Microsoft is planning a mobile future as a cross-platform experience coordinator

Microsoft's Build 2017 conference, was probably the most forward-looking and paradigm-shifting such event to come along in years. The Redmond giant used the venue to introduce a whole new visual identity to replace Metro, called Fluent Design. It also made important steps to unify and refocus its AR and VR efforts under a more unified banner and strategic plan. Additionally, it offered a glimpse into the next Windows 10 Creator's update, coming this Fall. Windows 10 Timeline But, the thing that really caught our attention on a grander scale is a fresh new Microsoft mindset,...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/microsoft_is_planning_a_mobile_future_as_a_crossplatform_experience_coordinator-news-25011.php

HTC U 11 to go on sale on May 19 for $659

We're still a little bit fuzzy on details when it comes to HTC's upcoming U 11 device. However, this shouldn't be the case for much longer, since the official lunch date is already set for May 16. Now, a new report claims HTC won't keep fans waiting to get their hands on one either, with a potential local release date as early as May 19. To be fair, this probably marks pre-sales kick off, rather than actual store availability. But even so, HTC seems to be keeping a tight schedule this time around. The source also claims that users outside Taiwan will get the U 11 in June. Top and...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/htc_u_11_to_go_on_sale_on_may_19_for_659-news-25010.php

The Honor 9 will be unveiled on June 20 or 21

Word of a new mid-ranger from Huawei's Honor sub-brand has been floating around the rumor mill for some time now. A new report claims to have some much-needed specifics on the handset, namely an announcement date of June 20 or June 21 and a suggested price tag of INR 2,499 ($362). To give you some background, the Honor 9 has been the subject of at least a couple of leaked renders. Despite revealing the lack of a 3.5mm audio jack on the model, these have proven controversial since they bear too many similarities with the Honor 8. This has led to some speculation that Huawei is...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/the_honor_9_will_be_unveiled_on_june_20_or_21-news-25009.php

The Moto X (2017) will actually be called Moto X4

Motorola's upcoming device portfolio is still shrouded in a lot of mystery. A new Moto Z2 flagship is pretty much certain at this point and so is a fresh addition to the Moto X line. However, reputable leakster @evleaks claims what we tough would be the Moto X (2017) will actually be called the Moto X4. And given his reputation and the accompanying banner, we have every reason to believe so. Regardless of the name, the handset in question was featured in a recent teaser video, as well as a leaked presentation a few hours ago. The quoted specs paint a premium mid-range offering -...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/the_moto_x_2017_will_actually_be_called_moto_x4-news-25008.php

Apple is investing $200 million in Corning and Gorilla glass technology

Cupertino has announced its intentions to invest $200 million in Corning Incorporated - the US company behind the popular Gorilla glass technology. The money will go towards: "Corning's R&D, capital equipment needs and state-of-the-art glass processing". Apple's CFO Jeff Williams commented on the move: Corning is a great example of a supplier that has continued to innovate and they are one of Apple's long-standing suppliers. This partnership started 10 years ago with the very first iPhone, and today every customer that buys an iPhone or iPad anywhere in the world touches glass that was...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/apple_is_investing_200_million_in_corning_and_gorilla_glass_technology-news-25006.php

Sony Xperia XZ Premium review: The Showstopper

The Sony Xperia XZ Premium has a gorgeous 4K display. Better yet, a 4K HDR display! The latest Snapdragon 835 chipset is pulling the strings and delivering lightning-fast LTE while the Adreno 540 is firing up millions of pixels in a heartbeat. With or without the mirror finish, this is one of the classiest designs around and waterproof, too.

