Lenovo Phab2 launches in India on December 6

The most affordable model from the Lenovo Phab2 family - well, the Phab 2, is scheduled to launch in India next week, on December 6 to be precise. Meanwhile, the Phab2 Plus has been available for a month now, but there are no details yet as to when and if the top-of-the-line Google Tango-enabled Phab2 Pro will make it to store shelves in the country. The Lenovo Phab2 features a 6.4-inch display with a modest 720p resolution (229ppi), while the Plus ups that to 1080p and the Pro goes all-out with QHD. You'll find the Mediatek MT8735 chipset in charge, its quad-core CPU joined by 3GB...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/lenovo_phab2_launches_in_india_on_december_6-news-21986.php

Motorola Moto G4 receives price cut in India

The Motorola Moto G4 has received a price cut in India. Amazon listings for the device reveal that the 16GB and 32GB variants of both white and black colored Moto G4 are currently going for INR 2,000 (around $30) less than their usual price. This means that the 16GB black and white models are available for INR 10,499 (around $155), while the 32GB variants are going for INR 11,999 (around $175) each. Aside from the Moto G4, Amazon India is offering a deal on the Moto G4 Play as well - those purchasing the handset will get a gift card worth INR 1,000 (around $15). For more details,...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/motorola_moto_g4_receives_price_cut_in_india-news-21983.php

ZUK Edge now pictured in white/gold, to be priced at $390

The ZUK Edge is anything but a secret after being certified by TENAA a month ago, and subsequently appearing for some live shots (and again, and again). While the two color schemes were already confirmed by these sightings, we're now treated to a high-res render of the white/gold option. What that does for us is give us a much better idea of body proportions and screen-to-body ratio (pretty good) than the previous murky shots. Also it serves as yet another confirmation that the ZUK Edge won't be much of an Edge, in the curved screen sense - just some 2.5D glass treatment. ZUK Edge...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/_zuk_edge_now_pictured_in_white_gold_to_be_priced_at_390-news-21985.php

Samsung Gear 360 receives $50 price cut in US

Samsung's Gear 360 camera has received a price cut in the United States. The device, which is being officially sold by the South Korean company for $349.99, is being offered by multiple third-party retailers for $299.99 Specifically, Amazon, Best Buy, and B&H Photo are selling the camera at discounted rates. There's currently no information on when the deal ends, so those interested in availing it may have to act fast. For more information on the deal, head to the Source links below. Source 1 2 3

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_gear_360_receives_50_price_cut_in_us-news-21982.php

Lenovo Phab2 Pro review: Tango One

The Lenovo Phab2 Pro is not just your average smartphone. And no, we're not referring to the huge display as a defining feature. It's the first phone to come with Google's Tango platform and it's also one of the first phones Lenovo is launching in the US under its own brand.

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/lenovo_phab2_pro-review-1529.php

BlackBerry Mercury live images surface, QWERTY keyboard in tow

BlackBerry may be pulling out of making its own hardware (the DTEK50 and DTEK60 are little more than rebadged Alcatels), but one final true BlackBerry is headed our way. Rumored since June, the Mercuryccropped up on GeekBench in October and last month its existence was confirmed by company CEO John Chen. Well, now we have live images. The two photos that just showed up on Weibo reveal a device very much the same as that first shot from June from what appeared to be an internal presentation, so they just may be the real deal. Hidden on that previous image, we now see the prominent front...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/blackberry_mercury_live_images_surface_qwerty_keyboard_in_tow-news-21984.php

Microsoft expands availability of its HoloLens headset to more markets

Microsoft has announced that its HoloLens augmented reality headset - which has only been available in the US and Canada so far - is now also available for purchase in Australia, Ireland, France, Germany, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. Both Development Edition as well as Commercial Suite are now on sale in these new markets. The announcement came in the form of an email that the Redmond, Washington-based company sent out to customers today. The email also revealed that the device is currently up for pre-order in Japan, with shipments scheduled for next month. Via |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/microsoft_expands_availability_of_its_hololens_headset_to_more_markets-news-21981.php

