Unlocked 64GB Nexus 6P now just $420 on Amazon and Best Buy

If you're after a Nexus 6P it's always good to be on the lookout for discounts, as these seem to be on quite often. Well, right now is one such moment. Amazon and Best Buy in the US are offering the 64GB storage version of the Huawei-made better Nexus from last year for $420 minus a cent - $129 off its usual price. There are a few details worth noting - for example, both retailers will charge you $420 for the Gold and Graphite paint jobs, but demand an extra $30 for the Aluminum (or Silver if you ask Amazon). Also, if you want the Frost (white) color option, you can only find it...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/unlocked_64gb_nexus_6p_now_just_420_on_amazon_and_best_buy-news-19814.php

iPhone 7 mockups caught on video - high quality closeups this time

With the Galaxy Note7 now out of the way, the next iPhone will be the sole major source of leaks for the weeks to come. Not that Apple has managed to keep a lid on it up until now, on the contrary. There's a new episode today, and this one comes in the form of a video, where three different mockups are presented - supposedly the regular iPhone 7, the 7 Plus, and the 7 Pro. Now, it's been established (to the extent that usually reliable leakster Evan Blass stated it) that there will only be two iPhone 7 models, so the units featured in the video probably represent an earlier stage in the...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/iphone_7_mockups_caught_on_video__high_quality_closeups_this_time-news-19815.php

Android dominates Indian smartphone OS market with whopping 97% share

Android's share of the Indian smartphone OS market jumped to a whopping 97.1% in Q2 2016, according to market research firm Strategy Analytics. The figure stood at 90% in the year-ago quarter. In terms of smartphone units, India saw 29.8 million Android phones getting shipped in Q2. This compares to a total of 30.7 million smartphone units shipped in the country during the quarter. "Android shipped 29.8 million smartphones in India in Q2 2016, growing an impressive 28 percent annually from 23.2 million units in Q2 2015," said Neil Mawston, Executive Director at Strategy...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/strategy_analytics_android_dominates_indian_smartphone_market_with_97_share-news-19811.php

Samsung Gear IconX US launch delayed to August 19

Samsung has pushed the US launch of its Gear IconX wireless earbuds from August 14 to August 19. This means that the accessory will now be available in the country on the day when the Galaxy Note7 and the Gear 360 virtual reality camera are set to go on sale. In case you missed, the Gear IconX is already available for purchase in several other countries like the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Russia, Canada, South Korea, and Australia. If you are in the US, it's worth mentioning that the $200 earbuds are currently available to pre-order in your country. You can either directly...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_gear_iconx_us_launch_delayed_to_august_19-news-19812.php

Asus releases the Zenfone 3 in Malaysia - the entire range of models

Asus has just launched the Zenfone 3 range of smartphones in Malaysia. Announced two months ago, the Zenfone 3 is only now starting to become available, with a couple of models first listed in Thailand the other day. Back to Malaysia though, where the company held its Zenvolution event today. The press was reminded again of the phones' features and specs, but since those have been official for a while now, it's the pricing that's perhaps more important. The top-specced Zenfone 3 Deluxe, the first smartphone with the updated Snapdragon 821 chipset, which also has 6GB of RAM and 256GB of...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/asus_releases_the_zenfone_3_in_malaysia__the_entire_range_of_models-news-19813.php

Samsung Galaxy Note7 and Lens cover: testing the add-on lenses

Phones with an optical zoom lens are a novelty, but people want flexibility, so add-on lenses were born. There are plenty, but since the Galaxy S7 Samsung has been making its own first-party product - the Lens cover. Naturally, there's a version for the Samsung Galaxy Note7 and we got to spend a day with it. The cover The Lens cover itself makes for a high-quality back cover. It's made of a soft, rubberized material with a leather texture, so it looks good and feels good in the hand. It's thick and the inside is covered with soft cloth so it will protect the phone from falls (as...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_note7_and_lens_cover_testing_the_addon_lenses-news-19790.php