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/sony_xperia_xz_premium-review-1610.php

Sprint outs iPhone 7 BOGO deal if you don't mind leasing

Earlier today we told you all about T-Mobile's Buy One, Get One free (BOGO) deals for the Samsung Galaxy S8 and the LG G6, and now Sprint has launched its counter-offer for the magenta carrier. The Now Network forgoes Android devices and jumps straight to the iPhone. It's offering you a free (after bill credits) iPhone 7 if you lease another iPhone 7. So you'll pay $27.09 per month as you would if you only wanted one device, but will in fact get two. Caveats? Sure. Aside from the fact that bill credits are involved (and will be applied "within two invoices"), you should also note that at...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/sprint_outs_iphone_7_bogo_deal_if_you_dont_mind_leasing-news-25005.php

Google announces Project Treble, a modular base for Android aiming to make updates faster

Here's the thing: Android version updates are a painfully slow affair for every device that isn't a Nexus or Pixel. This has been the reality ever since the operating system's inception, and so far nothing has managed to change the situation. But Google thinks that it can help, at least somewhat, by incorporating a modular base into its OS, starting with the Android O release later this year. Up until this point, here are the steps that have been required for an OS update on a non-Google device to make it into your hands: Quite complicated indeed. But from this point on Android will...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/google_announces_project_treble_a_modular_base_for_android_aiming_to_make_updates_faster-news-25004.php

Moto X (2017) now stars in a leaked presentation, has specs revealed

The upcoming 2017 edition of the Moto X will by all accounts be Motorola's premium mid-range offering - sitting in its portfolio right below the new Z2. This phone has been talked about a lot so far, but some of the details purported to be about it have in fact turned out to be describing other Motorola devices, such as the G5 Plus. But it's clear that we are getting ever closer to the Moto X (2017)'s launch, and today a presentation of the new handset has been leaked in China. As always, we can't verify the authenticity of this, but here are the three most relevant captures from the...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/moto_x_2017_now_stars_in_a_leaked_presentation_has_specs_revealed-news-25003.php

Unlocked LG G6 is now available in the US starting at $599.99

Just a few days ago Samsung started taking pre-orders for the unlocked versions of its Galaxy S8 and S8+ smartphones in the US, with the release date being set for May 31. However, LG has managed to ever so slightly one-up its competitor once again - following the rollout of its G6 to US carriers, which also happened before the S8 became available. The unlocked G6 that LG promised was coming soon back in March is now finally here. You can already purchase one from B&H. On the other hand, LG itself and Amazon are only taking pre-orders for now, while B&H claims to have devices in...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/unlocked_lg_g6_is_now_available_in_the_us_starting_at_599-news-25002.php

Meizu Pro 7 specs leak through source code

There hasn't been much talk about the rumored Meizu Pro 7 but that may soon change. The people over at GizChina.it have managed to obtain and dig through some source code to extract some interesting specs. Those include the deca-core Helio X30 chipset and what could prove to be a dual camera on the back. The source code lists the Sony IMX386 (12MP), the Sony IMX286 (12MP) modules as well as a Samsung S5K368 (16MP front-facing camera). There's also mention of a dual display but we have no idea what to make of that. That's all of the interesting information in the code. The rest...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/possible_meizu_pro_7_specs_leak_through_source_code-news-24998.php

Oppo A77 with 16MP selfie camera coming soon

Chinese smartphone manufacturer Oppo is rumored to launch a new smartphone soon. Dubbed Oppo A77, the device will be powered by MediaTek MT6750T SoC and sport a 5.5-inch full HD display. Oppo A57 RAM is 4GB, while internal memory is 64GB. The handset features a 13MP main camera and a 16MP selfie shooter. The device offers supports for dual SIM, and packs in a 3,200mAh battery. Reports say the device will be launched sometime around end of this month (rumored date is May 26), and Taiwan will be the first market to get it. There's currently no information on how much it will...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/oppo_a77_with_55inch_display_and_16mp_selfie_camera_rumored_to_be_coming_this_month-news-24999.php

Samsung Galaxy S8+ with 6GB RAM now available in Hong Kong

Late last month, Samsung confirmed that the 6GB RAM variant of the company's Galaxy S8+ flagship will be hit Hong Kong. And now, the company has started accepting orders for the device. The model, which comes with 128GB internal storage, carries a price tag of HKD 6,998 (around $900) in the Asian country. The tech giant has confirmed that shipments will begin on May 25. Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s8_with_6gb_ram_now_available_in_hong_kong-news-24997.php

