Second-gen Motorola Moto 360 drops to under $200 in US

If you are a Motorola fan in the US and are in the market for a smartwatch, you'll be glad to know that the second-generation Moto 360 has dropped to under $200. Specifically, Verizon is selling the 46mm, silver variant for $199.99. A quick look at Motorola's US website reveals that the smartwatch officially starts at $349.99, while some of the other retailers like B&H Photo have the model listed for around $300. So, in any case, purchasing the watch from Verizon will save you at-least around $100. For more information on the deal, head to the Source line below. Source

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/secondgen_motorola_moto_360_46mm_drops_to_under_200_in_us-news-22354.php

Cyanogen services shutting down on December 31

Cyanogen, the company behind the Cyanogen OS is shutting down operations at the end of this year, specifically on December 31, 2016. As part of this process, all services will be shutdown and development on nightly builds will cease from that day onwards. As for CyanogenMod, the open source Android based operating system developed and maintained by the community, it will continue to exist solely on the efforts of developers who want to continue developing it as a personal project. The source code will remain available for anyone wanting to continue working on it. The company...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/cyanogen_services_shutting_down_on_december_31-news-22356.php

New LeEco Le Pro3 update brings December security patch, other changes

The LeEco Le Pro3 has started receiving a new update. Arriving as firmware version EUI 5.8.020S and weighing in at around 345MB, the update brings along Android security fixes for the month of December. Several other changes are included as well. For example, the GMS package has been updated for better stability and security and Bluetooth discovery time has been reduced to 20sec in order to save resources. In addition, there are also changes related to launcher, messaging, camera, app permissions, and more. Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/new_leeco_le_pro3_update_brings_december_security_patch_other_changes-news-22355.php

Microsoft Surface Pro 4 receives £75 price cut in UK

If you are in the UK, and are planning to purchase the Microsoft Surface Pro 4, you might want to check out the deal Amazon UK is offering. The retailer has the tablet/laptop hybrid (Intel Core m3 variant) listed on its website for under £675 - £674.10 to be precise. That translates into a discount of around £75, given that the device usually carries a price tag of £749.99 on Amazon. A quick look at the model's listing on Microsoft's UK website reveals no discount - the device carries the same £749 price tag. There's currently no information on when the deal ends, so those planning...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/microsoft_surface_pro_4_receives_75_price_cut_in_uk-news-22352.php

Huawei Mate 9 gets a new color: obsidian black

The Huawei Mate 9, which was unveiled back in November this year, already comes in several color options. And now, the Chinese company has added a new color to the list: obsidian black. Aside from color, the new model is similar to the already available variants in all aspects, including price. As for availability, the obsidian black variant will go on sale starting December 25, which is tomorrow. For more images of the new model, head to the Via link below. Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/huawei_mate_9_gets_a_new_color_obsidian_black-news-22353.php

Motorola Moto X Style running Android 7.1.1 Nougat spotted on GFXBench

After the Motorola Moto X Play running Android 7.1 Nougat was spotted on GFXBench a couple of weeks ago, the Moto X Style with Android 7.1.1 has appeared on the benchmarking website as well, suggesting that the update is currently under testing and might be rolled out soon. Sadly, there is still no information on which of the two devices will get Nougat first, and more importantly, exactly when. So far, Motorola has rolled out the Nougat update to its Moto Z and Moto G (4th Gen) smartphones, which is inline with the company's roll out plans. Source 1 2

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/motorola_moto_x_style_running_android_711_nougat_spotted_on_gfxbench-news-22350.php

Retailer offering Motorola Moto Z Droid for under $5 a month

Late last month, Best Buy was selling the Motorola Moto Z Droid for just $4.99 a month. The deal also included a couple of freebies in the form of JBL SoundBoost MotoMod and the Incipio OffGrid 2,220mAh battery pack MotoMod. If for some reason you missed that deal, you'll be glad to know that the at-least the pricing for the Verizon-exclusive phone has dropped to the same figure again. The discount is available on both black and white color variants. While the former can only be purchased in-store, the latter can only be ordered online. A quick look at the handset's listing on...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/retailer_offering_motorola_moto_z_droid_for_under_5_a_month-news-22351.php

