Samsung rolls out update for Galaxy S7/S7 edge, very specific bug fixes this time

Outside of the typical monthly schedule, which brings in the latest Android security patch, Samsung has released new firmware updates for the current flagships Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge. The timing is extraordinary, but then so is the nature of the updates. Unlike the usual generic release notes that cite unnamed bug fixes and performance improvements, these latest releases address very specific issues. The first one on the list is perhaps the one that's hardest to understand, but the summary is that screen clarity when using Always On Display has been improved. Other things...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_rolls_out_update_for_galaxy_s7_s7_edge_very_specific_bug_fixes_this_time-news-18343.php

Deal: Lumia 640 now $30 on Cricket, $10 if you're switching carriers

Cricket Wireless is now offering the Microsoft Lumia 640 for $29.99 with a new activation. That number changes to a nominal $9.99 if you bring your number from another carrier. If you go for the more recent Lumia 650, you'll need to pay $119.99 and there's no number transfer benefits. Microsoft Lumia 640 The offer is valid with any of the carrier's available plans, except the basic Talk and Text plan. The plans range from $40 to $70 a month with $5 off of that each month if you enable the Auto Pay option. Source 1 Source 2 | Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/deal_lumia_640_now_30_on_cricket_10_if_youre_switching_carriers-news-18342.php

Apple CEO shares plans for the company's future in India

Apple's CEO Tim Cook is on an official visit in India, meeting up with the government and carriers to talk about the company's future in the country. Amidst those talks he went for an exclusive interview on NDTV, where he shared Apple's plans for making a move on the Indian market. For one, Apple sees India as having an "enormously bright future" and it's one Apple wants to be a part of. "We're here for a thousand years" were the exact words. Tim Cook sees the rollout of 4G as key to both India's future and Apple's part of it. Tim Cook was clear that he sees talent in India, and...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/apple_ceo_shares_plans_for_the_company_future_in_india-news-18341.php

Samsung Pay partners with Alipay in China

Samsung has partnered up with Ant Financial Services Group, the Chinese company behind the Alipay online payment service. The collaboration will now allow payments with users' Alipay accounts on select Samsung smartphones. Users need to register their Alipay accounts into Samsung Pay and simply swipe upward from the locksreen, homescreen or even standby to bring up an Alipay QR code for the merchant to scan. Samsung Pay was launched in China in the end of March and the service has gotten positive reception since. Supported handsets include the current flagships Galaxy S7, S7...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_partners_with_alipay_in_china_-news-18340.php

Sony behind on iPhone 7 camera sensor production, LG steps in

Apple may be going to LG as a primary supplier of dual-camera modules for initial batches of the iPhone 7, Japanese analysts from Nomura Securities have been quoted as saying. Sony, which was originally meant to be the main vendor, is facing lower-than-expected yield, as well as having to deal with the aftermath of the Kumamoto earthquakes in April, which affected the company's production facilities in the region. Additionally, Nomura Securities predicts that Apple will opt for an optically stabilized camera on the regular-sized 4.7-inch iPhone 7, and not just the 7 Plus model. Both...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/sony_behind_on_iphone_7_camera_sensor_production_lg_steps_in-news-18339.php

Sprint plays the BOGO game too with the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus

Just a few hours ago AT&T announced a big expansion of its Buy One, Get One free (BOGO) offer, which is now available for a whopping 12 smartphones. Notably absent from that list, however, are any Apple devices. Not to worry, though. If you don't mind having Sprint as your carrier, there's a new BOGO deal to be had for the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus too. Here's how it works. If you're a Sprint customer you need to have a line that's eligible for an upgrade, and you'll also have to add a new line. New customers will be required to add two lines, as you'd expect. You can take advantage of the...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/sprint_plays_the_bogo_game_too_with_the_iphone_6s_and_6s_plus-news-18337.php

