Google Play app revenue up 82% in Q4 2016, 60% growth for the App Store

Total app revenue from the Apple App Store reached $5.4B in Q4 2016, a 60% increase year-on-year, SensorTower reports. Google's Play Store enjoyed an even bigger growth - 82% compared to the same period of 2015, but is still trailing the App Store in absolute figures - its $3.3B total is less than what Apple's store generated the year before. The approximate total for both platforms combined is $8.7B - a 67% increase YoY. A total of 19.2 billion app installs were estimated to have taken place in Q4 2016 and that's a more modest 17% increase compared to the same period of...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/google_play_app_revenue_up_82_in_q4_2016_60_growth_for_the_app_store-news-22759.php

After Axon 7, ZTE now launches Nougat beta program for Zmax Pro

Over a month after launching a Nougat beta program for its Axon 7 smartphone in the US, ZTE has launched a similar program for the Zmax Pro in the country. Needless to say, the program is only available to users in the US. Also, interested candidates should be registered Z-Community users. Those selected will be required to capture logs upon request, provide detailed bug reports, and complete all tasks and surveys on time. The company also notes that candidates are expected to strictly follow Non-Disclosure Agreement when selected. Those interested in joining the program can...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/after_axon_7_zte_now_launches_nougat_beta_program_for_zmax_pro-news-22758.php

Nougat update for Sony Xperia Z5/Z4 Tablet and Z3+ receives certification

Looks like the Nougat update for Sony's Xperia Z5/Z4 Tablet and Z3+ series devices will soon be rolled out. That's because the update has been certified by PTCRB (a wireless device certification forum led by North American mobile operators). The update will move the build number from 32.2.A.5.11 to version 32.3.A.0.372. Sadly, there's currently no information on exactly when the roll out will begin, but given that the update has started collecting necessary certifications, that should happen sooner than later. Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/nougat_update_for_sony_xperia_z5_z4_and_z3_receives_certification-news-22755.php

Microsoft Arrow Launcher now lets you customize name and icon for apps

Microsoft has pushed out a new update to its Arrow Launcher Android app. The update brings along several changes, including the ability to change names and icons for apps. "Customize the icon and name of individual app - Just long press on any app to change it," the change-log for the update explains. In addition, the update also adds a new backup and restore feature. You can use this feature to save your app layout and settings, something which is helpful in situations where-in you need to re-install Arrow. Finally, the updated Arrow app also features some wallpaper-related...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/microsoft_arrow_launcher_now_lets_you_customize_name_and_icon_for_an_app-news-22757.php

Huawei Mate 9 and Lenovo P2 now available in UK

The Lenovo P2 with a mammoth 5,100mAh battery and Huawei's Mate 9 flagship smartphone are both now available for purchase in the UK. Carrier Three UK has both devices listed on its website. Specifically, the Mate 9 is available in Space Gray color option with 64GB storage. As for pricing, it's available on contract, with plans beginning from as low as £31.00 a month (£99.00 upfront.). Coming to the Lenovo P2, it's available in Grey color option with 32GB storage. Like the Mate 9, the P2 is also available on contract, with plans starting from £18.00 a month (no upfront). For...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/huawei_mate_9_and_lenovo_p2_now_available_in_uk-news-22754.php

alcatel IDOL 4S with Windows 10 and VR receives price cut

The Windows 10-powered alcatel IDOL 4S was launched in the US on November 11. It's a T-Mobile exclusive that comes with a free VR headset. At launch, the device carried a price tag of $469.99, however, a quick look at the carrier's website now reveals that it's price has come down. The handset is now listed for $432, which translates into a discount of around 8%. The listing doesn't say whether it's a permanent price cut or limited-time, so those planning to avail the deal may have to act fast. For more information, head to the Source link below. Source

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/alcatel_idol_4s_with_windows_10_and_vr_receives_price_cut-news-22756.php