Report says Black Pearl Samsung Galaxy S7 edge will go on sale in India starting next month

Unveiled earlier this month and currently only available in select markets around the world, the new Black Pearl color variant of the Samsung Galaxy S7 edge will be launched in India early next month, according to a new report. To be specific, the report says that the model will go on sale in the country January 1 onwards, adding that some local retailers have in fact already started taking pre-orders for the device. As for price, the handset is said to cost INR 56,900 (around $840). In case you missed, the South Korean tech giant recently launched Pink Gold Galaxy S7 edge...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/report_says_black_pearl_samsung_galaxy_s7_edge_will_go_on_sale_in_india_starting_next_month-news-22349.php

Sony Xperia XZ and X Performance updated with December's security patch

The Sony Xperia X Performance and Xperia XZ were both recently updated with Android Nougat (1,2). Despite being updated right at the cusp between November and December, neither of these smartphones' updates were released late enough to get the December security patches from Google. Well, now both the Xperia XZ and Xperia X Performance are getting a new update that rolls up the build number from 39.2.A.0.237 to 39.2.A.0.361. The update also brings the Sony handsets to the latest security bulletin from Google for the month of December. Currently, the update is rolling out in some...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/sony_xperia_xz_and_x_performance_updated_with_december_security-news-22337.php

Xiaomi launched Piston Fresh in-ear headphones

Xiaomi introduced a new pair of in-ear headphones. They are dubbed Piston Fresh and are already availabe in China. The price is just 29 CNY or roughly $4. The company boasts that the new headphones feature 3rd generation damping system and come with built-in microphone and a button for receiving calls. Of course this is not a technological breakthrough but is a nice addition for such low price. They come in five different colors including blue, black, pink, purple and silver. The main drawback of the headphones is not working with iOS devices. Other specifications include an...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_launched_piston_fresh_inear_headphones-news-22343.php

Over the holidays Pokemon Go will make it easier to catch monsters

Today the Pokemon Go team has announced some changes for the holiday season. If you're an avid Pokemon Go player, you'll be happy to know that from the morning of December 25 and until the afternoon of January 3, the newest Pokemon that have been added are easier than ever to catch. In this period, PokeStops will award one single-use Incubator each day after your first Photo Disc spin. As you visit PokeStops, you'll have a greater than usual chance of finding eggs that will hatch Togepi, Pichu, and several other recently introduced Pokemon. Additionally, the special edition Pikachu...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/over_the_holidays_pokemon_go_will_make_it_easier_to_catch_the_newest_monsters-news-22346.php

PSA: Don't install OnePlus 2's Oxygen OS 3.5.5 OTA

Just yesterday, OnePlus released an update to the OnePlus 2 for Oxygen OS which brought the phone to Oxygen OS version 3.5.5. Unfortunately, many users are reporting that the update keeps dropping network signal a few times per minute. OnePlus' community forum is currently getting flooded with owners saying the network frequently drops on the phone. The problem is almost entirely reported by owners on the Jio or Airtel networks in India, most of which are using both networks simultaneously since the OnePlus 2 is a dualSIM device. Users using two SIMs at once, regardless of network, have...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/psa_dont_install_oxygen_os_3_5_5-news-22347.php

Renders of BlackBerry Mercury (DTEK70) appear, show slightly different design

Back in June this year, there were rumors that BlackBerry is working on three new smartphones, code-named Neon, Argon, and Mercury. While the first two have already been outed (as the DTEK50 and DTEK60, respectively), the third one hasn't been much in news. Earlier this month, live images of the device leaked, clearly showing its front: And now, new renders alleged to be of the phone have leaked. Inline with what we've seen before, the new leaked images also reveal a physical QWERTY keyboard, a la original BlackBerry phones, but the location of front camera seems to be different -...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/blackberry_mercury_dtek70_leaks_in_renders-news-22340.php

Moto Z Play review: Playmodo

As 2016 draws to a close, we wanted to share our thoughts of the past twelve months - what impressed us, what angered us, what we look forward to. When writing news and review articles we stay objective, but this time we wanted to share our personal opinions.

