Xiaomi Mi 6 box says 30MP camera inside

The Xiaomi Mi 6 is due to be unveiled sometime this month (April 16 has been mentioned) and there's no shortage of leaks claiming to detail the upcoming top-end device. Well, here's a new one. What is allegedly the Mi 6's retail box comes with a full specsheet on the back and we're immediately drawn to that 3000 number. Our fluency in Chinese is debatable (not really, we don't know the least bit of it), but we've learned so much as to know that in this context it stands for a 30MP camera, and that's a lot of pixels. Alleged Xiaomi Mi 6 retail box We hadn't heard that...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_mi_6_box_says_30mp_camera_inside-news-24333.php

April Fool's jokes round-up

April 1, that's a date I tend to dread. All the not funny jokes and pranks coming my way, and pressure of having to come up with something myself? Grumpy old man, you may say (and okay, you might be right). But a few of this year's efforts did put a smile on my face. Google leads the way with different divisions from various countries coming up with some crazy ideas. PacMan mode in Google Maps has been around for a few years now on April Fool's and in 2017 we have Google Assistant telling dad jokes upon your request. Haptic Helpers are here to here to bring you to your senses. Or,...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/april_fools_jokes_roundup-news-24334.php

April security update starts hitting Samsung Galaxy J3 (2016)

Well, that was quick. It's April 1, and Samsung has already started rolling out the security patch for the month. The update - arriving as build number J320FXXU0AQC3 - is currently hitting Galaxy J3 (2016) units in Europe. Some regular bug fixes as well as device optimizations are included as well. As is usually the case with OTA roll outs, it might take time for the update to hit your device. Meanwhile, if you feel impatient, you can manually check for the update by heading to your handset's Settings menu. Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/april_security_update_starts_hitting_samsung_galaxy_j3_2016-news-24330.php

Huawei P10 Plus vs P10: Low-light camera test

Ever since we got the Huawei P10 Plus for review, we've been itching to test how the camera compares to the regular Huawei P10. After all, besides the screen size, the wide camera aperture is the second major difference between the two phones.

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/huawei_p10_plus_vs_p10_low_light_test-review-1596.php

OnePlus 3 and 3T's latest OxygenOS Open Beta brings a ton of changes

OnePlus has released a new OxygenOS Open Beta for the OnePlus 3 and 3T (iterations 13 and 4, respectively). It's a pretty extensive list of changes that have been done this time, too. It starts with an all new launcher, complete with redesigned app drawer and settings interface. OnePlus has thrown in a status bar network speed icon, Gaming Do Not Disturb mode, auto Night mode, and a Secure Box for file encryption. The new release also includes optimizations in touch latency and in video EIS. Contact handling has been tweaked too, and for the folks in India, a quick pay option has...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/oneplus_3_and_3ts_latest_oxygenos_open_beta_brings_a_ton_of_changes-news-24332.php

US carriers start selling Motorola Moto G5 Plus

Already on sale in unlocked form in the US, the Motorola Moto G5 Plus is now available through the country's carriers as well. Specifically, Republic Wireless is now offering the phone, in both 32GB and 64GB configurations. As for pricing, the 32GB model carries a price tag of $229, while the 64GB variant will set you back $299. Both models are available on monthly plans as well - as low as $14/month and $18/month, respectively. Color options include Lunar Gray and Fine Gold. Source

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/us_carriers_start_selling_motorola_moto_g5_plus-news-24328.php

Here's a bunch of Samsung Galaxy S8 stock wallpapers

The Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+ were announced this past week and we spent some time with the two - check out our first impressions if you've somehow missed those. We're now in a new state of absence of leaks, but we can fill that vacuum with some wallpapers. While you can't have an S8 to enjoy them on just yet, you can trick out your S7 and pretend it's the real thing. Click on the thumbnails below and then on the magnifying glass in the top corner of our gallery interface to get the full-size image. Samsung Galaxy S8 wallpapers Samsung Galaxy S8 wallpapers The...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/heres_a_bunch_of_samsung_galaxy_s8_stock_wallpapers-news-24331.php

