HTC U 11 shows up on GeekBench, numbers are promising

HTC's next flagship, the U 11 (because why not) is due to be announced on May 16, and sure enough the phone has appeared on GeekBench. Or at least that's what HTC CBP is supposed to be. This HTC CBP device that was put to the test is powered by the Snapdragon 835 (a.k.a. MSM8998) and runs on Android 7.1.1 - those bits were pretty much settled on by past leaks. GeekBench now reveals that there would be 4GB of RAM on board. Specced this way, the CBP (or HTC U 11) scores 1912 points in the single-core test, and 6137 points with all 8 cores put to work. There's but a single phone...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/htc_u_11_shows_up_on_geekbench_numbers_are_promising-news-24809.php

Sony publishes financial report for 2016 fiscal year, mobile division in the black

Sony Corporation has published its financial report for the 2016 fiscal year ending on March 31. Net income is listed at JPY 73.3 billion ($676 million) - practically halved year on year. However, Q4 figures are a marked success compared to last year's numbers for the same period - with a JPY 27.7 billion ($244 million) net income, Sony is now in the black, while in Q4 2015 the company reported a JPY 88.3 billion ($765 million) loss. The corporation's Mobile communications division reports a JPY 10.2 billion ($94 million) profit as opposed to a JPY 61.4 billion loss last year. A...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/sony_publishes_financial_report_for_2016_fiscal_year_mobile_division_in_the_black-news-24808.php

New Asus ZenPad 10 update adds bundled notifications switch

The Asus Zenpad 10 (Z300M) from last year has started receiving a new update. Arriving as version 5.3.6, the update brings along several changes, including new Google security patch. Things that have been added include bundled notifications switch, Game Genie, and lock screen wallpaper slideshow. As for stuff that has been removed, the list includes several redundant app shortcuts, PC Suite, as well as some pre-loaded live wallpapers that aren't compatible with Android N. For the complete change-log, head to the Source link below. Source | Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/new_asus_zenpad_10_update_adds_bundled_notifications-news-24807.php

Some Samsung Galaxy S8/S8+ units are randomly restarting

Samsung's latest flagships - the Galaxy S8 and S8+ - might have broken many previous records, but the picture is not all rosy. The devices have had their share of problems as well. First it was the red-tint issue (for which the company recently issued an update), and now, it has come to light that the phones are randomly restarting for some. Since last week, several users have detailed their experience on the tech giant's US community page as well as the XDA forums. While some are blaming the microSD card, others are pointing fingers at the lock or Always-On Display screen. The...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/some_samsung_galaxy_s8_s8_units_are_randomly_restarting-news-24806.php

Update fixing Galaxy S8 red tint issue arrives in Europe

After its home country of South Korea, Samsung has started pushing out the fix for the Galaxy S8 red tint issue in Europe as well. Weighing in at 426MB, the update is hitting Galaxy S8 units in the UK, and S8+ units in Germany. Turkey is also getting the update - both S8 as well as S8+ are getting it in the country. The fix, as you might already know, comes in the form of a new Screen edge color balance option in the Screen mode menu, allowing you to adjust the full screen color balance as you see fit. Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/update_fixing_galaxy_s8_red_tint_issue_arrives_in_europe-news-24805.php

LG Watch Style now available in Canada

The Android Wear 2.0-powered LG Watch Style is now available in Canada. The smartwatch is listed on the Canadian Google Store for CAD 319 (around $235) - that's for the silver and titanium model, as for the Rose Gold variant, you'll have to shell out CAD 40 more. Sadly, the Watch Sport isn't yet available in Canada, and there's also no official information on when it will be launched in the country. Both watches are already available in the United States, where they went on sale in February. Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/lg_watch_style_now_available_in_canada-news-24804.php

