Show HTC how good your selfies skill are for a chance to win an HTC 10

HTC's latest guerilla marketing campaign is all about that perfect selfie. The company recently launched a new contest that may land you a free HTC 10. All you have too do is upload your best selfie at the source link and keep your fingers crossed. Oh, you also have to be over 18 and live in the US and to participate. #PutYourselfInOurSelfie, as HTC is calling it, seems be after raw material for a video, undoubtedly to promote the HTC 10 and its OIS-enabled front-facing shooter. There are even instructions for you to follow on the website and it appears you can enter as many of your...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/show_htc_how_good_your_selfies_skill_are_for_a_chance_to_win_an_htc_10-news-18636.php

There will probably be no new hardware at WWDC 2016

If you were hoping to see the iPhone 7 at WWDC 2016 on June 13, chances are, you will get disappointed. In fact, industry insiders hint that the Worldwide Developers Conference will adhere to its original purpose and stick to software and software alone. This means, most-likely leaving the iPhone announcements on their usual September schedule, but also probably skipping on any new MacBook Pro with an OLED touch display above the keyboard, that has been floating around in the rumor mill. However, this definitely doesn't mean that there are no new announcements to get excited...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/there_will_probably_be_no_new_hardware_at_wwdc_2016-news-18635.php

Microsoft FlashBack might hold the key to VR on mobile devices

Virtual reality is definitely a buzz word for 2016. This is not to say that the concept is new, far from it, but this year it finally feels like the technology is getting there and catching up to our vision. But ambitious projects like the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive share a common dependence on an overwhelming abundance of processing power, with the new generation of GPS's from both Nvidia and AMD struggling to come through. Even mobile projects like Samsung's Gear VR rely on the very best hardware smartphones have to offer and struggle with its limitations respectively. Microsoft Research...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/microsoft_flashback_might_hold_the_key_to_vr_on_mobile_devices-news-18633.php

Another batch of OnePlus 3 live images surfaces online

OnePlus is definitely no stranger to viral marketing and it is no wonder the upcoming OnePlus 3 has been stirring up so much excitement online. The Chinese manufacturer has steadily been feeding us one detail at a time, whether it is a press render, leaked specs and more recently, a short teaser video. But now that the unveiling is officially set for June 15 and the dreaded invite system allegedly ditched for good, fans really have a big event to look forward to and thus, understandably, are digging even deeper to get new info on the handset before launch. The latest scoop comes in...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/another_batch_of_oneplus_3_live_images_surfaces_online-news-18634.php

Twitter is testing a new Ad Carousel that allows companies to group and showcase user tweets

Twitter first hinted at its new ad unit idea during CES 2016, but didn't really go into too much detail. Now, a few months later, it seems the social giant is already putting the finishing touches on what it officially calls Promoted Tweet Carousel, as the feature has already been spotted by users in the wild. The way the new ad works is quite clever and ties in well with the core trend-oriented model of Twitter itself. It allows advertisers to group various tweets into a single swipeable unit and promote it as an advertisement. The real trick, however, is that these tweets can come form...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/twitter_is_testing_a_new_ad_carousel_that_allows_companies_to_group_and_showcase_user_tweets-news-18632.php

Win10-powered HP Elite x3 spotted with fingerprint scanner

Remember the Windows 10-powered HP Elite x3 smartphone that was unveiled back in February during this year's Mobile World Congress (MWC)? Well, the device was spotted at the ongoing Computex 2016, and looks like it has gained a fingerprint scanner. This shouldn't come as a surprise as HP had noted during the phone's unveiling that there's a rear fingerprint sensor, just that the units shown off at the MWC didn't have it. As for the Elite x3's availability, HP has already said that it will be available this summer, although we're yet to hear an exact date or month. The device,...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/win10powered_hp_elite_x3_spotted_with_fingerprint_sensor_on_track_for_this_summer-news-18630.php