Samsung Galaxy Express Prime and Express 3 on AT&T getting new update

AT&T has started pushing out a new update to Samsung Galaxy Express 3 (J120A) and Galaxy Express prime (J320A) units on its network. Arriving as build number J120AUCU2AQC1 and J320AUCU2AQC1, respectively, the update brings MCC/MNC support (310/030, 310/280). Other changes include fixes for issues with VoLTE mute, RTCP jitter, and Rx audio. In addition, the update also bumps the Android security level to March 1. The Galaxy Express 3 update weighs in at 21MB, while that for the Galaxy Express Prime weighs in at 428MB. Source 1 2 | Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_express_prime_and_express_3_on_at_t_get_march_security_patch-news-24329.php

Latest Concept build for Sony Xperia X includes new audio engine

Sony has started rolling out a new update to the Xperia X units that are part of the Japanese company's Concept for Android program. The update arrives as version 38.3.1.A.0.91 and brings along several changes, including a new audio engine. "It's a nice new mix of SONY's Audio Effects Engine and Google's integrated MusicFX app," the official change-log for the update says. Another change the update includes is related to the battery percentage indicator, which now sits besides the battery icon (earlier it was part of the battery icon). Other changes include addition of VoLTE...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/latest_concept_build_for_sony_xperia_x_includes_new_audio_engine-news-24327.php

Third-party retailers start accepting Samsung Galaxy S8 pre-orders in Europe

The Samsung Galaxy S8 is now available to pre-order in Europe through third-party retailers. Specifically, those in Germany and Italy can now place their pre-orders on Amazon. Pricing and availability details for both the markets are different. Amazon Germany has the phone listed for €799, with shipments beginning April 20 onwards. On the other hand, Amazon Italy is selling the phone for €829, with release set for April 28 - the pricing is inline with what we already know. Source 1 2 | Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s8_now_available_to_preorder_in_europe-news-24326.php

More watches are getting Android Wear 2.0 update

A few more smartwatches have started receiving the Android Wear 2.0 update. These include the Fossil Q Wander, Fossil Q Marshal, Michael Kors ACCESS smartwatches, and Nixon the Mission. The list, shared by a community manager at Google, also contains the Polar M600, but we already know that the wearable has started getting the update. Other smartwatches that are already getting the update include Fossil Q Founder, Casio Smart Outdoor Watch, and Tag Heuer Connected. There's, however, currently no information on exactly when popular smartwatches like the Huawei Watch and Moto 360 2nd...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/more_watches_are_getting_android_wear_20_update-news-24325.php

Reserve with Google will let you book your next yoga class from Maps

Google has announced a new service called Reserve with Google, which, for now, will be able to help you book your next fitness class from your Google Search or even Google Maps app. With this service, you can look up places around you. If they are signed up for this service, you will be able to book a class with them from within the Search or Maps app. Alternatively, you can search for something like "yoga" and the apps will show you places around you that match your preferred activity and then you can sign up for it. This works on the mobile as well as on the web. Google is...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/reserve_with_google_will_let_you_book_your_next_yoga_class_from_maps-news-24323.php

Galaxy S8's facial recognition system is easily fooled by a photo

Aside from the (badly placed) fingerprint sensor and the iris recognition system, Samsung's new Galaxy S8 and S8+ also come with a third biometric authentication option: facial recognition. So far so good. But if you expected this to be any better than similar efforts from many, many years back... well, get ready to be disappointed. Like the Face Unlock feature Google added to the Ice Cream Sandwich release of Android way back in 2011, Samsung's new facial recognition system can be easily fooled by showing it a photo of the person that has set up his or her face as trusted. The proof is in...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/galaxy_s8s_facial_recognition_system_is_easily_fooled_by_a_photo-news-24324.php

