The Xiaomi Mi 6 might have a bigger Plus variant: full specs sheets leak online

The Xiaomi Mi 6 has been frequenting the rumor mill for quite some time now, but this is only the second time we are hearing of a Plus variant. It popped up in a new specs sheet leak, with at least one pretty interesting features to its name - a dual-camera setup. The specs summary also mentions a 5.7-inch display, putting the alleged Mi 6 Plus squarely in phablet territory. However, despite growing in size, the panel sticks with 1080p resolution - definitely the more endurance-friendly option, if nothing else. The source also suggests all Plus units will be equipped with 6GB or...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/the_xiaomi_mi_6_might_have_a_bigger_plus_variant_full_specs_sheets_leak_online-news-24201.php

Working Samsung Galaxy S8+ unit spotted in the wild

We're definitely on a row today, even by Galaxy S8 leak standard. First a coral blue dye shot, then a size comparison and an impressively extensive list of official accessories and prices. So, once again from the top, we guess - another set of leaked shots of the Samsung Galaxy S8+ has surfaced online. Still, you might want to hold up for a bit, before you continue on your way this time around, as these are probably the most detailed and believable shots of the 6.2-inch plablet to date. The stills come from Mexico, as further proven by the handset's UI language of choice. It looks...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/working_samsung_galaxy_s8_unit_spotted_in_the_wild-news-24200.php

Google is working on a group photo editing app

For all its infinite wisdom in crawling, indexing and finding information online, Google seems to be employing a rather odd "bate every line an see what bites" strategy when it comes to its other services. This has been a trend for a few years now, with the company's ecosystem constantly changing. Just a few hours ago, the Hangouts team announced yet another alteration to the service, further widening the whole Allo and Duo messaging confusion. Now industry sources say that the online titan is quietly working on yet another effort to crack the social sphere market, which has eluded...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/google_is_working_on_a_group_photo_editing_app-news-24197.php

Here are some of the official Samsung Galaxy S8 accessories and their price tags

A new leak claims to have the scoop on a few of Samsung's official accessories for the upcoming Galaxy S8 pair. The never-ending tidal wave of leaks has now virtually unraveled and touched upon nearly every single aspect of the devices, making it almost amusing to see the length leaksters are going to for some fresh info in these final days, leading up to the March 29 unveiling. Still, like the size comparison video from a few hours ago, we have to say this is a refreshing change of pace. As for the list of accessories, it actually looks extensive enough to contain Samsung's entire...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/here_are_some_of_the_official_samsung_galaxy_s8_accessories_and_their_price_tags-news-24198.php

Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+ get sized up against other handsets on video

The avalanche of Galaxy S8 content is pretty much out of control at this point. We've had rumors, leaks, live shots and renders, specs sheets and benchmarks, you name it. Even the occasional video. Now, you can add one more clip to the list, a pretty daring one, to say the least. Apparently, we have now reached a saturation point so odd that the relative size comparison footage, we have for you today, is not only of immaculate quality and not shot in an alley somewhere, but it actually looks like a proper review, more than anything else. Apparently, quite a few Chinese...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s8_and_s8_get_sized_up_against_other_handsets_on_video-news-24196.php

Samsung Gear IconX officially going for under $150 in US

The Samsung Gear IconX has received an official price cut in the United States. A quick look at the South Korean company's US website reveals the wireless headphones are listed for $149.99, down $50 from the usual price. Although the listing says it's a limited-time deal, there's no information on exactly when it ends. Among third party retailers, Amazon is also offering the accessory at the same price. For more information, head to the Source links below. Source 1 2 | Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_gear_iconx_currently_going_for_under_150_in_us-news-24195.php

BlackBerry Priv on AT&T getting March security update

The AT&T variant of the BlackBerry Priv has started receiving a new update. Arriving as build number AAJ925, the update brings along the latest security patch, bumping the security patch level to March 5. Aside from security fixes, the update is also said to include some performance-related optimizations as well as regular bug fixes. The roll out comes shortly after the Verizon variant of Priv started getting the March security update. Source | Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/blackberry_priv_on_at_t_getting_march_security_update-news-24194.php

