Top 10 trending phones of week 18

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 retained its lead as the most popular phone in our database for a second week in a row. The Chinese phablet is clearly on the short list of a lot of people currently, which helped it keep above the Galaxy J7 once more. The Galaxy J5 and Galaxy J3 (2016) have traded places, but are still here to make it 3 Galaxy J phone in the top 4 of the chart. The fastest climber is Lenovo K4 Note, which has moved from 8th to 6th place and has managed to split the Galaxy S7 duo. The best spec'd Galaxy J member - the J7(2016) has slipped a position to 8th, while the...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/top_10_trending_phones_of_week_18-news-18103.php

Samsung Galaxy J3 (2016) can now be purchased from AT&T too

Yesterday Verizon started selling the Samsung Galaxy J3 (2016). And today Big Red's largest competitor has done the exact same thing, right on the schedule it announced back in April. The phone manages to be $1.99 more expensive if bought from AT&T than if you'd grab one from Verizon, when comparing its full retail price at both carriers. That's $169.99 if you choose AT&T, and $168 at Big Red. However, Verizon is offering it with a prepaid plan for just $109.99, while AT&T is giving you the device installment plan option to use alongside a service agreement. If you go this route,...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_j3_2016_can_now_be_purchased_from_at_t_too-news-18124.php

Asus will announce the ZenFone 3 series on May 30

It's a well known fact that Asus loves announcing new devices during Computex, the expo held each summer in Taipei, Taiwan. And this year will be no different. In fact, we should expect a barrage of Zen-branded products from the Taiwanese company to be showcased at this year's show, which takes place from May 31 to June 4. But before that, on May 30, Asus will hold a big event during which it's going to make its newest devices official. This has been made clear by a big countdown timer that's already very visible on Asus' official website. Asus is expected to make the ZenFone 3...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/asus_will_announce_the_zenfone_3_series_on_may_30-news-18123.php

Microsoft Lumia 650 is now available at Cricket for $129.99

Today Cricket has finally started selling the Microsoft Lumia 650. This is an affordable smartphone that was announced back in mid-February, which is also when we first found out that it would be heading to AT&T's prepaid brand. Then last month the release date was unveiled by the carrier as being May 6. And here we are. You can now jump over to Cricket's website and purchase the Lumia 650 for $129.99. This being a prepaid brand, that obviously means you don't need to sign a long-term contract when buying the phone. The Microsoft Lumia 650 comes with a 5-inch 720p OLED touchscreen, an 8...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/microsoft_lumia_650_is_now_available_at_cricket_for_12999-news-18122.php

If you're a student you pay 50% less for Apple Music for up to four years

Ahead of its much talked about redesign coming this fall alongside the iOS 10 release, Apple Music has today received a new special pricing tier. The service is now offering half off its monthly subscription rate, but only if you are a student. In the US, this works out to $4.99 per month if you qualify, instead of the usual $9.99 charged by Apple. But the new rate isn't only available in the States, it's also out in other countries, including the UK, Germany, Denmark, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. While the normal tier's pricing may differ between territories, no matter where you...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/if_youre_a_student_you_pay_50_less_for_apple_music_for_up_to_four_years-news-18125.php

Samsung Galaxy S7 active gets shown in leaked images on its way to AT&T

Back in March a few leaks and rumors spoke about Samsung prepping a Galaxy S7 active smartphone, which was supposedly on its way to AT&T. That made sense, since that particular carrier has offered both of Samsung's "Active" versions of its flagships in the past - we're talking about the S6 active and the S5 Active. And today from Vietnam come some leaked images that confirm that hypothesis once more. The Galaxy S7 active is shown in the shots you can see below, as made obvious from the branding on its back. Also there is AT&T's logo sitting below the camera, so it's clear that there will...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s7_active_gets_shown_in_leaked_images_on_its_way_to_at_t-news-18120.php

