After LG G4, T-Mobile's ZTE Zmax Pro is also getting E911 timer issue fix

Recently, the T-Mobile LG G4 started receiving an update that included fix for the e911 timer issue. Now, the ZTE Zmax Pro on T-Mobile has started receiving a new update that brings along the same fix. Aside from this, the update also includes Android security fixes for the month of March. Arriving as build number TMO_Z981V1.0.0B13, the update weighs in at around 45MB. Elsewhere, the Verizon variant of the Asus Zenpad Z8 has also started getting a new update, which arrives as version V3.4.23. Not much is known about the update - Verizon's website just says it "gives you the most up...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/after_lg_g4_tmobiles_zte_zmax_pro_is_also_getting_timer_issue_fix-news-25131.php

LG G6 vs. Galaxy S8 vs. Xperia XZ Premium: Three's a company

It's pick-a-flagship time and these are probably the three best phones of the season. The Samsung Galaxy S8 and the LG G6 are already available worldwide, while the Xperia XZ Premium is just about starting to hit the shelves - so it won't be all that painful a wait if the phone proves worthy.

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/lg_g6_samsung_galaxy_s8_sony_xperia_xz_premium-review-1612.php

Nokia 3310 (2017) passes through TENAA

The Nokia 3310 (2017) has received certification from Chinese telecommunication authority TENAA. Carrying a model number of TA-1030, the feature phone is now listed on the agency's official website. The device was officially unveiled back in February this year. It is already available in some European markets such as Spain, while others like the UK and Germany will get it next week. The handset also recently landed in India. Via | TENAA

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/nokia_3310_2017_passes_through_tenaa-news-25130.php

alcatel Idol 5 is now FCC certified

The alcatel Idol 5, which has already been spotted on GFXBench twice, has now been certified by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the United States. The device certified by the agency carries a model number of 6060C, and the listing reveals it is headed to prepaid carrier Cricket Wireless. Two different variants of the phone have been spotted in benchmark listings so far - one with Snapdragon 625 SoC and 3GB RAM, while the other with Mediatek Helio P20 chipset and 2GB of RAM. Other specifications include 5.2-inch 1080p screen, 12MP main camera (4K capable) and 8MP front...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/alcatel_idol_5_is_now_fcc_certified-news-25127.php

Nokia 9 poses for live shots: dual 13MP camera, 5.3" QHD display, Snapdragon 835

The Nokia 9, or as we've known it so far - the Nokia 8, has landed in the hands of the folks over at frandroid.com, albeit in an enclosure meant to keep its design away from prying eyes. What it can't hide is the connectors required for operation, and that means confirmation on the Type-C ports (as all of the new Nokias, so nothing out of the ordinary) and the 3.5mm headphone jack. Nokia 9 prototype The display is a 5.3-inch QHD affair (CPU-Z reports 5.27 inches) and the reviewers have measured a 530nits maximum brightness. An Always On feature has also been...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/nokia_9_poses_for_live_shots_dual_13mp_camera_53_qhd_display_snapdragon_835-news-25132.php

Samsung Galaxy S8 announced for China

As expected, the Samsung Galaxy S8 has been officially announced for China. The unveiling took place at a dedicated event yesterday at Great Wall Theater (located beneath the Great Wall). "The evening's speakers announced collaborations with some of China's most popular gaming and video services, including Tencent and iQiyi, to optimize content to take full advantage of the Galaxy S8's Infinity Display," the tech giant said in a blog post. "Samsung also discussed partnerships with Weibo, China's massively popular microblogging website, and the WPS Office software, which will offer...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s8_announced_for_china_sales_begin_may_25-news-25126.php

New Asus smartphone (X015D) clears TENAA

A new Asus smartphone has been certified by the Chinese telecommunication authority TENAA. Listed as ASUS_X015D, the device is powered by an SoC with octa-core 1.5GHz processor, and sports a 5.5-inch HD display. RAM options include 3GB and 4GB, while storage options include 32GB and 64GB. The handset features a dual rear camera setup of 13MP and a 5MP front shooter. Measuring 154.5 x 76.6 x 8.85mm and weighing in at 175g, the phone runs Android 7.0 Nougat out of the box, and packs in a huge 4,850mAh battery. There's a fingerprint sensor as well. Source | Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/new_asus_zenfone_clears_tenaa-news-25128.php

