Huawei V8 Max visits TENAA: giant 6.6" QHD AMOLED display, 4,400mAh battery

Pushing the boundaries of what still passes for a phone, the Honor V8 Max has been certified by the Chinese regulator TENAA. This 6.6-inch phablet will compete with the likes of Xiaomi Mi Max, Lenovo Phab2 Pro/Plus, and Asus Zenfone 3 Ultra for the hearts of those who type, browse and watch more than they talk. The Honor V8 Max features a 6.6-inch QuadHD AMOLED display - apparently Huawei's reluctance to go beyond 1080p had to be reconsidered in light of the huge diagonal. In all fairness, the precedent has already been set with one version of the non-Max Honor V8, which does sport a...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/huawei_v8_max_visits_tenaa_giant_66_qhd_amoled_display_4400mah_battery-news-19175.php

Lumia 950/950 XL start getting 'double tap to wake' feature

Just over a couple of months after Microsoft dropped hints that the Lumia 950 and 950 XL could get the 'double tap to wake' feature, the company has started rolling out a new update that includes the feature - both devices are receiving it. If you recall, Microsoft had accepted that 'double tap to wake' for Lumia 950/950 XL is a common request, and asked users to upvote it in Feedback Hub. And given that the feature has now started rolling out, it's reasonable to assume that there was enough demand for it. Reportedly, the update is currently only available via the Windows Device...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/lumia_950_950_xl_start_getting_double_tap_to_wake_feature-news-19174.php

Apple patents Split View, Slide Over and 3D Touch features

Apple has just been granted a total of 12 design patents by the Hong Kong Patent and Trademark Office. The bulk of those cover features from the iPad Pro, namely Split View and Slide Over multitasking functionality. A single one of the 12 patents is related to the iPhone 6s - 3D Touch. Apple filed for the patents all the way back in December last year - several months before the iPad Pro was made official. Mind you, the scope of the patents covers the design of the features - it doesn't mean that other manufacturers can't make their own multi-window or 3D Touch-like...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/apple_patents_split_view_slide_over_and_3d_touch_features-news-19178.php

HTC Nexus 2016 (codenamed Marlin) now spotted on Geekbench

As you might already know, a couple of HTC-made Nexus smartphones are scheduled for this year. While one of them is internally code-named Sailfish (said to be the successor to last year's LG Nexus 5X), the other one carries a code-name of Marlin. Both devices have already had their specs leaked, and now, the Marlin has been spotted on Geekbench. The benchmark listing reveals that the device is powered by a quad-core 1.6GHz processor (said to be SD820 SoC), has 4GB of RAM, and comes with Android Nougat out-of-the-box. If you compare, these specs are inline with the device's previous...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/htc_nexus_2016_codenamed_marlin_now_spotted_on_geekbench-news-19172.php

Chrome 51 has Cast functionality built-in, you can also mirror a tab into Hangouts

Cast functionality is now built into Chrome itself, starting with version 51 of Google's browser. Accessible from the Tools menu, the option renders the dedicated Cast icon almost unnecessary. It'll still be available as an extension, and it'll still work if you have it installed, its sole purpose being to save you one mouse click. What's more, is that you'll no longer be able to set options for resolution, bitrate or quality - these will be set for you automatically depending on content and network quality. Additionally, you'll now be able to mirror a Chrome tab into an ongoing...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/chrome_51_has_cast_functionality_builtin_you_can_also_mirror_a_tab_into_hangouts-news-19177.php

A couple of new Xiaomi devices spotted online, said to be from Redmi series

Two new Xiaomi devices have been spotted online. Specifically, entries for the devices - dated June 29 and carrying certificate numbers 2,016,020 and 2,016,021, respectively - can be seen on the website of China's National Quality Certification Center. While the entries do not reveal much about the devices, reports say they could be new Redmi series smartphones, or could even be new variants of the company's Max smartphone. We'll update you as and when we'll hear more about them. Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/a_couple_of_new_xiaomi_devices_spotted_online_said_to_be_redmi_s-news-19171.php