Android 7.0 beta rollout for Huawei Maimang 5 and G9 Plus begins

Huawei has started rolling out the Nougat beta update to its Maimang 5 smartphone as well as its global counterpart the G9 Plus. Arriving as build number B330, the update is currently only hitting units running B150 or B159 builds. Also, not everyone will be getting the update yet - it'll be hitting select 300 units in the first phase. In case you missed, the Chinese company shared its Nougat roll out plans in December beginning. While the firm had said that the roll-out will begin in Q1 2017, the Mate 8 and P9 have already received the update ahead of the schedule in China. A...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/android_70_beta_rollout_for_huawei_maimang_5_g9_plus_begins-news-22753.php

Nougat roll out for HTC 10 halted due to bugs

HTC has halted the roll out of the Nougat update for its HTC 10 smartphone. The step was taken after the update was found to be buggy. This was seemingly revealed by the German subsidiary of the company on social media channels. Exact details on the bugs isn't known at the moment; also not known is when the roll out would resume. HTC started pushing out the HTC 10 Nougat update towards November end. Recently, T-Mobile US rolled out the update to units on its network. There's currently no information on whether a particular region/market is affected by the company's decision to...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/skype_for_linux_alpha_updated_with_ability_to_autostart_launch_minimized-news-22752.php

Skype for Linux Alpha updated with ability to auto-start, launch minimized

Microsoft has pushed out a new update to Skype for Linux Alpha. The update bumps the app to version 1.15 and brings along some new features and improvements, including an auto-start feature, which you can access by heading to Tools->Launch at Login. In addition, the update includes the ability to launch minimized (Tools->Launch Minimized). Further, the update also enables a context menu with copy/paste commands in the message input area. And finally, "many smaller improvements and bugfixes" are included as well. Source

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/skype_for_linux_alpha_updated_with_ability_to_autostart_launch_minimized-news-22751.php

Nougat update for Honor 8 will roll out on January 16 in Japan

Honor is just about ready to roll out the update for Honor 8 users in Japan. Huawei Japan has officially announced that the Nougat update will begin to deploy to Honor 8 users on Monday January 16 after 12:00 and the rollout take about a full month to reach all users. Honor has been beta testing the Android Nougat update for the Honor 8 for the past few months. Users participating in the Nougat beta have been receiving periodic beta builds since around November of last year. With the Nougat update, the Honor 8 will run EMUI 5.0 which brings significant aesthetic differences, as well as a...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/nougat_update_for_honor_8_will_roll_out_on_january_16_in_japan-news-22750.php

Moto Z Play in Europe gets Android Nougat this month too

Yesterday Motorola's arm in Germany revealed via its official Twitter account that the Moto X Play from 2015 is going to receive its Android Nougat update by the end of this month. And now the same account is back with basically the same time frame for the newer Moto Z Play. While the Moto Z and Moto Z Force have already tasted Nougat, the third member of the Z line hasn't had the honor yet. That will change by the end of January, however, at least for devices purchased in Germany (and, we assume, all of the EU). As usual unlocked units are likely to get it first, then followed by phones...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/moto_z_play_in_europe_gets_android_nougat_this_month_too-news-22749.php

Android co-founder Andy Rubin is working on a high-end bezelless modular smartphone

If you're an Android fan you surely know who Andy Rubin is. He co-founded Android Inc. before selling it to Google in 2005, then ran it inside the search giant until 2013, when he switched to new projects at the company. Rubin left Google in 2014, started a tech incubator called Playground Global, and also apparently has been working on a smartphone. A new report surfaced today saying that Andy Rubin created a new company called Essential Products Inc., which will soon launch "a suite of consumer hardware products, including ones for the mobile and smart home", according to "people...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/android_cofounder_andy_rubin_is_working_on_a_highend_bezelless_modular_smartphone-news-22748.php