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/moto_z_play-review-1538.php

6-inch Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus is on the way alongside 5-inch S8

Samsung is making two different Galaxy S8 sizes next year, new rumors from its home country of South Korea are saying. One, called Galaxy S8, will have a display around 5 inches in size, just like its predecessor - the Galaxy S7. The other phone, however, will go where Samsung hasn't gone before when it comes to the screen size of a flagship. The Galaxy S8 Plus is rumored to arrive at the same time as the S8 (and sharing most of the specs), but sporting a 6-inch AMOLED panel. Past reports have mentioned both phones would have curved displays, and this new speculation doesn't contradict...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/6inch_samsung_galaxy_s8_plus_is_on_the_way_alongside_5inch_s8-news-22345.php

OnePlus 3T video review

Ladies and gentlemen, it's time for another video review! Ready, set, let's go! This time we've taken the OnePlus 3T for a spin. So does the "T" stand for "Turbo"? Officially, no - the Chinese company says it was just trying to be funny and chose the letter because every other company seems so in love with "S", and "T" is the next letter after that. Hence, better? Well, you'll only find out what we think if you watch the video embedded below. In little over four minutes, you might make up your mind whether to buy a OnePlus 3T or not. Of course, if you have more time and prefer a very...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/oneplus_3t_video_review-news-22344.php

Latest MacBook Pro is the first Apple laptop without Consumer Reports recommendation

Apple's latest batch of MacBooks took yet another hit. Reactions and opinions varied from "touch screen for emojis" regarding the Touch Bar to being called "not good enough" by Forbes. Now some more criticism comes from Consumer Reports who opted not to recommend the flagship devices. In its report it praises performance and display quality but also finds massive issue with battery life. This comes as a big surprise considering that Apple tends to underpromise the battery life of their devices. Consumer Reports tested all three devices. The 13" MacBook Pro with Touch Bar ran for 16...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/newest_macbook_pro_is_the_first_macbook_not_recommended_by_consumer_reports-news-22342.php

Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 edge receiving new update

Samsung has started pushing out a new update to its Galaxy S7 and S7 edge smartphones. Weighing in at around 12MB, the update is currently hitting units in India. The size of the update clearly indicates that its a minor, bug-fixing update, but there is no official changelog. Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s7_and_s7_edge_getting_new_update-news-22336.php

Huawei Mate 9 image quality scores 85 in DxOMark test report

Image quality engineers from DxOMark put the Leica-powered dual-camera of Huawei Mate 9 to the test. The smartphone scored 85 which placed it on par with LG V20's imaging abilities. Last month we put the device to our tests and we examined the dual camera in detail. It consists 20 MP monochrome sensor and a 12MP RGB one and produces some pretty remarkable results. DxO's report notes the impressive job the Mate 9 does at capturing outdoor scenes. The level of detail is fascinating for such small sensor and the exposure is quite accurate. In poor daylight though loss of detail is...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/huawei_mate_9_image_quality_scores_85_in_dxomark_test_report-news-22338.php

Vodafone reveals January security update roll-out plan for Nexus 6P

The Huawei-made Google Nexus 6P will start getting the January security update in a couple of weeks from now, or at least in Australia. The update will start hitting units on Vodafone Australia January 4 onwards. The carrier revealed that the update - which weighs in at around 39MB - will carry the build number of N4F26I, and will bump the Android security patch level to January 5. As for the roll out, it will be a 15 day process, where days 1-3 will see around 10,000 units getting the update, followed by 10% of the remaining pool each day for the next 10 days. Finally, all the...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/carrier_reveals_january_security_update_rollout_plan_for_huawei_nexus_6p-news-22329.php

