Samsung to pull the plug on its Milk Music service in US on September 22

In line with reports earlier this year, Samsung has announced that it will shut down its Milk Music service in the United States on September 22. The South Korean company says that it's now working on a model that focuses on "the best music services available today." "We have made the strategic decision to invest in a partner model focused on seamlessly integrating the best music services available today into our family of Galaxy devices," the tech giant said in a press release. While the company didn't provide anymore details on the product it's currently working on, we hope that...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_to_pull_the_plug_on_its_milk_music_service_in_us_on_september_22-news-20066.php

Siri support coming to WhatsApp soon

Looks like soon you'll be able to use Siri to read and send WhatsApp messages as well as make WhatsApp calls on iOS devices. A leak - which reveals an explanation text that's shown to users when prompted to give WhatsApp access to Siri - suggests this. It's worth mentioning that Siri can only be used with Apple's own apps (and a select number of third-party services) at the moment, but that'll change with the release of iOS 10, which will allow the integration of the virtual assistant with third-party apps. So while there's no official confirmation on WhatsApp getting Siri support...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/siri_support_coming_to_whatsapp-news-20065.php

Mysterious Sony smartphones spotted at FCC

Two mysterious Sony smartphones have been certified by the Federal Communications Commission in the US. Listed as PY7-29752M and PY7-93041M, the devices are said to be part of a new Xperia line codenamed Kugo. Sadly that is all what is known at the moment, but we hope to hear more about the handset's design and key specification in near future. With IFA 2016 just a couple of weeks away, and Sony's invite for the event teasing a new smartphone (along with many other devices), we might see the new Xperia line sooner than later. Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/couple_of_unknown_sony_smartphones_spotted_at_fcc-news-20064.php

OnePlus 2 currently available for $240 in US

If you are a OnePlus fan in the US and are looking for a deal on one of their smartphones, you'll be glad to know that the OnePlus 2 is currently going for $240 in the country. eBay seller cell-force is offering the phone at that rate. For comparison, OnePlus is officially selling the phone for $299 in the US, and third-party retailers like Amazon has also have it listed for upwards of $290. The unit on offer is an unlocked, 64GB one with model number A2005, meaning it's compatible with GSM carriers like AT&T and T-Mobile. Although the deal runs through August 23, stock is limited,...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/oneplus_2_currently_available_for_240_in_us-news-20062.php

IDC: Samsung tops Indian smartphone market in Q2, Micromax follows

Market research firm IDC has released its latest report for the Indian smartphone market, revealing that Samsung was the top vendor in second quarter of this year. The South Korean company's share of the market stood at 25.1%. "With updated versions of J2, J5 and J7 released in Q2 2016, J-series devices continue to drive Samsung's shipments," the report said. Micromax came in second with 12.9% share. "Slew of new launches backed by the new marketing initiatives helped Micromax gain the market share post two consecutive declines in Q2 2016. Vendor has re-gained share in $150-$200...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/idc_samsung_tops_indian_smartphone_market_in_q2_micromax_follows-news-20061.php

Samsung launches a bunch of new accessories along with the Note7

The Galaxy Note7 isn't only thing Samsung launched in the US yesterday. The company announced that it is releasing several new accessories which help to make up its new lineup of "collections" which promote different lifestyles as part of Samsung's latest marketing campaign. Move, Explore, Create, and Go with Galaxy - These collections focus on fitness, learning and experiencing VR, creating new content, and using products for a mobile lifestyle, respectively. Samsung is launching a new updated Gear VR (hands-on here) which will work with Smartphones all the way back to the S6, the Gear...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_launches_a_bunch_of_new_accessories_along_with_the_note7-news-20063.php

