360-degree spherical wallpapers now available for your LG G5

LG has released a whole bunch of 360-degree spherical wallpapers for you to enjoy on your brand new G5 smarphones. "Spherical wallpapers?" you exclaim in confusion, with a firm belief in your head that walls do generally tend to be flat. Well, these are meant for your phone and your phone can be oriented in any arbitrary direction plus it has a gyroscope. Depending on its orientation you'd be served the respective portion of the spherical image and it will keep panning around as you move. At this point there are 12 such wallpapers available, shot at exotic locations throughout...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/360degree_spherical_wallpapers_now_available_for_your_lg_g5-news-17810.php

6.4" Xiaomi Max front panel leaked - truly massive

Barely hours ago we told you about a future Xiaomi phablet, which after an online poll the company decided to name Xiaomi Max. Meanwhile a couple of photos have surfaced, and they seem to be coming straight from the production line. The shots depict the device's front panel and it's nothing short of colossal. If we're still going to call it a phone, that is - as tablets go it's tiny. Alleged Xia0mi Max front panel Compact side bezels, capacitive keys on the chin, earpiece and sensor array - the panel looks very much in line with Xiaomi's design language. Unlike the current...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_max_front_panel_leaked__truly_massive-news-17809.php

Verizon wants you to try Android Pay, offering 2GB of free data to those who do it

Verizon is currently running a promo where-in customers who'll start using Google's mobile payments service Android Pay will get a total of 2GB data for free. "Tap anywhere in stores Android Pay is accepted and receive 1 GB of free data," the carrier said in a blog post. "On your third tap, we'll throw in another free gig." The free data that Verizon is offering will be applied to your account for a total of two billing cycles. The promo - which runs through June 14 - is only available to the carrier's postpaid subscribers with The Verizon Plan or The MORE Everything Plan. You can...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/verizon_wants_you_to_try_android_pay_offering_2gb_of_free_data_-news-17805.php

Latest Galaxy S7/S7 edge update hits the UK too, Shape correction included

An update for the Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 edge, which first rolled out in certain regions early this week, has now made it to the UK. The new firmware is arriving on both unlocked and carrier units as we speak. In terms of features, the update brings shape correction for skewed photos - a toggle to be found in the camera settings. The S7 edge also gets improved palm rejection - the flat S7 doesn't really need it. There's the usual unspecified bug fixes and stability and performance improvements. Additionally, the new firmware includes the latest available Android security patch,...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/latest_galaxy_s7_s7_edge_update_hits_the_uk_too_shape_correction_included-news-17808.php

OnePlus offering discounts up to $240 through its newly-launched trade-in program

OnePlus has launched a new smartphone exchange program where-in those trading-in their old smartphone for a OnePlus device will be entitled to receive discounts up to INR 16,000, which translates into around $240 at current exchange rates. The offer is valid on the purchase of the OnePlus One, OnePlus 2, as well as the OnePlus X. Needless to say that the $240 discount is the maximum that one get can get - the actual amount will depend upon your smartphone's actual condition, age, as well as functional defects (if any). OnePlus has partnered with ReGlobe for the exchange and buy-back...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/oneplus_launches_tradein_program_offering_discounts_up_to_240-news-17804.php

Apple's order reduction for iPhone parts extends into April-June quarter

Apple's reduced iPhone production will extend into the April-June quarter, Nikkei reports, citing parts suppliers from Japan. Component orders were reduced by 30% for the previous quarter and the same volumes will be kept for this one. A recent analysis projected a continuing downward trend in iPhone sales, and this seems to be the generally agreed upon direction, following a first year-on-year decline in shipments since the original iPhone's launch in 2007, reported in January. The latest iPhone SE is also not expected to reverse the trend. Apple iPhone 6s Realistically...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/apples_iphone_parts_order_reduction_extends_into_apriljune_quarter-news-17806.php

