Oppo R9s to be unveiled on October 19, new Sony IMX398 camera sensor to debut on it

The Oppo R9s is not exactly a secret - aside from the leaks, there's already been a TV commercial running in China. The logical next step has followed and the company has sent out invites for the launch event, scheduled to be held on October 19. Oppo event invites and IMX 398 sensor That's not all, however. Apparently, the smartphone's camera will be based on a new Sony-made IMX398 sensor. On top of the obvious (and also largely meaningless) fact that it's 98 more than the IMX300 imager Sony uses in its own high-end Xperias, the source states that the sensor is a 16MP...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/oppo_r9s_to_be_unveiled_on_october_19_new_sony_imx_398_camera_sensor_to_debut_on_it-news-20969.php

Google 18W USB-C Power Adaptor now available online

Alongside the Pixel phones, Google also released a new power adaptor for the phones that comes bundled with the phone. This adaptor is different from the one that was sold for the Nexus 6P and 5X. While that model only supported standard USB charging and could deliver the maximum 5C 3A, the new model supports the USB Power Delivery protocol. This in theory allows you to transfer up to 100W of power, although this adaptor in particular only does up to 18W. The new adaptor was also designed and build by Google like everything else at the event. Benson Leung, whom you may remember...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/google_18w_usbc_power_adaptor_now_available_online-news-20968.php

Samsung Galaxy C9 gets FCC certification, packs a 4,000mAh battery

The Samsung Galaxy C9 has been popping up here and there over the past couple of months, and at this point its release is simply a matter of 'when' and not 'if'. We've had a GeekBench and an Antutu listing, plus a Zauba import entry, and those have given us the key specs - 6-inch FullHD display, Snapdragon 652 chipset, 6GB of RAM, and a couple of 16MP cameras. The one thing missing, and it's a crucial one, was battery capacity. Samsung Galaxy C9 screenshot with FCC e-label and battery capacity (click for full-size image) FCC, being the good sport that it is, has now revealed...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_c9_gets_fcc_certification_packs_a_4000mah_battery-news-20966.php

HP Elite x3 will be available through Microsoft's brick and mortar stores starting next week

Microsoft has revealed that the HP Elite x3 smartphone will be available for purchase from its brick and mortar stores starting next week - October 10 to be precise. The device has only been available through online channels so far. The revelation was made by Peter Han, VP of OEM Worldwide Marketing at Microsoft. Over 100 physical Microsoft stores will have the Windows 10-powered device in stock next week. This comes shortly after it came to light that third party retailers in the UK have also started selling the phone. Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/hp_elite_x3_will_be_available_through_microsofts_brick_and_mortar_stores_starting_next_week-news-20964.php

Microsoft prepping a Paint overhaul, now with 3D drawing

Microsoft has been working on a major redesign of the Paint app for a while now, as evidenced by screenshots that made it to the public in May. The development is in its final stages now, apparently, judging by a couple of promo videos that Twitter user WalkingCat has gotten their hands on. Video: Introducing the New Paint Preview app https://t.co/wHzeAQkVqy pic.twitter.com/pk1f2MbNsM— WalkingCat (@h0x0d) October 7, 2016 One of them shows us the new interface of the app (to be called Paint Preview), but also introduces us to the headline new feature - 3D drawing. Conceived with stylus...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/microsoft_prepping_a_paint_overhaul_now_with_3d_painting-news-20965.php

Nokia D1C now spotted on AnTuTu with full HD display, 13MP camera

After Geekbench, the Nokia D1C smartphone has now been spotted on AnTuTu benchmarking service. The listing reveals that the device sports a full HD display, features a 13MP rear and 8MP front camera, and has 32GB internal memory. Other specs revealed by AnTuTu - including Snapdragon 430 SoC, 32GB RAM, and Android 7.0 Nougat - are inline with what the device's Geekbench listing had revealed. Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/nokia_d1c_now_spotted_on_antutu_with_full_hd_display_13mp_camera-news-20963.php

