Mysterious Nokia D1C Android smartphone spotted on Geekbench

If you have been paying attention to Nokia's rather low-key presence these past few years and its uncertain faith after the infamous April 2014 Microsoft deal, then, you already know the roller coaster of events that unfolded. If not, then we have great news for you and better still, minus all the heartbreaking uncertainty and denial. Yes, the Finnish titan is coming back to the smartphone scene and by all accounts is planning to out three or four Android devices, including phones and tablets in Q4 this year. We couldn't have been more excited when an alleged photo of one of said...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/mysterious_nokia_d1c_android_smartphone_spotted_on_geekbench-news-20825.php

New video highlights the convenience of Moto Mods

I think we can all safely agree that smartphones are great. It is really as simple as that - now you can carry an amazingly powerful entertainment, communication and productivity tool right in your pocket, which does make the standard PC approach to things seem increasingly more old-school. However, despite all their awesomeness, smartphones have always lacked the hardware modification and upgradability freedom of a computer. Wouldn't it be great to be able to simply bring in new parts or better yet, even swap out old ones? Well, the answer here is obvious and if you remember the...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/new_video_highlights_the_convenience_of_moto_mods-news-20822.php

Oppo R9, iPhone 6s lead offline sales in China

Nowadays most of us tend to do our tech shopping online, or if not that, at least the research and price hunting part. It is just way more convenient that way. However, there will always be a place underneath the sum for brick and mortar stores, especially when in comes to handsets - a product most prospective buyers typically wish to physically check out before taking home. We mention this primarily to prove a point when saying that offline sales still matter and tracking them is not only as important as those done online, but also sufficiently more difficult. That being said, we...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/oppo_r9_iphone_6s_lead_offline_sales_in_china-news-20824.php

Huawei confirms MediaPad M3's US launch

When Huawei unveiled the MediaPad M3 earlier last month, there was no word on whether or not the device will land in the United States. Well, the good news is that the company has now confirmed that the tablet will indeed be launched in the country. The confirmation came in the form a reply to a user query on Twitter. @RanMan954 Hi, yes, the MediaPad M3 will be released in the US. @HuaweiDeviceUSA will have more information. Thank you.— Huawei Mobile (@HuaweiMobile) September 29, 2016 Sadly, an exact launch time-frame as well as pricing information for the tablet isn't currently...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/huawei_confirms_mediapad_m3s_us_launch-news-20821.php

Samsung resumes Galaxy Note 7 sales in South Korea, as promised

At this point in time, we are fairly certain that all of you are familiar with the Galaxy Note7 overheating/battery malfunction fiasco that has held its grip over the company for the past few weeks. It had widespread effects on an international scale, but as you can imagine, the situation quickly became particularly daunting on the company's home market. After the phone was launched on August 19 accidents started to pile up, which led to a halt in shipments at the end of the same month. This was followed by a major investigation and a total recall. The latter, however proved quite...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_resumes_galaxy_note_7_sales_in_south_korea_as_promised-news-20823.php

Update brings WiFi calling to Droid Turbo 2

A new update has started hitting the Verizon-exclusive Droid Turbo 2. Arriving as software version 24.31.22, the update includes the WiFi Calling feature as well as latest security fixes. As usual, there are some bug fixes included as well. As is usually the case with OTA roll-outs, it may take some time for the update to hit your device. Meanwhile, if you feel impatient, you can also manually check for it by heading to your handset's Settings menu. Source

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/update_brings_wifi_calling_to_droid_turbo_2-news-20820.php

Alcatel Pop 7 LTE is now available for purchase in Canada

The Alcatel POP 7 LTE, which was launched back in April this year, has officially arrived in Canada. The affordable tablet carries a price tag of $150, and is available for purchase from Bell and Virgin. Specs-wise, the tablet is powered by a Snapdragon quad-core 1.1GHz processor and sports a 7-inch display. It comes with 1GB RAM and 8GB internal memory, and packs in a 3,240mAh battery. In terms of camera, the POP 7 LTE features a 5MP rear unit and a 2MP front shooter. The tablet runs Android 6.0 Marshmallow out of the box. Source 1 2 | Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/alcatel_pop_7_lte_is_now_available_for_purchase_in_canada-news-20819.php