Plex's Cloud Sync feature now supports Google Drive, Dropbox, and Microsoft OneDrive

Media Streaming Company Plex has announced that their Cloud Sync feature - that allows you to sync content from your library to a cloud storage provider - now supports Google Drive, Dropbox, and Microsoft OneDrive. The announcement came in the form of a Reddit post from the Plex Cloud team. "We've made managing your media in the Cloud more flexible by allowing you to link multiple Cloud storage providers, so you can create libraries with content from any of them," the team said. Following are the steps that you need to take in order to add or change cloud storage providers: Log...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/plexs_cloud_sync_feature_now_supports_google_drive_dropbox_and_microsoft_onedrive-news-21980.php

Gionee GN5005 clears TENAA with quad-core CPU, 4,000mAh battery

A new Gionee smartphone has been certified by the Chinese telecommunication authority TENAA. Listed as Gionee GN5005, the device is powered by a quad-core 1.25GHz processor and sport a 5-inch HD display. RAM is 3GB, while internal memory is 16GB. In terms of camera, the handset features an 8MP rear unit and a 5MP front shooter. Weighing in at 140g and measuring 144.3×70.5×8.6mm, the phone runs Android 6.0 Marshmallow, and packs in a large 4,000mAh battery. Color options revealed by the listing include gold. Pricing and availability information isn't yet known. Source | Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/gionee_gn5005_clears_tenaa_with_quadcore_cpu_4000mah_battery-news-21979.php

Nougat arrives to LG G5 in Europe and Brazil as well

After South Korea and the United States, the Nougat update has started hitting LG G5 units in other countries as well. A couple of our readers have just tipped us that the device has started receiving the update in Europe and Brazil. This comes less than a month after LG officially announced the rollout of the G5 Nougat update. Over in the US, all the major carriers - including T-Mobile, Verizon, Sprint, as well as US Cellular - have already pushed out the update. Thanks for the tip, Tux!!!

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/nougat_arrives_to_lg_g5_in_europe_and_brazil_as_well_-news-21978.php

Samsung Galaxy Tab A 9.7 drops to $265 in US

The 9.7-inch variant of the Samsung Galaxy Tab A has received another price cut in the US, where Amazon currently has the 16GB, white-colored model listed on website for $264.90, down around $35 from its usual price of $300. Talking of specs, the tablet is powered by a quad-core 1.2GHz CPU, and sports a display resolution of 1024 x 768 pixels. It has 1.5GB RAM and 16GB storage, features 5MP/2MP camera combo, and packs in a 6,000mAh battery. The deal doesn't include a S Pen. For more information, head to the Source link below. Source

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_tab_a_97_drops_to_265_in_us-news-21976.php

Motorola Moto G5 and G5 Plus images and specs leak, launch date tipped as well

Images alleged to be of the Motorola Moto G5 and G5 Plus have leaked online. The leak comes in the form of what looks like a screenshot that focuses on the front of the smartphones. The leak also reveals some of the key specs of the devices - both are powered by octa-core processors, sport 5.5-inch full HD displays, feature 5MP front camera, and come with turbo charging feature. The areas of difference include main camera (13MP for the G5 and 16MP for the G5 Plus) and storage options (16GB for the G5 and 16/32GB for the Plus variant). Fingerprint sensor is only there on the G5...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/motorola_moto_g5_and_g5_plus_leak_in_images_specs_and_launch_date_tipped_as_well-news-21977.php

Sony releases a video showing off its Nougat update for Xperia phones

The Nougat update has begun rolling out for at least a couple of models in Sony's Xperia lineup. The most recent rollout taking off just yesterday for the Xperia XZ and the other day for the Xperia X Performance. Sony released a video after the XZ's update kicked off detailing the new features of the Android Nougat update for Xperia devices. The video shows some of the new features that Xperia devices can perform on the new update. There's a new search function on the homescreen, and the launcher now displays Google now to the left of the default homescreen. New SMS features have been...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/sony_releases_a_video_showing_off_its_nougat_update_for_xperia_phones-news-21975.php