Google will cease SMS support in Hangouts

Google is announcing several changes to its suite of messaging platforms. Hopefully by the end of this post, you'll have a better understanding of what Google is actually trying to do. TL;DR available at the end of this post. If you remember, Google had already announced that Hangouts would transition to a collaboration/productivity-oriented platform. It announced two new features called Hangouts Meet and Hangouts Chat. Hangouts meet would take advantage of Hangouts video calls with multiple participants to hold meetings. Hangouts Chat is self-explanatory. Hangouts' rebranding aside,...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/google_will_cease_sms_support_in_hangouts-news-24190.php

Movado Connect Android Wear 2.0 smartwatch looks like a Movado watch

Earlier this month the Movado group announced its commitment to developing a bunch of Android Wear smartwatches, including one that would bear the Movado brand. However, that press release was devoid of any images of the device. Fast forward to today at Baselworld, the world's most important watch trade show, and the company has decided to share a bit more. Just a bit, though. We have the images you can see above and below, which give us a very good idea of what the Movado Connect smartwatch will look like. On the other hand, absolutely no spec details have been made public. So...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/movado_connect_android_wear_20_smartwatch_looks_like_a_movado_watch-news-24189.php

Lenovo sells 3 million Moto M units in less than six months

Lenovo's Moto M launched last November as a premium-looking mid-range handset. It's been offered in a few markets so far, and apparently it's managed to sell quite well. According to a new (and sadly unsourced) report, more than 3 million Moto M units have been sold since its release less than six months ago. That's not at all bad for the Motorola brand. That number makes the Moto M one of Lenovo's best selling mid-rangers of the past couple of years. Sales in China have been particularly impressive. The handset is now on its way to conquer other markets, such as Pakistan, Poland,...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/lenovo_sells_3_million_moto_m_units_in_less_than_six_months-news-24188.php

Honor 6X vs. ZTE Blade V8 Pro: Dual camera duel

CES brought a couple of new smartphone entries into the US market. Notably, a couple of smartphones, both from Chinese phone makers, in the ultra-value segment (sub-$300). Honor had already announced the Honor 6X a few months before it brought the 6X to the States at the CES announcement.

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/honor_6x_vs_zte_blade_v8_pro-review-1594.php

Watch the launch films for Galaxy Tab S3 and Galaxy Book

Samsung just posted the so-called Official Launch Films for the Galaxy Tab S3 Android slate and the Galaxy Book Windows convertible. The Galaxy Tab S3 is already on pre-order in a number of countries and is even hitting the shelves in the US so the promo is just in time to generate a bit of hype. And the Galaxy Tab S3 deserves it, really - it's a great device. The Samsung Galaxy Book is another beast entirely. For starters it houses a bigger, either 10.6" or 12" display and comes with an Intel Kaby Lake processor. More importantly it runs on Windows 10, which makes it a fully...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/watch_the_launch_films_for_galaxy_tab_s3_and_galaxy_book-news-24183.php

Samsung will disable charging on remaining Galaxy Note 7 units

After limiting the charging on some Galaxy Note 7 units to 60% and outright stopping it for devices in the US, Samsung will issue a new update to end the charging of the remaining Galaxy Note 7s around the world. Samsung has reported that it has regained around 97% of Galaxy Note 7 units but it seems some are still holding on to their units. In the interest of protecting those people that Samsung will start completely disabling their charging later this month. Similar measures have been in effect in some countries like limiting the Galaxy Note 7's network connectivity. Since...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_will_disable_charging_on_all_galaxy_note_7-news-24182.php

Gionee A1 launched in India for $305

Gionee has launched A1 smartphone in India. The phone is priced at INR 19,999 ($305) and will be available offline and online. The Gionee A1 has a 5.5-inch 1080p IPS LCD, MediaTek MT6755 chipset, 4GB RAM, 64GB expandable storage, 13 megapixel rear camera, 16 megapixel front camera, dual SIM, fingerprint sensor, 4010mAh battery with fast charging, and Android 7.0 Nougat. The phone will be available in black, gray, and gold.