More Galaxy C5 photos leak

Just a day after the Samsung Galaxy C5 leaked in pictures for the first time (showing off its metal body), a new set of images - alleged to be of the same device - has leaked online. Take a look: Giving a more eye-pleasing view, these new images also confirm a metal body (something that has already been rumored before). As for the device's specs, rumors suggest Snapdragon 617 SoC, 5.2-inch display, 4GB RAM, and Android 6.0. The Galaxy C5 is expected to be launched this month. Source (in Chinese)

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/more_galaxy_c5_photos_leak-news-18118.php

Vivo V3Max review: Simplified Chinese

Vivo enjoyed a good run with the X-series in 2015 and even snatched the world's slimmest phone title with the local Chinese version of the X5Max. In 2016, the company is obviously trying to carry that momentum into the midrange with the V-series.

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/vivo_v3max-review-1436.php

Huawei P9 teardown by iFixit yields 7 out of 10 repairability score

The teardown experts at iFixit are at it again. The handset that's gone through the procedure this time is the Huawei P9. The Chinese company's latest flagship manages to bag a 7 out of 10 repairability score in the end, which is identical to the result of the iPhone 6s. On the other hand, keep in mind that Samsung's Galaxy S7 and S7 edge have only managed to score a measly 3 out of 10. So the P9 is obviously more easily repairable than what Huawei clearly thinks its main competitor is (the S7). This has been achieved by using modular components with spring contacts, "thoughtful cabling",...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/huawei_p9_teardown_by_ifixit_yields_7_out_of_10_repairability_score-news-18121.php

Galaxy Note 6 'Lite' rumored with SD820 SoC, 1080p display, and 4GB RAM

Just a couple of weeks ago, there were reports that Samsung is testing two Galaxy Note 6 versions - one with flat screen, and the other with curved edges. While there's no word on which of the two will see the light of the day (or if both will be launched), a new rumor is claiming that a scaled-down variant is in the works as well. Thankfully, the rumor also reveals some of the specs of this new variant: SD820 chipset, 1080p display resolution (size remains 5.8-inch), and 4GB RAM. It's funny that with this kind of specs, we're calling it a scaled-down or 'Lite' version, but the fact...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/new_rumor_suggests_galaxy_note_6_lite_with_sd820_soc_1080p_display_and_4gb_ram_on_the_cards_as_well-news-18117.php

New Samsung Gear Fit 2 renders leak showing three color versions

At this point it's pretty much a given that Samsung will launch the Gear Fit 2 in the coming weeks or months. The fitness tracker that's going to be the successor to the original Gear Fit from 2014 has first been leaked last month, followed yesterday by an image of it spotted hanging out on an official Samsung website. And today prolific leaker Evan Blass (also known as @evleaks) has released some new renders of the upcoming device. These show three color versions for the Fit 2, though it's unclear whether they are going to be all of the hues of the tracker, or if it will be offered in...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/new_samsung_gear_fit_2_renders_leak_showing_three_color_versions-news-18119.php

LG's G5 and V10 phones receive NIAP certification for enterprise and military use

LG has announced that its G5 and V10 phones are now certified by the U.S. National Information Assurance Partnership (NIAP). This means that both devices have been deemed fit for use in security-focused environments like enterprise and military. "With the growing importance of higher security in business these days, we believe a firm security platform is a must for mobile workplace devices," said Chris Yie, vice president and head of marketing communications for LG Mobile Communications Company. "This certification is confirmation that LG smartphones are among the most secure mobile...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/lgs_g5_and_v10_receive_niap_certification_for_enterprise_and_military_use-news-18116.php

Coolpad Note 3 Plus launched in India

CoolPad has launched the new Note 3 Plus in India. Well, "new" seems a bit of a stretch, since it is essentially the same Coolpad Note 3 but now with a FullHD display. The rest of the phone is identical, with the similarly sized 5.5-inch display, MediaTek MT6753 SoC, 3GB RAM, 16GB storage, 13 megapixel rear camera, fingerprint sensor, and a 3000mAh battery. The Coolpad Note 3 Plus will be available exclusively on Amazon for INR 8999 ($135). The phone will be available in champagne white and gold. Source