Huawei Mate 9 update brings December security patch, 10x digital zoom

Huawei has started rolling out a new update to its Mate 9 smartphone. Arriving as build version MHA-AL00C00B153 and weighing in at 278MB, the update brings along the Android security fixes for December. Aside from the latest security patch, the update also includes several other changes, including 10x digital zoom option in the camera as well as some performance related improvements. As is usually the case with OTA roll outs, it may take some time for the update to hit your device.If you feel impatient, you can manually check by heading to your handset's Settings menu. Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/december_security_update_hitting_huawei_mate_9-news-22331.php

Opera Max celebrates 50 million Android users with VIP mode

Opera announced that their data-saving app Opera Max reached 50 million active users. Along with that it updated the app which now has VIP mode for unlimited data savings and privacy. Opera was always aiming to compress the web. With their Opera Max free VPN application you are able to lower your data usage when browsing and streaming audio and video. The only requirement is to tap a button every 12 hours to lengthen you data-saving experience. When tapped, the app shows various ads which are the main income for the data-compressing servers of the Norwegian software company. Opera...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/opera_max_celebrates_50_million_android_users_with_vip_mode-news-22335.php

HTC X10 now leaks in images

The HTC X10, which was spotted last month in a filing with the Eurasian Economic Commission, has now leaked in images. The leak majorly focuses on the front of the device, although there's also an image showing its upper back. Apparently, the phone doesn't feature a fingerprint sensor. The leak also reveals some of the handset's key specs, including Helio P10 SoC, 5.5-inch full HD display, 13MP rear camera, and 3GB RAM. Most of these specs are inline with what all has already been rumored. The leak says the device will retail for around RMB 2,000 in China, which translates to...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/htc_x10_now_leaks_in_images-news-22330.php

ASUS launches ZenWatch 3 in India

ASUS has launched its latest smartwatch, the ZenWatch 3, in India. It will be available in three variants, Gunmetal with leather strap, Gunmetal with rubber strap, and Silver with rubber strap. The first one is priced at INR 18,999 ($280) while the remaining two are priced at INR 17,599 ($259). Preorders for the first two begin on December 23 and the third variant will be available in January 2017. Some notable features of the ZenWatch 3 include a 1.39-inch circular AMOLED display, 2.5D Gorilla Glass 3, Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 2100 processor, 4GB storage, 512MB RAM, 6-axis...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/asus_launches_zenwatch_3_in_india-news-22332.php

Truecaller gets Call Me Back feature for Android

Truecaller rolled out an updated version of its app on Google Play today. The 7.82 version has Call Me Back feature that ensures that at any given point of time you can see if your contact is busy, non-reachable or for some reason is blocking the call. Users will also receive push notifications for missed calls in order to not forget important calls. Truecaller said the update reflects their commitment to make communication safer and more efficient for the users. Furthermore, such a feature is something that the providers have been aiming to aid their last mile call completion...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/truecaller_gets_call_me_back_feature_for_android-news-22317.php

Xiaomi announced Mi Notebook Air 4G in collaboration with China Mobile

You probably remember the Mi Notebook Air release in the summer. The ultrabook came in two sizes 13.3-inch and 12.5-inch, both with 1080p displays. Now the Chinese company announced upgraded version of the notebooks with 4G built-in support. Even more - Xiaomi is partnering with China Mobile and the devices are pre-bundled with 4GB data plan/month for one year. Both devices sport all-metal design and screens with 170-degree viewing angle. The 12.5-inch device is just 14.8mm thick and only 1.07kg but comes at a price - Xiaomi opted to go for lightness and portability so only fitted...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_announced_mi_notebook_air_4g_in_collaboration_with_china_mobile-news-22334.php

