Xiaomi Mi Note 2 to be priced around $590, new rumor suggests

In a world with no Galaxy Note7 a Note 2 might be exactly what we need. Yes, it's the Xiaomi Mi Note 2 we're talking about, due to be unveiled in just 3 days. There's been an abundance of leaks detailing its specs, and also some discrepancies between various sources about its price. Well, now we have a third number, and we're not sure how to feel about it. On the one hand, CNY 4,000 ($590) is not a bad price for a dual-curved 5.7-inch Snapdragon 821-packing flagship smartphone, not to mention it's way less than the originally rumored CNY 5,700 ($845). Then again, the latest...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_mi_note_2_to_be_priced_around_590_new_rumor_suggests-news-21244.php

Huawei Mate 9 Pro will come with a dual-curved 5.9" QHD display

Curves, curves everywhere. The Mate 9 Pro will be the dual-edge version of Huawei's high-end phablet to be unveiled in a couple of weeks. So far known as Long Island, this tricked out model will offer QHD resolution as opposed to the 1080p of Manhattan (Mate 9 proper). Daydream has been the incentive here - Google's VR feature will only be supported on the Mate 9 Pro, and not the vanilla version. Not surprising, really - 1080p resolution stretched to 6 inches, and you'll certainly be counting pixels, instead of enjoying VR. Huawei Mate 9 Pro Aside from those key differences,...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/huawei_mate_9_pro_will_come_with_a_dualedge_59_qhd_display-news-21246.php

'Invisible' series by Doug Liman now available on the Samsung VR platform

Samsung Gear VR owners rejoice - here's some new quality content for your viewing pleasure. Presuming you've got one of Samsung's older phones, and not the Note7, of course. The supernatural drama series 'Invisible' is now available to watch on Samsung's own VR platform. Directed by Doug Liman ('Bourne Identity', 'Mr. and Mrs. Smith', 'Edge of tomorrow', among others), the mini-series talks about the Ashlands - a New Your family, who are, well, invisible. The show consists of 5 episodes with a total airtime of a little more than half an hour - not too much to get you nauseous....

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/invisible_series_by_doug_liman_now_available_on_the_samsung_vr_platform-news-21245.php

New Alcatel Idol 4S leak shows off packaging that transforms into VR headset

A T-Mobile training guide for the Windows 10-powered Alcatel Idol 4S has leaked online, suggesting an imminent launch. The leak not only confirms some of the device's key specs, but also compares the phone with the iPhone 7 and Galaxy S7. Aside from this, the leaked guide also reveals that the a free VR headset will be included with the handset - something we already know. In fact, the phone will have a VR-as-the-box kind of packaging, meaning the packaging for the Idol 4S will transform into VR goggles. There is currently no information on exactly when the device will be made...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/new_alcatel_idol_4s_leak_reveals_packaging_that_transforms_into_vr_headset-news-21241.php

More Meizu M5 images leak; device spotted on Geekbench as well

If you recall, we have already seen some leaked images of Meizu's upcoming M5 smartphone. Now, a couple of more images alleged to be of the device have surfaced online, showing a black and a green colored variant of the handset. Further, an alleged Geekbench listing of the device has also been spotted, confirming some of its rumored specs such as Mediatek's MT6750 chipset and 2GB RAM. Other rumored specs include an HD display, 16GB internal memory, and a 13MP main camera. Latest reports say the phone could feature a polycarbonate body instead of a metal one. Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/more_meizu_m5_images_spotted_device_shows_up_on_geekbench_as_well-news-21239.php

Instagram testing Go Insta! live video feature

Facebook is apparently in development of a live video feature for Instagram. It was spotted by a Nexus 6P user in Russia, running a beta version of the app. Screenshots from the Instagram beta with live video Going into the Explore tab gives you a Live section in the suggestions bar with popular live videos (of which there obviously aren't any at this point, but that's what the functionality should be like in the final version). If you want to share a live video yourself, you hit the big red Go Insta! button. It seems scheduled live broadcasts will also be possible, judging...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/instagram_testing_go_insta_live_video_feature-news-21243.php

GSMArena smartphone buyer's guide: 2016 Holiday edition

We've had an exciting year in the smartphone world and for those that haven't bought a new one already, it's time to answer the question - what should you put in the letter to Santa?

