4K content rolls out in Google Play Movies

Google has started rolling out 4K content in Google Play Movies, as was promised back when the company announced the Chromecast Ultra. For select movies, you will be able to purchase or rent them in 4K resolution. The prices are higher than the SD version but not significantly so. 4K content so far is seemingly limited to Chromecast Ultra and Android TVs with 4K support. If you're on a smartphone or web browser then you will be limited to HD resolution. The 4K option is rolling out slowly across regions and accounts. Source

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/4k_content_rolls_out_in_google_play_movies-news-21730.php

Samsung releases brief statement, says Galaxy S7 family is safe

The dust is starting to settle after the recall and discontinuation of the Galaxy Note7, but Samsung has seen it fit to remind consumers in the US that the Galaxy S7 family of smartphones is safe, just in case. A brief statement has been issued on the matter and it goes like this: Samsung stands behind the quality and safety of the Galaxy S7 family. There have been no confirmed cases of internal battery failures with these devices among the more than 10 million devices being used by consumers in the United States; however, we have confirmed a number of instances caused by severe external...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_releases_brief_statement_says_galaxy_s7_family_is_safe-news-21729.php

LG V30 won't have a secondary display, to be replaced with something even better?

You couldn't have missed it - with the V10 LG introduced a secondary display above the main 5.7-inch one (actually the two are one whole display with separate controllers), to be used for shortcuts, displaying the time and what not. The V20 has one too and even if we may have had the occasional accidental interaction with it, we generally enjoyed the extra functionality. Well, that won't be the case on the future V30, it seems. LG V20 LG is apparently abandoning the ticker if this latest post by Evan Blass turns out to be true (which they are, more often than not). Bidding 'adieu' to...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/lg_v30_wont_have_a_secondary_display_to_be_replaced_with_something_even_better-news-21728.php

Unlocked LG G4 with accessories for $330 on Black Friday, carrier deals too

Black Friday deals are coming in from every direction and the latest savings are courtesy of LG. Aside from all the refrigerators, washing machines and TVs, there's a few deals to be had on mobile phones as well. The list starts with an unlocked LG G4 priced at $329.99, the leather-backed version, and it comes with an extra back cover and 32GB memory card. Moving on to carrier deals, all four major carriers have some kind of action involving a free B&O PLAY headset with a V20 purchase, but while that's all you'd be getting on T-Mobile, Sprint and AT&T will also throw in $200...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/unlocked_lg_g4_with_accessories_for_330_on_black_friday_carrier_deals_too-news-21725.php

OxygenOS 3.5.6 beta for OnePlus 3 brings November security patch, other changes

OnePlus has started rolling out a new beta community build - OxygenOS 3.5.6 - to the now-discontinued OnePlus 3 smartphone. The update brings several changes, including Android security patch for the month of November. As for other changes, a new audio tuner as well as a new background app freezing mechanism has been added, while accent color and clock UI have been redesigned. Weighing in at around 1.5GB, the update also brings along a couple of issue fixes, improves system stability, and includes some general bug fixes. For more details, head to the Source links below. Source 1...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/oxygenos_356_beta_for_oneplus_3_brings_november_security_patch_other_changes-news-21727.php

Amazon hosts its first ever "voice shopping weekend", Alexa-only deals

Amazon has definitely opened a new world of possibilities when it launched the Echo just a couple of years ago. It's already possible to place orders for items on Amazon with Alexa, but Amazon has just announced its newest deals to get everyone in the Black Friday mood that are only accessible with an Amazon Alexa-enabled device. Amazon Echo From now until November 21, Amazon Prime members can take advantage of the 'voice shopping weekend'. These deals are changing every day, but you can ask "Alexa, what are your deals?" If you spend more than $10 on any of the Alexa deals, you can also...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/amazon_hosts_its_first_ever_voice_shopping_weekend_alexaonly_deals-news-21723.php