Details about a "mini" LG G6 stir some rumors

A report from TechnoBuffalo discusses some details about an unannounced, unheard of device that LG had been working on, one that would look like the company's flagship G6 device. The document obtained by TechnoBuffalo suggests that LG will be selling a miniature version of the LG G6. Since the LG G4, there has been some kind of "mini" version of every flagship before the G6; the G4c and the G5 Mini. The report mentions the device will look like the G6 and feature the same 18:9 aspect ratio display, but with a smaller 5.4-inch panel. What isn't clear is if this version of the G6...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/details_about_a_mini_lg_g6_stir_some_rumors-news-24803.php

T-Mobile Galaxy S6 edge+ will get Nougat next week

Samsung's devices are nefarious for taking so long to update and the Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+ is no exception. The T-Mobile-branded variant of the device will be receiving an OTA next week that will update the phone to Android Nougat. The update brings efficiency enhancements, a revamped UI, and some aesthetic differences. SOFTWARE UPDATE: @TMobile Engineers have approved the #GalaxyS6EdgePlus Nougat build! Should start pushing early next week!👏 pic.twitter.com/GPEadUQ26j— Des 📱 (@askdes) April 28, 2017 T-Mobile's product manager, Des - known for doing his crazy...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/tmobile_galaxy_s6_edge_will_get_nougat_next_week-news-24802.php

Oppo F3 Plus review: Double take

Getting noticed in a busy place like the smartphone market is no easy feat. Oppo's decision to go after the selfie-loving crowd is one that seems to be paying off so far. Granted, technological gems like VOOC fast charging have likely played a part too, but it's no accident that the Selfie Experts are the most popular Oppo phones in our database.

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/oppo_f3_plus-review-1605.php

Amazon's Alexa will soon speak more human-like by pausing for breath and whispering

Amazon has announced a number of new Speech Synthesis Markup Language (or SSML) features that are part of Amazon's tools for developers of Alexa-enabled apps or "Skills" as the company calls them. Developers can now program the pronunciation, intonation, timing, and emotion conveyed through this artificial dictation. Amazon Echo Dot: 2nd Gen In order to achieve these changes in Alexa's voice, five new tags have been added as part of the coding process for Alexa's skills: Whispering - which is an effect that can make anything Alexa says sound like a whisper. Expletive beeps -...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/amazons_alexa_will_soon_speak_more_humanlike_by_pausing_for_breath_and_whispering-news-24801.php

Nokia 3, 5, 6, and 3310 (2017) to only be out in the UK in June

Remember Nokia? It's trying to make a comeback for itself in the mobile world, under the guidance of a new company - HMD Global. It announced some new devices at MWC in February, but only one of them is available at the moment, and only in one country - China. This may be a nod from HMD Global to Nokia's smartphone launches from yesteryear, which all featured multiple months passing in between the unveiling and the actual release. Whatever it is, the situation isn't set to improve. While in March we thought we'd finally see the Nokia 3, 5, 6, and 3310 (2017) in the UK in May, now it turns...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/nokia_3_5_6_and_3310_2017_to_only_be_out_in_the_uk_in_june-news-24800.php

Samsung launches own Galaxy S8 and Gear VR video tutorials

Samsung has released a bunch of video tutorials for the Galaxy S8 duo and the new Gear VR. The clips detail basic controls and how to connect the VR headset along with key features of the new flagship smartphone. The playlist is completed with a two-minute overview of the Galaxy S8 and the Galaxy S8+. Samsung delivered 11 short clips,saving you hours of reading user manuals. Those reveal how the new features of its high-end smartphones work. There is a video about Secure Folder, about the Iris Scanner and the basic gestures. Here's the whole playlist, feel free to check it...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_launches_own_galaxy_s8_and_gear_vr_video_tutorials-news-24799.php

Nokia 3310 arrives in Spain on May 15 for €59

The Nokia 3310 (2017) was expected to hit European shelves next month, but now we have a more specific date to look forward to - May 15. The date was posted by major European retailer Media Markt on its Spanish website along with a €59 price tag. After unveiling the Nokia 3310 at MWC back in February, the announced price of the 2G phone was €49. Later however, several rumors suggested that the final price might actually be higher and the listing by Media Markt confirmed the device will indeed go for 20% more. Previously retailers in Germany and Austria listed the launch date on...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/nokia_3310_arrives_in_spain_on_may_15_for_59-news-24798.php