Corning defends Gorilla Glass 5 in light of Galaxy Note7 scratch tests

The Samsung Galaxy Note7 is one of the first smartphones to come with Gorilla Glass 5, one that was announced last month. GG5 aimed to withstand drops from selfie-height. Fast-forward to this week, YouTuber JerryRigEverything performed a scratch test (as he always does) with his metal picks which are all individually representative of Moh's scale of hardness. Basically, anything with a higher hardness rating will scratch anything else with a lower rating. The Note7 didn't do so well in the YouTuber's video where it began to show signs of scratching at only at Moh's level 3 whereas...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/corning_defends_gorilla_glass_5_in_light_of_galaxy_note7_scratch_tests-news-20060.php

Some of Allo's new sticker packs leak, and they're a bit risque

Google recently launched Duo, the company's newest mobile video calling app set out to directly rival with Facetime. Google's Duo was only released a few days ago and it is already sitting at number one in the Google Play Store and reached top 30 on the iOS app store. All this thanks to Duo's dead simple setup which only requires a mobile number to be confirmed via SMS. Android Police has gotten their hands on a tester build of the unreleased Allo app which Google announced back at Google I/O this year promising a smart messenger that can predict your answers and learns how you communicate...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/some_of_allos_new_sticker_packs_leak_and_theyre_a_bit_risque_-news-20059.php

LeEco Le 2s back panel leaks showing antenna design inspired by the iPhone 7

According to recent rumors out of China, LeEco is going to announce a new high-end smartphone in early September. This will be called Le 2s and we've already seen a couple of pictures allegedly showing a part of its front. So now it's time to check out the phone's back, of course. The images below have been outed today and they are said to depict the handset's back panel (and a black color version that isn't a common occurrence in LeEco's portfolio). The device will come with a full metal build, and you can easily spot the cutouts for the camera, the LED flash underneath it, as well as a...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/leeco_le_2s_back_panel_leaks_showing_antenna_design_inspired_by_the_iphone_7-news-20057.php

Oppo F1s review: A second take

Oppo has always had its own way of standing out among the growing crowds of Chinese phone manufacturers and judging by sales reports and fan approval, the OEM seems to be doing at least something right.

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/oppo_f1s-review-1476.php

Samsung Galaxy On7 (2016) passes through the FCC with 3,300 mAh battery

One of the many different smartphones that Samsung is currently working on and should release within the next few weeks is the Galaxy On7 (2016), the true successor to the original On7. Not long ago the company outed the On7 Pro just to confuse things some more, but the On7 (2016) is a different phone, with a different design and better specs. We've seen the On7 (2016) getting certified for sale in China by TENAA earlier this month, which gave us a good look at most of its specs. And now one of them has been confirmed by the FCC. Yes, the Galaxy On7 (2016) has also gone through the...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_on7_2016_passes_through_the_fcc_with_3300_mah_battery-news-20056.php

Samsung Galaxy C9 is in the works, rumor has it

Samsung is working on expanding its C-series smartphone roster, according to a new rumor. This line already comprises of the Galaxy C5 and Galaxy C7, both of which have so far been exclusive to China. The third model in the C family will be the Galaxy C9, today's rumor claims. Unfortunately, except this info, its model number (SM-C9000) and its codename (Amy), no other details about it have been outed. That said, using Samsung's own naming logic takes us to the conclusion that the C9 will be bigger than the C7, which employs a 5.7-inch 1080p touchscreen. So perhaps the C9 will go all...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_c9_is_in_the_works_rumor_has_it-news-20055.php

Samsung releases first TV commercial for the Galaxy Note7

As you may know, today is the official release day for the Samsung Galaxy Note7. It's become available in the first ten countries, with more to come in the following weeks. And now that this has happened, Samsung has also released the first TV commercial for the flagship phablet. The ad goes through a few of the handset's strengths in as much detail as possible in 30 seconds. The water resistance, the S-Pen, and the iris scanner are all featured, while the company refers to the device's screen as a "5.7-inch cinema experience". The commercial also reveals the slogan for Samsung's...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_releases_first_tv_commercial_for_the_galaxy_note7-news-20058.php