Use Facebook's mobile Web app for chatting? You'll need Messenger app soon

Nearly a couple of years after removing the messaging feature from its main app, Facebook has revealed that soon users of its mobile Web app too will also need the standalone Messenger app for accessing the chat functionality. Those using the mobile Web app are currently getting the following notice: While the feature hasn't been disabled as of now, it surely won't be long when Messenger will be your only mode of communication with your Facebook contacts on mobile. The reason behind the move is obvious: the social networking company wants its Messenger app to grow. The app...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/use_facebooks_mobile_web_app_for_messaging_your_days_are_limited-news-18631.php

LeEco Le Max 2 6GB RAM variant goes up for pre-order

As you might already know, the LeEco Le Max 2 - which was unveiled back in April this year - comes in 4GB as well as 6GB RAM variants. But, only the 4GB variant has been available for purchase all this while. That, however, will soon change as the company has started accepting pre-orders for the 6GB version. Pre-orders can be placed on the Chinese company's official online store, with deliveries expected in next 2-3 weeks, meaning you should be able to get your hands on the device by this month's end. It's worth mentioning that the device is expected to land in India next week (June...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/leeco_le_max_2_6gb_ram_variant_is_now_available_for_purchase-news-18628.php

ZUK Z2 scores more than 6 million registrations for its first sale

As you might already know, the ZUK Z2 - which was made official in China earlier this week - is set to go on sale on June 7. The device is currently up for registration, and the company has now revealed that the total number of registrations has already crossed the 6 million mark. While that's certainly impressive, do keep in mind that the number only represents those who have registered for the sale (not actually pre-ordered the handset), and needless to say, registrations do not necessarily translate to sold units. To refresh, some of the key specs of the device include SD820 SoC,...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/zuk_z2_scores_over_6_million_registrations_for_its_first_sale-news-18627.php

New Microsoft Band 2 update brings ability to track heart rate zones

The Microsoft Band 2 as well as its Health companion app has received a new update, bumping the firmware version to 2.0.4737.0 and the app version to 2.3.20602. The update brings a couple of new features, including the ability to track heart rate zones. The software giant explains the new Heart Rate Zones feature as: "Track your heart rate zones on Band: Improve your workout health with notifications for heart rate zones. When you're at 80% maximum heart rate, the heart rate on Band turns orange. At 90%, it turns red." In addition, the update also adds Cortana support to Health...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/new_microsoft_band_2_update_brings_ability_to_track_heart_rate_zones-news-18629.php

Recently launched LG Stylus 2 Plus and last year's Galaxy On5 landing in US this month

Just a few days ago, LG launched the Stylus 2 Plus smartphone in Taiwan. At that time, the company said that the phone will land in key markets in Asia, South America, Europe and North America in the weeks to come. Now, thanks to a leaked MetroPCS Q2 in-store pricing grid, we have some information on when the device will land in the US. Reportedly, the Stylus 2 Plus will be launched in the country as Stylo2 Plus, with the leak revealing that T-Mobile's prepaid subsidiary will start carrying the handset on 27th of this month. As for price, it will carry a tag of $149. In addition,...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/recently_launched_lg_stylus_2_plus_and_last_years_galaxy_on5_landing_in_us_this_month-news-18626.php

New Galaxy Note 6/7 render reveals device's dimensions, dual-edge screen

We've already taken a look at 3D sketches depicting what the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Note 6 (or Note 7) might look like. And now, a new render of the device has been leaked revealing the device's dimensions. The next Note is here: Curved screen, different dimensions.153mmX74.5X7.8 #Note6 #Samsung #Leak @AndroidAuth pic.twitter.com/1NnWUqczTH— Shai Mizrachi (@ShaiMizrachi) June 3, 2016 The leak comes courtesy of @ShaiMizrachi, who has provided some credible information in the past. It reveals that the handset will be 7.8mm thick, 153mm in height, and 74.5mm in width. This compares to...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/galaxy_note_6_7_to_come_with_dualedge_screen_new_render_reveals-news-18625.php

Acer Chromebook 14 and Chromebook 11 (2016) now available for purchase from Google Store