New beta update for BlackBerry Priv starts rolling out

BlackBerry has started rolling out a new beta update to its Android-powered Priv smartphone, and looks like everyone (except for those on Verizon) is getting it this time. While the update carries a firmware version of AAG873 for AT&T Piv users, all other units (included factory unlocked ones) will get it as AAG853. The update should weigh in at around over 157MB, and likely includes Android security patches for the month of October. It may contain other fixes as well, but to confirm this we'll have to wait until the OS gets official. Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/new_beta_update_for_blackberry_priv_starts_rolling_out-news-20818.php

September security update starts hitting Sony SmartWatch 3

Sony has started pushing out a new update to its Smartwatch 3. The update carries a build number of M1D63X and bumps the Android Wear version to 1.5.0.3269884. As for what's included, the update clearly brings along Android security patches for the month of September as the security level, post update, shows a date of September 5. Sadly, it's not yet known what else (if at all) the update includes. Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/september_security_update_starts_hitting_sony_smartwatch_3-news-20817.php

First Lenovo Z2 Plus update brings camera-related improvements

Just over a week after launching the Z2 Plus, Lenovo has started rolling out the first update to the device. Weighing in at 272MB, the update bumps the ZUI version to 2.0.111 and brings along several improvements and fixes. Firstly, the update features some changes related to the device's camera - photo capturing experience in low light has been improved and the auto focus stability has also been enhanced. Next up, issues related to notification and phone call of Chrono case have been fixed. Further, the update also features improvements related to the device's display as well as...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/first_lenovo_z2_plus_update_brings_camerarelated_improvements-news-20816.php

Samsung's 12-inch Galaxy TabPro S gets price cut in US

The Samsung Galaxy TabPro S, which was unveiled back in January at this year's CES and went on sale in May, has received a price cut in the US. Amazon currently has the tablet listed for $747.99, down 17% from its usual price of $899.99. That discount is for the white colored model. For those interested in the black version, the new price is $797.99, down $102 from its usual price. If you are interested in availing the deal, you might have to act fast as only a few units are left as of writing. It's worth mentioning that the retailer is also offering discount on the Samsung...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsungs_12inch_galaxy_tabpro_s_gets_price_cut_in_us-news-20815.php

O2 UK starts selling OnePlus 3

As scheduled, carrier O2 has started selling the OnePlus 3 smartphone in the UK. You can purchase a unit for as low as zero down followed by 24 monthly payments of £28 each. The plan includes 500MB data, unlimited texts, and 500 minutes. If you want more data, there are plans that get you 1GB, 3GB, 5GB, and even 20GB data, and carry a price tag of £32, £35, £39, and £44 per month, respectively, with no upfront fee. The device is also available on the carrier's Pay & Go deal, costing £336. It's worth mentioning that O2 currently only has the Grey color option in stock. Source

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/uks_o2_starts_selling_oneplus_3-news-20814.php

The Samsung Gear VR app is affecting S6 and S7 owners, phones running warm and slow

I have to say, my personal device is a Samsung Galaxy S7 edge. Last night, I set my phone to charge on the Samsung Fast-Wireless charger. Then this morning, my phone was on the charger, it was really hot, and it didn't make it past 69% battery. If you don't wish to read background info, skip ahead two paragraphs. I figured it was something wrong with the charger, so I brushed it off and cooled it down under the bathroom sink. The phone continued to grow warm again. I didn't think it was anything a simple reboot couldn't fix. Then came the problem that prompted me to go into Best Buy to get...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/the_samsung_gear_vr_app_is_affecting_s6_and_s7_owners_phones_running_warm_and_slow-news-20813.php

