Only the 5-inch iPhone 8 to have a glass back, wireless charging

Another day, another contradicting iPhone rumor - when will it end? Well, next September is a pretty safe assumption. Anyway, in today's batch of supposed specs for the future iPhone we have a 5-inch model that will be fitted with wireless (or rather, inductive) charging capability. Based on 'reliable sources' from Taiwan, Japanese blog Macotacara reports that only this 5-inch model will have a glass back thus enabling the inductive charging. Just the other day another source claimed that all three models will be able to be charged wirelessly. Current iPhone lineup: 4" iPhone SE,...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/only_the_5inch_iphone_8_to_have_a_glass_back_wireless_charging-news-23361.php

Google App v6.13 to bring Google Assistant to non-Pixels, or at least maybe

Google's personal assistant, quite creatively called Google Assistant, is so far only officially available on the Pixel and Pixel XL, as smartphones go. However, a new alpha release of the Google app (v6.13) for users signed up to the beta channel suggest that might be changing in the near future. The folks over at Android Police report that the app enables the Assistant by holding the Home button (instead of Now on Tap) on at least one Galaxy Note5 (running Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow) and a Nexus 6P (latest 7.1.1 Nougat). Then again, another Nexus 6P refuses to behave this way, so it's...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/google_app_v613_to_bring_google_assistant_to_nonpixels_or_at_least_maybe-news-23359.php

[Flames] Red Meizu Pro 6 Plus shows up in live images

Meizu is no stranger to unorthodox paint jobs and last summer we saw the Pro 6 in what was dubbed the Flames Red color scheme. Well, the Pro 6 Plus has now shown up on Weibo in a new color outside of the usual Pink-Rose-Gold spectrum. Meizu Pro 6 Plus in red It's an even brighter and more striking hue than the Pro 6 before it, and if a color deserves to be called Flames Red, this is it. Side by side with the Pro 6 non-Plus you can see the difference, and if that's not enough red for your eyes, the towel used for the background complements the two phones with yet another...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/flames_red_meizu_pro_6_plus_shows_up_in_live_images-news-23360.php

Sony Xperia X Performance and HTC One M9 on Rogers getting Nougat update

Canadian carrier Rogers has started rolling out the Nougat update to Sony Xperia X Performance and HTC One M9 units on its network. The update brings along Android version 7.0 to both devices - for the X Performance, the update also includes support for VoLTE. The carrier's OS upgrade schedule also reveals that Nougat for the Samsung Galaxy S7/S7 edge is still "coming soon." A new addition to the list is the Motorola Moto Z Play, Nougat for which is also listed as "coming soon." Source

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/sony_xperia_x_performance_and_htc_one_m9_on_rogers_getting_nougat_update-news-23358.php

Weekly poll: What is your ideal screen resolution?

Doesn't everybody love a good pixel war? Just a decade ago QVGA (320 x 240 pixels) screens were considered high-res and now you can even find 1080p displays on phones under $200. We even saw a 4K screen in the meantime - the Xperia Z5 Premium seemed like a VR fan's dream only Sony forgot to deliver a VR headset with it. Or was there more to the company's decision of reverting to 1080p for its next-gen flagship? Anyway, we aren't here to discuss Sony's device strategy, but merely ask your opinion on what is the ideal resolution. 720p is a clear favorite when it comes to energy...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/weekly_poll_screen_resolution_strengths_and_advantages-news-23339.php

Samsung offering several Valentine's Day offers in India

If you are a Samsung fan in India, and are planning to purchase a new smartphone, you'll be glad to know that Samsung is offering several offers, which are part of the company's Bundle of Love promo that's been launched keeping the Valentine's Day in mind. As part of the promo, the company is offering Samsung EVO memory cards at discounted rates to those purchasing the Galaxy A9 Pro, Galaxy A5 (2016), or Galaxy On Nxt. Similarly, those purchasing the Galaxy On8 will get a Samsung Bluetooth headset (usually INR 1,499) for just INR 350, while Galaxy J5 Prime buyers will get the...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_offering_several_valentines_day_offers_in_india-news-23355.php