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/gionee_a1_launched_in_india_for_305-news-24184.php

Apple Store down in anticipation of today's launches: red iPhones, 9.7" iPads and more

Apple was on fire this week - it unveiled the iPhone 7 (Product) Red, doubled the storage of the iPhone SE, unveiled a new, cheaper iPad 9.7, it even added more watch strap options. And predictably the Apple Store is down. You are greeted wit a "we'll be back" message in a variety of languages. This is fitting since the red iPhone 7 will launch globally at the same hour - 3:01 pm GMT. The messages in each language list the local time in the respective country, if you can't figure out this GMT thing. The new Apple iPad 9.7 and iPhone SE with extra storage also go on sale later today -...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/apple_store_down_in_anticipation_of_todays_launches_red_iphones_97_ipads_and_more-news-24181.php

Black Sheep: the story of it took so long to get OnePlus 3T in Midnight Black

The Midnight Black color option of the OnePlus 3T seems new, it's barely over a week old, if you count the colette limited edition. However, the behind-the-scene video tells a very different story - Black was the original color of the OnePlus 3. It goes back to the beginning - the OnePlus One and its signature Sandstone Black. Its successor also featured Sandstone, but OnePlus heard a growing voice in the community that asked for an aluminum body. In a poll, aluminum outweighed Sandstone. And so the design team set out to make a black aluminum OnePlus 3. Unfortunately, yield proved low...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/black_sheep_the_story_of_it_took_so_long_to_get_oneplus_3t_in_midnight_black-news-24180.php

Alcatel A30 and Moto G5 Plus are the new Prime-exclusive phones

Amazon has added two phones to its Prime Exclusive Phones program in the US - the Motorola Moto G5 Plus and the Alcatel A30. Paid Amazon Prime members can get the Alcatel A30 for $59.99 (down from $99.99) and the Moto G5 Plus for $184.99 (down from $229.99). If you're unfamiliar with the Prime Exclusive Phones program here's the rundown. Amazon will sell you a phone at a subsidized price if you're an Amazon Prime subscriber. In return you'll get Amazon and seller ads and offers on your lockscreen, in your notification area and you'll have some preinstalled Amazon apps. Amazon does...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/alcatel_a30_and_moto_g5_plus_are_the_new_primeexclusive_phones-news-24178.php

Design sketch shows Nokia flagship with a dual camera and Zeiss lens

Reliable leakster Nokibar got hold of design sketches of a high-end Nokia handset - one with a Zeiss-branded dual camera. HMD already hinted that it might partner up with Zeiss, but this model will kill two birds with one stone - a return to quality optics and a jump into the growing dual camera segment. Nokias of the past have had some of the most innovative cameras, but strangely, for all the oddball designs we've seen, none ever had dual cameras. Anyway, the phone itself follows the same design language as the Nokia 6, 5 and 3. Nokibar took the time to redraw the design sketches,...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/design_sketch_shows_nokia_flagship_with_a_dual_camera_and_zeiss_lens-news-24176.php

Xiaomi Mi 6 variants and prices leak

The latest rumor about the upcoming Xiaomi Mi 6 shines a light on the possible models and their pricing and it also mentions a Xiaomi Mi 6 Plus model. Xiaomi Mi 6 variants and pricing: 4GB RAM + 32GB ROM CNY 1,999/€ 268 4GB RAM + 64GB ROM CNY 2,299/€ 308 6GB RAM + 128GB ROM CNY 2,699/€ 362 Xiaomi Mi 6 Plus variants and pricing: 4GB RAM + 64GB ROM CNY 2,599/€ 349 6GB RAM + 128GB ROM CNY 2,999/€ 402 8GB RAM + 256GB ROM CNY 3,499/€ 469 All of the above should have the Snapdragon 835 ticking inside except possibly the 4GB RAM/32GB ROM Mi 6 which could have a Snapdragon...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_mi6_variants_and_prices_leak-news-24175.php