All BB OS 10 devices discontinued? BlackBerry says no

As you might already know, the US Senate has announced that staffers will no longer be issued BlackBerry devices for their official work. This information was first reported by Bomble, and is based on an internal email accessed by the publication. Curiously, the email - in the very beginning - says, "BlackBerry informed Verizon and AT&T that production of all BlackBerry OS 10 devices (Q10, Z10, Z30, Passport, and Classic) has been discontinued. Future carrier order fulfillment will not be guaranteed due to limited remaining stock." However, when reached out for a comment, the...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/bb_os_10_devices_discontinued_blackberry_says_no-news-19170.php

Our video review of the OnePlus 3's camera is up, check it out

We did our usual routine on the OnePlus 3 and the in-depth review has been up online since Monday. Be sure to head over there and read it, in case you haven't, but spare a few minutes to get a closer look at the camera in our video review below. A 16MP Sony IMX298 sensor is mated to an f/2.0 optically stabilized lens and comes with phase detection autofocus. We put this whole assembly through its paces in both real-life scenarios and boring test charts and it consistently did great. But let's not spoil the video for you - hit play to learn more on the OnePlus 3's camera features and...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/our_video_review_of_the_oneplus_3s_camera_is_up_check_it_out-news-19173.php

New Galaxy Note7 leak confirms USB Type-C port

While it has been rumored earlier, a new leak - which comes in the form of an image from accessory maker Olixar - has now confirmed the presence of a USB Type-C port on Samsung's upcoming Galaxy Note7 smartphone. The port is located at the bottom of the handset, as is usually the case, with a loudspeaker and S-Pen slot on its one side, and a headphone jack on the other. The image also reveals that the phone will feature an iris scanner, something which has already been confirmed by a separate leak. Coming back to the USB Type-C port, its presence will make the Note7 the first...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/new_galaxy_note7_leak_confirms_usb_typec_port-news-19169.php

Samsung Galaxy S7 edge Olympic Edition unveiling set for next week

While we already know that Samsung will soon out an Olympic Edition variant of its Galaxy S7 edge smartphone, the exact date wasn't known. That, however, changes now as it has been made official that the device will be unveiled next week - July 7 to be precise. We've already seen the device in question (shown below) - it has the same specs as the standard Galaxy S7, but should bring some Olympic-themed goodies. There's, however, still no information on how much this new variant will cost and which markets will get it. For those who aren't in the know, this is not the only...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s7_edge_olympic_edition_unveiling_set_for_next_week-news-19168.php

Deal: Trade-in your old phone at Verizon and get up to $300

Verizon is back with its national-wide trade-in event, allowing you to trade in your old phone and get up to $300 towards a new phone that you purchase from the carrier. The deal is available to both new and existing users. You can avail the deal by visiting a Verizon store, or you can also complete the trade-in online through the carrier's official website. Eligible new phones for the promo include the iPhone 6S, 6S Plus, HTC 10, LG G5, Samsung Galaxy S7, S7 edge, Note5, Droid Turbo 2, or Maxx 2. It's worth mentioning that if you're interested in purchasing the Droid Turbo 2 or...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/deal_tradein_your_old_phone_at_verizon_and_get_up_to_300-news-19167.php

Samsung Galaxy Note 7 renders leaked in three different colors

The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 is coming out later this year and not much has been confirmed about the device except for the name which has been indirectly confirmed via leaked product logos. Along with some early renders of what the Galaxy Note 7 might look like, it looks like we've just gotten some new renders to drool over. What's special about these renders, though, is that they depict the unreleased Samsung phablet in three different colors. Samsung Galaxy Note7 in (from l to r) Black Onyx, Silver Titanium, and Blue Coral pic.twitter.com/QiePUEG9GP— Evan Blass (@evleaks) July 1,...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_note_7_renders_leaked_in_three_different_colors-news-19166.php

