Samsung Galaxy S8 Active receives FCC certification

Samsung's been making rugged versions of its flagships for a few generations now (since the Galaxy S4 Active), and a new one is on the way. Following a Wi-Fi certification, benchmark listings, and a slip up by Netflix and one by Samsung itself, the Galaxy S8 Active has now been certified by the FCC in the US. As usual, that means piles of technical documentation with detailed measurements that only the properly motivated would sift through. For the rest of us, there's a drawing of the phone's back that details the FCC ID placement and gives a glimpse of the S8 Active's design. Though it...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s8_active_receives_fcc_certification-news-25958.php

Android 7.1.2-powered Xiaomi 'riva' spotted on Geekbench

A new Xiaomi smartphone - dubbed riva - has been spotted in a benchmark listing. The listing on Geekbench reveals the device is powered by an SoC with quad-core 1.40GHz processor, and has 3GB RAM. Other thing worth noting is that the phone runs Android Nougat (latest version: 7.1.2). Sadly, and as is usually the case with Geekbench listings, nothing else was revealed. However, given that the device has started appearing in benchmarks, we expect to hear more about it sooner than later. Source | Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/android_712_powered_xiaomi_riva_spotted_on_geekbench-news-25957.php

Skype Preview now lets you share photos and links from other apps

Microsoft has pushed out a new update to its Skype Preview app that brings along a couple of new features as well as some improvements. To start off, the update includes ability to share photos and links from other apps. The other feature is the ability for users to add or remove contacts directly from their profile. Coming to improvements, the in-call photo rendering has been improved, as is the app's performance in general. For those who aren't aware, the Skype Preview app provides users early access to Skype's newest features. Although its listing says 'unreleased', the app can...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/skype_preview_now_lets_you_share_photos_and_links_from_other_apps-news-25955.php

Samsung Galaxy J3 (2017) arrives in Europe

The Samsung Galaxy J3 (2017) has landed in Europe, over a month after it was made official. The dual-SIM model is now listed on the South Korean company's Austrian website. The listing reveals color options including gold, black, and blue. The device is available in the US since mid-May. It was expected to land in Europe sometime in August, but looks like the market has got the handset a bit earlier. While there's currently no official information on the phone's pricing in Europe, it's expected to cost around €220. Source | Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_j3_2017_arrives_in_europe-news-25956.php

Galaxy Note FE's July 7th launch date confirmed by Korean carrier

The refurbished Samsung Galaxy Note7 turned Galaxy Note FE is indeed set for a July 7 launch, just like previously reported. The confirmation came from a post by Korean carrier LG Uplus (part of LG Corporation) on Facebook, which has since been taken down. We did manage to save the picture, which, aside from the July 7 date, states there are limited quantities of the device. The post also detailed that the Note FE will be on pre-order starting today through July 6, though we admit that our Korean is a little rusty and we relied on Google Translate for that. Posters have started...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/galaxy_note_fes_july_7th_launch_date_confirmed_by_korean_carrier-news-25959.php

Samsung Galaxy S7 getting new update in India

The Samsung Galaxy S7 has started receiving a new update in India. Weighing in at around 47MB, it's a security update that brings along Android fixes for the month of June - the Android security patch level is June 1 post installation. It's not clear what other changes (if any) the update includes, as well as whether or not the edge variant is also getting the same update (although we see no reason why that shouldn't be happening soon, if not already). Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s7_getting_new_update_in_india-news-25954.php

Nougat starts hitting Asus Zenpad 3S 10 (Z500M)

Asus has started pushing out a new update to its Zenpad 3S 10 (Z500M) tablet. Arriving as version V14.0210.1706.20, the update brings along Android Nougat (version 7.0) as well as a host of other changes. Here's the complete change-log: Given the fact that it's an OTA roll out, it might take time for the update to hit your unit. Meanwhile, if you feel impatient, you can manually check for the update by heading to your handset's Settings menu. Source | Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/nougat_starts_hitting_asus_zenpad_3s_10_z500m-news-25953.php