CREO Mark 1 gets $90 price cut for a week

The CREO Mark 1, which is already one of the cheapest QHD phones in the market, will be available at a discounted rate starting next week. The device, which usually carries an INR 19,999 ($300) price tag, will cost just INR 13,999 ($210) from August 8 to August 15. The price cut is to celebrate India's 70th Independence day. To refresh, the Mark 1 is powered by a MediaTek Helio X10 chipset and sports a 5.5-inch QHD display. It comes with 3GB RAM, 21MP/8MP camera combo, and 3,100mAh battery. The device runs FUEL OS, which is based on Android. Source

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/creo_mark_1_gets_90_price_cut-news-19809.php

Samsung Galaxy On7 (2016) Exynos variant spotted on Geekbench

Over a month after a GFXBench listing revealed Snapdragon-powered Samsung Galaxy On7 (2016), an Exynos variant of the upcoming device has been spotted on another benchmarking website Geekbench. The Geekbench listing reveals Exynos 7870 chipset, 3GB RAM, and Android Marshmallow version 6.0.1. The device carries a model of number of SM-G610F, which is said to be for the Indian market. The Snapdragon model, on the other hand, may only be launched in the Chinese market, reports say. The SM-G610F was also recently spotted in a listing on Zauba, suggesting that the phone will feature a...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_on7_2016_exynos_variant_spotted_on_gfxbench-news-19808.php

Buy a Galaxy, get a Galaxy free on T-Mobile, today only

T-Mobile is offering a BOGO deal on a number of Samsung Galaxy flagships, new and slightly older. Those include the Galaxy S6, S6 edge, and S6 edge+, the Note5 and the S7/S7 edge. A whole bunch of Galaxies: S6, S7, S6 edge+, and S7 edge Naturally, there are terms and conditions, and the main one is you need to activate a new line. Both devices must be purchased with a 24-month Equipment Installment Plan, and every month your bill for the second device will be automatically credited. The offer is valid today only, August 6. Source | Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/buy_a_galaxy_get_a_galaxy_free_on_tmobile_today_only-news-19810.php

HP Elite x3 expected to be available for online orders in US early next month

The Windows 10-powered Elite x3 is "anticipated" to be available for online orders from HP's official website in the United States early next month (September 5 to be precise), according to a company spokesperson. The device, as we already know, will carry a $699 price tag in the country. A bundle containing a desk dock as well as a "premium headset" will set you back $799. In case you missed, the business-focused phone is already available to pre-order in the UK and Australia, where it costs £749 and AUD 1,199, respectively. In all, the Elite x3 will be sold in a total of 47...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/hp_elite_x3_expected_to_be_available_for_online_orders_in_us_early_next_month-news-19807.php

Unlocked LG G5 currently available for just $410 in US

If you are an LG fan and are in the market for the company's latest flagship smartphone the G5, here is a deal for you: the device (unlocked model) is currently available for just $410 in the country. Specifically, an eBay seller by the name of 9tronix is currently offering the phone at that price. A quick look at listings on LG's official retail partners such as Amazon and B&H Photo reveals that the eBay deal saves you at-least $140. Color options include Gold, Silver, and Titan. As of writing, over 115 units of the handset have already been sold, and the seller says that quantity...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/unlocked_lg_g5_currently_available_for_just_410_in_us-news-19806.php

alcatel Idol 4 now available for purchase in US

As scheduled, the alcatel Idol 4 is now available for purchase in the US via Cricket Wireless. The carrier is selling the device for $199.99 - the price, as you might already know, also includes a virtual reality headset. To refresh, the Idol 4 is powered by a Snapdragon 617 chipset and sports a 5.2-inch full HD display. RAM options include 2GB and 3GB, while internal memory is 16GB. A 2,610mAh battery is there to keep the lights on. In terms of camera, the phone features a 13MP/8MP combo. It runs Android 6.0 Marshmallow out of the box. Source

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/cricket_starts_selling_alcatel_idol_4-news-19805.php