HTC 10's price now $150-off

HTC has announced that it is officially dropping the price of the high-end HTC 10 by $150. This brings the total of the phone to $549. This may not necessarily be a price drop to some, as some felt the HTC 10 was just a tad overpriced when it launched for $699. Then again, HTC had already been selling the HTC 10 at a $100 discount for 599 for the month of September. HTC is launching these new discounts starting tomorrow, the first day of October and will last for a "limited time". We had such a great time with the HTC 10, we'd love to see it in the hands of more customers. T-Mobile...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/htc_10s_price_now_150off-news-20812.php

Samsung Gear S3 sales target raised by 60%, report claims

Samsung unveiled the Gear S3 smartwatch at IFA at the end of last month, but the company's latest wearable still isn't on sale anywhere. That's all going to change within a month, a new report seemingly originating from South Korea now claims. The Gear S3 is due to become available by the end of October, "in most markets". Samsung is reportedly very confident in its new watch, despite key competitor Apple having announced a new version of its wearable recently too. Apparently Samsung has raised the sales target for the Gear S3 by 60% compared to the combined number of smartwatches...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_gear_s3_sales_target_raised_by_60_report_claims-news-20811.php

iPhone 7 launches in more countries in October

The iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus which Apple announced earlier this month have already gone through not one, but two release waves across the world. This means that at the moment they are available to buy in a pretty large number of countries. However, that doesn't mean there aren't still places where you can't purchase one officially. Apple's latest smartphones will in fact spread to more territories in October. First off, on October 7 they will arrive in India. Then, on October 14 they will be out in South Africa, Macao, Macedonia, Malaysia, Montenegro, and Turkey. A week later, on October...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/iphone_7_launches_in_more_countries_in_october-news-20810.php

India's DGCA lifts the restrictions on Note7 in airlines

Indian governmental regulatory body Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has lifted the restrictions on the Samsung Galaxy Note7 in airlines. The restrictions came into effect on September 9, when the DGCA issued a notice informing passengers not to turn on or charge the Note7 onboard the aircraft, and not to stow the phone in any checked-in baggage. As of today, that notice is not longer valid. It has to be noted that the change is only for phones that are purchased after September 15 and sport the new green battery bar, indicating that the device has been replaced or...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/indias_dgca_lifts_the_restrictions_on_note7_in_airlines-news-20809.php

HP Elite x3 announced for Hong Kong, to hit the shelves in November

HP has now brought its business focused Elite x3 Windows 10 smartphone to Hong Kong. Carrying a price tag of HKD 6,499 (around $840), the device will be available for purchase in the country starting November this year. Commenting at the launch, Huang Hao Zhang, HP's director of personal systems business unit in Hong Kong, said, "I am responsible for new product launches HP for many years, and I have never tried to do presentations without a laptop but this time I was able to easily connect, all because of this Elite x3." Aside from the phone, HP's Desk Dock as well as Lap Dock...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/hp_elite_x3_announced_for_hong_kong_to_hit_the_shelves_in_november-news-20808.php

Samsung Galaxy C5 review: Safe Ride

Navigating through Samsung's ever-growing handset lineup seem to be increasing in difficulty year on year. The fresh new "On" and "C" families are a testament to that.