Honor 8 Nougat update will start rolling out in US on February 11

While it was earlier announced to be coming on February 10, Huawei has now confirmed that the Nougat update for the Honor 8 smartphone will actually start rolling out a day later, i.e, on February 11. The announcement came in the form of a tweet from the US subsidiary of the Chinese company: EMUI 5.0 is coming to Honor 8 from Feb 11th! Check out the new App Drawer on EMUI 5! Excited? https://t.co/aH8oKwqOK6— Honor USA (@Honor_USA) February 9, 2017 As is usually the case with OTA roll outs, it may take time for the update to hit your device, so you need to keep patience. It is...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/honor_8_nougat_update_will_start_rolling_out_february_11-news-23357.php

New OneDrive for iOS update brings support for animated GIF files

Microsoft has pushed out a new update to the iOS client of its OneDrive app. The update, which bumps the app to version 8.8.9, brings along several changes, including support for animated GIF files. Aside from animated GIF support, the updated app now also lets you instantly switch accounts by tapping and holding on the Me tab. Those with work or school accounts will now receive notifications when someone shares a file with them. Moving on, the update also includes support for Instant Preview in the Sites tab. And finally, some usual bug and crash fixes are also there. The updated...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/new_onedrive_for_ios_update_brings_support_for_animated_gif_files-news-23354.php

Motorola Moto G5 European pricing tipped; starts at €189

The European pricing of the upcoming Motorola Moto G5 smartphone has been leaked. The leak comes courtesy of popular tipster Roland Quandt, who revealed in a tweet that the device will start at €189. Looks like Moto G5 will launch at much lower prices than G4 in Euroland: 2/16GB for ~189 Euro, 3/16GB for ~209 Euro. (was 249 for G4)— Roland Quandt (@rquandt) February 10, 2017 The device - which has already cleared the US FCC and has also been the subject of several leaks and rumors so far - is set for a MWC 2017 unveiling (along with the Moto G5 Plus), and its market launch is...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/moto_g5_pricing_tipped-news-23356.php

Samsung Gear VR (2016) drops further, currently going for around $45

Planning to purchase a Samsung Gear VR? You might want to check out the discount Amazon is offering on the device. The retailer currently has the headset (international variant) listed on its website for just $45.98, which is further down from the $52.51 tag the device was carrying a few weeks ago. A quick look at the South Korean company's website reveals that the Gear VR 2016 is being officially sold for for $99.99. So at around $45, Amazon is offering quite a deal. The model is compatible with the Galaxy S7, Galaxy S7 edge, Galaxy Note5, Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 edge, and Galaxy S6...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_gear_vr_2016_drops_further_currently_going_for_around_45-news-23353.php

OnePlus 3T 128 GB is available for pre-order

The OnePlus 3T has been facing supply shortages ever since its announcement, but things have been picking up lately. After OnePlus finally made the 64GB 3T available for immediate dispatch in EU and North America the company is finally ready to bring the large storage version to its online store. OnePlus 3T in 128GB Gunmetal flavor is up for pre-order. It's not an immediate delivery as the 64GB units - the 128GB device will ship within 13 days of cleared payment of €479. Source

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/oneplus_3t_128_gb_is_available_for_preorder-news-23340.php

Samsung Galaxy C7 Pro to soon be available outside of China

Samsung officially unveiled the Galaxy C7 Pro last month, and the device is currently only available in China. While there has been no information so far on whether or not the handset will be available outside of China, that's changing now as support page for the phone is live on Samsung's Hong Kong website. An exact launch date isn't yet known, but the appearance of support page is enough to confirm that the device will indeed be available in markets other than China. The model number listed on Samsung's Hong Kong website is SM-C7010, which is same as what the device carries in...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_c7_pro_to_soon_be_available_outside_of_china-news-23352.php