Sony's invite for its IFA event on September 1 teases many new devices

Sony has first revealed the date of its IFA press conference last month, and today it's finally started sending out invites for the September 1 event. They look exactly like the one pictured below, and reveal that Sony is pretty ambitious about this whole thing, possibly launching many different product types on that occasion. There's a phone in the image, which means we might have to expect a new Xperia device. The one depicted here looks nothing like the oft-leaked Xperia XR, though. Then again, it wouldn't make sense for Sony to show us the new handset's back in the invite,...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/sonys_invite_for_its_ifa_event_on_september_1_teases_many_new_devices-news-20054.php

HTC 10 in Camellia Red and Topaz Gold can be pre-ordered for $599

Today HTC's online store in the United States has unveiled two new color versions for the company's flagship smartphone. From this point on, you can order an HTC 10 in Camellia Red and Topaz Gold too, along with the previously launched hues of Carbon Gray and Glacier Silver. The new colors are pictured in the image below. If you want to buy the HTC 10 in Carbon Gray or one of the two newly launched colors you have to order from the HTC online store in the US, since all three of these options are exclusives. To celebrate the unveiling of the new colors, HTC is keeping the 10's $100...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/htc_10_in_camellia_red_and_topaz_gold_can_be_preordered_for_599-news-20053.php

Huawei NOVA phone to be aimed at women, possible IFA debut

Analyst Xiang Ligang has posted a rumor on Weibo, which points to Huawei working on a smartphone geared towards women. Purportedly called Huawei NOVA, the phone would debut at IFA this September. The image of the phone in question reveals only a very large volume rocker on a phone with a gold, metal chassis. Sadly, no more information is available at this point. The most recent Huawei devices to be aimed at women customers are the Huawei Watch Elegant and its variant Watch Jewel. They sport a slightly curvier nad narrower straps to better fit women's hands. Source | Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/huawei_nova_phone_to_be_aimed_at_women_possible_ifa_debut-news-20051.php

Huawei commits to 24 months of software updates

Taylor Wimberly of Huawei Device USA has chimed in on Google+ to announce the company's plan to commit to a 2-year time frame of software updates. Starting this year, the company will provide new customers with access to new features for up to 24 months after device purchase. Wimberly added that updates during the first year will be more frequent with new features coming out at least once every 3 months. Since Android has been undergoing some security hurdles, Wimberly noted that software updates related to bug fixes and security will be provided in a timely manner. The Huawei...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/huawei_commits_to_24_months_of_software_updates-news-20050.php

Another set of Meizu Pro 7 images leak

Just a day after renders alleged to be of the Meizu Pro 7 leaked online, the device has again leaked, this time in live images. The new leak, which shows off the handset's front as well as side, reconfirms double curved screen. In case you missed, rumors that the Pro 7 will feature a curved display first started making rounds back in May this year, when a leaked image of the device surfaced online. The Chinese company is holding an event on September 3, and we expect to see the device being made official on that date. Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/another_set_of_meizu_pro_7_images_leak-news-20042.php

Twitter introduces quality filter for notifications

Twitter has introduced a couple of changes to its mobile app that should make it a more pleasant experience for some of the users out there. Two simple settings to give you better control over your Twitter experience. https://t.co/pEJuMUhCYs pic.twitter.com/jmFd0rDoV6— Twitter Support (@Support) August 18, 2016 One of the additions is a presence of a quality filter. Twitter says it checks for account origin and behavior and once enabled, removes low-quality content such as duplicate tweets or automated content from your notifications. The other addition is the option to see...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/twitter_introduces_quality_filter_for_notifications-news-20045.php

Huawei G9 Plus unveiled with SD625 SoC, 16MP camera

Huawei has unveiled a new smartphone, dubbed G9 Plus. The device is powered by Snapdragon 625 chipset and sports a 5.5-inch full HD display. It comes in 3GB/32GB and 4GB/64GB memory configurations, and packs in a 3,340mAh battery. In terms of camera, the handset features a 16MP rear unit with support for 4K video recording, and an 8MP front shooter. Weighing in at 160g and having a thickness of 7.3mm, it runs Android 6.0 Marshmallow with EMUI version 4.1 on top. There's also a fingerprint sensor on the back. If you compare, the Huawei G9 Plus looks strikingly similar to the...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/huawei_g9_plus_unveiled_with_sd625_soc_16mp_camera-news-20041.php

