Samsung Gear Fit 2 lands on Verizon

The Gear Fit 2 fitness wearable, which was launched by Samsung last month alongside the Gear IconX wireless earbuds, is now available for purchase from Verizon. The carrier is selling the device through both its offline and online channels. Available in small or large band size options, the wearable costs $179.99. To refresh, the Gear Fit 2 is powered by a dual core 1.0 GHz processor and sports a 1.55 inch Super AMOLED screen. It comes with 4GB of storage, and includes an optical heart-rate sensor as well as GPS connectivity for tracking your outdoor activities. It's IP68 certified for...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_gear_fit_2_lands_on_verizon-news-19703.php

Android 7.0 Nougat could be released as soon as next month

If you have been keeping track of Google's work on the next major Android update, then you have surely noticed that the search giant is definitely pushing thing along a lot faster this time around. Instead of waiting for Google I/O 2016, the first developer preview builds of the OS came out on March 9, two moths or so earlier than expected. It was only after a quite popular crows-sourced naming campaign that Android 7.0 received its official Nougat desert title and that was held off quite a bit until July 1. So it would appear Google is definitely on a new schedule this time around...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/android_70_nougat_could_be_released_as_soon_as_next_month-news-19699.php

Mysterious Meizu M1E spotted in live shots

A mysterious Meizu device surfaced online in what appear to be a few quite believable stills. The unit in question even seems to be in working order and by the looks of things bears either the M1E moniker or A680M model name. Actually, both might be true, since the former is being reported from the OS, while the latter looks like a full model number and is written on the back. Upon first inspection the phone does look quite familiar and could easily be mistaken for the recently-released Meizu m3s. But while it is a fact that the unit in question bears the all too familiar Meizu design...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/mysterious_meizu_m1e_spotted_in_live_shots-news-19701.php

Official Apple lightning EarPods allegedly caught on video

If you have been following the various rumors and developments regarding Apple's next iPhone lineup even loosely, then you surely know about the still ongoing 3.5mm jack debate. As sources pile up over time, we have to say that things are definitely gravitating towards a new iPhone without probably the most standard of standard jacks out there (seriously, go show your grandparents one, alongside a fancy USB Type-C connector, see which one they recognize). EarPods with a Lightning connector Of course what this logically leads up to is the necessity for a whole new wave of...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/official_apple_lightning_earpods_allegedly_caught_on_video-news-19702.php

Oppo F1s full specs, India release and price revealed

We have been hearing quite a lot about the Oppo's new "Selfie Expert" - the F1s. We already know that it will be officially unveiled of August 3 and we've also learned about its improved 16MP selfie camera and blazing fast fingerprint reader. A recent render and promo video also provided us with a glimpse of what should be the new camera-centric device. Shortly after, a few of our readers astutely picked up on the visual similarities between the upcoming F1s and another fresh new Oppo device - the A59. Today a fresh leak appears to add another layer to the similarities between...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/oppo_f1s_full_specs_india_release_and_price_revealed-news-19700.php

Android 7.0 Nougat could be release as soon as next month

If you have been keeping track of Google's work on the next major Android update, then you have surely noticed that the search giant is definitely pushing thing along a lot faster this time around. Instead of waiting for Google I/O 2016, the first developer preview builds of the OS came out on March 9, two moths or so earlier than expected. It was only after a quite popular crows-sourced naming campaign that Android 7.0 received its official Nougat desert title and that was held off quite a bit until July 1. So it would appear Google is definitely on a new schedule this time around...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/android_70_nougat_could_be_release_as_soon_as_next_month-news-19699.php

Xbox One package with extra controller, $50 gift card, and more for just $300

If you are in the US and in the market for a gaming console, here's a deal for you: Best Buy is offering a $299.99 package that includes the Xbox One Rise of the Tomb Raider Bundle, a Special Edition Covert Forces Wireless Controller, Insignia Battery Charging Station, free games, as well as a $50 gift card. The package usually costs $534.95, meaning if you avail the deal, you'll save somewhere around $235. The retailer is offering both shipping and store pickup options. There's, however, no word on when the deal ends, so you may have to act fast. Source | Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/xbox_one_package_with_extra_controller_50_gift_card_and_more_for_just_300-news-19697.php

