Google Cast is the next evolution of Chromecast, now with an accent on third-party support

Google's own video and audio casting platform seems to have undergone a significant image change. If you are currently using a Chromecast device, you might have noticed that after its last update, the Chromecast app is now called Google Cast. Not much has changed withing the update in terms of functionality, but the re-branding is definitely more than mere cosmetic work. Like the new name suggests, Google is now branching out and trying to convey the message that its casting solution is no longer a proprietary thing. Besides its own dongles, the platform is now supported by a...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/google_cast_is_the_next_evolution_of_chromecast_now_with_an_accent_on_thirdparty_support-news-17457.php

Possible Yu Yureka Plus successor spotted in import listing

Indian company YU seems to be working on a new device and, form the looks of things, it appears to be a successor to the Yureka Plus. The mysterious device was spotted on Zauba, entering India from China. The officially provided model number for the unit is YU5200 and, as usual, the listing comes with some basics specs as well. The handset is listed as having a 5.2-inch screen, as well as 4G connectivity and Dual SIM support. The only other piece of information on Zauba is the announced price of INR 9,036, which is not necessarily indicative of its market price in any way, but is...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/possible_yu_yureka_plus_successor_spotted_in_import_listing-news-17458.php

Meizu PRO 6 leaks in more photos flaunting gold and white color variation

Photos of a gold variant of the yet unreleased Meizu PRO 6 have hit the web. As you can see below, the phone will use the design of the PRO 5 as a foundation, but will have subtle differences. The PRO 6 is rumored to have laser autofocus located insite the LED flash ring at the back. Additional purported features will be mTouch fingerprint scanner, 2.5D curved display and a USB Type C port. Incredibly, the phone is rumored to sport 6GB of RAM, too. Other yet-to-be-confirmed specs of the device include 1080p display, Exynos 8890 SoC, Hi-Fi 3.0, Flyme 6.0 OS, and fast charging. If...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/meizu_pro_6_leaks_in_more_photos_flaunting_gold_and_white_color_variation-news-17456.php

A sneak peek at Microsoft's upcoming Skype Universal app

Now that Microsoft is vigorously pushing Windows 10 and the new Universal Windows Platform for apps, it is only natural that the first development efforts come from the US giant itself. In light of this, there seems to be a new Skype UWP app on the way. It is still in beta, but the folks at mspoweruser.com got their hands on an early copy on both Windows 10 PC and Mobile for a first look and some screenshots. As a quick reminder, in theory, the code running on both the PC and the mobile environments should be identical with a self-adapting interface. This is the essence of the new...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/a_sneak_peek_at_microsofts_upcoming_skype_universal_app-news-17455.php

Alleged HTC 10 listing and live images leave little to the imagination

Now that both the Samsung Galaxy S7 and the LG G5 are off the starting line and already exciting Android fans, the rumor mill has refocused its attention to HTC. The Taiwanese giant is still quite tardy to the flagship race, but that could very well be a god thing, as it leaves plenty of time for the HTC 10, formerly known as the HTC One M10, to gather hype before its alleged April 12, or perhaps April 15 release. Today, a new development, offers us a very up-close and personal look an the handset's design and particularly that of its metal chassis. A rather interesting listing has...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/alleged_htc_10_listing_and_live_images_leave_little_to_the_imagination-news-17454.php

Microsoft teases a pair of surprises planned for Live Tiles in Windows 10

Microsoft's Build 2016 developer conference is now less than a week away and, as usual, the March 30 San Francisco event promises intriguing insights into the Microsoft realm that are just as important for and-users as they are for the developer community. A quick look at this year's schedule reveals that the US giant has some interesting new developments withing its signature Live Tiles interface to show off and discuss. And although, Microsoft intends to keep the announcements a surprise up until the April 1 event in question, everything seems to hints in one direction - Interactive Live...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/microsoft_teases_a_pair_of_surprises_planned_for_live_tiles_in_windows_10-news-17453.php