Sony launches Cyber-shot HX350 super zoom camera

Sony has launched the Cyber-shot HX350 super zoom camera in Europe. The successor to the HX300 comes with a massive 24mm to 1200mm (35mm equivalent) f2.8-6.3 ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T* lens with a 50x optical zoom. The lens is optically stabilized to reduce blur at the telephoto end. Behind the lens sits a 20.4 megapixel EXMOR R sensor with a BIONZ X image processor. Other features include manual ring for zoom or focus adjust, custom button for quick adjustment, 3.0-inch tilting 921k dot LCD, 10fps burst mode, 1080p60 video, and HDMI out. The Cyber-shot HX350 is priced at €449 and...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/sony_launches_cybershot_hx350_super_zoom_camera-news-22313.php

TCL's to showcase upcoming BlackBerry smartphone tech at CES 2017

TCL - which has already worked with BlackBerry on the DTEK50 and DTEK60 in the past, and is now the exclusive global manufacturer and distributor for all upcoming BlackBerry-branded smartphones - has said that it "will unveil an evolutionary first in the mobile industry," at the upcoming CES show in January. The revelation was made by the company in a recent press release. BlackBerry DTEK50 by TCL "We'll unveil more news at CES around our plans, showcasing the legacy of the BlackBerry smartphone brand, while also giving a glimpse into what new BlackBerry smartphones will offer as...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/tcls_ces_2017_plans_include_giving_glimpse_into_what_new_blackberry_smartphones_will_offer-news-22328.php

Pink Gold Samsung Galaxy S7 edge now available in India

Launched back in April this year and available in a handful of markets currently, the Pink Gold color variant of the Samsung Galaxy S7 edge is now available for purchase in India as well. The South Korean company has the model listed on its official India website for INR 50,900 (around $750). So there's no change in price as other color variants also carry the same price tag. The listing further reveals that for another INR 2,980 (INR 1,990 + INR 990), you can also get the new Gear VR headset and avail a screen replacement offer as well. While the standard Galaxy S7 also comes in...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/pink_gold_samsung_galaxy_s7_edge_now_available_in_india-news-22325.php

Fitbit Flex currently going for under $50 in US

Fitbit's Flex fitness tracker has received a price cut in the United States, where retailer Amazon has it listed on its website for as low as under $50 - $49.99 to be precise - down from the $69.99 price tag it usually carries there. If you take a look at Fitbit's US website, you'll see that the company is officially selling the device for $79.99. So at under $50, Amazon is offering quite a deal on the fitness band - the only thing is that shipments will begin December 30 onwards. There's currently no information on when the discount ends, so those interested in availing the offer...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/fitbit_flex_currently_going_for_under_50_in_us-news-22327.php

Honor confirms February release for Honor 8's Nougat update

Honor has confirmed a timetable for when the Nougat update will be coming to the Honor 8, officially. The Honor 8 will be updated with Huawei's newest EMUI 5.0 overlaid on top of Android Nougat 7.0. The Nougat Beta test has already been ongoing for beta testers of the Honor 8 since the end of last month. EMUI 5.0 brings new optimizations and a learning algorithm that can prioritize your apps based on the ones you use most frequently for optimal performance out of the phone's Kirin 950. It will also have a more intelligent power management system with a bunch of new power save...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/honor_confirms_february_release_for_honor_8s_nougat_update-news-22326.php

Prankster creates Wi-Fi hotspot: "Galaxy Note7" in-flight, captain threatens to land early

As you know, the Samsung Galaxy Note7 is totally forbidden from boarding any US airline due to safety concerns of batteries that have ignited due to a flaw in their design. This is as per the US DOT (Deparment of Transportation) who issued the nationwide ban. Well, someone thought it would be fun to see people's reactions when they renamed their own portable Wi-Fi Hotspot to ‘Samsung Galaxy Note 7_1097' which raised dire concerns mid-flight the overnight service from San Francisco to Boston. A passenger was aboard the Virgin Airlines flight that tweeted a screenshot of the Wi-Fi network...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/prankster_creates_wifi_hotspot_galaxy_note7_inflight_captain_threatens_to_land_early-news-22324.php