Huawei P10 goes up for pre-order in Australia

The Huawei P10 is now available to pre-order in Australia. Vodafone has the device listed on its Australian website - color options include Graphite Black and Prestige Gold. As for price, plans start at AUD 60 (around $45) per month. Those pre-ordering the handset will also get a free first-gen Huawei Watch. It has already been confirmed that the P10 will go on sale in Australia on May 25. It'll carry an AUD 899 ($665) price tag. The P10 Plus will also be launched on the same date for AUD 1,099 ($810). Source | Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/huawei_p10_goes_up_for_preorder_in_australia-news-24990.php

iTunes for Windows is coming to the Windows Store

In a rather unexpected twist, Microsoft announced at the Build conference that iTunes will be coming to the Windows Store. iTunes is coming to the Windows Store by the end of this year. #MSBuild pic.twitter.com/WHM533S7Sv— Windows (@Windows) May 11, 2017 This is pretty big news as iTunes has so far been a standalone download that you would have to get from Apple's website. Having it on the store would make it a lot easier for most people to download it on their computer. It also means those running Windows 10 S will be able to use iTunes in future as 10 S has no support for...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/itunes_for_windows_is_coming_to_the_windows_store-news-24991.php

Samsung Z4 with Tizen 3.0 unveiled: selfies and simplicity

If simple is what you want, you should check out the new Samsung Z4. With an eye on social media and ease of use, the latest Tizen-powered phone steers clear from picking a fight with Android. The Z4 is built around a 4.5" screen, making it smaller than most other handsets on the market. The screen has a 2.5D curved glass and a basic 480 x 800px resolution. The insides are similarly humble - a quad-core 1.5GHz processor with 1GB of RAM run Tizen 3.0. Samsung Z4 in Black For selfies, you get a 5MP cam with a dedicated flash (f/2.2). The main camera on the back is very similar...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_z4_with_tizen_30_unveiled_selfies_and_simplicity-news-25000.php

T-Mobile offers Galaxy S8 and LG G6 on BOGO deals

T-Mobile joins forces with LG and Samsung to get more of their devices out to customers. The Un-carrier started a BOGO deal for the LG G6 that lasts until June 8. Today a similar deal also started for the Galaxy S8 duo, but the leaked press-message does not reveal the end date of the second promo. The LG G6's price is currently lowered to $500 (from $650) at T-Mobile. If you get two devices, you can redeem a $500 rebate check that you will receive by email. Galaxy S8 is currently has a $750 price tag and a similar deal is also available at the Magenta telecom. Right in time...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/tmobile_offers_galaxy_s8_and_lg_g6_on_bogo_deals-news-24994.php

Apple places order for A11 chips for the iPhone 8

TSMC has begun producing 10nm process chipsets for Apple's next-gen iPhone series. Sources reveal that this deal is just one of many the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company secured - it will also produce 10nm SoCs for MediaTek and Huawei's in-house chipset company HiSilicon. The A11 chipset will be the first based on the 10nm FinFET process that Apple will implement in its next flagship smartphones. Production was affected by issues with stacking components, but since they have been solved, TSMC got the green light for producing the new SoC. Another client of TSMC, MediaTek,...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/apple_places_order_for_a11_chips_for_the_iphone_8-news-24988.php

Refurbished Samsung Galaxy Note7 already on sale in China

While officially, Samsung is saying that they have not yet decided on refurbished Galaxy Note7 launch schedule, the phone is already on sale in China. A Galaxy Note7R (R for refurbished) listing appeared on a Chinese retailer's website ahead of the actual announcement. The listing reveals a price tag in the range of CNY 3,599-3,999 ($520-$580), which is around CNY 2,000 ($290) less than the original device's price. Further, the design of the refurbished model looks pretty much the same. The Note7R reportedly comes in two variants: one with 3,200mAh battery (aimed at Europe,...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/refurbished_galaxy_note7_already_on_sale_in_china-news-24987.php