Motorola offering $200 discount on Moto Z

If you are a Motorola fan in the US and are planning to purchase a flagship-level phone, you might want to take a look at the deal the company is offering: $200 discount + 2 year warranty on each purchase of the Moto Z (unlocked). This mean you can get the handset for under $500. To avail the deal, you need to select the "Moto Care Accident Protection - 2 Years" option and enter the MOTOZ200 code at check out. The offer ends today (May 20) at 11:59pm. Via | Motorola US

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/motorola_offering_200_discount_on_moto_z_deal_ends_today-news-25129.php

Samsung Gear VR to get Kids Mode

According to a new report, South Korean tech giant Samsung is working on a new feature for its Gear VR headset. Dubbed Kids Mode, the feature - as its name suggests - is aimed at kids. Sadly, nothing else is currently known about Kids Mode. However, given the name and its target audience, it'd be safe to assume that the feature will allow parents to do things such as control the type of content their kids are consuming and for how long. As of now, there's no information on when the feature will be launched. Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_gear_vr_to_get_kids_mode-news-25125.php

First-gen Samsung Gear 360 currently going for under $170 in US

The first generation Samsung Gear 360, which was released last year, is currently available at discounted rates in the United States. Multiple third-party retailers have it listed for under $170, which is around 50% less than its official price. Specifically, Amazon and B&H Photo are offering the camera for $168.29 and $168.55, respectively. Officially, the device is still being sold for $349.99. There's currently no information on when the discount ends, so those interested in availing the offer may have to act fast. Source 1 2 | Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/firstgen_samsung_gear_360_currently_going_for_under_170_in_us-news-25124.php

HTC is celebrating 20 years of innovation

HTC has made a new video today, and this one doesn't have anything to do with the U11, believe it or not. No, this time around the Taiwanese company isn't interested in promoting its latest smartphone. It's up to something else entirely. Namely, it wants us to know that it's turning 20. Well technically it's turned 20 this past Monday. Yes, HTC was founded on May 15, 1997. So now that it's finally got out of its teen years, it reveals that it's been "pursuing brilliance" for two decades, but is also looking forward to what's to come. HTC created the first publicly available Android...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/htc_is_celebrating_20_years_of_innovation-news-25123.php

ZTE Nubia 17 leaks in renders, will become official on June 1

The ZTE Nubia Z17 has been hitting the leaks quite a bit in recent times but it may all be close to over. An alleged invitation has been leaked pointing to a 1 of June reveal with emphasis on artificial intelligence. That last bit comes from the fact that the ai in NubiaImagination is highlighted in red. In a related story a bunch of press renders have also made the rounds on the web showing what could be ZTE Nubia Z17 from all sides. The phone comes in a shiny Blue paintjob. The phone looks to have a glass back and front with a metal frame in between. The ZTE Nubia Z17...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/zte_nubia_17_leaks_in_renders_will_become_official_on_june_1-news-25121.php

OnePlus teams up wth DxO for OnePlus 5 camera

We have seen the recent rise in manufacturers quoting DxOMark results for their smartphone cameras. Some have even provided DxO units ahead of time to have their results during the launch event. We recently saw HTC claim that its HTC U 11 is the highest rated smartphone on DxOMark. But OnePlus, as the name suggests, decided to go one step further. Instead of waiting for DxO to review and rate its upcoming OnePlus 5, the company decided to collaborate for the development of the camera. In a press release, the company said, DxO is well-known for creating the defining photography...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/oneplus_teams_up_wth_dxo_for_oneplus_5_camera-news-25119.php

Xiaomi Redmi Pro 2 briefly goes online on Mi.com

The Xiaomi Redmi Pro 2 went live on Xaomi's official website just long enough to be screenshot and has been subsequently been pulled down. Luckily for us, that screenshot is now public knowledge and it reveals a few key specs. The upcoming Xiaomi Redmi Pro 2 will use the Snapdragon 660 chipset (and not the MediaTek Helio P25), it will have a 5.5" AMOLED, a 4,100mAh battery and dual 16MP cameras. The price is stated at CNY 1199 or around €156, £134, $174, RS 11,287 which we're guessing is the price for the 2GB model and not the 3GB+64GB or 4GB+128GB one. Source

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_redmi_pro_2_briefly_goes_online_on_micom-news-25117.php

Facebook Messenger app update brings back messages as its top feature

Facebook has just updated its messaging app. Starting today, Messenger will sort your conversations in tabs instead of having them in a confusing list. At the top of the homescreen, there is a tab called Messages where all one-to-one conversations are listed. The second tab is called Active and you can see if someone is online or when they were last online on Messenger, while the third tab is called Groups - this is the place for all the group chats. On the bottom of the app you will find tabs for the homescreen and calls, positioned left from the camera shutter for Stories....