Samsung Galaxy S5 Marshmallow OTA spotted outside South Korea

If you currently own a Galaxy S5 and are waiting on some Marshmallow goodness, then you're in luck. The 2014 flagship is about as old a hardware as Samsung is willing to update to Android 6.0, but it still very much on the list, making the appearance of an OTA on your handset a matter of time. In fact, that time might be closer than you think, as evident by the latest Galaxy S5 update roll-out that is now under way in Trinidad and Tobago. It is intended for the SM-G900M version, making it the second device variant to get Marshmallow, after the local South Korean SM-G900L. If you...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s5_marshmallow_ota_spotted_outside_south_korea-news-17452.php

Microsoft's giant Surface Hub finally begins shipping

In line with the previously shared Q1 2016 release time frame, Microsoft has announced that it has started shipping its Surface Hub touchscreen PC. The Windows 10-powered device was first showcased back in January last year, but has since been the subject of multiple delays. We are "proud to announce that Surface Hub has begun shipping to business customers," the Redmond, Washington-based company said in a blog post. For those who aren't already aware, the Surface Hub - which comes in 55-inch and 84-inch variants - is primarily aimed at businesses. Designed for conference rooms and...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/microsoft_surface_hub_has_finally_started_shipping-news-17451.php

Marshmallow update hitting Honor 7 units in EU

Huawei has started rolling out the Android 6.0 Marshmallow update to Honor 7 units in the EU. An announcement in this regard was made by the Chinese company on Twitter. Finally folks. The Marshmallow update for Honor 7 is out from today forward via OTA. #honor #forthebrave pic.twitter.com/H33b0FNxL2— HonorEU (@HonorEU) March 25, 2016 If you recall, the update - which is currently rolling out over-the-air (OTA) - was originally supposed to be outed by the end of February. So, it has arrived a bit late, but arrived nonetheless. Given the fact that the roll-out has just begun, it...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/marshmallow_update_hitting_honor_7_units_in_eu-news-17450.php

iPad Pro 12.9 charges 64% faster with USB Type-C adapter

Apple's most recent event offered a couple of new accessories, particularly, the USB Type-C to Lightning adapter ($25) which can be used to charge an apple device using the Macbook's only connection port, a single USB Type-C port. Along with this new cable, Apple has also begun selling its own branded USB Type-C power brick with a healthy 29W of capable throughput. Here is where the good news comes in. The new cable combo works superbly well with the iPad Pro 12.9 inch. It charges the battery much faster than the included 12W charger. 9to5Mac has reviewed this charger with the iPad Pro and...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/29w_usb_typec_adapter_charges_ipad_pro_64_faster_from_empty_battery-news-17449.php

LG G5 review: Evening the odds

Someone at LG must have thought: "Leather is so last-year, let's do something nobody has done - or long quit trying." And here we have the LG G5. It has the looks of a brand new flagship, the heart of a dragon and an adventurous dual camera setup suited for every occasion. But there's more than meets the eye, the Magic Slot. The LG G5 is a modular smartphone, which lets you plug a handful of external add-ons: a semi-pro camera grip with shutter buttons and a bigger battery, or an external sound amplifier by B&O.

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/lg_g5-review-1416.php

Oppo sells more than 180,000 R9 and R9 Plus units during their first day of availability

Oppo has released both the R9 and the R9 Plus in China, and sales during their first day of availability have reportedly gone very well for the company. It turns out that Oppo was able to sell more than 180,000 R9 and R9 Plus smartphones in just one day, making their debut on the Chinese market quite a success. This number has been achieved by having both online and offline sales channels, but Oppo's big marketing campaign surrounding the two devices has clearly helped too. It has used big Chinese celebrities to promote the R9 duo, making a big fuss about the handsets for...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/oppo_sells_more_than_180000_r9_and_r9_plus_units_during_the_first_day_of_availability-news-17447.php

Android Experiments Challenge: Win a trip to attend Google I/O

Google is holding its annual conference this upcoming May and registration has already closed for this year's event. If you are a fan of Google and love developing applications, you are in luck. Google is holding a contest for developers to come up with really cool and interesting ways to incorporate any of Android's new or unique features into an application or project involving your app. Google gives some vague guidelines of what it would like to see: "It's a project that utilizes the unique capabilities of the Android platform in an innovative way. Here are a few...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/android_experiments_challenge_win_a_trip_to_attend_google_i_o-news-17448.php