iPhone 8, 7s, and 7s Plus to all have True Tone displays like the iPad Pro 9.7

A new rumor regarding Apple's iPhone lineup for 2017 is here with details about the devices' ambient light sensors. Specifically, investment bank Barclays thinks that the top of the line (and very expensive) iPhone 8 (the one with the OLED screen) will share a new feature with the iPhone 7s and 7s Plus (which are expected to be very similar to last year's models). Namely, we're talking about them all having True Tone displays. The first (and so far only) Apple device with a True Tone display is the iPad Pro 9.7, though when the refreshed 12.9-inch iPad Pro arrives that should feature it...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/iphone_8_7s_and_7s_plus_to_all_have_true_tone_displays_like_the_ipad_pro_97-news-24322.php

Unlocked Galaxy S7 can now be yours for just $399.99

Sure, the Galaxy S8 became official this week and it's impressive and exciting and already up for pre-order. Yet it's only going to be shipping in mid-to-late April, so maybe you don't want to wait that long to have a new high-end smartphone in your hands. Or perhaps you don't necessarily care for the latest and greatest (and Infinity Display-est). What then? One option would be to go for last year's flagship. You'd expect this to become cheaper as the new model replaces it. And you'd be right. In fact, at the moment you can snag a brand new, unlocked Samsung Galaxy S7 for just $399.99....

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/unlocked_galaxy_s7_can_now_be_yours_for_just_39999-news-24321.php

Latest Apple Watch Series 2 ad tells you to "live bright"

Apple has decided that today's a good day to unleash a new ad for its latest wearable on the world. It's called "Live bright", and it's all about the Apple Watch Series 2 which launched last fall. The ad emphasizes the device's display, which is two times brighter than that of the original Apple Watch. It's also showing it underwater, which is fine since it comes with water resistance up to 50m. And of course showcasing the fitness tracking features couldn't be missed. In fact, Apple says the new watch is "the perfect partner for a healthy life" in the video's description.

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/latest_apple_watch_series_2_ad_tells_you_to_live_bright-news-24320.php

Moto G5 undergoes torture on video as its durability is put to the test

If there's one YouTube channel to turn to when you'd like to see some phones tortured on video, that has to be JerryRig Everything. We've already seen countless handsets endure its standard scratch, burn, and bend tests, and today it was the turn of the Moto G5, the lesser of the new G5 duo from Lenovo's brand. So what do you think? Did the G5, budget offering as it is, manage to withstand the torture better than its rivals? Well, take a look for yourself. Keep in mind though that the video is graphic, so viewer discretion is advised. Hopefully you're not the easily triggered type when...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/moto_g5_undergoes_torture_on_video_as_its_durability_is_put_to_the_test-news-24319.php

BlackBerry Keyone gets delayed until May or later, new BlackBerry tablet may be on the way

When TCL finally announced the BlackBerry Keyone at MWC last month, the official release time frame for the handset was said to be April. However, it now looks like the QWERTY-endowed Android smartphone might get delayed by at least one month. BlackBerry CEO John Chen said the following regarding the Keyone at the company's earnings call earlier: The second one, that TCL announced at Mobile World Congress which is the physical keyboard on an Android, that one is not going to be slated to ship until probably the May timeframe. I think the first manufacturing production run is at the end...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/blackberry_keyone_gets_delayed_until_at_least_may_new_blackberry_tablet_may_be_on_the_way-news-24318.php

OnePlus offers Dash Charge for humans on April 1

April Fools is for playing funny, harmless pranks on others. OnePlus is stepping up the game - it will hand out Dash Energy for humans as well as offering a 15% discount on a bundle of Dash Power Adapters and Dash Type-C Cables at its website. On April 1st OnePlus will launch a campaign at various places across the globe. The company will hand out energy drinks named Dash Energy that give "a day's power for half an hour," hinting that its Dash Charge technology already does the same for your phone. According to OnePlus: Dash Energy is a limited-edition energy drink that unlocks a...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/oneplus_offers_dash_charge_for_humans_on_april_1-news-24317.php