All four major US carriers are now selling Blue Coral Samsung Galaxy S7 edge

If you are in the US and are planning to purchase the new Blue Coral color variant of Samsung's Galaxy S7 edge smartphone, it's worth knowing that the device is now available for purchase from all the Big Four carriers in the country. As for price, Verizon is selling the new model for $792, while T-Mobile is charging $789.99. Sprint and AT&T, on the other hand, have the device listed for $794.99 each. The Blue Coral color variant of the Galaxy S7 edge was officially announced on November 1. Aside from the US, it's also available in select other markets, including South Korea,...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/all_four_major_us_carriers_are_now_selling_blue_coral_samsung_galaxy_s7_edge-news-21726.php

Samsung Gear S2 currently going for $159 in US

If you are a Samsung fan in the US, and are in the market for a smartwatch, here's a deal for you: the Gear S2 is currently going for $159 in the country, down from its usual price of $299. Retailer BuyDig is offering the Tizen-powered wearable device at that price. It's worth mentioning that the $159 price tag is shown only at the checkout stage. As for the promo, there's no information on when it ends. Source

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_gear_s2_currently_going_for_159_in_us-news-21722.php

Rumor says HP and Microsoft are working on new consumer-grade Windows 10 phone

According to a new rumor, HP - in partnership with Microsoft - is working on a new Windows 10 Mobile smartphone. The device, the rumor says, could be made official in February next year, an year after the business-focused HP Elite x3 was unveiled. Sadly, nothing much is known about the handset at the moment, except that it'll feature typical Lumia features like Glance and double tap to wake, and it's likely the same device that Microsoft internally announced recently in Redmond. Source

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/rumor_says_hp_and_microsoft_are_working_on_new_consumergrade_windows_10_phone-news-21724.php

Cyber criminals stole phones from Three UK by gaining access to database of customers due for upgrades

A group of men gained access to the system that handles upgrades for the carrier andeither posed as customers in-store or online to do away with shiny new smartphones. Only eight devices were stolen on a ship-to-customer basis while 400 have been stolen from physical retail stores over the past four weeks. Last night, Three, a UK mobile carrier has posted a message to Facebook addressing some fraudulent activities that were taking place lately. The carrier assures that nobody's financial details are or were at risk and that the company is working with the relevant authorities and police to...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/cyber_criminals_stole_phones_from_three_uk_by_gaining_access_to_database_of_customers_due_for_upgrad-news-21721.php

Android Nougat update now rolling out for Motorola Z and Z Force on Verizon

Although Verizon hasn't officially announced it yet, many users with Verizon-branded Moto Z and the Moto Z Force have been getting reports of the device receiving and OTA update for Android Nougat 7.0. We can confirm that both the Moto Z and Z Force units we have are now downloading the update once we manually checked for them. The software version of the OTA update is NCL26.86-11 for the Z Force Droid and NCL25.86-11 for the Moto Z Droid. The OTA measures in at around 1,500MB and it has an estimated install time of 20 minutes. It gets seriously warm, so take any Moto Mods or covers off...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/android_nougat_update_now_rolling_out_for_motorola_z_and_z_force_on_verizon-news-21720.php

[Video] Check out our review of the Huawei Mate 9

We have just put up our newest video review of the Huawei Mate 9. We had a great time using the Huawei Phablet with its great battery life. It was awesome for a day trip in the city where we didn't need to bring an external battery. The only real complaint I had about the phone was the way the phone handles notifications in both: the status bar and lock screen. The Mate 9's camera was packed with features and many different camera modes. Also, this is the first Mate phone to feature 4K video recording. The first Huawei phone to do so was the Huawei Nova. But anyway, we just wish...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/video_check_out_our_review_of_the_huawei_mate_9-news-21719.php

Samsung Pay will work on the Gear S3 even if you don't have a Samsung phone

Now that Samsung's Gear S3 (in both classic and frontier versions) is finally starting to become available across the world, some more details about it are trickling in. An intriguing fact has to do with Samsung Pay, and how it's supported on the Gear S3. According to Samsung, you're able to use Samsung Pay on the Gear S3 even if you don't have a Samsung phone paired to the smartwatch (if the one that you do have runs Android 4.4 KitKat or newer). That's certainly surprising, given that so far the Samsung Pay app has been limited to Samsung devices. Then again, the company's latest...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_pay_will_work_on_the_gear_s3_even_if_you_dont_have_a_samsung_phone-news-21718.php