T-Mobile launches Buy One, Get One free promo for Samsung smartphones

Today T-Mobile has started offering yet another Buy One, Get One free deal for Samsung smartphones. Throughout the year, there have been quite a few of these, the latest last month. And now it's back. The current deal is available until January 27 (which is the last day on which you can redeem your promo code). Participating phones are the Galaxy S7, S7 edge, Note5, S6, S6 edge, S6 edge+, and J7. Basically you can grab any one of these and get another for free. Caveats? Sure, there are plenty. First off, you must pay whatever you have to in order to get both handsets. After your...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/tmobile_launches_buy_one_get_one_free_promo_for_samsung_smartphones-news-22323.php

Xiaomi releases blue and black Redmi Note 4

Today Xiaomi has decided that Samsung isn't the only Android handset maker that can play the game of adding new color versions to a device a few months after its release in order to make people interested in it again. Blue Coral? Black Pearl? Well, not exactly, but close anyway. See, over in its home market of China, Xiaomi has now made the Redmi Note 4 available in two new colors: blue and black. Previously (and since its introduction this summer), the Redmi Note 4 was only offered in silver, gray, and gold. But from now on you can choose a blue or black Redmi Note 4. The hues...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_releases_blue_and_black_redmi_note_4-news-22322.php

Pokemon Go is now live on the Apple Watch

Back in September at Apple's big iPhone event, Niantic showed a demo of Pokemon Go running on the Apple Watch. This was promised to arrive soon after that. Well, it's definitely taken its sweet time, but Pokemon Go is now finally available for the Apple Watch. It will give you notifications for nearby Pokemon, PokeStops, eggs, and medals. You can collect goodies from PokeStops straight from your Apple Watch, but it's impossible to actually catch Pokemon on your wrist. For that, you still need your iPhone (though the fact that your watch notifies you when a Pokemon is in your vicinity is...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/pokemon_go_is_now_live_on_the_apple_watch-news-22321.php

Original Samsung Galaxy A5 is getting Android 7.0 Nougat update in January

Samsung is obviously working on getting final, stable Android 7.0 Nougat updates for its flagship devices out as soon as possible - in fact there have already been several beta releases for the Galaxy S7. But what about the mid-rangers? At the beginning of the month we heard that the entire Galaxy A (2016) line would in fact be graced with the ability to taste the sweet treat, even if a timeline for the rollout wasn't shared. That's perhaps to be expected, but what about a member of the original A series? Namely, the Galaxy A5 from 2014. You probably wouldn't hold your breath expecting...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/original_samsung_galaxy_a5_is_getting_android_70_nougat_update_in_january-news-22319.php

Google confirms that it's launching two flagship Android Wear smartwatches in early 2017

Two reports from a few months ago claimed that Google was working on two high-end smartwatches of its own, which were supposed to debut alongside the Android Wear 2.0 release this year. But then the new version of the company's wearable OS got delayed until 2017, and so we assumed the launch of the watches was postponed for that reason. It turns out that's exactly what happened. Today Jeff Chang, Google's product manager of Android Wear, has confirmed that the company is developing two flagship smartwatches which will be on the market in the first quarter of next year (so before March...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/google_confirms_that_its_launching_two_flagship_android_wear_smartwatches_in_early_2017-news-22320.php

OnePlus 2 receives OxygenOS 3.5.5 update, still Marshmallow

While the OnePlus 3 and 3T are apparently set to receive their updates to Android 7.0 Nougat before this year is over, the same probably can't be said for the OnePlus 2. Last year's flagship from the Chinese upstart may taste Nougat itself, but the day when that happens isn't today. Instead, owners of the OnePlus 2 will be getting a new update based on Marshmallow, namely OxygenOS 3.5.5. This has started rolling out incrementally, which means the over-the-air update will reach a small number of phones today, and a broader release will follow in the next few days. The new software...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/oneplus_2_receives_oxygenos_355_update_still_marshmallow-news-22318.php