Nubia exec teases Z11 Max with 83.27% screen-to-body ratio

ZTE's nubia sub-brand has already announced the Z11 mini, the first member in its Z11 family. And earlier this month we've seen the other two devices in the line getting certified for sale in China by TENAA. So both the Z11 and the Z11 Max should become official soon. In the meantime, Ni Fei, nubia's general manager and co-founder, has decided to start teasing the Z11 Max. He's done so on Weibo by posting the image you can see below. The render of the upcoming Z11 Max is accompanied by a claim that should bring very good news to people who love big displays on phones but hate...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/nubia_exec_teases_z11_max_with_8327_screentobody_ratio-news-18336.php

Xiaomi drone launches on May 25

Xiaomi is officially getting into the drone business. The Chinese company has announced an event for May 25, which is next Wednesday. At this event it will present its first ever drone, which we assume will be called something along the lines of Mi Drone. The event invite has the picture you can see below on it, helpfully revealing some of the drone's design elements. Recent rumors have mentioned that this device won't be as cheap as Xiaomi's other wares, in fact it could cost as much as CNY 3,999 (that's about $610 or €543 at the current exchange rates). The drone may in fact be...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_drone_launches_on_may_25-news-18334.php

Google's modular Project Ara phone will be out for developers this fall

After a few delays, it looks like Google's much-hyped Project Ara modular smartphone is almost ready to ship. The device will be out for developers to try sometime this fall, while consumers will be able to get their hands on it at some point next year. To celebrate the news, the search giant has created a new promo video for Project Ara. It obviously plays on the Ara's modular strengths, though it looks like some of those small modules are actually going to be pretty easy to lose. According to a report, around 30 people inside Google are already using Ara prototypes as their...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/googles_modular_project_ara_phone_will_be_out_for_developers_this_fall-news-18335.php

AT&T expands BOGO offer to 12 devices, including the HTC One A9

AT&T's had quite a few Buy One, Get One free (BOGO) deals this year - be they for the Galaxy S7 or LG G5, for example. But today the carrier has announced an unprecedented expansion of its BOGO deal, which now covers a whopping dozen smartphone models. Here's the full list - you can buy either one of these and get another one for free: Samsung Galaxy S7 edge, Samsung Galaxy S7, Samsung Galaxy S6, Samsung Galaxy S6 edge, Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+, Samsung Galaxy S6 active, Samsung Galaxy Note5, LG G5, LG V10, Microsoft Lumia 950, HTC One A9 (pictured below), and Kyocera DuraForce. The...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/at_t_expands_bogo_offer_to_12_devices_including_the_htc_one_a9-news-18333.php

Meizu MX6 will have two RAM and storage versions, new report claims

That Pro 6 or Pro 7 with a double curved touchscreen isn't the only device that Meizu is going to launch at some point in the second half of this year. It will be joined in the Chinese company's portfolio by the MX6, obviously the successor to the MX5 from last year. Although we've already heard a few mumblings about the MX6's specs, today a new report from China comes to shed some light on the two hardware versions it will allegedly have. Accompanying the info is the image you can see below. It's not clear if this is supposed to depict the upcoming MX6 or not, though. If it is, then...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/meizu_mx6_will_have_two_ram_and_storage_versions_new_report_claims-news-18332.php

Sony Xperia X review: Rated X

There's a shift of command in the house of Xperia. The Sony Xperia X and its two siblings are taking over from the Xperia Z. A dynasty has come to an end. We hear the C and M families are being put out to pasture as well, soon it will be all X top to bottom.