LG Watch Style and Watch Sport now available for purchase in US

The Android Wear 2.0-powered LG Watch Style and Watch Sport, which were announced just a few days ago, are now available for purchase in the United States. The devices can be purchased from Google's online store. As far as third-party retailers are concerned, the Watch Style is also listed on Best Buy's website, while Verizon and AT&T are carrying the Sport variant. The Verizon listing reveals a shipment date of March 16, but the AT&T listing doesn't say anything on that front. Google Store 1 2 | Best Buy | Verizon | AT&T

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/lg_watch_style_and_watch_sport_now_available_for_purchase_in_us-news-23351.php

A number of matte black iPhone 7's are chipping

An Apple Community discussion has gained a lot of attention over the past day or so as an increasing number of iPhone 7 users are upset with the anodized coating of the matte black model that is chipping off, resulting in a really off-putting appearance when silver aluminum is exposed behind the chipped coating. The community post started back in November, but has gained three additional pages of responses in the past couple of days. A common theme among those affected with the chipping is underneath the phone on one of the speaker vents, and the majority of customers say they've used...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/increasing_number_of_matte_black_iphone_7s_are_chipping_-news-23350.php

Leaked logo confirms Samsung will use the name "Galaxy S8+"

Today, Evan Blass tweeted an image of leaked branding for what could be the official logo, font, and colors of the Galaxy S8+. This, in turn, also sort of confirms that the "Plus" name of a larger Galaxy S8 will be indicated with a "+" sign rather than "Plus" like the iPhone does. Why wouldn't it? After all, this is exactly how the Galaxy S6 edge+ was named. Calling it a "Galaxy S8 edge+" would also be redundant, as we are expecting both Galaxy S8 models to be dual-curved. In case you were interested... pic.twitter.com/bpcOFZmOC3— Evan Blass (@evleaks) February 10, 2017 It's quite...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/leaked_logo_confirms_samsung_will_use_the_name_galaxy_s8_-news-23349.php

‘Instant Tethering' feature now rolling out to Pixel and Nexus devices

This isn't the first time we've heard of this feature. In fact, Instant Tethering was a feature that began rolling out about three weeks ago on Pixel devices. The way this feature works is the following: Bluetooth is used to talk between two of your Google devices. If a Nexus or Pixel tablet finds itself without a Wi-Fi connection, it can ask your connected Nexus or Pixel smartphone to flick on its mobile hotspot; all is done with a single tap, and there is no need to take out your smartphone. Google's Omri Amarilio went to the Pixel User community on Google's product forums to outline how...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/instant_tethering_feature_now_rolling_out_to_pixel_and_nexus_devices-news-23348.php

Samsung Gear S2 classic 3G is now being sold for just $96 at T-Mobile

If you like what Samsung's been doing with its smartwatches lately but think that the Gear S3 is too big, or simply don't like its design, or just don't mind buying an older device if it's cheaper, read on. T-Mobile is currently selling the Gear S2 classic for the insanely low amount of $96. Note that this is the 3G capable model of the smartwatch, and even so it's around $150 cheaper than what Amazon is asking for the non-3G version. This is also the cheapest we've ever seen any variant of the Gear S2. The only caveat is that with your purchase you'll need to buy a T-Mobile SIM starter...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_gear_s2_classic_3g_is_now_being_sold_for_just_96_at_tmobile-news-23346.php

HTC starts Valentine's Day sales, offers $150 off the 10, $200 off the A9, and $250 off the M9

HTC has started a seven-day Valentine's Day sale on its official online store for the US. The promotion, called "Seven Days of Sappiness", is all about celebrating love - your love of cut-price smartphones, that is. During this period you can buy an HTC 10 for $549 ($150 off), an HTC One A9 for $299 ($200 off), or an HTC One M9 for $399 ($250 off). In addition to the discounts, each order will be shipped for free, and you'll also receive a "small gift" and Uh-Oh Protection for no additional cost. That gift is a notepad or travel water mug, and if you're lucky you can receive a free...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/htc_starts_valentines_day_sales_offers_150_off_the_10_200_off_the_a9_and_250_off_the_m9-news-23345.php