IDC: Samsung and Apple stagnate as smartphone market grows

IDC revealed its latest report on smartphone shipments in the first three months of 2017. The numbers show that Samsung and Apple shipments were flat year-over-year, but the two companies are still comfortably in the first two positions globally. However, they might soon feel some pressure as the three Chinese companies that complete the Top 5 grew significantly. Huawei went from 28.1 million smartphone sales in Q1 2016 to 34.2 million in the last three months and gained 1.5 percentage points to close in on Apple. Oppo increased its shipments the most - 29.8%, and gained the same...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/global_smartphone_market_rises_43_in_q1_2017-news-24797.php

Vodafone UK now sells Galaxy S8 and S8+ without pre-booking

Samsung's duo the Galaxy S8 and the Galaxy S8+ is now available on Vodafone UK without pre-booking. You can choose between Midnight Black or Orchid Gray. Тhe cheapest plan costs £40/month over two years and you'd need to shell out £150 for the Galaxy S8 itself. Samsung's flagship could also be bought with a new contract only for a tenner. You'd need to go for a plan worth at least £56 per month though. If you are want the larger Galaxy S8+ instead you'd need to shell out £4 extra per month. Vodafone also has offers for existing customers but in order to get them, you...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/galaxy_s8_duo_on_vodafone_uk_goes_as_low_as_10_with_a_24month_plan-news-24795.php

Nintendo announces 2DS XL for $150

Nintendo has dropped a new handheld console, the 2DS XL. The 2DS XL is big step up from the toast-shaped 2DS and is essentially the 3DS XL but without the 3D display. That's really all there is to be said about this. The 2DS XL includes the faster processor, C-stick and NFC reader for Amiibos from the 3DS XL but lacks the 3D display and has a more compact and lighter design. The 2DS XL will still be compatible with all the 3DS games, just that you can't play them in 3D. The 2DS XL is priced at $149.99 and will be available starting July 28 in the US and July 13 in...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/nintendo_announces_2ds_xl_for_150-news-24792.php

Nougat-powered Samsung Galaxy J3 Prime launched for $150

A new Samsung smartphone has been launched. Dubbed Galaxy J3 Prime, the phone is powered by Exynos 7570 SoC and sports a 5-inch HD display. RAM is 1.5GB, while internal memory is 16GB. The handset features a 5MP rear camera and a 2MP front shooter. It runs Android 7.0 Nougat, and packs in a 2,600mAh battery. The phone is available for purchase in the US through T-Mobile, which has it listed for $6.00 down and $6.00/month for 24 months (totaling $150) for postpaid customers. For prepaid customers it's also $150, but currently there's an instant discount of $75. In addition to...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/nougatpowered_samsung_galaxy_j3_prime_launched_for_150-news-24789.php

LG G6 on AT&T receiving a bug-fixing update

AT&T has started pushing out a new update to LG G6 units on its network. The update arrives as software version H87110c, and although an official changelog isn't yet available, it's said to be a minor one that focuses on bug fixes. As is usually the case with OTA roll outs, it may take sometime for the update to hit your device. You can manually check for the update by heading to your phone's Settings menu. Source | Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/lg_g6_on_at_t_receiving_a_bugfixing_update-news-24788.php

Meizu E2 sees over 3 million registrations in first 48 hours

The China-exclusive Meizu E2 was officially announced a couple of days ago, and it's currently up for registrations in the Asian country. And it has received over 3 million registrations so far. It's worth mentioning that the 3 million figure just represents the number of registrations for the sale, and does not mean that those many people actually pre-ordered the phone. The handset - which starts at around $190 - will be up for grabs tomorrow in a flash sale. It's unclear how many units will be available so if you are interested. Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/meizu_e2_sees_over_3_million_registrations_in_first_48_hours-news-24787.php