Samsung Galaxy Note7 officially launched, available in 10 countries starting today

As expected, the Samsung Galaxy Note7 has been officially launched. In a press release today, the South Korean company announced the commercial launch of the device, revealing a list of countries where the phone is now available for purchase. The list includes the US, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Taiwan, the UAE and Korea. In case you missed, there have been reports that some of those (in the US and Canada) who pre-ordered the Blue Coral or Silver color variant may have to wait a bit more for their device. For those of you in Europe, the official...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_note7_officially_launched_available_in_10_countries_starting_today-news-20043.php

Google Duo is the top free Android app already

Just days after it started rolling out, Google's new video calling app Duo has become the top free Android app in the US. Justin Uberti, Duo's technical lead, shared the news in a tweet, where-in he also revealed that the app has been launched worldwide. Google Duo now launched in all countries. #1 app in the Play Store, 4.5 star rating! 🎦📈🙌 pic.twitter.com/hbN09ku20k— Justin Uberti (@juberti) August 18, 2016 To refresh, Duo just requires your phone number to get started, and lets you connect with people in your phone's contacts list. The app is optimized for...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/google_duo_is_the_top_free_android_app_already-news-20040.php

Report says Blue Coral and Silver Galaxy Note7 variants won't ship until next month

As you might already know, the Samsung Galaxy Note7 is scheduled to go on sale in the US and Canada today (August 19). However, according to a new report, some of those who ordered the Blue Coral or Silver model may have to wait for a few (3-4) more weeks to get their hands on the device. Quoting unnamed sources, the report notes that the South Korean company is overwhelmed by the number of pre-orders it has received for the handset, especially for the Blue Coral model. In a statement, Samsung Canada termed the situation as "unprecedented." "We've experienced an unprecedented number...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/blue_coral_and_silver_galaxy_note7_variants_wont_ship_until_next_month-news-20038.php

Nextbit Robin down to $199 for a limited time

If you're in the US and are planning to purchase the cloud-focused Nextbit Robin smartphone, here's a deal for you: Amazon is currently selling the phone for just $199. It's, however, a limited time promotion - as of writing, only a couple of hours were left. The deal is available on both Midnight and Mint color options. In case you missed, Nextbit is also officially selling the handset at discounted rates ($299), but availing the Amazon deal saves you $100 more. Source

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/nextbit_robin_down_to_199_for_a_limited_time-news-20039.php

Microsoft pushes back HP Elite X3's UK release, gives it a price cut as well

Microsoft has pushed back the release of HP's Elite X3 Windows 10 smartphone in the UK. The business-focused device, which was supposed to begin shipping on August 18, will now be shipped starting August 22 in the country. The Redmond, Washington-based company has also reduced the price of the business pack as part of which the handset is being offered. The pack - which includes a Desk Dock - is now available for £706.80 (taxes included), down from its original price tag of £749. The price cut brings the cost of the bundle inline with what HP is officially selling it for. However,...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/microsoft_pushes_back_hp_elite_x3s_uk_release_gives_it_a_price_cut_as_well-news-20037.php

Q2 market share results show Apple slowly losing market share

There's no doubt that Apple's sales have been suffering lately. Not necessarily because less people are using iOS, but because iPhones have not been changed since 2014. Gartner's data for Q2 of this year shows iOS smartphone sales at 12.9% of the entire market share. By comparison, iOS sat at 14.6% market share at this time last year. Android has taken 4 more % of the market share over Q2 of last year for a new percentage at 86.2%. Both iOS and Android smartphones made up a total of 99.1% of all smartphone sales worldwide this quarter. On the flip side, the top 5...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/q2_market_share_results_show_apple_slowly_losing_market_share-news-20036.php