Meizu M5s pricing revealed prior to its introduction on February 15

Meizu's next affordable smartphone, the M5s, has been leaking a lot lately, which makes sense since we're very close to its official announcement taking place on February 15. We've seen it getting certified by TENAA, doing its thing in a benchmark run, as well as smiling for the camera in some live shots in the wild. Leaked renders have been outed too. By now we have a pretty good idea about its specs, but one thing that hasn't been leaked yet is its price. Past rumors spoke about levels varying from around $150 to $220, but now the purported leaked promo material you can see below comes...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/meizu_m5s_pricing_revealed_prior_to_its_introduction_on_february_15-news-23344.php

iPhone 8 will have an iris scanner, rumor claims

Yesterday a rumor 'confirmed' the fact that the three iPhones launching this year will all have support for wireless charging through their glass backs. Today a new report out of Taiwan reiterates that, along with the fact that one of the three phones will sport an OLED display, which will be provided by Samsung. This model, tentatively called iPhone 8, will apparently also come with an iris scanner, a feature that debuted in the mobile world on the ill-fated Samsung Galaxy Note7, but which is expected to make a comeback in the Korean company's Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus this spring. The...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/iphone_8_will_have_an_iris_scanner_rumor_claims-news-23343.php

LG G6 confirmed to sport the Snapdragon 821 chipset because otherwise it would have launched in May-June

If you're someone who still held up hope that the LG G6 would rock Qualcomm's Snapdragon 835 chipset instead of the SD821, it's time to give up that hope now. Past reports have said that Samsung, who is producing the SD835 for Qualcomm, will be keeping the entire initial production run for its Galaxy S8 smartphone, thus leaving no chips for competitors such as LG. If you were praying that those reports would turn out not to be true, well, here's some bad news. The image you can see below was snapped at CES, and it shows a confidential slide from LG regarding the G6. You can barely make out...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/lg_g6_confirmed_to_sport_the_snapdragon_821_chipset_because_otherwise_it_would_have_launched_in_mayj-news-23342.php

Gionee A1 specs and live images leak ahead of its official unveiling on February 27

This year's Mobile World Congress (MWC) is going to feature quite a few new smartphone introductions, and from this point on you can add Gionee to the (growing) list of companies presenting new products. The Chinese device maker has today sent media invites for its special event that will take place on February 27, day one of MWC. These thankfully tell us what to expect: the Gionee A1 and A1 Plus are to become official on that occasion. Coincidentally or not, today is also the day when the upcoming Gionee A1 got leaked in the live shots you can see below. What's more, alongside the images...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/gionee_a1_specs_and_live_images_leak_ahead_of_its_official_unveiling_on_february_27-news-23341.php

Samsung's Bixby could be based on S Voice, not Viv Labs

There's been a lot of talk recently about Samsung's upcoming Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus and a key focus of the chatter has been Bixby, Samsung's rumored new endeavor into virtual assistants. We know Samsung filed for a trademark of a Bixby logo and will most likely use Hello as a wake up phrase but we don't know what Bixby will be, in essence. An acquisition made us suspect it will use Viv Labs technology but there's also Samsung's S Voice. Last year Samsung acquired Viv Labs, the startup that made Siri and was subsequently purchased by Apple. Naturally we expected Viv Labs to...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsungs_bixby_could_be_based_on_s_voice_not_viv_labs-news-23338.php

Alcatel Idol 5S surfaces at Geekbench

TCL is currently owning both Alcatel and BlackBerry and we expect to see many new devices - both the DTEK70 with QWERTY keyboard that we showed you in January and some Alcatel ones. The latest leak from Geekbench confirms the rumor that Alcatel is going to reveal a flagship device of its own and its name is Idol 5S. As we see from the screenshot, the Idol 5S will have octa-core Helio P20 SoC, clocked at 1.69 GHz. The RAM is 3GB and the operating system is Android 7.0 Nougat. We expect the device to have only one camera since the current Helio P-series do not support dual-camera...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/alcatel_idol_5s_surfaces_at_geekbench-news-23337.php