OS X being rebranded as MacOS? Apple drops another hint

Is Apple re-branding OS X as MacOS? Well, it definitely seems so. Last month, MacOS was spotted in the name of an OS X framework file, and now the Cupertino-based company has dropped another hint at the possible change. Recently, in a web-page - describing the company's efforts for the Earth Day 2016 - on its official website, Apple mentioned the new name for a brief period, before reverting it back to OS X. Here's is the paragraph in question: "To model customer use, we measure the power consumed by a product while it is running in a simulated scenario. Daily usage patterns are...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/macos_in_place_of_os_x_apple_drops_another_hint-news-17803.php

Upcoming Xiaomi phablet to be called Max, said to sport 6.4-inch display

Last week, Xiaomi ran a poll to determine the name of its next phone. Of the four options available - Xiaomi Pro, Xiaomi Plus, Xiaomi Big, and Xiaomi Max - the last one received the most number of votes, while the one prior to that came in second. Going by the name options that were available, it'd be reasonable to assume that the device in question is a large phone (phablet), possibly the largest Xiaomi. Sadly, nothing else has been officially revealed. As for the rumors, they say that the phablet will be larger than the 5.7-inch Xiaomi Mi Note, with some even suggesting a display...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/upcoming_xiaomi_phablet_to_be_called_max_said_to_sport_64inch_display-news-17801.php

New SmartBand 2 update makes sure you don't sit still for too long

Sony has rolled out an update to the SmartBand 2 SWR12 companion app that brings along several new features. Prime among them is a feature dubbed Get moving which reminds you to do some activity whenever it detects you've been sitting still for too long. As you might already know, the SmartBand 2 comes with an advanced heart rate sensor. With the update, you'll now be able to use the device as a heart rate monitor with third-party fitness applications as well. Other features that the update brings along include the ability to automatically enter the Stamina mode when battery is...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/new_smartband_2_update_makes_sure_you_dont_sit_still_for_too_long-news-17802.php

Samsung C-series phone (SM-C5000) now spotted on Geekbench

Remember the Samsung SM-C5000 whose existence was confirmed last month by the Indian import-export website Zauba? Well, the device has now been spotted on Geekbench, revealing some more of its specifications. The listing shows that the handset is powered by a Snapdragon 617 chipset with an octa-core CPU and Adreno 405 GPU. In addition, it was also revealed that the phone has 4GB RAM (really?), and runs Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow. For those who missed, the SM-C5000's Zauba listing had revealed a 5.2-inch display, and an INR 13,625 ($205) price tag. Aside from this device, a C7000...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_cseries_phone_smc5000_now_spotted_on_geekbench-news-17799.php

Nexus 5X and 6P receive $50 price cut

If you're in the United States, and are planning to purchase the LG-made Google Nexus 5X or the Huawei-made Google Nexus 6P, here is some good news: both devices have received official price cuts in the country. Prices for both handsets have been slashed on Google Store by $50, meaning the Nexus 5X is now available starting at $299, while the Nexus 6P now starts at $449. The discount will be applied at the checkout phase of your purchase. For those planning to take advantage of the deal, you'll be glad to know that the deal runs through May 6, meaning you have some time at...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/nexus_5x_and_6p_receive_50_price_cut-news-17800.php

Alleged Motorola Moto G4 Plus leaks online

A new Motorola phone has been leaked online, courtesy of the usually reliable leakster @evleaks. The leaked image of the device - allegedly dubbed Moto G4 Plus - shows only the bottom portion of the front-panel, revealing a physical home button. Moto G4 Plus pic.twitter.com/zPvlEkE2X5— Evan Blass (@evleaks) April 15, 2016 Sadly, nothing else - including specs, pricing, and availability - was revealed. However, it'd be safe to assume that the device will feature a fingerprint sensor given that an executive from Lenovo (which owns Motorola Mobility) had earlier this year revealed that...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/alleged_motorola_moto_g4_plus_leaks_online-news-17798.php

Huawei P9 review: Ascension

Huawei pulled the wraps on its next flagship in London in early April. But do you know what's better than London? Shooting London with the Huawei P9. The city looks magical throughout the P9's Leica lens and the phone feel fabulous throughout your eyes. Yes, the Huawei P9 has a lot going on and all of it seems promising.

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/huawei_p9-review-1428.php

Deal: Pebble Time for $90 at Meh.com, Only April 15!