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/facebook_messenger_brings_back_messages_as_its_top_feature-news-25114.php

Xiaomi Mi Max 2 set to be announced next week

The successor to last year's Xiaomi Mi Max will be officially unveiled next week. A quick look at the Chinese company's official website reveals that the Mi Max 2 is set to be announced on May 25. The device is rumored to be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 626 chipset, and sport a 6.4-inch FullHD display. RAM will be 4GB, while internal memory will be 128GB. The phone will feature a 12 MP main camera and a 5 MP selfie shooter. Other specs that have been rumored include 4G LTE support, a 3.5mm headset jack, a USB Type-C port, an IR blaster, and an all metal build. Source 1 2 |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_mi_max_2_set_to_be_announced_next_week-news-25112.php

Huawei MediaPad T3 7.0 now available for purchase in US

One of the devices from Huawei's MediaPad T3 lineup is now available in the US. The device in question is the MediaPad T3 7.0 and it's sold at Walmart. The retailer is offering the tablet for $89. What's, however, worth mentioning is that you can't order the tablet online currently. The device's listing on Walmart's website says: "This item is only sold at a Walmart store." There's currently no information on when the device will be available online as well as if and when other retailers will carry it. Also not known is when other tablets in the lineup will be available in the...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/huawei_mediapad_t3_70_now_available_for_purchase_in_us-news-25111.php

Motorola Moto G5 Plus getting a new update

Motorola has started pushing out a new update to its Moto G5 Plus smartphone. Arriving as version NPN25.137-67 and weighing in at around 215MB, the update brings along several changes, including improved audio in video capture. Other changes that the update includes are improvements related to data traffic as well as the device's stability. Also, the VoLTE icon in the status bar has been replaced with a 4G icon. Note that the change related to audio quality in video was also there in the update that was rolled out back in March, but that was a different update with firmware build...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/new_moto_g5_plus_update_improves_audio_in_video_capture-news-25113.php

Pre-ordered Samsung Galaxy S8/S8+ in India? Claim your free gift

If you are based in India, and had pre-ordered the Samsung Galaxy S8 or S8+, you'll be glad to know that you can now redeem your freebie (the wireless charger). The tech giant has started informing pre-order customers their free gift is ready to be claimed. Log in to the My Galaxy app with the same phone number you used to pre-order, and you should see the message as a banner. Follow the instructions and you'll get a coupon code. Use that code while purchasing the charger through the company's online shop, and you'll get the device for free. You have until June 30 to redeem claim...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/preordered_galaxy_s8_s8_in_india_you_can_now_claim_claim_your_free_gift-news-25109.php

Google Drive's Quick Access feature to be available on Web client soon

Google has announced that Drive's Quick Access feature will soon be available on the service's Web client. The feature in question is currently only available on Android and iOS. Quick Access, for those who aren't aware, uses machine learning to intelligently predict the files you may need. Predictions are based on things like "who specific files are frequently shared with," "when relevant meetings occur," and "what files are used at specific times of the day." The feature's launch is scheduled for June 13th. Source | Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/google_drives_quick_access_feature_to_be_available_on_web_client_soon-news-25108.php

Pre-orders for BlackBerry Keyone are now live in Canada

The BlackBerry Keyone is now available to pre-order in Canada. Rogers has the device listed on its website, and is offering it for CAD 679 (around $500) outright. The carrier is also selling the handset on a regular two-year contract, with plans ranging from CAD 0 to CAD 200. Other Canadian carriers like Bell, Bell MTS, SaskTel, and Telus will start accepting pre-orders at a later date. The Android-powered phone is set to launch in the country on May 31. The device, in case you aren't aware, is already available in the UK. Source | Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/preorders_for_blackberry_keyone_are_now_live_in_canada-news-25110.php