Samsung Galaxy Tab E 9.6 receives $30 price cut in US

The Samsung Galaxy Tab E 9.6 (WiFi model) has received an official price cut in the US. A quick look at the South Korea company's US website reveals that the device is currently available for $200, down $30 from its usual price of $230. Aside from Samsung, Amazon is also offering the same deal. Keep in mind that the promo is only available on the black color variant of the tablet. While Amazon does not specify an end date, Samsung's listing says the deal runs through October 15. Source 1 2

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_tab_e_96_receives_30_price_cut_in_us-news-20961.php

September security update starts hitting Samsung Galaxy A5 (2016)

Samsung has started pushing out a new update to its Galaxy A5 (2016) smartphone. Currently hitting units in Europe, the update bumps the firmware version to XXS3BPI8, and brings along the Android security patch for the month of September. As is usually the case with OTA roll-outs, it may take time for the update to hit your device. Meanwhile, if you feel impatient, you can manually check for it by heading to your handset's Settings menu. Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/september_security_update_is_hitting_samsung_galaxy_a5_2016-news-20960.php

Google Pixel XL currently going for $744 in US - a $26 discount

If you are in the US, and are planning to purchase the newly-unveiled Google Pixel XL, you'll be glad to know that the device has already received a price cut in the country. Best Buy currently has the device (Verizon variant) listed for $744. If you take a look at Google's online US store and Verizon's website, you'll see that the handset is priced at $770. So purchasing from Best Buy will save you $26. Not to mention that the retailer is bundling a $100 gift card and a free Chromecast as well. The discount is available on the silver and black colored variants of the handset....

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/google_pixel_xl_currently_going_for_744_in_us__a_26_discount-news-20962.php

Samsung Z2 goes on sale in Kenya as well

Nearly a month after it landed in South Africa, Samsung's newest Tizen-powered smartphone - the Samsung Z2 - has been officially launched in Kenya as well. The device carries a price tag of KSH 6,000 (around $60), and is available through carrier Safaricom. Aside from the African region, the handset is also available in some Asian markets, including India, Indonesia, and Nepal. In Indonesia, where the device launched late last month, there were some availability issues initially, but those were quickly sorted out by the company. Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_z2_goes_on_sale_in_kenya_as_well-news-20959.php

HTC Desire 826 currently going for $150 in US

The HTC Desire 826 (model number D826W) has received a price cut in the US, where Daily Steals currently has the handset listed for $150, down $100 from its usual price there. The model on offer is an unlocked, blue-colored one. To refresh, some of the device's key specs include 5.5-inch display, 32GB internal memory, and 13MP rear camera. If you are interested in availing the deal, you may have to act fast as the promo ends in four days from now. Source

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/htc_desire_d826_currently_going_for_150_in_us-news-20957.php

AT&T and Verizon are also allowing replacement Samsung Galaxy Note7 users to exchange their unit for a new device

Following Sprint, now AT&T has also revealed that those with a replacement Samsung Galaxy Note7 phone on its network can get their unit exchanged for a different device. "If a customer would like to exchange a replacement Note7 for a different device we will do so," AT&T said in a statement. Verizon customers have this option as well. In case you missed, T-Mobile has already made it clear that Note7 owners on its network can exchange their unit under the company's buyer's remorse policy that allows customers to return their purchases within 14 days. The decision by US...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/now_at_t_is_also_allowing_replacement_samsung_galaxy_note7_users_to_exchange_their_unit_for_a_new_de-news-20958.php

Snapchat puts an end to Story Auto-advance

Snapchat was met with a lot of criticism back when it introduced a change in the way we look at our friends' Snapchat Stories. Rather than tapping on a single friend's story and then bringing you back to the Stories page after viewing the story, the next person's story was automatically played and you'd have to manually back out to the Story menu. Today, Snapchat posted on Tumblr (of all places) that it was going to do away with Snapchat Story Auto Advance. Starting with a few select Android users, you'll soon be able to add individuals to your Snapchat "Story Playlist" So you can...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/snapchat_puts_an_end_to_story_autoadvance-news-20956.php