Blackberry phones will no longer be assigned to the US Senate

The US Senate announced that staffers are no longer able to request any BlackBerry 10 devices to use for official work purposes. The alternative phones offered to full the BlackBerry void are a Samsung Galaxy S6 or an iPhone SE. Current Blackberry users won't be immediately switched out of the BlackBerry ecosystem just yet. These users of the Q10, Z10, Z30, Passport and BlackBerry Classic will continue to be supported until the hardware reaches the end of its life cycle. BlackBerry Z10, released in 2013 Blackberry was used in the US Senate for about a decade. Earlier on,...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/blackberry_phones_will_no_longer_be_assigned_to_the_us_senate-news-19165.php

Deal: Buy US Unlocked Samsung Galaxy S7 @ Best Buy and get a free $75 gift card

Only a day after the release of the US unlocked version of the Samsung Galaxy S7, compatible with all US GSM and CDMA networks, Best Buy is already running a deal with the unlocked Galaxy flagship. Best Buy has started selling an unlocked version of the S7 specially made for US carrier compatibility. Upon purchasing it from stores for $670, you'll be given a $75 gift card in return which you'll be free to use for another purchase, or collect Best Buy funds as gift cards will never expire. Effectively dropping the price for a new unlocked version of the Galaxy S7 active to...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/deal_unlocked_us_samsung_galaxy_s7__best_buy_and_get_a_free_75_gift_card-news-19164.php

Upcoming Samsung Galaxy On5 (2016) seemingly gets benchmarked

Samsung is working on a 2016 iteration of the Galaxy On7, this much is pretty clear since we've seen the new phone being benchmarked not long ago, and parts for it have recently been imported into India for testing. It would make little sense for the Korean company to launch a successor to the original On7 from last year and not do the same for the On5. And as it turns out we may have already caught the On5 (2016) being imported into India for testing a few days ago. Now the same handset that we assume is this year's On5 (the SM-G570, that is) has been spotted in the Geekbench...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/upcoming_samsung_galaxy_on5_2016_seemingly_gets_benchmarked-news-19163.php

Nougat is officially Android 7.0

Yesterday Google finally unveiled the dessert name for the next iteration of its mobile operating system: Nougat. So what we've so far known only as "Android N" will be called Android Nougat when it launches later this summer. But what about its version number? Android Marshmallow is 6.0, so Nougat clearly has to be either 6.1 or 7.0, right? Well, it turns out it's the latter. Embedded above is the official video that details the unveiling of the Nougat statue at Google's HQ in Mountain View, California. And as you can see, at the end the version number is clearly stated - as it is...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/nougat_is_officially_android_70-news-19162.php

Lenovo Moto G4 review: Growing up

The Moto G became the go-to phone for many people that wanted no fuss and guaranteed quality at an affordable quality. Now the line is under new leadership, with new branding and retooled design.

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/lenovo_moto_g4-review-1458.php

Exclusive: Samsung Galaxy Note7 renders

Now that the eagerly fall release of the next Samsung Galaxy Note device is drawing ever closer, it only makes sense for us to start seeing more and more of the phablet. We've been going by one single set of set of blueprint-based renders for quite some time now and its high time for another round. Well, today brings just that as a reliable source sent us a bunch of technical drawings and while there is still a lot to be learned about the Note7, the new images do fit nicely and support most of what we already know. Galaxy Note7 renders We'll start with the obvious - the...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/exclusive_samsung_galaxy_note7_renders-news-19161.php

Cirrus Logic announces MFi headset development kit for Lightning headphones

Following rumors of Apple shifting to Lightning port for all its audio needs, Cirrus Logic has jumped the gun in releasing a development kit that should make it easier for OEMs to make Lightning-based audio accessories. "The Cirrus Logic MFi Headset Development Kit includes a form factor reference design and a development board for debugging, as well as MCU programming and audio performance measurement. Both boards are pre-programmed to support a demonstration of high-performance digital audio playback and voice capture, enabling developers to evaluate a prototype within minutes....