Samsung Galaxy A7 (2017) gets Bluetooth certified

After having been spotted in not one, but two benchmarks already, as well as in the database of an Indian import tracker, the upcoming Samsung Galaxy A7 (2017) is now Bluetooth certified. As always in these cases, the revelation comes straight from the Bluetooth SIG itself, and its official documents. The Samsung SM-A720F had its certification published today. While this in itself doesn't reveal any specs for the device (unless you count it having Bluetooth connectivity as something that couldn't have been guessed), it does mean that the phone's announcement is nearing. Its...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_a7_2017_gets_bluetooth_certified-news-21716.php

Sony Xperia Ear launches in the US on December 13 for $199.99

The Xperia Ear was announced by Sony at MWC this February, yet it only became available in Japan today. That's undoubtedly quite a long time to wait for a gadget, but if you're in the US the wait isn't actually over. Sony has announced that the Xperia Ear will finally be out stateside on December 13. You'll be able to purchase one from Amazon at first, and then after a while it will also be available at Fry's, ABT, B&H, as well as other retailers. It's only going to be offered in black, and will set you back $199.99. That's quite a steep price for an earpiece, but the Xperia Ear is more...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/sony_xperia_ear_launches_in_the_us_on_december_13_for_19999-news-21717.php

Huawei silently makes the Mate 9 Lite official

Huawei's Mate 9 family has grown some more today. Joining the already announced Mate 9, Mate 9 Porsche Design, and Mate 9 Pro is the new Mate 9 Lite, which has now become official. Huawei hasn't held any sort of special event for this model, choosing instead to silently list it on its website. The Mate 9 Lite comes with mid-range specs as you'd expect judging by its name. It won't compete with the other Mates in terms of performance, yet on the other hand it should be the cheapest Mate 9 you can buy. It comes with a 5.5-inch 1080p touchscreen with 2.5D curved glass on top, the Kirin...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/huawei_silently_makes_the_mate_9_lite_official-news-21715.php

Huawei P10 or P10 Plus reportedly spotted in another image

A couple of days ago images of what was said to be a Huawei P10 prototype leaked out. They showed a device looking incredibly similar to the P9, but sporting a fingerprint sensor on the front. Today a new intriguing picture has been posted on Weibo, purportedly also showing the P10 - or maybe the P10 Plus, the successor to the P9 Plus. In this case, as you can see, the fingerprint scanner is on the back, but it does have a different shape compared to those on the P9 series. The LED flash looks different too, now being round. Otherwise, this too is a device that will look awfully...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/huawei_p10_or_p10_plus_reportedly_spotted_in_another_image-news-21714.php

Nokia smartphones are coming in 2017, the company confirms

Next year we shall once again see Nokia smartphones in the wild. The not so surprising news comes from the Finnish company itself, through a slide featured in its investor-focused presentation at the Capital Markets Day event. You can see the relevant slide in the image below, and in it the confirmation for Nokia's return to the smartphone world. That is, at least as a brand. Nokia the company isn't really going to produce any of the future Nokia-branded devices, it will just act as the owner of the brand and patents, and it will oversee the creation of the new phones. Actually making...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/nokia_smartphones_are_coming_in_2017_the_company_confirms-news-21713.php

Overwatch goes free for a weekend

Popular multi-player FPS game Overwatch will be available for free this weekend. The game will be available on PC, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4. Starting November 18, 11:00AM PST to November 21, 4:00PM PST, the game will be available for free on all three platforms. You can play it for free on the PC but on the consoles you will need either Xbox Live Gold or PlayStation Plus subscription in order to play. During the duration of the free period, all the content, characters, and features of the game will be available to the players. Any progress you make during the free period will be...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/overwatch_goes_free_for_a_weekend-news-21712.php