Samsung Galaxy On5 (2016) passes through FCC

The SM-G5700, which was spotted on Zauba late last month and is alleged to be the 2016 iteration of Samsung's Galaxy On5 (SM-G550) smartphone from last year, has been certified by the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC), suggesting that it could be launched sooner than later. For those who aren't aware, the device has already been spotted on benchmarking website Geekbench, revealing some of its key specs, including Exynos 7570 chipset with quad-core 1.4GHz CPU, 2GB RAM, and Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow. The Zuaba listing for the device revealed a 5-inch display. Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_on5_2016_passes_through_fcc-news-19698.php

New update to OneDrive's iOS app fixes screen flashing problem

Microsoft has started rolling out a new update to OneDrive for iOS that bumps the app to version 7.7 and brings along a couple of fixes, including that for a screen flashing bug. The screen flashing problem in question occurs when opening a photo from the Photos tab, the change-log for the update says. Aside from this issue, the update also fixes a scenario where-in sharing doesn't not work when a file is open. The updated app can be downloaded from the App Store - head to the Source link below. Source

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/new_update_to_onedrives_ios_app_fixes_screen_flashing_problem-news-19696.php

Leaked video shows off upcoming Tizen-powered Samsung Z2

A video has surfaced which shows the upcoming Tizen-powered Samsung Z2 smartphone alongside the two Tizen phones already available in the market, the Z1 and Z3. Specifically, the video shows a Unity app being run on all three devices. Sadly, only the front of the handset is shown off in the video, which itself isn't very clear. The leak also doesn't reveal any of the device's specifications. The Z2 has already received WiFi and Bluetooth certifications, and is expected to launch sometime in October this year. Aside from Asia, the phone will also be available in select African...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_z2_leaks_in_a_video_alongside_z3_and_z1-news-19695.php

SwiftKey says it's working to resolve predictions-related glitch that leaked user email addresses

Smart keyboard and prediction tech company SwiftKey has said that it's working quickly to resolve an issue that causes "unfamiliar terms" as well as other users' email addresses to show up as text predictions. "While this did not pose a security issue for our customers, we have turned off the cloud sync service and are updating our applications to remove email address predictions. During this time, it will not be possible to back up your SwiftKey language model," the company said in a blog post. According to Swiftkey, most users aren't affected by the issue, and those seeing...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/swiftkey_says_its_working_to_resolve_predictionsrelated_glitch_that_leaked_user_email_addresses-news-19694.php

Moto Z Droid review: Birth of a new successor

Lenovotorola. Motonovo. Motorola. We should stop dwelling on what to call them as it really doesn't matter now. Since the Lenovo's acquisition of Motorola has been completed, Lenovo has developed a successor to the Moto X lineup which had a great three-generation run.

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/moto_z_droid_edition-review-1471.php

Microsoft only sold around 1.2 million Lumia phones in the April to June quarter

Although Microsoft hasn't revealed how many Lumia smartphones it sold in the second quarter of this year through its regular quarterly financial results, the company has an SEC filing out today that clears that up. In the document, Microsoft mentions that in its fiscal year 2016 (which started on July 1, 2015, and ended on June 30 this year), it sold 13.8 million Lumias in total. The number for the April to June quarter of 2016 (Microsoft's fiscal Q4) is easy to calculate because we have official numbers for all the other three quarters - sales were 5.8 million in Q1, 4.5 million in Q2,...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/microsoft_only_sold_around_12_million_lumia_phones_in_the_april_to_june_quarter-news-19693.php