Amazon Echo sold out right before Christmas

Amazon sold out all its voice-activated Echo speakers, reported Bloomberg earlier. The $179.99 Echo ($139.99 holiday price) will be available for purchase in January and it's smaller variation Echo Dot will be available for $39.99 just after Christmas. Both products were discounted to answer the aggressive release of Google Home which is currently priced at $129. The lack of a device on the market right before Christmas always results in spike at competitor's sales and Google are currently with the long straw. Amazon's puck-looking Echo Dot Amazon spokeswoman Kinley Pearsall...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/amazon_echo_sold_out_right_before_christmas-news-22314.php

HTC 10 gets a new firmware update with optimizations and patches

The HTC 10 flagship has already got the Nougat treatment a month ago, but it's now time for yet another update. As of today, HTC is seeding a new firmware version over the air, which turned out quite hefty at 610MB. Despite the big file size, the change log is quite the opposite - just the latest security patches, and additional software optimizations. There are no new features, apps, or services, everything new is under the hood. The update is already available on some unlocked units, but it should be seeding everywhere in a few days or weeks. Meanwhile, if you own an HTC 10, you may...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/htc_10_gets_a_new_firmware_update_with_optimizations_and_patches-news-22315.php

LG giving out a V20, Tone headset and more on Twitter (US only)

LG is making a list it's checking it twice LG's gonna find out who's naughty and nice If you retweet the tweet below by midnight tomorrow (the 23rd) you get on the #LGNiceList and get a chance to win an LG V20, Tone Bluetooth headphones, a second-gen Rolly Keyboard or other prizes. Alternatively, you can post a comment on this Facebook post, filling in the blank in "Life's good when ___!" Additional prizes include an LG G Pad X II 10.1 tablet or an LG Sound 360 speaker. Here's your chance to win the #LGNiceList grand prize: #LGV20, #LGTONE, Rolly Keyboard 2 & more! RT by 12/23....

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/lg_giving_out_a_v20_tone_headset_and_more_on_twitter_us_only-news-22312.php

Samsung Galaxy J7 (2017) brought to live in speculative 3D renders

The Samsung Galaxy J7 (2017) leaks have lacked pictures, but now we have plenty to look at. @OnLeaks and 91mobiles have partnered up to turn info and measurements about the upcoming J7 to 3D renders. An interesting change is the horizontal metallic strip on the back, which houses the camera and LED flash. That final element may be the loudspeaker - it's an odd position, but there's no grill visible elsewhere (it's always possible that the earpiece will be roped into loudspeaker duties). Samsung Galaxy J7 (2017) renders (speculative) The Samsung Galaxy J7 (2017) will...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_j7_2017_brought_to_live_in_speculative_3d_renders-news-22310.php

Acer ceases smartphone sales in India

Acer has revealed its plans to stop selling smartphones in India. The company will focus on its hardware and laptop businesses in the country instead. India is the fastest growing smartphone market in the world, and yet Acer has decided that for now it won't be a focus for the company. Acer India's chief revealed that government policies like Made in India have had their influence on the company's decision. Here's what Harish Kohli, Managing Director, Acer India has shared. The change in government policies of Make in India and other aspects, our realisation has been that it is too...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/acer_ceases_smartphone_sales_in_india-news-22311.php

Acer seizes smartphone sales in India

Acer has revealed its plans to stop selling smartphones in India. The company will focus on its hardware and laptop businesses in the country instead. India is the fastest growing smartphone market in the world, and yet Acer has decided that for now it won't be a focus for the company. Acer India's chief revealed that government policies like Made in India have had their influence on the company's decision. Here's what Harish Kohli, Managing Director, Acer India has shared. The change in government policies of Make in India and other aspects, our realisation has been that it is too...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/acer_seizes_smartphone_sales_in_india-news-22311.php