Meizu M621C-S clears TENAA with octa-core CPU, 5.5-inch display

A new Meizu smartphone has been certified by Chinese telecommunication authority TENAA. Listed as M621C-S, the device is powered by a chipset with octa-core 1.8GHz procesor, and sports a 5.5-inch full HD display. RAM options include 2GB, 3GB, and 4GB, while storage options include 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB. There's a 13MP main camera, and a 5MP front shooter. Measuring 153.6 × 75.8 × 8.15mm and weighing in at 175g, the phone runs Android 6.0 Marshmallow. A 3,920mAh battery is there to keep the lights on. Color options for the device include white, silver, and blue. Source | Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/meizu_m621cs__clears_tenaa_with_octacore_cpu_55inch_display-news-24172.php

LG G5 and V10 on AT&T getting March security patch

AT&T has started pushing out a new update to LG G5 and LG V10 units on its network. Arriving as build number NRD90U and MRA58K, and weighing in at 67MB and 57MB, respectively, the update brings Android security fixes for March. Given that the roll out has just begun, it may take time for the update notification to pop up on your device. You can manually check for the update by heading to your handset's Settings menu. Source 1 2 | Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/lg_g5_and_v10_on_at_t_getting_march_security_patch-news-24171.php

Dell's UP3218K UltraSharp 32-inch 8K monitor (worth $5,000) goes on sale

Remember the Dell UP3218K UltraSharp 32-inch with its astonishing 8K resolution? Well, the monitor is now available for purchase. As promised at its CES announcement, the UP3218K UltraSharp has a whopping $5,000 price tag. The listing reveals a shipment date of April 17. 8K is 7680x4320 pixels for a total resolution of approximately 33 megapixels. It is four times the resolution of 4K and 16 times the resolution of 1080p. In addition to 8K resolution, the monitor also supports outputting 1.07 billion colors and 100% coverage of Adobe RGB and sRGB color spaces. Source | Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/dells_new_8k_monitor_worth_5000_is_now_available_to_preorder-news-24170.php

LG says unlocked G6 coming soon to US

If you are in the United States and are waiting for the LG G6 to be made available in unlocked form, you might not have to wait for long. A quick look at the company's US website reveals unlocked LG G6 is listed as "coming soon." Sadly, an exact date isn't yet known. Also, not known is the price tag unlocked G6 will carry. But we expect these details to surface sooner than later. As for carrier variants, while most of them are available to pre-order, T-Mobile has already started shipping some pre-orders. Source

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/lg_says_unlocked_g6_coming_soon_to_us-news-24169.php

T-Mobile is already shipping pre-ordered LG G6 units

Like all the carriers except Verizon, T-Mobile is releasing the LG G6 on April 7. Right? Well, sort of. The magenta "Un-carrier" seems to be intent on spoiling Verizon's exclusive launch window for the G6, by shipping pre-orders early. Verizon is going to be the first US carrier to have the G6 available, on March 30. T-Mobile, on the other hand, just started taking pre-orders for it yesterday. However, if you placed a pre-order at the magenta carrier yesterday and chose overnight shipping, you probably were met with a big surprise today. Namely, an LG G6 waiting at your doorstep. A...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/tmobile_is_already_shipping_preordered_lg_g6_units-news-24164.php

Nextbit Robin starts receiving final Android 7.0 Nougat update

Back in November of last year, Nextbit started a closed beta program for its Android 7.0 Nougat update for the Robin smartphone. Many builds and many months later, today the final form of that update is finally going out to all Nextbit Robin owners. Of course, as this is a staged rollout, it may take a while before it reaches all units in the wild. But it is coming. Once you install the new software, you'll be running Android 7.0, build 88, with the January 5, 2017 security patch level (and not a more recent one, unfortunately). As you'd expect, this version packs everything that Google...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/nextbit_robin_starts_receiving_final_android_70_nougat_update-news-24163.php