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_c5-review-1501.php

Samsung Pay starts service in Russia

Samsung Pay mobile payment service is expanding to Russia today. The service is now supported by Alfa-Bank Banking Group, VTB24, MTS Bank, Raiffeisen Bank, and Russian Standard Bank. The service now operates in 9 countries - South Korea, US, China, Spain, Singapore, Australia, Puerto Rico, Brazil and Russia. By the end of the year, Samsung is expected to launch Samsung Pay in the UK, Malaysia, Canada, Hong Kong and Thailand. In 2017, people in Turkey will be able to use the service, too. Source

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_pay_starts_service_in_russia-news-20807.php

Apple App Store will display ads starting October 5

Apple announced plans to infuse the Apple Store with advertisements starting October 5. The Search Ads program entails that users searching for a particular app might see ads for related ones. The company says that by buying an ad spot, many developers will have the chance to get noticed. App suggestions which are ads will have a distinctive blue badge. The company ensures that the App Store won't be an advertisement minefield, as users will see ads only when it's relevant for them to appear. Check out the source link for an introductory video by Apple, in which the company explains the...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/apple_app_store_will_display_ads_starting_october_5-news-20806.php

Sony Xperia XZ goes on sale, first in Taiwan

Taiwan has become the first market where the Sony Xperia XZ goes on sale. Earlier, during the pre-order, available units sold out in just 45 minutes. The dual-SIM XZ goes for NTD 22,900 ($730) and is available in Forest Blue, Platinum and Mineral Black. The Xperia XZ flagship will go on sale in the US on October 2, in India on October 10, in the UK on October 18 (pushed back from 17th and other markets. While you wait, read our review so you can make an informed decision. Source

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/sony_xperia_xz_goes_on_sale_first_in_taiwan-news-20801.php

Coolpad Note 5 launched in India for $165

Coolpad has launched the Note 5 in India, which is the successor to the company's Note 3 (don't ask us what happened to the Note 4). The Note 5 has a 5.5-inch 1920x1080 IPS LCD, Qualcomm Snapdragon 617, 4GB RAM, 32GB storage with microSD, 13 megapixel f2.2 rear camera, 8 megapixel f2.2 front camera with LED flash, dual SIM, 4G LTE with VoLTE, metal back, fingerprint sensor with gestures, 4010mAh battery, and Android 6.0 with Cool UI 8.0. The phone will be available in Royal Gold and Space Gray. The Coolpad Note 5 is priced at INR 10,999 ($165) and will be available exclusively...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/coolpad_note_5_launched_in_india_for_165-news-20804.php

Gionee S6 Pro goes on sale for $360, sales begin October 1

The Gionee S6 Pro, which was made official by the Chinese company back in June this year, has arrived in India. Carrying a price tag of INR 23,999 (around $360), the device will be available for purchase in the country starting October 1. Color options include Gold and Rose Gold. Those purchasing the device will also a free three months subscription of Saavn Pro music streaming service. "The S6 Pro is a perfect amalgamation of style and performance and is designed for the urbane selfie generation," said Arvind R. Vohra, MD and Country CEO, Gionee India. "With the S6 Pro we are...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/gionee_s6_pro_arrives_in_india_for_360_sales_begin_october_1-news-20800.php

HTC Viveport VR game store launches, celebrates with promotion

HTC is launching its VR app store, Viveport, globally. The store has been available in China since April, but it's now ready for fans in over 30 countries. Also launching today is Viveport Premiers - a list of titles that debut on Viveport. Here are some of the Premiers games: Everest VR Google Spotlight Stories: Pearl Lifeliqe Stonehenge VR The Music Room all-new edition of theBlu Viveport offers dozens of other titles and to start off your collection, a special 48-hours promo cuts the price of several games to $1. This includes theBlu, Mars Odyssey, The...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/htc_viveport_vr_game_store_launches_celebrates_with_promotion-news-20802.php

Google's Maps app gets 'OK Google' hands-free voice search

Google has started rolling out a new update to its Maps app on Android that makes it even more useful by allowing you to access all the information you require without even lifting your finger. "The next time you enter navigation mode or driving mode, you can simply say 'Ok Google' followed by a voice command, without needing to tap or even look at the screen," the company says in a blog post. To use the new feature, you need to first activate hands-free voice commands, something which you can do by heading to Settings->OK Google detection and enabling the While driving...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/googles_maps_app_gets_ok_google_handsfree_voice_search-news-20798.php