Motorola is holding an event at MWC in Barcelona on February 26

Usually the Sunday before Mobile World Congress (MWC) starts is filled with events from various smartphone makers announcing their new products. And this year will be no different. Nokia and Huawei have already revealed that they're going to hold press conferences on February 26, and now it's time for a third company to jump at the opportunity. Motorola is going to have an event of its own in Barcelona on February 26, at 4:30 PM local time as you can see. The invite below has been sent to media outlets, and we expect at least one new smartphone to become official on that...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/motorola_is_holding_an_event_at_mwc_in_barcelona_on_february_26-news-22747.php

Galaxy J3 Emerge for Sprint, Boost, and Virgin Mobile becomes official

It looks like Samsung enjoys silent announcements this Friday the 13th. Following the quiet unveiling of the Galaxy C7 Pro in China, the company has now listed the Galaxy J3 Emerge on its official website for the US. This handset is a slightly tweaked version of the still unannounced Galaxy J3 (2017) that will be sold in international markets. The J3 Emerge's existence (and launch in the first half of January) was revealed last month. That said, the leak in question spoke of a January 6 unveiling, so Samsung was a week late compared to that. The Galaxy J3 Emerge will be sold by Sprint as...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/galaxy_j3_emerge_for_sprint_boost_and_virgin_mobile_becomes_official-news-22746.php

Upcoming Samsung Galaxy J7 (2017) spotted in benchmark

Now that Samsung has made the Galaxy A (2017) series official, we're expecting the Korean company to also announce the Galaxy J (2017) devices at some point in the near future. These more affordable handsets have been leaking quite a few times lately. And while most of the leaks so far have been about the Galaxy J3 (2017), which will be known in the US as the Galaxy J3 Emerge, today we are reminded that a Galaxy J7 (2017) is coming too. Someone in possession of a prototype J7 (2017) has run Geekbench 4 on it, and as usual this has resulted in some information about the phone being...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/upcoming_samsung_galaxy_j7_2017_spotted_in_benchmark-news-22745.php

Motorola Moto M review: M for Midranger

You can't spell midranger without an M, and the Moto M is not taking linguistics lightly. Among other things not taken lightly are looks and substance (in that order), and that's where it differs from its Moto G4 siblings, which are about as exciting to look at as a rock. And not a precious stone, either.

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/motorola_moto_m-review-1552.php

Samsung unveils Galaxy C7 Pro

The leak saga about Samsung Galaxy C7 Pro is over - the device was officially unveiled at the Korean manufacturer's website.. The Galaxy C7 Pro is built around a 5.7" 1080p Super AMOLED screen and runs Android 6.0.1. Marshmallow on a 14nm Snapdragon 625 chipset. The octa-core Cortex-A53 CPU is running at 2.2 GHz, while available RAM is 4GB. Both cameras of the Galaxy C7 Pro have 16 MP sensors and bright f/1.9 apertures. Their video recording maxes out at FullHD@30fps.The internal storage is 64GB, with 50.9 GB of those user-available. Also the second SIM slot supports either a...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_unveiled_galaxy_c7_pro_in_china-news-22744.php

Wileyfox releases Swift 2X with 5.2" FullHD display

The UK-based manufacturer Wileyfox just released the successor of last year's Swift 2 called Swift 2X. The handset comes with 5.2" 1080p display and a 2.5D Gorilla Glass 3. The cameras are also improved over the predecessor - Samsung provided two modules - a 16 MP and an 8 MP one. The company boasts about an F/2.0 aperture of the main one and 0.75sec focus of the selfie camera. Swift 2X comes with Type-C connector with USB 2.0 and QuickCharge 3.0 support. This means the 3,010 mAh battery could reach 75% from empty in just 55 minutes of charging. The chipset powering the whole...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/wileyfox_released_swift_2x_with_52_fullhd_display-news-22740.php

Samsung Galaxy A9 Pro (2016) reaches Europe

The Galaxy A9 Pro (2016) has been among the most interesting Samsung smartphones in 2016. Initially launched last March the handset remained an Asian exclusive until the end of the year. Well, that is no more, as the international version, the one already live in India has finally hit European soil. The handset was spotted on a shelf in Romania, with an asking price of RON2,180 . This translates to roughly EUR 485 - a fairly good deal for what the Galaxy A9 Pro (2016) has to offer. The Galaxy A9 Pro (2016) is powered by a Snapdragon 652 chipset and sports a 6-inch 1080p display....