Huawei Mate 9 gets two more colors: Agate Red and Topaz Blue

Huawei has added two new names to the list of Mate 9 color options. The new colors are Agate Red and Topaz Blue, and they will be up for grabs in China starting May 14 (this Sunday). No information on if and when other markets will get them. Aside from color, the new models are identical to the already available variants in all aspects, including price. Earlier, the company had launched 'obsidian black' color option for the device. In total, the Mate 9 color options are now nine - the remaining 6 include Space Gray, Moonlight Silver, Champagne Gold, Mocha Brown, Ceramic White, and...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/huawei_mate_9_gets_two_new_colors_agate_red_and_topaz_blue-news-24986.php

ZTE Blade X Max announced with 6-inch display, Android 7.1.1 OS

The ZTE Blade X Max, which leaked last month, has been officially announced by the Chinese company. The device is powered by Snapdragon 435 SoC and sports a large, 6-inch full HD display. RAM is 2GB, while internal memory is 32GB. The handset features a 13MP main camera and a 5MP front shooter. It runs Android Nougat (version 7.1.1) out of the box, and packs in a 3,400mAh battery. There's a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor as well. The phone will be available in the US through Cricket Wireless starting May 12. It carries a price tag of $149.99. Source | Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/zte_blade_x_max_announced_with_6inch_display_android_711_os-news-24984.php

Alcatel brings A30 Tablet to T-Mobile for $125

Alcatel is releasing a new tablet on the T-Mobile network aimed at those looking for an affordable mid-range tablet as well as those who love watching TV shows at home. With the release of this new Alcatel A30 tablet comes Alcatel's CloserTV app, which works in conjunction with the IR-blaster that's embedded in the tablet. Exclusive to the CloserTV app is a commercial skipping feature "that lets you switch programs during commercials for uninterrupted entertainment". The Alcatel A30 tablet features an 8-inch 1280 x 800px display and is powered by a 4,000 mAh battery which churns the...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/alcatel_brings_a30_tablet_to_tmobile_for_125-news-24983.php

HTC U 11 will do "360 real-life recording", according to new teaser

We are now a mere five days away from the official unveiling of HTC's next flagship smartphone, the U 11. And the company wants to keep the hype going by publishing a brand new teaser through its Twitter account. 360 real-life recording. 05.16.17 #BrilliantU pic.twitter.com/PflJ22aBWb— HTC USA (@HTCUSA) May 11, 2017 As you can see, in this teaser HTC claims the U 11 will be able to do "360 real-life recording", but stops short of explaining what that's actually supposed to mean. "360" what? "360-degree", perhaps? If that's what was meant here, we're baffled as to why that word was...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/htc_u_11_will_do_360_reallife_recording_according_to_new_teaser-news-24981.php

Microsoft details upcoming Windows 10 Fall Creators Update

Microsoft announced the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update on day 2 of the Build 2017 developer conference in Seattle. Arriving later this year, the update brings with it many changes and new features. One of the major features of this update is the introduction of the Microsoft Fluent Design System. This is Microsoft's new design language, intended to deliver an "intuitive, harmonious, responsive and inclusive cross-device experiences and interactions". It uses light, depth, motion, and material choices to create a whole new style of UI that's modern yet familiar. It's also designed from...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/microsoft_details_upcoming_windows_10_fall_creators_update-news-24982.php

Nougat-powered Lenovo tablet (TB-8704V) gets WiFi certified

A mysterious Lenovo tablet has received WiFi certification from the WiFi Alliance (WFA). The device in question, the listing reveals, carries a model number of TB-8704V and runs Android Nougat (version 7.1.1). Sadly, and as is usually the case, the WiFi listing for the device doesn't reveal anything else about the tablet. But given that given that it has started collecting necessary certifications, we expect to hear more about the device sooner rather than later. Source | Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/android_711powered_lenovo_tablet_tb8704v_gets_wifi_certified-news-24979.php