Sony Xperia XA Ultra is already $57 cheaper in the US, two days after launch

This has got to be some kind of a record. Sure, price cuts soon after launch are nothing new for Sony's X family smartphones in the US - after all, it only took around two weeks for us to see a $50 discount for the Xperia X, while the X Performance took four days to go from $700 to $579.99. Yet the Xperia XA Ultra became available in the US two days ago. And now it's already being sold by Amazon for $57 less than before. The phone's recommended retail price is $369.99, but the mega retailer is selling the black version for $312.22. That's almost 16% off. In two days. It goes without...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/sony_xperia_xa_ultra_is_already_57_cheaper_in_the_us_two_days_after_launch-news-19692.php

Galaxy Note7 now rumored to be out in Europe on August 16

Samsung's Galaxy Note7 is almost here. Almost official, as its dedicated special launch event is taking place next Tuesday, on August 2. We pretty much know everything about it already, save for one thing - when exactly will you be able to buy one? Well, that actually might depend on where you live. A report from earlier this month said the Note7 would go on sale on the day of its announcement, however that may only be valid for South Korea. In Europe, on the other hand, the release date could be August 16. At least it will be in the Netherlands, according to a new rumor out of that...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/galaxy_note7_now_rumored_to_be_out_in_europe_on_august_16-news-19691.php

AT&T announces Trek 2 HD tablet, available on August 5 for $0.99

Today AT&T has unveiled the successor for its first own-brand Trek HD tablet from last year. The new device is called AT&T Trek 2 HD, and like its predecessor it's an affordable tablet that runs Android. The Trek 2 HD comes with an 8-inch "HD" touchscreen (resolution is probably 1,280x800), a 1.5 GHz octa-core Qualcomm processor, 16GB of expandable storage, a pair of 5 MP cameras (one on the front, one on the back), dual front-facing Dolby Audio speakers, a USB Type-C port, and a 4,600 mAh battery with quick charging support. It runs Android 6.0 Marshmallow and weighs 12.8...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/at_t_announces_trek_2_hd_tablet_available_on_august_5_for_099-news-19690.php

Oppo F1s gets portrayed in leaked renders, stars in promo videos

We already know that Oppo is making the F1s official next week, on August 3 to be precise. This will be the Chinese company's next smartphone focused on selfies, and it's going to sport a 16 MP front-facing camera. It's also got a fingerprint scanner embedded in a physical Home button underneath the screen. And now some leaked press renders are doing the rounds online, showing the Oppo F1s in all its glory. The design is different compared to the F1, but it's still got a metal construction. Anticipating the launch taking place in a few days, Oppo's arms in Malaysia, Indonesia, and...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/oppo_f1s_gets_portrayed_in_leaked_renders_stars_in_promo_videos-news-19689.php

Lenovo Vibe P2 shown in live images, has 5.5-inch 1080p AMOLED screen

Yesterday we caught the upcoming Lenovo Vibe P2 in a benchmark database, which means the Chinese company's employees are already testing its performance. That leak revealed a few of the phone's most important specs, but there were no images of it to look at. Well, now there are. What you see below is said to be the Vibe P2, proudly showcased by its maker at a trade show that took place in Guangzhou, China earlier this month. Along with the pictures we get another spec: the Lenovo Vibe P2 will have a 5.5-inch 1080p AMOLED touchscreen. The size and resolution are identical to those of...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/lenovo_vibe_p2_shown_in_live_images_has_55inch_1080p_amoled_screen-news-19688.php

Xiaomi could release a VR headset of its own on August 1

If you have ever poked around online for Xiaomi tech, then you surely know that the Chinese OEM always had a "take a jab at everything and see what sticks" attitude to the market. Routers, TVs, smart home gear, even a drone and most-recently the Mi Notebook Air laptop, you name it and Xiaomi likely has it in its portfolio. And when you boast ambitions to play in the big leagues, you really can't afford to lack behind on a tech craze, which VR has been emerging as for a few years now. New teaser images spotted on the company's official Weibo page now hint that Xiaomi might try its...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_could_release_a_vr_headset_of_its_own_on_august_1-news-19680.php

New Samsung Galaxy Note 7 mega leak: official renders, specs info and preliminary price