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_a9_pro_2016_reaches_europe_now_on_sale_in_romania-news-22739.php

HTC to introduce half as many smartphones this year

HTC released HTC U Ultra and HTC U Play yesterday, but it's not done with the announcements. It was later revealed that the company aims to halve the number of devices it releases in 2017 compared to 2016. In an interview, Chialin Chang, President of Smartphone and Connected Devices Business said HTC is aiming to launch 6-7 phones and said that way the company will focus on its smartphones' core features. One of the main features we saw yesterday was Sense Companion - a virtual assistant that combines Google's Awareness API and third-party data. In order to work properly, the...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/htc_to_introduce_half_as_many_smartphones_this_year-news-22738.php

Panasonic released Toughpad FZ-A2 - a tablet for extreme conditions

We've seen lots of expensive tablets. Some were with high price tag because of the display, others because of the design or ecosystem, but the Panasonic FZ-A2 costs $2,189 for a completely different reason. Interestingly enough, the model is Wi-Fi only. Sometimes businesses need tough devices that can last for hours and can work in various conditions such as factories, roadwork or mining. That's why Panasonic released FZ-A2 with MIL-STD-810G certification. It also has IP65 rating for protection of dust and water. Back Front Right Left The display is 10.1" WUXGA IPS that...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/panasonic_released_toughpad_fza2__a_tablet_for_extreme_conditions-news-22735.php

Harman shareholders unhappy with Samsung deal, file lawsuit to block it

Samsung put $8 billion on the table in a bid to become the leading supplier of parts for connected cars by acquiring Harman. This deal is now in jeopardy as shareholders (led by Robert Pine) have filed a lawsuit against Harman's CEO and board of directors. The suit alleges that the agreed upon price is too low, below the corporate value of Harman. The shareholders are also unhappy that the CEO and board did not look for competing bids for the company. Samsung agreed to pay $112 per share, a 28% premium on the day and 37% higher than the average share price for November (Harman shares...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/harman_shareholders_unhappy_with_samsung_deal_file_lawsuit_to_block_it-news-22733.php

Consumer Reports now recommends the MacBook Pro

The latest MacBook Pro is a really powerful notebook as always but for the first time there were concerns about its battery life. They were so strong that Consumer Reports ran tests and didn't give the MacBook Pro its blessing for the first time in the history of the lineup. After that Apple started working together with the organization to fix the problem. Consumer Reports said the battery life was inconsistent in all three devices - The 13" MacBook Pro with Touch Bar, the non-Touch Bar 13" notebook and the flagship with 15" display. 13" MacBook Pro without Touch Bar • 13" MacBook...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/consumer_reports_now_recommends_macbook_pro-news-22731.php

Exclusive: 3D renders of the Samsung Galaxy S8

There are many rumors about the Samsung Galaxy S8 but it can be hard to tell which are credible. A case maker (which prefers to remain anonymous) sent us 3D renders of the S8 based on accurate schematics. They are only three images but tell plenty. First off, Samsung has taken the "edge" design forward, the side curves of the display are much more pronounced, pushing the bezels out of sight. Something else was kicked off the front - the Home key. That was moved on screen and the fingerprint reader it used to house was pushed under the glass. Notice that there are speaker grills both...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/exclusive_3d_renders_of_the_samsung_galaxy_s8_sent_to_us_by_a_case_maker-news-22732.php

Nintendo Switch launching on March 3 at $300

The gaming console Nintendo Switch was revealed today and is now available for pre-order in limited quantities. If you don't manage to preorder or you just want to wait, the date is March 3 - then the console will be available in 31 European countries including UK, France, Germany, Denmark, Portugal and Russia. South Africa and United States will also get the device on the same date. The price is 280 GBP for UK, $300 in the United States and 29,980 yen in Japan which is about 40 dollars cheaper. There will be two versions of the console - with a set of grey Joy-Con controllers and...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/nintendo_switch_launching_on_march_3_at_300-news-22728.php