Google to shut down Android Wear's "Together" on September 30

A new update to the Android Wear companion app confirms that Google will cease to continue service of the "Together" feature which was only out for almost a year. The feature will no longer work after September 30 as Google mentions in a pop up message. ‘Together' is a watch face that allowed you to send messages to others using the same watch face. It allows you to send little drawings and emoji to your friends or loved ones for instant communication. The features aren't completely going away, though. Android Wear 2.0 will bring more interactive watch faces with communication...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/_google_to_shut_down_android_wears_together_on_september_30-news-19804.php

PhoneBuff performs head-to-head drop test of the Moto Z Force and Galaxy S7 active

The closest competitor to the Samsung Galaxy S7 active is the newly released Lenovo Moto Z Force Droid Edition, available exclusively though Verizon. The S7 active remains an AT&T exclusive device as well. These phones both claim they have shatter proof displays which can withstand drops of up to 5 feet high onto flat surfaces. PhoneBuff performed head-to-head drop tests with the Moto Z Force and the Samsung Galaxy S7 active. After watching the video, you can see which of the two phones proved to be much more durable in extreme scenarios. The Moto Z Force's display stopped working after...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/phonebuff_performs_headtohead_drop_test_of_the_moto_z_force_and_galaxy_s7_active-news-19803.php

Official renders of the Meizu M1E leak a few days before official announcement

Chinese smartphone maker Meizu has recently sent out invitations for a press event set for the date of August 10. The device said to be unveiled is the Meizu M1E. The smartphone has a strikingly similar frontal design to another major smartphone maker. Not a huge surprise there. The device's render below looks like the images that were leaked earlier. Those photos also revealed benchmark screenshots showing off the specs powering the smartphone. The alleged specs are as follows: Mediatek MT 6755 Soc (Helio P10), 5.5 inch 1080p display, 3GB of RAM, and runs on Flyme OS 5.2.1 based on...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/official_renders_of_the_meizu_m1e_leak_a_few_days_before_official_announcement-news-19802.php

Lenovo Vibe C2 Power ups the battery capacity to 3,500 mAh

Today in Russia Lenovo unveiled the Vibe C2 Power, an enhanced version of the Vibe C2. It's a bit odd that the Chinese company is already launching a slightly better iteration of a model that only got official last month. Anyway, the new Vibe C2 Power comes with a spacious 3,500 mAh battery, an improvement of 750 mAh compared to the vanilla C2's 2,750 mAh cell. That's where the name "Power" comes in. You also get double the RAM amount compared to the Vibe C2, now at 2GB. Otherwise, though, the new phone's specs are just as unimpressive as those of the original Vibe C2 have been ever...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/lenovo_vibe_c2_power_ups_the_battery_capacity_to_3500_mah-news-19801.php

Verizon will offer both 2016 HTC Nexus handsets

At this point, after many leaks on the matter, it seems pretty clear that the 2016 Nexus lineup will consist of two smartphones, both made by HTC. The smaller, 5-inch model has been referred to by its codename Sailfish, while the 5.5-inch handset goes by Marlin. Both should have pretty much the same high-end specs, save for screen size, resolution, and battery capacity. The two devices might launch in early October, and you'll obviously be able to purchase them unlocked from Google's online hardware store. However, according to a new rumor, the HTC Nexus Sailfish and Marlin will also be...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/verizon_will_offer_both_2016_htc_nexus_handsets-news-19800.php

Samsung Gear 360 hands-on: visit New York in VR

Samsung has plunged into VR, but it faces the same problem as anyone else in this space - lack of content. Worse, lack of user content. It's easy to shoot a photo or a video and watch it on your TV, but how do you capture something to view on the Samsung Gear VR headset? The Samsung Gear 360 camera, of course! With two fisheye lenses you can snap a 360° x 180° panorama in one go. And while Google's Photosphere can do spherical panoramas too (albeit much more slowly), there's no way to record video - which the Gear 360 can. The Samsung Gear 360 camera Each camera is responsible...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_gear_360_handson_visit_new_york_in_vr-news-19793.php