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/cirrus_logic_announces_mfi_headset_development_kit_for_lightning_headphones-news-19158.php

iPhone SE gets $50 price cut in US

The Apple iPhone SE has received a price cut in the US, where MetroPCS (T-Mobile's prepaid brand which has just started carrying iPhones) is currently selling the device for $349, down $50 from what the Cupertino-based company is officially charging for it. In addition, the now officially-discontinued iPhone 5s is available for $199, which is less than what most other retailers are charging. The carrier is also offering the latest iPhones (6s and 6s Plus), selling them for $649 and $749, respectively, which - if you compare - are roughly in line with their official price...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/iphone_se_gets_50_price_cut_in_us-news-19153.php

Sony Mobile plans to move away from India, China and the US

Sony just recently held an investor day in Tokyo, which might be a little dull and overwhelming, considering the amount of business strategy and analysis discussed to cover the various aspects of the giant international corporation. However, such events can also be an valuable source of information on future business plans. In this case, Sony Mobile has shared a few interesting observations on its regional sales performance and forecasts all leading up to a decision to "defocus" on certain markets, including India, USA, China and Brazil. This is mostly due to the fact that Sony expects...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/sony_mobile_plans_to_move_away_from_india_china_and_the_us-news-19156.php

Report says Microsoft will out a Surface-branded all-in-one PC this year

According to a new report, Microsoft will release a Surface-branded all-in-one PC this year - sometime in Q3 to be more specific. It is being said that the said PC is an alternative to the company's second-gen Surface Book. As for the Surface Book 2, which was expected to be launched sometime in H2 this year, the report notes that its release will be delayed to H1 2017. As for the reason behind the delay, the report cites delayed shipments of Intel's Kaby Lake CPUs. Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/report_says_microsoft_will_out_a_surfacebranded_allinone_pc_this_year-news-19149.php

Q1 2016 saw Huawei shipping over 28 million smartphones

Chinese smartphone manufacturer Huawei managed to ship 28.3 million smartphones in the first quarter of the ongoing year. This translates into an increase of around 65% year-on-year. The figure includes 2.6 million units of the company's P9 and P9 Plus smartphones that were launched back in April this year. Huawei, which achieved the 100 million milestone last year, aims to ship a total of 140 million smartphones this year. Recently there were rumors that the company has toned down its 2016 target from 140 million to 120 million. However, Huawei has refuted these rumors, saying...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/q1_2016_saw_huawei_shipping_over_28_million_smartphones-news-19152.php

Here is what the canceled OnePlus smartwatch looked like

OnePlus has never been one to squander its efforts, nor overreach too much into odd and new tech fields, like Xiaomi. On the contrary, the start-up has always been keenly focused on mobile alone, which has undoubtedly helped in creating its compelling smartphone offers at least to some extent. What could have been but never will be. Sketches circa 2015. #throwback pic.twitter.com/5zKuSdDiv0— Carl Pei (@getpeid) June 29, 2016 Rumors of various other OnePlus devices have been a constant recurrence over the years, but never really came to be, apart from the April Fools day OnePlus DR-1...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/here_is_what_the_canceled_oneplus_smartwatch_could_have_looked_like-news-19154.php

Windows 10-powered NuAns Neo to be available outside of Japan starting today

Inline with the previously revealed June-end launch time frame, the Windows 10-powered NuAns Neo will be available for purchase in select countries starting today. This was announced by NuAns, the company behind Neo, in a press release. "The NuAns NEO will be available to select countries outside of Japan via our Kickstarter campaign which will launch Friday, July 1, 2016," the company said, adding that there will be great rewards and discounts available prior to the handset hitting wireless retail locations worldwide. For those who aren't in the know, the selling point of Neo is...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/windows_10powered_nuans_neo_to_be_available_outside_of_japan_starting_today-news-19151.php

Verizon Galaxy Tab E 8.0 starts getting Marshmallow

Verizon has started rolling out the Marshmallow update to Samsung's 8-inch Galaxy Tab E units on its network. The update bumps the software version to T377VVRU1BPD6 and brings Android version 6.0.1. Aside from the usual Marshmallow goodies, such as Doze, Google Now on Tap, and redesigned app permissions, the update also includes the Android security patch for the month of June. As is usually the case with OTA roll-outs, it may take some time for the update to hit your device. Meanwhile, if you feel impatient, you can manually check for the update by heading to your tablet's Settings...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/verizon_galaxy_tab_e_80_starts_getting_marshmallow-news-19146.php