Motorola Moto E4 (unlocked) discounted in US already

Just over a week after launching in the United States, the Motorola Moto E4 is available at discounted rates in the country. Specifically, Republic Wireless has the phone listed on its website for $99, which is $30 less than its launch price. Aside from the carrier, the handset is also being offered by Amazon and Ting, but both are selling it for $129, meaning there's no discount. Verizon, as you might already know, is also selling the phone for much less ($70 currently), but for that, you will need to pick one of carrier's prepaid plans. Source

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/motorola_moto_e4_discounted_in_us_already-news-25952.php

HTC U11 was Antutu's best performing smartphone of May 2017

Antutu's top ten best-performing smartphones of May take the average benchmark scores of all the tests run on Antutu's benchmarking app during the entire month of May. This is the first month since the iPhone 7 Plus' release that Apple's fastest iOS device is no longer the fastest smartphone in the world. The HTC U11 has surpassed the iPhone 7 Plus in Antutu's overall performance benchmark. With an average score of 180,079, the U11 is well above the iPhone 7 Plus' average score of 174,299. Trailing behind are the Xiaomi Mi 6 in third at 172.4k points, the Galaxy S8 and S8+ in fourth and...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/htc_u11_was_antutus_best_performing_smartphone_of_may_2017-news-25951.php

Telegram 4.1 brings improved iOS sharing experience and Android Pay support

Telegram has released version 4.1 of the app for iOS and Android with a bunch of new features. On iOS, users will now get an improved experience while sharing from other apps. You can now add a comment while sharing and then share to more than one contact at once. You also get additional options when you 3D touch on the icon, including taking a picture or video and sending it to contacts without opening the app. On Android, you can now use Android Pay to pay for bot payments. The app also shows photos and videos together while sharing them through the app. Other big...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/telegram_41_brings_improved_ios_sharing_experience_and_android_pay_support-news-25950.php

Samsung Galaxy A3 (2017) update brings May security patches

Samsung's Galaxy A3 (2017) is now receiving its first software update in Europe, almost half a year after it was released. Better late than never? Maybe, though software-wise the A3 (2017) is and has always been anything but up to date. It launched with Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow on board many months after Android 7.0 came out. And now it's getting an update which includes the May security patches... at the end of June. In fact, it's pretty obvious that most A3 (2017) owners will only get this in July, because such rollouts take at least a few days to reach every unit out there. That makes...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_a3_2017_update_brings_may_security_patches-news-25949.php

iPhone SE now starts at $119.76 on Sprint, $248.88 on Verizon, $249.90 on AT&T

Best Buy has started a big July 4 sale, and among the many deals that are to be had we found some very interesting price cuts for Apple's iPhone SE. The handset which normally starts at $449.99 at the retailer can now be had for as little as $119.76 if you choose the 16GB model, activate it on Sprint, and use the carrier's installment plan to pay for it. In that case, you will only shell out $4.99 per month for the phone over two years. The 64GB iPhone SE for Sprint goes for $7.08 per month, adding up to a total of $169.92, while for the 128GB version you'll end up paying $349.92. The 32GB...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/iphone_se_now_starts_at_11976_on_sprint_24888_on_verizon_24990_on_at_t-news-25948.php

Microsoft's canceled Surface Mini from 2014 stars in leaked images

In 2014 Microsoft was rumored to launch a Surface Mini tablet alongside the Surface Pro 3. However, in the end only the latter saw the light of day, and that's because the Surface Mini was canceled just a few weeks before it was supposed to be unveiled. This means Microsoft had very advanced prototypes in hand at that moment, and today one of those has been portrayed in a myriad of leaked images. The Surface Mini would have run Windows RT 8.1, as it was powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 chipset. The tablet had 1GB of RAM, an 8" 1,440x1,080 touchscreen with pen support, 32GB of...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/microsofts_canceled_surface_mini_from_2014_stars_in_leaked_images-news-25947.php