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/smartphone_buyers_guide_holidays_2016-review-1510.php

HTC Bolt tipped to launch globally as HTC 10 evo

If you recall, last month, the usually reliable leakster Evan Blass - who goes by the handle @evleaks on Twitter - revealed that the yet-to-be-announced HTC Bolt will be available in the US through Sprint sometime in October. While we are still waiting for that to happen, the tipster, meanwhile, is back with some more news about the device. He has now revealed that the handset may carry HTC 10 evo moniker globally. HTC Bolt may be marketed globally as the HTC 10 evo.— Evan Blass (@evleaks) October 21, 2016 In case you missed, the phone has already been the subject of some image...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/htc_bolt_tipped_to_launch_globally_as_htc_10_evo-news-21240.php

Huawei Mate 9 looking good in purple in what appears to be an official render

The Huawei Mate 9 is scheduled to be announced on November 3 - less than two weeks from now, and with the big day coming closer, we've been witness more and more leaks on the high-end phablet. Here's another. Coming from trusted source Evan Blass (@evleaks), the single image depicts the flat-screened Manhattan version (supposedly, there will be an even more premium dual-curved Long Island model), this time in a darker than the usual rose gold purplish tint. Huawei Mate 9 render A minor design change from previously leaked renders - the lens properties have been relocated from...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/huawei_mate_9_looking_good_in_purple_in_what_appears_to_be_an_official_render-news-21242.php

Pokemon Go hits $600 million revenue mark in record time

While it's growth may be slowing, Pokemon Go is continuing setting new records. Case in point: a new report from market research firm App Annie, which says that Pokemon Go has now become the fastest game to hit $600 million in revenues. According to the data released by the firm, the game hit the milestone in around 3 months, surpassing other extremely popular games like Candy Crush Saga, Puzzle & Dragons, and Clash of Clans that took 200, 400, and 500 days, respectively, to achieve the same revenue figure. The report also revealed that around 45% of the total time spent on Android...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/pokemon_go_hits_600_million_revenue_mark_in_record_time-news-21238.php

October security update starts hitting ZUK Z2

Lenovo sub-brand ZUK has started rolling out a new update to its Z2 smartphone. The update brings latest security patch - post-update, the Android security patch level will be October 1. The update also includes several other improvements such as those related to camera and volume. Given that the update has just started rolling out, it may take time for the update notification to pop up on your device's screen. 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/october_security_update_starts_hitting_zuk_z2-news-21236.php

Microsoft's Surface Book Bundle receives $260 price cut

Microsoft's Surface Book Bundle, which includes a Surface Book, Surface sleeve, 2-year warranty, and 1 year of Office 365, has received a price cut in the US. A quick look at the bundle's listing on Microsoft's US online store reveals that it currently starts at $1,613, which translates into a discount of $259.98. The promo runs through February 1, 2017, so those planning to avail the deal do have some time at hand. For more information, head to the Source link below. Source

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/microsofts_surface_book_bundle_receives_260_price_cut-news-21237.php

Sony Xperia M4 Aqua receives new security update

Sony has started rolling out a new update to its Xperia M4 Aqua smartphone. The update - which is hitting all variants of the device, and bumps the build number from 26.3.X.0.131 to 26.3.X.1.33 - brings Android security patch for the month of July. 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 handset's Settings menu. Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/sony_xperia_m4_aqua_receives_new_security_update-news-21235.php

New BlackBerry DTEK60 could be released as soon as October 25

There's still no official word from BlackBerry about just when the newest DTEK60 model will be released. However, a new report from Pocket-Lint says that a new listing on German Media Markt shows the TCL-built BlackBerry device in question with a price tag of around $499 which is to be launched in the US, Europe and Canada starting on October 25. This will be BlackBerry's first high-end smartphone since the BlackBerry Priv, which launched about a year ago with an ambitious price tag. This time around, the rumored price seems a lot more reasonable. That price will get you a 5.5 inch...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/new_blackberry_dtek60_could_be_released_as_soon_as_october_25-news-21234.php