Samsung Galaxy A8 (2016) is finally official with a 5.7" display

The Samsung Galaxy A8 (2016) has been visiting the rumor mill quite frequently these past few months. We got to see the full set of early benchmarks, including GFXBench and AnTuTu, followed by a set of pretty detailed renders. However, despite all the available information, there were still some points of confusion, like the display size. Today, Samsung finally took the wrapper off the Galaxy A8 (2016) in its home market. Design-wise, this year's model come surprisingly close to its predecessor. And frankly, considering the slim and flush metal unibody design, that is more of a...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_a8_2016_is_finally_official_in_south_korea-news-20799.php

Xiaomi Redmi 3S Plus lands in India as company's first offline-only smartphone

Xiaomi is all set to launch its first offline-only phone in India. The Redmi 3S Plus, which was made official last month, will be sold in the country only through offline channels. Carrying an MRP of INR 9,499 (around $143), and a best buy tag of INR 8,799 (around $132), the device will hit the shelves on October 1. Specs-wise, the phone is powered by Snapdragon 430 SoC and sports a 5-inch HD display. It comes with 2GB RAM and 32GB storage, and packs in a large 4,100mAh battery. In terms of camera, the Xiaomi Redmi 3S Plus features a 13MP rear unit and a 5MP front shooter....

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/redmi_3s_plus_is_xiaomis_first_offlineonly_phone_for_indian_market-news-20797.php

New rumor says Xiaomi Mi Note 2 will arrive in November

Shortly after reputed Chinese analyst Pan Jiutang said that the Xiaomi Mi Note 2 will be made official towards the end of next month, a new rumor has cropped up, suggesting a November unveiling for the device. The rumor - which came in the form of a Weibo post - also revealed some of the handset's key specifications, including 5.7-inch display of 2K resolution (should be QHD though) and dual-curved screen. In case you missed, previous rumors have suggested that the phone will be available in 6GB/64GB and 8GB/256GB memory configurations. Other rumored specs include Snapdragon 821...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/new_rumor_says_xiaomi_mi_note_2_will_arrive_in_november-news-20796.php

New update to Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides makes it easy to retrieve trashed files

Google has pushed out a new update to the Android clients of its Docs, Sheets, and Slide apps, making it easy for users to view and retrieve deleted files. Basically, you now don't have to exit these apps to access trashed files as the update adds a new Trash option in the apps' navigation menu itself. For those who aren't aware, up until now, users had to open the Drive app to retrieve deleted files. The updated apps are now available for download from the Play Store. Source

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/new_update_to_google_docs_sheets_and_slides_makes_it_easy_to_retrieve_trashed_files-news-20795.php

Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+ starts getting September security update as well

Just a few days after the Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 edge started receiving it, the September security update has begun rolling out to the Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+ as well. Weighing in at 160MB, the update is currently hitting the international variant of the device. Aside from the latest security patch, the update also beings along several other changes, although a detailed change-log is currently not available. As is usually the case with OTA roll-outs, it may take some time for the update to hit your device. Meanwhile, if you feel impatient, you can manually check for the update by...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s6_edge_starts_getting_september_security_update-news-20794.php

Deal: Rogers offering free Moto InstaShare projector with pre-order of Moto Z

The Moto InstaShare projector isn't exactly the cheapest Moto Mod accessory. In the US it runs for $299, while in Canada it retails for 399 CAD. Regardless of where you get it, it's still expensive considering it only works with the one smartphone. If you already find yourself in the market for a Moto Z from Rogers, you'll be happy to know that if you pre-order a Moto Z from Rogers, you will be eligible to receive a free Moto InstaShare Projector. The projector Moto Mod snaps onto the back and adds 11mm to the total thickness of your Moto Z, Z Force (US Only) or Z Play, and it...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/deal_rogers_offering_free_moto_instashare_projector_with_preorder_of_moto_z-news-20793.php