Moto X (2017) is allegedly shown in leaked hands-on images

This year's flagship Motorola smartphones bear the Moto Z branding, foregoing the Moto X moniker from years past. However, this may not mean that the X line is dead at the now Lenovo-owned company. In fact, Motorola claimed the X series was "alive and well" back in June, and it looks like that may extend well into 2017. What you see in the leaked hands-on images below is alleged to be the Moto X (2017), a successor of sorts for the Moto X Style from last year. It's almost certainly going to be slotted in Motorola's portfolio right under the flagship Moto Z, so it's an upper-midrange...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/moto_x_2017_is_allegedly_shown_in_leaked_handson_images-news-21974.php

LG's 360 Cam is half off this weekend only

One of the LG G5's "Friends", announced alongside the handset earlier this year, is the aptly named 360 Cam. You can guess what this standalone device can do from its name, undoubtedly. It lets you capture 360-degree videos at 2,560x1,280 resolution through its two 13 MP sensors, each with a 200-degree wide-angle fisheye lens. You can then upload your creations to YouTube. The 360 Cam has a 1,200 mAh battery that should last for up to 70 minutes of video recording on one charge. You can connect it to your smartphone via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, and it weighs just 72g. We took it for a spin back...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/lgs_360_cam_is_half_off_this_weekend_only-news-21973.php

Android 7.1.1 Nougat appears to be rolling out already, at least for the General Mobile 4G Android One phone

While an Australian carrier pegged the release date of the final version of Android 7.1.1 Nougat for devices supported by Google as December 6, it looks like the rollout is already under way. That is, at least for one phone, and it's not a Nexus, nor a Pixel. It's the General Mobile 4G, an Android One device launched in May of last year. This handset has pretty much been confined to the Turkish market, and it's there where the update to Android 7.1.1 Nougat is now becoming available. If you have a General Mobile 4G, expect to soon see a screen just like the one shown in the image to...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/android_711_nougat_appears_to_be_rolling_out_already_at_least_for_the_general_mobile_4g_android_one_-news-21972.php

Google is aware of the Pixel camera's freezing issue and working on a solution

A couple of days ago a report surfaced revealing a very weird problem that some owners of the Google Pixel and Pixel XL have been facing. It has to do with the camera, but unlike the lens flare thing that's probably caused by hardware issues, this one looks like it's 100% software-related. That is, in a way, good news, because it means a fix can be implemented through a software update which should make it go away completely. What happens for the affected units is that the camera will randomly show pink and purple vertical lines on the photos and then freeze up. Speaking to...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/google_is_aware_of_the_pixel_cameras_freezing_issue_and_working_on_a_solution-news-21970.php

Google On app becomes Google Wifi in anticipation of the new router's release

Google's new Wifi mesh router is going to become available on December 6. The device was announced in early October at the company's big hardware event, and it's the third Google-branded wireless router so far, following the two OnHub models from a while back - one made by TP-Link, the other by Asus. The Google Wifi doesn't have any co-branding, on the other hand, which isn't surprising if you look at the Pixel phones where the same thing applies. The OnHub routers will work with Google Wifi, as previously revealed, you can add a Wifi to extend the network created by your OnHub. To get...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/google_on_app_becomes_google_wifi_in_anticipation_of_the_new_routers_release_-news-21971.php

Samsung reportedly gives up on the dual rear camera setup for the Galaxy S8

A dual rear camera on the Galaxy S8 has been rumored for many months now - since June in fact. And this has been one persistent rumor, as after that initial report we've heard not one, not two, but three additional mumblings all speaking about such an arrangement making it into Samsung's next flagship smartphone. Could they all have been wrong? That's exactly what a leakster from China now claims. The source has been reliable at times in the past, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't take this with a grain of salt regardless. He says Samsung's idea of using a dual camera on the S8's back...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_reportedly_gives_up_on_the_dual_rear_camera_setup_for_the_galaxy_s8-news-21969.php