Rumored LG G6 Mini to actually be sold as the LG Q6

Back in April a report surfaced claiming that LG was working on a G6 Mini smartphone, though it did stress that wasn't a confirmed name. Today famous leakster Evan Blass (a.k.a. @evleaks) has revealed this handset's actual commercial moniker. It will allegedly be called LG Q6 when it launches. Its model number is M700, and it's already hit the FCC certification process. The Q6 will come with a 5.4-inch 18:9 touchscreen, which is smaller than the G6's 5.7-inch panel but keeps the 'tall' aspect ratio. The Q6 will apparently have a screen-to-body ratio of "just under 80%". For reference, the...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/rumored_lg_g6_mini_to_actually_be_sold_as_the_lg_q6-news-25946.php

Former Samsung CEO appointed as President of Nokia Technologies in the US

Nokia announces its newest hire: Gregory Lee, (now) former CEO of Samsung Electronics North America. After being 13 years with Samsung, where he most recently led all of Samsung's businesses in North America along with its vast portfolio of mobile and consumer electronics. Nokia has appointed Lee as the head of its US executives team, where Lee will lead Nokia's efforts in consumer products and further push the company's presence in the virtual reality and digital health industries. I am excited by the opportunity to lead Nokia Technologies. The. team has produced innovative products...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/former_samsung_ceo_appointed_as_president_of_nokia_technologies_in_the_us-news-25944.php

Bezelless Sharp FS8010 and FS8016 to arrive on July 17

Sharp did the whole 'nearly bezelless' thing in the smartphone world way before the Xiaomi Mi Mix made it cool last year. And now the Japanese company is getting ready to take things to the next level, if a new rumor out of China is accurate. An unnamed source has revealed that Sharp will launch two devices that will be very close to the Mi Mix in terms of design, just with a much smaller chin. The FS8010 and FS8016 will be identical in all respects but one - the chipset chosen to power them. While the FS8016 will go with the Snapdragon 660, the FS8010 will settle for the Snapdragon...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/bezelless_sharp_fs8010_and_fs8016_to_arrive_on_july_17-news-25945.php

Moto X4 to be the new mid-tier smartphone on Google's Project Fi

Yesterday the official Twitter account for Google's MVNO, Project Fi, said we should expect a mid-tier priced smartphone to be supported by its network "later this year". It didn't provide any hints as to what exact device that would be, only mentioning that it would come from one of Google's partners. Today a new report sheds some light on the particulars of the arrangement, revealing that the Moto X4 is the handset in question. This oft-rumored smartphone still hasn't been announced, and it may still be a while before that happens because it's apparently only scheduled to be released in...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/moto_x4_to_be_the_new_midtier_smartphone_on_googles_project_fi-news-25943.php

vivo X9s will come with the Snapdragon 660 on board, benchmark reveals

Chinese smartphone maker vivo will officially unveil the X9s and X9s Plus next week, on July 6 to be precise. So far both models have passed through TENAA, which outed most of their specs, but some mysteries have remained. For example, one had to do with the chipset the devices are using. Now though a Geekbench run performed by a handset going by the model number vivo TD1608 has revealed that information too. We assume this is the smaller X9s, since GFXBench lists the same model as coming with a 5.5-inch 1080p touchscreen, and the X9s Plus was sporting a 5.85" panel at TENAA. Either...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/vivo_x9s_will_come_with_the_snapdragon_660_on_board_benchmark_reveals-news-25942.php