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/sony_xperia_x-review-1441.php

LG G5 pre-bookings to start May 21 in India

LG has announced that its flagship device, the modular LG G5, will go on pre-bookings starting May 21 in India. The pre-bookings will go from May 21 till May 30. Customers eager to buy the phone will be able to pre-book from retail outlets, LG branded stores, and online exclusively through Flipkart. As a bonus, LG is giving away a LG CAM Plus - a camera grip for the G5 that gives you a better grip as well as physical buttons for the camera, and also includes a built-in battery to extend the battery life of your phone - to everyone who is pre-booking the G5 in India. You can...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/lg_g5_prebookings_to_start_may_21_in_india-news-18327.php

ZUK Z2 to come with an Exynos 8890 inside, the tease continues

The teasing of the ZUK Z2 by high-ranking company officials continues. After the render shared yesterday by a Lenovo VP, today it is the ZUK CEO that took it to Weibo to share that the Z2 will be powered by Samsung's Exynos 8890 chipset (best known from its starring role in the Galaxy S7). With a hat tip to Meizu VP Li Nan for thinking alike, ZUK's Chang Cheng has labeled the SoC "good" after spending a day with the smartphone. So far Meizu has been the only manufacturer to use Samsung chipsets, other than the Korean company itself, hence the pleasantries between the two Chinese...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/zuk_z2_to_come_with_an_exynos_8890_inside_the_tease_continues-news-18326.php

Android N seamless updates not coming to existing devices

Google announced a bunch of new features in the upcoming Android N during the Google I/O keynote, one of which was seamless updates. With this, new Android devices running N will be able to download the updates in the background and the next time you restart the device you will be running the new version. Turns out, the key word here is 'new'. According to Android Police, the seamless update features won't be coming to existing Android devices. The feature requires two partitions, one offline and one online, and it installs the update on the offline partition and then switches it to...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/android_n_seamless_updates_not_coming_to_existing_devices-news-18325.php

Uber offering $10 off when you pay using Android Pay

Ride sharing service Uber is currently running a promotion where-in it's offering $10 off a ride if you pay using Google's mobile payments service Android Pay. To avail the deal, first download the Android Pay app from the Play Store and set up the service (if you haven't done that already). Then open your Uber app, and enter "ANDROIDPAY" promo code in the Promotions section of your app. The offer - which is valid for a single trip (per account) requested via UberBLACK, UberX, UberSELECT, or UberPOOL options - is limited to the US only, and expires May 31. Source | Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/uber_offering_10_off_when_you_pay_using_android_pay-news-18322.php

Leak reveals native call and SMS blocking feature in the works for Windows 10 Mobile

Microsoft is working on adding native call and SMS blocking capability to the Windows 10 Mobile platform. This was revealed by a leaked set of screenshots that show an app named ID & Filter offering the aforementioned functionality. "ID & Filter provides info about numbers known to send spam, and shows caller ID info about businesses who contact you," says the app description. ID & Filter also allows you to block calls from a specific category of business, such as advertising, real estate, couriers, finance, and taxi. There's currently no information on when the app will be released...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/leak_reveals_native_call_and_sms_blocking_feature_in_the_works_for_windows_10_mobile-news-18324.php

Another Priv Marshmallow beta build starts rolling out

BlackBerry's debut Android smartphone Priv has started receiving yet another Marshmallow beta update, making it the fourth beta build that has been rolled out to the device. The update weighs in at 1.8GB. Like it has been the case previously as well, the update is not hitting all Priv variants - this time around models STV100-1 (purchased from ShopBlackBerry or Amazon), STV100-3 (Canadian carrier variants and those available within Asia-Pacific), and STV100-4 (available in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa) are getting the new beta build. It's worth mentioning that BlackBerry has...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/another_priv_marshmallow_beta_update_starts_rolling_out-news-18323.php

Microsoft's Bing continues to gain US market share

Market research firm comScore's latest report reveals that Microsoft's Bing is continuing to gain market share in the United States, although slowly and steadily. On the other hand, market leader Google's share has dropped a bit. The latest numbers reveal 21.6% market share for Bing, up slightly from the previously revealed 21.4% share. Google, meanwhile, saw its market share dipping from 64.0% to 63.8% during the same time period. Yahoo came in at number three with 12.2% share, while Ask Network and AOL rounded up the top 5 with 1.5% and 0.9% share, respectively. In case you don't...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/microsofts_bing_continues_to_gain_us_market_share-news-18321.php

Google releases list of Chromebooks that will support Android apps

With Google confirming Play Store's arrival on Chromebooks, we're sure most of you will be waiting to know exactly which Chromebooks will support Android apps. Well, the wait is over as the Mountain View, California-based company has released the list. The list of Chromebooks that Google says will work with Android apps starting next month currently includes Acer Chromebook R11, Asus Chromebook Flip, and of course Google Chromebook Pixel (2015). The search giant also released a long list of Chromebooks that will get the Play Store later this year (head to the Source 2 link below)....

