasktel is also offering the Priv for CAD 299.99 as part of a limited time offer but the listing reveals that the device is currently out of stock online. For those interested in purchasing an unlocked unit instead, BlackBerry has the device listed on its website for CAD 899. Source 1...



Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/blackberry_priv_receives_price_cut_in_canada-news-16747.php

Oppo said to be unveiling next-gen VOOC tech at MWC 2016

We already told you that Oppo is expected to unveil a couple of big things at MWC, with one of them being a "groundbreaking power solution." While Oppo hasn't provided any more details as yet, it's now being said that the company is planning to unveil the next-gen VOOC tech. As you might already know, VOOC is a fast charging technology developed by Oppo that is claimed to be capable of charging the phone's battery from zero to 75% in only 30 minutes. While the current VOOC technology works as a wired charging solution, the new report says Oppo could announce wireless VOOC flash charging at MWC. This means that you'll be able to take advantage of the technology by just placing your Oppo handset on a wireless charging board. Needless to say, this hasn't been officially confirmed by the Chinese company, so take it with a pinch of salt. Oppo's MWC press event is on February...



Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/oppo_said_to_be_unveiling_nextgen_vooc_tech_at_mwc_2016-news-16748.php

Samsung Pay set for March launch in China

Back in December last year, Samsung said that its mobile payments service Samsung Pay will launch in China "as soon as early 2016". Now, the South Korean company has announced that the launch will happen in the month of March, although no specific date was mentioned. The China launch will be followed by rollout in Australia, Brazil, Singapore, Spain and, the UK later this year. The company has also added Canada to the launch roadmap. For those who missed, recently-leaked promotion material revealed that the service will also be available in Russia soon. Samsung also revealed that around five million registered Samsung Pay users processed over 500 million dollars in the first six months. The mobile payments service is currently available in the company's home country as well as the United...



Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_pay_set_for_march_launch_in_china-news-16746.php

Motorola says no Lollipop for DROID Ultra/Mini/Maxx, compensates by offering discounts on Turbo 2 and Maxx 2

Back in October last year, Motorola announced a list of devices that the company said will receive the Android Lollipop update. The list included the DROID Ultra/Mini/Maxx. However, it has now been announced that these handsets won't be receiving the update. The announcement was made by Motorola's senior director of software product management David Schuster on Google+. "We know how important software upgrades are to our customers, and we're very sorry that we are unable to provide the upgrade," he said in the post. Schuster, however, said that the company is compensating for this by offering DROID Ultra/Mini/Maxx users discounts on the Droid Turbo 2 and Maxx 2 - the former will be available for $524 ($100 off), while the latter will cost $334 ($50 off). The offer expires on Thursday, May 19, and the promo code must be redeemed by Thursday, June 2. For more details, head to the Source 2 link below. Source 1 | Source...



Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/motorola_says_no_lollipop_for_droid_ultra_mini_maxx_compensates_by_offering_discounts_on_droid_turbo-news-16745.php

MORE photos of the Samsung Galaxy S7 (and S7 edge)

Naturally, just a few days before the unpacked event, the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge pose for many more angles and shots for our eyes to feast upon. Moreover, the physical appearance of the Galaxy S7 is not too different from its predecessor. The curves that the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge make are more pronounced and round than those of the S6 or iPhone. The bump has definitely shown changes with some shrinkage. As well, a new rumor has surfaced pertaining its still a little difficult to confirm a possible drop in the pixel count of the camera sensor from the S6's 16MP camera to a possible 12.1MP. Head over to the source link at Android Headlines to check out the butt-load of photos of the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge. There are close-ups of the camera setup, all 4 edges, front, rear, and some views of the software information found on the Galaxy S7. There are also shots of the phone next to a ruler to better gage the actual size. Source (Android...



Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/_plethora_of_photos_of_the_samsung_galaxy_s7_and_s7_edge_-news-16744.php

Multiple accounts supported on Facebook Messenger for Android

Facebook's Messenger app for Android has been updated to officially allow users to manage more than one chatting account. Facebook had been undergoing testing for a bunch of new features in the past couple of months, with some of these features slowly pushed out to few users around the world. Facebook wants families to be able to potentially be able to use Facebook Messenger while sharing the same device. Switching between accounts will require the password of the account you are switching to so there's no need to worry about your housemates seeing your messages from a shared device. Source |...



Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/multiple_accounts_supported_on_facebook_messenger_for_android-news-16743.php

Apple employees given incentive to sell more iPhones

According to sources from 9To5Mac, Apple store employees are being offered rewards for selling more iPhones. This period allegedly starts on February 21 through March 26. This program will reward Apple reps rewards like all-expense trips to Cupertino for those who sell the highest number of iPhones in their regions. Though, strangely, Apple is calling it a way to "celebrate" the success of the iPhone. If you go back to the dates from the first paragraph, this actually sounds a lot like the period of hype that the Samsung Galaxy S7 will stir up after MWC all the way until the phone launches. Besides Apple's numbers plateauing from the previous year's financial reports, the company likely wants to power through the launch of the Galaxy S7 while raising its own number of phones sold for next year's financial reports. In addition, best performing stores will win store-wide parties and gear from Apple's gift...



Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/apple_employees_given_incentive_to_sell_more_iphones-news-16742.php

In-store display of Galaxy S7 promise early delivery for pre-orders

The Samsung Galaxy S7 bandwagon is at full speed without no signs of slowing down until after MWC next week. Photos of an in-store display that are (likely) not even supposed to be seen yet have leaked the interwebs showing the unreleased device. The picture is reportedly from a Three carrier store and wants to convince those who want the ‘Next Big Thing' to pre-order it so they can get it earlier than others. From a leaked brochure earlier today, the Galaxy S7 will feature a ‘pressure sensitive' 5.1 or 5.5 inch display, Android 6.0 Marshmallow, a Snapdragon 820 paired with 4GB of LPDDR4 RAM, microSD expandable memory, 3000/3600mAh battery, all enclosed in a similar looking body when compared to the S6. So while the phones may look similar in person, they are very different on paper. Source |...



Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/instore_display_of_galaxy_s7_promise_early_delivery_for_preorders-news-16741.php

In-store display of Galaxy S7 promise early delivery for pre-orders

The Samsung Galaxy S7 bandwagon is at full speed without no signs of slowing down until after MWC next week. Photos of an in-store display that are (likely) not even supposed to be seen yet have leaked the interwebs showing the unreleased device. The picture is reportedly from a Three carrier store and wants to convince those who want the ‘Next Big Thing' to pre-order it so they can get it earlier than others. From a leaked brochure earlier today, the Galaxy S7 will feature a ‘pressure sensitive' 5.1 or 5.5 inch display, Android 6.0 Marshmallow, a Snapdragon 820 paired with 4GB of LPDDR4 RAM, microSD expandable memory, 3000/3600mAh battery, all enclosed in a similar looking body when compared to the S6. So while the phones may look similar in person, they are very different on paper. Source |...



Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/instore_display_of_galaxy_s7_promise_early_delivery_for_preorders-news-16741.php

Microsoft extends free Office 365 offer for Lumia 950 and 950 XL owners to more countries

Last month we told you that Microsoft is offering a free one year subscription to Office 365 for people who purchase a Lumia 950 or Lumia 950 XL smartphone. However, at that point, the deal was only available in the US, UK, Germany, France, Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden. In the meantime though Microsoft has decided to extend this offer's reach to more countries. So, from now on, you'll also be able to take advantage of it if you live in India, Canada, Mexico, South Africa, or Australia. You do have to act before July 30, which is when it will expire. To get the free one year subscription to Office 365, just download the Lumia Offers app onto your Lumia 950 or Lumia 950 XL, enter your email address, and choose this particular promo. That's it. You'll then be able to download the Office apps onto one PC or Mac and one smartphone or tablet. This is a $69...



Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/microsoft_extends_free_office_365_offer_for_lumia_950_and_950_xl_owners_to_more_countries-news-16740.php

Oppo A30 is a OnePlus X clone that just went official in China

Like the OnePlus X? Then you'll also like the just-unveiled Oppo A30. Seriously, they're exactly the same. To be precise, we're talking about the "champagne" edition of the OnePlus X, a.k.a white. The A30 has been listed on Oppo's official website for China, and, in all regards, it's identical to the white OnePlus X. That obviously makes you think that the oft-rumored close ties between the two companies are indeed true. Why else would OnePlus let Oppo sell what is basically just a rebranded OnePlus X? Oppo A30 Anyway, here's a refresher on specs, in case you've forgotten all about the X's innards. The Oppo A30, like the OnePlus X, comes with a 5-inch 1080p touchscreen, a 13 MP rear camera with LED flash, an 8 MP selfie snapper, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 chipset (with a 2.3 GHz quad-core Krait CPU), 3GB of RAM, 16GB of storage, 4G LTE, and a 2,525 mAh battery. It runs Android 5.1.1 Lollipop. Its dimensions are 140 x 69 x 6.9 mm, and it weighs 138g. The Oppo A30 hasn't been priced yet, but a rumor out of China says we should expect it to cost CNY 1,999, which right now means around $306 or €275. It's unclear if it will ever be officially sold internationally, especially given the fact that you can already buy the OnePlus X in many countries, and for less cash - $249 or €269. Source (in Chinese) |...



Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/oppo_a30_is_a_oneplus_x_clone_that_just_went_official_in_china-news-16739.php

Le Max Pro with Snapdragon 820 could be out on February 23 for $567

Last month at CES Qualcomm and Chinese company LeTV unveiled the upcoming Le Max Pro smartphone, the world's first to sport the chipset maker's Snapdragon 820 under the hood. Now a new rumor out of China claims the Le Max Pro will go on sale in the country next Tuesday, on February 23. However, only 1,000 units could actually be available on that day. The Le Max Pro is said to cost CNY 3,699, which right now means about $567 or €509. This amount contradicts a previously leaked flyer which said the price would be CNY 3,500. And all of this information originates in a yet-unconfirmed rumor, so hopefully you've taken it with a pinch of salt. As a reminder, the Le Max Pro has a 6.33-inch QHD touchscreen, a 21 MP rear camera, 4GB of RAM, an ultrasonic fingerprint scanner, a USB Type-C port, and a 3,400 mAh battery. It runs Android 6.0...



Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/le_max_pro_with_snapdragon_820_could_be_out_on_february_23_for_567-news-16738.php

LG G5 gets the full leaked image treatment, front and back exposed

Samsung's upcoming Galaxy S7 and S7 edge have starred in a lot of leaks today, and now it's finally time for LG's G5 to shine too. The next flagship smartphone from Samsung's Korean competitor has been given the full leaked image treatment as you can see - it's had both its front and its back exposed. For the umpteenth time, the dual-camera setup on the rear is confirmed, along with the fingerprint sensor siting underneath that. The phone will also have laser autofocus and a dual-tone LED flash. The volume buttons are on the side, and it looks like the fingerprint scanner doubles as a power button. The handset seems to have a metal build, but that's not entirely certain at this point. The images don't appear to be renders, rather live shots of an actual G5 unit, although it isn't turned on. The G5 will get official this Sunday in Barcelona at MWC, and it's so far been rumored to sport a 5.6-inch QHD touchscreen, 4GB of RAM, as well as Android 6.0 Marshmallow on board. Qualcomm has already confirmed that the G5 will be powered by its Snapdragon 820...



Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/lg_g5_gets_the_full_leaked_image_treatment_front_and_back_exposed-news-16737.php

Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 edge brochure reveals all, March 11 launch

Well, here it is, as good as official. A Spanish brochure for the Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 edge spill the beans on the specs and the release date. The S7 will have a 5.1" screen, the Samsung Galaxy S7 edge a 5.5", both QHD SuperAMOLEDs. The chipset is listed as Snapdragon 820, which will likely serve both Europe and North America. It's paired with 4GB of RAM. Interestingly, the display is "pressure sensitive." This smells of a Samsung implementation of Force Touch. The brochure confirms a microSD slot and the built-in storage starts at 32GB (what bigger options we'll get is not clear). Batteries will be 3,000mAh on the smaller phone and 3,600mAh on the bigger one. The other expected feature, the water resistance, is also present on the list with an IP67 rating. That's dust-tight, resistant up to 1m of water for 30 minutes. The leaked brochure (click for full size) The Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 edge will launch on March 11 (that's in Spain, at least). Samsung will sell them in partnership with La Caixa (a Catalan bank). You can spend €700 for the S7 or €800 for the Galaxy S7 edge. Alternatively, the bank will help you get the S7 flagships on a monthly payment plan of €42.45 and €47.45 respectively. The smartphones will come packaged with a VR headset, though it's not quite clear if that's the current Gear VR model or a new edition, which we are yet to see announced. Thanks, 4R35UL1535, for sending this in! Source | Via (in...



Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s7_and_s7_edge_brochure_reveals_all_march_11_launch-news-16735.php

Watch the evolution of Samsung's mobile gadgets throughout the years

There is no denying Samsung has played a huge part in pushing the evolution of mobile devices ahead, long before Apple came up with the first iPhone. The Korean manufacturer had some of the most out-there back then, including a phone watch, a TV phone, and was among the first to embrace Android. Some of its regular mobile phones are responsible for the evolution of the displays, mobile cameras, among other upgrades. In just two days Samsung is going to unveil its next big thing - the Galaxy S7 series. To honor the event Samsung has posted a video, which will take you back to the very beginning when the phones were bigger than bricks. Enjoy! Samsung's latest UNPACKED event is going to happen on February 21 in Barcelona. Stay...



Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/watch_the_evolution_of_samsungs_mobile_gadgets_throughout_the_years-news-16736.php

Android Marshmallow now available for Moto E (2nd Gen) in India

The Motorola Moto E (2nd Gen) is finally receiving Android 6.0 Marshmallow update after a few months of uncertainty. Last October, Motorola announced its Marshmallow plans and the second Moto E was left out of the update list. Then just before Christmas Motorola had some change of heart and added the Moto E (2nd Gen) to its update schedule. The Moto G lineup has already been treated to Marshmallow, the Moto X series got it, too, even the Moto E 3rd Gen had its Marshmallow update. And now it's time for the Moto E (2nd Gen) to get it. Currently, the Marshmallow update is rolling out in India, but we expect even more markets to get it soon, if not already. If you own a Moto E (2nd Gen), you should keep an eye for the update notification. The OTA update weighs about 450MB, so you'll need at least double that space. Thank you, Meghan, for the...



Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/android_marshmallow_now_available_for_moto_e_2nd_gen_in_india-news-16733.php

Google Play Games is ditching Google+ integration and Play Music is getting podcast support

Google looks to be amidst another one of its fairly regular Android app update frenzies and this time around it brings changes to Google Play Games and Play music. Good news for any of you avid Android gamers out there - Google Play Games will no longer require a direct link to a Google+ account. Instead, the search giant will be introducing a special Gamer ID, solely for the platform. It will resemble any other gaming account you might own, like one on Xbox Live or PSN and will thus allow a game alias and an avatar. The Gamer ID itself will only be linked to a regular Gmail account. Users will be able to find one another by the email address and also choose what game activity will be public and what private (that Candy Crush guilty pleasure of yours is save with Google). As for Google Play Music, AndroidPolice recently got its hands on a new v6.4 of the APK and discovered upcoming podcast support. At the moment, the functionality seems to be rather basic, compared to some competitor offers, which have things like smart playlists and variable speed playback. Still, it will be a nice addition to the mix and some digging around in the code does appear to show hints of more advanced features planned for the future, like playback sorting. It is also worth noting that a banner was discovered within the same APK, promoting the BRIT Awards 2016. This suggests that Google might have struck an exclusive deal for some sort of streaming rights on the performances which will happen at the upcoming Grammy-style music event in the UK. Source 1 | Source...



Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/google_play_games_is_ditching_google_integration_and_play_music_is_getting_podcast_support-news-16734.php

Samsung Galaxy A9 (2016) review: A-lister

Prepare to meet the biggest premium phone Samsung has made. No, not the Note5, even that one is dwarfed by the Samsung Galaxy A9 and its 6" Super AMOLED screen.



Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_a9_2016-review-1380.php

Leaked photo showcases the LG G5 Magic Slot design - sliding battery and ambitious expansion concept

Quite a lot has been said about LG's upcoming G5 and rumors are only intensifying now that the MWC is only hours away. But perhaps the most outlandish concept of them all, was a modular design, of sorts, that would be put in place in order to preserve the removable battery of the handset. While not unheard of, the idea did seem quite unrealistic back in January, when it was initially leaked in renders, but now, oddly enough, a new photo seems to definitively prove its existence. The shot looks to depict a box, quite possibly for the LG G5 itself. The graphics on top clearly show a user-removable battery, held in place by a removable bottom segment of the phone. The G5 marking is also clearly visible and so is a slogan - "Life's good when you play more", which all leaves no doubt that the module belongs to the new flagship. But, LG's ambitions apparently didn't stop at merely a swappable battery without a bulky back cover. You might remember that back in December 2015, we reported on a rumor for the G5, hinting at something called a Magic Slot, which would allow some expansion with hardware modules. It appears that the sliding mechanism is actually what LG is referring to and batteries aren't the only things the OEM is planning to put inside. Various rumors hint that LG is working on a number of Magic Slot accessories, including a specialized photography grip and an advanced DAC. The former will allegedly be called the LG Cam Plus. The bulky contraption will offer a nifty handle and balance point for improved hand-held photography, as well as convenient hardware buttons for shutter release, zoom and flash toggle. Also, an additional 1100 mAh battery is said to fill the space inside. As for the DAC, industry sources believe it is developed together with Bang and Olufsen and will be called the LG Hi-Fi Plus with B&O Play. Of course, if the module system is as powerful as these rumors lead us to believe, more interesting concepts are sure to come as well. And best of all, you can just pop any of them out and store them when not in use, to end up with the stock LG G5, which even minus the accessories is already said to have a few interesting features of its own. Just as a reminder, the G5 will be unveiled on February 21 and its expected feature highlights include a Snapdragon 820 SoC, 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage and a 5.3 or 5.6-inch QHD display. A 16MP plus 8MP dual rear camera setup should also be part of the mix and last, but not least - a secondary always-on display, laid out on top of the main one. Source 1 | Source...



Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/leaked_photo_showcases_the_lg_g5_magic_slot_design__sliding_battery_and_ambitious_expansion_concept-news-16731.php

Latest Xiaomi Mi 5 leak gives another look at the specs

The Xiaomi Mi 5 leaks are coming in thick and fast. The latest one by Twitter user Steve Hemmerstoffer (who's also with OnLeaks) shows off some more hands-on images of the phone. The first image shows the now familiar face of the device, with the 5.2-inch 1080p panel up front with a fingerprint sensor below. #Xiaomi #Mi5 https://t.co/Y0BMXcxnjf pic.twitter.com/TpFiU46QHQ— Steve Hemmerstoffer (@stagueve) February 19, 2016 The second screenshot shows a bit more info, such as the 2.1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 clock speed, 3GB RAM, 64GB storage (of which 52GB is available), and Android 6.0 with MIUI 7.6.2.1. We have gone over the other specs of the device in the past so no point reiterating that. Now we are just waiting for the device to be officially...



Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/latest_xiaomi_mi_5_leak_gives_another_look_at_the_specs-news-16729.php

Sony teases its MWC 2016 event with a teaser video

Sony has outed a teaser regarding its upcoming Mobile World Congress 2016 event. Sadly, the video doesn't reveal much more than the date of the event, which we already knew. Nevertheless, make sure you check out the cool math induced teaser below. Other than that, there's little information what the company will be showcasing - this year the Sony leaks have been nowhere near intensive as the ones concerning the LG G5 and Samsung Galaxy S7. Perhaps that means a flagship device won't be announced and instead, the company would only refresh the mid-range and wearable line-ups. Stay tuned, as we'll be covering everything happening from the Mobile World Congress 2016 showroom floors. Source |...



Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/sony_teases_its_mwc_2016_event_with_a_teaser_video-news-16732.php

Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow update starts hitting Samsung Galaxy Note5

After selected Galaxy Note5 units in the US started receiving Android 6.0 earlier this month, Samsung has begun rolling out the Android 6.0.1 update to the device. Carrying build number N920CXXU2BPB6, the update is currently hitting Note5 units (with model number SM-N920C) in Cambodia. The update brings along the usual Marshmallow goodies, including Doze, Google Now on Tap, and redesigned app permissions, as well as a few other things such as the new Samsung Web browser that now includes support for ad-blocking. It's currently available through Samsung Smart Switch, although OTA roll out should begin soon, if not already. Those feeling impatient can manually check for the update by heading to Settings > About device > Software update on their handset. The update comes just a few days after Samsung officially announced the worldwide availability of Marshmallow updates for the Galaxy S6/S6...



Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/marshmallow_update_starts_hitting_samsung_galaxy_note5-news-16728.php

ZTE's tease suggests a phone announcement at MWC 2016

It appears the Chinese manufacturer won't be coming empty-handed to the Barcelona venue. The latest official ZTE teaser clearly hints at a handset announcement, which does fall in line with traditions from previous years. In 2015, the ZTE Grand S3 saw the light of day, back in 2013, it was the ZTE Grand Memo and a year before that - a total of 8 phones were unveiled at the venue, so the traditions are strong. ZTE already officially announced its presentation will take place on February 21, which puts it amid a very tough crowd to say the least, as both the Samsung Galaxy S7 and the LG G5 will be unveiled on the same day. Still, ZTE does seem to have at least a couple of interesting handsets in the works, like the ZTE Nubia Z11 and the Nubia X8. It might actually be a little too early for the former, but the X8 is definitely a possibility. According to rumors, it is said to be a big phablet with a large 6.44-inch display and powered by the powerful Snapdragon 820 SoC with a 4500 mAh battery on board. ZTE Nubia X8 Sadly, the teaser itself doesn't reveal any information and simply shows a silhouette of a handset, so it could be anything really, across the Nubia or the Axon range. There is also always the possibility for an old device to receive an international announcement, but hopefully that won't be the...



Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/zte_tease_suggest_a_phone_announcement_at_mwc_2016-news-16727.php

Samsung Galaxy S7 edge photographed in the wild, again

The Samsung Galaxy S7, the S7 edge and S7 edge+ are all flying out to Barcelona for the weekend - for their big reveal! Neither of them is particularly keen on staying under wraps though, here's yet another pre-announcement photo of the new flagship. This one, in particular, is the Samsung Galaxy S7 edge, the version with a 5.5" QHD screen. Its curved sides are quite easy to see in this shot. The Samsung Unpacked event is scheduled for Sunday, February 21, and will even be streamed in 360° video, so you get to experience it virtually first hand. Also, OnLeaks and uSwitch partnered up to deliver these 3D renders of the Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 edge. Samsung Galaxy S7 renders (OnLeaks/uSwitch) Samsung Galaxy S7 edge renders (OnLeaks/uSwitch) Thanks for the tip, Rob! Source 1 • Source...



Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s7_edge_photographed_in_the_wild_again-news-16730.php

vivo confirms March 1 unveiling for Xplay5

A day after confirming the existence of Xplay5, vivo has revealed its unveiling date. The Chinese company has released a new teaser that confirms the device will be made official in less than a couple of weeks from now - March 1 to be specific. The event will take place at the Beijing Water Cube (19:30 local time). Aside from confirming the Xplay5 name yesterday, vivo had also revealed an important design aspect of the handset - dual-curved display. In today's post the company referred to the device as "borderless." While nothing else has been officially revealed/confirmed by the company, we expect to see more teasers and leaks in the coming days given the phone is nearing its announcement. From what has been rumored until now, the vivo Xplay5 will be powered by Qualcomm's SD820 chipset and come with 6GB of RAM. It is also said to feature solar charging. Source (Chinese) |...



Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/vivo_confirms_march_1_launch_for_xplay5-news-16725.php

Smartwatch sales surpass Swiss watches, Apple Watch leads the way

Smartwatch sales have surpassed Swiss watches for the first time, and you have Apple to thank. According to a report by Strategy Analytics, 8.1 million smartwatches were shipped in Q4 of 2015 compared to 7.9 million Swiss watches. Out of the 8.1 million, 5.1 million were Apple Watches with 63% share, 1.3 million were the various Samsung smartwatches with 16 percent share, and the rest were from other manufacturers, such as Pebble. Compared to Q4 2014, smartwatches saw an increase of 316% in one year. The only difference between 2014 and 2015 being, you guessed it, the release of the Apple Watch. We are now seeing watchmakers such as Tag Heuer, and Fossil starting to dip their toes in the smartwatch waters. While overall smartwatch numbers may be up, it's important to note that it's mostly the Apple Watch that's holding the entire segment up on its shoulders. It will be a while before we know if people are interested in smartwatches or just the Apple Watch. And it will be even longer before we see the demise of mechanical watches. Source •...



Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/smartwatch_sales_surpass_swiss_watches_apple_watch_leads_the_way-news-16726.php

Gartner: Samsung retains smartphone leadership in 2015 with over 20% market share

Samsung was the top smartphone vendor for both Q4 2015 as well as the complete year, according to a latest report by market research firm Gartner. Specifically, the South Korean company sold over 83.4 million units last quarter, claiming 20.7% share of the market, which is up from 19.9% share reported in Q4, 2014. Apple came in second with 17.7% market share, down from 20.4% share the Cupertino-based company claimed in the year-ago quarter. Huawei, Lenovo, and Xiaomi rounded up the top five with 8%, 5%, and 4.5% shares, respectively. Notably, Huawei achieved the best growth with a 53% jump in sales. Overall, global smartphone sales saw an year-on-year jump of 9.7% last quarter, which the report said was the slowest growth rate since 2008. For the complete year too, as already mentioned, Samsung retained the top spot - its market share stood at 22.5%, although that was down from the 24.7% share it had in 2014. Apple's share slightly increased and stood at 15.9%, giving the company the second spot. Here also, Huawei was the best performer in terms of sales jump. Talking about the smartphone operating system (OS) market, Android retained the No.1 position in Q4 with over 80% share, which is a jump of over 4% compared to the year ago quarter. Apple iOS' share fell from 20.4% to 17.7%. The data shows that Windows Phone sales dropped to 4.3 million units last quarter from 10.4 million in Q4 2014, giving the OS just 1.1% market share. This is broadly in line with what we already know. Finally, struggling BlackBerry's share of the market slid even closer to...



Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/gartner_samsung_retains_smartphone_leadership_in_2015_with_over_20_market_share-news-16723.php

New alleged HTC One M10 image leaks, shows white variant

A couple of weeks after its black variant leaked online, another alleged image of the HTC One M10 has surfaced, showing off the white-colored model this time. As was the case before, the new image is also shared by the usually reliable leakster @evleaks on Twitter. Let's call it HTC One M10 in white. pic.twitter.com/lGfIM5SSpX— Evan Blass (@evleaks) February 18, 2016 A quick comparison with the alleged black variant (shown below) reveals broadly the same design, although it's difficult to exactly compare given that both images are taken at different angles. However, one notable difference is the shape of the fingerprint scanner on the Home button - seems comparatively less elongated than on the black model. https://t.co/PKvW63aF8L pic.twitter.com/zsyzQWbVAt— Evan Blass (@evleaks) February 5, 2016 Specs-wise, from what has been rumored until now, the One M10 is powered by Snapdragon 820 and sports a 5.1" QHD AMOLED screen. It has 4GB of RAM and 32GB of storage, and features a 12MP UltraPixel camera. The device runs Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow with HTC Sense 8 on top. It is tipped to launch in April, and go on sale in the US a month...



Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/new_alleged_htc_one_m10_image_leaks_shows_white_variant-news-16722.php

Xiaomi, Huawei, and ZTE are all said to be planning their own Apple Pay competitor

Shortly after Apple launched its mobile payments service Apple Pay in China, there are reports that the iPhone maker's competitors in country are planning to release their own payments service. The revelation was made by IHS Analyst Kevin Wang, who named Xiaomi, Huawei, and ZTE in a Weibo post. It's not that Apple Pay doesn't have any competition in China - there are mobile payment companies like WeChat Payment and Alipay from Alibaba Group that are already established in the world's biggest smartphone market. However, Apple is currently the only smartphone vendor offering such a service there. Despite coming from a well-known analyst, the news still falls in the category of rumors as it's yet to be officially confirmed by any of the companies Wang named. However, given that Xiaomi is said to be bringing back NFC support in its upcoming Mi 5 flagship despite dropping it from the Mi 4 citing low usage, the rumor does seem to carry some weight. Nevertheless, a rumor remains a rumor until it is officially confirmed, and till then it needs to be taken with a pinch of...



Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_huawei_and_zte_are_all_said_to_be_planning_their_own_apple_pay_competitor-news-16724.php

Nextbit starts selling its cloud-focused Robin smartphone

Nextbit's cloud-focused Robin smartphone, which recently started shipping to the initial 1,000 backers of the company's kickstarter campaign, is now available for purchase. Carrying a $399 price tag, the device is now listed on the company's website. Both mint and midnight color options are available for purchase. However, what's worth mentioning here is that currently only the GSM model of the handset is being sold. The CDMA version will probably start shipping to backers in April, so expect it be available for purchase after that. As you might already know, Robin's selling point is that it makes sure you never actually run out of space - everything that's important to you is made available offline, while the rest is pulled from the cloud upon...



Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/nextbit_starts_selling_its_cloudfocused_robin_smartphone-news-16721.php

Nvidia fixes WiFi issues, releases Shield Tablet and Tablet K1 Marshmallow update again

Nvidia started rolling out the Android 6.0 Marshmallow update for the original Shield Tablet earlier this month, but the roll-out was soon halted after there were user reports of the update causing Wi-Fi issues with the device. The good news is that those issues have been fixed, and the roll-out has resumed. A company representative posted in an official forum that Marshmallow OTAs for both shield tablet K1 and original shield tablet are back online. "At this time, we're confident we have corrected the problem and are releasing a new Software Update," the post said. For those who aren't in the know, the Android 6.0 update for the shield tablet K1 first started rolling out back in December. Notification for the new update should hit your device any time now, although alternatively you can always manually check for the availability of the update by heading to Settings -> About...



Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/nvidia_fixes_wifi_issue_releases_shield_tablet_and_tablet_k1_marshmallow_update_again-news-16720.php

In a first, Samsung will live stream Galaxy S7 launch event in 360-degrees

Samsung has announced that the launch event of its upcoming Galaxy S7 flagship smartphone will be presented in 360-degree live streaming, making it the first time when viewers will be able to enjoy a 360-degree view of a Galaxy Unpacked event. "During Galaxy Unpacked you will get four options for where to watch—from the auditorium, stage left, stage right or from center stage. Pick whichever spot is right for you, then use the 360 live streaming to get a complete view of the event from every angle," Samsung said in a press release. Those planning to watch the event from a PC will be able to do so by heading to the Galaxy Unpacked page on the Samsung website when the event begins. On the other hand, the Unpacked 360 View app will let you enjoy the event on your Android or iOS mobile device. However, if you're planning to watch the event with Gear VR, you need to download the app from the Oculus Store. Just to remind you, the event begins February 21 at 7:00 p.m....



Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/in_a_first_samsung_will_live_stream_360degree_video_of_galaxy_s7_launch_event-news-16719.php

LG and B&O announce collaboration for new audio-focused smartphone

LG Electronics has announced a new agreement that it is going to collaborate with B&O (a high-end electronics designer and manufacturer) to come up with an audio quality-focused experience on a smartphone. The companies have apparently been working together for the Hi-Fi audio features for the highly-anticipated LG G5. B&O is a company that designs and manufactures high end TVs, entertainment systems, speakers, and audio equipment. B&O Play is the company's division of higher volume consumer electronics like high-end headphones and portable speakers for audiophiles. LG wants to differentiate itself by further planning to work with B&O to provide a significantly better audio experience than other smartphones on the market. The phone maker has been proud to say it has a long history of integrating high quality audio into its smartphones most recently, the LG...



Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/lg_and_b_o_announce_collaboration_for_new_audiofocused_smartphone-news-16718.php

Apple fixed Error 53, modified Touch ID sensor won't brick iPhone

Apple changed its mind about Error 53 being a security feature and allows a phone with a modified Touch ID sensor to function with the Touch ID feature disabled. Disabling phones from restarting, simply because they were repaired at an unapproved shop did not sit well with people. The public backlashed and Apple did what it needed for customers to be happy. Apple apologized and released a patch to iOS 9.2.1 that will disable the bricking feature that Error 53 was causing. When an unauthorized modification is made to the Touch ID sensor, perhaps when replacing a faulty home button, the iPhone threw an error and would not restart. Then when plugged into iTunes to recover the software, you were led through the restore process and the phone would never completely restore. With the new patch, iTunes will allow the device to restore and function normally, the downside is the modified Touch ID will not be active and become useless. The guys over at iFixIt.org have followed Apple's official guidelines and were able to successfully follow new prompts to restore iPhones that have a modified Touch ID sensor. Source | Via | Via...



Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/apple_fixed_its_error_53_modified_touch_id_sensor_wont_brick_iphone-news-16717.php

PayPal redesigns its apps for Android and iOS

PayPal has unveiled a big redesign for its mobile apps today. You can already find the updated versions in the iTunes App Store for iOS and the Google Play Store for Android. The new apps come with simplified UIs and no more clutter, according to the company. It claims that customer feedback drove much of the redesign process. Features have been simplified, and either app comes with a better global user experience, as the "iterative platform" they're both based on allows for easier customization. Sending and requesting money is now front and center inside the mobile apps, since apparently PayPal has seen over 100% growth in the number of peer-to-peer transactions happening over the last two years. A new personalized hub lets you easily add people from your contacts, while the new home screen lists all of your transaction details. That's also where you can quickly pay your pending requests or send payments to any of your recent contacts. Finally, account activity has been separated by pending and completed transactions, and fingerprint authentication on Android should now work with many more devices. Source |...



Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/paypal_redesigns_its_apps_for_android_and_ios-news-16716.php

HP Elite x3 Windows 10 phablet gets the full leak treatment, images and specs outed

Just a few days ago word got out that HP is working on a top of the line Windows 10 handset to be called Elite x3. This device was apparently codenamed Falcon, and it may have been benchmarked in December of last year. Anyway, HP is probably going to announce the Elite x3 at MWC next week. Before that happens, however, you can feast your eyes upon a couple of leaked pictures of the device, along with the full list of its specs. The Elite x3 is surely looking to be the main competitor to Microsoft's Lumia 950 XL in the Windows 10 mobile ecosystem, as it packs some very high-end innards. It has a 5.96-inch QHD touchscreen, a 16 MP rear camera, an 8 MP selfie cam, Qualcomm's Snapdragon 820 chipset powering it, 4GB of RAM, 32GB of expandable storage, a USB Type-C port with support for USB 3.0, Qi wireless charging, a fingerprint scanner (which might be embedded in that 'chin' underneath the display), an iris sensor, a special docking connection, IP67 certification for water and dust resistance, as well as MIL-STD-810G rating for withstanding drops from 1 meter or less. The device is 7.8 mm thin, and will probably support Microsoft's Continuum feature. It will obviously run Windows 10 Mobile. With such specs, you shouldn't expect it to be cheap. Source (in Hungarian) |...



Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/hp_elite_x3_windows_10_phablet_gets_the_full_leak_treatment_images_and_specs_outed-news-16714.php

New leaked images show Galaxy S7 in silver, S7 edge in black, and confirm lack of USB Type-C

It definitely seems like not a day can go by without some new leaks about the upcoming Galaxy S7 and S7 edge, which Samsung is going to make official this Sunday, on February 21. And today isn't an exception. First off, we can now show you the Galaxy S7 in silver - this was a color that hasn't previously been leaked in a press render. If you click on the thumbnail below, you'll be taken to the full resolution shot. And to the right of the vanilla S7 we can see yet another live image portraying the black Galaxy S7 edge, with its curved screen front and center. Silver Samsung Galaxy S7 and black Galaxy S7 edge But that's not all. Another newly leaked picture puts an end to any questions regarding the presence or absence of a USB Type-C port in Samsung's new handsets. This is a shot of the bottom side of the Galaxy S7 edge, and that's clearly a standard microUSB port, and not the newer USB Type-C variation. So Samsung has chosen to stay with the tried and tested and postpone the introduction of Type-C into its smartphone portfolio. Perhaps the Note 6 will get the new port, but that remains to be seen. This will be good news for people who have a lot of microUSB cables around and wouldn't have wanted to switch to the newer standard anyway. Source 1 • Source...



Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/new_leaked_images_show_galaxy_s7_in_silver_s7_edge_in_black_and_confirm_lack_of_usb_typec_-news-16713.php

Archos intros Diamond 2 Plus with 4GB of RAM, 6-inch QHD Diamond 2 Note

Archos is doing its best to announce new mobile devices before Samsung and LG totally steal the show this Sunday. So, after having already outed some new Oxygen tablets and the 50d Oxygen handset, today the French company has unveiled a pair of new smartphones, the Diamond 2 Plus and the Diamond 2 Note. These could in fact be considered Archos' premier offerings from this point on, given their specs. The Diamond 2 Plus comes with a 5.5-inch 1080p touchscreen, a 20 MP rear camera with dual-LED flash, an 8 MP selfie shooter, MediaTek's MT6755 Helio P10 SoC running things (with an octa-core CPU clocked at up to 2 GHz and the Mali-T860MP2 GPU clocked at 700MHz), 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, LTE Cat.6 support, a fingerprint sensor on the back, a USB Type-C port, and a 3,000 mAh battery. It runs Android 6.0 Marshmallow. Its dimensions are 148.3 x 73.8 x 8.3 mm, and it weighs 130g. The Archos Diamond 2 Plus will become available in May for $229, €249, or £199. That's rather impressive for a phone with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. Moving on, the Archos Diamond 2 Note is a 6-inch "borderless" phablet coming with QHD resolution, a 16 MP rear camera with phase detection autofocus and dual-LED flash, an 8 MP selfie snapper, the MediaTek MT6795 Helio X10 SoC at the helm (with a 2 GHz octa-core CPU and PowerVR G6200 GPU), 3GB of RAM, 32GB of storage, LTE Cat.4 support, and a 3,610 mAh battery. It too runs Android 6.0 Marshmallow. Its dimensions are 158.35 x 82.7 x 8.7 mm, and it weighs 150g. It will also be out in May, and will be priced at $279, €299, or £249, depending on where you...



Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/archos_intros_diamond_2_plus_with_4gb_of_ram_6inch_diamond_2_note_-news-16712.php

ASUS unveils ZenPad M series slates with ADAM administration tools

The new ASUS ZenPad M series of tablets targets the business market and offers a single solution for software distribution and device control called ADAM. ADAM stands for ASUS Device Admin for Mobile and is a combination of tools suitable for managing all ZenPad M company tablets. The ADAM service supports remote installation and updating of apps, remote locking and secure wipe, taking screenshots for proper software distribution verification and sending messages. The ADAM tools have been available via different Android apps, but ASUS has bundled them into a single solution that works via a web browser. There are currently two ADAM-enabled tablets - a 7" ZenPad M and a 10" ZenPad M. Unfortunately ASUS hasn't revealed the specs of either of those just yet. The ZenPad M & looks a lot like the ZenPad 7, but the ZenPad M 10 seems a bit different than the ZenPad 10 as shown in the video. We expect the manufacturer to bring them at the upcoming MWC expo in Barcelona, so we'll find out more in a few days. Source |...



Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/asus_unveils_zenpad_m_series_slates_with_adam_administration_tools-news-16706.php

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