LG V20 to launch in India on December 5

LG will be launching its flagship V20 in India on December 5. The company has sent out media invites for the same. Yesterday we reported that the LG V20 was already being received by retailers. The phone is priced at INR 54,999 ($808). The V20 is the latest and greatest from LG. It has a 5.7-inch QHD display, Snapdragon 820 processor, 4GB RAM, 64GB expandable storage, dual rear camera with 16 megapixel wide angle camera and 8 megapixel ultra wide angle camera, 5 megapixel wide angle front camera, 3200mAh battery, and Android 7.0 Nougat. The phone comes with complimentary B&O...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/lg_v20_to_launch_in_india_on_december_5-news-21968.php

Samsung Galaxy A (2016) series devices will get Nougat update, report confirms

Samsung will roll out the Android Nougat update to its Galaxy A (2016) series devices as well, according to a new report. This means that the 2016 iterations of the Galaxy A3, Galaxy A5, Galaxy A7, Galaxy A8, Galaxy A9, and Galaxy A9 Pro will all get the update. There's, however, no word on exactly when the roll-out would begin, although given that even the South Korean tech giant's flagships haven't received the update yet, we're not expecting the Galaxy A (2016) Nougat update to be released anytime soon. In case you missed, Samsung has reopened registrations for the Galaxy S7 and...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_a_2016_series_devices_will_get_nougat_update_report_confirms-news-21964.php

Former Foxconn manager allegedly stole $1.5m worth of iPhones

One former Foxconn manager has been indicted for his alleged involvement in an illegal operation to smuggle some 5,700 iPhones out of Foxconn's testing facility and onto the retail scene in Shenzhen, China. Reportedly, during his tenure at Foxconn, the former manager identified by his family name Tsai, used eight employees to steal iPhone 5 and iPhone 5s units designed for testing out of Foxconn's Shenzhen-based factory in the course of 2013 and 2014. The stolen goods amount to around 5,700 units that are reportedly worth around $1.56 million. Attention was drawn to the missing...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/former_foxconn_manager_stole_15m_worth_of_iphones-news-21967.php

Google said to be "closely" involved with new Nokia phones

Yesterday, Nokia officially handed the keys to its brand to upcoming phone maker HMD, which already has plans for Android-powered phones and tablets. We looked through the leaders of the new company and it turned out that many of them had long stints at Nokia. If that isn't enough to ease your worries that we'll be disappointed once New Nokia phones launch try this on for size - Google had plenty of input for the new devices. Seeing how warmly the Pixels were accepted raises hopes of a return to form for Nokia handsets. Details on what was said are private, but it's clear that HMD's...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/google_said_to_be_closely_involved_with_new_nokia_phones-news-21966.php

Huawei Honor 6S spotted online

Last month, Huawei introduced a new addition to its Honor sub-brand in the shape of the Honor 6X. Now it appears the Chinese OEM is looking to broaden options even further with an even more affordable variant of the handset. It will likely be called the Honor 6S and is said to cost around $120 or $130. Huawei Honor 6S with Snapdragon 435. pic.twitter.com/dPJ7k1iaUB— krispitech (@krispitech) December 2, 2016 Other info on the device is still fuzzy, but from the provided renders, it is at least clear that the dual-camera setup is gone. That alone might be enough to bring the cost down...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/huawei_honor_6s_spotted_online-news-21962.php

Motorola won't be launching new smartwatches in near future

If you are a Motorola fan and are waiting for the company to release a new smartwatch, there's some bad news: the company has confirmed that there are no plans for a new smartwatch in the near future. Nothing is coming before the launch of Android Wear 2.0, which is expected sometime early next year. The confirmation came from Shakil Barkat, head of global product development at Motorola. We don't "see enough pull in the market to put [a new smartwatch] out at this time," the executive said. "Wearables do not have broad enough appeal for us to continue to build on it year after...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/motorola_likely_wont_be_launching_new_smartwatch_any_time_in_near_future-news-21957.php