Facebook now finds Wi-Fi networks nearby

Last year Facebook started testing a new function in its mobile apps that shows you where to find free, public Wi-Fi networks nearby. Today this has been deemed mature enough to roll out to all Facebook users on its Android and iOS apps. Once you get the new functionality baked into your app, you can go to the More tab and then select Find Wi-Fi. After this point you may need to turn it on (only the first time you use it). Once you've done that, you'll see a list or map view of the closest public Wi-Fi hotspots to your location. You can easily switch between the map and list view, by the...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/facebook_now_finds_wifi_networks_nearby-news-25941.php

Sony to unveil flagship smartphone with 6" 18:9 screen at IFA, rumor says

Earlier this month, Japan Display (JDI) announced its first nearly bezelless touchscreen with an 18:9 aspect ratio. It's a 6-inch panel that's called Full Active and has 1,080x2,160 resolution. Today a new rumor posted on Weibo claims Sony will use this exact screen in an upcoming flagship smartphone that it will be making official at IFA in Berlin, where it's holding a press event on August 31. As you may know, 'tall' 18:9 and 18.5:9 touchscreens have been all the rage this year after Samsung and LG used similar panels in their Galaxy S8 and S8+, and G6 respectively. Since the...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/sony_to_unveil_flagship_smartphone_with_6_189_screen_at_ifa_rumor_says-news-25940.php

Buy an unlocked Galaxy S8 or S8+, receive a $200 gift card

The unlocked versions of Samsung's Galaxy S8 and S8+ officially went on sale in the US at the end of last month, and ever since they've been priced at $724.99 and $824.99, respectively. Now though, Best Buy has an interesting deal for either device, as long as you're fine with choosing the Midnight Black color version (the offer isn't available for the other hues). While the prices of the handsets haven't gone down, the retailer is throwing in a $200 gift card with your purchase of an S8 or S8+. That means that if you need to buy something else from Best Buy, something (or multiple...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/buy_an_unlocked_galaxy_s8_or_s8_receive_a_200_gift_card-news-25939.php

Sharp X1 is the latest Android One smartphone for Japan, huge battery included

Here's a fun fact: Google's not really that successful Android One initiative still exists. Not only that, but today it's unveiled the latest smartphone in the lineup - the Sharp X1. This will be exclusive to Japan, and it comes around one year after the first ever Android One device to arrive in that country - the Sharp Aquos 507SH. The X1 comes with mid-range specs as you'd expect from Android One. It boasts a 5.3-inch 1080p IGZO LCD touchscreen, a 16.4 MP main camera with LED flash, an 8 MP wide-angle camera for selfies, and a huge (for this size device) 3,900 mAh battery. This is rated...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/sharp_x1_is_the_latest_android_one_smartphone_for_japan_huge_battery_included-news-25938.php

Samsung Galaxy Note FE ads start showing up in Korean stores

Many, many months have passed since the Galaxy Note7 was discontinued by Samsung due to those pesky explosions. After careful consideration, the company decided to refurbish its trove of Note7 units, complete with a new (smaller) battery that should not catch fire. Throughout this month various reports claimed that the refurbished devices would be sold under the name Galaxy Note FE (for "Fan Edition") in South Korea starting on July 7 - or later. However, a new development spotted today comes to sort of confirm that July 7 may indeed be the release date for the Note FE. The picture you...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_note_fe_ads_start_showing_up_in_korean_stores-news-25937.php

Brazilian Moto X Style gets official Nougat

The Motorola Moto X Style (also known as Moto X Pure Edition) is getting Android 7.0 Nougat in Brazil via an over the air update. And for those that aren't keen on waiting around for the update to arrive there are direct download links available, if you know how to install the update yourself. The Moto X Style got Android 7.0 Nougat in the US back in April but later is better than never in the case of Brazilian owners. Download links are in the source below. Source | Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/brazilian_moto_x_style_gets_official_nougat-news-25935.php

Nokia 3 review: Un-Finnished Business

A Nokia for the masses! And not the 3310. Risen from the ashes, the legendary Finnish brand makes a fresh start. "Connecting people" the Android way. It's a nice sentiment for sure, but one that's mostly fueled by collective nostalgia over the Nokia golden age, back in the 90s.