LeEco and Coolpad to release new Cool smartphone - Snapdragon 821 SoC and 6GB RAM

After the Cool 1 Dual, LeEco and Coolpad have again come together for a new smartphone, and this time it's a flagship device. Dubbed Cool, the phone has already cleared TENAA, revealing some of its key specs. The handset is powered by Snapdragon 821 chipset and sports a 5.5-inch full HD display. RAM options include 4GB and 6GB, while storage options are 32GB, 64GB, and 128GB. In terms of camera, the Cool features a 16MP rear unit and an 8MP front shooter. It runs Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow, and packs in a large 4,000mAh battery. Color options include gold, white, silver,...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/leeco_and_coolpad_are_back_with_new_cool_smartphone__snapdragon_821_soc_55inch_display_6gb_ram-news-21711.php

Those who got their Pixel order delayed are now receiving $50 in Google Play Store credit

A few weeks ago, Google sent out an apology to some of those who ordered the company's Pixel or Pixel XL smartphone, saying that the shipment of their unit will be delayed. And to compensate that, the software giant promised a $50 Google Play credit after orders are delivered. Inline with that promise, Google has started sending out the discount codes. Here's the email that one of the Pixel users has received: As mentioned in the email, to redeem your credit, click the "Get Started" button at the bottom of the email, then enter your promo code (if prompted), and then click "Redeem."...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/those_who_got_their_google_pixel_pixel_xl_order_delayed_are_now_receiving_50_in_google_play_store_cr-news-21710.php

Deal: Buy Samsung Galaxy S7 or S7 edge and get $250 gift card free

If you are in the US and are planning to purchase a Samsung Galaxy S7 or Galaxy S7 edge smartphone, here is a deal for you: Best Buy is offering a $250 gift card with each purchase of the devices activated on monthly installment plan for Verizon, Sprint or AT&T. The offer, which is valid for purchases made both in-store and online, is also available on the Samsung Galaxy S7 Active. Keep in mind that in case you return your purchased unit for any reason, your gift card will be fortified. However, that'll not be the case if you exchange your unit. Best Buy is also running another...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/deal_buy_samsung_galaxy_s7_or_s7_edge_and_get_250_gift_card_free-news-21709.php

HTC holding event in Taiwan next week, 10 evo expected

HTC has sent out invites for a product launch event scheduled for next week in Taiwan. While the invite doesn't explicitly mention anything about the star of the November 22 event, reports say the company will be launching the HTC 10 evo smartphone on that day. HTC 10 evo is the moniker that the HTC Bolt will carry outside of the US, according to some credible rumors that we've heard recently. Coming back to the invite image, if those water droplets in the background are any indication (the HTC Bolt is IP57 certified for water and dust resistance after all), then yes, it's quite...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/htc_holding_event_in_taiwan_next_week_10_evo_expected-news-21707.php

Samsung Galaxy S7/S7 edge Nougat beta update starts rolling out in China as well

Last week, when Samsung announced the Android 7.0 'Galaxy Beta Program' for users of the company's Galaxy S7 and S7 edge smartphones, the tech giant said that the program is now open in South Korea, the US and the UK, while users in China will get to participate soon. Well, those waiting for the update in China should be glad to know that the rollout has finally begun. The update weighs in at around 1.4GB. To apply for the program, you should first have an active Samsung Account. Then, you need to download the Galaxy Beta Program app through Galaxy Apps or the Samsung Members app...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s7_and_s7_edge_nougat_beta_update_starts_rolling_out_in_china_as_well-news-21705.php

Nougat firmware for Samsung Galaxy Note5 and Galaxy Tab S2 is in the works as well

Earlier this week, there were reports that Samsung has started Nougat firmware development for the Galaxy S6 and S6 edge smartphones. Now, according to a new report, Nougat firmware for the Samsung Galaxy Note5 and Galaxy Tab S2 is in the works as well. There's, however, no information on exactly when the update will be rolled out, with the report noting that it's likely going to take at-least a couple of months to get the update ready. So, that rules out a 2016 roll-out, which is the case with the Galaxy S6/S6 edge Nougat update as well. Even the tech giant's latest Galaxy S series...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/nougat_update_for_samsung_galaxy_note_5_and_galaxy_tab_s2_also_in_works-news-21704.php

