Huawei Nova launched, starts at around $310

The Huawei Nova, which was unveiled alongside the Nova Plus at this year's IFA conference in Berlin, has been officially launched. The device is currently available for purchase in China. As for pricing, the 3GB RAM variant carries a tag of RMB 2,099, which translates into around $310 at current exchange rates. The 4GB RAM model, on the other hand, costs RMB 2,399, or around $355. Color options include Bright Moon White and Champagne Gold (with black front panel) for the 3GB variant, and Rose Gold and Champagne Gold (with both black and white front panels) for the 4GB model. Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/huawei_nova_launched_starts_at_around_310-news-21101.php

Sony Xperia X (all colors) now going for under $390

If you recall, just a couple of days ago, the Sony Xperia X was going for $399 in the US - Amazon was selling the black colored model at that price. However, a quick look at the listing now reveals that the price has dropped further - it's $388 for the black variant now. Other color variants, including white, lime gold, and rose gold carry a price tag of $389 each. The listings reveal that only a handful of units are left in stock, so if you're planning to avail the new deal, you may have to act really fast. Source

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/sony_xperia_x_all_colors_now_going_for_under_390-news-21100.php

Latest beta update for BlackBerry DTEK50 brings October security patch

BlackBerry has started pushing out a new beta update to its Android-powered DTEK50 smartphone. Weighing in at 337MB, the update bumps the firmware version to AAH108 and brings along Android security patch for the month of October. Given that it's a beta update, an official change-log for the update isn't available, so it's difficult to say what else - if at all - is included in the update. If your DTEK50 device is enrolled in the beta program, you can check for the update by heading to your handset's Settings menu. Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/latest_beta_update_for_blackberry_dtek50_brings_october_security_patch-news-21099.php

Acer Swift 7 is now available for purchase in US

Acer's Swift 7 laptop - which was unveiled at this year's IFA conference, and is less than a centimeter thick - is now available for purchase in the US. The company's official US store is selling the device for $1,099. Third party retailers such as Amazon and Best Buy also have the Windows 10-powered laptop listed on their websites, but it's out of stock at the moment (Best Buy says 'sold out online'). What's, however, worth mentioning here is that Amazon is selling the Swift 7 for $999.99. Source 1 2 3

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/acer_swift_7_is_now_available_for_purchase_in_us-news-21097.php

October security patch starts hitting Samsung Galaxy A8, J7 Prime, and Core Prime

Samsung has started pushing out the latest Android security update to some of its smartphones. Specifically, the Galaxy A8, J7 Prime, and Core Prime have started receiving the update which brings along Android security patch for the month of October. As you can see in the screenshot below - which shows the build.prop files of the handsets - the update bumps the security level to October 1 (2016-10-01). Given that the roll out has just begun, it may take time for the update notification to pop up on your device. Meanwhile, if you feel impatient, you can manually check for the update...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/october_security_patch_starts_hitting_samsung_galaxy_a8_j7_prime_and_core_prime-news-21095.php

Samsung offers Note7 pre-bookers in India freebies for going with S7/S7 edge instead

Last couple of months haven't been kind to Samsung but compared to all the hullabaloo happening in other parts of the world, Samsung got off relatively easy in India as it never really sold any

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_offers_note7_prebookers_in_india_freebies_for_going_with_s7_s7_edge_instead-news-21098.php

Salesforce officially backs out from Twitter acquisition

It is hardly a secret that Twitter hasn't been doing all that wall lately. Which is why, nobody was really surprised when word first got out back in September that the social network was, as the sources put it "largely desirous of a deal". Over the following months it did seem like someone was bound to snatch up the blue hummingbird. Interested parties included Google, Apple, Disney and Salesforce, which overall seemed most willing to make an offer. Since then, however, things have taken a turn for the worse and for a time Salesforce was left as the sole prospective...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/salesforce_officially_backs_out_from_twitter_acquisition-news-21096.php