Green Gionee S10 leaks in hands-on shots, blue model may be on the way too

Gionee's upcoming S10 just keeps on leaking. We've already seen it at TENAA, in a benchmark, and starring in some live images recently. And now we've got two more shots of the S10, thankfully higher quality this time. They show that aside from the black and gold hues that TENAA listed, Gionee is also getting ready to offer the S10 in an intriguing green color. Perhaps it was as inspired by Huawei's "Greenery" P10 color option as much as it was by Apple's iPhone 7 Plus for the overall design of the S10's back. We'll probably never know that, but it is good to see more color choices in...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/green_gionee_s10_leaks_in_handson_shots_blue_model_may_be_on_the_way_too-news-24980.php

Sony Xperia L1 is now available in the US for $199.99 unlocked

Sony announced a new budget smartphone back in March, dubbed the Xperia L1. And while we're waiting for it to hit the streets in the UK next month, it's become available for purchase in the US, in unlocked form. You can grab one right now from either Amazon or Best Buy. It's priced at $199.99, and comes in black, white, and pink. As its price implies, this isn't the most high-end smartphone out there, not by a long shot. But it does come with a "borderless" (obviously only on the sides) 5.5-inch 720p display, a 13 MP main camera, a 5 MP selfie snapper, and a 2,620 mAh...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/sony_xperia_l1_is_now_available_in_the_us_for_19999_unlocked-news-24978.php

Oppo F3 review: Selfielicious

A pair of lenses at the front is how Oppo is trying to make good on the "Selfie Expert" claim second generation in a row - and that's hardly any news for anyone who caught our Oppo F3 Plus review. Now, if the latter was presumably the "better half" in the pair, the regular Oppo F3 that we're about to review is the more compact phone, the economy package, so to speak.

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/oppo_f3-review-1608.php

Google device codenamed Taimen runs Geekbench, has 4GB of RAM

To serve as successors for the Pixel and Pixel XL from 2016, Google has been rumored to be working on not two but three devices this year. Last month we got to find out what their codenames are, as well as the fact that they should all unsurprisingly be powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 835 SoC. Today one of those three upcoming Pixels, the one codenamed Taimen, has been caught in the online database of Geekbench. This means someone in possession of a prototype has tested it in the benchmark. Normally such a run would reveal (or confirm) the chipset of the device, thanks to the...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/google_device_codenamed_taimen_runs_geekbench_has_4gb_of_ram-news-24977.php

Xiaomi opens its first Mi Home in India

Xiaomi is opening its first Mi Home store in India. Located in Phoenix Market City Mall, Bengaluru, the store will allow customers to try out Xiaomi products before purchasing, something that hasn't been possible before as most of Xiaomi's products sold in India are only available online. The Mi Home store will showcase all of Xiaomi's products, including smartphones, power banks, headphones, fitness bands, air purifiers and other products launched in India. Xiaomi plans to open 100 new stores across India in the next two years. Xiaomi currently has 70 stores in its home country of...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_opens_its_first_mi_home_in_india-news-24976.php

New The Sims mobile game hits Android and iOS

Electronic Arts launched the life-simulation game that everyone loves - The Sims Mobile. It is based on the PC version of The Sims 4 and includes all the favorite features like creating your character, building your dream house and maintaining a career, family and social status. The game is now available in Brazil and should roll out globally shortly. The game is expected to keep its free-to-play model and a video teaser suggests an additional social option where you can play with your friends and become BFFs even in the game. The Sims Mobile isn't the first time EA tried to...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/new_the_sims_mobile_game_is_coming_soon-news-24975.php