OnePlus 3T launched in India

OnePlus has launched the new OnePlus 3T in India. The phone will be available in 64GB and 128GB capacities, and is priced at INR 29,999 ($439) and INR 34,999 ($512), respectively. The OnePlus 3T is a minor spec update over the previous OnePlus 3. It features a faster Snapdragon 821 processor, higher resolution 16 megapixel front facing camera, and a larger 3400mAh battery. It also comes in a higher 128GB capacity and a new Gunmetal color option. The OnePlus 3T will be available exclusively on Amazon, starting December 14. Although intended to replace the OnePlus 3, the older...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/oneplus_3t_launched_in_india-news-21959.php

Samsung Galaxy A7 (2017) clears FCC

The Samsung Galaxy A7 (2017), which is already Bluetooth certified and also been spotted on Zauba as well as several benchmarking websites, has now been certified by the US Federal Communications Commission as well. Specs-wise, the Galaxy A7 (2017) is rumored to be powered by Samsung's Exynos 7870 SOC, and is said to sport a 5.5" or 5.7" 1080p touchscreen. Other key specs of the device include 16MP/16MP camera combo, 3GB/(32 or 64)GB memory configuration, as well as fingerprint sensor. Recently, there were reports that the phone won't be officially made available in Europe. Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_a7_2017_clears_fcc-news-21958.php

Microsoft Lumia 640 XL currently going for under $70 in US

The Microsoft Lumia 640 XL has received another price cut in the United States. The device (AT&T variant), which is being officially sold by the Redmond, Washington-based company for $99.99, is currently listed on Amazon for $69.99. Specs-wise, the handset is powered by a Snapdragon 400 SoC, and sports a 5.7-inch HD display. RAM is 1GB, while internal memory is 8GB. The phone features a 13MP/5MP camera combo, and packs in a 3,000mAh battery. Source

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/microsoft_lumia_640_xl_currently_going_for_under_70_in_us-news-21955.php

Verizon's new GizmoTab tablet is aimed at kids

Verizon has launched a new tablet aimed at kids. Dubbed GizmoTab, the device is specifically designed for children aged between 3 and 8. "With the GizmoTab, you can measure and display aspects of your child's progress, tailor the fun to your child's age and skill level, set time limits and reward your child with additional play time," the carrier says. The tablet "comes with a removable bumper to protect against even the toughest drops, bumps and scratches." The tablet is powered by Snapdragon 617 chipset and sports an 8-inch HD display. RAM is 3GB, while internal memory is 16GB...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/verizons_new_gizmotab_tablet_is_aimed_at_kids-news-21956.php

Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 edge on T-Mobile getting November security update

T-Mobile has started pushing out a new update to Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 edge units on its network. Arriving as firmware version G920TUVU5EPK5 for the Galaxy S6 and G925TUVU5EPK5 for the edge variant, the update brings along Android security fixes for the month of November. Aside from the latest security patch, the update also includes some performance and stability-related improvements. Given that the roll-out has just begun, 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...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s6_and_s6_edge_on_tmobile_getting_november_security_update-news-21954.php

SwiftKey makes all its Android and iOS themes free

Jumping on the holiday season bandwagon, smart keyboard and prediction tech company SwiftKey has announced that all Android and iOS themes for its keyboard app are now completely free. On Android, first enter the SwiftKey Hub by tapping or sliding the hamburger icon on the left of the prediction bar. Once there, open the ‘Themes' panel and then select ‘SwiftKey Store'. "There, you'll find over 100 themes to customize your SwiftKey Keyboard's color and design - as well as brand new ‘Vivid' themes which are, of course, also free," the company says in a blog post. Those on iOS will...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/swiftkey_makes_all_its_android_and_ios_themes_free-news-21953.php

Xiaomi Mi Mix review: Mi-Sci-Fi

Xiaomi Mi Mix is one of those rare jewels on the market that needs no introductions. An all-ceramic smartphone with an edge-to-edge screen is a device that draws all the attention. It's a high-tech dream come true and it sure looks like a Sci-Fi movie prop.