Samsung Galaxy C9 passes through TENAA

It appears Samsung is wasting no time when it comes to expanding its new "C" family of devices. What initially started as mostly a China-exclusive new branch, with the Galaxy C5 and C7 has since transformed into an odd slightly superior contender to the "A" series. We already know the top-end Galaxy C9 is in the works. It was spotted entering India. as well as on GeekBench. Hence, we already have a pretty good idea of what hardware to expect. Samsung Galaxy C9 As for looks, judging by the almost identical nature of the C5 and C7, we can only assume another simple scale-up...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_c9_passes_through_tenaa-news-21094.php

Microsoft Lumia 650 receives price cuts in UK and Ireland

If you are in the UK and are planning to purchase a budget Windows 10-powered device, you'll be glad to know that the Lumia 650 is currently going for £99.95 in the country. Retailer Argos has the phone listed on its website at that price. This, if you compare, is around £9 less than what the official Microsoft UK Store is selling the handset for. Not only in the UK, the Lumia 650 has received a price cut in Ireland as well. While Microsoft Ireland has the device listed for €129, Argos is selling it for €119.99, saving you around €9. Source 1 2 | Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/microsoft_lumia_650_receives_price_cuts_in_uk_and_ireland-news-21093.php

Firmware development for Samsung Galaxy S8 has begun

According to a new report, Samsung has started developing firmware for the next Galaxy S flagship smartphone. The report notes that the Galaxy S8 ROM that is currently being developed is only for a handful of countries (including the UK, US, China, France, Germany, Italy, Korea, and Poland), although the list will grow once a stable build is readied. Specs-wise, as per the latest rumor, the phone is expected to have two variants: one with 5.1-inch QHD curved Super AMOLED display, and the other with 5.5-inch UHD display. The bigger model will feature a dual-camera setup as...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/firmware_development_for_samsung_galaxy_s8_has_begun-news-21092.php

Note7 customer denied refund for Gear VR because it ‘works with other Samsung devices'

Reddit user agolightly took to Reddit to release their frustration with Samsung in light of the Note7's discontinuation, after having had to return their Note7 twice. As some background, Samsung did say it was going to refund all accessories that were purchased for the Note7, but a disgruntled customer was not granted a refund for the Gear VR they purchased after buying a Galaxy Note7. The reason given was that the Gear VR "can be used with another Samsung device" and that it was trying to be returned past the 30-day return window. And it is true, the new Gear VR for the Note7 does come...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/note7_customer_denied_refund_for_gear_vr_because_it_works_with_other_samsung_devices-news-21090.php

Confirmed: Pixels bought from Google are rootable, come with unlockable bootloaders

Some of the purported disadvantages inherent when ordering a Google Pixel or Pixel XL from Verizon have been debunked already - the phones will ship with three bloatware apps, all of them uninstallable; software updates will be issued at the same time as for units bought elsewhere. One thing that's clear, however, is that Verizon's Pixels will not have unlockable bootloaders. That's not surprising given the carrier's general policy towards such things. But what about units purchased from Google? Sure, Nexus devices all had unlockable bootloaders, but the Pixels might be different in that...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/confirmed_pixels_bought_from_google_are_rootable_come_with_unlockable_bootloaders-news-21089.php

Samsung estimates $3 billion loss over the next two quarters

There is no doubt that Samsung is sure to lose boatloads of money over the Samsung Galaxy Note7. Today, the company announced that it expects 3.5 trillion won (around $3 billion) to negatively impact the operating profit through Q4 and Q1 of 2017. That's after Samsung's re-allocation of the expected cost expense of the discontinuation of the Note7 to its Q3 report. It expects to see a drop of $2.2 billion in Q4 to ride the year out, while the other $800 million impact is expected to be seen in Q1 of next year. The company expects that by Q2 of next year, it will have bounced back...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_estimates_3_billion_loss_over_the_next_two_quarters-news-21091.php