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/google_releases_list_of_chromebooks_that_will_support_android_apps-news-18320.php

Lenovo picks at our nostalgia with a RAZR ad for June 9th Moto event

I am confused as I write this. Before reading ahead, you need to see the same video that left me with a baffled look on my face. I feel as if I just got back from my own high school days once filled with acne, confused teenagers, long hair, and Motorola RAZRs. The video is titled "Moto 06.09.16", likely the date for a new phone to launch or to hold an unveiling event. Lenovo quietly released this ad, on Motorola Mobility's YouTube channel, set in a high school with a bunch of adolescents living through their high school phases. The ad starts with a girl sending a text message to...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/lenovo_picks_at_our_nostalgia_with_a_razr_ad_for_june_9th_moto_event-news-18319.php

OnePlus CEO says upcoming OP3 feels good to hold

In an apparent attempt to create hype around the device, OnePlus CEO Liu Zuohu (aka Pete Lau) has said that the company's upcoming OnePlus 3 smartphone feels good to hold. He made the comment in a post on Weibo (China's Twitter). This came just days after the usually reliable leakster @evleaks shared a press render of the OnePlus 3, showing the handset in all its glory. As for specs, rumors say that the OP3 is powered by Snapdragon 820 chipset, and sports a 5.5-inch 1080p display. The device is said to come in two RAM variants - 4GB and 6GB - with 32GB and 64GB internal memory,...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/oneplus_ceo_says_upcoming_op3_feels_good_to_hold-news-18318.php

Google confirms it is developing VR headset and controller

If you recall, when Google announced Daydream VR platform at the ongoing I/O 2016 conference a couple of days ago, the company revealed that it has created a reference design for a virtual reality headset as well as a controller that will be shared with partners. While that gave an impression that Google itself won't be launching such a product, the search giant has now confirmed otherwise. The confirmation came from Google's VR division head Clay Bavor who said that the Mountain View, California based company is developing its own VR headset and controller. Sadly, he didn't reveal...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/google_confirms_it_is_developing_vr_headset_and_controller-news-18317.php

Chrome OS devices have outsold Macs in the US for the first time ever

For the first time since Chrome OS was launched, devices running Google's operating system have outsold Apple's Macs in the US in the first quarter of this year. The data comes from IDC, though an exact number for Chrome OS device sales hasn't been given. That said, Mac OS computer sales are estimated to be around 1.76 million for Q1 2016, so Chrome OS device makers have probably sold almost 2 million units during the same time frame. IDC notes however that most of those Chrome OS sales have gone to schools, where they are apparently very popular. Chromebook laptops, Chromebase...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/chrome_os_devices_have_outsold_macs_in_the_us_for_the_first_time_ever-news-18316.php

Meizu Pro 6 Edge or Pro 7 with curved screen shows up, may launch in H2

The double curved screens made popular by Samsung with its recent edge-branded smartphones are starting to catch on even among competing manufacturers, it seems. Case in point: Meizu. The Chinese company is working on its own 'edge' handset, which might launch in the second half of this year. The existence of the phone has apparently been confirmed by Meizu CEO Huang Zhang. An image supposedly depicting the handset has been leaked in China, and you can see it below. The phone will either be called Meizu Pro 6 Edge or Pro 7. It's expected to cost at least $450, and will run Meizu's upcoming...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/meizu_pro_6_edge_or_pro_7_with_curved_screen_shows_up_may_launch_in_h2-news-18315.php