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_mi_mix-review-1528.php

ZTE Axon 7 mini will be just $199 at Best Buy from December 4 until December 10

While it might have just launched in the UK, the ZTE Axon 7 mini isn't as new on the US market. As such, Best Buy has apparently considered that it's time for it to offer a great deal on this handset. It's not live yet, but here are the details. From December 4 (that's this Sunday) and up until December 10 (next Saturday), you'll be able to purchase the Ion Gold Axon 7 mini for just $199. That amount is for an unlocked unit, and it's $100 less than its price right now. For the Platinum Gray color version you'll only be saving $50, as its price will become $249 in the aforementioned...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/zte_axon_7_mini_will_be_just_199_at_best_buy_from_december_4_until_december_10-news-21952.php

Now Verizon's LG G5 is receiving the update to Android 7.0 Nougat

The update to Android 7.0 Nougat for the LG G5 keeps on spreading, with every day that goes by. It's been launched in South Korea first, and recently we've seen it hitting G5 units sold by Sprint, T-Mobile, as well as US Cellular. And now it's finally time for this new software to make it to Verizon's LG G5. The rollout has seemingly commenced today, according to multiple people who have received the update. It's a 1.6GB download, so make sure you get it via Wi-Fi. As you can see from the screenshot to the left, the mini changelog LG has outed for this build contains information about...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/now_verizons_lg_g5_is_receiving_the_update_to_android_70_nougat-news-21951.php

Motorola announces two new MotoMods: a Mophie Juice Pack and an Incipio Car Dock

Today Motorola has taken the wraps off two new modular accessories for its Moto Z line of smartphones. The snap-on MotoMods in question are the Mophie Juice Pack and the Incipio Car Dock. The former (seen on the right in the image below, attached to a Moto Z) packs a 3,000 mAh battery, bigger than we've seen in any other MotoMod to date. It has a status indicator light and a USB Type-C port which lets you charge it separately from the phone. It's priced at $79.99 and can already be ordered from Verizon. The Incipio Car Dock (on the left in the image above) has a self-descriptive...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/motorola_announces_two_new_motomods_a_mophie_juice_pack_and_an_incipio_car_dock-news-21950.php

ZTE Axon 7 mini lands in the UK, yours for £249.99 SIM-free

ZTE launched the Axon 7 mini back in September as a smaller, cheaper, and lower-end alternative to the Axon 7 from earlier in the year. Having already become available in some European markets, the Axon 7 mini is making its debut in the UK today. The exclusive retail partner (for now, at least) is Carphone Warehouse. That's where you can buy an Axon 7 mini (just in gold at the moment, grey is coming soon) in SIM-free and unlocked form, if you agree to shell out £249.99 for the privilege. If you don't want to spend that much upfront, then there's always the option to pick a two-year...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/zte_axon_7_mini_lands_in_the_uk_yours_for__pound24999_simfree-news-21948.php

Two more colors for the Google Daydream View VR headset are now on pre-order

Google made its Daydream View VR headset official at its big event in early October, and the device became available to order a few weeks later. With one catch, however. While the unveiling event described three different color versions for the headset, only one - Slate - has been out so far. That's set to change soon, though. Google has started taking pre-orders for the other two hues today. They're called Crimson and Snow, and we're sure you can tell which is which from those names. As you'd expect, the new color versions are priced the same as the initial Slate model, at $79. The...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/two_more_colors_for_the_google_daydream_view_vr_headset_are_now_on_preorder-news-21949.php

Galaxy Note7 units still in use in Australia will be disconnected from the mobile networks on December 15