A bunch of Google Play games on sale, ready to fill your weekend

The weekend is near and Google Play has some discounted games for all you mobile gamers out there, looking for a new title to check out. There are racing games, adventure games, various Bridge Constructors and even LEGO Harry Potter. Apps that used to be $1.99 are going at half price at $0.99 but there are also offers like Wild Blood which costs the symbolic $0.10 instead the 7 bucks it usually goes for. You can find all the suggestions in the list below. Adventures of Poco Eco - $0.99, was $2.99 Back to Bed - $0.99, was $2.99 Botanicula - $0.99, was $4.99 Braveland -...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/lots_of_google_play_apps_on_sale_for_your_weekend_gaming_pleasure-news-23335.php

Strava is now a standalone app on Android Wear 2.0

Strava, the popular running and cycling tracking app, can now track your activities on certain Android Wear smartwatches without the need for a smartphone. Thanks to Android Wear 2.0's standalone functionality the app can use a smartwatch's built-in connectivity and GPS. Strava on Android Wear 2.0 Watches with cellular connectivity and GPS will be able to track distance, time, laps, heart rate and pace. A Strava app is in the works to take advantage of the Apple Watch 2.0's built-in GPS as well. Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/strava_is_now_a_standalone_app_on_android_wear_20-news-23334.php

Motorola announces finalists of the Moto Mod design competition

Lenovo is trying to turn Motorola around and make the brand great again. The latest attempt - the modifiable Moto Z series is an exceptional device that converts to a boombox or Hasselblad camera thanks to its Moto Mods. Since the phone is built for modifications, Motorola decided to launch the campaign "Transform the Smartphone Challenge" where developers around the world could pitch ideas for new mods. Now several lucky entrepreneurs are chosen, Motorola announced in its blog. The projects had to be crowdfunded through the Indiegogo platform. The first idea is Edge - a cover that...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/motorola_announces_finalists_of_the_indiegogo_project_for_moto_mod-news-23333.php

Back in Black... Berry: Canadians send out invites to launch China-made phone

Here's a refreshing new take on a press invite - just show the phone, rather than cramming marketing doublespeak down our throats. Other than a simple hashtag, there are no words in this invite because there's no need for BlackBerry to say anything - it's better to just show it. It's a Bold move that didn't throw us for a Curve, this new phone could be a real Pearl. Did the subliminal messaging work? Because seeing this image of the BlackBerry Mercury/DTEK70 brought back a lot of fond memories of the time when BB was awesome. Bolds, Curves, Pearls, they were the workhorses of the business...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/back_in_black_berry_canadians_send_out_invites_to_launch_chinamade_phone-news-23332.php

This is the logo of Samsung's Bixby

Samsung has just filed a trademark application with the European Trade Mark and Design Network for what's likely the logo of its upcoming personal assistant Bixby. The logo, which looks just like a B, comes with a description that sounds inline with a virtual assistant - "Smartphones; mobile telephones; portable computers; tablet computers; interactive computer software enabling exchange of information across a computer network; computer software to enable the provision of information via communications networks; computer communication". Samsung's application for the Bixby...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/this_is_the_logo_of_samsungs_bixby-news-23331.php

Vulnerabilities found in OnePlus 3 and 3T bootloader

OnePlus devices are the holy grail for fans of unlocked phones, open for tinkering. But apparently OxygenOS versions were more open than they need to be. A security researcher found out that OxygenOS 3.2 through 4.0.1 has a vulnerability that lets anyone with two native fastboot commands to disable the verified boot feature without actually unlocking the bootloader with the user-accessible command. This means a malicious code could be run without even resetting the user data. OnePlus 3 was upgraded to 4.0.2 and the Shenzhen-based company says it patched the vulnerability. It also...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/vulnerabilities_found_in_oneplus_3_and_3t_with_older_oxygenos-news-23329.php

HMD looking to announce Nokia N-series devices at MWC 2017

Nokia 6 is total hit in China and HMD Global can't catch up with the demand. But according to latest leaks there might be much more exciting stuff coming from the reborn brand - the return of the famous N-series. A trademark for "NSERIES" appeared in China's Patent Office, filed by the Finnish company. Then on the social network Baidu appeared a screenshot from a conversation with a picture with a smart device along with an NSERIES logo next to it. The source says the device will have 6th generation Snapdragon, but ends the convo without revealing more details.The claim is that...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/hmd_could_announce_nokia_nseries_devices_at_mwc_2017-news-23328.php