New Verizon Galaxy S7/S7 edge update improves Wi-Fi connectivity

Verizon has started rolling out a new update to Samsung's newest flagship smartphones - the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge. The carrier says it improves Wi-Fi connectivity on Marshmallow OS and fixes several related issues. The issues that have been fixed include those encountered while connecting to the Internet and loading files or web pages. In addition, the problem of frequent data disconnections has also been addressed in this update. The update arrives as software version MMB29M.G930VVRU2APB5 for the Galaxy S7 and MMB29M.G935VVRU2APB5 for the S7 edge. It should hit your device soon in...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/new_verizon_galaxy_s7_s7_edge_update_is_aimed_at_fixing_wifi_issues-news-17444.php

Rumor says HTC 10 will go on sale starting April 15

While we already knew that the HTC 10 will be unveiled on April 12, thanks to a new leak, we now also have some idea on when the phone will go on sale. The rumor says the device will be released on April 15 in HTC's home country of Taiwan. There's currently no official confirmation on if and when the handset will land in the United States, although the usually reliable tipster @evleaks had said last month that the US launch is set for the second week of May. The phone - which has already been the subject of several leaks, rumors, and teasers - is said to be powered by an SD820 SoC,...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/rumor_says_htc_10_will_go_on_sale_starting_april_15-news-17446.php

Casio's Android Wear Smart Outdoor Watch now available for $500

Unveiled in January at this year's Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the WSD-F10 Smart Outdoor Watch from Casio is now available for purchase in the US. You can purchase the $500 device from the Google Store, Amazon, REI, as well from Casio's own online store. Specifically aimed at those involved in outdoor activities, the device is water resistant up to 50 meters and also offers military-grade endurance. It packs in a range of sensors and comes with several fitness and outdoor activity apps. The Smart Outdoor Watch is claimed to offer a battery life of over a day on normal use. It...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/casios_new_android_wearpowered_smart_outdoor_watch_now_available_purchase_costs_500-news-17445.php

Verizon LG G3 and G4 getting March security update

Verizon has started rolling out the latest Android security update to the LG G3 and G4 smartphones on its network. Aside from bumping the Android security patch level to March 1, the update also "provides faster display response from a sleep state." As the update - which arrives as software version VS98625A for the G4 and VS98547A for the G3 - is currently rolling out, it may take some time before it hits your device. However, if you're feeling impatient, you can manually check for the update by heading to your handset's Settings menu. In case you missed, Verizon has already rolled...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/verizon_lg_g3_and_g4_getting_march_security_update-news-17441.php

Mophie has new battery cases for the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge, now with wireless charging

Mophie, the leading seller of battery cases in North America has shown some love to the Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 edge. The new juice packs actually offer quite a bit of improvement over the old models, like the ones meant for the Galaxy S6. The cases still offer edge protection all around, but are now a lot more convenient thanks to wireless charging technology. The company has added support for Qi, as well as other popular technologies and promises maximum versatility. Placing the phone on a charger can top off both batteries. Of course, there is still a pass-through micro USB...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/mophie_has_new_battery_cases_for_the_galaxy_s7_and_s7_edge_now_with_wireless_charging-news-17443.php

Production cost of AMOLED screens is now lower than LCD's

According to an analysis done by IHS Technology, AMOLED screen production cost is now lower than that of LCD screens. Production costs in the first quarter of the year for a 5" 1080p display amount to $14.30 for an AMOLED panel compared to $14.60 for an LCD one. However, it's yet to see if this trend will keep on. In Q4 2015, an AMOLED panel cost $17.10 to make, while an LCD one was cheaper at $15.70. IHS notes that the numbers apply for the production cost of a LTPS LCD (Low Temperature Poly-Silicon Liquid Crystal Display), which is the most efficient type of TFT LCD. Provided...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/production_cost_of_amoled_screens_is_now_lower_than_lcds-news-17442.php

vivo V3 Max spotted on TENAA with octa-core CPU, 3GB RAM

A couple of days after vivo teased the V3 and V3 Max the latter has been spotted on the website of Chinese regulatory TENAA. The listing reveals a 1.5GHz octa-core CPU and 5.5-inch TFT Full HD display. Other key specs that have been revealed include 3GB RAM, 32GB expandable internal memory, and Android 5.1.1 Lollipop OS. The image reveals a rear fingerprint scanner as well. Available in golden color option, the device measures 153.90 × 77.10 × 7.58mm and weighs in at 168g. There's currently no official word on the vivo Max's availability or pricing. Source | Via | vivo India...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/vivo_v3_max_spotted_on_tenaa_with_octacore_cpu_3gb_ram-news-17437.php