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/coolpad_note_3_plus_launched_in_india-news-18115.php

Those who pre-ordered HTC 10 will also get "small token of appreciation"

Pre-ordered the HTC 10? You'll be glad to know that shipments have already begun. However, there's one more good news: your HTC 10 unit will be shortly followed by a "small token of appreciation" from the Taiwanese company. Only those who placed their pre-orders on HTC's official website are eligible for the surprise. Sadly, at the moment, HTC isn't revealing what the gift would be, although the wait isn't long as the company says the package will be delivered in the next couple of weeks. So, are we looking at those High-Res headphones that HTC has already confirmed aren't coming to...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/those_who_preordered_htc_10_will_also_get_small_token_of_appreciation-news-18114.php

Google executive: Android One still drawing interest; more devices coming

Google launched the Android One program back in 2014 with an aim to bring smartphones to the masses. It's 2016 now, and to say the least, the initiative has not been the kind of success the company would have hoped for. However, that doesn't mean Google is giving up on its Android One efforts. According to Mike Hayes, Director, Business Development, Android & Chrome Partnerships, the initiative is still drawing interest from several OEMs around the world. He also said that the company is taking a broader view of its hardware business, with Android One becoming a part of it. "So you...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/android_one_still_drawing_interest_says_google_executive-news-18113.php

Verizon releases the Samsung Galaxy J3 (2016), yours for $109.99 sans contract

Today Verizon has started selling a new Samsung smartphone. We're talking about the Galaxy J3 (2016), a device that should also reach AT&T tomorrow, and has been out at Sprint's prepaid brands since January. Big Red has managed to be faster than its main competitor, however. It's offering the phone for fans of prepaid plans, so there's no long-term contract to sign when you buy the J3. It's priced at $109.99, which isn't bad considering its specs. The Galaxy J3 (2016) has a 5-inch 720p Super AMOLED touchscreen, a 5 MP rear camera with f/2.2 aperture, a 2 MP selfie shooter, the...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/verizon_releases_the_samsung_galaxy_j3_2016_yours_for_10999_sans_contract-news-18111.php

HTC launches the One M9 Prime Camera Edition in Europe

Sure, it has a new flagship smartphone on the way in the 10, but HTC has now decided to launch a new version of last year's top of the line offering. It's called HTC One M9 Prime Camera Edition, and so far it's only surfaced in Poland, where it became official today. This model borrows the looks of the One M9 from 2015, but changes a few of its specs. For example, the rear camera is now a 13 MP f/2.0 unit, with optical image stabilization. Furthermore, the chipset used is MediaTek's Helio X10, which has a 2.2 GHz octa-core Cortex-A53 CPU. Finally, the RAM and storage amounts have been cut...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/htc_launches_the_one_m9_prime_camera_edition_in_europe-news-18110.php

HTC 10 isn't doing very well in China

On April 25, HTC started taking pre-reservations for the 10 smartphone in China. And today a new report out of that country claims the company's new handset hasn't been doing well at all. In the first eleven days of the pre-reservation campaign, two of the biggest online commerce platforms in China (JD and TMall) have only managed to achieve a combined total of 251 bookings for the device. That's not a typo and not meant to be 251,000 or anything like that, mind you - just 251. The pre-reservations will be open until May 8, yet at this point it definitely feels impossible for HTC's...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/htc_10_isnt_doing_very_well_in_china-news-18109.php

Netflix intros cellular data usage controls for its Android and iOS apps

Netflix's apps for both Android and iOS have already received updates that bring with them a new and very useful feature. There's a new option to be found in the App Settings section, namely Cellular Data Usage. This basically lets you change the bitrate of your video streams for when you're watching Netflix over your mobile data connection. There are a few options to pick from. The default is Automatic, which is around 600Kb/s, or three hours of streaming per gigabyte of data used. If you don't like this setting, you can go with Low (that's 4 hours per GB), Medium (2 hours per GB),...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/netflix_intros_cellular_data_usage_controls_for_its_android_and_ios_apps-news-18112.php

GSMArena HTC 10 giveaway: the lucky winner has been drawn!