Get a free LG Watch Style with G6 pre-orders

If you are in the US, and are planning to purchase the unlocked variant of the LG G6 flagship smartphone, here's a deal for you: retailer B&H Photo is offering a free LG Watch Style with each pre-order of the device. The Rose Gold color variant of the smartwatch is on offer, and it normally costs $279. You can now get the smartphone as well as the timepiece for $650. There's currently no word on when shipments will begin - the listing just says the unlocked model is "coming soon." Source | Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/retailer_offering_free_lg_watch_style_to_those_preordering_unlocked_g6_in_us-news-24785.php

Samsung Galaxy S8+ with 6GB RAM to be available in Hong Kong as well

Samsung has confirmed that the Galaxy S8+ variant which comes with 6GB RAM and 128GB storage will soon be available in Hong Kong. The model is currently only available in the company's home country of South Korea and China. The confirmation was made during the launch of Samsung Pay in the Asian country. The tech giant revealed that the variant (which will not be carrier-locked, as is usually the case with Samsung phones in Hong Kong) will go on sale May 25 onwards. Sadly, there was no word on the pricing of the phone. Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s8_with_6gb_ram_to_be_available_in_hong_kong_as_well-news-24783.php

BLU R1 Plus launched with 5.5-inch screen and 4,000mAh battery

Miami-based smartphone manufacturer BLU has launched a new smartphone. Dubbed R1 Plus, the device is powered by MediaTek MT6737 SoC, and sports a 5.5-inch HD display. RAM options include 2GB and 3GB, while storage options include 16GB and 32GB. The handset features a 13MP main camera and an 8MP front shooter. Measuring 153 x 76.6 x 10.5mm and weighing in at 190g, the R1 Plus runs Android 6.0 Marshmallow. A large 4,000mAh battery is there to keep the lights on. As for price, the 3GB variant costs $160, while the 2GB model will set you back $140. The former is listed on Amazon, while...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/blu_r1_plus_launched_with_55inch_screen_and_4000mah_battery-news-24786.php

BlackBerry Keyone launched, UK gets it first

The BlackBerry Keyone has been launched. The device is now available for purchase in the UK from retailer Selfridges (Oxford Street, London). The information came courtesy of a press release which also revealed the pricing: £499 (around $645). The press release also confirmed that Carphone Warehouse will be the next retailer to carry the handset in the UK, and will start selling it May 5 onwards, something we already know. Clove and Vodafone will also be carrying the phone in near future. The Keyone will land in the US on May 31, and will be up for pre-orders in Canada May 18...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/blackberry_keyone_launched_uk_gets_it_first-news-24784.php

Google guarantees Pixel Android updates through 2018, security patches through 2019

Google's update schedule has been mostly the same with any Nexus device in the past: Android updates for two years, security updates for three years or 18 months after the Google Store runs out of stock. Honestly, there's nothing surprising about these numbers, only that Google has posted them onto its Android support page. The Google Pixel was released in October of last year, so the Pixel and Pixel XL will both receive "guaranteed" Android version updates through October 2018. Notice Google says "Guaranteed" because it could decide it wants to update the Pixel to the most current...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/google_will_guarantee_pixel_android_updates_through_2018_security_patches_through_2019-news-24781.php

Midnight Black OnePlus 3T is about to sell out

Within the past hour, Carl Pei - Co-founder of Chinese phone maker OnePlus, has tweeted that the limited edition Midnight Black model of the OnePlus 3T is sold out everywhere except for the UK and Hong Kong. After that, there will be no more Midnight Black OnePlus 3T's, one month after it went on sale. The limited OnePlus 3T Midnight Black is sold out globally apart from UK and HK, where it will run out in next couple of days. Just FYI. 🔥— Carl Pei (@getpeid) April 28, 2017 Whatever stocks are left in the UK and Hong Kong are expected to run out over the "next couple of...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/midnight_black_oneplus_3t_is_about_to_sell_out-news-24782.php

HTC releases another video to tease U; squeeze all the things!