Oculus Rift shipments begin

Three months after it went up for pre-order, the Oculus Rift has started shipping, with deliveries beginning March 28. This was announced by Oculus CEO Brendan Iribe in a tweet. The first Oculus Rift has shipped, deliveries begin Monday 3.28.2016. pic.twitter.com/C0MMKmezun— Brendan Iribe (@brendaniribe) March 24, 2016 As you might already know, the Facebook-owned company has priced the Oculus Rift at $599. Paying that much gets you the VR headset itself (complete with built-in headphones and microphone), as well as the sensor, an Xbox One controller, and the Oculus...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/oculus_rift_shipments_begin-news-17440.php

iOS 9.3 roll-out is temporarily on hold for some older models

Software development is an almost endless process of introducing bugs and consecutively trying to remove them, hopefully without causing any more. There is no such thing as perfect software, nor perfect users, for that matter and Apple, just like any other large-scale software vendor makes no exception to the rule. In a new development around the recently released public iOS 9.3 update, Cupertino found itself battling issues, which has necessitated a temporary halt in the roll-out for certain older devices. The problem seems to be in the update procedure, mixed in with some...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/ios_93_rollout_is_temporarily_on_hold_for_some_older_models-news-17438.php

Xiaomi Mi 5 Pro sales starting on April 6

Unveiled at this year's Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, the Xiaomi Mi 5 went on sale in China earlier this month. However, of the three of its variants, only two (3GB/32GB and 3GB/64GB) were made available for purchase. For those waiting for the launch of the Pro variant (4GB RAM and 128GB internal memory), here's some good news: the device will go on sale in China on April 6. In case you don't already know, the Huawei P9 and Meizu m3 note are already scheduled to be unveiled on the same day. As for the Mi 5's international availability, Xiaomi's VP Hugo Barra has already...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_mi_5_pro_with_4gb_128gb_memory_configuration_will_go_on_sale_starting_april_6-news-17435.php

OnePlus 3 with SD820 SoC and 16MP camera spotted on AnTuTu

The successor to OnePlus' last year's OP2 smartphone has been spotted on AnTuTu, revealing some of its key specs. The listing reveals that the OnePlus 3 is powered by a Snapdragon 820 chipset and sports a 1080 x 1920 pixel resolution display (screen size is said to be 5.5-inch). It has 4GB RAM and 32GB internal memory. In terms of camera, the handset features a 16MP rear unit and an 8MP front shooter. In addition, the listing also reveals a model number of A3000, and Android OS version 6.0.1. As for the phone's unveiling, we're yet to hear an official word on it. However, OnePlus is...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/oneplus_3_with_sd820_soc_and_16mp_camera_spotted_on_antutu_could_be_unveiled_early_next_month-news-17433.php

LG G5 'Lite' with Snapdragon 652 spotted at TENAA

You can add China to the countries that will get the LG H848, aka LG G5 Lite. That's an unofficial name, the phone is called just "LG G5," but the reduction in specs is enough to earn in that moniker. The major change is in processing power - gone is the flagship Snapdragon 820, replaced by an upper mid-range Snapdragon 652. It's actually a solid chipset with four Cortex-A72 and four A53 cores, but the Adreno 510 has big shoes to fill by having to drive the 5.3" QHD screen (the Adreno 530 is one of the most powerful mobile GPUs right now). The RAM has been cut back to 3GB (down from 4G...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/lg_g5_lite_with_snapdragon_652_spotted_at_tenaa-news-17431.php