Samsung Galaxy Note7 goes on pre-order in Europe, costs €849

While the USA will be getting the hot Galaxy Note7 on August 19, Europe has to wait two more weeks to September 2. The official pre-orders across the old continent will kick off August 16, but there are lots of retailers that jumped the gun and listed the phablet. We were able to find quite a few retailers in Germany to have opened their pre-order campaigns for the Note7. Most of them have set the price to €849. The UK price has been set to £699, which is very close to the price on the mainland. There are no extra goodies mentioned in those offers, so we'd suggest to wait for...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_note7_goes_on_preorder_in_europe_costs_849-news-19799.php

7 Doodle Fruit Games now available in the Google app

Google is marking the start of the Olympics in Rio with an updated Google app for Android and iOS. If you tap on the fruity doodle on top, you'll get to choose between 7 tiny games. Those are all some fun games with fruits that last no more than a minute. If you want to play them, you have to own an Android or iOS device and get the updated Google app from the store. You can also visit g.co/fruit for more information and hot links. There are lots of issues around the Olympics in Brazil, so maybe this will help some of the guys over there to forget about those sewage problems, air and...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/7_doodle_fruit_games_now_available_in_the_google_app-news-19796.php

Christoph Waltz advertises America, correction, Galaxy Note7

Samsung Galaxy Note7 is officially out and will soon ship to its fans. Of course, Samsung is now busy advertising the phablet and the company is rather good at hyping people about its products. This new Galaxy Note7 ad has Oscar-winner Christoph Waltz advertise to Americans and explain why they need the new Note. It's absolutely over the top, sugar-coated, and funny, and yet you may find yourself hooked into the phablet. Or moving to America. Here, decide for yourselves: Source

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/christoph_waltz_advertises_america_correction_galaxy_note7-news-19791.php

Asus to hold Zenfone 3 press event in India on August 17

Slowly but surely Asus is launching the Zenfore 3 and its brethren across Asia. The latest market to offer the Zenfone 3, Zenfone 3 Ultra and Zenfone 3 Deluxe will be India. Asus is holding an event on August 17 to make the official announcement. According to the company's invite, the "Z3Nvolution" event is going to be centered around the Zenfone 3 trio. It remains to be seen if the company will sell the phones right away or will wait a few more weeks. The Zenfone 3 gets you a 5.5-inch FullHD Super IPS+ display, Snapdragon 625 chipset and a 16MP/8MP camera combo. The top of the line...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/asus_to_hold_zenfone_3_press_event_in_india_on_august_17-news-19789.php

Honor 7 Lite (5c) review: Lite and dark

Like a deja vu all over again, we loved the Huawei P9 lite and it's back for more. Except this time, it's the Huawei Honor 7 Lite - though the differences are pretty slim.

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/huawei_honor_7_lite_5c-review-1469.php

Meizu M1E leaks again, this time in black

A few days ago, we came across a few leaked shots of a rather suspicious-looking Meizu phone. After some digging, we came out fairly confident that handset, codenamed ME1 could indeed be the first in a brand new Meizu E family. Today offers quite a bit of extra info on the handset in a total of three leaks. First off, the M1E was featured in another set of live shots, only this time in black. Judging by the available AnTuTu screen, we can safely say the specs, or at least their readout, match. To reiterate, these include a MediaTek MT6755M Helio P10 SoC, 3GB of RAM, 32GB of storage, a...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/meizu_m1e_leaks_again_this_time_in_black-news-19788.php

Apple releases iOS 9.3.4 security update

Before iOS 10 rolls out next month, Apple has snuck in what is possibly the final iOS 9 update. The iOS 9.3.4 available right now for all the compatible iPhone and iPad models is mostly a security update, so don't expect any noticeable changes. The update fixes one issue in particular, a memory corruption issue, which was addressed through improved memory handling. The issue would cause applications to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. Apple credits a team of jailbreakers - Team Pangu - for bringing this issue to light. The update also breaks the latest jailbreak...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/apple_releases_ios_934_security_update-news-19787.php