The current-generation Pebble wearable, also known as the Pebble Time, is now available for only $90 through discount online retailer Meh.com. The Pebble Time took the original design language from the original Pebble Watch that came out with a successful Kickstarter campaign with new features like a color screen, microphone input, and new and quirky animations which add to its character. The Pebble Time retailed for $250 this past summer and has since dropped every once in a while. The Pebble Time is currently available from Amazon for $122 with Prime shipping. If you'd like to...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/deal_pebble_time_for_only_90_at_mehcom_today_only-news-17797.php

EXCLUSIVE: Huawei P9 Lite Eurozone pricing revealed

The Huawei P9 Lite is probably going to become official soon, and it might even go on sale shortly after that. Earlier today we showed you how one Romanian online retailer has already listed the handset, and thus gave us an idea about its pricing. While over there the P9 Lite will be yours for around €270, it turns out the phone will be slightly more expensive in Eurozone countries. The image you can see below has been sent in by an anonymous tipster. It represents an inventory listing for the three color versions of the P9 Lite coming soon to French retailer Fnac's branches in...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/exclusive_huawei_p9_lite_eurozone_pricing_revealed-news-17796.php

Huawei announces its own VR headset, complete with 360-degree sound

The latest company to jump into the VR field is Huawei. The Chinese smartphone maker has unveiled the aptly named Huawei VR today in its home country, which is a headset that requires a phone to be used, much like Samsung's Gear VR. The Huawei VR is compatible with the P9 and P9 Plus, but also the Mate 8. Since Huawei has only gone with 1080p screens for all of these devices, image quality is bound to be less crisp than what can be achieved with a Gear VR and Galaxy S7 or S6. Then again, the Huawei VR does have a neat trick up its sleeve: a 360-degree sound field to go with the 360-degree...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/huawei_announces_its_own_vr_headset_complete_with_360degree_sound-news-17795.php

Apple orders 100 million Samsung OLED panels for the 2017 iPhone

According to the latest rumors, Apple has made an order to Samsung for 100 million 5.5" OLED panels in 2017. The displays are supposedly going to make their way to the 2017 iPhone Plus. The timing for the order indicates that the OLED screens will skip the iPhone 7 and only make it to the iPhone 7S. The information comes from a source cited by the Chinese edition of the WSJ and it also points out that Samsung has set aside a production line at its Asan plant for the order. While the information about future iPhone models using a Samsung-made OLED panel is not new, it was previously...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/apple_reportedly_orders_samsung_100_million_oled_panels_for_the_2017_iphone-news-17792.php

Gionee debuts budget-minded Pioneer P5 Mini

Gionee has launched Pioneer P5 Mini in India. The P5 Mini is a budget smartphone and comes with basic specifications. It has a 4.5-inch 854x480 resolution IPS LCD, quad-core Mediatek MT6580M, 1GB RAM, 8GB storage with microSD, 5 megapixel rear camera, 2 megapixel front camera, dual SIM, 1850mAh battery, and Android 5.1 Lollipop with Amigo 3.1 UI on top. The P5 Mini is available in five different colors, and is priced at INR 5349 ($80). Source

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/gionee_launched_pioneer_p5_mini_in_india-news-17788.php

High-Res headphones not coming with US, Canadian HTC 10s

US buyers typically get the best price for new gadgets, but that brings about its own sort of issues. The HTC 10 will not be available in 64GB form in the US and you won't get the High-Res headphones either. The HTC USA and HTC Canada Twitter accounts have both confirmed that the new flagship will not have the premium headset included. Going by the T-Mobile unboxing, at least it will come with Quick Charge 3.0 charger. @Ima_Legend191 The earbuds won't be included in box for the USA unlocked HTC 10 but will be available to purchase on our website soon.— HTC USA (@HTCUSA) 14 April...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/highres_headphones_not_coming_with_us_canadian_htc_10s-news-17787.php