Samsung Galaxy S8 uses two different camera sensors

It turns out that Samsung is using two different sensors for the back and front camera in the Galaxy S8 and S8+. Units have been spotted using a Sony IMX333 sensor and a S5K2L2 ISOCELL sensor made by System LSI, a subsidiary of Samsung. The same goes for the new 8MP autofocus front-facing camera - underneath the optics is either a Sony IMX320 unit or an ISOCELL S5K3H1. The different cameras share the same specs across the board though. No matter if you get a Sony or a Samsung-made main camera you still have a 1/2.55" 12.2MP sensor with Dual Pixel autofocus and naturally the optics...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s8_uses_two_different_camera_sensors-news-24316.php

Apple starts App Accelerator Bengaluru to promote app development in India

Apple announced that it is starting a new app development center in Bengaluru, India called App Accelerator Bengaluru. The aim of this is to enable budding developers to create more apps for Apple's platforms. In this program, Apple experts will lead briefings and provide one-to-one app reviews for developers building apps for iOS, watchOS and tvOS platforms. The facility will also provide support and guidance on Swift, Apple's new programming language for these platforms. Apple Technology Evangelists will be providing specialized briefings for over 500 developers every week and also offer...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/apple_starts_app_accelerator_bengaluru_to_promote_app_development_in_india-news-24315.php

Motorola brings back the RAZR with a Moto Mod

Motorola RAZR V3 was released in 2004 but over a decade later people still remember it fondly. Moto Malaysia decided to toy with the emotions of many and teased that "an icon returns" as a Moto Mod. The Malaysian Department of Motorola published an image on its Facebook page, stating it is bringing back "the iconic Moto that changed the 2000's." But this time it won't be another rebirth of the RAZR name like Motorola did with the DROID RAZR series in 2011 and 2012. The company says that "this time it's new and improved as a Moto Mod." We already know Motorola has chosen the...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/motorola_brings_back_the_razr_with_a_moto_mod-news-24312.php

New Samsung Gear Manager app update brings Auto Switch functionality

A new update has started hitting the Samsung Gear Manager application. The update brings new Auto Switch feature as well as an improved Gear lock function. Using Auto Switch, the Gear S3, S2, and Fit2 can automatically connect to the paired smartphone. On the other hand, Gear lock has been improved so it shows information on the wearable's lock screen. Among other changes, the app now shows cards containing tips related to things like new features and data backup, as well as available watchfaces when you delete one or more. Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/new_samsung_gear_manager_app_update_brings_auto_switch_functionality-news-24303.php

Galaxy S7 edge/ S7 active on AT&T and Verizon Moto Z Play Droid get latest security update

A new update is currently hitting AT&T branded Samsung Galaxy S7 edge and S7 active as well as Motorola Moto Z Play Droid on Verizon. Arriving as build number G935AUCS4BQC2 and G891AUCS2BQC2 for the Samsung duo, and version NDNS25.137-24-1-4 for the Motorola phone, the update brings March security patch. The Moto Z Play Droid update is also said to bring along some system enhancements as well as usual bug fixes. Given that the updates are being rolled out OTA, it may take time for them to hit your device. You can manually check for the update by heading to your handset's Settings...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s7_s7_edge_on_at_t_and_verizon_moto_z_play_droid_get_latest_security_update-news-24307.php

Sapphire Blue Moto G5 goes on sale in UK

The Sapphire Blue color variant of the Moto G5, which leaked in press renders last week, is now official. In fact, the variant is already available for purchase in the UK, where carrier O2 currently has exclusivity on it. So far, Lunar Grey and Fine Gold were the only official colors for the Moto G5, but now you can add Sapphire Blue to the list. The Moto G5 Plus is also said to have a similar blue version, although there's currently no information on exactly when it will be announced/launched. Source | Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/sapphire_blue_moto_g5_goes_on_sale_in_uk-news-24306.php