New LG Smartwatch passes through FCC

After smartwatches were the thing of 2015, the hype pretty much died in 2016. Now that Google is finally about to unveil the Wear 2.0 platform though things are bound to start heating up again. It seems LG is ready to take the dive again. The FCC has already issues a certification for at least one 2017 smartwatch model. Rumors claim, that we might actually have a total of four models to look forward to. Or, if not that, four variants of the same device. Sadly, the document holds little information on the actual hardware. Judging by the screenshots, the round display will...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/new_lg_smartwatch_passes_through_fcc-news-22729.php

Retailer offering free games worth $100 with Xbox One Elite Wireless Controller

Newegg is offering a sweet deal on the Xbox One Elite Wireless Controller. You can get free games worth nearly $100 with each purchase of the device. The freebies include 'The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition' and 'Assassin's Creed The Ezio Collection'. The two titles cost $49.99 each. The controller itself is being sold for $149.99, which is about what Microsoft is officially asking for the device. As of writing, the deal at Newegg ends in 22 hours, so those willing to avail it do not have much time at hand. For more information on the promo, head to the Source link...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/retailer_offering_free_games_worth_100_with_xbox_one_elite_wireless_controller-news-22727.php

Nexus 6P and 5X users reporting in-car Bluetooth issues with Android 7.1.1 update

Looks like the version 7.1.1 of Android Nougat OS has some issues with in-car Bluetooth. A quick look at Google's product forums reveals that users of the Huawei Nexus 6P and LG Nexus 5X have been reporting this issue since the updated started rolling. After installing the Android 7.1.1 update, users say their devices are not able to connect to their in-car Bluetooth systems. And even if they connect - which happens with some - placing/taking hands-free calls doesn't work. The issue was first reported back in October last year, when Android 7.1.1 was under beta testing, and looking...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/nexus_6p_and_5x_users_reporting_incar_bluetooth_issues_with_android_711_update-news-22726.php

Reports: No home button on Galaxy S8/S8 Plus; only Plus variant to sport dual-camera setup

According to latest reports out of Samsung's home country of South Korea, the specs as well as the design of the company's upcoming Galaxy S series flagship has been finalized. It's being said that both Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus will not feature a physical home button, making them the first Galaxy S series phones of their kind. The fingerprint sensor will sit on the back. Samsung Galaxy S8... allegedly Also, the standard Galaxy S8 model will not feature a dual rear-camera setup - this has been done keeping in mind cost constraints. Further, the reports also note that while the...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/latest_reports_say_samsung_galaxy_s8_s8_plus_wont_have_physical_home_button_dualcamera_will_be_plus_-news-22725.php

Samsung Galaxy C9 Pro arriving in India next week

While we already know the Samsung Galaxy C9 Pro will soon be available outside of China, it has now been revealed that the device will be launched in India next week - January 18 to be precise. The information comes courtesy of a new report. Sadly, there's currently no information on exactly how much the device will cost in India, although the report says it could be priced higher than the Galaxy A9 Pro, which launched in India back in September last year carrying a $485 price tag. Aside from India, the phone is also said to be coming to several other Asian countries, including...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_c9_pro_arriving_in_india_next_week-news-22722.php

ZTE now launches Nougat beta program for Axon 7 users in Germany

Less than a week after announcing a Nougat preview program for Axon 7 users in the US, ZTE has now launched a similar beta program for German users of the device as well. In a forum post on its Germany website, the Chinese company revealed that it's looking for a total of 20 beta testers. Interested users will have to share some details with the company, including their name, e-mail address, phone number, forum ID, as well as their phone's IMEI number. Beta testers will be required to communicate in English using WhatsApp. For more information, head to the Source link...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/zte_now_launches_nougat_beta_program_for_axon_7_users_in_germany-news-22723.php