New info on the the Samsung Galaxy S7 active - code name Poseidon suggested

If you have been keeping a close eye on the news section lately then you might remember the mysterious SM-G891A, that was spotted in a package heading towards AT&T a couple of days ago. The scoop was originally picked up by Evan Blass (@evleaks), along with a quite justifiable assumption that the device currently undergoing testing at the carrier is actually an upcoming Galaxy S7 active. Today, the plot thickens even further, as the reputable leakster has apparently sank his teeth even further into the issue, uncovering that the SM-G891A is actually codenamed Samsung Poseidon. This is...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/new_info_on_the_the_samsung_galaxy_s7_active__code_name_poseidon_suggested-news-17430.php

Samsung Galaxy S7: Exynos 8890 vs. Snapdragon 820 speed test

Samsung sources components for the Galaxy S7 phones from several places - Samsung hardware (Exynos chipset and ISOCELL camera) and outside (Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset and Sony IMX camera). We already saw that the cameras do have some differences, but no clear winner in quality. What about the chipsets? From our tests we've seen that the Snapdragon 820 has an advantage in single-core CPU tests and GPU benchmarks, while the Exynos 8890 leads in multi-core tests. The test consists of two "laps" the first time around is a cold test that looks how quickly apps are loaded from storage....

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s7_exynos_8890_vs_snapdragon_820_speed_test-news-17429.php

Apple Music for Android gets a widget

Apple updated the Apple Music app on Android, and changed a handful of things, including a new widget. Now, you can have a widget for the app on your homescreen. It's nothing fancy; a 3x1 widget that shows the track info, playback controls, album art, and a like button. The widget is not resizable and I'm not sure if it's just 3x1 on my device or in general but that means it doesn't go from edge to edge and there is a 1x1 space left on the side, which is annoying. Other than that, you can now also redeem iTunes Gift Cards in the settings to continue your membership. The Radio...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/apple_music_for_android_gets_a_widget-news-17428.php

Reminder: Side Sync for the Galaxy S7 is pretty awesome

Side Sync is nothing new. It's been around since the Galaxy S4 and it works all the way back to the Galaxy S III as long as you're on KitKat 4.4 and above and it's a pretty underrated feature of the Galaxy lineup. You can install Side Sync on a PC or Mac and it allows you to control everything about your smartphone, drag and drop files, open apps, take phone calls, share your clipboard, and click around on a virtual version on your phone, all without root! To get started: Install Side Sync on your Galaxy device from the ‘Galaxy Apps' store or Google Play Store Install Side...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/reminder_side_sync_for_the_galaxy_s7_is_pretty_awesome-news-17427.php

Shazam for iOS updated with even better Apple Music integration

Shazam has been updated just following the release of iOS 9.3. Before the app's update, Shazam was able to let you tag a song, then take you to the song's page in Apple Music. Now with Shazam 9.4.1, users can tag a song and add it to a playlist directly from the app. All tagged songs will also be added to an Apple Music playlist called "My Shazam Tracks". Users will also be able to listen to the entire track they just tagged without leaving the Shazam app. The song is streamed from Apple Music in the background. These updates are made possible by Apple Music's new iOS 9.3 update...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/shazam_for_ios_updated_with_even_better_apple_music_integration-news-17426.php

Galaxy S6 edge+ gets Android Marshmallow in India and France

Samsung has a lot on its plate right now with the launch of its smash-hit, the Galaxy S7. Even so, the company has been gradually releasing Android 6.0 Marshmallow updates for many variants of its flagship phones. Recently, users in India and France have been tweeting with joy upon receiving the major update totaling to about 1.3GB in size. The update brings enhanced performance, improved fingerprint security (requiring users to enter an alternative method of security like pattern or PIN), Quick Connect improvements, Improvements to the batter saver, and overall UI changes here and...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/galaxy_s6_edge__gets_android_marshmallow_in_india_and_france-news-17425.php