HTC posted another teaser in anticipation of its upcoming device that's set to be announced in Taiwan on May 16. The HTC U 11 will feature some new touch-sensitive edges that can interpret gestures into actions. HTC feels that this touch-sensitivity would be best exemplified by various clips of people squeezing things. Dog toys, burger buns, fruit, and staplers: these are all things that we apparently like to squeeze on a regular basis. Thrown into the montage is a shot of the smartphone in question right at the 3-second mark. If the color is any indication, it looks like...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/htc_releases_another_video_to_tease_u_squeeze_all_the_things-news-24780.php

Xiaomi Mi 6 isn't headed to India, rumor says

Xiaomi announced the Mi 6 earlier this month for its home market of China, and the new flagship smartphone will become available over there tomorrow. It's seen huge levels of interest, with more than 1.2 million people registering on JD.com, the country's biggest online retailer. The fact that Xiaomi is launching a new handset in China first is no surprise, that's how it's always done things. But its devices do generally make it to the handful of other markets where it's officially present - eventually. However, a new rumor says that strategy could be changing for the Mi 6. The device...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_mi_6_isnt_headed_to_india_rumor_says-news-24779.php

Galaxy S8 red tint fixing update is rolling out

While none have exploded yet, Samsung's Galaxy S8 and S8+ haven't been 100% issue-free since they were released last week. Many people have reported a "red tint" being present on their handsets' screens, and the Korean company has already promised to put out a software update fixing that. The self-imposed time frame was "before the end of this month", and it looks like Samsung kept its word. The much anticipated update is now in the process of rolling out to Galaxy S8 and S8+ units sold in the company's home market of South Korea. For the S8, the new firmware version is G950NKSU1AQDG,...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/galaxy_s8_red_tint_fixing_update_is_rolling_out-news-24778.php

Facebook Messenger Lite is now available in 150 additional countries

Facebook launched the Messenger Lite app for Android last October, but up until this point it was available only in a handful of countries. This version of the company's chat app is lighter than the main Messenger (as the name implies), which means it should run on devices that have old or just low-end hardware without a hitch. Messenger Lite needs less memory and processing power to operate, and it even uses less data than the full-fledged app. The good news is that Facebook has now finally decided to expand Messenger Lite's reach. It's now out in 150 additional countries,...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/facebook_messenger_lite_is_now_available_in_150_additional_countries-news-24777.php

Oppo R11 undergoes 3C certification, nears unveiling

After having already had its specs revealed through a benchmark, the Oppo R11 was certified by the Chinese 3C authority (as evidenced by the image below). This is one of the primary steps needed for a new phone to launch in the country, so its announcement is clearly nearing. The first image purportedly showing the R11 was outed a couple of weeks ago, and earlier this week it was caught in the wild during an ad shoot. So far, the R11 has been rumored or revealed to come with a 5.5-inch 1080p touchscreen, 16 MP resolution for both rear cams, a 20 MP selfie shooter, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/oppo_r11_undergoes_3c_certification_nears_unveiling-news-24776.php

Here are some hands-on shots of the Bronze Pink Sony Xperia XZ Premium

A few days ago Sony announced the third color version for its upcoming flagship smartphone, the Xperia XZ Premium. It's called Bronze Pink, and after seeing the official press renders we assumed that was just Sony's way of saying "pink gold". But it turns out that there's more to the story. We handled an Xperia XZ Premium in Bronze Pink at the European launch event for the device, which took place in Lisbon. And we have to say, depending on how the light falls on it, this color version can certainly give some hints of "bronze" alongside the obvious pink. This is especially true of the...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/here_are_some_handson_shots_of_the_bronze_pink_sony_xperia_xz_premium-news-24775.php