Galaxy Note7 to have a 6GB/128GB version after all

All the way back in February, when the Samsung Galaxy Note7 was still months away, a rumor started that it would pack 6GB of RAM. It lived on in the months that came despite piling evidence against it, and after the announcement a few days ago, we now know for a fact that the phablet has just 4GB of operating memory. Only there might be more to this story, the latest episode coming from an update to the TENAA listing for the Note7. The Chinese telecom regulator has just added a remark that there will be a version with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. Notes have traditionally...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/galaxy_note7_to_have_a_6gb_128gb_version_after_all-news-19786.php

The Olympics Committee bans GIFs, Vines, and live streaming of the games

With the rise of livestreaming apps and GIFs becoming easier to produce, the Olympics Committee has updated its rules for the 2016 Games taking place in Rio, Brazil. Olympic Material must not be broadcast on interactive services such as "news active" or "sports active" [ban from putting the games as On Demand content] . additionally, the use of Olympic Material transformed into graphic animated formats such as animated GIFs (i.e. GIFV), GFY, WebM, or short video formats such as Vines and others, is expressly prohibited. "Broadcasting images via live-streaming...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/the_olympics_committee_bans_gifs_vines_and_live_streaming_of_the_games-news-19785.php

LTE outages around the world for Nexus 6 owners

No, it's not a carefully organized cyberattack. There seems to be something wrong with the Motorola Nexus 6 as of late. Many owners of the 6 inch Shamu have been experiencing LTE outages on carriers around the world. In the US, T-Mobile customers are the ones affected by this strange occurrence. The issues were reported to Google's Product Forums and an engineer from Google has acknowledged the problem in the corresponding thread. Many users on Reddit have been reporting outages from other countries and a list was made up this morning with carriers from Canada, Australia, Finland, The...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/lte_outages_around_the_world_for_nexus_6_owners-news-19784.php

Moto Z Play stars in hands-on photo shoot

A couple of days ago the upcoming Moto Z Play got certified by China's TENAA, the country's FCC equivalent. This meant we got to see the first images of the device, low-quality as they may have been. Now though someone in possession of a Moto Z Play prototype has decided to create a photo session starring the unannounced smartphone, and make the resulting images public. Here they are. Moto Z Play hands-on pictures As you can see, the Moto Z Play mostly shares the design of its two already announced siblings, the Moto Z and Moto Z Force - including the huge camera hump and...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/moto_z_play_stars_in_handson_photo_shoot-news-19783.php

HTC Desire 530 is now available online at Verizon

Last month the HTC Desire 530 became available in the US for the first time, both in unlocked form as well as through T-Mobile. And starting today Verizon is offering the handset too, even undercutting the magenta carrier on price. You can purchase the Desire 530 online from Big Red right now, or if you want to buy it from a store you need to wait until August 11. It's priced at $6 per month with a 24-month installment plan, adding up to a full retail price of $144 ($16 less than at T-Mobile). For a limited time, if you already have Verizon service and activate a new line you can...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/htc_desire_530_is_now_available_online_at_verizon-news-19782.php

Alleged iPhone 7 prototype clips leak left and right

Now that the Samsung Galaxy Note7 is official and the craze is dying down, at least on the rumor front that is, leakststers and tipsters have naturally refocused all their attention to Apple and its upcoming iPhone lineup. And now that September is drawing ever closer, we seem to be somewhat past renders and on to dummy models and potentially even working prototypes out in the open. Alleged iPhone 7 The latest such clip seems to feature a working iPhone 7 prototype. Although not "working" in the typical iOS sense, the unit does seem to be loaded with a hardware...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/alleged_iphone_7_prototype_clips_leak_left_and_right-news-19781.php

Moto Z lands in the UK in early September priced at £495

The Moto Z and Moto Z Force have already gone on sale in the US, but so far they've been Verizon exclusives. Now if you live in the UK and are craving the Moto Z, here's some good news: we finally know when to expect it to become available over there. On the other hand, there's still no info on whether (or when) the Moto Z Force might be sold outside the US. According to online retailer Clove, the first stock of the Moto Z is expected to reach the UK sometime in early September. Nothing more specific than that unfortunately, but still this means it's only about one month away from...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/moto_z_lands_in_the_uk_in_early_september_priced_at__pound495-news-19780.php