Z2 Pro coming on April 21, ZUK confirms

Turns out the rumors were true, as the new ZUK phone that the company will unveil on April 21 is indeed the Z2 Pro. This was revealed in a set of official teasers. In case you missed, the company had recently teased a new smartphone (image shown below), which in all likelihood is the Z2 Pro. As for the specs, the Z2 Pro is rumored to be powered by Snapdragon 820 SoC, and sport a full HD display. It'll come in 3GB and 4GB RAM options and will have 32GB of internal memory. The phone will have 13MP rear camera and a 5MP front shooter. It will run Android 6.0.1 out of the...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/z2_pro_coming_on_april_21_zuk_confirms-news-17786.php

Google Drive for Mac/PC now allows selective syncing

Google has updated its Drive client for Mac and PC with the ability to selectively sync folders and sub-folders. You'll now also be able to deselect folders, upon which they'll be removed from your system but will still remain accessible in your Drive. While you can already delete your Drive stuff directly from your computer, the latest update adds a warning that pops up when you are removing files/folders that are shared with other people, minimizing accidental deletes. The new features have started rolling out, and google says the roll-out will continue over the next week or...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/google_drive_for_mac_pc_now_lets_you_choose_folders_that_you_want_to_sync-news-17785.php

YU Yureka Note (YU6000) launched with 6-inch display, 4,000mAh battery

Remember the YU6000, which was spotted on GFXBench last November? The device has reportedly been launched by the company in India - and it's called the Yureka Note. While it isn't officially listed online, a couple of leaked pictures suggest it's available for purchase through offline channels. Specs-wise, the device is powered by a 64-bit octa-core 1.5GHz processor, and sports a 6 inch Full HD IPS Display with Gorilla Glass 3 protection. It has 3GB RAM and 16GB expandable internal memory, and packs in a large 4,000mAh battery with Quick Charging support. In terms of camera, the...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/yu_yureka_note_yu6000_launched_with_6inch_display_4000mah_battery-news-17784.php

Huawei P9 Lite available for purchase already

The Huawei P9 Lite, which was last spotted in a hands-on preview recently, is yet to be announced by the company. However, surprisingly, the device has now been spotted listed on a retailer's website in Europe, and is apparently available for purchase already. Romanian retailer Cel.ro seemingly has the device in stock, offering black, gold and white color variants for around $300. Specs-wise, the handset is powered by a HiSilicon Kirin 650 chipset, and sports a 5.2-inch full HD IPS display. The model on offer has 2GB and 16GB expandable internal memory, and packs in a 3,000mAh...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/huawei_p9_lite_available_for_purchase_already-news-17783.php

Verizon offering up to $300 to those trading-in their old phone

Verizon has launched a national trade-in event where-in it's offering up to $300 to those trading-in their old phone and purchasing a new Samsung Galaxy S7, LG G5, Motorola Droid Turbo 2, or iPhone 6S (16GB) on a device payment plan. To be precise, a maximum trade-in amount of $312 is on offer, and eligible handsets include the Droid Turbo, Galaxy Note5, Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 edge/edge+, HTC M9, iPhone 6/6Plus, LG G4, and LG V10. Those upgrading their device will also get 3 months of HBO NOW for free. An important thing worth mentioning here is that should you choose, you can also...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/verizon_offering_up_to_300_to_those_tradingin_their_old_phone-news-17782.php

Make your first 3 Samsung Pay purchases between April 15 and May 10, and get a $30 gift card

Remember last month's Samsung Pay promo for the Galaxy S7/S7 edge owners? Well, the company has again launched a similar promo, although this time it's aimed at those who haven't used the company's mobile payment's service yet. If you're in the US, have already installed and registered for Samsung Pay, but are yet to use it, this promo is for you. It says that those making their first three Samsung Pay purchases between April 15 and May 10 will be eligible for a $30 gift card. The promo is open to owners of the Samsung Galaxy S7, S7 edge, S6, S6 edge, S6 edge+, S6 active, and Note5....