New Telegram update brings video messages, ability for bots to accept payments

The Telegram app has started receiving a new update. Arriving as version 4.0, the update brings along several changes, including video messages as well as the ability for bots to accept payments. Yes, the app now lets users send video messages as well (voice messages are already supported, in case you aren't in the know). To access this feature, open a chat, and switch to the camera mode by tapping the mic icon. Now you can start recording video by tapping and holding the camera icon. Release the button when you're done, and your message will be sent. Moving on, the update also...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/new_telegram_update_brings_video_messages_ability_for_bots_to_accept_payments-news-25107.php

Android Pay to be available in five more markets, including Canada and Russia

Google has announced that its mobile payments service Android Pay will soon be available in some new markets. The list includes a total of five names: Brazil, Canada, Russia, Spain and Taiwan. With this, the service would be available in a total of 15 countries around the globe. The announcement related to expansion was made by Pali Bhat (VP of payments products at Google) in a blog post. In addition, he revealed that the ability to send/receive payments through Google Assistant is also coming soon. "On your Google Home or Android device, it's as simple as saying Ok Google, send $10...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/android_pay_to_be_available_in_five_more_markets_including_canada_and_russia-news-25106.php

Verizon will sell the Asus Zenfone AR Tango-infused smartphone

Asus unveiled the Zenfone AR back at CES in January, and we're still waiting for it to become available. That will happen at some point this summer. But here's a nice surprise: when it lands, you'll be able to pick up a Zenfone AR from Verizon too, aside from Asus and third party retailers. This is the first time that a US carrier will be selling a smartphone that's infused with Google's Tango augmented reality (AR) technology. That said, the Zenfone AR is only the second such device in existence - the first being the Lenovo Phab2 Pro from last year. However, that model was much bigger,...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/verizon_will_sell_the_asus_zenfone_ar_tangoinfused_smartphone-news-25105.php

Just in: Xiaomi Mi 6

The Xiaomi Mi 6 is special. It's Xiaomi's most powerful phone with 6GB of RAM and a Snapdragon 835, Xiaomi's best-looking phone, yes we said it, call us when the Mi Mix comes in the lovely Blue and Gold trim of the Mi 6, it's Xiaomi's best cameraphone with two 12MP cameras - one wide and one tele - and it's Xiaomi's most complete phone thanks to splash protection, stereo speakers and dual SIM. For years now, Xiaomi has crammed the absolute best technology in a reasonably-priced package and it's made them very popular. But the last couple of smartphones by the company have shown that the...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/just_in_xiaomi_mi_6-news-25100.php

Moto Z2 Force smiles in a leaked press render

Motorola's upcoming Z2 lineup is getting more leaky by the day. Mere hours ago we showed you an image that claimed to reveal the front of the Z2, and now the Z2 Force has been given the full leaked press render treatment - with both its front and its back clearly visible. The Z2 Force should obviously serve as the successor to the original Z Force from last year, pairing a Snapdragon 835 SoC with Motorola's ShatterShield technology, which will ensure the screen doesn't break as easily as you'd expect it to following a drop. The phone has also been rumored to sport a dual rear camera...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/moto_z2_force_smiles_in_a_leaked_press_render-news-25104.php

Facebook to be fined €110М for wrongful info about the WhatsApp acquisition

Facebook was found guilty of not giving the full information about the merger with WhatsApp back in 2014 to the European Commission. Because of this action, the social network has to pay a fine of the amount of €110 million (about $122 million) to the executive body of the EU. The issue dates back to 2016, when Facebook announced a change in the Terms & Conditions of WhatsApp, informing users they can link accounts on both platforms. The EC said Facebook claimed in 2014 such feature would not be available in the future, but apparently, they blatantly lied. Sadly for Facebook, the...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/facebook_to_pay_110m_for_giving_wrongful_information_about_whatsapp-news-25102.php

ZTE nubia Z17 live video reveals IP67 certification

ZTE announced the nubia Z17 mini but everyone is expecting the more powerful nubia Z17. Leaks already suggested the phone will have Snapdragon 835 chipset and runs Android 7.1.1 OS but a video revealed this would be the first nubia Z-series that will have IP67 certification for water and dust resistance. The 15-second clip shows a smartphone with the ZTE nubia customary red circle for a home button. It is soaking in water in a sink, while a video is playing on the display. After some time a hand moves the device to show you that no air bubbles are coming out of it. ZTE haven't...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/zte_nubia_z17_live_video_reveals_ip67_certification-news-25101.php