Best Buy to hold 50-hour sale to celebrate its 50th anniversary

Best Buy is gearing up to celebrate the chain's 50th anniversary since the first store opened on August 22 in 1966 in West St. Paul, Minnesota with another name: "Sound of Music". The store's name was eventually changed to "Best Buy" in 1983 which remains the case today. Best Buy has done an excellent job of creating a wonderful and consistent retail experience for customers across the US to buy anything from home theater, mobile phones with service, video games, musical instruments (for a short while in the past few years), and home appliances. To celebrate 50 years of success, the...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/best_buy_to_hold_50hour_sale_to_celebrate_its_50th_anniversary-news-20034.php

More pictures of the Moto Z Play leak

More than two months after it's made the Moto Z and Moto Z Force official, Lenovo still hasn't announced the third member of the family - the Moto Z Play. That, however, doesn't mean the Play model hasn't been in the news a lot, it's just done so through leaks and rumors. So maybe it's high time for it to be fully revealed. Anyway, today we have a new batch of leaked images, following in the footsteps of those from a couple of weeks ago. This time around we see the upcoming model in the wild, in two color versions no less. What's very clear here is that the design of the Moto Z and...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/more_pictures_of_the_moto_z_play_leak-news-20032.php

ZTE will unveil a bezel-less nubia smartphone on August 31 at IFA

As we approach September, more and more companies are announcing their respective press events at or before IFA. Today we have ZTE, whose nubia sub-brand is talking big about unveiling a bezel-less smartphone on August 31 in Berlin. The Chinese company has already created a minisite for the event, and it's making sure that everyone knows it's paying famous footballer Cristiano Ronaldo to promote its nubia phones. While the teaser image below doesn't say "bezel-less device" anywhere, ZTE's IFA minisite does. It's anyone's guess what exactly nubia will reveal on that occasion, but we...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/zte_will_unveil_a_bezelless_nubia_smartphone_on_august_31_at_ifa-news-20030.php

Galaxy Note7 is ever so slightly easier to repair than the S7, teardown reveals

Tomorrow is the official release date for the Samsung Galaxy Note7 in the US, so it's fitting that we get the phone's teardown delivered to us today. The experts at iFixit have done it again and took apart a Note7 unit for science. And public interest. In the end, the top of the line phablet got a 4 out of 10 repairability score (where 10 is easiest to repair). Despite the Note7 being very similar on the inside to the S7, it's actually said to be slightly easier to repair than that model, which only got a 3 out of 10 score. If you're wondering why the Note7 achieved that rating,...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/galaxy_note7_is_ever_so_slightly_easier_to_repair_than_the_s7_teardown_reveals-news-20033.php

First software update is already on its way to the Galaxy Note7

Most of the people who have or are going to purchase a Samsung Galaxy Note7 will be treated to a software update that will be ready the first time they turn the device on. That's because Samsung has already sent out the new build for unlocked devices purchased in Canada, while Verizon in the US has confirmed that the new version will be available starting tomorrow - which is the official shipping date for the Note7 stateside. It's not a big update, this, as it includes just security patches and probably some unnamed bug fixes as well. For both variations of the handset that are...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/first_software_update_is_already_on_its_way_to_the_galaxy_note7-news-20029.php

Nokia's OZO VR camera gets a $15,000 price cut

What's the biggest price drop you've ever seen? Not percentage-wise, mind you, but in actual currency terms. How about $15,000? That's exactly how much Nokia has dropped the price for its OZO VR camera by. In case you're not familiar with one of the Finnish company's less well known enterprises, then you're probably assuming the OZO wasn't very cheap to begin with. And you'd be right. It launched in March priced at $60,000. From this point on you can buy one for 'just' $45,000. Progress? Sure. Speaking of that, so far it's been up for grabs in the US and Europe, but starting next month...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/nokias_ozo_vr_camera_gets_a_15000_price_cut-news-20031.php