HTC reiterates that One A9, One M9, and 10 will get Android Nougat update, but still doesn't say when

If you recall, back in May this year, HTC confirmed that its One A9, One M9 and 10 smartphones will receive the Android N update. Now, shortly after Google revealed that Android N is Android Nougat, the Taiwanese company has reiterated the same information. So sweet. Android Nougat—the next version of Google's Android—will be coming to the HTC 10, HTC One A9 & HTC One M9. pic.twitter.com/cB5S2zv0PW— HTC (@htc) June 30, 2016 There was, however, still no confirmation on exactly when the update will begin rolling out and which other HTC devices will be receiving it, although the company...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/htc_reiterates_that_one_a9_one_m9_and_10_will_get_android_nougat_update_still_doesnt_say_when-news-19150.php

Spotify calls Apple "anticompetitive" upon denial of Spotify's new iOS update

Spotify is enraged at the way that that Apple's App Store approval process is being exploited to put down other competitors that are directly a threat to Apple's own music streaming service: Apple Music. Apple recently denied a request from Spotify to update its iOS app, which is what's currently causing conflict. Here the problem lies in the way Apple requires subscription based services to use iTunes billing in order to sell service to app Store users. What's unfair is while Apple doesn't require that Apps use the iTunes billing system at all, it doesn't allow apps to use any other...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/spotify_calls_apple_anticompetitive_upon_denial_of_spotifys_new_ios_update-news-19147.php

Xiaomi Mi Note 2 said to come with dual 12MP rear cameras, 4,000mAh battery

More details about the Xiaomi Mi Note 2 - which is rumored to land in as many as three variants - have surfaced online. While we've already heard that screen-size will be 5.7-inch for all the versions, the new leak suggests that display resolution will be full HD for the low-end model, and QHD for the higher-end ones. The leak also says that the devices will come with dual 12MP rear cameras (for higher-end models), pack in a large 4,000mAh battery, and feature a fingerprint scanner as well as force touch and fast charging tech. Previous rumors have suggested SD820 or SD823 at the...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_mi_note_2_said_to_come_with_dual_12mp_rear_cameras_4000mah_battery-news-19148.php

Dell discontinues Venue Android tablet line-up, says no to OS upgrades as well

Dell has revealed that it's discontinuing its Android-powered Venue tablet line-up. "The slate tablet market is over-saturated and is experiencing declining demand from consumers, so we've decided to discontinue the Android-based Venue tablet line," the computer tech company said. Not only this, Dell will also not be offering any more OS upgrades to the already-sold Venue tablet units, although the company says it will continue supporting currently active warranty and service contracts until they expire. Given the fact that many other Android-powered devices were discontinued by...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/dell_discontinues_its_venue_tablet_lineup_says_no_to_os_upgrades_as_well-news-19145.php

Blackberry working on three new devices codenamed: Neon, Argon, and Mercury

Detailed reports regarding three new BlackBerry devices have surfaced including general specs for each model allegedly being developed. These new BlackBerry models are said to be built by TCL's recently acquired smartphone manufacturer, Alcatel. These tree devices will launch chronologically and gradually more expensive with each phone more expensive and higher-spec'd than the last. These devices are called Neon, Argon, and Mercury. The first device to come from the Alcatel/BlackBerry partnership is the Neon which will be a lot to a mid-range phone with a Full-HD 5.2 inch touchscreen...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/blackberry_working_on_three_new_devices_codenamed_neon_argon_and_mercury-news-19144.php