Xiaomi launches Christmas deals in India, Xiaomi Mi 5 price cut 15%

Xiaomi wants to solve the stocking stuffer conundrum by offering discounts on its devices and accessories in India. The early 2016 flagship, Xiaomi Mi 5, is 15% off and down to INR 20,000. Some of the other Mi phones have gotten cheaper, but not all of them (the Mi VR and Mi Max, for example, are at their usual price). Xiaomi's headphones have gotten decent discounts too, likethe Mi Pro in-ear, which goes for INR 1,600 (INR 200 off). Then there's the new 20,000mAh Mi Power Bank is down to INR 1,900, the older 10,000mAh bank is about half that. The White flip case for the Redmi Note is...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_launches_christmas_deals_in_india_xiaomi_mi_5_price_cut_15-news-22309.php

RollerCoaster Tycoon Classic launches on Android and iOS

It seems like only yesterday when I tried to design the worst roller coaster - or the best, if park visitors expected to be launched into the air with no hope of landing safely. Yes, that's RollerCoaster Tycoon for you and you can relive these memories on your Android or iOS device. RollerCoaster Tycoon Classic brings back the blocky graphics of the DOS era when you could see the despair in a face only a few pixels across. Nostalgia comes at a price, though, you'll have to shell out $6 and there are still in-game purchases (the dev swears these are only to unlock expansions and not for...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/rollercoaster_tycoon_classic_launches_on_android_and_ios-news-22308.php

Huawei P10 allegedly coming with dual-curved screen

Rumors about Huawei's new flagship P10 keep pouring. Earlier this year we reported likely specs and images of the early prototype. According to the Weibo user reviewer_xiaokang the new device will come with dual-curved screen. Front fingerprinting is also expected in Huawei P9's successor. Several sources reported back-mounted fingerprint sensor but apparently the Chinese company is aiming for the more conventional user option. Alleged Huawei P10 Reports also include wireless charging and if that's true it will be a first for Huawei. We are eager to confirm this part of the...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/huawei_p10_allegedly_coming_with_dualcurved_screen-news-22307.php

Samsung Galaxy S7/S7 edge units in Australia won't jump straight to Android 7.1

Earlier this month Samsung confirmed that the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge smartphones will be directly updated to Android Nougat version 7.1. However, now it appears that there might be some markets where the devices won't skip the Android 7.0 update. Specifically, a Vodafone Australia representative has confirmed that they are testing Android 7.0 for Galaxy S7 and S7 edge units on their network, as that's the update that will be rolled out to the devices in the country. Of course, information coming from company representatives isn't always correct - we've seen internal miscommunication...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s7_s7_edge_units_in_australia_wont_jump_straight_to_android_71-news-22301.php

LG officially announces 2017 K series and Stylus 3 smartphones

As expected, LG has announced a range of new smartphones, including those belonging to the company's 2017 K series (the K3, K4, K8, and K10) as well as the Stylus 3. All these handsets will be showcased at the upcoming CES 2017 show. The K10 (2017) is powered by Mediatek's MT6750 SoC and sports a 5.3-inch HD display. RAM is 2GB, while internal memory is 32GB. In terms of camera, the device packs in a 13MP rear unit and a 5MP front shooter. Measuring 148.7 x 75.3 x 7.9mm and weighing in at 142g, the phone packs in a 2,800mAh battery, runs Android 7.0 Nougat, and features a...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/lg_officially_announces_2017_k_series_and_stylus_3_smartphones-news-22306.php

Google Pixel currently going for $625 in US - a $24 price cut

If you are in the US, and are planning to purchase the Google Pixel, you'll be glad to know that the device is currently going for $625 in the country. Specifically, Newegg has the 32GB, Quite Black variant listed on its website for that price. A quick look at the Mountain View, California-based company's online store reveals that the device is being officially sold for $649, meaning purchasing from Newegg will save you around $25. The promo runs until Tuesday next week, so those interested in availing the offer have a few days at hand. Source

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/google_pixel_currently_going_for_625_in_us__a_24_price_cut-news-22303.php