Apple finally acknowledges iPhone 6 Plus "touch disease"

The 2014 generation of Apple phones had at least a few infamous issues attributed to their name. The one most probably remember is the so called "BendGate" - an issue even Apple itself sort of admitted to in the end. Fast forward two years to today and it turns out many iPhone 6 Plus and even some regular-sized 6 units are still plagued by another annoying issues, already found to be related to the aforementioned bendy frame. It also has a catchy name - "Touch Disease" and manifests itself with screen flickers and touch issues. Today Apple officially acknowledged the issues, though...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/apple_finally_acknowledges_iphone_6_plus_touch_disease-news-21701.php

Mozilla releases Firefox Focus for iOS

Imagine if your browser always operated in incognito mode, and also blocked all ads and web trackers on the internet. That's pretty much Firefox Focus, Mozilla's latest browser for iOS. Focus has just one tab that you can browse in. There are no bookmarks and the browser does not save history. When you are done browsing just hit the Erase button next to the address bar and it will purge everything that you have been doing. It also hides the contents of the browser from being visible when you are in the iOS multitasking menu. There is a button provided at the bottom should you...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/mozilla_releases_firefox_focus_for_ios-news-21702.php

Alleged image of Xiaomi Mi Mix Nano about screen shows its specs

Ask and you shall receive? Evidence of a smaller Xiaomi Mi Mix Nano is mounting and it may bring those sexy slim bezels to a smaller form factor. "Nano" here is compared to a 6.4" screen, the rumors say the Mi Mix Nano will have a 5.5" screen. It will have 1080p resolution again, but this time it's much easier to swallow given the diagonal. As the big Mi Mix, the Nano should bring ~90% screen to body ratio. (Allegedly) the about screen of the Mi Mix Nano The phone will still be powered by the fast Snapdragon 821 chipset (you can see the clock speed in the about screen). It will...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/alleged_image_of_xiaomi_mi_mix_nano_about_screen_shows_its_specs-news-21699.php

Apple may be looking to add VR to iPhone's camera

Apple is hip with new features - waterproof phone, dual camera and soon, perhaps, augmented reality for the upcoming iPhones. The difference between augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) is that AR adds to the world around you, while VR replaces it. Apple CEO Tim Cook has talked about AR and warned that it will take a while to get right, but the results will be "profound." He believes AR is superior to VR as it can make people more productive while you interact with people around you rather than create a barrier (VR headsets tend to cut you off from the world). Cupertino has...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/apple_may_be_looking_to_add_vr_to_iphones_camera-news-21698.php

Samsung Galaxy J3 (2017) press image shows up

Samsung's hugely successful J-series are due for a 2017 refresh and a lower-midrange J3 (2017) has popped up on Geekbench, then FCC, and most recently received Bluetooth certification. Well, time for a press photo, courtesy of @evleaks. Revolutions are out of the question, naturally, and the upcoming model looks similar to the J3 (2016). Perhaps slightly more rounded corners, and a relocated front-facing camera won't change much. Mind you, this is the SM-J327P model, as opposed to the SM-J3119, which is commonly known as Galaxy J3 Pro, and has been available since mid-summer. The J3...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_j3_2017_press_image_shows_up-news-21697.php

Apple asked its manufacturers to investigate the possibility of moving iPhone production to the US, report says

The Nikkei Report says Apple has asked its suppliers in China whether moving production of the iPhone to US soil is feasible. This comes in light of Donald Trump's recent victory in the US. And now, as President-Elect, the question is whether the Trump Administration will go through with what Trump said at a rally; That he was going to force Apple to build its "computers and things" in the US. Well Foxconn is at least (reportedly) willing to look into the possibility of moving production while Pegatron is refusing to even consider it, and was quoted that an inevitable rise in...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/apple_asked_its_manufacturers_to_investigate_the_possibility_of_moving_iphone_production_to_the_us_r-news-21696.php