LeEco's US lineup leaks ahead of October 19 launch

LeEco is quite excited about launching the brand in the US. So much so, that some product pages and placeholders are live on their website right now. It looks like the switch was flipped too early when updating the online store. Android Police first found the lineup, which includes two Android smartphones and four Android TVs. The two smartphones in question are the Le Max2 and the Le S3, which will run for $349 and $299, respectively. There are a couple of discounts listed on the product pages, but they aren't clear just yet, so you can check them out yourself if you'd like to get an idea...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/leecos_us_lineup_leaks_ahead_of_october_19_launch-news-20955.php

Google Duo will replace Hangouts as a mandatory preinstalled app on Android phones

Android itself may be open source and ready for any mobile device maker to use, but the Google apps are a whole different story. If you want the Play Store on the phones you make, then you need to play ball with Google - and, among other things, agree to preinstall a certain list of apps. This changes from time to time, and come December 1 it will change once more. From that point on, Google Duo will become a mandatory preinstall for Android phones, replacing Hangouts in that role. Hangouts will be an optional preinstall, meaning some manufacturers may choose to ship it with their devices,...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/google_duo_will_replace_hangouts_as_a_mandatory_preinstalled_app_on_android_phones-news-20953.php

Apple awarded $119.6 million in reinstated court decision

After years of back-and-forth between Apple and Samsung, the US Court finally came to a verdict in the case of Samsung's accusation of copying a few methods and features from the iPhone. Apple is to be awarded $119.6 million for Samsung's infringement of patents for slide-to-unlock, autocorrect, and the method used to detect phone numbers for tap-to-call functionality. The lawsuit originated back in 2011 with the Samsung Galaxy S in which Apple alleged that Samsung infringed on 10 of Apple's patents across a span of four continents at one point in time. The initial $119.6...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/apple_awarded_1196_million_in_the_2011_case_vs_samsung-news-20954.php

Events from Facebook is a new iOS app that lets you keep up with stuff happening nearby

Facebook has launched yet another mobile app today. Events from Facebook is only available on iOS right now, and it's coming soon to Android. You can already grab it from the iTunes App Store. As its name implies, this app is all about events - namely, its purpose is to make it easy for you to always find interesting stuff happening nearby. Hundreds of millions of events are shared on the social network every year, so clearly there will be plenty to choose from. The app shows you what events your friends are interested in, recently unveiled events from the Pages you like, as well as...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/events_from_facebook_is_a_new_ios_app_that_lets_you_keep_up_with_stuff_happening_nearby-news-20952.php

LG V20 launches at Sprint on October 28 too, pre-orders start on October 21

T-Mobile and AT&T both outed their respective availability details for LG's V20 yesterday, and now Sprint has followed suit. So of the so called 'big four', only Verizon has yet to say anything about the handset. Like T-Mobile, Sprint oddly hasn't revealed how much the V20 will cost. Yet we know from AT&T that it will be anything but cheap, with a full retail price of $830 over there. Expect similar price points at the other carriers. Sprint will start taking pre-orders for the V20 on October 21, and the phone will be available starting on October 28, just like it will be at T-Mobile....