Deals: Verizon Galaxy S7 ($430) and 32GB Nexus 6P in matte gold ($350) from eBay

With a 5.5 inch Nexus device leaked this early, the current Nexus 6P is getting closer to the end of its life cycle. This means you'll soon be able to buy it for much cheaper than it was originally released. Even today, the 32GB Nexus 6P can be purchased as a refurbished unit for just $350 from Best Buy's eBay listings. The phone doesn't show it anywhere. The listing is for a matte gold colored unit. There is also a deal for a Verizon branded Samsung Galaxy S7 for just $430 outright. The Verizon S7 deal is available in the gold platinum and black onyx color options. The Galaxy S7...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/deals_verizon_galaxy_s7_430_and_32gb_nexus_6p_in_matte_gold_350_from_ebay-news-19143.php

Meizu MX6 renders surface online

Meizu is definitely having a strong year with promising new offers like the This is actually not the first time we have heard of the device. However, it is probably the first occasion on which we get to catch a glimpse of official renders. Now, it is worth noting that said pictures are actually of the Ubuntu Edition of the device, but as the Linux-powered MX4 and PRO 5 before it have already shown, both editions should be identical in terms of hardware. That being said, we can safely assume that both will have the slick metal design that appears in the renders, complete...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/meizu_mx6_renders_surface_online-news-19135.php

Windows 10 Mobile Anniversary Update lands on August 2 too

Yesterday Microsoft officially announced the release date for the Windows 10 Anniversary Update. It's August 2, yet the company's blog post back then only talked about Windows 10 for PCs. And it's stayed mum on any launch details for the same update on mobile devices. Now though Dona Sarkar, the head of Microsoft's Windows Insider program, has confirmed that the Windows 10 Mobile Anniversary Update will be out on August 2 too. The confirmation came via a Twitter reply to a concerned individual asking about the mobile release of the latest Windows 10 update. This doesn't mean that every...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/windows_10_mobile_anniversary_update_lands_on_august_2_too-news-19142.php

Galaxy Note7 will have an iris scanner, leaked front panel shows

Will it or won't it? Specifically, will the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Note7 sport the much-rumored iris scanner, or won't it? Well, if the front panel that has been leaked today indeed belongs to the new Note device, then this dilemma is finally settled. Spoiler alert: yes, it will have an iris scanner. Take a look at the images below. The first one reportedly shows us the Note7's front panel, and above the display you can see three big cutouts that have not been there in previous Samsung handsets. In fact, the image below compares the alleged Note7 front panel with the one from the...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_note7_will_have_an_iris_scanner_leaked_front_panel_shows_-news-19140.php

5.5-inch HTC Nexus phone codenamed Marlin has its specs leaked

Exactly one week ago specs leaked for one of the two upcoming Nexus smartphones that this year are both being made by HTC. That one is reportedly codenamed Sailfish, and it will be the successor to the LG Nexus 5X from 2015. And today the spec list for the other HTC-made Nexus has been outed by the same source (which rates it a 9 out of 10 in terms of confidence). This one is a bigger, 5.5-inch handset, and it's codenamed Marlin. It will have a QHD touchscreen, a 12 MP rear camera, an 8 MP front-facing shooter, a quad-core Qualcomm processor, 4GB of RAM, 32 or 128GB of storage, and a...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/55inch_htc_nexus_phone_codenamed_marlin_has_its_specs_leaked-news-19141.php

Samsung Gear VR owners will be able to watch the Olympics in VR

For the first time ever, coverage of this year's Olympics will be available in VR. Just one (huge) caveat: you need to own Samsung's Gear VR and a compatible smartphone. If you do, then you're all set to dive into around 85 hours of programming which will be available in VR. This will be made available by NBC in the United States, "on delay during the games". If you're wondering exactly what you'll be able to watch, well, here's what's included in the VR broadcasts: the opening and closing ceremonies, men's basketball, gymnastics, track-and-field events, beach volleyball, boxing, diving,...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_gear_vr_owners_will_be_able_to_watch_the_olympics_in_vr-news-19139.php