Asus Zenfone 3 details leak: 3 sizes, metal frames, 23MP cams on some

The third-generation Zenfone is coming and a comprehensive leak gives us a lot of juicy details. For starters, there will be three models ranging from $110 to $370 based on size and features. The models will be divided by screen size: 4.5", 5" and 5.5" (there's a chance the last one will be 6" instead). The screens will be covered with 2.5D Gorilla Glass 4. Some will get in on the back too and a brushed spiral pattern is reported along with five glossy color options - White, Silver, Gold, Rose Gold and Black. Asus Zenfone 3 out in the wild The new Asus Zenfone 3 handsets will be...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/asus_zenfone_3_details_leak_3_sizes_metal_frames_23mp_cams_on_some-news-18309.php

A black ZUK Z2 hides in the dark, teaser reveals similar design to the Z2 Pro

The ZUK Z1 from last year was followed up last month with the ZUK Z2 Pro. If you've been wondering where's the non-Pro, stay calm - it's coming. Senior vice president of Lenovo Group (ZUK's parent company) has shared an image of the ZUK Z2 on Weibo disclosing a few design details. The almost pitch-black render requires some adjustment to actually reveal the phone but once that's done, we're given a glimpse of the metal frame and 2.5D front glass. A hardware home button and a Type-C USB port have been borrowed from the Z2 Pro. Image as shared on Weibo • With shadows...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/a_black_zuk_z2_hides_in_the_dark_teaser_reveals_similar_design_to_the_z2_pro-news-18312.php

SHIELD TV update to bring YouTube 4K60 support, Netflix HDR

SHIELD TV owners have a major update to look forward to from NVIDIA. Two of the major features coming is 4K at 60fps and HDR video, that should help you get the very best out of your Ultra HD Premium TV. The 4K60 support will be available on the YouTube app, which means you can watch all the latest 4K gaming videos the way they were captured. The HDR support will be available on apps like Netflix, which currently has a growing library of HDR content. The SHIELD TV will be the first smart TV box to have support for this feature. Other than that, VUDU will also be now available to stream in...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/shield_tv_update_to_bring_youtube_4k60_support_netflix_hdr-news-18314.php

Nextbit's cloud-focused Robin landing in India next week

A couple of weeks after announcing that it has received necessary approvals to sell the device in India, Nextbit has started sending invites for a May 25 event where it will launch the cloud-focused Robin smartphone. Originally, the India launch was scheduled for April-end, but it got delayed. The device started shipping to Kickstarter backers in the country last week, and starting May 25, it will be available to the general public as well. There's currently no information on how much the handset will cost in India. In the US, it carried a $399 price tag at launch. To refresh,...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/nextbits_cloudfocused_robin_landing_in_india_next_week-news-18313.php

Asus Zenfone 3 details leak: 3 sizes, metal frames, 23 cams on some

The third-generation Zenfone is coming and a comprehensive leak gives us a lot of juicy details. For starters, there will be three models ranging from $110 to $370 based on size and features. The models will be divided by screen size: 4.5", 5" and 5.5" (there's a chance the last one will be 6" instead). The screens will be covered with 2.5D Gorilla Glass 4. Some will get in on the back too and a brushed spiral pattern is reported along with five glossy color options - White, Silver, Gold, Rose Gold and Black. Asus Zenfone 3 out in the wild The new Asus Zenfone 3 handsets will be...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/asus_zenfone_3_details_leak_3_sizes_metal_frames_23_cams_on_some-news-18309.php

Google Keyboard 5.1 gets theme support

Yesterday, Google released Android N Developer Preview 3. One of the inclusions is the new Google Keyboard 5.1. The main addition here is the presence of themes. You can choose from a bunch of solid color themes for the keyboard. There is also an option to set any image of your choice as a background for the keyboard. 5.1 also brings support for the new emoji that are included in Android N. The previous versions of Google Keyboard could not access the new emoji, meaning you can see them but couldn't type them, and this update fixes that. Android Police has an APK for the update,...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/google_keyboard_51_gets_theme_support-news-18311.php