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/lg_v20_launches_at_sprint_on_october_28_too_preorders_start_on_october_21-news-20951.php

Galaxy S8 said to have dual rear camera, no clicky home button

To make you temporarily forget about the Galaxy Note7's propensity for catching fire, even after the recall, there's a new rumor in town, talking about the Galaxy S8. Samsung's next flagship smartphone will reportedly come with some pretty big hardware changes compared to its predecessors. First off, the clicky / pressable Home button will be gone, the rumor says. It might be replaced with a non-moving part similar to what Apple's done for its iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, or the physical Home button could be gone altogether, replaced by an on-screen version - in which case the fingerprint...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/galaxy_s8_said_to_have_dual_rear_camera_no_clicky_home_button-news-20950.php

Oppo R9S and R9S Plus get pictured in TV commercial in China

We've seen the upcoming Oppo R9S in quite a few places so far - pamphlets, certification agencies, teasers, and rumors. Yet the phone still isn't official. We are, however, getting closer to that point, as it turns out. Oppo has already started running TV ads for the R9S and R9S Plus (yes, there will be a bigger version too) in China. The image below is a screengrab from one of those ads, showcasing the slightly modified design compared to the R9 series, and, of course, the size difference between the R9S and R9S Plus. The two new devices are apparently going to be unveiled during...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/oppo_r9s_and_r9s_plus_get_pictured_in_tv_commercial_in_china-news-20949.php

The 32GB iPhone 7 Plus uses a much slower storage, our tests show

Faster, newer, better - we've all grown accustomed to expect that the latest iPhone will be the fastest iPhone yet. The replacement of a 16GB base version with a 32GB was one of the welcome and well overdue changes that came with this year's generation. But little did we know that this move comes with a caveat of its own. Our benchmark tests so far point us to believe that the 32GB model has, in fact, a few times lower storage performance compared to the 128GB model of the iPhone 7 and the 64GB model of the 6s Plus, which we have available for comparison. Using the free...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/the_32gb_iphone_7_plus_uses_a_substantially_slower_storage_our_tests_show-news-20943.php

HTC Bolt to be sold in Europe too, will launch with Android Nougat on board

Remember the mysterious HTC Bolt? The existence of this upcoming handset was first revealed last month, and then a leaked press render showed up just a few days later. However, no specs for it have been outed yet - which is especially odd since it's supposedly going to launch on Sprint by the end of October. If you've been wondering whether this will be a Sprint exclusive, well, the good news is that it doesn't seem so. According to a source who's been reliable with HTC-related information in the past, the Bolt will also be sold in the EMEA space - so in Europe, the Middle East, and...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/htc_bolt_to_be_sold_in_europe_too_will_launch_with_android_nougat_on_board-news-20948.php

Microsoft will hold an event on October 26, new Surface hardware expected

Microsoft has started sending out press invites for an event taking place on October 26 in New York City. For a long time the company's been rumored to make some new hardware announcements at some point this month, so now we have the actual date to speak of. While you shouldn't expect to see a new Windows phone unveiled, or another Band wearable, Microsoft is going to use this event to present some new Surface-branded hardware. So far, rumors have focused mainly on a possible Surface all-in-one, but a new Surface Book was also mentioned as coming. To top things off, Microsoft may start...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/microsoft_will_hold_an_event_on_october_26_new_surface_hardware_expected-news-20947.php

Verizon Pixel updates will be handled by Verizon

If you didn't hear the alarm bells ringing back when Google announced that it will be partnering exclusively with Verizon in the US for Pixel, they should be hitting you in the face now. After we learned that the Verizon Pixel phones will come with a locked bootloader, and that the Verizon Pixel phones will come with bloatware, we now have the third and hopefully the final piece in this rather terrible puzzle that should hopefully steer people clear off getting these phones from Verizon. Google has revealed that the main system updates for the Verizon Pixel devices will be handled...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/verizon_pixel_updates_will_be_handled_by_verizon-news-20946.php

Alleged Xiaomi Mi 6 live photos pop up

Alleged photos of the Xiaomi Mi 6 have made the rounds. The yet unconfirmed Xiaomi smartphone is snapped from the front and back, showing a design worthy of a flagship. At the front, there's a Home button, which should also double as a fingerprint scanner. The back is more interesting and features a dual-tone design (akin to Apple iPhone 5s). The camera and dual-led flash are housed at the top right corner, leaving the metal back clean. At this point, there are no rumors regarding specifications. The device looks the be in early stages of development and there are surely some...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_mi_6_allegedly_revealed_in_live_photos-news-20945.php