Last month Samsung went further than ever in trying to ensure that all Galaxy Note7 units sold in New Zealand are returned following its discontinuation of the device. Working with the carriers over there, the company has basically shut down mobile network access for those Note7 handsets still in the wild. This move has apparently proved successful, since Samsung is now getting ready to do the exact same thing in neighboring Australia. Starting on December 15, if you have a Note7 in Australia you won't be able to use it on any of the mobile networks over there. It will essentially be cut...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/galaxy_note7_units_still_in_use_in_australia_will_be_disconnected_from_the_mobile_networks_on_decemb-news-21947.php

Unannounced Samsung Galaxy A5 (2017) gets reviewed on video

The Samsung Galaxy A5 (2017) has passed quite a few of the mandatory steps before going official - with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi certifications cleared, it also popped up on GeekBench and was also featured in a render video. Well, one of the preliminary units has apparently slipped out of the confines of NDAs and has gotten reviewed on video. Sadly, the video has since been taken down, but we'll walk you through it. First of all, it's a Galaxy S7 lookalike, but we've already gotten a taste of that from the renders. We still don't get a display diagonal, but initial data points to 5.2...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/unannounced_samsung_galaxy_a5_2017_gets_reviewed_on_video-news-21946.php

HMD officially takes over the Nokia phone business

Starting today, HMD Global Oy is now the home of Nokia phones and tablets. The exclusive license extends 10 years forward and covers the whole world (sans Japan). Nokia, the company, will receive royalty payments for Nokia-branded products made by HMD (for both the name and for the intellectual property used). It's important to note that Nokia, the company, is not an investor or a shareholder in HMD. That said, HMD is a Finish company and there's one Nokia representative on its Board of Directors. Also, FIH Mobile (a Foxconn subsidiary) will be making Nokia-branded feature...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/hmd_officially_takes_over_the_nokia_phone_business-news-21945.php

New HERE WeGo maps are now live for the Samsung Gear S3

Now that the Gear S3 is officially out and already in many consumers' hands, or rather, on their wrists, Samsung is working hard to improve the Tizen app ecosystem. The latter is definitely in need of a lot of third-party support, but in the meantime, the Korean giant is at least making sure to cover all the basics. Maps and navigation software is definitely one. In our review of the Gear S3, we pointed out that the watch didn't come with a maps app preloaded, but that a few are still available in the store. One of said options was the Here WeGo navigation app. Samsung has now released a...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/new_here_wego_maps_are_now_live_for_the_samsung_gear_s3-news-21944.php

Huawei announces Nougat update plans

Huawei has announced Nougat update plans for its smartphones. The Android 7 update for Huawei devices will arrive in the form of version 5.0 of the Chinese company's EMUI skin. The roll-out will begin sometime in Q1, 2017, with the Huawei Mate 8 and P9 getting the update first, followed by the P9 Plus, P9 lite, nova, and nova Plus. The new EMUI 5.0, Huawei claims, is more efficient, secure, and user friendly. It "significantly cuts down on the number of steps needed to achieve the desired function," the company says in a press release, adding that "furthermore, the user can reach 90%...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/huawei_announces_nougat_update_plans-news-21939.php

Samsung reportedly planning to launch Gear S3 in India next month

According to a new report, Samsung is planning to launch its latest Gear S3 smartwatch in India in January, 2017. While the exact launch date isn't yet known, the report notes that India will get both variants of the wearable - classic and frontier. The Tizen-powered smartwatch has been launched in several markets so far, including the US, UK, South Korea, Canada, and Europe. In it's home market, Samsung managed to sell more than 25,000 Gear S3 units in just over a week, signaling a strong demand for the device. Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_reportedly_planning_to_launch_gear_s3_in_india_next_month-news-21942.php