Facebook Messenger gets reactions and mentions in conversations

Facebook's Messenger is continuing its quest to add as many features as possible. The latest additions are reactions (which was in testing for a while) and mentions. Both of these will be rolling out across the world "in the coming days". You'll be able to react to any single message in a thread, and choose between seven different reactions to do so. To add a reaction you press and hold any message and then tap to select one of the following emojis that show up: love, smile, wow, sad, angry, yes, and no. Note that those last two ones can also easily be interpreted as "like" and "dislike",...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/facebook_messenger_gets_reactions_and_mentions_in_conversations-news-24162.php

Verizon launches LG K20 V, Samsung Galaxy J7 V

Today Verizon is adding two new smartphones to its roster, both of the mid-range type. They are the LG K20 V and the Samsung Galaxy J7 V, both Verizon-specific variations of devices we've already heard about. While the LG K20 V is basically just a K10 (2017) with a different paint job and new chipset, the Galaxy J7 V is this carrier's interpretation of the Galaxy J7 (2017) that's yet to become official. The LG K20 V comes with a 5.3-inch 720p touchscreen, a 13 MP rear camera, a 5 MP selfie snapper, the Snapdragon 425 SoC, 2GB of RAM, 16 GB of expandable storage, and a 2,800 mAh...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/verizon_launches_lg_k20_v_samsung_galaxy_j7_v-news-24161.php

Misfit Vapor runs Android Wear 2.0 after all, arrives in late summer for $199

Back in January at CES, Misfit announced its first proper smartwatch, the Vapor. At the time though this was said to run a proprietary platform, and not Android Wear. Well, fast forward to today at Baselworld, and the company finally unveiled some more details about the Vapor - including the fact that it does run Android Wear 2.0 after all. That's perhaps not surprising given how Misfit owner Fossil is going all-in with Android Wear devices this year, but it still makes for an odd launch. Anyway, the Misfit Vapor is expected to become available in "late summer" for $199. The...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/misfit_vapor_runs_android_wear_20_after_all_arrives_in_late_summer_for_199-news-24160.php

So the Huawei P9 Lite is getting Nougat after all

It seems that the Huawei P9 Lite may be receiving the Android 7.0 update after all. We got a tip in the mail that one owner of a SIM free P9 Lite has gotten an over the air update on his phone in Japan. The reader isn't enrolled in the beta testing program so this shouldn't be an unfinished build of Nougat. The firmware sports the build number VNS-L22C635B361 which looks to be official and may very well be the same firmware that Huawei pulled from seeding just yesterday. It's possible that Huawei has sorted whatever brought the update to a halt and will gradually resume its...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/new_renders_of_xiaomi_mi_6_show_a_dual_camera-news-24155.php

Galaxy S8 and S8+ to be even more expensive than previously thought

It's been a few hours since the last Galaxy S8-related leak, so here's another one. But brace yourselves, for this one brings some bad news about the pricing of the S8 and S8+. And yes, that's even worse news than before. If you thought the previously rumored prices of €799 and €899, respectively, for the two handsets, were too high, well, it turns out that in some countries they'll be even more expensive than that. And we're talking about members of the Eurozone, which theoretically should all get the exact same prices. But no - like a few times before with mobile devices, we're...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/galaxy_s8_and_s8_to_be_even_more_expensive_than_previously_thought-news-24159.php

Samsung showcases many Gear S3-based concepts at Baselworld, including a pocket watch

Baselworld is the world's biggest trade show for the watch industry, and Samsung is at Baselworld this year. The Korean company really wants you to know that it's participating in Baselworld this year, so it's announced a bunch of concepts based on the Gear S3 smartwatches. To make them, Samsung's partnered with renowned watch designer Yvan Arpa. The concepts range from interesting to vaguely interesting to outright odd. Let's see, then. We have the duo below, styled like a Gear S3, but actually using Swiss made-movements and details. Next up, a couple of smartwatches that have a...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_showcases_many_gear_s3based_concepts_at_baselworld_including_a_pocket_watch-news-24158.php

Samsung Gear S3 classic LTE escapes South Korea, is on its way to AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon

A couple of months ago an LTE-capable version of Samsung's Gear S3 classic smartwatch surfaced in its home country of South Korea as an exclusive to one of the carriers over there. Fast forward to today, and this model is now officially announced for international markets. That includes the US, as you'd expect, where the new Gear S3 classic LTE will be sold by AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon. So far if you were outside of Korea and wanted LTE connectivity from your Gear S3, you had to pick the sporty-looking frontier version, but that's no longer the case. Now lovers of the classic's more...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_gear_s3_classic_lte_escapes_south_korea_is_on_its_way_to_at_t_tmobile_and_verizon-news-24157.php

New renders of Xiaomi Mi 6 show a dual camera

A few low-res renders have surfaced from China showing what is allegedly the Xiaomi Mi6 and specifically its dual rear camera. However the leaked renders don't offer any information regarding the specifics of the cameras. Xiaomi Mi6 renders The Mi 6 rumors aren't solid at the moment - they point to either a 5.5" LCD or a 5.2" one, there are whispers of a Xiaomi Mi 6 running on either a Snapdragon 821 or a Helio X30 and of a higher-end version with the Snapdragon 835 chip. Finally the rumor mill points to an April 11 event for the new flagship. Source 1 | 2 (requires login)...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/new_renders_of_xiaomi_mi_6_show_a_dual_camera-news-24154.php

HMD prepares to launch the new Nokias in 120 markets simultaneously

HMD wants to make up for lost time by launching its new Nokia lineup in 120 markets - simultaneously. Yep, the Nokia 6, Nokia 5 and Nokia 3, even the Nokia 3310 feature phone will launch in most of the world at the same time. That time is Q2 2017, according to an official from HMD. The company will not attempt to launch its phones on the same day, but likely we will see multiple launches in May. Earlier, an HMD exec said that the new Nokias will hit the market from mid-May to early June. He warned that prices might vary slightly based on local VAT. Beyond Europe, the Nokias will...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/hmd_prepares_to_launch_the_new_nokias_in_120_markets_simultaneously-news-24156.php

ZTE posts a loss in final quarter of 2016 due to US fine

ZTE was accused of violating US trade sanctions against Iran and North Korea and the company plead guilty to those charges. It has agreed to pay a settlement of $892 million, a fine that pushed the company's bottom line in the red - a $760 million loss for the final quarter of 2016. The company could be on the hook for another $300 million if it violates the conditions of the settlement. The quarter before that ZTE posted a profit of $158 million, but the fine was big enough to put the company's profits for the whole 2016 into the negative - a $343 million loss, instead of the expected...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/zte_posts_a_loss_in_final_quarter_of_2016_due_to_us_fine-news-24153.php

Fossil promises 300 smart wearables through its 14 brands in 2017

As Basselworld 2017 unfolds Android Wear is making more and more headlines. Watchmakers Fossil Group has announced that it will unleash more than 300 smartwatches and hybrid watches across its considerable 14 brands this year. The brands in question are some of the most popular around - Adidas, Diesel, Burberry, Karl Legerfeld, DKNY, Marc Jacobs, Emporio Armani are among the best known. Of course Fossil will release products under its own brand name as well. Android Wear 2.0 smartwatches at Basselworld 2017 Diesel just announced its On smartwatch at Basselworld with a...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/fossil_promises_300_smart_wearables_through_its_14_brands_in_2017-news-24152.php

Target will start taking pre-orders for the Galaxy S8 and S8+ on April 2

Could it be? In the US, pre-orders for the Samsung Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ may start earlier than the ones in South Korea. A Target brochure for the first week of next month let it slip that the pre-oders will begin on April 2. There's freebies too - a Gear VR with either version of the S8 along with a $100 gift card. By the way, this is the latest version of Samsung's VR headset, which includes a motion controller. Target's brochure for the first week of April, starring the Samsung Galaxy S8 Keep in mind that pre-ordered units are expected to ship before retail stores receive...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/target_will_start_taking_preorders_for_the_galaxy_s8_and_s8_on_april_2-news-24151.php