Google redesigns emoji (again) for Android O

If there is one thing you can be sure of to find in a new version of Android now, it's a new set of emoji. Back with Nougat, Google redesigned the entire set with a more refined version of the gumdrop emoji that it introduced with Android 4.4 and has been altering ever since. The redesign in 7.0 made the facial expressions more in line with what Apple is doing with the iOS emoji set, which is the most popular and commonly used one at the moment. Android O goes one step further and drops the gumdrop shape entirely in favor of completely round emoji set that look even more like...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/google_redesigns_emoji_again_for_android_o-news-25103.php

AMD announces Radeon Vega Frontier Edition flagship GPU

After much anticipation, AMD finally took the wraps off its first Vega series of graphics card. It may not be what most people were expecting but it's still an interesting card nonetheless. The Radeon Vega Frontier Edition, as it is called, is an ultra high-end graphics card designed primarily for compute applications. This means stuff like machine learning, advanced visualization, VR and game development rather than just playing them. I mean, sure, it would work great with playing games but it would probably be an overkill for that. At its heart the Vega Frontier Edition has 64...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/amd_announces_radeon_vega_frontier_edition_flagship_gpu-news-25099.php

Google joins hands with Lenovo and HTC for a standalone Daydream VR headset

At the Google I/O keynote this Wednesday, Google announced that it's teaming up with two hardware manufacturers for making the next step in Virtual Reality - producing a standalone Daydream VR headset. The two companies partnering Google are Lenovo and HTC and each of these will have its own headset based on a reference design Google and Qualcomm have drafted together. The main difference from the current Daydream VR headset is that the new standalone device will not require a connection to a PC or a smartphone as it will have all the needed hardware built in. The new Daydream...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/google_joins_hands_with_lenovo_and_htc_for_a_standalone_daydream_vr_headset-news-25098.php

Blind camera shootout: G6 vs. Galaxy S8 vs. Xperia XZ Premium

We love ourselves some shootouts, hope you do too, as we have one in store for you. We're prepping a three-way clash between the LG G6, the Samsung Galaxy S8 and the Sony Xperia XZ Premium covering all aspects of their performance, but we figured it couldn't hurt to warm you up with some pixel peeping.

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/blind_shootout_lg_g6_samsung_galaxy_s8_sony_xperia-review-1611.php

LG Stylo 3 Plus launched with 5.7-inch display, Android Nougat

LG has launched a new smartphone in the US. Dubbed Stylo 3 Plus, the device is powered by Snapdragon 435 SoC with octa-core 1.4GHz processor, and sports a 5.7-inch full HD display. RAM is 2GB, while internal memory is 32GB. The handset features a 13MP rear camera and a 5MP front shooter. It runs Android 7.0 Nougat, and a 3,080mAh battery is there to keep the lights on. The phone also comes with a fingerprint sensor as well as stylus pen. The Stylo 3 Plus is available from T-Mobile (both online and offline). As for price, the carrier is selling the device for $9 down and $9 a...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/lg_stylo_3_plus_launched_with_57inch_display_android_nougat-news-25093.php

Another OnePlus 5 prototype: 3.5mm jack and antenna lines not visible

Another purported OnePlus 5 prototype has been photographed with some key differences from the one we saw yesterday. Notice how the LED flash is now between the two cameras on the back, not below them. It is a dual LED dual tone flash again. The antenna lines are also different - actually, they are missing altogether. (Alleged) OnePlus 5 prototype: where's the 3.5mm jack? • notice the LED flash Then there's the photo of the bottom of the phone. Notice what's missing? The 3.5mm headphone jack used to be there. After this Twitter poll, it seems dubious that OnePlus will ignore...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/another_oneplus_5_prototype_35mm_jack_and_antenna_lines_not_visible-news-25097.php

New update to T-Mobile LG G4 fixes e911 timer issue

T-Mobile has started pushing out a new update to LG G4 units on its network. As per the details mentioned on the magenta carrier's website, the update fixes the e911 timer issue as well as brings monthly security enhancements. There's currently no information on whether or not the patch included is the latest one (for the month of May). The update bumps the software version to H81120v and weighs in at 88.7 MB. As is usually the case with OTA roll outs, it may take sometime for the update to hit your device. Source | Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/new_update_to_tmobile_lg_g4_fixes_e911_timer_issue-news-25092.php