Google has started selling the Acer Chromebook 14 as well as the 2016 edition of the Chromebook 11 through its official online store in the US and Canada. While the former carries a price tag of $300, the latter sets you back $180. The Chromebook 14 is powered by a quad-core processor, and sports a 14-inch 1080p display. It comes with 4GB RAM and 32GB internal memory. The Chromebook 11 (2016), on the other hand, is powered by a dual-core processor, and sports an 11.6-inch 1366x768 pixel resolution display. RAM is 2GB, while internal memory is 16GB. Both Chromebooks come with free...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/acer_chromebook_14_and_chormebook_11_2016__now_available_for_purchase_from_google_store-news-18624.php

Samsung Gear Fit 2 goes on pre-order for $179.99

Yesterday Samsung finally made the Gear Fit 2 official after many leaks about the new wearable made their way across the internet. And just like the company promised, the fitness band is now up for pre-order in the United States. Getting a Gear Fit 2 will set you back exactly $179.99. Shipping is free, and it's expected to happen in 7 to 10 business days, so you won't have a lot of waiting to do until the wearable arrives at your doorstep - compared to other pre-order periods, at least. As you may know already, the Gear Fit 2 comes with a 1.5-inch 216x432 Super AMOLED touchscreen, an...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_gear_fit_2_goes_on_preorder_for_17999-news-18623.php

The Instagram apocalypse is nigh, algorithmic feed goes live for everyone

Back in March Instagram created a rift in the time-space continuum when it announced that it was going to test a new, algorithmic way of sorting its users' photo feeds. This came after years upon years of greatly coveted reverse-chronology, so understandably many were very, very upset. Celebrities mostly, but still. In the meantime the backlash died down, but it's likely to be revived starting today. The reason for it going undead has to do with Instagram letting us know that the new, algorithm-based feed is now rolling out to everyone. That's right, every single Instagram user will from...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/the_instagram_apocalypse_is_nigh_algorithmic_feed_goes_live_for_everyone-news-18622.php

Huawei plans to launch a new Honor smartphone in Europe on June 20

Today Huawei has started sending out media invites for a "virtual launch" that will be taking place on June 20. At that point, the Chinese company's Honor sub-brand will be unveiling a new and "exciting" product in Europe. This will apparently be "fast, robust, and affordable", as you can see from the invite pictured below. What isn't very clear is whether this event will be used by Honor to launch an entirely new smartphone, say the recently rumored Honor 8, or just mark the European arrival of one that's already out in China (we're thinking of the Honor V8 here). Since the words...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/huawei_plans_to_launch_a_new_honor_smartphone_in_europe_on_june_20-news-18620.php

Nexus 6P is now at least $80 cheaper, 128GB model costs as much as the one with 32GB used to

The latest high-end Nexus is a lot cheaper now than usual. Several retailers are offering the Huawei Nexus 6P for $80 off its normal price, so you can grab the 32GB model for $419.99, the one with 64GB for $469.99, and the 128GB iteration for $569.99. You can take advantage of these prices at Best Buy, B&H, Newegg, and Amazon (but in this case only for the silver model for whatever reason). Oh, and if you buy from Newegg through eBay you can have the 128GB version for just $499.99. On top of the discount itself, B&H will give you a pair of free screen protectors, as well as a $50 gift...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/nexus_6p_is_now_at_least_80_cheaper_and_the_128gb_model_costs_as_much_as_the_one_with_32gb_used_to-news-18621.php

AT&T's Lumia 640 and Verizon's Lumia 735 get Windows 10 Mobile

Starting today, two more smartphones are receiving updates to Windows 10 Mobile. We're talking about the AT&T version of the Microsoft Lumia 640 and Verizon's Lumia 735 model. Both of them are now in the process of being updated to Windows 10 Mobile over-the-air. Obviously as is always the case the rollout is happening in phases, so a few days (if not more) will pass before everyone who owns one of this phones gets the much anticipated update notification. If you have AT&T's Lumia 640, go to the Upgrade Advisor app if you want to manually check for the new software. If you own Verizon's...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/at_ts_lumia_640_and_verizons_lumia_735_get_windows_10_mobile-news-18617.php