Android 7.0 Nougat goes out on August 22, Canadian carrier says

Last month famed leakster Evan Blass told us to expect the final release of Android 7.0 Nougat to hit sometime in August. Now that we're past the halfway point of the month, you might be wondering whether that's still happening. And the answer is a resounding yes, at least according to one Canadian carrier. Telus' software update list for the following period says both the Huawei Nexus 6P and the LG Nexus 5X are going to start receiving the update to Nougat on August 22, which is next Monday. The image above shows the carrier's information. Obviously there may be some unforeseen...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/android_70_nougat_goes_out_on_august_22_according_to_a_canadian_carrier-news-20028.php

Apteligent: Motorola and LG are fastest to roll out Marshmallow in the US, Sony phones most stable

Data analysis company Apteligent has found Motorola to be the fastest company in pushing Android 6.0 Marshmallow update to phones in the US. The company started pushing the update as soon as November after Google introduced it in October. Next up is LG, which started to roll out Marshmallow in the US in January. Despite HTC being third, the company pushed Marshmallow to all of its compatible devices, unlike other companies, which were more picky in terms of which phones to get the OTA first. Other than the US, the report also includes India, where Motorola is also leading by a...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/apteligent_motorola_is_fastest_to_roll_out_marshmallow_in_the_us_sony_phones_most_stable-news-20027.php

Deal: Purchase BlackBerry DTEK50 and get free mobile power charger

If you are in the US and are planning to buy BlackBerry's latest Android smartphone (the DTEK50), here's a deal for you: B&H Photo is offering a BlackBerry MP-12600 Mobile Power Charger for free with each purchase of the handset. The phone (black-colored unlocked unit) costs $300, but the free power bank means that you get to save $60. There's currently no information on when the deal ends, so you better act fast. Source | Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/deal_purchase_a_blackberry_dtek50_and_get_a_power_bank_for_free-news-20026.php

Meizu Mix is company's first smartwatch, it has an analog face

Meizu just announced its first smartwatch, sort of - it's getting crowd-funding site Taobao. The Meizu Mix is more of an activity tracker variety, it has a traditional analog face (not a digital display), but it incorporates some smart features. The watch has a notification LED and can also vibrate for new events. It connects to your smartwatch over Bluetooth LE (you'll need Meizu's app installed) and its 270mAh battery will last 240 days. The Meizu Mix apparently has a Swiss movement built into a 42mm 316L steel case and a Sapphire glass. The case is available in Black and Silver...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/meizu_mix_is_companys_first_smartwatch_it_has_an_analog_face-news-20021.php

Limited edition Xiaomi Mi 5 bundles available for purchase; Band 2, VR Play, and Notebook Air included

Xiaomi has started selling some limited edition Mi 5 bundles in China. In all, there are three bundles that include two products each; one is obviously the smartphone, while the second is either the Band 2 wearable, or Notebook Air, or VR Play. As for pricing, the bundle with the smart band costs RMB 1,948 ($294), while the one with the VR headset carries an RMB 1,800 ($272) tag. Finally, the bundle that includes the laptop sets you back RMB 6,798 ($1025). The bundles are available for purchase until 21:00 August 19. The Xiaomi Mi 5 (all models) recently received an official price...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/limited_edition_xiaomi_mi_5_bundles_available_for_purchase_in_china_mi_band_2_vr_headset_and_mi_note-news-20024.php

Apple iPhone 7 now on pre-order, but only if you want it in gold

Legend, the company that bathes smartphones in gold and precious stones, knows its client base doesn't like to wait around. That's why Legend has started taking pre-orders for the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus done in its trademark golden designs: Momentum, Classique and Classique Diamond. Interestingly, Legend firmly states that the new iPhones will come with 256GB of storage. This falls in line with a recent report from Taiwan suggesting the same bump in the top-of-the-line storage option. Back to all this gold at hand, the Classique Diaomond option is a particularly interesting...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/galaxy_note7_with_128gb_storage_launching_in_china_next_week-news-20022.php