This is what the Moto Z2 will look like

We saw leaked renders of the Motorola Moto Z2 Play and Z2 Force but were yet to see the main event - the Moto Z2 - until now. A press render, obtained by AndroidAuthority, shows the upcoming Moto Z2 in its full glory, the front at least. The device follows the same design language as recent Moto smartphones as well as the upcoming, leaked ones - which is no surprise. The Moto Z2 looks to have a front-mounted fingerprint scanner as well as a front-facing dual LED flash. The display could have been Photoshopped out in the render as usually renders of Motorola smartphones have a...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/this_is_what_the_moto_z2_will_look_like-news-25096.php

Samsung Galaxy A5 (2017) starts getting May security update

A new update has started hitting the Samsung Galaxy A5 (2017). Weighing in at around 155MB and arriving as version A520FXXU1AQE2, it's a security update that brings along Android fixes for the ongoing month (May). No information on exactly what other changes (if any) the update includes. It is currently hitting unblocked units in Europe, but other regions should also get it sooner than later. In case you missed, the Galaxy S7 has also started receiving the May patch. Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_a5_2017_starts_getting_may_security_update-news-25094.php

Pokemon GO launches Adventure Week for its 1st birthday

Pokemon Go was launched last year, and despite expectations that this is just another one-day wonder, the game marks its first birthday this Thursday. Because of the anniversary, Niantic is launching an event called Adventure Week and will bring many incentives for players, willing to catch ‘em all. In the seven days between May 18 and May 25, many Rock-type Pokemon will appear throughout the game. Even if you are collecting Geodudes, rare Pokemon like Omanyte and Kabuto might also arise more often. Increased rate of Rock-type Pokemon will be accompanied with Buddy Candy that will...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/pokemon_go_launches_adventure_week_for_its_1st_birthday-news-25095.php

Galaxy C10 leaks, Samsung's first dual-camera smartphone

Earlier this month, there were rumors that a Samsung Galaxy C series smartphone will get dual-camera setup before the Note8. Well, looks like that's indeed the case as a new leaked image has surfaced that shows the Galaxy C10 with two rear cameras. The leak, as you can see in the image above, focuses only on a small portion of the device's back, revealing things like rose gold color, antenna bands, dual-LED flash, and power/lock key. There's currently not much information available on the specifications front, except that chipset could be Snapdragon 660. Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/galaxy_c10_leaks_samsungs_first_dualcamera_smartphone-news-25091.php

More than 82 billion apps were installed from Google Play in 2016

Google has revealed that over 82 billion apps were installed from its Play Store last year, up from the 65 billion figure that was reported for the year 2015. The revelation was made by the VP of Engineering for Android, Dave Burke, at the company's ongoing I/O conference. In addition, Burke discussed about Android Wear, noting that a total of 24 manufactures have committed to the company's wearable platform. He also revealed that Android Auto - search giant's in-car infotainment platform - will soon be available in Audi cars as well. Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/more_than_82_billion_apps_were_installed_from_google_play_in_2016-news-25090.php

May security update starts hitting Samsung Galaxy S7

Samsung has started pushing out a new update to its Galaxy S7 smartphone. Arriving as version G930FXXU1DQE7 and weighing in at around 345MB, it's a security update that brings Android fixes for the month of May. Aside from the latest security patch, the update - which is currently hitting unlocked units in Europe (the Netherlands to be specific) - also includes some stability and performance related improvements as well as usual bug fixes. There's currently no information on when the 'edge' variant will get the update, although we expect that to happen sooner than later. Via 1 2

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/may_security_update_starts_hitting_samsung_galaxy_s7-news-25089.php

YouTube now allows anyone to live stream using its mobile app

Looks like the ability to live stream using YouTube's mobile app has been made more accessible. According to latest reports, the company has dropped the 1k subscriber limit altogether. This means that now you can live stream even if you don't have a single subscriber. However, there are still a couple of requirements: the channel should be verified and should not have faced any live stream restrictions in the last 90 days. The change has already started rolling out, although Google/YouTube is yet to officially confirm it. Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/youtube_now_allows_anyone_to_live_stream_using_its_mobile_app-news-25087.php

Here's a recap of what's coming in Android O, as the OS reaches 2 billion active devices

During its IO keynote today, Google reiterated the main new features coming in the Android O release later this year, but also unveiled a couple of new things. Do note that most of what follows has initially been announced back in March when the first Developer Preview of Android O became available. Speaking of pre-release software, the Android O Beta Program is now live if you're interested in giving the new version a spin (and happen to own one of six supported Nexus and Pixel devices). Android O comes with the recently detailed Project Treble, which means some of its base has been...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/heres_a_recap_of_whats_coming_in_android_o_as_the_os_reaches_2_billion_active_devices-news-25086.php