HTC discontinuing its Browser from the Play Store on November 30

As part of HTC's effort to slim down on redundant apps, the company has been getting rid of apps that may be redundant with some of Google's existing offerings. This is apparent with the HTC 10, which didn't come with HTC's app offerings like HTC Internet, Fun Fit, Scribble, and Polaris Office. Even the Gallery was replaced with the Google Photos app. But for those who have older HTC models or downloaded the HTC Internet browser on their HTC 10, the browser will no longer be supported and will become officially "discontinued" on November 30. After this date, the browser will no...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/htc_discontinuing_its_browser_from_the_play_store_on_november_30-news-21086.php

Samsung launches Galaxy TabPro S Gold Edition with 8GB of RAM and 256GB SSD

Remember the Samsung Galaxy TabPro S? Unlike most Galaxy-branded devices, this runs Windows 10, and not Android. It was unveiled at CES in January, and has been on sale for many months now. And today the Korean company has decided it's time to refresh it somewhat, by applying a new coat of paint and upping some specs. It's called Galaxy TabPro S Gold Edition - so can you guess what color it is? The blinged up model comes with 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD. Other specs haven't changed, so you still get the same 12-inch 2,160x1,440 Super AMOLED display, 2.2 GHz Intel Core M3 processor,...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_launches_galaxy_tabpro_s_gold_edition_with_8gb_of_ram_and_256gb_ssd-news-21085.php

Oppo R9s receives the leaked press render treatment ahead of its unveiling next week

Oppo isn't hiding the fact that its event on October 19 will be all about the R9s. The Chinese company has been teasing its next smartphone for a few weeks now, and in China a TV ad campaign is already in full swing. What's more, a few hours ago Oppo has started taking early registrations from those interested in the R9s, even before making it official. Thus it's pretty clear that the company thinks it has a winner on its hands. The R9s (and R9s Plus that should get unveiled alongside it next Wednesday) are going to succeed the R9 and R9 Plus in its portfolio. We've already heard about the...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/oppo_r9s_receives_the_leaked_press_render_treatment_ahead_of_its_unveiling_next_week-news-21082.php

Nubia Z11 review: Work hard, play hard

Living in the shadow of a bigger brother is never easy. However, with the right effort you can turn the odds in your favor and also have a lot of fun in the process. Nubia is definitely a prime example of a proper departure from its ZTE roots.

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/zte_nubia_z11-review-1507.php

Spotify down for users all over the world [Update]

UPDATE: This post was started while the service was completely down, as of 16:42 EST, it appears that Spotify is back, and we were able to log in again. The world's most popular music streaming service is currently experiencing a worldwide blackout. I first noticed this within the past half-hour. I was unable to connect my Honor 8 to the Spotify service, even though it was online. I figured it was some power-saving setting, but playing with it didn't do the trick. Then my desktop app stopped working, I was unable to stream new music, like someone just turned the lights off. I tried...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/spotify_down_for_users_all_over_the_world_update-news-21088.php

Galaxy Note7 is banned on all US flights starting tomorrow

The lives of those poor souls still holding onto their Galaxy Note7 units are going to get a lot more difficult starting tomorrow. If you haven't yet returned your Note7, you might want to consider doing that now that you won't be able to fly with it. The United States Department of Transportation has issued an emergency order to ban all Note7 units from all flights in the US. The ban will become effective tomorrow, October 15, starting at noon ET. This means you will not be allowed to carry a Note7 on a flight within the US, or originating in the US, or going to the US. Not even if it's...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/galaxy_note7_is_banned_on_all_us_flights_starting_tomorrow-news-21087.php