Cyanogenmod 14 nightlies now available for the multiple devices including OnePlus One and Nexus 6

Among our favorite things that the Android platform has to offer, the community is a huge part of the openness of Android hardware and software. Granted, things with OEMs and unlocked bootloaders have taken a turn in the past few years as the concern for privacy and protecting data has OEMs with a tighter grip on bootloaders for newer devices. Now back to what's actually going on. Cyagonmod has posted support for a slew of new devices. These devices are officially supported by the mod community for the continual improvement of an Android Nougat build with some aftermarket...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/cyanogenmod_14_nightlies_now_available_for_the_multiple_devices_including_oneplus_one_and_nexus_6-news-21695.php

OnePlus 3T will receive Android 7.0 Nougat update in December, just like the OnePlus 3

Despite what most rumors claimed, the OnePlus 3T will be shipped running Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow, and not Android 7.0 Nougat. That obviously leaves room for people to wonder when exactly they should expect Nougat to hit OnePlus' latest device. It turns out that the OnePlus 3T is set to get Android 7.0 in December. That's the same time frame that OnePlus has already announced for the OnePlus 3. Furthermore, the company says the two handsets will share an update schedule going forward. This means that, unless some showstopping bugs are found to affect just one of them, the OnePlus 3 and...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/oneplus_3t_will_receive_android_70_nougat_update_in_december_just_like_the_oneplus_3-news-21692.php

New Alexa skill lets AT&T customers send texts with the Amazon Echo

In the battle with new competitors such as Google Home, Amazon's Echo line of smart speakers still have the edge at least in one area - third party support. The retail giant has had an Alexa API for a while now, which has led to many "skills" being added to its digital assistant over time by third parties. The latest company to do just such a thing is AT&T, which is launching a texting skill for Alexa tomorrow, on November 18. What this means is that you'll be able to use Alexa (and, thus, the Echo speaker with it built-in) to send text messages to ten frequent contacts. It's all done with...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/new_alexa_skill_lets_at_t_customers_send_texts_with_the_amazon_echo-news-21694.php

Only one of three 2017 iPhones will have an OLED panel, lack of production capacity to blame

Next year is the iPhone's tenth anniversary. As such, for many months analysts and rumors left and right have predicted that Apple would do something noteworthy on that occasion. Refreshing the design of its mobile devices is probably a given considering how the iPhone 7 generation skipped on that, for the first time allowing three yearly releases in a row to look similar. Another thing that Apple has been rumored to consider is switching from LCD technology to OLED for its smartphones' screens. As you may know, Samsung is a big proponent of AMOLED panels for its high-end devices, and it...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/only_one_of_three_2017_iphones_will_have_an_oled_panel_lack_of_production_capacity_to_blame-news-21691.php

Sony's PlayStation Vue lands on the Apple TV today

PlayStation Vue, Sony's streaming service, is launching on Apple TV today. This follows the spread of PS Vue to Android, Android TV, and Roku boxes, which all happened earlier this year. PlayStation Vue lets you watch live TV programs, enhanced with unique features such as cloud DVR and simultaneous streaming on up to five devices. Unlike what your friendly neighborhood cable provider is offering, PS Vue doesn't require long-term contracts. The PS Vue works on the fourth generation Apple TV, and as you'd expect it fully supports the Siri-integrated remote. PS Vue includes such...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/sonys_playstation_vue_lands_on_the_apple_tv_today-news-21693.php

5.5-inch version of the Xiaomi Mi Mix purportedly leaks

At last month's Xiaomi event, the Mi Mix stole the show. The near-bezelless smartphone embodies the dreams of many users, even though it doesn't actually have as high a screen-to-body ratio as its maker claims. It does look stunning, however, and as a result it's been selling like hot cakes in China. You may have read up about it, and you may even be very interested in it, but what if you consider it too big to work for your use cases on a day-to-day basis? It does, after all, have a 6.4-inch display, even if its overall footprint is more akin to that of 6-inch phones. Still, that could...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/55inch_version_of_the_xiaomi_mi_mix_purportedly_leaks-news-21690.php