Google's quietly launches Waze Rider carpool program in San Francisco

Google has its own ride-sharing program that is now going live in San Francisco. The service is called Waze Rider and only recently opened to the public after testing in the area for several months in a private Beta. Waze Rider just has a few significant differences from other ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft. For starters, the service is not for profit. The drivers earn $0.54 per mile, and because this payment is low, it allows for the service to slip under the radar of regulations that Uber and Lyft are required to follow. Also, drivers and riders are only allowed to participate in...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/googles_quietly_launches_waze_rider_carpool_program_in_san_francisco-news-20792.php

New 360-degree renders of Google Pixel and Pixel XL leave nothing to the imagination

This year's Google phones still won't be officially announced until Tuesday. Until then, we can only get excited about leaks, rumors, and reports about the phones before Google's unveiling of the Pixel phones on October 4. This time, @onleaks has gotten its hands on renders or each of the Google Pixel and Pixel XL phones. Given the specific placements and complexity of where the antenna lines are, it's more-than-likely that these are renders that were used by case-makers to design cases and accessories for the phones. Google Pixel render: Pixel XL render: There are even...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/new_360degree_renders_of_google_pixel_and_pixel_xl_leave_nothing_to_the_imagination-news-20791.php

Moto ‘batwing' isn't going away, new boot animaition for all Moto devices

"Hello Moto" was Motorola's slogan for a long time, since around or before the time of the RAZR flip phone. This iconic slogan was also a default ringtone for many who owned Motorola Handsets. Although some might not know it, Motorola's ‘batwing' is one of the most iconic logos when it comes to cellphones and communications. Since Lenovo's acquisition of Motorola from Google, some consider Motorola to be gone, but Lenovo wants everyone to know the Moto brand will carry the legacy and iconography that the brand carried for many years. Hearing the "Hello Moto" slogan in the new boot...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/new_boot_animation_for_all_moto_devices-news-20790.php

LeEco is launching in the US on October 19

LeEco has been preparing its entry into the US market for quite a while now, and even acquired Vizio in the process. Back in June we heard that the Chinese company would officially make its debut in the US this fall, and now we have an actual date to speak of. LeEco is holding a special event in San Francisco on October 19, and it's started sending out press invites for it (which you can see pictured below). As for what to expect from that event, apparently LeEco will reveal a smartphone (or more) as well as a video streaming service that will compete with Netflix, Amazon Prime...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/leeco_is_launching_in_the_us_on_october_19-news-20787.php

Android Wear 2.0 gets delayed until early 2017, third developer preview brings Play Store to your wrist

Today Google has released the third developer preview of the upcoming Android Wear 2.0 operating system. This comes more than two months after the second preview went out. The new software meant for developers to test brings with it a huge new feature - the Google Play Store, on your wrist. From this point on, you no longer have to use your phone to put apps on your watch. The Play Store for Android Wear lets you easily find and install apps straight on your wearable. According to Google, this will help developers of Android Wear apps reach more people. The Play Store for Android...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/android_wear_20_gets_delayed_until_early_2017_third_developer_preview_brings_play_store_to_your_wris-news-20788.php

SwiftKey Beta for Android lets you type in five languages at once, adds neural network predictions for French, German, Spanish

If you don't mind running beta software on your Android smartphone or tablet, SwiftKey's got a neat little update for you. The beta version of the keyboard now lets you type in a whopping five different languages at once. This is great for the polyglots amongst you, as before you could only type in a maximum of two languages at the same time. The new SwiftKey Beta also adds support for neural network predictions for three more languages: French, German, and Spanish. Previously, only English had the "world's first" predictions powered by neural networks. When that initial feature was...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/swiftkey_beta_for_android_lets_you_type_in_five_languages_at_once_adds_neural_network_predictions_fo-news-20789.php