Apple Watch Series 2 Nike+ will be out on October 28

The Nike+ edition of the Apple Watch Series 2 finally has a release date attached to it. This version of Apple's second-gen smartwatch was announced at its early September event, just like the Watch Series 2 itself. Yet up until now there was no information about when it will be out. Apple has made it official today: the Watch Series 2 Nike+ will be available on October 28. This model is basically a new Apple Watch featuring special Nike sports bands, as well as dedicated software for runners from Nike. You get exclusive Nike watch faces, and a Nike+ Run Club complication. There are...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/apple_watch_series_2_nike_will_be_out_on_october_28-news-21084.php

HTC Bolt gets pictured in the wild, has specs finally leaked

Soon, the HTC Bolt will become official. Capitalizing on a name from yesteryear, but featuring a design that's pretty similar to the HTC 10, this device is intriguing because it's the first from the Taiwanese company to ditch the 3.5mm headset jack. That's right, HTC is going to follow Motorola, Apple, and LeEco's lead with this one. The Bolt's leaked press renders already showed us the lack of the jack, and today a bunch of live images of the phone have been outed confirming that. We also get a round of specs to speak of this time, thankfully. According to "someone who has used...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/htc_bolt_gets_pictured_in_the_wild_has_specs_finally_leaked-news-21081.php

Daydream Keyboard now available on the Play Store

Although the Daydream VR platform isn't available to the public yet, Google has already released its companion keyboard onto the Play Store which allows for text input in all Daydream apps. If you've never used a keyboard in VR before, you can try to use Samsung's Gear VR keyboard to get an idea. A dot remains in the center of your view, acting as a cursor. Then, the user points their head onto each individual letter and taps the touchpad on the Gear VR headset to input a character. The layout for this keyboard looks much like the Google Keyboard that comes stock on Nexus devices, as...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/daydream_keyboard_now_available_on_the_play_store-news-21083.php

ZTE Axon 7 Max with 6" 1080p screen stars in live images

ZTE is currently working on a successor for the Axon Max from last year. The new model is going to be called Axon 7 Max, fitting in the Chinese company's portfolio right alongside the Axon 7 and Axon 7 mini, both of which are already official. The Axon 7 Max is bound to be announced soon, seeing as how prototype units are already in the wild. And one of these has been photographed from a few angles - see it below in all its glory. ZTE Axon 7 Max The Axon 7 design language can be seen in the Max version too. The full metal body is there, and this handset even brings a dual...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/zte_axon_7_max_with_6_1080p_screen_snapdragon_625_stars_in_live_images-news-21080.php

Huawei has shipped over 100 million smartphones this year

Today Huawei launched the nova smartphone in China at a special event, but the spotlight was stolen by another announcement. Since the beginning of this year Huawei has shipped more than 100 million smartphones worldwide. This is very good news for Huawei and a reason for celebration. Huawei shipped 100 million smartphones for the whole 2015 year, while now it has two and a half months to make a new sales record. Huawei previously announced it has sold more than 6 million Huawei P9 flagships and more than 1.5 million Honor smartphones. Its next big thing - the Mate 9 - is yet to be...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/huawei_has_shipped_over_100_million_smartphones_this_year-news-21079.php

New SwiftKey update brings ability to type in up to 5 languages simultaneously

Smart keyboard and prediction tech company SwiftKey has pushed out a new update to its Android app. The update brings the ability to type in up to 5 languages simultaneously - previously the limit was three. "Switch seamlessly between Swedish, Serbian, French, English and Azerbaijani if you're so inclined!" the company said in a blog post. "This feature is great for people who are enthusiastic about learning new languages as well; you can be a native English speaker but keep Kurdish, Russian and Zulu keyboards on your device just in case." In addition, the update also includes...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/new_swiftkey_update_brings_ability_to_type_in_up_to_5_languages_simultaneously-news-21077.php

Microsoft Xbox One outsold Sony's PS4 in September, making it three months in a row