Watch the Google Pixel and LG V20 go through scratch and burn tests

YouTuber JerryRigEverything is back with a couple of new scratch and burn durability tests. He performs endurance tests on smartphones by testing how easily every component on the outside of the phone can be damaged with either razors, Mohs hardness picks, or a lighter to test the 'degradability' of pixels over time. Starting off with the scratch test, the Google Pixel features Gorilla Glass 4 and begins scratching above a Mohs hardness scale level of 6. Nothing out of the ordinary there. The earpiece is a concern at it is not a metal mesh, but made of some kind of tough fabric. The...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/watch_google_pixel_and_v20_go_through_torture_tests-news-21233.php

Google wrote its address on the Pixels' SIM trays

YouTuber JerryRigEverything is back with a couple of new scratch and burn durability tests. He performs endurance tests on smartphones by testing how easily every component on the outside of the phone can be damaged with either razors, Mohs hardness picks, or a lighter to test the 'degradability' of pixels over time. Starting off with the scratch test, the Google Pixel features Gorilla Glass 4 and begins scratching above a Mohs hardness scale level of 6. Nothing out of the ordinary there. The earpiece is a concern at it is not a metal mesh, but made of some kind of tough fabric. The...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/google_wrote_its_address_on_the_pixels_sim_trays-news-21233.php

You can now buy the HP Elite x3 sans desk dock for $699

HP has been selling the Elite x3 Windows 10 Mobile device in the US since September, but so far you've only been able to purchase one with the bundled desk dock. That arrangement shot the price up to a hardly palatable $799 unlocked, but now there's some good news if you don't need said dock. HP is finally offering the Elite x3 without the desk dock, and it's $100 cheaper than the aforementioned bundle. However, there's a huge caveat at the moment. This dock-less configuration only shows up on HP's online store for small and medium businesses, so if you want to spend $699 for the Elite x3...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/you_can_now_buy_the_hp_elite_x3_sans_desk_dock_for_699-news-21232.php

LG G6 won't have any Friends as the company gives up on modular accessories

A new report from the company's home of South Korea claims LG's next flagship smartphone, the G6, will have no friends. Or rather, no 'Friends' - the modular accessories that were talked up as a big selling point for its predecessor, the G5. It unsurprisingly turns out that people aren't interested in such gimmicks and just want the best features to already be in their top of the line smartphone when they buy it, not be upsold expensive accessories on top of that. The G5 has clearly not been LG's most successful flagship offering, not even close, which might have something to do with the...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/lg_g6_wont_have_any_friends_as_the_company_gives_up_on_modular_accessories-news-21230.php

Google wrote its address on the Pixels' SIM trays

People across the internet are calling this "a hardware Easter egg", but it seems more random than anything else. If you buy a Google Pixel or Pixel XL then take out the SIM tray and look very closely, you'll see... Wait, what is that? It's Google's address. To be specific, it's the address of Google's headquarters, though in slightly shortened form. The full thing is 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, California, 94043, the United States of America. Why would you want to see Google's address every time you put a new SIM card into your Pixel? That's a good question, isn't it?...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/google_wrote_its_address_on_the_pixels_sim_trays-news-21231.php

LG V20 is up for pre-order at Sprint and US Cellular too

Following the lead of AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon, today Sprint and US Cellular have finally started taking pre-orders for the LG V20. So far these two carriers were the last ones out of the big five not to have taken the step, so it's good to see it happening eventually. At Sprint, the device is priced at $792 full retail, or $33 per month for two years if you'd rather pay in installments. There's also the option of shelling out $349.99 (after a mail-in rebate) for the handset and buying it with a new two-year contract. You can get up to $200 off with an eligible trade-in device, and if...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/lg_v20_is_up_for_preorder_at_sprint_and_us_cellular_too-news-21229.php