Snapchat quietly acquired Seene, a 3D imaging app

Snapchat, a photo sharing app of giant proportions, has quietly purchased another app that lets users post 3D images that are generated with a standard smartphone's camera. Seene, the name of the app, is much structured like Instagram where users can post a feed of their own 3D images created within the app. According to TechCrunch, the purchase was said to have happened about two months ago. This is one of those apps that are pretty cool, but easily forgotten about if the technology is not applied on a larger scale. Here is where Snapchat comes in. It must be really interested in the...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/snapchat_quietly_acquired_seene_3d_imaging_app-news-18618.php

Lyft and Uber are testing grocery deliveries with Walmart

Walmart has already been hard at work testing and rolling out its online grocery pickup service offered in San Jose, California and Denver, Colorado. The company is currently preparing to test Walmart grocery deliveries by teaming up with Uber and Lyft. The company is going to begin piloting the delivery service in Denver, Colorado, and Phoenix Arizona. In addition, Sam's Club (Walmart-owned wholesale chain) has already started its own delivery program with Business partners out of Miami. Here is how the delivery process works: First, the customer in one of the test area locations...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/lyft_and_uber_are_testing_grocery_deliveries_with_walmart-news-18615.php

Huawei is making another Nexus this year, exec says

Remember that odd Nexus 6P that got benchmarked in April with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 chipset on board? Well, it doesn't look all that odd anymore. Yesterday evening in South Africa Huawei launched its P9 series, and during an interview at the event Charlene Munilall, the Chinese company's general manager in the country made a very interesting statement. Asked about the Nexus line and why it's not available in South Africa, at one point she bluntly stated the following: "We're doing the Nexus again this year, by the way". Now obviously there's still a small chance that this is...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/huawei_is_making_another_nexus_this_year_exec_says-news-18616.php

Deal: Spigen cases for iPhone 6(S) and 6(S) Plus for $4

If you've found yourself with a raggedy iPhone case, fear no more. We are offering our readers heavy discounts on iPhone 6(S) and iPhone 6(S) Plus cases, courtesy of Spigen USA. To take advantage of these discounts, all you need to do is copy the code of the case you'd like and paste it into the promo code option upon checkout. These codes are active right now and all the cases below can be had for just $4 with Prime shipping. Discounted cases are available until supplies last. All codes will expire tonight, June 3, at midnight Pacific Time. iPhone 6(S): Ultra Hybrid - Crystal...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/spigen_cases_for_iphone_6s_and_6splus_for_399-news-18613.php

Moto X Pure Edition and Moto 360 Sport bundle gets a $350 discount

Every once in a while, Motorola has some hard-to-resist offers and today we get another one. The company is selling the Moto X Pure Edition and Moto 360 Sport as a bundle for $400. That's the 64GB version of the phone, which rounds up to $350 off the regular price! In order to activate the discount, you'll have to add the Moto X Pure Edition and a white or orange Moto 360 Sport. Then, apply the "CLASSOF2016" and "JUNEMOTO360" promo codes. The Moto X Pure Edition (2015) is the equivalent of the Moto X Style for North America, and the brand's current flagship offering for the...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/moto_x_pure_edition_and_moto_360_sport_bundle_gets_a_350_discount-news-18614.php

Lumigon T3 is the first phone with a night vision camera

Lumigon is a small Danish outfit that designs distinctive phones and its new model, the T3, marks a world's first for smartphones - it has a night vision camera. Unlike the thermal camera on the CAT S60, the Lumigon T3 has a 4MP night vision camera backed by two IR LEDs. It allows you to take photos and videos in complete darkness (and the IR light the camera uses is invisible to the naked eye so you can be sneaky). An action key can quickly enable a function - say the camera or the flashlight. The T3 is built from marine-grade 316 stainless steel and evolves the utilitarian design...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/lumigon_t3_is_the_first_phone_with_a_night_vision_camera-news-18612.php