Verizon outbids AT&T for 5G wireless spectrum

AT&T planned to acquire Straight Path Communications for $1.6 billion because the company holds licenses to use the high-frequency radio waves, used for the 5G network. Verizon, however, jumped in the negotiations and offered $3.1 billion in stock for the company. AT&T declined to match the offer, effectively passing the opportunity. Straight Path started acquiring wireless spectrum 15 years ago, and currently holds 735 mmWave licenses in the 39 GHz band and 133 licenses in the 28 GHz band. These licenses cover areas around the United States, including all of the top 40...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/verizon_outbids_at_t_for_5g_wireless_spectrum-news-24974.php

Play Store icon loses the bag in favor of modernity

The times they are a changin'. You'll soon see a brand new Play Store icon on your Android device - one that lacks the tote bag element. The new design covers both the app icon and the notification icons where the bag icon is now a triangle. The round icon (as seen in Google's Pixel launcher) doesn't appear to have changed. You should begin to see the new icon gradually but if you're in a hurry you could sideload the new design via the APK in the source below. Source

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/google_play_store_icon_now_just_a_triangle-news-24972.php

Refurbished Galaxy Note7 to cost half as much as the original

Samsung already confirmed the revival of the Galaxy Note7 and today we got to learn a bit more about its pricing. According to the latest info from industry insiders, the phone might cost 50% less than the original Galaxy Note7. An official from Samsung was quoted saying that the company has "not yet decided on the phone's launch schedule. We plan to launch the phone before the Galaxy Note 8 that comes out later this year." Earlier reports mentioned a price around $620, but the latest info says the cost might go as low as KRW500,000 or about $440. According to numerous leaks, the...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/refurbished_galaxy_note7_may_cost_50_less-news-24973.php

Samsung released a 5,100 mAh fast-charge battery pack

Two months after the Galaxy S8 duo launch, a new battery pack appeared on Samsung's website. It costs $59.99, and for that price, you get a 5,100 mAh power cell, supporting Samsung Fast Charge. The portable battery pack comes with two USB ports - a full size USB and a USB-C. The package also includes a microUSB to USB cable and a microUSB to USB-C adapter. Samsung put an LED bar on the battery to show you how much power is left and a strap to carry it more easily. If your device doesn't support Samsung Fast Charge, it will charge at a standard 2A output. The pack comes...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_released_a_5100_mah_fastcharge_battery_pack-news-24971.php

Nokia's 3, 5 and 3310 are still due for June launch in UK

The new quartet of Nokia smartphones has gathered a big interest on Clove UK's online store. The retailer has was recently asked by HMD Global/Nokia UK to stop pre-orders because the maker felt it's too early for those. But Clove assures buyers that pre-orders for the Nokia 3, 5 and the new 3310 will be renewed in just a couple of days. The retailer also mentioned that interest in the three devices was very high. Clove confirmed that the release estimates haven't changed and the phones will start shipping in June and that the dates on Clove's listings are legitimate. Currently...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/nokias_3_5_6_and_3310_are_still_due_for_june_launch_in_uk-news-24970.php

Google Home is currently going for $64 in US

If you are in the US, and are planning to purchase a smart speaker, here's a deal for you: Google's voice-activated speaker Home is currently going for just $64. That's nearly half the device's official price. Walmart is offering the discount, but there's a catch. The deal is offline-only, and is reportedly only available at select Walmart locations in the US. For those who can't avail this deal for whatever reason, it's worth knowing that the speaker has already received a $15 official price cut, meaning you can buy one for $114. Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/google_home_is_currently_going_for_64_in_us-news-24968.php

vivo X9s Plus with dual selfie camera and Android 7.1.1 spotted on TENAA

A new vivo smartphone has been certified by the Chinese telecommunication authority TENAA. The device in question is the X9s Plus. As per the listing, it is powered by an SoC with octa-core 1.95GHz processor, and sports a 5.85-inch full HD display. RAM is 4GB, while internal memory is 64GB. The handset features a 16MP main camera, and a dual front camera setup of 20MP+5MP. Measuring 162.59×78.84×7.25mm and weighing in at 183.2g, the phone runs Android Nougat version 7.1.1 and packs in a 3,920mAh battery. Source | Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/android_711powered_vivo_x9s_plus_spotted_on_tenaa-news-24966.php