Samsung Galaxy C9 Pro is now official with Snapdragon 653, 6GB of RAM

As expected, today Samsung has officially announced the Galaxy C9 Pro for China. This phone is the company's first to boast a whopping 6GB of RAM, which should be a top selling point in the spec-obsessed Chinese market. The C9 Pro has had most of its specs leaked yesterday, so you may already know everything there is to know about it. Still, it doesn't hurt to confirm that it is indeed sporting Qualcomm's new Snapdragon 653 chipset, the successor to the pretty successful 652. The C9 Pro has a 6-inch 1080p touchscreen, 64GB of expandable storage, and a big 4,000 mAh battery. Its 16...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_c9_pro_is_now_official_with_snapdragon_653_6gb_of_ram-news-21228.php

Google Pixel XL undergoes the teardown treatment, its repairability score is 6 out of 10

Yesterday the Google Pixel and Pixel XL officially went on sale in the handful of markets the company deemed worthy of receiving its first own-brand smartphones. As such, you might have been eagerly anticipating to see a teardown for at least one of the two handsets, and today the folks over at iFixit have delivered. They've just published their full teardown of the Pixel XL. Taking the phone apart has revealed many interesting (if not particularly surprising) things, such as the fact that its AMOLED display is made by Samsung (part number AMS546KD09). The touch controller is a Synaptics...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/google_pixel_xl_undergoes_the_teardown_treatment_its_repairability_score_is_6_out_of_10-news-21227.php

Blue Coral Samsung Galaxy S7 edge officially confirmed, launching November 5 in Singapore

If you recall, a photo leak last week revealed Blue Coral variant of the Samsung Galaxy S7 edge, and that it's headed to Verizon in the US. Now, the South Korean company has officially confirmed the new Galaxy S7 edge color. Specifically, the confirmation came from Samsung's Singapore subsidiary which announced the retail availability for the handset on its official website. The image that leaked last week "Samsung today also announced the retail availability of the Samsung Galaxy S7 edge 4G+ in Blue Coral, adding a stunning colour variant to this sleek and stylish device," the...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/blue_coral_samsung_galaxy_s7_edge_officially_confirmed_launching_november_5_in_singapore-news-21226.php

LG V20 went through 60,000 validation tests before mass production

LG held a press tour at its Digital Park in Pyeongtaek, where smartphone production and R&D facilities are located. The event was meant to highlight testing procedures carried out on devices before they go into mass production. The V20, for example, suffered through a total of 60,000 validation tests, no small part of those just to comply with the MIL-STD-810G military certification requirements. The tests include dropping the phone on a steel bar from a 1-meter height, dropping a steel ball on the device's display and examining the consequences, and also testing whether the V20 can...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/lg_v20_goes_through_60000_validation_tests_before_mass_production-news-21225.php

ARM demo shows that Vulkan will reduce power usage in games

If you're into gaming, you must have heard about Vulkan - the successor to OpenGL/DirectX that's based on AMD's Mantle. See, the thing is that OpenGL was designed in the era when computers had one processor with one "core" (back then we didn't even talk about cores). These days, mobile chipsets have anything between 4 and 10 CPU cores and OpenGL just doesn't make efficient use of them. Here lies Vulkan's strength - it can spread the workload between all available cores. This gives it a two-fold advantage. First, many entry-level and mid-range chipsets have only power-efficient...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/arm_demo_shows_that_vulkan_will_reduce_power_usage_in_games-news-21224.php

Xiaomi Mi Note 2 will have a dual-curved screen, a tweet teases

Xiaomi execs are preparing their presentation for next Tuesday, October 25, when they will be unveiling the Xiaomi Mi Note 2. Meanwhile, the social media team is building up the hype - the most recent revelation confirms the curved screen of the upcoming flagship. A dual-curved screen matches the renders we saw earlier this week. It will be a QHD AMOLED screen, if the leaked slides are to be believed. Xiaomi's Twitter account is mum on the subject of dual-cameras, but we expect a few more teaser tweets before the event commences. Curved to impress - Wanna be first to know about our...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_mi_note_2_will_have_a_dualcurved_screen_a_tweet_teases-news-21222.php