GoPro Karma drone is now available in Europe

GoPro has announced that its Karma drone is now available in Europe. Specifically, it's available in select European markets, including Spain, Italy, Germany, France, and the UK, where it can be purchased from the company's website as well as "selected online retailers." Karma bundled with HERO5 Black is priced at €1,399.99, while the drone sans any GoPro camera will set you back €999.99. The drone was made official back in September last year, but a couple of months later, it was recalled due to reports of units losing power in-flight. The device finally went back on sale beginning...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/gopro_karma_drone_is_now_available_in_europe-news-24308.php

March security patch hitting Sony Xperia Z5, Z4 Tablet, and Z3+

The Sony Xperia Z5, Z4 Tablet, and Z3+ have started getting a new update. Arriving as build number 32.3.A.2.33, the update brings along Android security fixes for the month of March - the security patch level says March 1, 2017. Although there isn't yet an official confirmation on it, the update is also said to fix the audio issues that were introduced with the Nougat update. The Nougat update for these devices was first released back in January this year, but was pulled shortly thereafter due to issues reported by early adopters. The roll out restarted last month. Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/march_security_patch_hitting_sony_xperia_z5_z4_tablet_and_z3-news-24304.php

OnePlus 3T Midnight Black edition India launch set for today

The limited edition OnePlus 3T Midnight Black will go on sale in India today. The model, which carries a price tag of INR 34,999 (around $540), will be available for purchase from Amazon as well as the Chinese company's India online store starting 2PM (IST) today. OnePlus Experience Store in Indian city of Bengaluru will also be offering the phone. Initially, it was announced that a total of only 250 units of the phone will be made available, but that changed last week when it was revealed that more units will be made available. The model, in case you aren't aware, was announced to...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/oneplus_3t_midnight_black_edition_india_launch_set_for_today-news-24305.php

Motorola Moto G4 Plus (unlocked) getting Nougat in US

Motorola has started pushing out a new update to its Moto G4 Plus smartphone in the US. Weighing in at 741MB and hitting unlocked units (XT1644), the update brings along Android Nougat. There's currently no information on what other changes (if any) are included in the update. This comes just a few weeks after carrier variants of the handset started getting the Nougat update in the country. As is usually the case with OTA roll outs, it may take some time for the update notification to pop up on your screen. Meanwhile, if you feel impatient, you can manually check for the update by...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/motorola_moto_g4_plus_unlocked_getting_nougat_in_us-news-24302.php

Polar M600 gets Android Wear 2.0 update

The Android Wear 2.0 update has started hitting the Polar M600 smartwatch. The information came courtesy of the company's official Twitter account. The tweet also noted that all M600 units will get the update within the next week. @kouzari Starting today, the update will roll out gradually within the next week. M600 will notify you automatically :)— Polar (@PolarGlobal) March 30, 2017 With this, the M600 joins the small list of Android Wear devices that are currently getting the 2.0 update. In case you missed, the update for other devices has been delayed due to a bug found in the...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/polar_m600_gets_android_wear_20_update-news-24301.php

Verizon's HTC 10 finally gets Android 7.0 Nougat update today

Exactly as announced by an HTC exec yesterday, the rollout of the Android 7.0 Nougat update for the HTC 10 units sold by Verizon is now underway. This has been a long time coming, to say the least. Unlocked HTC 10 units sold in the US have been on the new OS version since last year, while other carriers such as T-Mobile and Sprint have already pushed it to their respective models. And now it's Verizon's turn. Once you get that coveted update notification, make sure you're on Wi-Fi or have enough signal on Big Red's network before you start the download. After you've applied the update,...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/verizons_htc_finally_gets_android_70_nougat_update_today-news-24300.php