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_offering_30_gift_card_to_those_who_make_their_first_3_samsung_pay_purchases_between_april_15-news-17781.php

Xperia X series pre-orders on the Sony Xperia Store will come with an "exclusive offer"

Sony has announced that its brand new Xperia X series of smartphones will soon be available for pre-order from the Xperia Store. The announcement came in the form of an email which the company sent out to those who had registered their interest in the devices. In the email, Sony also said that pre-orders will come with an "exclusive offer," although the company didn't reveal what exactly the offer would be. The exclusive offer - going by the email - will only be available on Xperia X and XA pre-orders (as well as on the Xperia Ear accessory), meaning those pre-ordering the Xperia X...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/sonys_new_xperia_x_series_to_be_up_for_preorder_soon-news-17780.php

You can now design your own case for the Nexus 6P and 5X

Today Google has announced custom Live Cases for the Huawei Nexus 6P and the LG Nexus 5X. These are snap cases that you get to design yourself. For each case you want, you choose either a favorite photo to put on it, or a special place on a map. After you pick the image or place, you can add filters (dozens are available). And when you buy a Live Case you also get a live wallpaper based on the image or map you used for it. If you've chosen a photo for the case, then you'll see a slideshow of images you've picked from Google Photos. If you went with the map option for the case, the live...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/you_can_now_design_your_own_case_for_the_nexus_6p_and_5x-news-17779.php

Huawei P9 Max may have been spotted in a benchmark rocking a 6.9-inch screen

Huawei has already introduced three members of the P9 family, the 'vanilla' P9, the P9 Plus, and the P9 Lite. However, there may actually be a fourth one coming soon, a P9 Max to act as the successor to the P8max from last year. As such, you'd expect it to sport a huge touchscreen, and if the unknown Huawei device spotted in the GFXBench database actually turns out to be the P9 Max, then it definitely won't disappoint. It's got a 6.9-inch 1080p display, a 16 MP rear camera, an 8 MP selfie snapper, 3GB of RAM, and 32GB of built-in storage. It runs Android 6.0 Marshmallow of...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/huawei_p9_max_may_have_been_spotted_in_a_benchmark_rocking_69inch_screen-news-17778.php

Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+ now available for £490 in UK

The Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+ has received a price cut in the UK, where retailer Clove is now selling the device for £490, down £90 from its usual listed price. The model on offer is a SIM-free, black-colored 32GB variant, and Clove claims that it is compatible with all UK and European networks. A quick look at Samsung's UK website reveals that the same model is being officially sold for £565.00, £75 more compared to Clove. However, Amazon UK has the handset listed for £499, although as of writing, the listing shows that only 1 unit is in stock. Source (Clove) | Samsung UK | Amazon...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s6_edge_now_available_for_490_in_uk-news-17777.php

LG G5, Galaxy S7 and Nexus 6P go under chipset stress test to find who's the hottest

The LG G5 uses a Snapdragon 820 chipset, which is Qualcomm's top dog in the chipset market, offering incredible performance. We already know that Qualcomm managed to fix the bad overheating issues that plagued the predecessor, Snapdragon 810, but to what end? That's what our Swedish colleagues over at NordicHardware.se have tried to find out. They put the LG G5 under CPU and GPU stress tests and compared it against the Galaxy S7 (Exynos 8990) and the Nexus 6P (Snapdragon 810). To do so, 3DMark Slingshot and Geekbench 3 do the heavy lifting, while an app monitors the temperatures reported...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/lg_g5_galaxy_s7_and_nexus_6p_go_under_chipset_stress_test_to_find_whos_the_hottest-news-17776.php

Japan-exclusive Camillia Red version of HTC 10 looks gorgeous

Smartphone makers are having a Henry Ford moment - you can have a smartphone in any color as long as its black, silver or gold. The HTC 10 was no exception, Carbon Grey, Glacier Silver or Topaz Gold were your options. Still are, probably, unless you live in Japan - KDDI/au is getting an exclusive Camellia Red. Just look at how pretty it is: HTC 10 in Camellia Red We like it better than the Deep Garnet version of the One A9, what do you think? If we're lucky, other regions will get this red option instead of something like Pink. Now if only HTC can get its story straight...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/japanexclusive_camillia_red_version_of_htc_10_looks_gorgeous-news-17775.php

Apple iPhone SE: Time-saver edition

The iPhone SE is a perfect fit for a time-saver review, it seems, as Apple didn't come up with a new design or new internals. Instead, the innards come from an iPhone 6s, while the design is a direct copy of the iPhone 5s.