Unlocked Microsoft Lumia 435 drops to under $30 in US

If you are in the US, and are looking for an entry-level Windows smartphone, here's a deal for you: the Microsoft Lumia 435 is currently going for under $30 in the country. Specifically, Walmart has the unlocked model listed on its website for $28.75. That's a price cut of around $19 given that the retailer usually sells the phone for $47.73. Specs-wise, the handset is powered by a Snapdragon 200 chipset with 1.2GHz dual-core processor, and sports a 4-inch WVGA screen. Memory configuration is 1GB/8GB, while in terms of camera, the phone features a 2MP/VGA combo. A 1,560mAh battery...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/microsoft_lumia_435_drops_to_under_30_in_us-news-22724.php

Samsung's new Galaxy A (2017) series devices are now available for purchase

Less than a couple of weeks after being unveiled, the new Samsung Galaxy A3 (2017), A5 (2017), and A7 (2017) smartphones have been launched. Russia has become the fist country where the devices are available for purchase. Multiple online retailers are currently carrying the devices in the country. As for price, the devices cost RUB 22,990 (around $386), RUB 27,990 (around $470), and RUB 32,990 (around $555), respectively. Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsungs_new_galaxy_a_2017_series_devices_are_now_available_for_purchase-news-22721.php

ZTE Axon 7 Mini update brings December security patches, VoLTE support for T-Mobile

ZTE is currently in the process of rolling out a new software update for the Axon 7 mini. The new release is unfortunately still based on Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow, and not Nougat, and it's still a mystery when (or if) this smartphone will get its taste of the latest version of Google's mobile OS. That said, today's update is by no means useless. It brings with it support for Voice-over-LTE (VoLTE) when using T-Mobile, as well as all the missing security fixes from Google up to the December patch level. Yes, that's not the latest anymore since we're in January, but it will have to do. New...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/zte_axon_7_mini_update_brings_december_security_patches_volte_support_for_tmobile-news-22720.php

Telegram Desktop reaches version 1.0

Telegram has released the version 1.0 update of its universal desktop application, Telegram Desktop. The app had been available for a while but this is the first stable release and it comes with a new UI. Common across all three versions is the use of Material Design. This doesn't really make the app look at home on any of the support desktop operatings systems but at least Material Design is mostly unobtrusive and inoffensive. The app also has support for theme and you can join Telegram's Theme Channel to get some of the alternative themes. Apart from that, the functionality is...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/telegram_desktop_reaches_version_10-news-22719.php

Moto X Play will receive Android Nougat update in Europe by the end of the month

A month ago we spotted the Moto X Play from 2015 being benchmarked with Android 7.1.1 Nougat on board, which made us hopeful that the device would receive the update in the near future. It turns out that's exactly what will happen. The Moto X Play is set to be graced with the tasty treat by the end of this month, at least in Europe. The official word on the matter comes straight from Motorola's arm in Germany, responding to a question about the update on Twitter. This applies to the SIM-free EU model of the Moto X Play, so the rollout of Nougat may take a while longer in other places....

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/moto_x_play_will_receive_android_nougat_update_in_europe_by_the_end_of_the_month-news-22718.php

YouTube Super Chat for live streams costs money, makes your comment stand out

If you watch a lot of live streams on YouTube you know that the more popular a broadcast is, the less time a comment will be visible in the chat box that's next to the video. But what if you could change that? Well, now you can. YouTube has unveiled Super Chat today, and this takes care of the aforementioned problem by throwing money at it. Your money, that is. Super Chat lets you pay in order to have your comment highlighted and pinned to the top of the chat box. It can stay there for up to five hours, pretty much ensuring that the content creator gets to see it. The Super Chat...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/youtube_super_chat_for_live_streams_costs_money_makes_your_comment_stand_out-news-22717.php