LG unveils two battery-powered projectors

Drive-in theaters may be mostly dead, but LG's new battery-powered projectors will keep the spirit of cinema on the go alive. Both projectors have batteries that last up to 2 and a half hours and put out a 720p image. They take input from an MHL-enabled HDMI port, wireless screen sharing (Miracast or WiDi) and play media themselves from storage hooked up to the USB port. The LG PH450U is an Ultra Short Throw projector. What that means is that you can put it right up against the wall - just 7.4cm/2.9" away - and it will create a 40" image. This grows to 80" at 33cm/13". The...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/lg_unveils_two_batterypowered_projectors-news-20020.php

New Meizu Pro 7 renders leak online

A couple of new renders allegedly of the Meizu Pro 7 leaked online. The images, which show off the device's front and back, reveal a double curved screen as well as a dual camera setup on the back. The leak comes just a few days after an Exynos 8890-powered Meizu flagship was spotted on AnTuTu. However, chances of it being the Pro 7 are slim, so we are likely expecting two different phones from the company. The new Pro 7 renders are broadly inline with a leaked image of the device that we saw back in May this year. At that time, it was said that the device will launch in the...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/alleged_meizu_pro_7_renders_leak_online-news-20018.php

Note7 Gorilla Glass 5 display more likely to scratch

The Samsung Galaxy Note7 is the first phone to launch with the new Corning Gorilla Glass 5. The main improvement in this version over the previous Gorilla Glass 4 is increased resistance to shattering when the phone is dropped. Shatterproof glass, however, isn't known for being particularly scratch resistant due to the use of softer, more flexible material. So when the Note7 went through the now famous JerryRigEverything torture test, we were curious to see how it would stack up in the scratch test. And sure enough, the Note7 didn't do so well. While every phone with a Gorilla...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/note7_gorilla_glass_5_display_more_likely_to_scratch-news-20025.php

Barnes & Noble announces Samsung Galaxy Tab A NOOK

Barnes & Noble has added yet another Samsung Galaxy Tab NOOK to its range. This time it is the 2016 Galaxy Tab A 7.0 model that has been recruited by the American bookseller. This is pretty much your average Galaxy Tab A 7.0, with the same 7-inch 1280x800 LCD, Snapdragon 410, 1.5GB RAM, 8GB storage, and 4000mAh battery but will come pre-loaded with Barnes & Noble store and other software features. The Galaxy Tab A NOOK is available from Barnes & Noble store for $139.99 but for existing NOOK customers it is $99.99 along with a free cover for a limited time. Source

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/barnes_and_noble_announces_samsung_galaxy_tab_a_nook-news-20023.php

Google's new video calling app Duo will soon offer audio-only calling feature

Just days after Google started rolling out its new video calling app Duo, it has been revealed that the app will also support audio-only calling soon. The revelation came from the company's product lead for communication Amit Fulay. It's worth mentioning that Duo is already optimized for poor networks, capable of even switching to audio calling if connectivity is weak. However, it doesn't explicitly offer audio-only calling feature. There's currently no information on exactly when the feature will arrive as Fulay just said "coming soon." Source

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/googles_new_video_calling_app_duo_will_soon_get_audio_calling_feature-news-20017.php

Galaxy Note7 with 128GB storage launching in China next week

The 128GB Samsung Galaxy Note7 is launching in China next Friday. This version was officially confirmed earlier and is designed to fight phones from local Chinese firms. They often offer the extra storage and quite a few of them come with 6GB of RAM. As does this version of the Note7, making it competitive in both kinds of memory. Will it be competitive in price, though? We can't say since we don't know it yet. We do know that it's powered by Snapdragon 820 chipset (not Exynos) and it is the dual-SIM version. It's a hybrid slot, but with 128GB built-in, we doubt many will need a...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/galaxy_note7_with_128gb_storage_launching_in_china_next_week-news-20019.php