ZUK Z2 will get Android 7.0 Nougat update soon

We're slowly, but surely starting to see more and more Android device makers start updating their products to Nougat these days. And the latest smartphone to have such an update in the pipeline may not be what you expected. The ZUK Z2, launched by the Lenovo-owned brand this June, is going to be graced with an official Android 7.0 build. Not only that, but the update to Nougat is going to become available in the near future. Although we don't have anything more specific to go on just yet, this is a much needed confirmation of an update being worked on for the device. And it comes...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/zuk_z2_will_get_android_70_nougat_update_soon-news-21689.php

Qualcomm's upcoming Snapdragon 835 will have Quick Charge 4

Qualcomm has announced that it will be partnering with Samsung to manufacture the upcoming Snapdragon 835 mobile processor. It will be based upon Samsung's newest 10nm FinFET process, making it the smallest of its kind. According to Qualcomm, the new 10nm FinFET process is up to 30 percent more area efficient and offers 27 percent improved performance or 40 percent less power consumption. The reduced footprint will allow hardware manufacturers to make smaller devices or include other components. The new processor will also be the first to include the new Quick Charge 4. Qualcomm...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/qualcomms_upcoming_snapdragon_835_will_have_quick_charge_4-news-21688.php

Honor has some impressive Black Friday deals lined up

Huawei, or rather its Honor sub-brand is gearing up for a rather impressive Black Friday sales event. It will kick off at 8 AM on November 25 and extend all the way to midnight on November 28. That means, it is technically a Cyber Monday sale as well, but the again we doubt anyone will be keeping track. The deals will be available through vMall. As for the price drops themselves, they are quite substantial. The flagship Honor 8, for one, will go for GBP 299.99, which is down GBP 70 from its regular GBP 369.99 price tag. That is definitely good value for the 5.2-inch, Kirin 950...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/honor_has_some_impressive_black_friday_deals_lined_up-news-21687.php

HTC X10 and Desire 650 certified in Russia

It's safe to say that HTC hasn't had the best of runs recently, with things getting as bad as releasing the HTC Bolt a week ago with last year's Snapdragon 810 chipset, itself a troubled piece of silicon. Well, an HTC X10 seems to be on its way in an attempt to reverse the downhill trend, and it's joined by a Desire 650. Last year's HTC X9 Evidence of that comes from a filing with the Eurasian Economic Commission. Listed among a total of 7 HTC phones, the new X10 and Desire 650 are nothing but names at this point, with little to no info about what they actually are. Well, the one...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/htc_x10_and_desire_650_certified_in_russia-news-21686.php

Twitter introduces QR codes for profiles

Twitter has introduced QR code functionality within the app that should make following accounts easier. In an update that was enabled server side, both the iOS and the Android app now include this functionality. 📢 hella pumped to announce the launch of QR codes on twitter! they work like snap codes!! find yours: profile > gear > QR code pic.twitter.com/lvAr97bHj6— brittany (@brittanyforks) November 16, 2016 Similar to the way it works on Snapchat, Twitter QR codes lets you generate QR code for your account and scan other people's accounts. You will find the...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/twitter_introduces_qr_codes_for_profiles-news-21685.php

New ZUK Edge photos appear to show little signs of a curved panel

After a few hints here and there and an official visit to TENAA, we are already quite certain that the ZUK Edge will be the next handset offer to come out of Lenovo's subsidary. The phone's retail box already leaked, but now we get to see the actual Edge in the wild. ZUK Edge The device was spotted on Weibo in a total of three stills. Two of them are quite blurry and reveal little extra detail. However, they do show the handset booting with a ZUK logo and then running, what is presumed to be an Android 6.0 Marshmallow ROM. The third photo appears to be a lot more...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/new_zuk_edge_photos_appear_to_show_little_signs_of_a_curved_panel-news-21684.php