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/nokia_3-review-1627.php

StarCraft Remastered is coming on August 14 for $14.99

Battlecruiser Operational. You will soon be able to hear the phrase in reprocessed 44,100 Hz format while playing the StarCraft Remastered - the good old StarCraft game with updated 4K graphics. It will be available on August 14 for $14.99/£12.99. The 1998 game comes with completely revamped graphics of the units, the buildings, and the effects. SC:R looks new while the gameplay still has that classic StarCraft feeling. Blizzard confirmed the developers have no intention of changing the gameplay whatsoever. They only want to "blend classic with modern", said Pete...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/starcraft_remastered_is_coming_on_august_14_for_1499-news-25922.php

iOS 11 lets you set individual double tap actions for AirPods

iOS 11 has many cool features and (as it turns out) is going to make Apple's AirPods that much better - the new OS brings more action options for double tap and better yet, the left and the right Pod can have separate actions. Until now, a double tap on a Pod could either wake up Siri or Play/Pause the music player. With iOS 11, Next and Previous options have been added and again, you can set the action individually for each Pod. New AirPod settings in iOS 11 If you're running the public beta, you can do this today. Otherwise, you'll have to wait until September when the...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/ios_11_lets_you_set_individual_double_tap_actions_for_airpods-news-25936.php

First Oppo R11 Plus sale is now live at $545

As promised the bigger, 6-inch variety of the Oppo R11 went on sale today on JD.com. Fans who signed up for the sale have been able to pay for a unit in Gold, Rose Gold or Black, since this morning. As previously announced, the asking price is CNY 3699, or about $545. That's a $100 more than the basic Oppo R11. That extra bit of cash gets you a spacious 6-inch, FullHD display. However, you are also trading AMOLED for an IPS panel. There is a bump in RAM as well - 6GB. The specs sheet also includes a Snapdragon 660 chipset, Dual 20 MP (f/2.6, AF) + 16 MP (f/1.7, PDAF) camera setup...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/first_oppo_r11_plus_sale_is_now_live_at_545-news-25933.php

LG V30 midframe reveals wireless charging on board

The LG G6 is already on the market, so LG is now focused on its V series and the manufacturing of the LG V30. According to a newly leaked image, the device will come with wireless charging and might have a unibody, instead of the removable back panel the LG V20 had. The wireless charging coil in the image is attached to the midframe, so it won't be built into the back panel. This means the V30 will have a glass back to allow the wireless charging to work. According to previous rumors, the LG V30 will come with OLED panel and will have only one display instead of the...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/lg_v30_midframe_reveals_wireless_charging_on_board-news-25931.php

Play Store update shows changelog in the update screen

Google is rolling out an update for the Play Store that makes it easier to see the changes in an app update. Once the update hits your device, you will see a button next to entries in the updates section. Pressing that will open a drop down with the changelog for that update. This is similar to how the App Store has worked since, well, always and it's good that now this is on Android as well. Of course, the contents of the changelog will still depend upon the developer and as we know, most developers still don't update their changelogs properly, especially big developers like...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/play_store_update_shows_changelog_in_the_update_screen-news-25932.php

Apple's A10X SoC is a 10 nm Chip built by TSMC

Apple launched its new iPad Pro family with A10X chipset at the beginning of June. Specifics on the chipset weren't confirmed back then, but we now learn it's built on a 10 nm process line by TSMC. The A10X's 10 nm FinFET process by TSMC appears for the first time in a consumer device. Until the WWDC on June 5, Apple's most powerful SoC was the A10, built on the 16 nm FinFET process. This allowed the size of the chipset to be just 96.4 sq.mm - 24% smaller than the A10 SoC and 34% reduction compared with the A9X. In fact, the A10X is the smallest chipset by Apple,...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/apples_a10x_soc_is_a_10_nm_process_built_by_tsmc-news-25928.php