Galaxy S8 and S8+ won't face any supply issues, Samsung promises

Earlier today we told you that Samsung executives are confident that the Galaxy S8 will manage to outsell the highly successful Galaxy S7 from last year. Now courtesy of a new report from the company's home of South Korea we get additional details about how it's handling the launch. Samsung will make around 20 million units of the Galaxy S8 and S8+ in the initial production run, thus there should be no impediment for them to break sales records for the Korean company. Samsung's head of mobile, DJ Koh, has even promised that the duo will not see any supply issues whatsoever. The...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/galaxy_s8_and_s8_wont_face_any_supply_issues_samsung_promises-news-24299.php

Marshall announces flagship Monitor Bluetooth headphones

Marshall has announced a wireless version of its flagship Monitor pair of headphones, the Monitor Bluetooth. The Monitor Bluetooth are essentially the Monitor but without the cable. The headphones support the standard Bluetooth audio codec as well as aptX for even higher quality audio. The Monitor Bluetooth also have a natural audio signature for a more accurate audio reproduction. Other features include a knob on the side to control playback, dual stereo microphones, 30+ hours of playback, and collapsible design with a carrying case. There is also a 3.5mm jack on the headphones...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/marshall_announces_flagship_monitor_bluetooth_headphones-news-24298.php

ZTE launches preview program for the Axon 7 Mini's Android 7.1.1 Nougat update

After having already released Android 7.1.1 Nougat for the bigger Axon 7, ZTE is now shifting its focus to the smaller (and lower-end) Axon 7 Mini. The company has announced a preview program for the Mini's Android 7.1.1 update. If you own such a device you can participate in the preview by registering at the official ZTE community forum. You will need to sign and strictly follow a Non-Disclosure Agreement, complete some time-sensitive tasks and surveys, as well as provide detailed bug reports when you encounter problems. If none of those things sound too complicated to you, then head...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/zte_launches_preview_program_for_the_axon_7_minis_android_711_nougat_update-news-24297.php

Android Wear 2.0 rollout has been delayed because Google found a bug

To say that the state of the Android Wear 2.0 release is a mess would be an understatement. The new version of the wearable operating system was unveiled last year and its first release timeline was fall 2016. It didn't make that, being delayed until early 2017. Then everything finally seemed fine and it was supposed to make it to a smartwatch near you starting in February, which is when Google outed the official list of devices getting it. Yet here we are at the end of March and only a few hours ago did we hear anything about any smartwatches actually being updated to Android Wear 2.0....

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/android_wear_20_rollout_has_been_delayed_because_google_found_a_bug-news-24296.php

Samsung DeX Station dock costs $149.99, is now up for pre-order

The DeX Station is one of the accessories that Samsung announced at yesterday's event for its upcoming Galaxy S8 and S8+ smartphones. However, unlike the new Gear VR or Gear 360 camera, the company didn't share any pricing details for the DeX. Today though it's started taking pre-orders for the device, which means we finally know how much it costs: $149.99. It will be shipping at some point in late April, with no less vague time frame available at the moment. For that $149.99 you're getting a dock that you place your S8 or S8+ in. You connect the DeX to a monitor, mouse, and...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_dex_station_dock_costs_14999_is_now_up_for_preorder-news-24295.php

Twitter doesn't count usernames towards a tweet's 140 characters anymore

Twitter's 140 character rule still exists, but the company has been taking some steps to mitigate it somewhat recently. The newest such move comes today, when it's announced that usernames aren't counted towards that 140 character tweet limit anymore. What this means in practice is that you will get slightly more space to express your thoughts when you're addressing other individual users of the service, and a lot more space in group conversations. From now on who you're replying to will appear above the tweet and not within the tweet text, so you have more characters for the actual...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/twitter_doesnt_count_usernames_towards_a_tweets_140_characters_anymore-news-24294.php