Verizon's LG V10 is now receiving Android 6.0 Marshmallow update

During the course of this day, Sprint has sent out updates to Android 6.0 Marshmallow to multiple Android devices it's sold, and now it looks like Verizon wants in on that action too. The carrier nicknamed Big Red is currently seeding the Marshmallow update to the LG V10 units that people have purchased from its stores. The V10, as you may know, is LG's previous high-end smartphone, now outshined by the G5 (which is already up for pre-order at Verizon, incidentally). After you update your V10, you'll be running software version VS99022a. This obviously comes packing all the goodies...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/verizons_lg_v10_is_now_receiving_android_60_marshmallow_update-news-17424.php

Google is apparently developing a competitor for Amazon's Echo

According to a new report, Google has noticed how unexpectedly successful Amazon's Echo speaker has been ever since its launch in 2014. What's more, the search giant apparently wants in on the nascent market of speakers with built-in virtual assistants. Hence, it's said to be developing one such product of its own. Unfortunately other details haven't been uncovered about this device yet. It is clear, however, that Google wants to compete with the Echo (pictured below). So it's safe to assume that its gadget will also have built-in listening and talking abilities, though obviously using...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/google_is_apparently_developing_a_competitor_for_amazons_echo-news-17422.php

Sprint sends out Marshmallow to Galaxy Note5 and S6 edge+ too

It turns out that the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 isn't the only smartphone sold by Sprint to be receiving its dose of Marshmallow today. In fact, the carrier has also started over-the-air rollouts for Android 6.0 for the newer Galaxy Note5 and Galaxy S6 edge+. Since these are staggered rollouts, not every Note5 and S6 edge+ sold by Sprint will get that coveted update notification today. The carrier says that the rollout will be complete by April 8. For the Galaxy Note5, the new build, the one which is based on Android 6.0 Marshmallow, is N920PVPU2BPC3. On the other hand, the Galaxy S6...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/sprint_sends_out_marshmallow_to_galaxy_note5_and_s6_edge_too-news-17423.php

Hulu app for the Samsung Gear VR finally becomes available

It was in October of last year when Hulu promised to release an app for Samsung's Gear VR headset. The app was supposedly coming that November, but it didn't. In fact, it's only become available today, believe it or not. Still - better late than never, right? The Hulu app is now up for grabs in the Gear VR store. It lets you "watch the entire Hulu 2D library in immersive 360-degree environments", but also has 360-degree video content thankfully. At the moment you'll be looking at 25 "pieces of exclusive and premium content" in glorious 360-degree view. Among the companies that have...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/hulu_app_for_the_samsung_gear_vr_finally_becomes_available-news-17421.php

Verizon starts pre-orders for LG G5 and Watch Urbane 2nd Edition LTE, launches LG K4

Verizon and LG are having quite a big day today, it turns out. No less than three new LG devices are now listed on the carrier's website, two of which are up for pre-order while the third is actually available already. Let's start with the G5, LG's newest flagship smartphone. It can be yours for either $624 upfront, or $0 down followed by 24 monthly payments of $26. It will be released on April 1. If you pre-order one, you get a free LG 360 Cam, as well as a free second battery for the G5 and a battery charging cradle. The LG Watch Urbane 2nd Edition LTE was launched last year then...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/verizon_starts_preorders_for_lg_g5_and_watch_urbane_launches_lg_k4-news-17420.php

Gear S2 gets iOS support with latest update, band adapter in the works?

Back at CES Samsung announced that iOS support for its Gear S2 smartwatch is in the making and it was supposedly coming by mid-January. That obviously didn't happen, and most recently the deadline was stretched to the end of March. This one is to be met, it seems. Verizon has announced an update for the Samsung Gear S2 smartwatch, and software version R730VVRU1BPC1 brings compatibility with iOS 8.4 and higher, as well as Marshmallow, on top of the usual bug fixes. Meanwhile, Samsung might be working on an adapter to make the Gear S2 compatible with standard watchbands. So far only...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/gear_s2_gets_ios_support_with_latest_update_band_adapter_in_the_works-news-17417.php

Sprint releases Marshmallow update for the Galaxy Note 4

Samsung Galaxy Note 4 owners on the Sprint network can now download the Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow update. The software version is N910PVPU4DPC1 and the update weighs in at 1.4GB. The update comes three months after the update was initially released for the international version of the phone. In terms of features, the update brings along some interesting ones. Chief among them is the Screen off memo function that allows you to start taking notes using the S Pen as soon as it's taken out from its slot. In addition, the update also includes a new Air Command menu that debuted on...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/sprint_releases_marshmallow_update_for_the_galaxy_note_4_-news-17419.php