Nintendo sells 2.74M Switches, 10M more expected in 2018

Today Nintendo posted its results for the fiscal year 2016, which for the company ends in March. Numbers revealed that the company sold 2.74 million units of the new console Switch. Interestingly enough Zelda: Breath of the Wild for Switch reported 2.76 million sales. Yep, some people bought the game even before owning the console. Another 1.1 million people bought it for Wii U, totaling to 3.84 million. The demand for Switch is greater than the supply Nintendo can provide, meaning not everyone got their hands on the console. Continuous demand should keep sales strong over the next...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/nintendo_sells_274m_switches_10m_more_expected_in_2018-news-24772.php

Sony Xperia XZ Premium EU pre-orders open next week at €749

Today Sony detailed the availability of its new Xperia XZ Premium flagship in Europe and there is a nice surprise. The smartphone will go on pre-order next week, but it will be a gradual roll-out so some-markets will start taking reservations before others. Actual units will ship at the end of May or beginning of June in another step-by-step expansion. Pricing will be between €749 and €769 depending on where exactly you live. Now, for the good news - the first pre-orders will get a free pair of the MBR-100ABN wireless noise-cancelling headphones. Those normally cost upwards...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/sony_xperia_xz_premium_eu_preorders_open_next_week_at__euro749-news-24774.php

Microsoft's Harman Kardon Invoke speaker will support Spotify

Microsoft and Harman Kardon are working together to bring a personal assistant powered by Cortana. The device named Harman Kardon Invoke will support Spotify, among other music platforms, according to an update of the Cortana app. Microsoft released a new update to Cortana for Android. It gave some a sneak peek what the new AI assistant will do. The app got appeared a Devices section, along with info what Harman Kardon Invoke will do. You can tell Invoke to call someone on Skype, play your favorite artist on Groove Music or update you on the latest news. Microsoft's music...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/microsofts_harman_kardon_invoke_speaker_will_support_spotify-news-24771.php

Samsung Pay expands to UAE and Sweden

Samsung has launched its mobile payments service Samsung Pay in Sweden and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), making them the first Nordic and Middle Eastern countries on the eligible list. Samsung Pay started testing in Sweden last month, while early access was launched in UAE earlier this month. Having graduated in both markets, the list of countries where the service is available in full now contains 14 names. . Meanwhile Samsung started its early access program in Hong Kong and Switzerland, so expect to hear more about those two in a month or so. Source | Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_pay_expands_its_footprint_with_launch_in_middle_east_and_nordic_regions-news-24769.php

Xiaomi Mi 6 passes 1 million registrations on JD.com

The Xiaomi Mi 6 is getting showered with attention - over 1 million people have registered their interest on JD.com, the Chinese online retail giant. Actually, at the time of this writing the numbers have crossed the 1,250,000 mark and keep growing (do note that registrations are not the same as pre-orders). The flagship goes on sale tomorrow when locals will be able to snag one starting at CNY 2,500 for the 6GB/64GB model. It's CNY 2,900 if you want 128GB storage instead. Available color options are Black (with a glossy finish or a special ceramic), Blue and White. Xiaomi Mi...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_mi_6_passes_1_million_registrations_on_jdcom-news-24767.php

LG Q1 fiscal results: profit is good, but mobile division still lagging

LG Electronics posted its Q1 financial numbers and it had the best result in almost a decade. Sadly, the Mobile Communications division wasn't a big part of that as its revenue only rose 2% YoY. Total smartphone shipments were up 10% on a yearly basis to 14.8 million units. It was mostly mid-range smartphones like the K-series that bumped those numbers. Because of the slow LG G5 sales and the niche LG V20, the division still lost KRW200 million or $176,000 between January and March. That's still huge progress over the previous quarter that saw the mobile division bleed over $1...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/lgs_mobile_division_posts_0_consolidated_operating_income_for_q1_2017-news-24766.php