Over one million safe Galaxy Note7 units are already in the wild

Almost one month after its official announcement regarding the global recall of all Galaxy Note7 units sold, Samsung is today revealing that its replacement program has been going quite well. In fact, over one million safe Note7 handsets have already made it into the wild, as replacements for fire-prone handsets that people had purchased. The scope of Samsung's global voluntary recall of Note7s has been estimated at around 2.5 million units, so there's still a way to go before every single Note7 out there is of the safe kind. Still, Samsung expects to have replaced 80% of the faulty units...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/over_one_million_safe_galaxy_note7_units_are_already_in_the_wild-news-20786.php

Snapdragon-powered Lenovo Tab3 8 Plus spotted online

Back in February Lenovo introduced a full range of new affordable tablets within the Tab3 family. Given their budget-friendly nature, however, these don't exactly "pop" in terms of specs. A newly-leaked Tab3 8 Plus is said to change that soon. Like the name suggests, it is an upgraded version of the 8-inch model, likely to hit shelves shortly. The Plus model comes with a FullHD panel and 3GB of RAM, both of which upgrades over its predecessor. The cameras have been bumped to 8MP/5MP and there are more storage options now, including a 32GB and 64GB tier, both expandable through...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/snapdragonpowered_lenovo_tab3_8_plus_spotted_online-news-20782.php

Garmin Vivofit Jr. tracks your kid's activity and motivates it along the way

Garmin has announced a new fitness tracker for children aged four to nine, and it's called the Vivofit Jr. Along with its functions as an activity tracker, Garmin also boasts it as a motivator since its aim is to help inactive kids create new and healthy habits. The Vivofit Jr. has a one-year of battery life, as well as water resistance, sleep monitoring and step counting. It also comes in a bunch of interesting looking designs. Garmin bundles the activity tracker with a free app, which is compatible with iOS and Android. It has a "mobile adventure trail", which helps the child move...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/garmin_vivofit_jr_tracks_your_activity_and_motivates_you_along_the_way-news-20785.php

Huawei sends out invites for November 3 event, probably for Mate 9

Huawei is inviting the press to share its "latest innovations and exciting advances" on November 3 (a month from now). The press conference will be held in Munich, Germany in the afternoon and while Huawei didn't spell it out, it's totally for the Mate 9. We've been seeing a lot of leaks lately, including the pricing info and other details for the three models. They will range from $480/€430 for the base 4GB/64GB model and go up to $700/€630 for the top 6GB/256GB model. A dual camera, Android 7.0 Nougat and a large 6" screen are in order.

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/huawei_sends_out_invites_for_november_3_event_probably_for_mate_9-news-20784.php

Samsung issues statement on some washing machines sold in the US

When it rains, it pours. Samsung and the Consumer Product Safety Commission have issued a statement about top-loading washing machines manufactured between March 2011 and April 2016 and sold in the US. "In rare cases, affected units may experience abnormal vibrations that could pose a risk of personal injury or property damage when washing bedding, bulky or water-resistant items." You can visit www.samsung.com/us/support/tlw to check if your washing machine is affected. If it is, Samsung recommends you use the lower speed delicate cycle when washing such items that can cause...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_issues_statement_on_some_washing_machines_sold_in_the_us-news-20781.php

Samsung expects to recover 80% of Korean Note7 units by October 1

A couple of days ago Samsung announced that only 60% of Galaxy Note7 buyers in Korea have returned their faulty units. Today, the company said that it expects that number to rise to 80% by October 1. Samsung is gearing up to resume sales in the country - it has restarted the advertising campaign and as an extra incentive, it promises a 50% discount on screen repairs to anyone who buys a Galaxy Note7 in October (this promo sounds like a Korea-only deal). The company once again asked buyers to return their old Note 7s to have them replaced with new units. Source

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_expects_to_recover_80_of_korean_note7_units_by_october_1-news-20779.php