Samsung Galaxy Note 6 recreated based on leaked blueprints

Leaked blueprints courtesy of @OnLeaks combined with the 3D skills of uSwitch have resulted in a 3D render of what the Samsung Galaxy Note 6 might look like. The sketches show a dual-curved screen, similar to the Galaxy S7 edge. The S Pen sheath in the lower right makes this definitely a Note device, though. The screen is somewhere between 5.7" and 5.8" big. A surprising swap has occurred at the bottom - a shiny new USB Type-C takes over from the tired microUSB 2.0. If this pans out, it will be a first for Samsung. A 3D render of the Samsung Galaxy Note 6 (based on leaked...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_note_6_recreated_based_on_leaked_blueprints-news-18610.php

VLC 2.0 for Android is out - now with network browsing

After what seemed like age-long testing, VLC for Android 2.0 has graduated to stable release. Some things do take a long time to perfect, just remember how long Gmail had its "beta" subtitle and when it comes to LVC, there is definitely a reputation to live up to. The main highlight of VLC 2.0 is its eagerly-anticipated network browsing feature, which is finally added to the mix. As fans would expect, it offers quite a versatile list of supported protocols, including Windows shares, UPnP, NFS, FTP and SFTP. Another major milestone achieved through version 2.0 is the merge between...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/vlc_20_for_android_is_out__now_with_network_browsing-news-18611.php

Meizu Blue Charm Metal 2 will be unveiled on June 13

We were already in the know about Meizu's intention to release a successor to the m1 metal, named the Meizu Blue Charm Metal 2 or simply Meizu Metal 2 . The first solid confirmation of that came in the shape of a TENAA certification from a few days ago. It appears that the Chinese manufacturer has decided to move things along quickly and has already sent out invitations for the official unveiling event. The event will take place in China on June 13 at 14:00 local time. However, the insider source for the invitation itself has also shared some very different specs from the ones...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/meizu_blue_charm_metal_2_will_be_unveiled_on_june_13-news-18606.php

Apple re-releases iOS 9.3.2 for 9.7-inch iPad Pro

Apple has re-released the iOS 9.3.2 update exclusively for the 9.7-inch iPad Pro users. For those not aware, Apple released the update to all the supported devices two weeks ago but some of those with the new 9.7-inch iPad Pro had their devices bricked by the update, to the point where Apple had to replace their units. Apple since then pulled the update for the specific device and only now is releasing it again so those lucky enough to not update their devices can now update safely. Apple also published a support document in case you get a specific error while updating your...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/apple_rereleases_ios_932_for_97inch_ipad_pro-news-18602.php

Bing for Android now lets you search by image

Microsoft has pushed out a new update to the Android app of its Bing search engine. According to the change-log, the update includes a handful of changes, including the ability to search by image. With the update, now you can perform searches based on a picture taken from within the app - in results, Bing will display similar images available online. The feature is already there in Bing's iOS app. In addition, the update also brings along a feature called 'Touch query,' which the company says lets you get "new suggestions for image and video search by tapping the separate words." Aside...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/bing_for_android_now_lets_you_search_by_image-news-18599.php

Play Store prompts you to uninstall apps if your storage is full

It seems Google sneaked in a useful feature in the Play Store app when no one was looking. Previously, when you ran out of storage, you would just be informed that the storage is full. This would then prompt you to run around all over the place, deleting things. With this feature, which we are not sure when it was added, Play Store now presents a list of installed apps so you can delete them immediately instead of going over to the app manager to uninstall them. Uninstalling apps is an age-old advice that everyone gives whenever someone complains about their phone running slow...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/play_store_prompts_you_to_uninstall_apps_if_your_storage_is_full-news-18601.php

First official teaser video for the OnePlus 3 is out

OnePlus has outed a video teaser of its upcoming OnePlus 3 smartphone. Released by OnePlus India on YouTube, it's just a 6-second video that doesn't reveal anything specific about the device's design or its specs. However, what it does reveal is that the device will be made official on June 14 (10:00 PM), which is not inline with the June 15 date confirmed by OnePlus China recently. It might simply be the case of the Chinese launch coming a day later than the international one. Aside from this, the teaser also tells us that the phone will be an Amazon exclusive. In case you...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/oneplus_outs_first_teaser_video_for_the_op3-news-18600.php