Citing data from market research firm NPD, Microsoft has revealed that the Xbox One was the best-selling gaming console in the United States for September, making it three months in a row that it has outsold Sony's PS4. The news came from Xbox's marketing boss Mike Nichols who also revealed that Xbox One was the best-selling console last month in the UK as well. "In addition, Xbox One was the only gen eight console to see year-over-year growth in September in the U.S., Australia, the U.K., and many other countries worldwide," he said. Here's the rest of his statement: This...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/microsoft_xbox_one_outsold_sonys_ps4_in_september_making_it_three_months_in_a_row-news-21074.php

Telstra sends out Pixel deliveries ahead of time

Australian carrier Telstra accidentally sent out its shipment of Pixel devices ahead of the official October 20 release date for the pre-orders. One reddit user started a thread about receiving his Pixel from Telstra earlier than usual, and also provided plenty of information about the device, such as pictures, videos, benchmark scores and preliminary battery life results. One Telstra rep even responded to the thread saying that is quite often that the carrier ends up sending devices ahead of schedule, supposedly accidentally every time. You can check out the reddit thread in...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/telstra_sends_out_pixel_deliveries_ahead_of_time-news-21076.php

Oppo R9s early reservations are now live

At this point, it is quite clear that Oppo has the R9s handset in the works. We have been learning bits and pieces about the phone for the last few months and today, it appears the OEM is finally sharing some more insights. The R9s is officially up for pre-order on Oppo's website. Well, actually, early reservation, so there is no price shared as of yet. The link is in the description and from the countdown timer it becomes pretty clear that Oppo will be keeping to the originally rumored October 19 release date. In yet another development, a couple of new renders of the...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/oppo_r9s_early_reservations_are_now_live-news-21072.php

Second-gen Samsung Gear VR currently going for $50 in US

If you are in the US, and are planning to purchase the second-gen Samsung Gear virtual reality headset, you will be glad to know that the device is currently going for around $50 in the country. Amazon has the headset listed on its website for that price, down from the $99.99 tag it usually carries there. A quick look at Samsung's US website reveals that the company is selling the original Gear VR for $69.99, meaning purchasing from Amazon will save you $20. The second-gen Gear VR works with Samsung Galaxy S7, S7 edge, Note5, S6 edge+, S6 and S6 edge. Source

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/secondgen_samsung_gear_vr_currently_going_for_50_in_us-news-21068.php

Despite second recall, Galaxy Note7 usage numbers continue to rise

People don't like being told what to do - even if you tell them to put away a potential fire hazard. Samsung officially canceled the Galaxy Note7 and asked buyers to power off their units and send them back according to instructions (including special shipping). That was several days ago and yet the number of users of the Note7 keeps growing - this Sunday it peaked at 10% higher than when the cancellation was announced. You can see that after the first recall, the usage dropped off almost instantly, rebounding as replacement units started arriving. No such slump is seen here, even...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/despite_second_recall_galaxy_note7_usage_numbers_continue_to_rise-news-21070.php

Microsoft Lumia 640 XL officially drops to $99.99 in US

The Microsoft Lumia 640 XL has received a price cut in the US. The AT&T variant now carries a price tag of $99.99, down from the $149.99 it was carrying previously. The phone is powered by a Snapdragon 400 SoC, and sports a 5.7-inch (720 x 1280 pixel resolution) IPS display. RAM is 1GB, while storage is 8GB. In terms of camera, the Lumia 640 XL features a 13MP rear unit and a 5MP front shooter. A 3,000mAh battery is there to keep the lights on. Source

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/microsoft_lumia_640_xl_drops_to_9999_in_us-news-21069.php

Second-gen Samsung Gear VR currently going for $50 in US

If you are in the US, and are planning to purchase the first-gen Samsung Gear virtual reality headset, you will be glad to know that the device is currently going for around $50 in the country. Amazon has the headset listed on its website for that price, down from the $99.99 tag it usually carries there. A quick look at Samsung's US website reveals that the company is selling the original Gear VR for $69.99, meaning purchasing from Amazon will save you $20. The second-gen Gear VR works with Samsung Galaxy S7, S7 edge, Note5, S6 edge+, S6 and S6 edge. Source