Microsoft Surface revenue improves, still nowhere close to the iPad

Microsoft released its financial reporting yesterday for the previous quarter. Of particular note in that are the numbers for the Surface, which have shown a steady growth. Surface revenues managed to hit $926 million during this quarter, up from $672 million in the same quarter from previous year. That's a 13% year over year growth. While the numbers are looking up, they are still far from Apple manages every quarter with the iPad. While we are yet to know Apple's figures for the last quarter, the quarter before that the iPad generated a revenue of $4.9 billion, an 11% increase...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/microsoft_surface_revenue_improves_still_nowhere_close_to_the_ipad-news-21223.php

OnePlus 3T moniker spotted online; device said to be powered by Snapdragon 821

Earlier this month, a new OnePlus smartphone with model number A3010 passed what's known as China Compulsory Certification (3C), with reports saying it's OnePlus 3S. Now, a OnePlus 3T moniker has been spotted on Weibo - specifically, one of the OnePlus designers has posted on their Weibo account using the device. Nothing is yet confirmed regarding its specifications, although rumors say the phone will be powered by Snapdragon 821 chipset and run Android 7.0 Nougat out of the box. Also, it's likely to sport an optic AMOLED display as OnePlus CEO Carl Pei recently confirmed that the...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/oneplus_3t_moniker_spotted_online_said_to_be_powered_by_snapdragon_821-news-21217.php

More evidence that Meizu M5 will be made official on October 31

Meizu is holding an event on October 31, and there have already been reports that the Meizu M5 will be unveiled on that day. And now there's more evidence that adds weight to these reports. In response to a user's comment on Weibo, the Chinese company's VP Li Nan has dropped hints that the phone would be unveiled ahead of its November 11 launch. In case you missed, the handset recently leaked in live images. Rumors say it will be powered by Mediatek's MT6750 chipset and sport an HD display. It'll have 2GB RAM and 16GB internal memory, and will feature a 13MP main camera. Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/more_evidence_that_meizu_m5_will_be_made_official_on_october_31-news-21216.php

Android 7.0 Nougat update starts hitting Motorola Moto G4 and Moto G4 Plus

Just yesterday there were reports that Motorola has begun soak testing the Moto G4 Plus Nougat update, and now, the company has officially announced that the Android 7.0 update has been released for both Moto G4 and G4 Plus smartphones. It's worth mentioning that while the soak test was being carried out in Brazil, the latest announcement regarding the Moto G4 and G4 Plus Nougat update has been made by Motorola on its India website. The announcement page also contains details of all the changes/features that the update brings along. Head to the Source link below to take a...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/android_70_nougat_update_starts_hitting_motorola_moto_g4_and_moto_g4_plus-news-21215.php

Samsung India expects growth in market share despite Galaxy Note7 fiasco

Samsung's India subsidiary has said it's confident that the Galaxy Note7 debacle won't have a negative impact on its smartphone sales during Q4. In fact, the company revealed that their festive sales are inline with the expectations, and they are even expecting a growth in their market share in the country. "We have converted the Note 7 prebooked customers in India to S7 and S7 Edge," said Manu Sharma, vice president (mobile business), Samsung India Electronics. "We are humbled by the loyalty of the consumers towards the brand. There is now a strong sales momentum on S7 and S7 Edge....