Barnes & Noble announces new Nook Tablet 7" tablet, launching November 25

Barnes & Noble has announced a new Android tablet. Dubbed Nook Tablet 7", it's a 7-inch entry-level device that's powered by a quad-core processor and sports a display resolution of 1024 x 600 pixels. While the amount of RAM isn't known, the device has 8GB internal memory (expandable up to 128GB). In terms of camera, the tablet sports a 5MP rear unit and a 2MP front shooter. No word on the battery capacity as well, although the company claims the device offers up to 7 hours of reading, watching videos and web browsing. Connectivity options include Bluetooth, dual-band WiFi, and...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/barnes_noble_announces_new_nook_tablet_7_tablet_launching_november_25-news-21683.php

OnePlus discontinues OnePlus 3 in US and Europe

Shortly after it seemed like the OnePlus 3 could be back in stock soon, OnePlus has confirmed that it will no longer be selling the smartphone in the United States and Europe. The device will be replaced by the newly-unveiled OnePlus 3T in these regions. The OnePlus 3T comes with a somewhat larger battery (3,400mAh), extra storage option (128GB), an updated CPU (Snapdragon 821), and higher-resolution (16 MP) selfie-camera. The 64GB storage variant of the device costs $439, while the 128GB one carries a $479 price tag. Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/oneplus_discontinues_oneplus_3_in_us_and_europe-news-21682.php

Android Pay comes to Poland

After launching it in Hong Kong recently, Google has now brought its mobile payments service - Android Pay - to Poland. Users in Poland will be able to make payments through Android Pay starting today. At launch, the service will be available to customers of Alior Bank, Bank Zachodni WBK, and T-Mobile Banking Services. Google says support for mBank will also be added soon. You'll be able to pay using Android Pay at a total of more than 400,000 outlets in Poland. Source | Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/android_pay_comes_to_poland-news-21680.php

New rumor says Samsung Galaxy C5 Pro and C7 Pro will be made official next month

According to a new rumor out of China, Samsung will officially unveil the Galaxy C5 Pro and C7 Pro smartphones sometime in December. The rumor, which came in the form of a Weibo post, also revealed some key information about the devices. It says the Galaxy C5 Pro will carry a model number of SM-C5010 and will be powered by Snapdragon 625 chipset. On the other hand, the Galaxy C7 Pro will have a model number of SM-C7010 and will pack in Snapdragon 626 SoC. The Samsung Galaxy C7 Pro, in case you missed, was spotted entering India last month. Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/new_rumor_says_samsung_galaxy_c5_pro_and_c7_pro_will_be_made_official_next_month-news-21681.php

New Samsung Galaxy Note7 update encourages users to get replacement/refund

Over a week after Samsung Galaxy Note7 units in Canada started receiving a battery limiting update, another update has started rolling out that aims to encourage users of the device to get a replacement or refund. Specifically, Bell has started pushing out the update to Galaxy Note7 users on its network. The change-log for the update - which arrives as firmware N930W8VLU2APK1 - says that "this software update will include indicators to encourage customers to contact Samsung regarding replacement/return of affected device." It's likely that other Canadian carriers will also push out...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/new_samsung_galaxy_note7_update_encourages_users_to_get_replacement_refund-news-21677.php

Microsoft Surface Pro 4 gets price cut in UK as well

Not only in the United States, the Microsoft Surface Pro 4 has received a price cut in the UK as well. A quick look at Microsoft's UK store reveals that the Core i5 variant with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage is currently listed for £969. That's down £110 from the model's usual price of £1,079. The deal runs through November 20, so you have just a few days to decide whether or not it's worth availing. For more information, head to the Source link below. Source

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/microsoft_surface_pro_4_gets_price_cut_in_uk_as_well-news-21679.php

Samsung Galaxy S4 mini getting new security update

The Samsung Galaxy S4 mini has started receiving a new update. Currently rolling out to Vodafone-branded units in Europe, the update - which arrives as firmware version XXUCPI1 - brings along Android security patch for the month September. Given that the roll out has just begun, it may take some time before you see an update notification on 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/samsung_galaxy_s4_mini_getting_new_security_update-news-21676.php