Facebook cans seven-months-old Notify app

If you recall, back in November last year, Facebook launched a new iOS app dubbed Notify. The app was all about notifications - notifying you about things you care about or have interest in. Now, around seven months after the launch, Facebook has decided to pull the plug on the app. The company says the app's functionality will be integrated into other Facebook products, such as Messenger. Here's the complete statement from the company: Starting on Wednesday, we will begin integrating Notify functionality into other Facebook products, like Messenger, and will be removing Notify...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/facebook_cans_sixmonthsold_notify_app-news-18598.php

Huawei to launch Daydream-capable phone this fall

While it's Nexus 6P smartphone is already Daydream-supported (although only for development purpose currently), Huawei has revealed that it will launch a new Daydream-capable phone this fall. The revelation was made by Huawei's director Richard Yu (who heads the Chinese company's consumer electronics division) in an interview with the Wall Street Journal. In addition, he said that the firm's partnership with German optics specialist Leica - which started with the P9 smartphone - is a long term alliance which is expected to continue at-least for the next five years. Yu also hinted...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/huawei_to_launch_daydreamcapable_phone_this_fall-news-18597.php

Officially arriving on June 15, OP3 to go on flash sale on June 6

OnePlus has announced that a total of 1,000 units of its upcoming OnePlus 3 smartphone will be up for grabs on June 6 (coming Monday) in China. That's just over a week before the device is scheduled to be officially unveiled. So, does that mean some people will be able to get their hands on the phone even before it's officially unveiled? Well, no, as the orders will begin shipping on the announcement day itself. As for the price, the company says these limited units will be available for RMB 2,999 each (around $455). However, interestingly, this is not the final price. The actual...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/officially_arriving_on_june_15_op3_to_go_on_flash_sale_on_june_6-news-18596.php

Google Maps' Android beta program goes live on Play Store

Google has launched an official Android beta program for its Maps application on the Play Store, making it easy for early adopters to test latest pre-release builds of the app. Those interested in joining the Google Maps beta channel can head to the Source link below. Once there, tap on the 'Become a Tester' option (make sure you're logged into your Google account). After this, just download/update the Maps app by heading to Google Play. Source

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/google_maps_android_beta_program_goes_live_on_play_store-news-18595.php

Samsung Galaxy Note 6/7 tipped to launch in August first week

According to the usually reliable leakster @evleaks, Samsung's upcoming Galaxy Note 6 (or Note7 according to recent reports) smartphone is expected to be launched in the first week of August. Galaxy Note 6/7 launch event is almost exactly two months away.— Evan Blass (@evleaks) June 2, 2016 Going by his words - "almost exactly two months away" - and the date of his tweet, we can say that @evleaks is pointing to an August 2 or August 3 launch for the phablet. That's a bit earlier than the "week of August 15" launch time-frame he had earlier shared. The phone has been the subject...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_note_6_7_tipped_to_launch_in_august_first_week-news-18594.php

Acer Liquid Zest Plus with 5,000mAh battery set for July launch in Canada, pricing revealed

Acer has revealed some information on the Canadian availability and pricing of its Liquid Zest Plus smartphone. According to the company, the device will land in the country sometime next month carrying a CAD 249 (around $190) price tag. There is, however, currently no information on the handset's carrier and retail availability in the country. For those who aren't in the know, the selling point of the Liquid Zest Plus is its mammoth 5,000mAh battery which is claimed to provide three days of usage on a single charge. In case you missed, the Taiwanese firm has already announced that...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/acer_liquid_zest_plus_set_for_july_launch_in_canada_pricing_revealed-news-18593.php

Visa is trialing its new payment ring with Olympic athletes in Rio

Visa has secured the Olympic venue as the only card to be accepted at the event. Good for them! Visa is also holding a trial with employees, partners, and Olympic athletes alike with its newest payment system ring which only requires the user to wave their ring over the terminal and the transaction will be completed. No batteries, passwords, or screen is required to use the ring. The payment ring also comes with its own card in cases where the ring is not accepted. In case you were wondering, the payment ring can also be deactivated from an accompanying smartphone app. The...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/visatestingnewpaymentringwitholympicathletes-news-18592.php