Sharp Aquos Mini is the best mini you can't buy

Sharp loves to launch mini phones with stunningly thin bezels, but they rarely leave Japan. The new Sharp Aquos Mini has a 4.7" screen framed in just 126 x 66 x 9mm of phone. It's lightweight too, 120g, despite its solid IPX68 waterproofing. The screen is a 4.7" IGZO unit of 1080p resolution. It's driven at double speed - 120Hz - for smoother animation and reduced blur from residual images. The screen can go the other way too and refresh at 1Hz when the phone is idling to preserve power. The Mini has a unique notification system called Emopa, it has lights in the bottom corners of...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/sharp_aquos_mini_is_the_best_mini_you_probably_cant_buy-news-19134.php

Android N is Android Nougat, Google reveals

After months and months of speculation and a public call for ideas or two, today Google has finally revealed the official dessert name for the next iteration of its mobile operating system. Android N will thus be known as Android Nougat from this point on. Unfortunately it's still unclear what version number Nougat will get. Its predecessor, Marshmallow, is Android 6.0. So it's likely that Nougat will be 6.1 or 7.0, but that's probably a reveal for another time. Google has also unveiled the Android Nougat statue, on the lawn of its headquarters in Mountain View, California -...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/android_n_is_android_nougat_google_reveals-news-19138.php

Vivo X7 and X7 Plus are now official: Snapdragon 652 and 4GB RAM, but Lollipop

Vivo has officially unveiled the oft-leaked and intensely teased X7 and X7 Plus smartphones. The two models share plenty of components, but there's a few notable differences as well. Starting with the common hardware, both flavors of the X7 are powered by the same Snapdragon 652 chipset (our favorite Qualcomm 600 series SoC, if there is one), there are 4GB of RAM on board and internal storage is roomy at 64GB. The smaller vivo X7 comes with a 5.2-inch display, while the X7 Plus is the phablet of the pair, with a 5.7-inch diagonal. Both are FullHD Super AMOLEDs. Vivo X7 in...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/vivo_x7_and_x7_plus_are_now_official_snapdragon_652_and_4gb_ram_but_lollipop-news-19137.php

Samsung officially releases unlocked Galaxy S7 and S7 edge in the US

Samsung is now officially selling unlocked Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge units in the US. Several retailers have been tapped, you can also check Samsung.com. The Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge can also be found on Amazon, Best Buy, Sam's Club and Target. The phones will work on AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, Sprint and US Cellular. The RRP is $670 for the S7 and $770 for the S7 edge, but you can get a better deal if you shop around. The eBay deal is probably the best yet, the S7s are priced $500 and $590 respectively, but you can try other sites too. Source

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_officially_releases_unlocked_galaxy_s7_and_s7_edge_in_the_us-news-19136.php

ZTE Nubia Z11 scores a million registrations in less than a day

ZTE unveiled the Nubia Z11 a couple of days ago, and registrations for the device were opened shortly after that. Now, the Chinese company has revealed that over a million people have already registered for the phone's first sale - in fact, the one million milestone was reached in less than 24 hours. While that's no doubt impressive, keep in mind that the figure only represents those who have registered for the sale, and not actually pre-ordered the handset, meaning no money has changed hands yet. Registrations are open until July 5, and the sale is scheduled for July 6. You'll be...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/zte_nubia_z11_scores_a_million_registrations_in_less_than_a_day-news-19131.php

OnePlus officially denies red color option for the 3

A thin, slick, all metal body is definitely among the top draws of the OnePlus 3 . What could possibly make the elegant exterior even more exciting? Well, more colors, of course. Currently, the device can only be picked up in Graphite - a solid, very traditional and elegant choice. But, if you are after something a bit more flashy, OnePlus has also promised a Soft Gold option will be coming soon. Yesterday, there was also word of an even more extravagant color version in the works - a red one. Renders looked convincing enough and a brief listing on the OnePlus website also provided...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/oneplus_3_wont_be_available_in_red_after_all-news-19130.php

ASUS ZenPad 3S 10 with 9.7-inch display coming in July

Asus is all set to unveil a new tablet next month. Dubbed ZenPad 3S 10, the device, which is claimed to feature the "world's narrowest border", will be made official at an event in Taiwan on July 12. The only specification that Asus has confirmed about the device is that it sports a 9.7-inch screen. However, rumors say that the tablet has a display resolution of either 2560 x 1536 or 2160 x 1440 pixels, and is powered by a hexa-core processor. It is said to pack in 4GB RAM and 5,900 mAh battery, support Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0, and feature a 5.32mm-thin bezel. There's currently...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/asus_zenpad_3s_10_with_97inch_display_coming_in_july-news-19128.php