Vivo launches V5s with 20 megapixel front camera

vivo has launched a new smartphone in the Indian market, the V5s. The phone is priced at INR 18,990 ($296) and can be pre-ordered on Flipkart. The vivo V5s has a 5.5-inch 720p IPS display and a MediaTek MT6750 chipset with 4GB of RAM. It only has a 13 megapixel rear camera, but a 20 megapixel front one with flash, suggesting that selfies are its forte. The smartphone comes with 64GB of storage, fingerprint sensor and a 3000mAh battery. It runs on Android 6.0 skinned with the company's own Funtouch OS 3.0 launcher. The phone will be available in Rose Gold and Matte Black online...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/vivo_launches_v5s_in_india_with_20_megapixel_front_camera-news-24768.php

Samsung posts impressive Q1 2017 financial results

Samsung Electronics reported its financial results for Q1 2017 and the results look quite well. The company generated KRW50.55 trillion or about $45 billion in revenue. The operating profit jumped from KRW6.68 trillion to KRW9.9 trillion (about $8.8 billion), making the first three months of 2017 the second most successful quarter in the history of Samsung. It is also the most profitable Q1 ever, giving high hopes to the Korean company. The Mobile division published sales results similar to the Christmas holidays period - KRW2.07 trillion or $1.84 billion. Compared with results...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_posts_impressive_q1_2017_financial_results-news-24763.php

No iPhone 8 this year, according to Foxconn gossip

Rumors, leaks and speculations regarding Apple's 10nth anniversary iPhone 8 have been a frequent sight for quite some time now. In keeping with tradition, Cupertino isn't sharing any info on the matter, but more than a few reports of substantial parts orders can't all be made up. So we remain pretty skeptical of the latest alleged scoop to come through the proverbial grapevine. Apparently, the gossip delivered by Foxconn inside sources is that Apple only placed orders for iPhone 7s and iPhone 7s Plus units. In other words, just the pain old incremental updates over the company's...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/no_iphone_8_according_to_foxconn_gossip-news-24765.php

Samsung confirms Galaxy Note8 in quarterly financial report

In about as many words Samsung reaffirmed its commitment to launch the Galaxy Note8 later this year. The company warns of tougher competition ahead, so another flagship launch would help maintain profitability. Against this backdrop, the company will strive to maintain profitability through robust sales of the Galaxy S8 and S8+ and the launch of a new flagship smartphone in the second half. Samsung will strive to maintain profitability in its mid-range and low-end phone segments too, but mentions that the lineup will be streamlined (we do agree that the the A, C, E, J, On series could...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_confirms_galaxy_note8_in_quarterly_financial_report-news-24764.php

BlackBerry Keyone US launch set for May 31, Canadian availability detailed

The BlackBerry Keyone will be launched in the United States on May 31 - both GSM and CDMA unlocked variants will go on sale on that date. The information came courtesy of a press release which also said that the phone will come to "additional carriers - including Sprint - later this summer." The handset's Canadian availability details have also been announced. The phone is expected to go on sale in the country sometime late next month as the press release mentions that pre-orders will begin May 18 onwards. "BlackBerry Keyone will officially be on-sale in Canada next month at Bell,...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/blackberry_keyone_us_launch_set_for_may_31_canadian_availability_details_also_announced-news-24760.php

Samsung Z4 manual shows a Tizen phone with a selfie camera flash

It's been over a month since we last heard of the Samsung Z4, but now its manual gives us our first good peek at the design and functionality of the Tizen-running phone. The flash setup draws our attention. The main camera is flanked by two flashes, and the front camera also has an LED flash, hinting at high selfie ambitions from the upcoming phone. The resolutions of the cameras are yet unknown. The Samsung Z4 will run Tizen 3.0, which still feels quite a bit like TouchWiz, even after the company's Android phones got a much sleeker look. Also, S Bike is on...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_z4_manual_shows_a_tizen_phone_with_a_selfie_camera_flash-news-24762.php

Samsung says nature of AMOLED displays causes red tint

Samsung has shared some more details on the red tint on some Galaxy S8 units. In a conference call the company said it's inspected of the device, and is confident about the product quality. Here's what the tech giant said regarding the display issue: "Due to the nature of Super AMOLED displays, there can be natural differences in color. Users can optimize the color depending on their preferences." The company also added that the promised update will let affected users better optimize their unit's display colors to reflect their own preferences. Source | Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/red_tint_on_galaxy_s8s_display_isnt_a_defect_samsung_says-news-24761.php