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/firstgen_samsung_gear_vr_currently_going_for_50_in_us-news-21068.php

Samsung Galaxy Tab S 10.5 on AT&T starts getting Marshmallow update

AT&T has started pushing out a new update to Samsung Galaxy Tab S 10.5 units on its network. Weighing in at 1,063MB, the update brings along Android version 6.0.1 as well as security patch for the month of September. In addition, the update also includes the NumberSync feature that allows you to use your tablet to make and receive voice and video calls using your existing mobile number. 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 heading to your device's...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_tab_s_105_on_at_t_starts_getting_marshmallow_update-news-21066.php

Google's smartwatches tipped for Q1 2017 launch

We already know that Google is working on two smartwatches of its own - codenamed Angelfish and Swordfish. We've also seen renders depicting their design. And now, we have some idea about their launch time-frame as well. According to the usually reliable leakster @evleaks, both the watches will be released sometime in Q1 2017. He also revealed that both will be powered by Android Wear 2.0. Google's two smartwatches will be released with Android Wear 2.0 in Q1 2017 [image courtesy of: https://t.co/so8uJyEZCy] pic.twitter.com/ruejqXSNSy— Evan Blass (@evleaks) October 13,...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/googles_smartwatches_tipped_for_q1_2017_launch-news-21067.php

Report says Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 will launch in Q1 2017

If you recall, there were rumors earlier this year that the Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 will be made official in September. The rumors seemed true after the South Koren company's Columbian website effectively confirmed that the tablet will be launched sometime early September. However sadly, as we all know, that didn't happen. And now, it looks like the tablet won't be arriving anytime soon. That's because a new report is confirming that the device will be launched sometime in Q1 next year. The report notes that the device will be available in WiFi and LTE variants, carrying SM-T820 and...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/report_says_samsung_galaxy_tab_s3_will_launch_in_q1_2017-news-21065.php

Nextbit Robin again going for $199.99 in US

If you recall, back in August this year, the cloud-focused Nextbit Robin smartphone was available for $199.99 in the US. Well, just in case you missed that deal, you'll be glad to know that the device down to the same price, again. Amazon is selling both Midnight and Mint color variants at just under $200. A quick look at Nextbit's official website reveals that the handset is officially being sold for $299, meaning purchasing from Amazon will save you around $100. For more information on the promo, head to the Source link below. Source

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/nextbit_robin_again_going_for_19999_in_us-news-21064.php

SIM-free iPhone 7 and 7 Plus now available from Apple (US)

Apple's iPhone 7 and 7 Plus remain on backorder for certain models. With that being said, you can now purchase a SIM-free iPhone, meaning that it is totally carrier-unlocked in the US and will work with any carrier, including support for Sprint and Verizon's CDMA networks, as well as GSM network connectivity. The iPhone 7 has shorter wait times than the iPhone 7 Plus, and if you want the Jet Black iPhone 7 Plus, as a SIM-free model, you'll have to wait 6 to 8 weeks for it to ship. By contrast, the iPhone 7 in Jet Black is taking 3-5 weeks to ship. Unfortunately, it looks like...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/simfree_iphone_7_and_7_plus_now_available_from_apple_us-news-21063.php

Verizon begins offering unlimited data, well. kinda, not really

Verizon has announced a new feature for all its subscribers. For those moments when you might have to download a huge file, or binge watch a movie while waiting around at the Airport, there is now an option called "PopData". This lets you use uncapped data for a specified amount of time up to 60 minutes. To start a PopData session, all you have to do is sign into the My Verizon app and you can opt for either a 30 or 60-minute session where you can use as much data as you'd like without it counting against your data bucket. These sessions will cost either $2 for 30 minutes or $3 for 60...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/verizon_begins_offering_unlimited_data_well_kinda_not_really-news-21061.php