Asus ZenFone Go 5.5 (ZB552KL) lands in India for around $130

Asus has brought a new smartphone to India. The device - ZenFone Go 5.5 (ZB552KL) - is powered by Snapdragon 410 SoC and sports a 5.5-inch HD display. RAM is 2GB, while internal memory is 16GB. The handset features a 13MP rear camera and a 5MP front shooter. Measuring 153.4x76.44x10.95mm and weighing in at 168g, the device runs Android Marshmallow version 6.0 with ZenUI 3.0 on top. A 3,000mAh battery is there to keep the lights on. The phone carries a price tag of INR 8,499 (around $130) and has been made available in Charcoal Black and Sheer Gold color options. It's an Amazon...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/asus_zenfone_go_55_zb552kl_launched_in_india_for_around_130-news-24967.php

Verizon Wear24 is now available for purchase

Unveiled last month, the Verizon Wear24 smartwatch is now available for purchase in the US. The Android Wear 2.0-powered watch is listed on the carrier's official website for $349.99 (retail price). On contract, it will cost you $299.99. A quick look at the listing reveals the watch is currently only available online, although physical stores should also get it sooner than later. Color options include Stainless Steel, Gunmetal, and Rose gold. The Wear24 is powered by Snapdragon Wear 2100 SoC, and sports a 1.39-inch 290 ppi AMOLED display. It has 768MB of RAM and 4GB of storage, and...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/verizon_wear24_is_now_available_for_purchase-news-24965.php

Google Search on mobile now lets you easily find events nearby

Google Search is adding a new feature today that will easily guide you towards events nearby if you use it on your phone. The new events functionality is available in the US at first, through the Google app for Android and iOS, as well as the Google Search mobile website. You can search for things such as "jazz concerts", "art events", and you'll get a special list filled with at-a-glance details about the upcoming events. You get additional options if you tap More events, and when you find something you like just tap on that and you'll be able to immediately buy tickets for...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/google_search_on_mobile_now_lets_you_easily_find_events_nearby-news-24961.php

Windows 10 has 500 million monthly active devices, Cortana boasts 140 million and lets developers in

Last September, Windows 10 boasted more than 400 million monthly active devices, which is nothing to scoff at. But today the company's CEO, Satya Nadella, has announced that the operating system has passed 500 million monthly active devices. Those are, as the name implies, devices on which Windows 10 was used at least once in the past month. The growth in Windows 10 adoption has stalled after the free update period for the OS ended, and as a consequence Microsoft has revised its expectations for hitting the 1 billion number. While initially that was said to happen by next year, it now...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/windows_10_has_500_million_monthly_active_devices_cortana_boasts_140_million_and_lets_developers_in-news-24960.php

iPhone SE (2017) has a glass back, leak shows

While there was no new iPhone SE introduced during Apple's spring event this year, the original is getting a bit long in the tooth. So the company is clearly working on a successor for the model released last year. And the new iPhone SE may in fact be outed as soon as next month, during Apple's developer conference. At least that's what a new leak from China claims. It also purportedly shows us what the back of the 2017 iPhone SE will look like. If this is a truthful leak, then what's obvious is that Apple will switch from metal to glass for the new model's back. What's more, it may...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/iphone_se_2017_has_a_glass_back_leak_shows-news-24959.php

Nokia 3310 officially lands in the UK on May 24, Germany on May 26

It's definitely been a while since the Nokia 3310 (2017) stole the show at MWC in Barcelona in February. The feature phone that's also a publicity stunt by HMD Global, the company now making Nokia handsets, has been very well received indeed. Perhaps too well, seeing as how it's not a smartphone. And it's been hotly anticipated too, with certain retailers saying they were "astonished" by the pre-order numbers they've seen. And now, many months later, we're almost at the point where the new 3310 finally goes on sale, at least in some parts of Europe. It will arrive in the UK first, on May...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/nokia_3310_officially_lands_in_the_uk_on_may_24_germany_on_may_26-news-24964.php