US-bound S8 units will come with Galaxy branding on the back

Another day, another Galaxy S8 image. Honestly, it's hard keeping track with the endless stream of renders and photos of the upcoming flagship pair. Yes, we've all seen the new curvy shape and pondered on the size difference between the S8 and S8+. Galaxy-branded (U.S. model) pic.twitter.com/dnGhK5lLCz— Evan Blass (@evleaks) March 23, 2017 This latest image depicts a US model. We can clearly see the "Galaxy S8" text on the back, which can only mean Samsung plans on sticking to its current flagship branding scheme in the States. If we assume this is an indication that the Galaxy S7...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/us_samsung_galaxy_s8_units_will_come_with_model_branding_on_the_back-news-24150.php

iPhone 7 (Product) Red proves popular in China, passes 350,000 registrations

The red iPhones a proving to be a hit in China. Over 350,000 people have registered their interest in them (note that these registrations are not as binding as pre-orders). These are not branded (Product) Red and make no mention of charity (usually, buying Red means a portion of the money is donated). The iPhone 7 with 128GB storage (no 32GB option is available) is priced CNY 6,188, the 256GB model goes up to CNY 6,988. The larger iPhone 7 Plus starts at CNY 7,188 and tops out at CNY 7,988. The red iPhones will launch simultaneously around the world this Friday. iPhone 7 Plus...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/red_iphone_7_proves_popular_in_china_passes_350000_registrations-news-24149.php

Two Meizu phones pass through China's 3C certification authority

A couple of Meizu phones have passed what's known as China Compulsory Certification (3C). One is listed as Meizu M741Y, the other carries the M741A model number. Except 18W fast charge, the listings doesn't reveal anything else about the devices. It's worth mentioning that the M741Y has already received radio transmission approval in the Asian country, something which came to light just a couple of weeks ago. The M741A, on the other hand, seems to be a new device, although it's said to be a variant of the M741Y. Rumors currently say both M741Y and M741A are either model numbers for...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/two_meizu_phones_pass_through_chinas_3c_certification_authority-news-24146.php

Oppo F3 Plus launched in India, will be followed by F3 in May

Oppo has launched the F3 Plus smartphone in India. It is part of Oppo's Selfie Expert series of phones with prominence on the front facing camera performance. The F3 Plus has a unibody aluminum design with a six-string antenna pattern. On the front is the dual front facing camera system. One of them has 16 megapixel resolution with 1/3-inch sensor and f2.0 aperture and the second is a wide-angle lens with 8 megapixel resolution and 120-degree angle 6P lens. The camera app includes Oppo's Beautify 4.0 mode for skin tone enhancement and a bokeh effect to blur the background in your...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/oppo_f3_plus_launched_in_india_will_be_followed_by_f3_in_may-news-24148.php

New Samsung Galaxy Note 4 update optimizes battery usage

Samsung has started pushing out a new update to its Galaxy Note 4 smartphone. Arriving as version XXS1DQC3 and weighing in at around 403MB, the update brings along several changes, including Android security fixes for March. Aside from the latest security patch, the update also includes battery-related optimizations as well as changes aimed at improving stability and performance of the device. Currently, only unbranded European units are getting the update, but carrier variants and other markets should also get it soon. Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/new_samsung_galaxy_note_4_update_optimizes_battery_usage-news-24145.php

LG G6 pre-orders in Australia include a free 43-inch smart TV

We already know the LG G6 is set to be launched in Australia on March 28, and it will be a Telstra-exclusive at launch. The carrier has now started accepting pre-orders for the device, and LG has kicked off a promo, offering a smart TV with each purchase of the phone. The TV in question is an LG 2017 43" FHD smart TV, and only those purchasing the handset on a 24 month AU$95 or higher Telstra plan will be eligible for the deal. The promo has just begun, and will run through May 9. For more information, head to the Source links below. Source 1 2 | Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/lg_g6_preorders_in_australia_include_a_free_43inch_smart_tv-news-24142.php