The winner is: Kevin N. A HTC 10 just found its new owner! The flagship is heading off to California where Kevin N. is eagerly awaiting his gift, courtesy of Spigen. We'd like to thank the 3,500+ users who took part in the giveaway with over 24,000 entries. We wish them better luck next time. Those that didn't win can still take advantage of the promo codes that the Giveaway sponsor Spigen so kindly provided. HTC 10 Cases & Codes Thin Fit Case / Gunmetal @ $5.99 / Code: INX9LDAZ / Link: HERE Rugged Armor Case / Black @ $5.99 / Code: 9QOVDNXY / Link: HERE Ultra...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/gsmarena_htc_10_giveaway_the_lucky_winner_has_been_drawn-news-18105.php

Sony Xperia X Performance might actually make it to the UK

So far Sony's official stance has been that the Xperia X Performance will not be sold in the UK or Germany. Ever. The company hasn't explained this baffling move in any reasonable manner, but the reason for the decision may not matter after all. That's because it turns out that you might actually be able to purchase an Xperia X Performance from the UK after it launches in July. And we're not talking about grey market imports here, no. You could in fact be able to grab an Xperia X Performance that has made it to the UK through the official channels. This information comes from a Sony...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/sony_xperia_x_performance_might_actually_make_it_to_the_uk-news-18108.php

Marshmallow starts hitting Verizon's LG G Pad X8.3

Verizon has started rolling out the Marshmallow update to LG G Pad X8.3 units on its network. The update brings Android 6.0, and bumps the software version to VK81522A. The Verizon support page (hit the Source link at the bottom) for the update lists all the changes included in the update such as Now on Tap, Runtime Permissions, Silent Mode, Do Not Disturb, Direct Share, and Screenshot Deleting. Given that the update has just started rolling out, it may take some time for the OTA notification to pop up on your device. However, if you are feeling impatient, you can manually check for...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/marshmallow_starts_hitting_verizon_lg_g_pad_x83-news-18106.php

Gear Fit 2 and Gear IconX images have been spotted on Samsung's website

Last month a leak showed us the upcoming Samsung Gear Fit 2 fitness tracker, and also the Gear IconX fully wireless headphones that are probably going to get announced alongside the new Fit. And now it looks like someone was able to spot official images of the two devices on Samsung's own SHealth website. Unfortunately no details about the Gear Fit 2 or the Gear IconX were published with the pictures, but at least we can now be sure what these products will look like. The Gear Fit 2 (seen above) comes with a new textured strap and looks a tiny bit more like a smartwatch than its...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/gear_fit_2_and_gear_iconx_images_have_been_spotted_on_samsungs_website-news-18107.php

Galaxy C5 leaks in pictures for first time, shows off metal body

Remember the Samsung SM-C5000 (allegedly the Galaxy C5), which has got its specs leaked at-least a couple of times so far? Well, the device has now leaked in live photos, making it the first image leak of the handset. The leaked images clearly show a metallic body, something which is in line with some of the rumors we've heard so far. To recap, the Galaxy C5 is going to be powered by a Snapdragon 617 SoC with an octa-core CPU and Adreno 405 GPU, and sport a 5.2-inch display. RAM will be set at 4GB, and the device will run Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow out-of-the-box. Aside...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/galaxy_c5_leaks_in_pictures_for_first_time_shows_off_metal_body-news-18102.php

Update brings new 'Discover' view on Onedrive for Android and Web

Microsoft has updated the OneDrive for Android and Web with a new 'Discover' view. According to the company, the new feature lets content find you, instead of you looking for it. Basically, the Discover view suggests stuff that's relevant to you, and it does that based on the knowledge of the work you are doing and the people with whom you engage. "We're introducing a Discover view, which uses the Office Graph to suggest relevant and trending files from Office 365 (similar to Delve)," the Redmond, Washington-based company said in a blog post. The feature, as we've already told...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/update_brings_new_discover_view_on_onedrive_for_android_and_web-news-18097.php