Microsoft drops the prices of Lumia 950 and 950 XL in the US, Lumia 640 down in the UK

It's no secret the public interest towards the Lumia 950 and 950 XL flagships is quite miserable. While there is nothing wrong with the phones, on the contrary - those are some great tools featuring iris scanners and Continuum, it's Windows OS that is just not interesting enough for the consumers. Anyway, Microsoft has been making various discounts on different markets on the flagship duo and now it is USA's turn to get some nice promotions. Microsoft Store US has slashed $200 off the Lumia 950 XL price down to $449 and it took $150 off the Lumia 950 price tag down to $399. That's not...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/microsoft_drops_the_prices_of_lumia_950_and_950_xl_in_the_us_lumia_640_down_in_the_uk-news-19779.php

Gear VR hands-on: refined and more versatile then ever

It is great to see that Samsung is still working hard on VR, as being a pioneer is becoming increasingly daunting and challenging in today's tech realm. And the Gear VR is just that - when it was unveiled alongside the Galaxy Note 4 at IFA 2014 in Berlin, it was more or less charting new ground. Sure, the parallels with Google's Cardboard experience are numerous and the basic principle of operation is the same. However, currently comparing the two is a perfect "apples to oranges" example since the partnership between Samsung and Oculus has taken the idea so far beyond some cardboard and a...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/gear_vr_handson_refined_and_more_versatile_then_ever-news-19774.php

OnePlus X is getting Oxygen 2.2.2 update, July security fixes in tow

OnePlus X is getting a new firmware update which employs all Google security patches up to July 1. It ups the OxygenOS version from 2.2.0 to 2.2.2. In addition to the security fixes, the patch updates the camera performance, SwiftKey keyboard, carrier name mapping, and fixes some issuers. Here is the full change log. Upgraded camera to version 1.4 UI Improved camera frame rate performance Added trusted face unlock security option Updated SwiftKey to version 6.3.3 Updated carrier name mapping Added July 1 security patch Fixed default SIM card selection issue Fixed network...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/oneplus_x_is_getting_oxygen_222_update_july_security_fixes_in_tow-news-19778.php

Apple Music goes out of beta on Android

Ever since it launched last year in November, Apple Music on Android has lived life as a beta software. That ends today, as Apple has finally released stable version 1.0.0 on the Play Store. On the surface, nothing really has changed. The vague update log on the Play Store only mentions "a variety of performance, playback, and stability improvements" without going into specifics, but I guess you can expect all round improvements to your playback experience, especially since some users have had issues with it. Apple also mentions equalizer settings but we couldn't find that...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/apple_music_goes_out_of_beta_on_android-news-19772.php

Samsung outs detailed info on its Galaxy Note7 iris scanner

Now that the Galaxy Note7 is out, Samsung is busy promoting the phablet and its new features. The iris scanner is surely quite intriguing tech and many questions began piling up with the impeding launch. People that aren't familiar with the iris scanning process are asking how does this work, is it fast, safe, secure? Samsung is ready to answer all those questions as this is its first smartphone to feature this biometric security option. Microsoft used this already on its Lumia 950 series, but due to the lack of popularity of the Windows phones, this feature wasn't widely...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_outs_detailed_info_on_its_galaxy_note7_iris_scanner-news-19777.php

Nexus Sailfish specs spotted on GFXBench

If current rumors are to be believed, the next batch of Nexus devices will come courtesy of HTC and bear the codenames Marlin and Sailfish. The former has already been spotted in a Geekbench listing, which did reveal some of its alleged specs. Now its time for Sailish to get the leak treatment as well. Luckily, this time around, the info comes from GFXBench, which is typically a lot more expansive in its hardware readout. And straight off the bat, the page seems to confirm one of the more outlandish aspects of the future device, namely that it will feature a 5-inch display. Said...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/nexus_sailfish_specs_spotted_on_gfxbench-news-19776.php