The Galaxy Note 7 is now practically hours away from its unveiling, as Samsung's Unpacked event is set for August 2nd. Among other things, that means a much-needed break from the endless stream of rumors and leaks. However, in what looks like a final burst @OnLeaks has shared a motherload of high-quality renders of the phablet. Judging from past experience, these are almost certainly Samsung's official press renders, a theory we can only confirm once the Korean giant uploads them come Tuesday. They don't offer any extra information that we don't already know by now, but you can't...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/new_samsung_galaxy_note_7_mega_leak_official_renders_specs_info_and_preliminary_price-news-19681.php

Chromecast sales cross 30 million mark

Google has revealed that the total sales of its Chromecast dongle has crossed the 30 million milestone. The revelation was made by none other than the search giant's CEO Sundar Pichai during the company's Q2 earnings call. That number stood at 25 million a couple of months back, meaning Google sold 5 million Chromecasts in just two months. It's worth mentioning that the company managed to sell a total of 17 million units till May 2015. The 30 million milestone comes around three years after the device was launched. Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/chromecast_sales_cross_30_million_mark-news-19678.php

Samsung Galaxy A8 (2016) spotted on GFXBench with Exynos 7420 SoC, 5.1-inch display

The SM-A810, which is alleged to be the Galaxy A8 (2016), has been spotted on GFXBench. The benchmark listing reveals the device is powered by an octa-core 2.1GHz processor (Exynos 7420 chipset) and sports a 5.1-inch full HD display. RAM is 3GB, while internal memory is 32GB. In terms of camera, the handset features a 16MP rear unit and a 5MP front shooter. It runs Android version 6.0.1 out of the box. The SM-A810 was also recently spotted on Zauba, revealing a price tag of around $205. Source 1 2 | Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_a8_2016_spotted_on_gfxbench_with_exynos_7420_soc_51inch_display-news-19677.php

AMD announces Radeon RX 470 and RX 460

After launching the $200 Radeon RX 480, AMD is continuing its assault at the lower-end of the consumer graphics card market. The company announced two new budget graphics cards based on the new Polaris GPU, the Radeon RX 470 and the RX 460. While the 480 is meant for budget VR gaming, the 470 is for 1080p 60fps ultra setting gaming while the 460 is primarily for 1080p 90fps gaming at High settings in e-sports titles. The RX 470 uses a Polaris 10 GPU based on the GCN 4.0 architecture. It has 32 compute units with 2048 stream processors, down from 36 CU and 2304 SP on the RX 480. It...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/amd_announces_radeon_rx_470_and_rx_460-news-19679.php

Report says Galaxy Note7 will come with Samsung's Cloud service

A couple of weeks ago, it was revealed that Samsung has filed a trademark for something called "Samsung Cloud Together" in Europe, with details confirming that it's actually a cloud storage service for phones and tablets. Now, according to a new report, the service will carry the 'Samsung Cloud' moniker and will debut on the South Korean company's upcoming Galaxy Note7 smartphone. Needless to say, the service will allow users to backup their data to the cloud. This will not only help save storage space on their device, but will also let them access backed-up data from any of the...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/report_says_upcoming_galaxy_note_7_will_be_first_device_to_come_with_samsung_cloud-news-19675.php

Yet another round of layoffs at Microsoft to affect 2,850 people

After massive job cuts last year, Microsoft has announced another round of layoffs. While the earlier number stood at over 7,000, the Redmond, Washington-based company is cutting approximately 2,850 roles this time. "In addition to the elimination of 1,850 positions that were announced in May 2016, approximately 2,850 roles globally will be reduced during the year as an extension of the earlier plan, and these actions are expected to be completed by the end of fiscal year 2017," Microsoft said in its latest filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. While last year's lay...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/more_job_cuts_are_coming_to_microsoft-news-19676.php

V10 successor arriving this quarter, LG confirms

LG has confirmed that a new V series smartphone will be launched sometime this quarter. While the South Korean company didn't reveal the device's name, it's reasonable to expect that the handset in question is the successor to last year's V10. LG V10 The time frame revealed by LG is inline with a recent report that said the phone - alleged to be called V20 - will be made official in the month of September, which is less than a year after the V10 was launched. The confirmation on the V20's arrival time-frame came as part of LG's Q2 2016 earnings announcement. While the company...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/v10_successor_arriving_this_quarter_lg_confirms-news-19674.php