Survey says 40% of current Samsung owners won't buy Samsung again

Samsung's recall and discontinuation situation has many consumers in a shuffle, as there is no direct replacement for the Samsung Galaxy Note7. A new survey from Ecommerce solutions which followed the official discontinuation of the Galaxy Note7 asked 1,020 US-based Samsung smartphone owners if they would buy another Samsung phone. 40% of them said "no" and 46% (about 188 people) of those who said "no" became Samsung customers "within the past two years". 30% of the those who are done with Samsung said they were going to switch to the iPhone 7 while the other 70% said they would stick...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/survey_says_40_of_current_samsung_owners_wont_buy_samsung_again-news-21062.php

Unlocked Sony Xperia X drops to $399 in the US

Sony launched the Xperia X in the US this summer in unlocked form for $550. Not long after that it got $50 cheaper, and now it's the cheapest we've ever seen it. Granted though, the X has aged a bit in Sony's portfolio, but it's still a solid mid-ranger. You can now purchase one from Amazon, unlocked of course, for just $399. That's $150 below the initial price, and $80 less than Amazon used to ask for it before. The caveat is that you have to choose the black model to purchase it at this price. The other color versions - white, Lime Gold, and Rose Gold, are each around $25 more...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/unlocked_sony_xperia_x_drops_to_399_in_the_us-news-21060.php

Upcoming mid-range LG LV5 stars in leaked renders

After the V20 unveiled in September (and due out at the end of this month), LG is going to take a short break from releasing flagship smartphones. After all, both the G5 and the V20 came out in 2016, so that's probably enough if the company doesn't want to confuse its customers. So LG is working on its next mid-range smartphone, tentatively named LV5 for now. This device is being shown in the leaked renders below. Keep in mind that the LV5 moniker might just be a codename - and even if it isn't, it could change before it's released. The back cover of this phone will reportedly be...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/upcoming_midrange_lg_lv5_stars_in_leaked_renders-news-21058.php

You can now watch Facebook videos on the big screen through Chromecast or Apple TV

This is clearly one of those "better late than never" things. Do you have a Chromecast, or another Google Cast enabled device (like an Android TV, for example), or an Apple TV? Do you use Facebook (who doesn't?) and wish there was an easy way to see those videos popping up in your News Feed on your TV? Well, there's finally a solution. Facebook is adding support for the Google Cast protocol as well as Apple's AirPlay. This is already live in the social network's iOS app as well as on its website. You'll soon be able to cast videos to your Chromecast from the Facebook for Android app...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/you_can_now_watch_facebook_videos_on_the_big_screen_through_chromecast_or_apple_tv-news-21059.php

Oppo R9s does AnTuTu, has specs confirmed yet again

Oppo will announce the R9s and R9s Plus smartphones next week, on October 19. The company has started teasing the duo in China, with TV commercials and promotional leaflets already being out in the wild. The R9s will come with a 16 MP rear camera powered by Sony's IMX398 sensor, supposedly a dual-pixel affair like the 12 MP snapper inside Samsung's 2016 flagships. The selfie cam will also have 16 MP resolution, though we assume a lesser sensor will be used here. Anyway, the R9s has been put through the paces of the AnTuTu benchmark ahead of its release, so its most important specs...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/oppo_r9s_does_antutu_has_specs_confirmed_yet_again-news-21056.php

New ZTE nubia phone with 23 MP rear camera, 13 MP selfie snapper leaks

ZTE is holding an event in China next week, on October 17 to be specific. On this occasion it's been speculated that the company will launch the nubia Z11 mini S, a handset reportedly having a dual rear camera setup. No other details about it have been outed yet, but today an intriguing new leak from China makes us think we might see a different smartphone on Monday - or perhaps the nubia Z11 mini S won't have dual cameras on the back after all. The image you can see below has showed up on Weibo, and it's alleged to be showing a yet-unannounced nubia model. The metal construction of the...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/new_zte_nubia_phone_with_23_mp_rear_camera_13_mp_selfie_snapper_leaks_-news-21055.php