Verizon LG G6 now available for $20 per month

Last month, Verizon was running an LG G6 promo where-in it was offering the device for $20 per month, instead of the usual $28/month on-contract price. In case you missed that deal, you'll be glad to know that the offer is back. You'll end up paying a total amount of $480, down from the usual retail price of $672. The model on offer has 32GB storage, and is available in both black and platinum color options. For more information, head to the Source link below. Source | Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/verizon_lg_g6_is_again_going_for_20_per_month-news-25926.php

Asus Zenfone 2 getting new update

Asus has pushed out a new update to its Zenfone 2 (ZE550ML) smartphone. Arriving as version 4.21.40.311, the update stabilizes Bluetooth connections and improves ZenMotion sensitivity. Nothing else is included in the update. The update announcement says it usually takes around a week for the roll out to complete, so if the update notification hasn't popped-up on your device yet, be patient. Source | Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/new_zenfone_2_update_rolling_out-news-25925.php

Motorola Moto Z2 Play already discounted in US

Less than a day after it launched in the US, the Motorola Moto Z2 Play is already available at discounted rates in the country. Best Buy has the device listed on its website for zero-down + $14.91/month for 2 years. That is a discount of $50 over the regular $17/month on contract offer. It's worth mentioning that the freebie offer - JBL SoundBoost 2 MotoMod with each purchase - still holds. For more information, head to the Source link below. Source | Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/motorola_moto_z2_play_already_discounted_in_us-news-25923.php

Samsung Galaxy Note8 to have two storage options: 64GB and 128GB

According to a new report from South Korea, the company's upcoming Galaxy Note8 flagship will have two storage options: 64GB and 128GB. Users will be able to expand the storage up to 256GB via microSD card. The report, which cites a company official, also quotes them as saying that the handset will carry a price tag of somewhere between $1,000 and $1,100. Recently, the @evleaks revealed €999 price tag for the Eurozone, which translates to $1,140. The phone is expected to be unveiled at a dedicated event on August 26, with launch set for sometime late September. Source | Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_note8_to_have_two_storage_options_64gb_and_128gb-news-25924.php

Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+ getting new update

A new update has started hitting the Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+ smartphone. Arriving as software version G928FXXS3CQFA and currently hitting units in Europe, the update brings the Android security fixes for the month of June. The exact change-log for the update isn't yet available, so there's no information on what other changes (if any) are included. Given that it's an OTA roll out, it may take time for the update to hit your device. Via 1 2

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s6_edge_getting_new_update-news-25927.php

US LG G6 gets bootloader unlock option

A few weeks ago, the LG G6 made it to the list of smartphones with officially supported bootloader unlocking. However, it was specifically the European model that was added to the list. The list has now been updated once again to reflect that the feature is available for the US variant as well. Unlocking the bootloader lets you do things like running a custom ROM, but it's worth keeping in mind that the process also voids your device's warranty. If you know what you are doing you can follow the source link for instructions on how to achieve it. Source | Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/bootloader_unlocking_now_officially_supported_for_us_lg_g6_variant_as_well-news-25921.php

Swiftkey now supports GIFs, expands transliteration

Smart keyboard and prediction tech company SwiftKey has pushed out a new update to its app. The update brings along a host of changes, including support for GIFs, expanded transliteration, and some bug fixes. "We now support GIFs - categories only (for now)," the change-log for the update says. The feature can be accessed from the emoji panel. Moving on, transliteration support has been added for several new languages including Bangla, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, and Telugu. The update also includes keyboard shortcuts for Bluetooth and hard keyboards. As for...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/swiftkey_now_supports_gifs_expands_transliteration-news-25920.php