Xiaomi Mi Max receives TENAA certification

Just five days before the official announcement, the Xiaomi Mi Max gets the certification green light from TENAA. Alongside it, we also get to see the phone in clear new photos from the front and back. The certification information confirms the specifications we already knew from previous leaks. The phone packs a large 6.4" IPS LCD of 1080p resolution. The phone will be available in two variants - 2GB RAM / 16GB of storage and 3GB RAM / 32GB storage. Both versions have a Snapdragon 650 chipset with a hexacore CPU and Adreno 510 GPU. At the back, there's a fingerprint sensor, a...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_mi_max_receives_tenaa_certification-news-18100.php

Samsung beats Apple again as a smartphone market leader in the US

According to analysts company Counterpoint Research, Samsung is now the top dog in the US smartphone market. The last time Samsung outpaced Apple was 11 months ago, but now thanks to strong sales of the Galaxy S7, the company is again leading. According to the research company, Samsung has a 28.8% market share in March, while Apple is second with 23%. Not only did the good sales performance of the Galaxy S7 play a strong role, but also the iPhone SE didn't exactly fly off the shelves as Apple hoped. LG is third with 17.1% market share and is increasingly gaining on Apple. Mind...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_is_again_on_top_of_apple_as_smartphone_market_leader_in_the_us-news-18098.php

Opera gets native ad-blocker in latest version

Opera has released version 37 of its desktop and mobile browser and it now includes a native ad-blocker. Now, with a flick of a switch from the settings, you can block all ads within the browser without having to download any extension. Opera claims that since you are not using any extension, the browser uses less memory compared to other browsers. Also, Opera blocks ads using native code and at the engine level for efficient, fast page loading. Opera recently added native VPN functionality in the developer channel of the browser. This feature is not yet available in the stable...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/opera_gets_native_adblocker_in_latest_version-news-18101.php

Vine now available on Windows 10

Twitter has released the Vine app for the Windows 10 platform. This includes all the devices, from smartphones to tablets and even on desktop. Vine has had an app for the Windows Phone platform, but this new version is designed from the grounds up for the newer Windows 10 platform. The app has a black theme throughout, unlike on iOS and Android, and lets you upload even from desktop. One annoyance, though, is that the app has a tendency to automatically move on to the next Vine after one finishes playing, and there is no way to disable this right now. This is the only Vine app...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/vine_now_available_on_windows_10-news-18099.php

Oppo R9 Plus' 128GB variant is now available for purchase

While the Oppo R9 Plus, which was unveiled alongside the R9 back in March this year, comes in both 64GB and 12GB storage variants, only the former has been available for purchase so far. However now the 128GB version has also gone on sale. The model is currently available for purchase in China, where it carries a price tag of RMB 3,599, which translates into around $555 at current exchange rates. The 64GB variant, for comparison, is priced at around $510 in China. Both the R9 and the 64GB R9 Plus went on sale in China in March itself, with the company selling a total of 180,000 on...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/oppo_r9_plus_128gb_variant_is_now_available_for_purchase-news-18096.php

Marshmallow beta starts hitting T-Mobile Priv units

While the Priv Marshmallow update has already started rolling out in the US and Canada, T-Mobile is yet to launch the update for units on its network. As the wait is on for the final update, a beta Marshmallow build has meanwhile started hitting those T-Mobile Privs that signed up for the testing program. Specifically, the beta update is currently hitting T-Mobile Priv variants with model number STV100-1. In addition units in the US, the build is also rolling out to STV100-3 units in Canada (carrier variants) and Asia pacific region. As for the size, it's a hefty update, weighing in...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/marshmallow_beta_starts_hitting_tmobile_priv_units-news-18095.php