Microsoft Lumia 550 drops to $60 for a limited time

If you are in the US and are in the market for a budget Windows 10-powered smartphone, here's a deal for you: the Microsoft Lumia 550 is currently going for as low as $60 in the country. Retailer B&H Photo is selling the device (both black and white variants) at this rate. However, keep in mind that the discount is on the international variants for the phone, although they should work fine on GSM networks in the US. The deal is available only for a limited time - around 14 hours as of writing. So if you are interested in availing it, you may have to act fast. For those who aren't...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/microsoft_lumia_550_drops_to_60_for_a_limited_time-news-20944.php

Samsung posts higher than expected operating income for Q3

Samsung has resumed sales of the troubled Galaxy Note7 and despite the issues, it reported higher than expected operating income. The company released a preview of its financial results, the full details will be available later. Samsung recorded an operating income of KRW 7.8 trillion ($7 billion) for the third quarter of this year (July-September). This is 6% up from the 7.4 trillion it did the same quarter last year and up from the 7.5 trillion that analysts expected. This is despite a 5% year-to-year drop in sales (total KRW 49 trillion or $43.9 billion). Analysts calculate that...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_posts_higher_than_expected_operating_income_for_q3-news-20941.php

HTC sees revenue jump 41% in September

HTC's September financial results mark a 41% jump in revenue compared to the previous month. The company's revenue for September is $417.9 million, which is the highest it has achieved since November last year. In fact, year-on-year, this is a staggering 31.3% increase. HTC didn't disclose specific sale figures. Those will be available in the Q3 financial report expected in the first days of November. We suspect that the company's Vive VR headset in conjunction with strong HTC 10 sales are the culprit behind the successful month. As you may know, the company is also responsible for...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/htc_sees_revenue_jump_41_in_september-news-20939.php

Sony Xperia Z5 series receiving a new update

Sony has started rolling out a new update to its Xperia Z5 family of devices that bumps the build number to 32.2.A.0.305. Sadly, nothing else is currently known about the update including what it brings along, although it's expected that the latest Android security patch will be there. 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 manually check for the update by heading to your handset's Settings menu. Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/sony_xperia_z5_series_receiving_a_new_update-news-20937.php

Prisma adds video support

Popular photo editing app Prisma has added the option to apply its artistic filters to videos now. The feature is currently in beta and available only on iOS. As with photos, users can record or choose a video from their gallery and then select from one of the available effects to apply. The videos are edited offline on the device itself and it takes a minute or so to finish the process. You can make up to 15 second long videos using this feature. The video feature doesn't seem to be available for everyone. I personally didn't see the option yet even though the app is updated to...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/prisma_adds_video_support-news-20940.php

Kodak teases a new phone for October 20, its second device

Kodak is an iconic brand in photography so when the company announced an Android phone last year, it seemed like a big deal. The Kodak IM5 didn't make a dent in the market and has even been taken off the official website (here's a Google cache link). There's a new phone coming on October 20. The teaser image shows brushed metal sides and a button (shutter key?) stamped with the famous K logo. There's not much else to be see, the KodakPhones.com site just holds the teaser image. The previous phone, IM5, had a bog standard 13MP f/2.0 camera. Kodak teased image editing and easy printing on...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/kodak_teases_a_new_phone_for_october_20_its_second_device-news-20934.php

Google Maps for iOS update brings ability to upload photos alongside reviews

Google has pushed out a new update to its Maps app on iOS, bumping it to version 4.23.0. The update brings along several changes, including the ability to upload photos alongside reviews. With the update, you can now upload photos along with their reviews of places. The update app will also display even more detailed descriptions of places including features, atmosphere, and amenities. The update also brings along "iOS 10 support, including redesigned widgets for Nearby Transit and Travel Times," the official changelog says. And finally, there are some usual bug fixes as...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/new_google_maps_for_ios_brings_ability_to_upload_photos_alongside_reviews_includes_ios_10_support-news-20932.php