New leak shows Motorola Moto G5 Plus rear panel

A new image of the Motorola Moto G5 Plus has leaked, showing the rear panel of the device. The design is inline with earlier leaks although it seems to show just the casing rather than a fully assembled phone. For comparison, here's the image that leaked early last month: The new leak came in the form of a Weibo post, which also contained the following text (translated): "Moto G5 Plus will be equipped with Sony IMX362 sensor, with F1.7 aperture lens and support phase focusing." Other known specs include a 5.2-inch screen, 12MP camera, Fingerprint reader + NFC, and...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/new_leak_shows_motorola_moto_g5_plus_rear_panel-news-23324.php

Motorola Moto Z with Android 7.1.1 spotted on GFXBench

The Nougat update for the Motorola Moto Z was officially released back in November last year, and it started hitting units in the United States earlier this week. Now, it looks like the company is working on another update for the device as a Moto Z running Android 7.1.1 has been spotted on GFXBench. There currently no information on when exactly the update will be rolled out. Also, keep in mind that an appearance on a benchmarking website isn't always a confirmation that the update will indeed be made available publicly. Source

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/motorola_moto_z_with_android_711_spotted_on_gfxbench-news-23322.php

Samsung Galaxy S5 Plus and S5 Neo getting new security update

Samsung has started pushing out a new update to its Galaxy S5 Plus and S5 Neo smartphones. The update, which is currently hitting units in Europe, brings Android security fixes for the month of January. The Galaxy S5 Plus update is arriving as firmware version XXS1CAQ7. The exact version number for the Galaxy S5 Neo update is yet to be confirmed. There's also no information if the updates bring any other changes. Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s5_plus_getting_security_update-news-23320.php

Samsung Galaxy C9 Pro to hit India on February 24

The Samsung Galaxy C9 Pro, which was made official for India last month and was up for pre-order for a couple of weeks now has a delivery date. A quick look at Samsung's India online store reveals the device will ship on February 24. The smartphone will cost you INR 36,900 (around $550). The handset will also be available from the South Korean company's offline stores as well as through all leading mobile stores in the country. Source

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_c9_pro_now_available_for_purchase_in_india-news-23325.php

New report says Samsung's first foldable smartphone will enter production in Q4

A rumor last month said that Samsung will out a foldable smartphone sometime in the Q3-A4 2017 timeframe. However, if a new report is to go by, launch might not happen until next year as the phone will enter production in Q4. The report, which cites sources from Taiwan's handset supply chain, says that the tech giant will begin a "small production" in the fourth quarter of this year, adding that mass production isn't expected to start until H2 2018. The reason behind this delay is said to be technical issues involving the production and reliability of the PI (polyimide)-based...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/new_report_says_samsungs_first_foldable_smartphone_will_enter_production_in_q4-news-23321.php

Samsung Galaxy S4 and Galaxy Tab 3 on T-Mobile start getting February security update

T-Mobile has started rolling out a new update to Samsung Galaxy S4 and Galaxy Tab 3 units on its network. Arriving as firmware versions M919UVSFQA1 and T217TUVSBQA1, respectively, the update brings Android security fixes for the month of February. A quick look at the magenta carrier's website reveals that the update to both these devices (which are still on Android 4.4.4) doesn't include anything else. As is usually the case with OTA roll outs, it may take some time for the update to hit your device. Meanwhile, if you feel impatient, you can manually check for the update by heading...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s4_and_galaxy_tab_3_on_tmobile_start_getting_february_security_update-news-23319.php