Samsung Galaxy S7 edge (32GB, dual-SIM) currently available for $650 in US

If you recall, back in March, we told you about an eBay deal that took $100 off the Samsung Galaxy S7 edge. In case you missed that deal, here is some good news: the same seller 232tech is back with a new promo, selling the device for just $650 this time. That's again a discount of around $100. However, the model on offer this time is the dual-SIM one, and comes with a UK-standard phone charger. It doesn't come with a US warranty and is not compatible with CDMA carriers. Only gold color option is currently available. Also keep in mind that that unlike US models (which pack in the...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s7_edge_currently_available_for_650_in_us-news-18094.php

HTC 10 pre-orders have started shipping in the US

Inline with what HTC's Senior Global Online Communications Manager Jeff Gordon said last week, the Taiwanese company has started shipping pre-orders for its newest flagship - the HTC 10 - in the United States. We've got good news: if you pre-ordered an #HTC10, they've now started shipping. We're fulfilling orders as they were received.— HTC USA (@HTCUSA) May 4, 2016 Given that this announcement was made directly by HTC, it'd be reasonable to assume that the company is talking about pre-orders placed through its own online store. A quick look at the firm's official website reveals...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/htc_10_preorders_have_started_shipping_in_the_us-news-18093.php

Xperia Z2, Z3 and Z3 Compact getting Marshmallow in India and Canada

Nearly a month after it started rolling out in select regions worldwide including the US, the Marshmallow update for Sony's Xperia Z2, Xperia Z3, and Xperia Z3 Compact smartphones has now started hitting units in India and Canada. Aside from the usual Marshmallow goodies (including Doze, Google Now on Tap, and redesigned app permissions), the update also includes enhanced privacy settings, new camera interface, as well as Xperia Messaging and Direct Share features. Given than the update has just started rolling out in these regions, it may take some time before it hits your device....

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/xperia_z2_z3_and_z3_compact_getting_marshmallow_in_india_and_canada-news-18092.php

HTC 10 storage read/write speeds are below average with other 2016 flagships

When working with the HTC 10, we noticed something peculiar. The time that it took to transfer sample photos from HTC 10 to our PC definitely felt much slower than transferring photos from the LG G5 or the Samsung Galaxy S7 edge. We thought it'd be interesting to measure how these phones perform in reading and writing speeds on the internal memory. The HTC 10 uses the more conventional Embedded Multi-Media Controller (eMMC) 5.1 NAND memory, which, when compared to Samsung's Universal Flash Storage (UFS) 2.1 NAND, is significantly lower in read/write performance than the newer UFS 2.1...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/htc_10_storage_read_write_speeds_below_average_with_other_flagships-news-18091.php

Motorola Moto X Force review: Handle without care

Want a flagship smartphone with all the bells and whistles but you're not good at keeping an expensive piece of equipment out of trouble? Motorola to the rescue. The Moto X Force is a shock and water-proof flagship, with high-performance hardware, impressive camera and a clean Android experience.

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/motorola_moto_x_force-review-1435.php

T-Mobile will offer the rugged Kyocera DuraForce XD from May 11

T-Mobile is getting ready to sell its first rugged Android smartphone, according to a press release put out today by Kyocera, a company that has specialized in exactly such offerings lately. May 11 is when the Kyocera DuraForce XD will make its debut at the magenta carrier. The handset has so far been available from AT&T, which started selling it in January. Over at T-Mobile, the DuraForce XD will be priced at $449.99. That's the standard retail price, but we assume you'll also be able to pick up the device on an installment plan. If that's the case, expect to pay nothing upfront, then...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/tmobile_will_offer_the_rugged_kyocera_duraforce_xd_from_may_11-news-18090.php

Galaxy S7 and S7 edge update on T-Mobile brings FM radio support

T-Mobile has started rolling out a new update for the Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 edge units it's sold. This new release brings with it support for FM radio playback, as well as some bug fixes and performance improvements. Perhaps the most important of those have to do with the functionality of the power and volume keys - bugs in this area should have been eradicated. The new software also incorporates the May security patches, so it will make your device more secure too. The update comes in at around 164MB, and it's going out over-the-air. You should receive a notification about it...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/galaxy_s7_and_s7_edge_update_on_tmobile_brings_fm_radio_support-news-18089.php