OneDrive for iOS now lets you create Word, Excel and PowerPoint files

Microsoft has pushed out a new update to OneDrive's iOS client. The update bumps the app to version to 7.8 and brings along the ability to create Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files from within the app. The updated app also includes "plenty of bug fixes and minor tweaks." This comes just over a couple of weeks after an update containing fix for a screen flashing bug was rolled out by the Redmond, Washington-based company. You can download the version 7.8 of OneDrive's iOS app from the App Store - head to the Source link below. Source

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/onedrive_for_ios_now_lets_you_create_word_excel_and_powerpoint_files-news-20016.php

New Nokia smartphones and tablets coming in Q4

A total of 3 to 4 Nokia mobile devices - including phones and tablets - will be unveiled towards the end of this year, according to Mike Wang, president of the joint management team at Nokia China. The launch, however, will likely take place sometime early 2017. To refresh, back in May this year, the Finnish company announced its plan to return to the world of mobile devices. HMD, a newly founded company headed by a former Nokia exec, will be designing the devices, with Foxconn being the manufacturing partner. In case you missed, there have already been rumors that Nokia is working...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/new_nokia_smartphones_coming_in_q4-news-20015.php

Marshmallow update starts hitting HTC One (E8) on Sprint

Sprint has started rolling out the Marshmallow update to HTC One (E8) units on its network. The update bumps the device's software to version 3.10.651.6 and also includes "all current security patch updates," according to the information provided by the carrier. As is usually the case with OTA roll-outs, it may take sometime for the update to hit your device. Meanwhile, if you feel impatient, you can check for the update manually by heading to your handset's Settings menu. Sprint says the roll-out will be completed by August 29. Source

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/marshmallow_update_starts_hitting_htc_one_e8_on_sprint-news-20014.php

Microsoft close to fixing Surface Pro 3 battery problem

Late last month, Microsoft finally commented on the Surface Pro 3 battery degradation issue, saying that the problem is not related to battery cells, and can be addressed via a software update. However, the company hasn't rolled out a fix yet. Replying to a user query on Twitter earlier this week, Brian Hall, General Manager for Surface, said that they have fixed the problem at their end but need "a little more time" to do some "depth testing." @TimBarley stay tuned. We think we got this one but need a little more time to confirm through depth testing.— Brian Hall (@IsForAt) August 16,...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/microsoft_close_to_fixing_surface_pro_3_battery_problem-news-20013.php

Softbank is hoping for a Sprint/T-Mobile merger

SoftBank's CEO Masayoshi Son says that if the possibility of merging Sprint and T-Mobile together takes longer than he hopes, it's still okay. Son wanted to buy T-Mobile back in 2014 around the time the T-Mobile began its aggressive transformation but the FCC warned that it would not allow that to happen for the sake of competition in the US wireless space. The position for the head of the FCC is up for grabs so Son wants to take the opportunity to make a second attempt at the merger. Son's argument for why it should consider the merger is that Sprint could never be a full-bodied...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/softbank_is_hoping_for_a_sprint_merger-news-20012.php

Cricket welcomes LG X power and alcatel Streak

Cricket is adding two more Android-powered smartphones to its portfolio. First off, let's talk about the alcatel Streak. This same device is already offered by Sprint's prepaid brands Boost Mobile and Virgin Mobile as the alcatel Dawn. If you grab it from Cricket with a prepaid plan you need to pay $29.99. The handset comes with a 4.5-inch 854x480 touchscreen, a 1.1 GHz quad-core processor, 1GB of RAM, a 5 MP main camera, a VGA front snapper, 8GB of expandable storage, 4G, and a 1,780 mAh battery. It runs Android 6.0 Marshmallow. Next up, Cricket has announced that it's going to...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/cricket_welcomes_lg_x_power_and_alcatel_streak-news-20008.php