Triangle is Google's experimental app for blocking data to individual apps

As our lives are becoming more connected, users are using more apps and apps are demanding more data, which could cost a lot for folks in emerging countries where data is relatively pricey. In order to combat this, Google has begun testing a new app called Triangle. The app allows you to view how much data you have left, see which apps are using that data, and you can even restrict data usage on a per-app basis. The app will even prompt you to temporarily enable data for an amount of time. For example, if you've blocked Google Maps from consuming any mobile data, upon opening the app,...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/triangle_is_googles_experimental_app_for_blocking_data_to_individual_apps-news-25919.php

Samsung remains the top smartphone display maker for Q1 2017

Samsung has been the top display maker in the world the first quarter of the year, raking in $3.5 billion of revenue accounting for 27.2% of global market share for smartphone displays or displays under 9 inches. This is all according to industry firm IHS Markit, the Korea Herald reports. Sales revenue is up from Q1 2016 as the demand for more expensive curved/flexible OLED panels rose in demand over the past year. While Samsung dominated the $13 billion industry, Japan Display followed with 17.8% share of the market, with LG Display Co. and Chinese BOE Technology Group trailing behind...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_remains_the_top_smartphone_display_maker_for_q1_2017-news-25918.php

LG X Charge arriving to Xfinity Mobile with 4,500 mAh battery and octa-core CPU

A new smartphone has arrived on Comcast/Xfinity's Verizon-based MVNO network. Xfinity Mobile is available to current Xfinity customers with at-home services: cable, TV, and phone and runs on Verizon's 4G LTE network. Xfinity's handsets also access Xfinity hotspots all over the US and you can choose to pay by the GB or go unlimited. The LG X Charge carries LG's largest battery ever in a smartphone. The 4,500 mAh battery is matched to a generously sized 5.5-inch 720p display powered by a 1.5GHz octa-core CPU and "2GB or 1.5GB" of RAM. The 16GB of internal storage is expandable to up to 2TB...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/lg_x_charge_arriving_to_xfinity_mobile_with_4500_mah_battery_and_octacore_cpu-news-25917.php

OnePlus 5 has good chance of surviving in water, just don't try it at home

Over the past day or so, we've seen reports of the OnePlus 5 being "unofficially water resistant". Although OnePlus didn't mention anything about ingress protection against the outside elements at the OnePlus 5's announcement, that hasn't stopped some folks from performing dunk tests with the new smartphone. Mind you, these dunk tests are no basis for calling something "water resistant", particularly when they aren't performed under the correct parameters for certification. Other smartphones that are certified for water resistance have a combination of adhesive and rubber seals...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/oneplus_5_has_good_chance_of_surviving_in_water_just_dont_try_it_at_home_-news-25916.php

OnePlus 5 'jelly effect' is "natural", the company says

Earlier today we told you about how some OnePlus 5 owners have noticed a 'jelly effect' on the screen when scrolling. This issue is a bit difficult to describe, but what it basically amounts to is that when you're scrolling some parts of the content of the page or app you're viewing take a little to catch up with the rest. This gives birth to a stretch illusion that people have called 'jelly effect'. Back when the initial reports started coming out, XDA Developers reached out to OnePlus for an official statement on the matter. And now the Chinese company has issued just such a thing. Here...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/oneplus_5_jelly_effect_is_natural_the_company_says-news-25915.php

Bluetooth support is finally making its way to the Google Home

Do you own a Google Home smart speaker? If so, did you know it actually has a Bluetooth chip inside? Yes, really. Except it wasn't activated up until this point, for reasons that are very unclear. Anyway, here's the good news: Bluetooth support is finally rolling out to a Google Home near you. This was announced at Google I/O last month along with a slew of other Home-related updates. It's a silent rollout, this, but there's an easy enough way to check if your particular speaker has been blessed to receive it already. Just go into the Google Home app, and in the Device settings area...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/bluetooth_support_is_finally_making_its_way_to_the_google_home-news-25914.php