Oppo R9s was the world's best selling Android smartphone in Q1

If someone were to ask you what the best selling Android smartphone worldwide was in the first quarter of this year (January to March), what would you say? Probably something starting with "Samsung". But you'd be wrong. The world's best selling Android phone in that period was none other than... Oppo's R9s. That's quite shocking, but the explanation for it beating all of Samsung's models probably has something to do with the Note7 debacle. Had that device been on sale in Q1 2017, it probably would have bested the R9s. It's also important to note that Oppo is only selling the R9s...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/oppo_r9s_was_the_worlds_third_best_selling_smartphone_in_q1_behind_only_the_iphone_7_and_iphone_7_pl-news-24963.php

Xiaomi Mi 6 undergoes scratch, burn, and bend testing

Xiaomi announced the Mi 6 last month, and the top of the line device has so far been incredibly successful in China. It's sold out quite a few times already, undoubtedly in no small part thanks to its great price per features ratio. But what about durability? Can you trust the Mi 6 to get along with the keys in your pocket? Will it survive an apocalypse? How long before its screen turns black from a flame being applied directly to it? Those are all very important questions in the world of YouTube channel JerryRigEverything, which is back today with another durability test - and yes, the...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_mi_6_undergoes_scratch_burn_and_bend_testing-news-24962.php

Netflix finally supports HDR and Dolby Vision on the LG G6

Clearly one of the big buzzwords of 2017 in mobile will be HDR. More and more device makers will choose to have their high-end products support HDR video, and they're obviously hoping to influence your buying decisions by getting to brag about that. The company to start it all was LG back when it announced the G6, which - you guessed it - supports HDR video. Up until today, however, you haven't been able to take advantage of that in perhaps the most fitting app for the purpose: Netflix. Good news, though, for the streaming giant is now in the process of releasing a new version of its...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/netflix_finally_supports_hdr_and_dolby_vision_on_the_lg_g6-news-24958.php

HTC U 11 stops by GFXBench to have its specs confirmed once more

As we get closer to the HTC U 11's official launch date of May 16, we're starting to see and hear more and more of it. We've already spotted a prototype in the AnTuTu benchmark's database, as well as in Geekbench's, and today it was time for one such handset to be put through the paces of GFXBench. Benchmarking unreleased phones is customary in the mobile world, and as always the U 11's GFXBench run has resulted in a pretty comprehensive list of its specs being outed. This list only confirms what we've already known thanks to past leaks and rumors. Namely, that HTC's next flagship...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/htc_u_11_stops_by_gfxbench_to_have_its_specs_confirmed_once_more-news-24957.php

Just-in: Sony Xperia XZ Premium

Sony's Xperia XZ Premium is certainly one of the hottest names of the season. It keeps coming back to our office and we keep coming to it. We had fun with the Bronze Pink XZ Prmeium last month and we already clocked in a preview from the MWC show floor. And yesterday we showed you what the Snapdragon 835 chipset in the Xperia XZ Premium can do so this time we're going to move back from tests and focus more on the feel of the thing. The Xperia XZ Premium is undoubtedly one of the best looking phones around even if it doesn't have the bezel allergy that quite a few handsets have these...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/justin_sony_xperia_xz_premium-news-24951.php

Samsung sold 782,000 Gear VR units in Q1 2017

Samsung is the absolute leader in VR headset production in 2016. The company sold over 782,000 units, compared with 375,000 for Sony's PlayStation VR that comes in second. The top 5 in terms of sales numbers is completed by Google Daydream View - 170,000 units, HTC Vive - 95,000 and Oculus Rift - 64,000. Analysts from SuperData Research stated that the aggregate VR business revenue was $4.9 billion and will reach $37.7 billion ($17.8B of them hardware and $19.9B software) in the next three years. Numbers should not be surprising anyone. Samsung sold more than the next four companies...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_sold_782000_gear_vr_units_in_q1_2017-news-24956.php