Samsung announces Gear Fit 2 and Gear IconX

Today, in an event in New York City, Samsung announced a successor for the original Gear Fit which became a quite successful fitness band/smartwatch. Samsung also announced its first pair of fully wireless earbuds called the Gear IconX. The Gear Fit uses a similarly designed vertical 1.55 inch Super AMOLED screen and is powered by a dual core 1.0 GHz processor with 4GB of storage on-board. The Gear Fit will also include an optical heart-rate sensor, GPS connectivity for tracking your outdoor activities without carrying a phone, IP68 immersion certification, and it will carry a 200mAh...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_announced_gear_fit_2_and_gear_iconx-news-18591.php

Pebble Core gains support for Amazon's Alexa

Last month when it announced its two newest smartwatches, Pebble also made the Core official. This is the company's first non-smartwatch product. It resembles the iPod Nano, and Pebble bills it a "capable fitness device that lets you leave your phone at home", as it comes with built-in 3G connectivity as well as Bluetooth, GPS, and Wi-Fi. It also has a 3.5mm jack to plug headphones into when you feel like listening to music (which it can stream over 3G or Wi-Fi). The Core unfortunately won't be out until 2017, but when it does ship it will do so with built-in support for Amazon's Alexa...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/pebble_core_gains_support_for_amazons_alexa-news-18590.php

New update brings back Stamina Mode for the Xperia Z5 family

It's back! Stamina Mode has made a return to Sony's Xperia Z5 family of devices, after having been removed when the updates to Android 6.0 Marshmallow started going out. Now a new software update, with build number 32.2.A.0.224, is in the process of rolling out to Sony's Xperia Z5, Z5 Dual, and Z5 Compact (and the Z5 Premium should follow soon). This one will make your phone run Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow, but most importantly for those who love long battery life it brings back Stamina Mode, Sony's own interpretation of a low power consumption state. The new Stamina settings are...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/new_update_brings_back_stamina_mode_for_the_xperia_z5_family-news-18589.php

Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet now comes with a metal shell, 64GB storage

Amazon spruced up its Fire HD 10 tablet with a new Silver Aluminum option. The metal option is priced the same as the Black and White plastic incarnations of the tab. Also, there's a new storage option - 64GB - that is available with the aluminum shell only. That one costs $290 with special offers, $305 without. The cheapest option is the 16GB model (there's a microSD card slot) for $230 (with special offers). Other than finish and storage, the specs of the Amazon Fire HD 10 have not changed. It has a 10.1" screen with 1,280 x 800px (149ppi), a quad-core processor with 1GB of RAM, Dolby...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/amazon_fire_hd_10_tablet_now_comes_with_a_metal_shell_64gb_storage-news-18588.php

Moto G4 Plus hands-on: First look

Motorola deserves credit for turning the budget Android phone market on its head back with the original Moto G. But since then a lot has happened and many new overeager disrupters have joined the game.

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/moto_g4_plus_hands_on-review-1447.php

The Samsung Galaxy Note7 edge might feature a dual-camera setup

The next in line in Samsung's iconic phablet family has been flooding the rumor mill and captivating everybody's curiosity for quite some time now. And as August draws near, so does Samsung's typical announcement window for Note devices and with that, more and more details are starting to slip through the cracks. The latest industry insider scoop on the upcoming Note hints at a dual main camera setup. According to the source, Samsung Electro-Mechanics (Semco) is already working on said system and it will, allegedly, be ready to make its debut on the Note7 or perhaps its rumored...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/the_samsung_galaxy_note7_edge_might_feature_a_dualcamera_setup-news-18585.php