ZTE Nubia Z11 now up for international pre-orders

The ZTE Nubia Z11, which was made official just a couple of days ago and is only available in China, is now up for international pre-orders. Online retailer OppoMart has started accepting pre-orders for the device. Both 4GB/64GB and 6GB/128GB variants are in stock. While the former is available in silver, gold, and gray color options, the latter is only available in gold color. As for price, the 4GB RAM variants carry a price tag of $499, while the 6GB model sets you back $699. In case you aren't aware, that's up from the $375 and $525 price tags the variants carry in...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/zte_nubia_z11_now_up_for_international_preorders-news-19126.php

Sony offers final pre-order of PS VR today, supplies limited

Last call to pre-order a PlayStation VR - today, June 30, starting at 7 am Pacific time both the VR Launch Bundle and VR core will be available. Supplies are limited and there will be no more pre-orders until the October launch. You can place your pre-order on GameStop.com. The PlayStation VR core costs $400 and includes the VR headset, stereo headphones and a VR demo disc. The PlayStation VR Launch bundle costs $500 and adds necessary hardware you may not have - a PS Camera, two PS Move controllers and a PS VR Worlds disc. If you bought the PS Move back in the day then you already have...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/sony_offers_final_preorder_of_ps_vr_today_supplies_limited-news-19133.php

Xiaomi announces MIUI 8 globally

Having announced MIUI 8 in China back in May, the company has now announced the global version alongside the Mi Max at an event in India. The global version has all the features of the Chinese version that we saw before, but Xiaomi also announced some new features at the event today. First off, we have seen the visual changes that are coming in this version. The notification drawer sees the biggest change, with a consolidated list and a weather panel at the top that changes color and animation according to the weather. Xiaomi has also incorporated the color changing status bar and...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_announces_miui_8_globally-news-19132.php

New Microsoft Arrow Launcher update brings Office 365 integration

Microsoft has updated its Arrow Launcher for Android, bumping it to version 2.0 and bringing Office 365 integration as well as some new features and improvements. The updated app lets you access your Office 365 documents without any Office app installed - all you need to do is to sign in to your Office 365 account. In addition, you can also search and upload your on-device documents to Office 365. Aside from this, the update also brings along some new wallpapers. And finally, the app's network activity has also been reduced by 50% to help you save some cellular data usage. Head to...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/new_microsoft_arrow_launcher_update_brings_office_365_integration-news-19129.php

Xiaomi Mi Max launched in India

Xiaomi has launched its supermassive Mi Max phablet in the Indian market. The device will be available in two variants, a Snapdragon 650 variant with 3GB RAM and 32GB storage for INR 14,999 ($222) and a Snapdragon 652 variant with 4GB RAM and 128GB storage for INR 19,999 ($296). The Mi Max has a giant 6.44-inch 1080p display with a metal body and a fingerprint sensor on the back. The phone also packs a 16 megapixel camera on the back with PDAF and a 8 megapixel camera on the front. As mentioned before, the device comes in a choice of Snapdragon 650 or Snapdragon 652 variants with...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_mi_max_launched_in_india-news-19127.php

Samsung Z3 Corporate Edition launched with SD410 SoC

After launching the Z3 back in October last year, Samsung has now launched a new variant of the Tizen-powered device. Dubbed Z3 Corporate Edition, the handset - as the name suggests - is aimed at enterprise customers, and is available for purchase in Russia. It's worth mentioning that the variant launched in Russia is different from the original Z3 (that was launched in India) in that it is powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon MSM8916 (SD410) chipset, supports 4G LTE, and is SAFE certified for business use in Russia. The original Z3, in comparison, is powered by a Spreadtrum chipset and...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_z3_corporate_edition_launched_with_sd410_soc-news-19125.php