Google announces add-ons for Sheets and Docs Android apps

Google has announced add-ons for its Docs and Sheets apps on Android. The Mountain View, California-based company says these add-ons will help users get more work done on the go. "Whether it's readying a contract you have for e-signature from your phone, or pulling in CRM data on your tablet for some quick analysis while waiting for your morning coffee, Android add-ons can help you accomplish more," Google says in a blog post. Some of these add-ons include DocuSign, which lets you create signature envelopes right from the Docs app; ProsperWorks, which allows you to import CRM data...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/google_announces_addons_for_docs_and_sheets_android_apps-news-19673.php

Tizen phones coming to Africa

Samsung is planning to bring its Tizen-powered phones to Africa. According to a new report, the upcoming Samsung Z2 will be launched in African countries like South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya, in addition to some Asian markets including India, Indonesia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh. The launch is expected to happen sometime in October this year. Z2 will be the first Tizen phone to support 4G LTE as well as remote assistance feature. The report notes that Kenya is upgrading its existing 2G network with an aim to make it 4G capable, while Nigeria is also establishing 4G infrastructure, so...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/tizen_phones_coming_to_africa-news-19672.php

Samsung Galaxy Folder 2 is now Bluetooth certified

After being spotted on Zauba and FCC, the SM-G1600 - which is alleged to be the Samsung Galaxy Folder 2 flip phone - has now received certification from the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG), indicating an imminent launch. While the latest certification doesn't reveal anything about the device, from what we've heard so far, the device is powered by a 1.4GHz Qualcomm processor and sports a 3.8-inch touchscreen display. RAM is 2GB, while internal memory is 8GB, although expandable. In terms of camera, the device is said to feature an 8MP rear unit and a 5MP front shooter. It is...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_folder_2_is_now_bluetooth_certified-news-19671.php

Xiaomi Redmi Pro is going to use Chinese-made OLED panels

Xiaomi announced the Redmi Pro at a special event yesterday, and this is the Chinese company's most high-end Redmi-branded device ever. One thing that stands out in its spec list is the fact that it uses an OLED display. That's not something you'd expect to see in a phone that starts at $225 - because OLED panels are notoriously more expensive than LCDs. Yet if you do get a phone with an OLED screen, then that panel is probably made by Samsung, since the Korean company apparently holds a market share of almost 95% in the space. Well, that expectation isn't being met in the Xiaomi Redmi...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_redmi_pro_is_going_to_use_chinesemade_oled_panels-news-19670.php

Apple's Lightning-to-3.5mm adapter for the iPhone 7 supposedly surfaces in Vietnam

Most rumors talking about the iPhone 7 have mentioned that this year Apple is ditching the 3.5 mm headset jack for good. So at this point, after hearing this information from dozens of different sources, we're pretty much convinced it will happen. But, you may wonder, what will Apple do to keep its fans' anger in check? Well, apparently it all comes down to shipping a Lightning-to-3.5mm adapter in the box. When you buy one of the new iPhones, you also get the adapter. So if you have a pair of headphones that connect through that 3.5mm jack, you'll be able to continue using them. Such...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/apples_lightningto35mm_adapter_for_the_iphone_7_supposedly_surfaces_in_vietnam-news-19669.php

LeEco and Coolpad are working together on a high-end smartphone launching in August

When it's not buying American TV set makers, LeEco is busy purchasing controlling stakes in established Chinese smartphone manufacturers such as Coolpad. And now that the two companies have gotten closer (as LeEco holds a lot of Coolpad shares), they have also decided to collaborate on a new smartphone. It's still unclear what this device will be called, but the result of the cooperation between LeEco and Coolpad will definitely be high-end. On the back, it will sport the ever more prevalent dual camera setup, as seen in the leaked image below which purportedly shows the phone. It...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/leeco_and_coolpad_are_working_together_on_a_highend_smartphone_launching_in_august-news-19668.php