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_india_expects_growth_in_market_share_despite_galaxy_note7_fiasco-news-21213.php

Deal: Buy Xbox One S and Samsung 55" Smart 4K UHD TV together, and save $250

If you are in the US and are in the market for a gaming console and a smart TV, here's a deal for you: Best Buy is offering $250 discount if you purchase Samsung 55" class (54.6" diag.) Smart 4K Ultra HD TV and a select Xbox One S console together. The The Xbox One S console options available as part of this promo include Xbox One S 500GB Console Halo Collection Bundle, Xbox One S 500GB Battlefield 1 Console Bundle (White), and Xbox One S 500GB Minecraft Favorites Console Bundle (Robot White). The retailer is also offering free shipping. Source

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/deal_buy_xbox_one_s_and_samsung_55_smart_4k_uhd_tv_together_and_save_250-news-21214.php

October security patch hitting Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 edge units in India as well

Just a few days after Samsung pushed out the latest security update to its Galaxy S7 and S7 edge units in some parts of Europe, the October patch has started hitting S7/S7 edge units in India as well. The update weighs in at over 21MB. 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 handset's Settings menu. Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/october_security_patch_hitting_samsung_galaxy_s7_and_s7_edge_units_in_india_as_well-news-21212.php

Google's new Pixel phones are now available for purchase

Google's new Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones are now available for purchase. In the United States, the devices can either be purchased directly from Google or through Verizon and Best Buy. Google Store has both 32GB and 128GB models listed - color options include black and silver. Shipments, however, won't begin until next month. Verizon, on the other hand, has the devices in stock. Blue color option is available as well, but it only comes with 32GB storage for both handsets - the blue Pixel XL, however, will ship November 18 onwards. Best Buy also has a few Verizon-branded Pixel...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/googles_new_pixel_phones_are_now_available_for_purchase-news-21211.php

Check out this Google Pixel VS iPhone7 performance test

There's no denying that the iPhone 7's A10 fusion chip is quite a beast. Fellow YouTuber Super Saf made a comparison video of the Pixel going head to head against the iPhone 7 in two speed tests. The first one is a performance speed test, which shows us the benchmark results between the two devices and both devices' abilities to load and recall apps onto the RAM. The Pixel tends to load games slower than the iPhone 7 while the Pixel struggles to keep up. Otherwise, the Pixel is able to keep up with the iPhone 7 fairly well. The less-intensive apps like calculator and browser, are otherwise...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/check_out_this_google_pixel_vs_iphone7_performance_test-news-21210.php

Android Beta 7.1 blocks Android pay on Nexus 6P with unlocked bootloader, not even rooted

We can understand why Google is now cracking down on Android Pay. As Google releases its Pixel devices, it doesn't want people tinkering too much with an Android Pay enabled device. So the rules are simple: If your device is rooted, no Android Pay, if your device's bootloader is unlocked, no Android Pay either, even if you haven't modified the system at all. A Nexus 6P owner discovered that his Android Pay was no longer working because his bootloader was unlocked. Although the phone is not rooted, this is no longer enough for Android Pay to run, the device must have a locked bootloader,...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/android_beta_71_blocks_android_pay_on_nexus_6p_with_unlocked_bootloader_not_even_rooted-news-21209.php

Google posts Pixel factory images and OTA images

All Android tinkerers know it's important to have the factory images available to put the phone you are tinkering with back to an original state, in case aftermarket firmware isn't working. Google has just released the factory images for the Pixel and Pixel XL. Likewise, Google has provided a couple of new OTA files if you'd like to manually flash the phone to the latest version, instead of flashing an entire image and potentially wiping the phone. There are three factory images available, all assumingly for different regions where the Pixel phones are sold. Each build is...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/google_posts_pixel_factory_images_and_ota_images-news-21208.php

iPhone 7 explodes, car catches fire in Australia

Now, where have we seen this before? Oh yeah, a car caught fire to a Florida man's Jeep where the main culprit was the Samsung Galaxy Note7. In any case, similar to what happened with the Note7 phones. It appears that these phones are exploding within the first week or two since activation. But now that the iPhone 7 has already had more than a couple of cases oh explosion, perhaps a few more reports of explosions and Apple could be facing a similar fate that Samsung did with the Note7, requiring a worldwide recall. What is left of car's center console: 7 News AU Mat Jones left...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/iphone_7_explodes_car_catches_fire_in_australia-news-21207.php