Verizon Galaxy S7/S7 edge update brings One Talk support

Verizon has started pushing out a new update to Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 edge units on its network. The update brings along several changes, including support for the carrier's One Talk service as well as the latest security patch. One Talk lets you connect all your devices under one number. As for security fixes, the included patch is for the month of April. In addition, the update also bumps the Amazon Shopping app to version 8.1.1. The update arrives as build number G930VVRU4BQA4 for the Galaxy S7 and G935VVRU4BQA4 for the S7 edge. Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/new_verizon_galaxy_s7_s7_edge_update_brings_one_talk_support_latest_security_patch-news-24759.php

LG K3 (2017) up for grabs in US for $20

The LG K3 (2017), which was unveiled back in December last year, is now available for purchase in the United States. US Cellular has the device listed on its website, and is offering it for $19.99. That's a discount of $70 compared to the phone's official price. Specs-wise, the handset is powered by a Snapdragon 210 SoC, and sports a 4.5 inch display of 480 x 854 pixel resolution. RAM is 1GB, while internal memory is 8GB. The device features a 5MP rear camera and a 2MP front shooter. It packs in a 2,100mAh battery, and runs Android 6.0.1 (Marshmallow). Source | Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/lg_k3_2017_up_for_grabs_in_us_for_just_20-news-24758.php

Gboard for Android updated with new languages and text editing tool

Google has pushed out a new update to its Gboard for Android app. The update brings along several changes, including support for new languages as well as new text editing tool. Some under-the-hood improvements are included as well. To start off, the update adds 22 Indic languages - with transliteration support - including Hindi, Bengali, Telugu, Marathi, Tamil, Urdu and Gujarati. In addition, support for Kinyarwanda and Waray has also been added. "Through Gboard's internationalization through machine learning, glide typing and suggestions are now available in more than 185...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/gboard_for_android_updated_with_new_languages_and_text_editing_tool-news-24757.php

Samsung Galaxy S8 (Verizon/unlocked) currently going for under $700 in US

If you are planning to purchase Samsung's latest flagship (the Galaxy S8), you'll be glad to know that the device is currently available at discounted rates in the country. Specifically, the Verizon/unlocked variant is currently going for under $700 - $699.99 to be precise. eBay retailer alldayzip (a Top Rated Plus retailer) is offering the handset at that price. If you compare, that's a discount of $56 given that Verizon is officially selling the phone for $756. As of writing, the listing says more than 91% of the stock has been sold, and only Midnight Black color option is...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s8_verizon_variant_currently_going_for_under_700_in_us-news-24756.php

ZTE Blade X Max leaks on its way to Cricket

Cricket is getting ready to launch a new ZTE smartphone. It's called Blade X Max and details about its specs have leaked today alongside the image you can see to the left. Interestingly, this is the third 6-inch ZTE handset that we've talked about in the past couple of days. That has to be a record of some sort. While the Blade X Max is similar in some ways to the Max XL that was unveiled by Sprint and its prepaid brands yesterday, it's not identical. And it shares even less features with the Blade Max 3 that's been launched by US Cellular. It is, however, pretty clear that all...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/zte_blade_x_max_leaks_on_its_way_to_cricket-news-24755.php

Samsung unveils In-Traffic Reply app, aims to prevent distracted driving

One of the big problems of this smartphone age we're living in is constituted by people's propensity to use their handsets while driving a car or riding a bike. This results in distracted driving (or riding), and that can often lead to accidents, even of the fatal kind. Samsung is now working on something that it believes might help. It's called In-Traffic Reply and it's an Android app that is currently in development, and is set to become available in mid-May through the Google Play Store. It will help reduce the social pressure to respond - the one that people feel whenever they...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_unveils_intraffic_reply_app_aims_to_prevent_distracted_driving-news-24754.php