Samsung Gear S3 to be outed in September at IFA, rotary bezel in tow

Samsung's Gear S2 smartwatch is almost one year old at this point, so you might be wondering whether a successor will be announced soon. Well, if the latest rumor on the matter is right, then indeed it should. The new Samsung Gear S3 is apparently due to be officially presented at IFA in Berlin at the beginning of September. The new smartwatch will reportedly keep the round shape of its predecessor. Not only that, but it too will feature a rotary bezel just like the Gear S2. The bezel can be used on the existing device to navigate through menus, greatly enhancing usability since relying on...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_gear_s3_to_be_outed_in_september_at_ifa_rotary_bezel_in_tow-news-19667.php

Upcoming Lenovo Vibe P2 gets benchmarked with 4GB of RAM on board

Now that it's pretty much finished with Moto smartphone launches for the year (what with the new G4, G4 Plus, G4 Play, E3, Z, and Z Force all having already been made official), Lenovo is moving on to its other brand - Vibe. And its next device will carry that name. In fact, it's going to be the successor to the Vibe P1 from last year and Vibe P1 Turbo from February, and as you'd expect its name will be Lenovo Vibe P2. This handset has been benchmarked today, and through Geekbench's listing we get a glimpse at a couple of its specs. The device will be powered by the Qualcomm...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/upcoming_lenovo_vibe_p2_gets_benchmarked_with_4gb_of_ram_on_board-news-19665.php

Note7-compatible Samsung Gear VR leaks in blurry image

If for some reason you've missed one of those blurry image leaks lately, well, here you go. What you can see below if you're adept at reading between the pixels is supposedly the upcoming New Gear VR by Samsung. This headset will probably be launched alongside the Galaxy Note7 at the company's event next week, because its main selling point should in fact be the compatibility with Samsung's newest phablet. Since the Note7 will have a USB Type-C port, the old Gear VR isn't going to work with it - hence the need for this new model. On the outside it certainly looks similar enough to...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/note7compatible_samsung_gear_vr_leaks_in_blurry_image-news-19666.php

Meizu VP hints the PRO 7 won't use the Exynos 8890

The Meizu Pro 6 is still fresh off the production lines, so it is quite early for the Pro 7. However, the rumor mill never sleeps and the alleged 2017 flagship has already been spotted in a couple of images. But catching a quick glimpse of design is one thing, discovering the specs is a whole other challenge and one that even Meizu likely hasn't tackled for the Pro 7 yet. Still, a recent social media group chat with a company VP might just hold a few insider tips regarding Meizu's future hardware choices. It is no secret that Meizu has a track record of creating very close...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/meizu_vp_hints_the_pro_7_wont_use_the_exynos_8890-news-19659.php

Purported Meizu Smartwatch photos surface, possible unveil on August 10

A square retail box carrying Meizu branding has surfaced on Chinese microblogging platforms suggesting the company is preparing to ship a smartwatch soon. On top of that, a number of purported photos of the Meizu smartwatch itself have surfaced. The photos reveal a classy looking smartwatch with a leather band and metal casing. We can't confirm if this will be the actual product, but it does look stylish. Judging by the photos, there's no flat tyre, like the Moto 360. The alleged photos of the Meizu Smartwatch According to the report from XiaomiToday, the Meizu Smartwatch...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/purported_meizu_smartwatch_photos_surface_possible_unveil_on_august_10-news-19664.php

Apple iPhone 7 to go on pre-order September 9

The iPhone 7 and 7 Pro will go official in September with pre-orders allegedly starting on the 9th. Actual shipments will begin a week later, most likely on September 16 (a Friday). The exact date of the Apple event hasn't been confirmed yet. Confirmed: Pre-orders start on the 9th. You can extrapolate the launch event date from there. https://t.co/gwoPzIM1dI— Evan Blass (@evleaks) July 28, 2016 Last year, the iPhone 6s was unveiled on September 9th, pre-orders started on the 12th, but sales started two weeks later on September 25 (a Friday again). While we're at it, here are some...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/apple_iphone_7_to_go_on_preorder_september_9-news-19663.php