Axon 7's first teaser video focuses on device's sound quality

ZTE has released first teaser video for its upcoming Axon 7 flagship smartphone. The video - which is aimed at showcasing the device's sound quality - shows close-up of an animated character playing piano on stage. But as the camera zooms out, it's revealed that the animated movie is in fact being played on the Axon 7. If you recall, the invite image that the company sent out for the device's launch event also contained a caption "Listening to the heart of power." Although we told you it could be something related to the device's audio output, we weren't really sure about it at that...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/axon_7s_first_teaser_video_focuses_on_devices_sound_quality-news-18304.php

Samsung Pay in the US now supports loyalty, membership cards

Samsung Pay is expanding fast - both in supported territories and in features. The latest addition to the service helps you pay less - with the addition of loyalty and membership cards (US-only for now). The feature is pretty simple - it shows a barcode on the screen and that the cashier can scan just like a regular barcode. This allows you to carry as many cards as you want - an average American family has 30 loyalty cards, which is impractical to lug around (so often you forget to take them and miss out on deals and savings). Of course, once those savings are applied you can just...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_pay_in_the_us_now_supports_loyalty_membership_cards-news-18310.php

Exclusive: Apple iPhone 7 renders appear

We received exclusive Apple iPhone 7 renders from a reputable source in the case-making business. The renders you see below are based on actual 3D technical drawings of the upcoming iPhone 7. However, colors and materials are not official but made up. Since the renders are based on technical drawings of the device, the buttons, camera placement and all functional elements are in their correct locations. The color scheme and actual materials might differ slightly, but knowing Apple's style these are also likely correct. Apple iPhone 7 renders Interestingly, Apple has...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/exclusive_apple_iphone_7_renders-news-18307.php

Resident Evil 5 comes to NVIDIA SHIELD TV

Capcom has launched a mobile version of the Resident Evil 5 game, which was released on PC and consoles back in 2009. The game is exclusively available on NVIDIA SHIELD TV, and no other Android device, not even NVIDIA's other SHIELD devices. The game comes in at a massive 3.7GB download and expands to 5.5GB after installing, which should take a sizable chunk out of your storage. The game is limited to 720p resolution, however, which shouldn't really be a big deal since you sit away from the TV screen. The game is currently priced at $9.99 with an included 33% discount, so expect the...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/resident_evil_5_comes_to_nvidia_shield_tv-news-18308.php

Gionee brings 5,020mAh battery toting Marathon M5 Plus to India

The Gionee Marathon M5 Plus - which features Mediatek MT6753 SoC and a 6-inch display, and packs in a 5,020mAh battery - has been launched in India, five months after it was launched in the company's home country of China. In India, the device will be available across retail outlets, and online exclusively through e-tailer Flipkart, which has it listed for INR 26,999 (or around $400 at current exchange rates). Color options include Champagne Gold and Polar Gold. "We are thrilled to bring the M5 Plus to India. The device is a perfect reflection of a beautifully crafted powerhouse,"...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/gionee_brings_5020mah_battery_toting_marathon_m5_plus_to_india-news-18306.php

Samsung Galaxy C5 with octa-core CPU and 5.2-inch display clears TENAA

The Samsung Galaxy C5 - which has already been the subject of several leaks, and is expected to be unveiled on May 26 along with the Galaxy C7 - has now been spotted on the website of Chinese telecommunication authority TENAA, confirming some of its key specs. The listing reveals that the device is powered by an octa-core processor (two variants - 1.5GHz and 1.2GHz - are mentioned), and sports a 5.2-inch full HD display. It has 4GB RAM and 32GB/64GB internal memory options. The camera department is handled by a 16MP rear unit and an 8MP front shooter. A 2,600mAh battery is there to...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_c5_with_octacore_cpu_and_52inch_display_clears_tenaa-news-18303.php