LG V30 to sport OLED panel, no secondary screen

LG must have taken a long look at what Samsung's been doing, design-wise, with its S and Note lines of top of the line smartphones lately and thought it should emulate that strategy somewhat. First off we heard that the upcoming LG V30 would come with a glass back, just like the G6. And now a new report claims that the signature feature of the V line isn't going to be found on the V30. We're talking, of course, about the secondary 'ticker' display, housed above the primary touchscreen in both the V10 and the V20. For better or worse, this feature that was dismissed by some as a gimmick and...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/lg_v30_to_sport_oled_panel_no_secondary_screen-news-25913.php

Huawei's new MateBook X, E, and D go on pre-order in the US tomorrow

The new MateBooks that Huawei unveiled back in May are now on their way to the US. The company has officially revealed that pre-orders for the MateBook X, MateBook E, and MateBook D will go live at Amazon and Newegg tomorrow. They should ship later this summer. Here's the pricing breakdown. The cheapest of the bunch is the MateBook D, coming in at $699 with a Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, 1TB HDD, and Nvidia 940MX GPU. The MateBook E starts at $799, for which amount you get a Core m3, 4GB of RAM, and a 128GB SSD. If you'd rather have a Core i5 and 8GB of RAM, you'll need to shell out...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/huaweis_new_matebook_x_e_and_d_go_on_preorder_in_the_us_tomorrow-news-25912.php

Google's Project Fi will support a mid-tier priced smartphone later this year

So far, Google's experimental MVNO (mobile virtual network operator), Project Fi, has only supported Nexus and Pixel devices. The need for specific support (and why it isn't suggested that you just throw your Fi SIM card into any handset you may have lying around) is due to Fi's intelligent switching between its three host carriers. This needs to be enabled in the software of every phone on the network, hence the limited number of officially supported devices. And since the Pixels are much more expensive than any Nexus before them ever was, a lot of people have apparently been complaining...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/googles_project_fi_will_support_a_midtier_priced_smartphone_later_this_year-news-25911.php

Moto Z2 Play is now available at Verizon for $408

Following its release in India a couple of weeks ago, the Moto Z2 Play is now available to purchase in the US as well, in gray and gold. There's a catch, however: at the moment you can only buy one from Verizon, or from Motorola's online store for use on Verizon. An unlocked model will be sold at Motorola "later this summer". The handset was made official at the beginning of this month after many weeks of unending leaks. It can be yours for $408 full retail. Alternatively, if you want to use an installment plan you'll put down $0 then followed by 24 monthly payments of...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/moto_z2_play_is_now_available_at_verizon_for_408-news-25910.php

Reliance Jio offers up to 30GB 4G data on select Xiaomi phones

Reliance Jio is offering a whole bunch of free data to Xiaomi customers. People buying select device will be eligible to 30GB free 4GB data. The way this works is that customers of Xiaomi devices will need to have a Reliance Jio SIM activated on or after June 16, 2017. After that, for every prepaid recharge of INR 309 or above will get 5GB additional data (on top of whatever the recharge normally entails). This can be done for six recharges, totalling 30GB, till March 31, 2018. The list of eligible devices for this include Redmi 2, Redmi 2 Prime, Redmi Note 4G, Redmi Note 4G...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/reliance_jio_offers_up_to_30gb_4g_data_on_select_xiaomi_phones-news-25908.php

Sony's IFA press conference to be held on August 31

Sony has traditionally used both MWC in February-March and IFA in early September to launch new smartphones, and it now looks like 2017 will be no exception. Today it's been revealed that the Japanese company will in fact hold a press conference at IFA, on the eve of the trade show's official start. Sony's event will take place on August 31 at 1 PM local time. While the company itself obviously hasn't given us any details about what we should expect from the conference, a leak from last month painted a pretty clear picture - namely, that the Xperia XZ1, XZ1 Compact, and X1 should all debut...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/sonys_ifa_press_conference_to_be_held_on_august_31-news-25909.php