You'll soon be able to wake up Amazon Tap with "Alexa" hotword

The Amazon Tap is a Bluetooth speaker that Amazon released back in March of last year, also integrating the company's voice-assistant named Alexa. Up until now, you had to press the physical button on the Amazon Tap speaker to bark a command to Alexa. Given that the Tap runs on a battery, its ability to wake up with the "Alexa" trigger word was not available. A firmware is coming to the Amazon Tap which will allow the user to enable a "Hands-free" feature that would allow users to call out Amazon's wake up word to use it just as the Echo was intended: hands-free. The update will also...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/youll_soon_be_able_to_wake_up_amazon_tap_with_alexa_hotword-news-23318.php

Pixel's Google Assistant is now able to control smart home devices

The Google Pixel introduced Google's new Assistant, which Google Now will eventually phase into over the next several months. What was interesting was that Google's Assistant was the same one found on Google's newest ‘smart home' device: the Google Home assistant. If you would have asked your Pixel to "turn on the kitchen lights" just last month, you'd get a canned response and your lights would have stayed exactly how they were: turned off. Fortunately, Google has recently flipped the switch for controlling smart home peripherals with your smartphone. In addition to Google Home's most...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/pixels_google_assistant_is_now_able_to_control_smart_home_devices-news-23317.php

Verizon Protection Plan available for open enrollment, offers same day screen replacements

Every once in a while, a carrier may open enrollment for the device protection service plan so that customers who missed out in enrollment upon first buying their shiny new connected device. Today, Verizon has done just that with its highest-level Protection Plan and also announces that it is offering same-day screen replacement for damages devices. Carriers usually use a third-party insurance company to overnight you a replacement device, though with Verizon's Total Mobile Protection plan, Big Red has made replacing a damaged device a bit less of a headache. Verizon has a few...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/verizon_protection_plan_available_for_open_enrollment_now_offers_same_day_screen_replacements-news-23316.php

Verizon responds to OpenSignal's Network comparison

Yesterday, we covered a report that OpenSignal released which took data from its crowd-sourced database of speed tests on various carriers across the US and tried to make sense of it all by using the data to comparatively measure carriers against each other. Verizon is definitely not happy about being tied with T-Mobile, and wants to set the record straight once and for all. pic.twitter.com/qNaZqfk9jq— Verizon News (@VerizonNews) February 9, 2017 Verizon just tweeted a statement about OpenSignal's report and makes a list of points as to why OpenSignal's numbers are not representative...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/verizon_responds_to_opensignals_network_comparison-news-23315.php

Android Nougat update for Honor 8 begins rolling out tomorrow

Honor has made it official that the Honor 8's Android Nougat update will begin rolling out to all users starting tomorrow. Everyone who hasn't received the Nougat update will begin getting those OTA notifications starting tomorrow. The update is expected to last through the end of February, by which time, all Honor 8 devices would have been updated. The Android Nougat update brings a plethora of new features to the pricier of Honor smartphones. The update also brings EMUI 5.0, the newest version of Huawei's Android Skin that promises quicker and more optimized performance while also...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/android_nougat_update_for_honor_8_begins_rolling_out_tomorrow-news-23314.php

New Nougat-based updates are headed to the OnePlus 3 and 3T

Today OnePlus has commenced the rollout of a new software update for its two latest flagships - the OnePlus 3 and 3T. The new version is still based on Android 7.0 Nougat, but OnePlus has added some bug fixes and performance improvements in the form of OxygenOS 4.0.3. This follows the release of OxygenOS 4.0.2 last month. Here's what you can expect from this new release, regardless of whether you have the OnePlus 3 or the 3T: Added Wi-Fi IPv6 Support toggle Optimized Smart Wi-Fi Switcher, if turned on, device will switch to data connection if Wi-Fi signal is consistently...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/new_nougatbased_updates_are_headed_to_the_oneplus_3_and_3t-news-23313.php

All three 2017 iPhones are once again said to sport wireless charging

While the sources for the rumors can't seem to agree on their exact screen sizes, most mumblings we've heard over the past few months regarding Apple's plans have mentioned that the company will launch three new phones this year. One of those could be a special anniversary model with an OLED touchscreen - called either iPhone 8 or iPhone X (because it's the tenth anniversary of the original iPhone in 2017). If this version pans out, then it should be joined by an iPhone 7s and a 7s Plus. On the other hand, Apple could go with the usual 4.7" and 5.5" sizes and add a 5" model in the middle....