Play Store and Android apps headed to Chrome, Google announces

It's not like we didn't already know it, but Google has now officially confirmed that Android apps will be available on Chrome through the Play Store. The confirmation came in the form of a session description on the website of the company's I/O 2016 conference. The description has apparently been pulled, but not before it was captured by tech media. Here it is: Today we announced that we're adding the best mobile app experiences in the world, Android apps and the Google Play store, to the best browser in the world, Chrome! Come to this session and test your Android apps for Chrome...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/play_store_and_android_apps_headed_to_chrome_google_announces-news-18305.php

BlackBerry 'Hamburg' spotted on GFXBench with SD615 SoC, 5.2-inch display

If you recall, late last month, we told you about a couple of upcoming Android-powered BlackBerry devices - codenamed Hamburg and Rome. Well, the former has now been spotted on GFXBench, revealing some of its key specifications. As per the listing, the device is powered by Snapdragon 615, and sports a 5.2-inch full HD display. It comes with 3GB RAM and 16GB internal memory, and features a 12MP rear camera and 8MP front shooter. The handset carries a model number of STH100-x, and runs Android 6.0.1 out of the box. There is currently no information on exactly when the device will be...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/blackberry_hamburg_spotted_on_gfxbench_with_sd615_soc_52inch_display-news-18302.php

Google Cardboard app downloads hit 50 million milestone

Google has announced that a total of over 50 million VR apps for its Cardboard platform have been downloaded from the Play Store so far. The announcement was made by the company's head of VR Clay Bavor at the ongoing I/O 2016 conference. The figure stood at 25 million back in January this year, meaning the number of Cardboard app downloads has doubled in the past four months. "We think that's pretty good for what is, after all, just a piece of cardboard," Bavor said. Although Bavor didn't reveal the exact number of Cardboard units that have been shipped globally until now, he did...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/google_cardboard_app_downloads_hit_50_million_milestone-news-18301.php

Netflix launches fast.com, a simple speed test website

Netflix wants you to keep tabs on how fast your internet connection is. That's why it trademarked and launched a data speed test site that launches instantly as soon as you enter the website www.fast.com. This is likely to help customers who are having trouble with their internet connections to identify the issues fast. While we still have speedtest.net, there are still many people who cannot understand what the speed test is actually measuring or how to even start a speed test using Speed Test's interface. Netflix has so much internet traffic already but believes it's still up to the task...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/netflix_launches_fastcom_a_simple_speed_test_website-news-18299.php

YU Yunicorn unveiling delayed to May 31

Micromax subsidiary YU Televentures has postponed the unveiling of its upcoming Yunicorn flagship smartphone. The device, which was earlier scheduled to be made official on May 19 (today), will now be announced on May 31. Apparently, the reason behind the delay is lack of media coverage - May 19 has been chosen as "vote counting day" by the Election Commission of India (several states in the country went for elections recently), so obviously the media will be focusing there. Coming back to Yunicorn, YU is marketing it as "the phone that will redefine flagships." Not much is known...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/yu_yunicorn_launch_delayed_to_may_31-news-18300.php

Google to make it easier to discover apps in Beta

Signing up for an app that's in Beta has always been a cumbersome process. You'll usually be invited to try a Beta app through a link that puts you on a whitelist to download the latest build of such apps. The problem with this model that has been plaguing it for a while, is that the system always took several moments for the Beta request to go through before you could even download the application. Google is taking new steps in order to make it simpler for people to discover new apps in Beta by putting these apps in the search results for the general public to download and access. This...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/google_to_make_it_easier_to_discover_apps_in_beta-news-18298.php