Sony brings its Xperia XZ flagship to India, sales begin October 10

The Sony Xperia XZ flagship smartphone has been officially unveiled for India. The device will go on sale in the country starting October 10, with pre-bookings opening October 1. It will be available through both online (Amazon) and offline channels. The model being launched is the dual SIM one that comes with 64GB internal memory. As for price, the phone carries an MRP of INR 51,990 (around $780) and a "best buy" tag of INR 49,990 (around $750). Those pre-booking the handset will also get a free Sony SWR30 SmartBand worth INR 8,990 (around $135). Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/sony_brings_it_xperia_xz_flagship_to_india_sales_begin_october_10-news-20780.php

ZTE Zmax 2 with 5.5-inch display currently going for just $50 in US

The ZTE Zmax 2 from last year has received a price cut in the US, where Best Buy is currently selling the device for $49.99, down from its usual price of $99.99. That's a solid 50% discount on a handset that sports a 5.5-inch display, features an 8 MP rear camera, and packs in a 3,000mAh battery. A quick looks at ZTE's official US website reveals that the handset is being officially sold for around $120 in the country, and other retailers like Amazon also have it listed for over $100. So, the Best Buy deal seems worth availing especially if you're looking for a decent back up...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/zte_zmax_with_55inch_display_currently_going_for_just_50_in_us-news-20774.php

Xiaomi Mi Note 2 lauch event rumored for October

Following the Mi 5s and Mi 5s Plus launch, Xiaomi is gearing up to unveil the Mi Note 2 and Mi Note 2 Pro in October. According to analyst Pan Jiutang, the company will introduce the two phones at the end of next month. On top of that, Jiutang says Xiaomi will also offer the phones in more than a few color choices. While there's no information on what exactly the color choices are, the Mi Note 2 and Mi Note 2 have been circling the rumor mill in the last few months. As a result, we have a good idea what we should expect. The Mi Note 2 Pro should have a 5.5-inch 1080p AMOLED...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_mi_note_2_lauch_event_rumored_for_october-news-20777.php

Google Allo hits 5 million downloads on Android in a week

Google's smart messaging app Allo, which started rolling out last week, has surpassed the 5 million downloads milestone on the company's Play Store. The app hit the 1 million downloads mark four days ago, and was the top free Android app in the US this past weekend. Allo seems to be following the footsteps of Google's new video calling app Duo that saw enjoyed similar popularity at launch. However, the excitement around Duo quickly faded - now it's not even in the top 50 apps in the Play Store's free list. So, it will be interesting to see how the future shapes up for Allo. Source

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/google_allo_also_hits_5_million_downloads_on_android_in_a_week-news-20773.php

Qualcomm announces Snapdragon 600E and 410E for embedded computing, IoT

Qualcomm has announced two new Snapdragon models, the 600E and 410E, where the E stands for Embedded. These two models have been designed specifically for embedded computing and Internet of Things applications. This includes devices such as set-top boxes, medical images, point of sale systems, digital signage, televisions, media players, interactive kiosks, robotics, high-end toys, thermostats, surveillance systems, and more. The two chipsets are designed to be efficient with sufficient performance. They support 32-bit and 64-bit applications and can run Android, Linux, as well as Windows...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/qualcomm_announces_snapdragon_600e_and_410e_for_embedded_computing_iot-news-20778.php

Yet another MediaTek executive mentions partnership with Samsung

Word of a possible partnership between Samsung and MediaTek has been popping up periodically for some time now. There is still no official confirmation, but all clues seem to point squarely to one conclusion - the Korean giant is planning to start buying chips from MediaTek. This is clearly a big step and potentially huge deal especially for the Chinese chip manufacturer, so it makes sense that we first heard rumors about it as far back as March last year. Fast forward to last week, when a MediaTek executive mentioned Samsung as a partner, without giving any extra details. Today,...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/yet_another_mediatek_executive_mentions_partnership_with_samsung-news-20776.php