Google Maps update lets you book an Uber ride without switching apps

Google is announcing a new update to its Maps app for Android and iOS. The newest version of the app brings with it a revamped ride services menu, expanding upon the functionality it initially introduced last year. From this point on, when you open ride services mode, you'll see a map with a carousel of providers in your area. Tapping on any such provider will reveal a complete list of ride options, estimated fares, as well as special offers and promotions from each service. Ride services mode in Google Maps: old (left) vs. new (right) On top of that, you can now order an Uber...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/google_maps_update_lets_you_book_an_uber_ride_without_switching_apps-news-22716.php

Nokia 6 reaches 250,000 registrations in less than 24 hours

Yesterday the Nokia 6 was put up for pre-registration in China, the market where it will make its debut on January 19. The phone is listed by JD.com, China's biggest online retailer and Nokia's exclusive sales partner for the country, for a price of CNY 1,699 ($245 or €231 approximately). The reservations aren't open 24/7 for some reason, perhaps in order to build (even more) anticipation for the handset. Right now you can't register to get one, but a new window will open in a few hours. The Nokia 6 seems to be quite successful if we go by the number of registrations metric, because in a...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/nokia_6_reaches_250000_registrations_in_less_than_24_hours-news-22715.php

Blue Coral Samsung Galaxy S7 edge is now available at Vodafone UK

As expected, the Blue Coral version of the Samsung Galaxy S7 edge has now landed in Europe. This follows rollouts in the US, Canada, India, as well as Samsung's native South Korea. Over in the UK, Vodafone currently has the Blue Coral S7 edge in stock, and ready for your order. The phone is offered with Pay Monthly plans, and can be yours for just £10 upfront. The operator's recommended plan costs £23.50 per month for the first six months, and then £47 a month for the remaining year and a half of the contract. This will give you 6GB of 4G data in the UK every month, along with unlimited...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/blue_coral_samsung_galaxy_s7_edge_is_now_available_at_vodafone_uk-news-22714.php

Samsung to start taking reservations for the unannounced Galaxy C7 Pro on January 16

Ladies and gentlemen, the leak-filled saga of the Samsung Galaxy C5 Pro and C7 Pro is about to come to a conclusion, it seems. Judging by the latest revelation out of China, these new smartphones should become official very soon, perhaps even in the next couple of days or so. If not, then they definitely will be unveiled on January 16, because that's when Samsung plans on starting to take reservations for the Galaxy C7 Pro in China. The reservations system is widely used over there and it differs from pre-orders because you either aren't required to pay anything upfront when you make a...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_will_start_taking_reservations_for_the_unannounced_galaxy_c7_pro_on_january_16-news-22713.php

Huawei announces P8 Lite (2017) with 1080p screen, Kirin 655

Huawei P8 Lite (2017) is the latest smartphone unveiled by the Chinese manufacturer and is coming soon in quite a few European markets. This new Lite model is strangely named as a successor to the two-year-old P8 Lite even though it also improves on the P9 Lite. The new P8 Lite (2017) packs a 5.2" IPS display of 1080p resolution and comes wrapped into a nicely looking glossy shell. The design is unlike anything in the P8 and P9 series, but very similar to a few Honor handsets of late. The P8 Lite (2017) is powered by the company's latest mid-range Kirin 655 chip with an...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/huawei_announces_p8_lite_2017_with_refreshed_design_and_chipset-news-22712.php

LG G6 teaser promises minimum-bezel waterproof phone

LG Electronics is trying its best to get back in the black after the first operational loss in 6 years. One of the capes of hope is the LG G6 - a flagship coming out at the beginning of March. We heard and saw a lot of leaks and rumors about the alleged device. First we got 3D renders of the handset that showed us that the Friends module is going away for a unibody design. Then we got hold of information G6 will come out in March right in time for back-to-school days in South Korea in March which makes the release date a month earlier than Samsung Galaxy S8's one. Yesterday...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/lg_teases_new_g6_flagship-news-22711.php