OmniVision has a new 1.55-Micron sensor to power high-end smartphone cameras

OmniVison has become a household brand name when it comes to sensors and chances are you have used a device equipped with one of its sensors. The new Motorola Moto G 4 Plus, for instance, utilizes the company's 1/2.4-inch OV16860 16MP sensor with some impressive results, but it should pale in comparison with the new OV12890. It is a 1/2.4-inch type 12MP sensor, which fits into a 10 x 10 x 6 mm camera module, making it ideal for use in new high-end smartphone offers. The sensor is capable of capturing 12MP stills at a rate of 45 fps, as well as 1080p video at up to 240 fps and 4K...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/omnivision_has_a_new_155micron_sensor_to_power_highend_smartphone_cameras-news-18587.php

Galaxy Note5 voted America's most loved phone, iPhone 6s Plus comes second

Samsung must be feeling quite proud of the Galaxy Note5 after the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) pronounced it America's favorite smartphone. The organization gave the Note5 86/100 points in its nationwide poll. The iPhone 6s Plus received 85/100 points, leaving it in a second place. The Galaxy S6 edge+ and Galaxy Note 4 share third place with 84 points. The iPhone 6s is fourth just one point below. Here's the complete ranking below. Interestingly, Samsung isn't the most reliable smartphone brand according to the poll. Nevertheless, it's close by to Apple, which is...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/the_galaxy_note5_is_americas_most_satisfying_phone_iphone_6s_plus_is_second-news-18583.php

Samsung Pay lands in mainland Europe starting with Spain

¡Hola! ¿Cuánto cuesta? Samsung Pay is launching in Spain, finally getting a foothold on the mainland after the UK launch. Research showed that among Spaniards aged 35 to 65, 64% pay with a credit or debit cards for most or even all of their purchases. And they have to carry more than two cards to do it. At launch, partner banks are CaixaBank and imaginBank, Abanca and Banco Sabadell will join soon. Here are just some of the venues that will accept Samsung Pay: Cepsa, Cervecería La Sureña, Domino's Pizza, El Corte Inglés, Fridays, Ginos, Grupo DIA, MediaMarkt, Mercadona, Phone House,...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_pay_lands_in_mainland_europe_starting_with_spain-news-18586.php

A 4.3" Xiaomi mini spotted in the wild, allegedly with S820 chipset

The fate of compact flagships hangs in the balance as Sony killed off the Xperia Z brand and the fabled Z Compact. Does Xiaomi hold the salvation for fans of petite but powerful phones? A rumor attached to a photo details a 4.3" Xiaomi that will be powered by the Snapdragon 820 chipset. The screen will have 720p resolution, which shouldn't be a problem (wasn't for the Compacts). The unnamed Xiaomi mini is expected to have a 13MP main camera on the back and a fingerprint sensor on the front. Additional specs include 3GB of RAM and 32GB storage. The price is rumored to be CNY 1,800...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/a_43_xiaomi_mini_spotted_in_the_wild_allegedly_with_s820_chipset-news-18582.php

SanDisk announces new Dual Drive USB Type-C flash drives

SanDisk has announced the second generation of its SanDisk Ultra Dual Drive USB Type-C flash drives. The new drives come with an updated design and higher capacity models. The drives, for those not aware, feature a sliding design, with a USB Type-A connector on one end and a Type-C on the other. This allows you to plug in the drive to your computer whether you have a standard Type-A connector or the new MacBook with a Type-C connector. The Type-C connector also allows the drive to be plugged in and used with newer Android devices being launched. The drives are based on USB 3.1...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/sandisk_announces_new_dual_drive_usb_typec_flash_drives-news-18584.php

X-Men themed LG X phones coming soon to Europe and the Americas

Superheroes dominate the movie theaters and soon they will conquer mobile phones as well. LG is cross-promoting its X-series of phones with the new X-Men movies. These "themed" phones will launch in July for Europe, the US and Latin America. The two new phones from yesterday - LG X Power and LG X Style - are linked to Professor X ("Long Lasting Power") and Mystique ("Fabulously Flawless Looks") respectively. LG X Power, Professor X • LG X Style, Mystique The first duo - LG X Cam and LG X Screen - are Cyclops ("Extraordinary vision") and Nightcrawler ("Agile and...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/xmen_themed_lg_x_phones_coming_soon-news-18580.php