Pebble is laying off 40 employees and refocusing its efforts towards heath and fitness

It appears Pebble hasn't been doing all that great lately, as evident by the company's latest batch of lay-offs. CEO Eric Migicovsky announced that he is letting go a total of 40 employees, which might not sound like much, but actually constitutes 25% of the Pebble workforce. The fact is that despite its popularity, Pebble is still little more than a start-up company and still relatively small. Eric Migicovsky admits that this development is very much necessitated by financial hurdles, which is surprising, considering the popularity of Pebble products. Sadly, there is a lot more to...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/pebble_is_laying_off_40_employees_and_refocusing_its_efforts_towards_heath_and_fitness-news-17415.php

HTC 10 benchmarked, tops competition

The HTC 10 is the last of the major Android handsets for the first half of 2016 that's yet to be announced. The Android godparent took the One A9 design and upgraded the mid-rangy chipset with the new Snapdragon 820 and the results - seen here in an AnTuTu test - are stellar. HTC 10 running AnTuTu 6, sweeping the competition The phone is likely close to but not quite final and yet it already outscored the Samsung Galaxy S7/S7 edge. It's not clear in this chart if it's the Exynos 8890 or Snapdragon 820 S7, but we've tested both and neither of them can crack 150K...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/htc_10_benchmarked_tops_competition-news-17418.php

Goldgenie can sell you an iPhone SE encased in 200g of solid 18K gold

King Tut was born before the camera was invented, so his selfie had to come in the form of a 10kg gold mask. You, a child of the digital age, can instead get a gold iPhone SE from Goldgenie and snap gilded selfies with that. They come in 24K Gold, Rose Gold and Platinum versions and start off with the relatively reasonable Edition - £1,582 (excluding VAT) - goes through several Swarovski-studded options and proceeds to the outrageous Solid Gold Superstar. Most such gold gadgets are gold-plated - meaning you get very little actual gold (this is the case with the Edition). The...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/goldgenie_can_sell_you_an_iphone_se_encased_in_200g_of_solid_18k_gold-news-17414.php

Get a free Moto E with Moto X Pure Edition purchase

Motorola is holding a pretty sweet promotion and gives you away a free Moto E with every Moto X Pure Edition purchase. The promotion is only valid in the US for today and ends at 10.59 AM Central Time. Moto E currently retails for around €110 and has so far managed to stay pretty up-to-date with the recent Android releases. The vanilla Moto X Pure Edition costs $399.99 without any modifications from the Moto Maker. Yes, it sounds like a solid deal to us, too. Source

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/free_moto_e_with_moto_x_pure_edition_purchase-news-17416.php

Vertu Signature Touch available in Sky Blue leather

I wish I had Vertu money, but I'll have to settle for just writing about them. The luxury phone maker announced two new editions of its Signature Touch and Aster Android-powered phones. Vertu Signature Touch in Sky Blue quilted leather The Vertu Signature Touch comes in a Sky Blue quilted leather option, calf leather sourced from one of the oldest tanneries in the Alps. It has a Grade 5 Titanium body with polished Red Gold detailing and a Black Ceramic pillow. The relatively more affordable Vertu Aster is back in Orchid Pink calf leather and Caramel Calf leather, due to...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/vertu_signature_touch_available_in_sky_blue_leather-news-17412.php

Truly Exquisite puts Gold-plated iPad Pro 9.7 on pre-order

Truly Exquisite likes to jump the gun on creating lavish versions of smartphones and tablets. Earlier it announced gold-plated Galaxy S7 and S7 edge phones before they even went on pre-order. Now, it's jumping ship over to the competition by plating the new iPad Pro 9.7 with noble metals. £1,850 (without VAT) starts you off with 24K Gold Plated tablet, £1,900 gets you 18K Rose Gold instead. The top version is the £1,950, plated with Platinum. You can have the front in Black or White. This is for the 128GB Wi-Fi versions, you can upgrade to 256GB or mobile data connectivity if you...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/truly_exquisite_puts_goldplated_ipad_pro_97_on_preorder-news-17413.php