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/apple_iphone_se_time_saver-review-1427.php

Huawei Honor 5C gets TENAA certification, sports metal unibody

The Huawei Honor 5C has passed TENAA certification, but the Chinese regulator has since removed the phone's page from its website. Nevertheless, we have the confirmed details and the Honor 5C looks like a nice addition to the company's mid-range line-up. The Honor 5C is built around a 5.2" 1080p display and has an aluminum body with 2,900 mAh non-removable battery . At the back, there's a fingerprint sensor while above it sits a 13MP camera. Under the hood, the 5C features either a Mediatek Helio X10 or a Snapdragon 625 judging from the listed 2.0GHz octa-core CPU. RAM is 2GB and...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/huawei_honor_5c_gets_tenaa_certification_sports_metal_unibody-news-17772.php

LG launches K7 and K10 in India

LG has announced two new budget phones, the LG K7 and the LG K10. The K7 has a 5.0-inch, 854x480 resolution display, Snapdragon 210 processor, 1.5GB RAM, 8GB storage with microSD, 5 megapixel front and rear camera, LTE, Android 5.1, and 2125mAh battery. The K10 has a 5.3-inch, 1280x720 resolution display, Snapdragon 410 processor, 2GB RAM, 16GB storage with microSD, 13 megapixel rear and 8 megapixel front camera, LTE, Android 5.1, and 2,300mAh battery. While the phones themselves don't seem remarkable, these are the first phones by LG to be locally manufactured in...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/lg_launches_k7_and_k10_in_india-news-17774.php

After shutting down in Australia, Samsung Milk Music launches in China

Earlier last month, there were reports that Samsung is shutting down its Milk Music radio service. Later that month, the shutdown was confirmed, at-least by the Australian Milk Music team. However, looks like Samsung hasn't yet completely given up on the service, as it has now been launched in China. Focusing on local content (over a million tracks accessible) at the moment, the app is currently only available for download on the Galaxy S7, the Galaxy S7 edge and the A9 Pro smartphones in China. However, reports say that international content as well as availability on more devices...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/shutting_down_in_australia_samsung_milk_music_launches_in_china-news-17773.php

ZUK teases new phone - likely the Z2 Pro

A teaser image of a new ZUK smartphone was released by the Chinese company's CEO Chang Cheng. The image shows a black-colored sleek-looking phone with what looks like a 2.5D curved display. On the back is a camera sensor, dual tone LED flash, and an apparent laser auto-focus module. The image - which was shared on Weibo - also had an accompanying text that read: Tremble xx5, x9, xxx6. So, without directly naming the Xiaomi Mi 5, Huawei P9, and the Meizu Pro 6, Cheng is claiming that the upcoming ZUK phone is a better alternative. Cheng recently revealed that the Lenovo-backed...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/zuk_teases_new_phone__allegedly_the_z2_pro-news-17770.php

Meizu m3 headed our way, stops by TENAA

A new unannounced Meizu smartphone has cropped up on Chinese regulator TENAA's website. What looks like a successor to the popular Meizu m2 brings duly updated specs in a similarly looking body. The possible Meizu m3 comes with a 5-inch 720p LCD, much like the model it replaces. An undisclosed chipset with an 1.5GHz octa-core processor (versus the quad-core in the m2) powers the smartphone, paired with 2GB of RAM. Internal storage is 16GB, expandable by up to 128GB via microSD. There's a 13MP primary camera on the back of the smartphone, while selfies are being handled by a 5MP unit...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/meizu_m3_headed_our_way_stops_by_tenaa-news-17771.php

Marshmallow beta begins rolling out to BlackBerry Priv

Over a week after BlackBerry started accepting applications for the Priv Marshmallow beta program, the beta update has started hitting the company's debut Android smartphone. As for the roll-out, the Canadian company said that the update will be made available to a small batch of testers first, and if no critical issues are reported, all beta testers will get the update by the end of this week. If you've signed up for the Priv Marshmallow beta, head to the BlackBerry Beta Zone (link shared below) for details on preparing your unit or making it ready to receive the update. Via |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/marshmallow_beta_starts_rolling_out_to_blackberry_priv-news-17769.php