Second recall for Samsung Galaxy Note7 could happen, experts say

As you might already know, an alleged replacement Samsung Galaxy Note7 unit recently caught fire on a plane in the US. This has resulted in the country's consumer safety watchdog (CPSC) launching a probe into the incident. While there's currently no official information on whether or not the phone in question is a new, safe Galaxy Note7, experts are of the view that if it indeed turns out to a replacement unit, Samsung could face a second recall of the handset. "If it's the fixed phone and it started to smoke in his pocket, I'm going to guess there'll be another recall," said Pamela...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/second_recall_for_samsung_galaxy_note7_could_happen_experts_say-news-20933.php

HP Elite x3 now available in UK through third-party retailers as well

Launched in the UK back in August this year, the HP Elite x3 has only been available through HP and Microsoft in the country. However, that has changed recently as the Windows 10-powered phone is now also available from third party retailers in the UK. Specifically, Carphone Warehouse now has the Snapdragon 820-powered handset listed on its website, and is selling it for £670. While that may seem far less than the phone's official price tag of £707, keep in mind that the retailer isn't including a free Desk Dock with the device, a deal HP and Microsoft are offering. As for...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/hp_elite_x3_now_available_in_uk_through_thirdparty_retailers_as_well-news-20931.php

Sony Xperia Ear landing in Japan on November 18, pricing info revealed

Sony has announced the Japanese pricing and availability information for its Xperia Ear accessory. According to Sony Japan, the device will be released in the country on November 18 and will carry a price tag of around JPY 20,000 (excluding tax). The JPY 20,000 tag is the "market estimated price," the company's Japanese website says, adding that the actual selling price of the product may vary. In case you aren't already aware, the Xperia Ear - as the name suggests - is essentially an earpiece. Its selling point, however, is its ability to double as your own personal assistant. To...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/sony_xperia_ear_landing_in_japan_on_november_18_pricing_info_revealed-news-20930.php

Sony Xperia XZ's 'Deep pink' variant launched, available for purchase in UK

While officially, the Sony Xperia XZ comes in four color options, only three - Mineral black, Platinum, Forest blue - have been available so far. However, that was until now, as the Deep pink model has also been launched. The device is currently available for purchase in the UK, where carrier O2 has the model listed on its website. There's currently no information on which other markets will be getting the Deep pink variant, and when it would be launched there. Source | Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/sony_xperia_xzs_deep_pink_variant_launched_available_for_purchase_in_uk-news-20929.php

Replacement Samsung Galaxy Note7 users on Sprint can exchange their unit for any other device

In the wake of a recent fire incident involving a Samsung Galaxy Note7 unit that was deemed to be safe, Sprint is allowing replacement Galaxy Note7 users on its network to trade in their unit for any other device. "Sprint is working collaboratively with Samsung to better understand the most recent concerns regarding replacement Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphones," a company representative said. "If a Sprint customer with a replacement Note 7 has any concerns regarding their device, we will exchange it for any other device at any Sprint retail store during the investigation window,"...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_note7_users_on_sprint_can_exchange_their_unit_for_any_other_device-news-20928.php

Google Pixel XL benchmark doesn't show performance improvement

The Google Pixel (XL) is the first phone (to become available in the US) which sports a Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 CPU. This should mean some kind of improvement over the Snapdragon 820, the same CPU found in many flagship smartphones this year including the Samsung Galaxy S7 (edge), Galaxy Note7, HTC 10, LG G5, OnePlus 3, and more. According to a Geekbench performance test, the Google Pixel XL scored 1648 in the Geekbench single-core test, while the multi-core test resulted with a score of 4121. These scores are very similar to what the Snapdragon 820 is outputting on other smartphones with...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/google_pixel_xl_benchmark_doesnt_show_performance_improvement-news-20927.php