Sharp Basio 2 is an oddball of a 5-incher with physical Phone and Message buttons

Sharp has come up with a rather unorthodox smartphone offering, likely limited to its home Japanese market. Looking at the specsheet alone there's nothing all that spectacular about the Basio 2 SHV36 (except perhaps its name) - a 5-inch 720p IGZO display, Snapdragon 617 chipset with an octa-core CPU, 2GB of RAM and 16GB of storage make for a run of the mill midranger. After a glance at the photos though, it immediately becomes evident that the Basio 2 is no ordinary smartphone. While it does run Android 6.0 Marshmallow, its control arrangement has little in common with the standard...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/sharp_basio_2_is_an_oddball_of_a_5incher_with_physical_phone_and_message_buttons-news-19661.php

The iPhone 7 might feature a 3D touch home button

After a myriad of leaks and rumors, we are now fairly certain that the new iPhone lineup will be available in the middle of September. This shortness in time also tends to give the rest of the Apple rumor collection a certain air of plausibility as well. However, that logic seems to be failing quickly, with head-turning latecomers to the show, like the recent iPhone 6SE naming rumor or the shots of a trio of devices, instead of a duo. Continuing the same trend of alleged surprises, a new rumor suggests the next iPhone will have a 3D touch home button. The idea is that it will work similar...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/the_iphone_7_might_feature_a_3d_touch_home_button-news-19662.php

Samsung Galaxy Note7 stars in 11 minute long video

Earlier we saw a very short video of the Samsung Galaxy Note7, just a few seconds. Time for the feature length movie - a whole 11 minutes spent with a Note7 prototype. The hardware is not final and the software indicates it's for Korea's SK Telecom. And it's an Exynos version, Exynos 8890 with 4GB of RAM to be precise. The camera is a Sony IMX260, though we'll likely be seeing Samsung's sensor as well, same as with the S7. The video starts off with a tour of the hardware, notice the always on screen. S Pen focus is at 3 minutes, its top clicks like a pen (and like Note5's S Pen)....

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_note7_stars_in_11_minute_long_video-news-19660.php

Microsoft outs Pix camera app for iOS, supports Live Images

Microsoft Pix is a brand new camera app for Apple's iOS and it promises to surpass the image quality of the iPhone's default camera app. Microsoft designed the app to be very easy to use, literally settings-free. Pix relies on artificial intelligence to recognize and enhance your images real time. It boosts exposure by recognizing faces or other important objects, removes noise, and even corrects colors if needed. The app always shoots a burst of photos, then it saves the best one and use the rest for further image enhancements. The app supports Live Images, too. According to...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/microsoft_outs_pix_camera_app_for_ios_supports_live_images-news-19658.php

Mystery Samsung tablet spotted at FCC

A new Samsung tablet, carrying a model number SM-P585, has been spotted on the website of the United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC). A quick look at the included render suggests the device comes with a stylus as well as a rear camera with a flash. The design also indicates a display size of not more than 8-inches. Sadly, the listing itself doesn't reveal much about the device except various connectivity options, such as Bluetooth 4.2 LE, GPS, WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, and LTE compatibility for bands 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20 and 40. Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/mystery_samsung_tablet_spotted_at_fcc-news-19654.php

Canalys: Samsung was top smartphone vendor in Q2 with 80 million shipments

In its latest report, market research firm Canalys has revealed that Samsung was the top smartphone vendor in the world last quarter with a total shipment of 80 million units. "The success of the Galaxy S7 together with a de-emphasis on the low end of its portfolio has led to a rise in handset ASP," said Canalys Senior Analyst Tim Coulling. "Samsung's VR move has proved a wise one, with Gear VR bundles helping boost flagship handset sales." The South Korean company was followed by Apple, which managed to ship 40 million iPhones last quarter (40.4 million to be precise). "The launch...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/canalys_samsung_lead_smartphone_market_in_q2_with_80_million_shipments-news-19653.php