Asus Zenfone 3 ZE552KL and ZE520KL now available in Thailand

The first of the countless Asus Zenfone 3 models are now available to purchase in Thailand. More specifically, the Zenfone 3 ZE552KL and the ZE520KL models have been listed online. The first one costs THB 14,900 (about $425) and that gets you a 5.5-inch FullHD Super IPS+ display, Snapdragon 625 chipset and a 16MP/8MP camera combo. Mind you, that price tag is on the top-specced version of that model (it's never easy with Asus' naming convention), which packs 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. The Zenfone 3 ZE520KL, on the other hand, is more affordable at THB 11,990 ($345). You might...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/asus_zenfone_3_ze552kl_and_ze520kl_now_available_in_thailand-news-19775.php

Samsung Galaxy A4 certified by the Wi-Fi Alliance

Samsung Mobile has covered half the alphabet with product lines and each individual letter is getting quite busy too. The Galaxy A series may be expecting a new member, the Galaxy A4. The Wi-Fi Alliance put its stamp on a number of Samsung SM-A430 devices. The Galaxy A3 (2016) is A310 and the A5 (2016) is A510. The A3 and A5 from the year before are A300 and A500 respectively. The pattern is pretty clear - the A430 should retail as the Galaxy A4 and judging by the '30', it's a more recent model (A4 2017?). Wi-Fi certification of the upcoming Samsung Galaxy A4 Multiple versions...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_a4_certified_by_the_wifi_alliance-news-19773.php

Watch the Note7 event highlights in 360 degrees

If you missed the Galaxy Note7 launch event or just want to watch the highlights again, you can now do so in 360 degrees. Samsung has released a full 360 degree video of the event that shows the entire auditorium including the stage where the phone was being launched. To be honest, it isn't as cool as it might sound, considering most of the theater other than the stage is dark so there isn't a lot to see around you. There are some promo video bits in between that are interesting but otherwise it's a bit underwhelming. If you want to check it out anyway, take out your cardboard VR, pop...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/watch_the_note7_event_highlights_in_360_degrees-news-19771.php

Xiaomi VR Toy edition unveiled, a sturdier Google Cardboard

Xiaomi unveiled its VR Toy Edition headset. It is fairly similar to Google Cardboard, but it's built with sturdier materials - Spandex and Lycra. Phones with screens ranging from 4.7" to 5.7" can be used and are secured in place with a zipper instead of velcro. Better still, it seems like Xiaomi has devised a way to adjust the phone's position. It doesn't sound like proper lens adjustment, but it's still better than nothing (which is what basic Cardboard headsets get). Xiaomi VR Toy Edition Xiaomi has prepared its own software for the VR headset and it includes watching movies...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_vr_toy_edition_unveiled_a_sturdier_google_cardboard-news-19770.php

Could there be a 4.6" OnePlus 3 mini, finally?

A mini version of the OnePlus 2 was rumored throughout its existence, and instead the OnePlus X was born, which wasn't exactly the same thing. Mini flagship lovers have been left out in the cold completely after Sony scrapped the Z-series and the Xperia Z5 Compact is the last one to cater to that demographic (plus the iPhone SE, but that's a different little beast). Well, OnePlus might be filling that niche after all, if this new GFXBench listing is any indication. A 4.6-inch FullHD display is enough to capture mini fans' attention, and the Snapdragon 820 plus 6GB of RAM should get them...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/could_there_be_a_46_oneplus_3_mini_finally-news-19769.php

LG V20 will be unveiled September 6 in San Francisco

IFA events will kick off at the start of September, but it seems the LG V20 will not be visiting. Instead, LG has a 4-day event planned for San Francisco scheduled for September 6 and an event in Seoul on the following day. The LG V20 will be the guest of honor at both events. The press invites have been sent out with two taglines: "Play More" and "The second story begins." LG hasn't revealed much else about the phone other than it will launch with Android 7.0 Nougat (take that, Note7). Source (in Korean)