Verizon to manage Android updates to Pixel phones it sells

The Nexus brand was always about the pure Android experience with quick updates from Google. When the Samsung Galaxy Nexus made it to Verizon, that Google experience turned to a nightmare for updates. The same phone was only able to get updates whenever Verizon felt like releasing them, so they came with delays. That being said, Verizon's Galaxy Nexus stopped getting updates at Jellybean 4.2.2, meanwhile, the GSM unlocked version of the phone did make it to Jellybean 4.3, the last major update for the Galaxy Nexus (it never made it to KitKat 4.4). A Google spokesperson made a statement...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/verizon_to_manage_android_updates_to_its_carrierlocked_pixel_phones-news-20926.php

Honor 8 prices for India revealed, including Honor 8 "Smart"

Honor is going to announce its latest flagship device, the Honor 8, in India at a press event to take place on October 12. While there is still no word on exactly when the device will go on sale in India, there is some speculation on what the price would be for the Honor 8 and Honor 8 Smart, a second variant of that will sell alongside the Honor 8. Mahesh Telecom tweeted that the Honor 8 would be available for RS 29,999 while the Honor 8 Smart would be going for RS 19,999. However, in a statement to India Today Huawei stated that these prices were purely speculative as the prices are not...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/honor_8_prices_for_india_revealed_including_honor_8_smart-news-20925.php

Analysts expect Google to sell up to 4 million Pixel units this year

After many years in which many people have wanted Google to have a more determined presence in the smartphone world, this is finally happening. The search giant and Android maker has unveiled the Pixel and Pixel XL devices this week. They're already up for pre-order in a few countries, and will be out on October 20. If you're wondering how well they are going to do in the very crowded mobile space, the analysts from Taiwan's DigiTimes Research think they have the answer. According to their estimates, Google will manage to move 3 to 4 million Pixel units before the end of this year....

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/analysts_expect_google_to_sell_up_to_4_million_pixel_units_this_year-news-20924.php

Oculus is working on a standalone mid-range VR headset, new minimum PC specs published for the Rift

Oculus has worked with Samsung to create the Gear VR line of headsets, which require your Samsung phone to show you VR things. The Facebook-owned company has also developed the Rift VR headset, which requires a PC to do its magic. There is, however, a great price difference between those two products. Hence, there's a lot of room for a third Oculus VR offering, one that will sit in between the Gear VR and the Rift in terms of pricing. And it turns out that's exactly what the company is working on. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has revealed that a new mid-range VR headset is in the...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/oculus_is_working_on_a_standalone_midrange_vr_headset_new_minimum_pc_specs_published_for_the_rift-news-20923.php

AT&T outs pricing for the LG V20, will start pre-orders tomorrow

Getting the full picture about the LG V20's pricing and availability in the US is proving a tad more complicated than we would have expected. T-Mobile revealed the first piece of the puzzle earlier today, saying it would start selling the handset on October 28. Yet the magenta carrier remained mum on any pricing information. And now AT&T follows suit, in that it also acknowledges it will offer the V20. Oh, and this carrier has published its prices for the device. The flip side? AT&T doesn't mention a release date. Then again, we assume LG will launch the V20 on all US carriers at the same...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/at_t_outs_pricing_for_the_lg_v20_will_start_preorders_tomorrow-news-20921.php

Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 review: A hidden gem

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 has big shoes to fill - its predecessor became India's best selling phone online and enjoys great popularity in China. It comes barely half a year since the Note 3 went on sale, but it's not quite a direct replacement - instead both will live side by side, with the Note 4 as a more premium offering.