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/all_three_2017_iphones_are_once_again_said_to_sport_wireless_charging-news-23312.php

New LG G6 teaser says its intelligence isn't artificial

LG has outed a new teaser for the G6 today, which you can see in the image below. The Korean company seems to imply, in a not-so-subtle way, that the G6 will come packing a virtual assistant of its own - but it uses the words "artificial" and "intelligence" because "AI" is the buzzword of 2017, even though most things a virtual assistant does don't actually qualify as "AI". Anyway, in this day and age you simply can't launch a flagship smartphone without an "AI" assistant of its own, and LG knows this. So it's promising us that its implementation will be "less artificial" than others,...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/new_lg_g6_teaser_says_its_intelligence_isnt_artificial-news-23311.php

Nvidia's Shield tablets are starting to receive the Android 7.0 Nougat update

In the Android tablet world, Nvidia really stands out when it comes to software updates. It's not that the company pushed updates incredibly quick or anything like that. But think about it - the Nvidia Shield tablet from 2014 is now in the process of receiving the update to Android 7.0 Nougat. Again, this launched in the summer of 2014, it's almost three years old, and yet it's still supported. Compare that to any other non-Nexus or Pixel tablet out there. Of course, the Shield K1 from 2015 is also receiving its taste of Nougat. Nvidia has started the rollout for both of its tablets today,...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/nvidias_shield_tablets_are_starting_to_receive_the_android_70_nougat_update-news-23310.php

LG V20 v. Huawei Mate 9: Camera-derie between rivals

Did you know that once upon a time pineapples were a status symbol? People place great importance on strange things sometimes, but we're sure that having the best flagship matters - we're not just imagining that it's important to have two cameras, a best-in-class display and a beastly chipset caged in a metal unibody. Those are not passing fads like a modular design, right LG?

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/lg_v20_vs_huawei_mate_9-review-1563.php

Alleged Sony XZ successor caught in live shots

By the looks of things, Sony is gearing up for at least a few interesting announcements at MWC 2017. A few days ago, we caught a glimpse, of what was said to be the Xperia XA2. Now, another source has leaked a few blurry shots of, presumably, the next Xperia XZ flagship. There are a few stills to analyze here and we did have to do a fair amount of investigative work to arrive at some conclusions, uncertain as they might be. First, there is a shot, containing a total of four Sony handsets. The source claims the Xperia XZ2 is the one in the bottom right corner. Looking at the other units,...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/alleged_sony_xz_successor_caught_in_live_shots-news-23309.php

HMD Global is making the new Nokia devices in Vietnam

When HMD Global bought the Nokia smartphone business from Microsoft, everyone was hopeful for a bright future in front of the brand. In addition to the brand, HMD also bought out the factories that used to make feature phones. But as we see from a Russian source, they still haven't renamed them and Nokia 150 still is technically manufactured by Microsoft Mobile LLC. From the images we see that the devices were ready back in late December. According to the certificate that goes along with the package, the factory that manufactured Nokia 150 is Microsoft Mobile (Vietnam) LLC with local...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/hmd_global_are_making_the_nokia_devices_in_vietnam-news-23308.php

Apple's 10th anniversary iPhone to cost more than $1000?

2017 is a big year for Apple and its fans, as it marks the 10th anniversary of the first iPhone. Because of this, Apple fanboys and we tech media alike are excited to see what's coming. Some speculate that Apple will release a 4.7" iPhone 7s, a 5.5" iPhone 7s Pus and a 5.8" iPhone 8 (or, wait for it, iPhone X) with an OLED screen and specs straight out of some far-fetched wishlist. For starters rumor has it the iPhone X could have a button-free design with an edge-to-edge OLED screen with the home button somehow built in, no side buttons but instead touch-sensitive inlays and some...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/blimey_apples_10th_anniversary_iphone_to_cost_more_than_1000-news-23307.php