LG's new Rolly Keyboard 2 rolls up along five key rows

Remember the LG Rolly Keyboard? A wireless portable keyboard that could be folded into an easy-to-carry stick. Well, a successor to that device has been unveiled. Appropriately dubbed Rolly Keyboard 2, the new keyboard contains several improvements over its predecessor. While the first-gen Rolly had four rows of keys, the successor rolls up along five. LG has also added a tab at the bottom that the company claims makes it easier for users to open the keyboard. While using the same Bluetooth tech, the Rolly 2 is capable of pairing up to 3 three devices, compared to 2 devices on the...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/lgs_new_rolly_keyboard_2_rolls_up_along_five_key_rows-news-17768.php

Wait, what? HTC's India website now lists HTC Lifestyle as SD820-powered

Just when we thought the SD652-powered HTC Lifestyle would be available in India instead of the company's SD820-powered flagship HTC 10, HTC released a statement effectively saying that nothing is yet confirmed, and it will make an official announcement in this regard soon. And now, while we were waiting for the announcement, the Taiwanese company quietly changed the Lifestyle's specs on its India website, making them similar to the HTC 10. A quick look at the specs sheet suggests the chipset has been changed to Snapdragon 820. Similarly, the memory configuration has also been changed from...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/wait_what_htcs_india_website_now_lists_htc_lifestyle_as_sd820powered-news-17767.php

New Nvidia Shield Tablet K1 update brings Android 6.0.1

Nvidia has started rolling out a new update to the Shield Tablet K1 that adds Vulkan support and brings Android Marshmallow version 6.0.1 to the tablet. Aside from the Android 6.0.1 goodies, the update - which bumps the software version to 1.2 - also includes Android security patch for the month of March, as well as several other features, improvements, and bug fixes. Here's the complete change-log: • Supports the new Vulkan API for high-efficiency access to SHIELD's graphics hardware • Adds Android 6.0.1 changes including:         Repositioned Navigation Buttons in Landscape...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/new_nvidia_shield_tablet_k1_update_brings_android_601-news-17766.php

US may not get 64GB HTC 10

As you might already know, HTC's latest flagship - the HTC 10 - comes in 32GB and 64GB storage options. However, if you are in the US, and are planning to buy the 64GB variant when it becomes available, there is some bad news: US may not get the higher memory model. This was effectively confirmed by HTC's Senior Global Online Communications Manager Jeff Gordon while replying to a user query on Twitter. Keep in mind, however, that the HTC 10 supports expandable memory. So, storage should not be a big problem even if you go for the 32GB model. As for the device's US availability,...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/us_may_not_get_64gb_htc_10-news-17765.php

Mystery phone revealed: Sony Xperia X's front-facing camera shoots great selfies

We came up with a puzzle for you to solve yesterday and here's the answer - the 13MP image was captured with the front-facing camera of the Sony Xperia X (sans Performance, but the two cameras are actually identical). Clues were abundant - so much so that we resorted to deliberately asking you to ignore them. Well, those who called our bluff were right, there were plenty of correct answers in the comments, but we didn't expect less from our knowledgeable readership. The selfie camera of the Xperia X shoots images up to 4,160 x 3,120px resolution - fairly common for a midranger's...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/mystery_phone_revealed_sony_xperia_xs_frontfacing_camera_shoots_great_selfies-news-17759.php

LG is now selling batteries and charging cradles for the G4, G3, and V10 for $15 each, $10 when bundled

LG is holding an interesting limited time deal for accessories in the US, as it turns out. You can save 60% when you buy a replacement battery, 50% when getting a charging cradle, and a whopping 70% when combining the two into a bundle. The smartphone models for which you can purchase these accessories at such steep discounts are the G4, G3, and V10. Do note however that only the battery is available for the G3. No matter which one you pick, each battery or charging cradle now costs only $15. But when you pair a cradle with a battery for the same device, you'll only pay $20 total....