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/lg_v20_will_be_unveiled_september_6_in_san_francisco-news-19768.php

Samsung Galaxy Note7 first benchmarks

The Samsung Galaxy Note7 is built on the S7 platform. This means the chipset is either Snapdragon 820 or an Exynos 8890 (which one you get depends on geography) and 4GB of RAM. Yep, there's no upgrade in RAM over the S7, despite the numerous 6GB rumors. Anyway, we just got an early unit that isn't 100% ready for a review. It's the Exynos version, which is what Europeans have to look forward to, while the US is getting the Snapdragon one. We'll start a full review when we get a proper retail unit, but we did try some benchmarks. And it comes as no surprise the Galaxy Note7 matched the S7...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_note7_first_benchmarks-news-19762.php

ZTE launches ‘Project CSX' to crowd source ideas for a new smartphone

ZTE is the fourth largest smartphone manufacturer in the US and the second largest in the prepaid market. The Chinese phone maker announced plans for a new type of phone which will involve ZTE's new online ‘Z-Community'. The company will allow fans to become involved with the design process of a new smartphone. ZTE thinks it should listen to its own customers and smartphone enthusiasts in order to conceive something irresistible. A practice that OnePlus more or less incorporated when designing its first phone as it took what enthusiasts were saying about other current...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/zte_launches_project_csx_to_crowd_source_ideas_for_a_new_smartphone-news-19767.php

New report suggests new iPhone may have 3GB of RAM

A report from DigiTimes outlines the memory chip industry in Asia and how it is currently preparing for an increase in demand for DRAM chips. The top three manufacturers of memory chips: Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron Technology have cut production of these chips in the first half of the year which have restricted supplies around the world. The following line in the report suggests the new iPhone may be getting 3GB of RAM: Increasing built-in memory capacity at next-generation smartphones, including new iPhone devices, will further ramp up demand for memory products in the third quarter,...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/new_report_suggests_new_iphone_may_have_3gb_of_ram-news-19766.php

Xbox One S teardown yields 8 out of 10 repairability score

The new Xbox One S went on sale yesterday, as expected, and today the teardown experts at iFixit have done what they do best - take the thing apart. The Xbox One S comes with an improved GPU which supports HDR10, 2TB of storage (500GB and 1TB options will launch soon), HDMI 2.0a connectivity with support for 4K video at 60Hz, a redesigned wireless controller, a vertical stand, and mechanical buttons. It's identified as Model 1681. The Xbox One S uses a MediaTek chip for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, a 5,400 RPM SATA III Seagate hard drive with 32MB cache, while the BD-UHD drive is...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/xbox_one_s_teardown_yields_8_out_of_10_repairability_score-news-19765.php

Gionee M6 Mini with 5.3-inch display and 4,000 mAh battery passes TENAA certification

Last month Gionee unveiled two new members of its M-series, which is comprised on smartphones having a huge focus on battery life. The M6 and M6 Plus do this too, the former sporting a 5,000 mAh battery, while the latter has a 6,020 mAh cell. With these two handsets, Gionee has cornered the market for 5.5" and 6" phones with huge batteries, but what about going smaller? Well, it turns out that in the near future an M6 Mini will join the two in Gionee's portfolio. It has been certified for sale in China by TENAA, the regulatory authority that's akin to the FCC over there. And this process...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/gionee_m6_mini_with_53inch_display_and_4000_mah_battery_passes_tenaa_certification-news-19764.php

We fondled the Samsung Galaxy Note7, here's the video

We're gearing up for the full review of the Samsung Galaxy Note7, but we're still pumped up from the event yesterday, so we put together a short video. It begins, of course, with the iris scanner. This unit wasn't set up for us, but you can see how it works - you see your eyes in a sort of night vision view. You have to roughly line up your eyes with the markings and wait a moment. The revamped notification area and toggles are next. Then a quick look at the bottom where the most exciting features are - the S Pen and the USB Type-C port. Samsung changed up the camera UI, which you...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/we_fondled_the_samsung_galaxy_note7_heres_the_video-news-19760.php