Google Photos gets even smarter, now incorporates more machine learning features

Google Photos has received a neat update today across its mobile apps for Android and iOS and also the website. The service gets four new features, all powered by Google's extensive machine learning capabilities. First off, Photos now helps you rediscover old memories of people who are in your most recent snaps. It will surface old photos of those who you've photographed recently - you'll see these in a "Rediscover your memories" card. Next up, it's easier to look at highlights from your recent photos. The example in the screenshot below shows a collection of the best photos of a child,...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/google_photos_gets_even_smarter_now_incorporates_more_machine_learning_features-news-21057.php

Huawei Mate 9's back allegedly leaks showing two different designs

Just yesterday we saw a huge leak regarding the upcoming Huawei Mate 9, showing us that the Chinese company's phablet will come in two different designs. One will have a flat screen, while the other will opt for a dual-curved display akin to Samsung's "edge" handsets. That leak, however, only portrayed the front of the Mate 9. Well, helpfully another leak arrives today to complete the picture, allegedly showing us renders of the device's back. Or backs, to be specific, since we're looking at slightly differing designs on the rear too. The one on the left is said to be the Mate 9...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/huawei_mate_9s_back_allegedly_leaks_showing_two_different_designs-news-21054.php

Samsung Mobile chief vows to earn the users' trust back

Samsung Galaxy Note7 was unprecedentedly discontinued for good after a global recall, which didn't fix the battery issues. And while the market and Samsung are yet to fully feel the effect from the blunder, the Koreans are determined to set the record straight whatever the cost. Samsung Mobile's chief Dong-Jin Koh has vowed that he "would at any cost find the exact cause (behind the Galaxy Note 7 battery issues) to restore trust of consumers so that they can use Samsung products without any safety concerns." Mr. Koh admitted he was as frustrated as the consumers, then he proceeded to...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_mobile_chief_vows_to_earn_the_users_trust_back-news-21053.php

Reports claim most Note7 customers are opting for an S7 edge replacement

If you didn't get the memo, the Galaxy Note7 saga finally came to and end a couple of days ago. It was definitely not the resolution the Korean giant had hoped for, but the flagship phablet is officially canceled and no longer in production. However, there is still the matter of pulling all the units that are already out there. Samsung is being extra accommodating about that process as well. Yesterday it announced that it will even be exchanging second-hand units, regardless of origin. By all accounts the Korean giant just wants the saga to end and move on, which despite all the...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/reports_claim_most_note7_customers_are_opting_for_an_s7_edge_replacement-news-21051.php

Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime+ with quad-core CPU and 8MP camera spotted on AnTuTu

The Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime+, which was earlier being referred to as the Galaxy Grand Prime (2016), has now been spotted on AnTuTu. The benchmark listing reveals that the device is powered by a Mediatek MT6737T chipset with quad-core CPU and Mali-T720 GPU, making it the first Samsung smartphone to feature a MediaTek SoC. Moving on, the phone sports a display resolution of 960x540 pixels. RAM is 2GB, while internal memory is 32GB. In terms of camera, the handset features an 8MP rear unit and a 5MP front shooter. The device runs Android Marshmallow version 6.0.1 out of the...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_grand_prime_with_quadcore_cpu_and_8mp_camera_spotted_on_antutu-news-21049.php

Temple Run 2 now available on Tizen OS

Samsung isn't that aggressive with advertising its Tizen-based smartphones, but those are surely shaping to be quite attractive offers in the entry-level class. The company has made sure Tizen's app store covers the basics, but now it reached another milestone. As of today, Tizen's store is offering the popular game Temple Run 2. Released three years ago Temple Run 2 is still played by millions of fans out there and, naturally, it was on the bring-to-Tizen wishlist. Now this may not sound like some big news, but Tizen fans will surely appreciate it. And maybe, it can even push some...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/temple_run_2_now_available_on_tizen_os-news-21052.php