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/lg_is_now_selling_batteries_and_charging_cradles_for_the_g4_g3_and_v10_for_15_each_10_when_bundled-news-17764.php

New version of the Kindle Fire HD 8 is apparently in the works at Amazon

Amazon might be looking to add a new 8-inch tablet to its Kindle Fire-branded lineup soon. The new slate will intriguingly be mostly lower-end than the currently available Kindle Fire HD 8, so perhaps it's actually going to be a more affordable version of that. Some of the new tablet's specs have been leaked because someone put a prototype through the paces of GFXBench. The device is identified as Amazon KFGIWI, as you can see. The only thing that's higher-end here than in the Kindle Fire HD 8 is the RAM amount, now 1.5GB compared to 1GB. The new device has an 8-inch 1,280x800...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/new_version_of_the_kindle_fire_hd_8_is_apparently_in_the_works_at_amazon-news-17763.php

Samsung Galaxy J7, LG Stylo 2, and Kyocera Hydro Reach launch at Boost and Virgin Mobile on Friday

This Friday will be a very busy day for Sprint's prepaid brands, Boost Mobile and Virgin Mobile. The former will see no less than three new smartphones launching on April 15, while the latter will have to go with two out of three. The trio in question consists of the Samsung Galaxy J7, LG Stylo 2, and Kyocera Hydro Reach. The Galaxy J7 arriving at Boost and Virgin isn't this year's iteration, instead it looks to be last year's model, but it does have a couple of upgrades compared to the internationally available unit. Namely, it sports 2GB of RAM, and it's also running Android 6.0...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_j7_lg_stylo_2_and_kyocera_hydro_reach_launch_at_boost_and_virgin_mobile_on_friday-news-17762.php

Android N Developer Preview 2 is out

A month or so ago Google surprised the mobile world by launching the first developer preview of Android N way earlier than expected. And now the search giant is pushing out Android N Developer Preview 2 to those who've installed the first one. While technically this is the third developer preview release for Android N, the second one came immediately after the first and was only meant to fix some bugs. Today's Android N Developer Preview 2 packs in some new features as well. Apps can define intent shortcuts, which users can then add to their launcher to get stuff done quicker. For...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/android_n_developer_preview_2_is_out-news-17761.php

HTC 10 promo code nets you 10% discount in the UK, buy the phone for just £512.99

HTC seems to be on somewhat of a discount spree for its just-unveiled new flagship, the 10. Yesterday some promo codes were outed for the North American markets which took the phone's price down by a cool $100 or CAD 100, respectively, mere hours after the launch. And today the promo code mania has hit the UK. Only in this case you're not getting a fixed amount off the normal price of the device, instead you're treated to a 10% reduction. So you can now buy the HTC 10 for just £512.99, a nice £57 less than its £569.99 recommended asking price. All you need to do is go to HTC's UK...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/htc_10_promo_code_nets_you_10_discount_in_the_uk_buy_the_phone_for_just__pound51299-news-17760.php

Google Calendar gets an update for Goals that automatically fit your schedule

Google has updated Calendar for Android and iOS to support goals. Tapping the plus icon in the right hand corner now allows you to add various goals to your daily schedules and best of all - Google automatically finds the best time for them. Calendar is smart enough to automatically reschedule if another event pops up that's in a direct conflict with a goal. Naturally, you can also postpone (defer) a goal, if now's not the time for it. Google also boasts that the Goals feature will learn with time and make even better adjustments to fit your daily schedule. You can expect the update...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/htc_10_benchmark_performance-news-17757.php

New Amazon Kindle Oasis brings leather covers, better backlight

A Voyage takes you to Oasis, naturally. No, these are not my travel plans, Amazon just announced the new Kindle Oasis, an even more premium premium e-book reader. The new design tapers the thickness to just 3.4mm on one end, keeping the other end thicker (kind of looks like a folded magazine). AND YOU GET PAGE TURN BUTTONS BACK... sorry, just not a fan of the touchscreen page flip. Anyway, this curved design allows for premium covers to be magnetically attached (firmly, there are 12 magnets!). The covers are bound in high-quality leather (Black, Walnut, Merlot) and have a built-in...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/new_amazon_kindle_oasis_brings_leather_covers_better_backlight-news-17758.php