Opera Neon is a nice alternative for a work browser

Opera has always been trying to diversify the browser market. It showed how to save data and still use web properly with Opera Max for Android and now it's trying to reimagine the work browser on desktop with Opera Neon. When it becomes crucial to have a secondary screen so you don't mix personal and work tabs, conversations and job tasks. But Opera Neon actually has a better solution - it positions two webpages on the same screen and you can choose which is the main one. It works relatively easy - just drag a page and create a split view. We've already seen such feature in Windows...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/opera_neon_is_a_nice_alternative_for_a_work_browser-news-22710.php

Nokia 8 leaks - the company's 2017 flagship

A couple of videos gave us an extensive look at the Nokia 8. The company is expected to debut its next flagship at MWC, but apparently Qualcomm showcased it at CES and even if people were asked not to take photos of it, one helpful guy brought us the exciting scoop. There were some rumors about the name and even Nokia P1 was thought to be the flagship. But after HMD Global released Nokia 6, looks like Nokia 8 is pretty plausible for a name. After all classic Nokia cameraphone flagships sported the eight in their names - think N82, N8 and 808PureView. Reportedly the Nokia 8 will come in...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/nokias_2017_flagship_images_leaked-news-22709.php

Samsung Galaxy S8 leaks in case maker's renders

MWC 2017 is just around the corner and so is the official Samsung Galaxy S8 announcement. But until then we are bound to be buried in an avalanche of rumors and leaks. Ghostek released images of its Atomic shock resistant case for the Samsung Galaxy S8 and renders of the device. While case makers have no info on the actual materials and design they have to get dimensions and controls layout to develop their accessories. The images show us a Galaxy S8 with curved display with a fairly large gap for the camera module on the back. The render only shows one camera but the size of the...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s8_leaks_in_new_images-news-22708.php

New update rolling out to Asus Zenfone Max

Asus has started pushing out a new update to its Zenfone Max smartphone. Arriving as version 13.8.26.80 and currently hitting units in India, the update brings only a handful of changes, including fix for the LTE mobile data 'random disconnection' issue. In addition, the new firmware also includes updates to several apps. And finally the phone also gains support for the India SOS call. The roll out has just begun, so you need to be patient if your unit is yet to receive the update. You can manually check for the update by heading to the Settings menu on your handset. Source

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/new_update_rolling_out_to_asus_zenfone_max-news-22697.php

Latest Bing for Android update brings new reading mode

Microsoft has updated its Bing for Android app. The update brings along a new reading mode that allows you to focus on the content you want to read without any distractions. The other change might help you when you're hungry, as it's related to recipes. "Hungry? Let Bing help you figure out what to cook and how to get it made," the change-log says. As for rest of the changes, those are mainly UI improvements related to Voice and Camera search. "Easier access and faster switching between Voice, Music, 360 (augmented reality), Camera and Barcode search." Source

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/latest_bing_for_android_update_brings_new_reading_mode-news-22701.php

Samsung begins rolling out Android Nougat update for S7 and S7 edge

Samsung has started rolling out the official, stable release of the Android 7.0 Nougat update for the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge. The update was said to arrive on January 17 but those running the beta builds are already getting the OTA update notification. Devices running the stable build haven't yet got the notifications but they too will be seeing it over the coming week, across multiple regions. As described in our previous Nougat updates, the Nougat build for the S7 and S7 edge brings a new notification system, improved multi-window mode, and improved UI and...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_begins_rolling_out_android_nougat_update_for_s7_and_s7_edge-news-22707.php

Motorola Moto G5 Plus leaks in a press image

Less than a week after its hands-on images leaked, the Motorola Moto G5 Plus has now leaked in a press image. No surprises here, as the design revealed by the new leak is broadly inline with what we've already seen so far. Rumors so far say the handset is powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 625 SoC, and sports a 5.5-inch 1080p touchscreen. Memory configuration is 4GB/32GB, while the camera combo is 13MP/5MP. The phone runs Android Nougat, features a fingerprint sensor on the front, and packs in a 3,080mAh battery. It's said to be coming in March this year. Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/motorola_moto_g5_plus_now_leaks_in_press_image-news-22703.php