Cristiano Ronaldo teases the ZTE nubia Z17 mini ahead of its April 6 unveiling

ZTE's nubia sub-brand is going to unveil a new smartphone at an event on April 6. Invites have already gone out, and the TENAA listing for said handset has appeared already, giving us a pretty complete idea about its specs. The rumors say it's going to be called nubia Z17 mini, and today football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has decided to tease it a bit. The image you can see above has been posted to his Instagram account, with the following statement attached: Just finished shooting with @nubiasmartphone very impressed by the dual camera! Looking forward to the product launch on...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/cristiano_ronaldo_teases_the_zte_nubia_z17_mini_ahead_of_its_april_6_unveiling-news-24293.php

Samsung Galaxy S8 Microsoft Edition comes with even more bloatware

Admit it: you like the Galaxy S8 and S8+, which Samsung unveiled yesterday. But if there's one thing that you feel is lacking, it's the number of virtual assistants that come pre-installed. After all, it's just two of them - the Google Assistant and Samsung's Bixby. But what if we told you that there's a special edition Galaxy S8 out there that has no less than three assistants built-in, all eagerly anticipating your commands? This isn't a dream, it's reality. It's called Galaxy S8 Microsoft Edition, and you can pre-order one from Microsoft's brick-and-mortar stores in the US. The S8 is...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s8_microsoft_edition_comes_with_even_more_bloatware-news-24292.php

iFixit tears down new iPad, finds parts from Air 1 and 2

iFixit has performed its ritualistic teardown of the latest iPad from Apple that was announced last week. This gives us a closer look at everything that's inside. The primary difference is the chipset, which is the same Apple A9 that is found inside the iPhone 6s and the iPhone SE. But there are some other changes too. For one, the new iPad is thicker than the Air 2 that it replaces and is almost as thick as the original iPad Air. This comes with a corresponding increase in battery size, which at 32.9Wh is larger than that in the Air 2 and roughly same as the one inside the...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/ifixit_tears_down_new_ipad_finds_parts_from_air_1_and_2-news-24291.php

Galaxy S8 to beat the S7 in sales, Samsung says

Samsung Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ will beat their predecessors' sales record for the first year, said DJ Koh, Head of Mobile Business at Samsung Electronics. That's despite the new S8 cost of $750/€809, and S8+ price of $850/€909 - a significant increase over the S7 duo. Samsung's latest flagship is one of the most hotly anticipated devices of 2017. Since it's the first major smartphone release after the Galaxy Note7 fiasco, the Korean company has high expectations for its market performance. Earlier this month analysts gave mixed forecasts how the device will position itself...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/galaxy_s8_to_beat_the_s7_in_sales_samsung_says-news-24290.php

Samsung details the Galaxy S8 camera

While the year-old 12MP camera of the Galaxy S7 is hanging around, Samsung has improved it on the Galaxy S8 with clever software and use of image stacking thanks to a snappier Exynos chipset. In an article dedicated to the new camera Samsung lays out all the improvements the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ bring in the camera department. The most meaningful upgrade looks to be the Multi-frame image processing. With it the camera takes three photos instead of one and stacks them for a sharper, less noisy image. This technique works for digitally-zoomed photos too and better yet Samsung says...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_opens_up_about_the_galaxy_s8_camera-news-24288.php

Telegram rolls out voice calling feature in Western Europe

Telegram has introduced voice calling feature in its popular messaging application. The feature is now live in the latest update released on iOS and Android, but is only available in Western Europe. The company has promised that it will soon be released in the rest of the world. Just like messages, Telegram uses end to end encryption for its voice calls, which can be confirmed by comparing the four emoji on screen, which act as a verification key and would be identical for both callers if the call is encrypted. Telegram uses a neural network to analyze your call metrics to...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/telegram_rolls_out_voice_calling_feature_in_western_europe-news-24289.php

Just-in: Oppo F3 Plus

Say hello to the Oppo F3 Plus or if you prefer its stage name - the Selfie Expert. The F3 Plus made its official public appearance only days ago but it's already here at HQ, dressed to impress and ready to get the GSMArena review treatment. But before we get to review tests and scores, our initial impressions follow. One of the first things to notice is its size - this is a large device. It packs a 6-inch display but despite the sizeable screen diagonal, the phone feels manageable in one hand. Around the back we see Oppo's signature "Six-String" antenna strips. While not as...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/justin_oppo_f3_plus-news-24263.php