Google Home learns to make phone calls and show you things on your phone or TV

While Google Assistant got a lot of love at Google IO today, the Google Home smart speaker that is in fact one of the ways in which you can use the Assistant hasn't been forgotten either. Not only that, but many new features are headed to the device in the coming months. Google Home will support all the things we've already discussed in our post about the Assistant's newfound powers. You should also expect it to become available in more countries, finally. The new markets it will enter are Canada, Australia, Germany, France, and Japan. As of now, you can only buy one in the US and UK, so...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/google_home_learns_to_make_phone_calls_and_show_you_things_on_your_phone_or_tv-news-25085.php

LG V30 will have Daydream VR support when it launches, Galaxy S8 to get it this summer

Among many announcements, Google took the time to do something out of the ordinary at its IO developer conference today too. Namely, spoil one spec detail about an upcoming smartphone. We're talking about the LG V30 and its rumored OLED touchscreen, which is now pretty much a given. That's because Google unveiled the fact that "LG's next flagship smartphone" will have support for Daydream VR. And while the Daydream VR spec says nothing about display technology directly, the maximum latency it allows basically means that no phone with an LCD panel can be certified as Daydream...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/lg_v30_will_have_daydream_vr_support_when_it_launches_galaxy_s8_to_get_it_this_summer-news-25084.php

Google Assistant gains more features as it marks availability on 100M devices

Google I/O keynote had a plethora of announcements about its in-house Google Assistant. We already told you the platform would be available with limited functionality on iOS, but on Android, it will bloom in all its glory - you will be able to buy stuff, and you can talk to it in other languages. This summer Google Assistant will be able to detect and respond in French, German, Portuguese and Japanese and by the end of the year Italian, Spanish and Korean would also be available. This update will come to over 100 million devices, Google said. The number represents the currently active...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/google_assistant_gains_more_features_as_it_marks_availability_on_100m_devices-news-25083.php

Google announces Android Go for devices with 1GB of RAM or less

At its IO developer conference today, Google has unveiled Android Go. This is an initiative that seems to have been created in order to fill the void left by the Android One program, which hasn't resulted in a new phone in a long while. Nevertheless, Google isn't calling this Android One 2.0, so there will be quite a few differences between One and Go. Google said it's been inspired a lot by the YouTube Go app when developing Android Go. Every single device launching with Android O and later OS versions which has 1GB of RAM or less will get Android in the Go configuration (and you can even...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/google_announces_android_go_for_devices_with_1gb_of_ram_or_less-news-25082.php

Android O Beta Program debuts

Today Google has officially unveiled the Android O Beta Program. Like the Android N Beta Program from last year, this will let anyone with a supported device test the next release of the operating system before its development is finalized. A Developer Preview of Android O has been out since March, but Google has advised non-developers not to risk running that, especially on essential handsets, because it was an early release so bugs are to be expected almost everywhere. The situation should be different with the beta builds, the first of which is expected to go out very soon. If...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/android_o_beta_program_debuts-news-25081.php

Google Assistant is now available on iOS

Google announced at its I/O today that Google Assistant is arriving on iOS devices, as rumors suggested. The company is launching an app that should appear on the App Store soon. Sadly, Assistant will have limited functionality and will not work so flawlessly as it does on Android phones. Because of API restrictions, the Assistant will be able to do only basic stuff such as sending messages and playing music on Spotify, Google says. This means that when the screen is off, "OK Google" will not activate the device and have the Google app open. Also, Apple is not allowing remap of the Home...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/google_assistant_is_now_available_on_ios-news-25080.php

Google puts Smart Reply in Gmail for Android and iOS

You probably remember the Smart Reply feature that devices with Android Wear have. Google announced at its I/O keynote that the machine-learning process for replying emails will be implemented in Gmail for Android and iOS. Smart Reply scans the text of the incoming message and offers you three basic responses in English. According to Google, Spanish will also be available "in the coming weeks" and other languages should follow soon. The company says Smart Reply will learn over time and will adapt to your vocabulary, so the responses should become more and more personalized with...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/google_puts_smart_reply_in_gmail_for_android_and_ios-news-25079.php