Amazon Echo Dot 2nd gen available now, save with smart home bundles

Amazon's Echo has been a great success, and it took a while for Google to finally catch up to the online retailer giant when it finally introduced its own home assistant, Google Home. The Amazon Echo is now smaller and more affordable than ever before. You can get one for $50 starting today from Amazon US, and available for £50 in the UK where the original Amazon Echo only launched last month. This is the second generation of the Echo Dot which took the original home speaker and left the smart listening mics that are found at the top. The only caveat was that you needed to...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/amazon_echo_dot_2nd_gen_available_now_save_with_smart_home_bundles-news-21206.php

Moto M gets portrayed in leaked renders, live images

The upcoming Moto M has been certified by TENAA back in August, but somehow it still hasn't become official. Hopefully that's about to change real soon, since today we have a barrage of images showing it - leaked promotional renders, live hands-on images, the whole nine yards. The Moto M will be the first device from Motorola to feature a fingerprint scanner on the back. It will have a full metal construction, and a rear that curves towards the sides - reminiscent of older high-end Motorolas. It's expected to arrive with a 5.5-inch touchscreen and a 3,000 mAh battery. Moto...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/moto_m_gets_portrayed_in_leaked_renders_live_images-news-21204.php

Two high-end Huawei MateBooks to launch in early 2017

This year Huawei announced its first ever MateBook 2-in-1 tablet / laptop hybrid, but it looks like the Chinese company isn't going to stop there. According to a new report out of China, the MateBook we all know was just the beginning. Huawei will apparently launch two additional "high-end" MateBook devices towards the end of the first quarter of 2017, which we assume means in March. Unlike the original MateBook, these two will use Intel Core i-series processors, thus being much more powerful than the currently available tablet sporting a Core M part. That said, in terms of size neither...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/two_highend_huawei_matebooks_to_launch_in_early_2017-news-21205.php

ZTE is announcing a big phone on October 27, probably the Axon 7 Max

ZTE has just taken the wraps off the nubia Z11 mini S a few days ago, but the Chinese company apparently isn't done with new phone launches for this month. It's already scheduled a new event in China on October 27. While it hasn't said exactly what the event is for, the teaser (which you can see in the image to the left) says something along the lines of "Witness the big phone event". That makes us think this will be when ZTE outs a new phablet. And that in turn makes us think the recently leaked Axon 7 Max is the device that will become official on October 27. The Axon 7 Max is...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/zte_is_announcing_a_big_phone_on_october_27_probably_the_axon_7_max_-news-21203.php

Razer announces new Blade Pro laptop with insane specs, brings Blade and Blade Stealth to the EU

Sure, you already think "gaming!" and "crazy specs!" when you hear the name Razer, but the company has surely outdone itself this time around. It's just unveiled the new Blade Pro laptop, and it's more powerful than ever. First things first, though. It has a mechanical keyboard. Thanks to "ultra-low-profile mechanical switches", this should be able to emulate the actuation of a full-size mechanical keyboard. Oh, and did you see that touchpad? It's huge. OK, on to specs then. The Razer Blade Pro has a 17.3-inch 4K screen with Nvidia G-Sync support, the Intel Core i7-6700HQ processor,...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/razer_announces_new_blade_pro_laptop_with_insane_specs_brings_blade_and_blade_stealth_to_the_eu-news-21202.php

Samsung Galaxy C9 Pro press renders and specs leak ahead of tomorrow's unveiling

Tomorrow Samsung will make the Galaxy C9 official in China. At least that's what we thought so far. However, it turns out that the device we've been referring to as the C9 is actually going to be called C9 Pro. We now know this because a lot of official-looking Samsung promo materials for the Galaxy C9 Pro have been leaked in China today ahead of tomorrow's grand event. These contain a few press renders of the handset, which you can see in all its glory below. There are also quite a few specs detailed, so let's go through those. The Galaxy C9 Pro will have a 6-inch touchscreen and will be...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_c9_pro_press_renders_and_specs_leak_ahead_of_tomorrows_unveiling_-news-21201.php