Meizu giving away five M5 Note units

The Meizu M5 Note is a decent mid-ranger with an attractive design, and now you have the chance to get one for free by participating in the company's giveaway that will see five units get new owners. The rules are rather funny - you have to write your name on a sticky note, add #MeizuNotes and stick it on someone else's back. Then just take a picture or video and post it on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram (or all three, if you prefer) with the hashtag #MeizuNotes. The company will give five M5 Note devices to five lucky participants. The campaign was announced on Meizu's...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/meizu_launching_a_sweepstake_for_five_m5_notes-news-24287.php

Samsung Pay adds support for Visa Checkout

Samsung is teaming up with Visa to add Visa Checkout support to Samsung Pay. Visa Checkout is supported by hundreds of thousands of retailers and merchants around the world and works with a variety of cards, not only Visa ones. People with a Samsung Pay device with fingerprint authentication will see a Visa Checkout/Samsung Pay co-branded buttons on merchants websites, if they add support for Visa Checkout. If you're wondering how Visa Checkout differs from PayPal - it's meant for making purchases while PayPal is a service that on top of purchases lets people send money to other...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_pay_adds_support_for_visa_checkout-news-24286.php

Galaxy X arriving in Q3 2017, earlier than the Galaxy Note 8

A Chinese leakster well known for his tips about the already announced Galaxy S8 teased some more spicy information on the next big things from Samsung - the foldable Galaxy X and the Galaxy Note8. Samsung GALAXY Note 8 in Q4.:)— 萌萌的电教 (@mmddj_china) March 29, 2017 In a vague tweet mmddj_china suggested that Galaxy Note8 will be available in Q4 2017, leaving followers guessing is he talking about reveal or specific market launch. Minutes later in another obscure tweet he said that Galaxy X will arrive in Q3, meaning the foldable smartphone will...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/galaxy_x_arriving_in_q3_2017_earlier_than_the_galaxy_note_8-news-24285.php

LG G6 to start shipping in UK on April 28

People in the United Kingdom finally have an idea when the LG G6 would be in stock and available for purchase. Clove UK has the G6 listed for £649 and expects stock to be available on April 28. CarphoneWarehouse has a registration page for the LG G6 but doesn't give an availability date. As for the rest of Europe the G6 will carry a price of €749 and will go on sale sometime in April. Source

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/lg_g6_to_start_shipping_in_uk_on_april_28-news-24284.php

Samsung Galaxy S8 (with Exynos 8895) benchmarked

The Samsung Galaxy S8 had a busy night yesterday, but there's no time to rest - the first benchmarks are in, so let's see how the new flagship performs against the competition. Note that this is an Exynos 8895 unit, there's also a Snapdragon 835 version not included in these scores. Both should perform practically identically or so Samsung claims. We open up with a narrow win in AnTuTu 6 against the iPhone 7 Plus, which is still one of the best all-round performers. The performance increase from the previous Exynos chip is tangible and ahead of the Snapdragon 821 used by some of the...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s8_with_exynos_8895_benchmarked-news-24283.php

Garmin Forerunner 935 smartwatch is an advanced on-wrist coach

The new Garmin Forerunner 935 is a GPS-enabled smartwatch with advanced tracking features for your complex exercise routine - running, sprinting, swimming, biking, even triathlons are covered by this $500 watch. Its lightweight shell (49g) keeps out of the way and the battery lasts up to 2 weeks in watch mode. You can change teh QuickFit bands from the silicone ones to dressier leather or metal in between training. The battery lasts a full 24 hours in GPS tracking mode, so even if you go for a run every day, you will not have to charge the watch that often. And you'll get tons of data...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/garmin_forerunner_935_smartwatch_is_an_advanced_onwrist_coach-news-24282.php