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_redmi_note_4-review-1504.php

Oculus Touch controller arrives on December 6 for $199, alongside $49 Oculus Earphones

The delayed Oculus Touch controllers for the Oculus Rift VR headset have finally received an official price and release date today. The Oculus Touch will cost $199. You'll be able to pre-order starting on October 10, but shipping will only start on December 6. Those exact same dates (for pre-orders and release) apply to the newly-announced Oculus Earphones too. These are in-ear headphones that you can purchase separately in order to use with your Oculus Rift. They will cost $49 and Oculus CEO Brendan Iribe thinks they're among the highest-end earphones in the world. They have advanced...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/oculus_touch_controller_arrives_on_december_6_for_199_alongside_49_oculus_earphones_-news-20922.php

Asus announces US availability and pricing for Zenfone 3, Zenwatch 3, Zenpad 3S 10

Asus is finally getting ready to launch a few Zenfone 3 devices in the US. We have previously seen two of these up for grabs at Amazon, but those listings have mysteriously vanished since. This time it's all official, though. The Zenfone 3 Deluxe Special Edition ZS570KL is Asus' latest top of the line offering. It will cost $799 unlocked, and will be out on October 19. This phone is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 chipset, aided by 6GB of RAM and 256GB of expandable storage. It also features a 5.7-inch 1080p AMOLED touchscreen, a 23 MP rear camera, an 8 MP selfie snapper, and a...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/asus_announces_us_availability_and_pricing_for_zenfone_3_zenwatch_3_zenpad_3s_10-news-20920.php

Asus ZenPad Z10 tablet is exclusive to Verizon, available today

Asus and Verizon have unveiled a new Android tablet today, and this one is exclusive to the carrier nicknamed Big Red. It's called Asus ZenPad Z10 ZT500KL, and it comes with a 9.7-inch 2,048x1,536 touchscreen. It's powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 650 chipset, which boasts a hexa-core CPU and Adreno 510 GPU. The tablet has 3GB of RAM, dual stereo speakers with DTS-HD support, 4G LTE, a USB Type-C port, 32GB of expandable storage, an 8 MP rear camera, a 5 MP front-facing unit, and a 7,800 mAh battery. It runs Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow with ZenUI on top. It's available today if you...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/asus_zenpad_z10_tablet_is_exclusive_to_verizon_available_today-news-20918.php

Sony announces a6500 and RX100 V

Sony has launched two new cameras, the successors to its α6300 interchangeable lens camera and RX100 IV compact camera, the α6500 and RX100 V respectively. Starting with the α6300, it builds upon the already excellent α6300 and instead of reinventing the wheel further improves upon an already successful formula. The new α6500 has the same 24.2 megapixel APS-C EXMOR CMOS sensor with a staggering 425 phase detection AF points and world's fastest 0.05 seconds AF lock. The new model includes in-body 5-axis optical image stabilization that provides...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/sony_announces_a6500_and_rx100_v-news-20919.php

LG V20 finally becomes available at T-Mobile on October 28 with free B&O headphones

There was a rumor going around last month saying that, despite technically being the first phone to ship with Android Nougat on board, the LG V20 would only manage that feat in a few places, and definitely not in the US. Well, guess what? It turns out that's exactly what's happening. Google's Pixels will start shipping around October 20, and obviously those run Nougat too - Android 7.1, even. And T-Mobile is now officially announcing that the LG V20 will be available starting on October 28, so around a week after the Pixel and Pixel XL. This, despite the fact that LG's unveiled the V20 on...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/lg_v20_finally_becomes_available_at_tmobile_on_october_28_with_free_b_o_headphones-news-20917.php

Patent reveals LG is working on a transparent foldable display

The display industry has been pushing forward relentlessly and it is because of that we can enjoy things like high-performance OLED technology and curved panels, among other things. The latter is a fairly new advancement and represents a major steppingstone toward the ultimate goal of a fully flexible display. This is hardly a new concept and the race has been on for quite some time now. Traditionally, Samsung and LG have been most actively involved in the endeavor. The former demoed a foldable panel back in 2014 and promised a foldable smartphone by 2015. That, apparently proved...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/patent_entry_reveals_lg_is_working_on_a_transparent_foldable_display-news-20916.php