Google says you'll soon be able to use Android Auto without a compatible car

Google I/O brought the announcement that might make many Android using drivers pretty happy. Google has announced that soon the Android Auto app will be fully accessible through your phone's screen and will no longer require an actual radio compatible with the platform. All you would need in order to use Android Auto is to hook up your audio to your car via 3.5mm auxiliary jack or Bluetooth streaming. Google has also announced new features to the platform such as voice activation and Waze integration. But the bigger news is that Google has allowed for car-makers to customize Android Auto...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/android_tv_powered_xiaomi_mi_box_coming_to_the_us-news-18296.php

Android TV powered Xiaomi Mi Box coming to the US

Xiaomi has teamed up with Google to bring the Mi Box with 4K streaming and Android TV built in. Xiaomi has announced it will also be the first OEM to team up with Google for its new VR platform called Daydream, all built on Android N. This new sleek box will be HDR TV-ready and 4K compatible. It will be able to feed UHD (4K) video content at 60fps for the sharpest and smoothest video playback quality. It will also support HDMI 2.0a, a new standard of HDTV that'll be enabled with the release of Android N. YouTube, Netflix, Vudu, and FandangoNOW are onboard for the new HDMI standard and...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/android_tv_powered_xiaomi_mi_box_coming_to_the_us-news-18297.php

HTC 10, One M9, and One A9 will all get Android N updates

Today marked the start of Google I/O, the search giant's annual developer conference. And while in the past this was the occasion that saw a new Android version announced, this year we only got a quick recap of the most important new features coming in Android N, since the first developer preview for that iteration came a couple of months back. Oh, and there was also the big Daydream announcement, let's not forget. Now that Google has basically released the first beta version of Android N and said the final software will be rolling out to Nexus devices later this summer, you might be...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/htc_10_one_m9_and_one_a9_will_all_get_android_n_updates-news-18295.php

Allo and Duo are Google's new messenger and video calling apps

Google wants to shake up the way that people communicate with each other and it believes that Allo will do just that, by integrating AI (artificial intelligence) elements with every day communication methods. Duo, a new video calling app, has also been announced for users between Android and iOS to communicate with each other. Both of these apps will be available to iOS and Android users in the summer of this year. Allo Allo is Google's new smart messaging app that uses your phone number to find other friends who are also on Allo. It offers new ways to send messages and lets users be...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/allo_and_duo_are_googles_new_messenger_and_video_calling_app-news-18294.php

Google announces Android Instant Apps, which run without installation

At Google I/O today one of the projects becoming official is Android Instant Apps. This basically means that you can run an app without installing it. Behind that simple use case are some slightly more complicated tweaks that developers need to make to their apps for them to support this. That's because an app needs to be modular, so to speak, to be able to achieve this. When, for example, someone sends you a link to a product listing on a website, you'll get to view it in that retailer's app - even if you don't already have it installed on your phone or tablet. Android will load only...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/google_announces_android_instant_apps_which_run_without_installation-news-18293.php

Android Wear 2.0 unveiled with new design, standalone functionality

Android Wear grew really fast in the two years of its existence. At Google I/O 2016, the company showcased parts of the latest Android Wear 2.0 and it looks refreshed. With the latest version of Android Wear, smartwatches running it will be completely standalone and won't require a smartphone as a companion. Devices will connect to Wi-Fi networks automatically, and will rely on cellular when you're out and about. The biggest change comes in the design, though. Google released new and enhanced Material Design guidelines for Wear 2.0. You can check them in the source link...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/android_wear_20_unveiled_with_new_design_standalone_functionality-news-18292.php

Google announces Daydream, a VR platform built into Android

Coming with the final Android N release later this summer is Daydream. This is essentially the name for Google's new VR platform that will be part of Android itself. Daydream will be the home of VR content inside Android. There will be a Daydream version of the Google Play Store, and it will contain all the VR-ready apps. You'll use this in VR mode, and whenever you are in Daydream you can easily go back to the list of your VR-capable apps. Among those you'll find Street View, YouTube, Play Movies, and Google Photos, but also many games as you'd expect. When inside Daydream, your...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/google_announces_daydream_a_vr_platform_built_into_android-news-18291.php