AdDuplex numbers show about half of current Windows smartphones are capable of running Windows 10

There is no denying that Microsoft has embarked on an ambitious, far-reaching roll-out mission with Windows 10 Mobile. Besides the ever-growing list of devices running the OS out-of-the-box, like the Lumia 950, 650 and 550, the US giant has also started releasing updates to an ever-growing range of older devices. However, despite the growing number of devices, AdDuplex now says only 50.4% of all current Windows devices are capable of running Windows 10. This means that developers willing to invest effort into Universal Apps can currently expect 50% market penetration on...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/adduplex_numbers_show_about_half_of_current_windows_smartphones_are_capable_of_running_windows_10-news-17411.php

Google working on Periscope competitor called YouTube Connect

Google is working on a competitor to Twitter's popular video streaming app, Periscope, and also the new Facebook Live that recently came out. Called YouTube Connect, the service would pretty much be like Periscope, according to sources at VentureBeat. The app will be available on Android and iOS. You will be able to log in with your Google or YouTube account and then stream the event, which will be visible in the app and also on your channel, if you have one. You can choose to save the stream after you're done so people can watch it later if they missed the live stream. There will also be...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/google_working_on_periscope_competitor_called_youtube_connect-news-17409.php

iPhone SE and iPad Pro 9.7 now open for pre-order, in stores on March 31

As promised on announcement day, Apple is now accepting pre-orders for the brand new 4-inch iPhone SE and the 9.7-inch iPad Pro. Pre-ordered devices will be delivered on March 31, when you will also be able to find them in physical stores. The iPhone SE marks Apple's return to 4-inch displays, which some users still insist is the best size for a smartphone. The SE is also the cheapest iPhone ever, with a base price of $399/€489/£359 for the 16GB version, and $100/€100/£80 more for 64GB of storage. The iPad Pro 9.7, which replaces the iPad Air 2, starts at $599/€689/£499...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/iphone_se_and_ipad_pro_97_now_open_for_preorder_in_stores_on_march_31-news-17410.php

Android 6.0 based MIUI China stable ROM available for Mi 3/Mi 4

Xiaomi has released Android 6.0 Marshmallow MIUI ROM for the Mi 3 and Mi 4 smartphones. V7.2.8.0.MXDCNDB is currently only available for the Chinese region, which means you can install it on any Mi 3 and Mi 4 but being the Chinese ROM you won't get any of the Google apps pre-installed. For that you will have to wait for the global ROM to release. The ROM is stable so should be fit for daily use. However, as mentioned before, unless you can live without the Google apps or know your way around installing them separately, it's better to wait for the global ROM to...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/android_60_based_miui_china_stable_rom_available_for_mi_3_mi_4-news-17408.php

Sprint LG G5 pre-orders go live March 24 with launch aimed at April 1

Sprint has announced it is offering the LG G5 for pre-order on March 24. The US carrier is also offering three different options to purchase the new modular smartphone. You can buy the phone for $0 down (for well-qualified buyers) plus tax and 24 monthly payments of $24. You can also purchase the device on a new 2-year contract for $150 after $50 American Express gift-card mail-in rebate. And, of course, you can purchase the LG G5 for its full retail price of $576. If you trade in a phone upon purchasing the device, you can get a free accessory bundle worth $80 which includes: one...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/report_says_apple_will_make_apple_pay_available_for_mobile_sites_before_the_holiday_season-news-17407.php

Google Now makes weather card available as a shortcut on your home screen

Google has made a couple of tweaks lately, including the improvement of Google Now's speech reply sounding more natural and the improvement of Google Now on Tap. Google would like you to use its app more and more to incorporate it into your daily life with contextual information such as traffic conditions, public transit notifications, and something that Google Now has already been doing which is notifying you of a drastic change in the weather forecast for the next day. Today, Google started rolling out another feature which can be activated by simply making a Google search for...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/google_now_makes_weather_card_available_as_a_shortcut_on_your_home_screen-news-17406.php