Sony Xperia XZ starts receiving the Android 7.0 Nougat update

We're receiving reports that the Sony Xperia XZ is receiving its serving of Android 7.0 Nougat update. A reader from India tipped us off (thanks, Vedant!) but checking with XDA it seems that the first wave includes Australia, the Netherlands, Russia and Turkey. The update is a hefty 1GB so connect to a nice Wi-Fi network and check for updates. Don't worry if you don't see anything yet, staggered roll-outs take a while to reach everyone. The update screen for Xperia XZ's Nougat firmware This update should enable the best Nougat features like split-screen multitasking, but also...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/sony_xperia_xz_starts_receiving_the_android_70_nougat_update-news-21941.php

Reliance Jio extends free 4G data till March 2017

Indian carrier Reliance Jio has announced that it will be extending its free 4G data and Jio services offer till March 2017. Reliance is calling this the Jio Happy New Year Offer, under which all existing as well as new customers will be eligible for free data until this period. The important thing to note here is that while until now the free data limit per day was 4GB, it will be reduced to 1GB under the new offer. Post 1GB, the download speed will be capped to 128kbps. Reliance claims that 80% of its customers use less than 1GB per day and by reducing the limit all users get fair share...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/reliance_jio_announces_free_data_till_march_2017-news-21943.php

Deal: Get LG G5 with three Friends for $450

For those in the US who are planning to purchase the LG G5, here's a nice deal: the handset along with three of its Friends and a removable battery is currently going for $449.99. Retailer B&H Photo has the bundle listed on its website for that price. The phone itself is currently available for as low as $400 at other third-party retailers, but the Friends included in the bundle (the LG CAM Plus, 360 VR headset, and Charging Cradle) and the removable battery cost an extra $300. For more information, head to the Source link below. Source

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/deal_lg_g5_with_three_friends_and_removable_battery_going_for_450-news-21937.php

MediaTek adds Helio x23 and x27 chipsets to its portfolio

MediaTek has definitely been keeping busy lately and thankfully so, since the Chinese company's chips play a huge part in powering much of the diverse Android device realm. The company now has two new interesting offers in its deca-core lineup - the Helio X23 and X27. While there might not be quite as exciting as the recently announced 10nm Helio X30, they do fit nicely into the existing X20 and X25 family line and will surely find a place in plenty of affordable devices in 2017. The X23 and X27 are Tri-Cluster Deca-Core chips, based on the familiar 20nm production process....

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/mediatek_adds_helio_x23_and_x27_chipsets_to_its_portfolio-news-21940.php

HP Elite x3 with desk dock currently going for $599 - $200 off

If you are in the US and are planning to purchase the HP Elite x3 Windows 10 Mobile smartphone, here's a deal for you: a bundle containing the handset and desk dock is currently going for $599 in the country. HP has the bundle listed on its website for that price, down from the $799 price tag it usually carries. A quick look at Microsoft's online US store reveals that the software giant is selling the bundle for $799. So, purchasing from HP will actually save you $200. The offer ends December 3, so those interested in availing it do not have much time at hand. Source

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/hp_elite_x3_with_desk_dock_currently_going_for_599__200_off-news-21936.php

Sony's Xperia X Nougat concept will get VoLTE support soon

According to a new report, Sony's Nougat-based Concept for Android firmware for the Xperia X will soon get support for VoLTE. The support will come in form of an update, and the Japanese company is currently working with operators for the new feature. To begin with, the update containing VoLTE support will be rolled out to eligible units on three of the largest German mobile carriers including Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone, and Telefonica/02. After Germany, units in UK and Spain will also get the update. Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/sonys_xperia_x_nougat_concept_will_get_volte_support_soon-news-21935.php

Lenovo's IdeaPad 500 (15) laptop gets $200 price cut

Lenovo has given its IdeaPad 500 laptop a price cut in the United States. The 15.6-inch device is currently available for $349.99, down from $549.99 price tag it usually carries. You'll have to use the e-coupon DAILYPROMO10 to avail the discount. The laptop is powered by Intel Skylake Core i3 processor and features a full HD display. It comes with 6GB RAM and 500GB storage, features JBL stereo speakers, and is claimed to offer up to 4 hours of local video playback. Source

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/lenovos_15inch_ideapad_500_gets_200_price_cut-news-21938.php