Revamped Apple Music will be introduced at WWDC in June

The Apple Music app for iOS is going to receive a big redesign as well as some new features. The big revamp will be officially introduced during the company's WorldWide Developer Conference (WWDC) in June. The new version of the app will then be released in beta alongside iOS 10 to developers and eager consumers, ahead of its official launch in the fall when the new iteration of iOS hits too. Thanks to a few unnamed sources we get to find out some of the details of the redesign. Reportedly, the app will choose a simpler overall design, with more black and white in it (both in backgrounds...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/revamped_apple_music_will_be_introduced_at_wwdc_in_june-news-18087.php

LG Stylo 2 is headed to Cricket, arrives on May 13

Having already launched at Sprint's prepaid brands (Boost Mobile and Virgin Mobile) last month, the LG Stylo 2 is now on its way to AT&T's Cricket brand. As this is also a prepaid carrier, you won't need to sign a long-term contract to grab the phone when it becomes available online and in stores on May 13. The handset is priced at just $169.99. Then again, it is a mid-ranger so don't expect flagship specs. The unique selling point of the Stylo 2 therefore has to be its built-in stylus - not something usually seen in this price range. The Stylo 2 has a 5.7-inch 720p touchscreen,...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/lg_stylo_2_is_headed_to_cricket_arrives_on_may_13-news-18088.php

Save 20% on a Samsung Gear VR headset if you act fast

The newest version of Samsung's Gear VR headset is compatible with all of the company's flagships starting with the Galaxy S6 and S6 edge (and yes, that includes the S7 and S7 edge of course). While the device was offered for free to those who pre-ordered either of the S7 handsets, the pre-order period has long been over. The Gear VR is usually priced at $99.99, but you can now get one for 20% less. If you choose to act fast, that is - because a limited quantity is available at this price. All you need to do is go to eBay and purchase yours for just $79.99, from a seller with a very...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/save_20_on_a_samsung_gear_vr_headset_if_you_act_fast-news-18086.php

Lenovo Z1 (ZUK Z1) India launch confirmed for May 10

Turns out the rumors were true - the ZUK Z1 will indeed land in India as Lenovo Z1. This was confirmed by Lenovo in a Facebook post where-in the company also revealed the device's India launch date: May 10. The ZUK moniker, however, hasn't completely been dropped, as the Chinese company is marketing the device in India as 'powered by ZUK.' The image shared by Lenovo also confirms that the Z1 will be running the Cyanogen OS in India - we've already told you why it's important as far as Indian smartphone market is concerned. There was no revelation on the pricing front, but that...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/lenovo_z1_zuk_z1__india_launch_confirmed_for_may_10-news-18085.php

Xiaomi Mi Max and Mi Band 2 leak before May 10 launch

Xiaomi is holding its Beijing event in a week, on May 10, where the company will announce the Mi Max smartphone and the Mi Band 2. Photos of the two have emerged showing the devices beforehand. The Xiaomi Mi Max will feature a flat, metal frame and the traditional for the company capacitive buttons under the screen. The specs of the phone include a 6.4" 1080p display, a Snapdragon 650 chipset with 3GB of RAM and 32GB of storage. The camera duo is a 16MP snapper at the back and a 5MP at the front. As for the Mi Band 2, it will feature a similar design to its predecessor, but with...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_mi_max_mi_band_2_may_10-news-18066.php

Alleged Samsung Galaxy A4 spotted on Zauba

Looks like Samsung may soon update its 'Galaxy A' line-up of smartphones with a new member. A device carrying a model number of SM-A430U has been spotted on India's import tracking website Zauba, with reports alleging that it's the Galaxy A4. Given the fact that the South Korean company usually follows a set format for model numbers (for example, the second-gen Galaxy A3 is A310F, Galaxy A5 is A510F, and Galaxy A7 is A710F), if anything, A430U is enough to suggest that it could very well be the Galaxy A4. Sadly, the Zauba listing doesn't reveal anything else, especially in terms of...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/meizu_m3_note_india_launch_set_for_next_week_invites_sent_out-news-18082.php