BlackBerry Keyone gets FCC certified

The BlackBerry Keyone went official late last month and now has its Federal Communications Commission (FCC) papers for entering the United States - a development which usually indicates an imminent launch. In Germany, pre-orders for the device have already begun, while in the UK, Unlocked Mobiles is currently accepting pre-registrations for the handset. The phone was also spotted on an Indian retailer's website earlier this month. In BlackBerry's home country of Canada, major carriers have confirmed they'll be carrying the device. Source | Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/blackberry_keyone_gets_fcc_certified-news-24141.php

Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 UK launch delayed by a week

The UK launch of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 has been pushed by a week. Previously, pre-orders were scheduled to ship beginning March 31, but a quick look at the company's UK website now reveals the date has been changed to April 7. There's currently no information on exactly why the date has been pushed, but let's just hope there aren't any further delays. Those pre-ordering the £599 device before March 31 will also get a keyboard book cover (usually worth £119). Source | Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_tab_s3_uk_launch_delayed_by_a_week-news-24143.php

Nintendo issues fix for Nintendo Switch Joy-Con signal problems

If you haven't heard, several early Nintendo Switch adopters have been having issues with connectivity of the left Joy-Con controller while the right side had no apparent issues. During this time, enthusiasts have been performing a DIY repair that involved opening the Joy-Con and adding wire to the Bluetooth antenna, improving connectivity and eliminating the issue for the most part. Left-hand Joy-Con Further investigation of the connectivity problem has led Nintendo to issue a fix. Unfortunately, for those of you expecting it to be addressed in a firmware update: this is a...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/nintendo_issues_fix_for_nintendo_switch_joycon_signal_problems-news-24136.php

Samsung Galaxy A7 (2017) review: Marathoner with a punch

A Samsung for every taste - that seems to be the main mantra of the Korean giant as of late, as evident by its sprawling and ever-expanding smartphone lineup. We guess it's always good to have more options, but we just can't shake the feeling that some of Samsung's recent creations are beginning to overlap and thread in each other's territory - at least from the global perspective we have.

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_a7_2017-review-1592.php

Moto G5 Plus goes on pre-order in the UK, it will have a blue version too

Yesterday some press renders of an upcoming color version for Lenovo's Moto G5 leaked. And after we saw the Blue Sapphire G5, today it's time to take a look at the blue version of the Moto G5 Plus (pictured to the left). Yes, it turns out that the G5's higher-end sibling is also going to be clad in blue at some point in the future. In the meantime however, the G5 Plus has gone up for pre-order in the UK in grey and gold - those are the only two official hues for now. Carphone Warehouse has an exclusive on the G5 Plus for the UK, it proudly announces on its listing pages. The phone...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/moto_g5_plus_goes_on_preorder_in_the_uk_it_will_have_a_blue_version_too-news-24137.php

Facebook Live streaming is now possible from your desktop too

Facebook Live, the social network's live streaming functionality, became available for the masses last year. However, since then it's only been usable on mobile devices - so if you wanted to broadcast a live stream, you had to do that from a phone or tablet. Not anymore, though. The company is announcing that starting today live streaming to Facebook is possible from desktop and laptop computers too. Facebook says that such devices can offer a stable camera setup that can work wonders for certain content types - for example Q&As, vlogs, or tutorials. This function should be out...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/facebook_live_streaming_is_now_possible_from_your_desktop_too-news-24135.php

New LeEco smartphone gets benchmarked with Android 7.1.2 and Helio X20 SoC

While we wait for that oft-leaked Le X850 handset to become official, LeEco has started teasing a new smartphone yesterday, saying that it wants to strike a good balance between performance and battery life with it. This teaser may in fact refer to the Le X850, but it could also be about an entirely new phone. That's because an oddly named "LeMobile XiubaleR" device was spotted in the Geekbench database today. As usual, the benchmark listing gives us an idea of the handset's specs, but Geekbench isn't as comprehensive in this regard as GFXBench, for example, so all we get is the chipset,...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/new_leeco_smartphone_gets_benchmarked_with_android_712_and_helio_x20_soc-news-24134.php