First official Galaxy Note7 ad is out, confirms a bunch of things

The first official TV ad for the Galaxy Note7 has been posted online by Samsung Mobile's Korean division. Even if we do know most of the details already, it's nice to get some confirmation from the maker itself. For one, it will be the Galaxy Note7, and not the Note6, which was hinted in the launch event announcement (7 Unpacked), as well as shown in a number of leaked images of bootscreens."5, then 6?" followed by a "No" leaves little doubt, even if you had any after the dedicated press release on the matter. Close-ups of fingerprints and various phone unlocking methods seem overly...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/first_official_galaxy_note7_ad_is_out_confirms_a_bunch_of_things-news-19657.php

The Pokemon Go Plus accessory will be delayed until September

If you have already fallen victim to the Pokemon Go craze, just like so many other nostalgia-struck fans, then you surely know about the Pokemon Go Plus Bluetooth accessory and might have even already pre-ordered one for $34.99. We can't really blame you, as the AR hunt is still a major social phenomenon, despite dying down slightly after the initial craze. However, Nintendo America announced today that the gadget won't be able to make its initial July release windows and will instead be available sometime in September. This adds even more to the game's already spotty release...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/the_pokemon_go_plus_accessory_will_be_delayed_until_september-news-19656.php

Moto Z Droid Edition and Force Droid Edition now available for purchase from Verizon

As scheduled, the Droid Editon variants of the Motorola Moto Z and Moto Z Force smartphones have been launched. The devices are now listed on Verizon's website as available to buy, with the former costing $26 a month (or $624 outright) and the latter setting you back $30 a month (or $720 outright). As for available MotoMods, the Insta-Share projector carries a price tag of $299.99, while the JBL SoundBoost Speaker costs $79.99. Then there are TUMI power banks ranging from $59.99 to $89.99, and a wide range of Incipio Back Plates that are priced at $14.99 each. The Moto Z and Z Force...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/moto_z_droid_and_force_droid_now_available_for_purchase_from_verizon-news-19652.php

Beyerdynamic releases two wireless and one wired mobile headsets

Beyerdynamic has announced a new budget series of mobile headsets. The Byron series includes the wired in-ear Byron, and the Byron BT and Byron BTA Bluetooth headsets. Byron BTA, Byron BT, and Byron (L-R) The Byron is the cheapest model and plugs straight into your phone or tablet. It has controls on the side to adjust the volume as well as a microphone for calls. The Byron BT and Byron BTA are similar, wherein they are both wireless Bluetooth headsets with a short cable that hangs above or below your neck and a remote control module. The BTA is the more premium model that has...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/beyerdynamic_releases_two_wireless_and_one_wired_mobile_headsets-news-19655.php

New Yahoo Messenger app now available on Windows and Mac as well

Around six months after launching the revamped Messenger app on mobile and the Web, Yahoo has announced that the application is now available on Windows and Mac as well. The announcement came in the form of a blog post from Yahoo's senior director of product management Austin Shoemaker. "Want to share photos from your latest vacation or simply spice up a message? Save precious time with our drag and drop feature to share multiple photos at once," Shoemaker said. "Then, spread the love by "liking" any posts or images that stand out to you. If you'd rather reply with a GIF, you can...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/new_yahoo_messenger_app_now_available_for_windows_and_mac-news-19649.php

iPhone crosses 1 billion sales milestone

Apple has announced that it has sold more than 1 billion iPhones till date, a milestone that was achieved in less than 10 years. The announcement came from none other than CEO Tim Cook during an employee meeting in Cupertino. "iPhone has become one of the most important, world-changing and successful products in history," said Cook. "Last week we passed another major milestone when we sold the billionth iPhone. We never set out to make the most, but we've always set out to make the best products that make a difference." This comes shortly after Apple announced its fiscal Q3 results,...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/iphone_crosses_1_billion_sales_milestone-news-19651.php