Nextbit Robin now available on Amazon, $100 off for limited time

Kickstarter star Nextbit Robin has been available through the company website for some time. Starting today, the phone will also be available through Amazon in the US. As an introductory offer, the phone is being sold at $299, a cool $100 off from the usual price. The offer is only available from May 4 till May 10. Both the colors are available for purchase. Source • Amazon

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/nextbit_robin_now_available_on_amazon_100_off_for_limited_time-news-18084.php

Huawei G9 Lite and MediaPad M2 7.0 go official in China

The Huawei G9 Lite is now official in China, alongside the MediaPad M2 7.0 tablet. The Huawei G9 Lite is a localized version of the P9 Lite for the Chinese market. As such, it sports a 5.2" 1080p screen and is powered by the company's Kirin 650 chipset with a 2.0GHz octa-core CPU and 3GB of RAM. The same configuration is also present on the Honor 5C. Internal storage is 16GB and is expandable. Huawei has included a fingerprint reader on the back of the G9 Lite and above it, there's a 13MP camera. The front holds an 8MP snapper with f/2.0 aperture. The phone's battery is 3,000mAh and...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/meizu_m3_note_india_launch_set_for_next_week_invites_sent_out-news-18083.php

Pebble Time Steel gets £60 price cut in UK

The Pebble Time Steel smartwatch has received a solid price cut in the United Kingdom. The wearable device - which was launched last year, and is a more premium version of the standard Pebble Time - is now listed for £139.99 on Amazon UK. This means the deal saves you a total of £60, as the timepiece is being officially sold by the company for £199.99 in the country. A quick look at the Amazon listing reveals that the discount is available on all three color variants - black, silver, as well as gold. Those interested in availing the discount can head to the Source link...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/pebble_time_steel_gets_60_price_cut_in_uk-news-18081.php

T-Mobile LG G3 Marshmallow update now rolling out OTA as well

If you recall, we told you about the availability of T-Mobile LG G3 Marshmallow update last week, although it was only available through LG's desktop software at that time. The good news is that its over-the-air roll out has begun as well. The change-log posted on the magenta carrier's website, however, doesn't reveal much about the update, except that it bumps the software version to D85130d, and brings Android Marshmallow (version 6.0 as we learned last week) as well as some WiFi calling-related improvements. As is the case usually with OTA roll-outs, it may take some time before...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/tmobile_lg_g3_marshmallow_update_now_rolling_out_ota_as_well-news-18080.php

Nextbit's cloud-focused Robin to get $100 price cut for a week

If you're planning to purchase Nextbit's cloud-focused Robin smartphone, here's some good news: starting midnight PDT May 4, the device will be available on Amazon for $299, down $100 from the $399 price tag it usually carries. The sale, which comes around a week after Nexbit launched the phone on Amazon, ends May 10. The handset, which comes with cloud storage integrated into its customized Android OS, recently received a major update that brought along Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow as well as the most recent security patches. Via | Amazon

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/nextbits_cloudfocused_robin_to_get_100_price_cut_for_a_week-news-18079.php

Production issues force Xiaomi to delay Mi Band 2 launch

For those who are eagerly waiting for the next-gen Mi Band from Xiaomi, there's some bad news: the wearable device's launch has been pushed back. This was announced by none other than the Chinese company's CEO Lei Jun on Weibo. The Mi Band 2 was set to be made official on May 10, alongside the Mi Max and MIUI 8.0. While Xiaomi might still go ahead and unveil the device as per the schedule, the release has been delayed by a month, as noted by Jun in his post. As you might already know, the device - which Xiaomi officially started teasing early last week - differs from its successors...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/production_issues_force_xiaomi_to_push_back_mi_band_2_launch-news-18078.php