You can now order Google's Daydream View VR headset and the 4K Chromecast Ultra

As you may remember, Google didn't only unveil the Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones at its big October 4 event. There were many more things outed that day, two of which are now finally available to order. We're talking about the Daydream View VR headset and the 4K-capable Chromecast Ultra. Both of these can now be ordered from the Google Store, while the Daydream View is also listed by Verizon. The carrier says it will ship by November 16, while Google is being more vague, putting its shipping estimate in the "2-3 weeks" region. Either way, it looks like both of these are set to become...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/you_can_now_order_googles_daydream_view_vr_headset_and_the_4k_chromecast_ultra-news-21200.php

Samsung could be using LG batteries for the Galaxy S8

Today a new report from South Korea is claiming that Samsung is even willing to work with its main competitor from the country in order to ensure that the Galaxy S8's battery is problem-free. This is understandable, of course, in the wake of the Galaxy Note7 tragedy. An unnamed Samsung executive was quoted as saying the following: "We are looking at diverse suppliers, including LG Chem". This statement was with regard to new efforts by the company to diversify its battery suppliers. So far, Samsung Electronics has worked with just two - Samsung SDI and ATL. While before the initial Galaxy...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_could_be_using_lg_batteries_for_the_galaxy_s8-news-21199.php

Nintendo Switch console announced, releasing March 2017

Nintendo just revealed their brand new console to the world, the Nintendo Switch. It's the first console of its kind to let you play your game anywhere you want, whether it's at home on your TV or out and about. At the core of the system is a display unit running on a custom NVIDIA Tegra processor that makes use of a brand new set of gaming API called NVN to get the best out of it. The main unit is an assuming slab with an HD screen on it. It's what you plug it into that makes it interesting. At home, you can just slot the unit into the Nintendo Switch Dock that connects to your...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/nintendo_switch_console_announced_releasing_march_2017-news-21198.php

Samsung Galaxy On Nxt now official: 5.5-inch FullHD display, 3,300mAh battery

What do you do when you run out of numbers? Samsung takes it to the next level, so now we have the Galaxy On Nxt. An all-round midranger, the new smartphone appears to be a rebadged version of the existing Galaxy On7. The specsheet starts with a 5.5-inch FullHD display, and goes on with a 1.6GHz octa-core CPU inside an unnamed chipset. There are 3GB of RAM on board and built-in storage is 32GB, expandable via microSD. The camera setup includes a 13MP primary shooter on the back, and an 8MP selfie cam, both of these behind f/1.9 aperture lenses. The connectivity section lists 4G LTE,...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_on_nxt_now_official_55inch_fullhd_display_3300mah_battery-news-21197.php

Samsung uses DMCA takedown notice to remove GTA V Note7 parody video

Back when the Note7 fiasco was in full swing, YouTube user HitmanNiko uploaded a video of his GTA V mod, where he modified one of the explosives in the game to look like the Note7. The video did get quite popular on the internet and several others like it were later uploaded. It seems though as Samsung has gotten quite butthurt over it, as the company filed a bogus DMCA takedown notice to YouTube citing copyright violation claim, following which YouTube deleted the video. It's obvious here though that other than Samsung's ego nothing else was being violated by the video, but...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_uses_dmca_takedown_notice_to_remove_gta_v_note7_parody_video-news-21196.php

Samsung announces industry first 8GB LPDDR4 DRAM package

Samsung has announced a new 8GB LPDDR4 DRAM package, the first of its kind in the world. The package utilizes four of the newly developed 10nm-class 16Gb (gigabit) LPDDR4 DRAM. The new 8GB LPDDR4 is said to operate at 4266 Mbps, which is twice as fast as the DDR4 DRAM for PCs, which operates at 2133 Mbps. This allows it to transmit over 34 GB/s data on a 64-bit wide memory bus. The use of 10nm process allows the new memory to double the capacity over the previous 20nm 4GB DRAM package, while consuming approximately the same amount of power. The new 8GB package is also only 1mm...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_announces_industry_first_8gb_lpddr4_dram_package-news-21195.php