New update to Google's Camera app brings Selfie Flash

Google has pushed out a new update to its Camera app that bumps the version to 4.4. Among the key changes the update brings along, is the Selfie Flash feature that's aimed at improving your low-light selfies. To access the functionality while taking a selfie, just make sure the Flash option is set to automatic or on. That's it. Now when you capture the image, the app will produce a little extra light, simulating flash. It's worth mentioning that you may observe a yellowish-brown color light covering the entire screen after you tab the click icon and before your captured image shows...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/new_update_to_googles_camera_app_brings_selfie_flash-news-26722.php

Essential hosting a 'First Look Event' for its PH-1 phone on August 25

Following some bad press over repeated delays in the launch of its PH-1 smartphone, Essential promised a few days ago that the actual release date of the handset will be revealed within the next week. While you wait for it, there's an opportunity to see and try the smartphone at a special 'First Look Event' that the company has scheduled for August 25. Some people (that reportedly aren't related to mainstream media) have received the invite for the event. So the event - which is set to take place in Los Angeles - looks to be aimed at consumers. Anyway, in addition to the phone,...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/essential_hosting_a_first_look_event_for_its_ph1_phone_later_this_month-news-26721.php

Official name for Android O tipped to be announced on August 21 (solar eclipse day)

The official name of Google's upcoming Android operating system - currently being referred to as O - will be officially announced on August 21. The information comes courtesy of Android Police's David Ruddock, who cited a source whose info, he say, he cannot verify. I'm not going to ruin the surprise of the name. It doesn't really matter and I feel like spoiling it actually is kind of a spoiler.— David Ruddock (@RDR0b11) August 10, 2017 His tweets suggest he knows the name, but doesn't want to play spoilsport. Ruddock also revealed that the Mountain View, California-based company is...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/official_name_for_android_o_tipped_to_be_announced_on_august_21_solar_eclipse_day-news-26719.php

Hype surrounding Snapchat's Spectacles seems to have died down

Back in September last year, the company behind Snapchat changed its name to Snap. Reason being, the Snapchat app was no longer the only product the company was offering - a pair of sunglasses (dubbed Spectacles) were announced on the same day. Spectacles featured a built-in video camera, capable of capturing 10 second vidoes (in circular format) that can be synced with the Snapchat app. There's also an LED indicator that informs others you are recording. Snap effectively revealed during its Q1 2017 earnings that it managed to sell 64,000 units of Spectacles. And now, the company...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/hype_surrounding_snapchats_spectacles_seems_to_have_died_down-news-26720.php

Gear Fit 2 Pro moniker spotted on Samsung's website, Gear Sport gets FCC certified

Shortly after it stopped by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the Gear Fit 2 Pro has been officially confirmed. The moniker has been spotted on the South Korean company's official website, along with the model number SM-R365. Nothing much is known about the wearable at the moment, except that it's likely to have a design similar to the standard Gear Fit 2 and could feature improved step-tracking accuracy. It's said to be made official around the same time as the Galaxy Note8. Meanwhile, in a separate but related news, a new Samsung wearable dubbed Gear Sport has been...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/gear_fit_2_pro_moniker_spotted_on_samsungs_website_gear_sport_gets_fcc_certified-news-26717.php

Moto Z2 Force review: Nothing less, nothing more

Motorola has had quite a busy year thus far. Now that there are five tiers of Moto smartphones for folks to choose from (6 if you include the Asia-specific Moto M), we have been introduced to the highest-tier of smartphone that Motorola has to offer: The Moto Z2 Force.

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/moto_z2_force-review-1639.php

Apple Pay might land in Germany very soon

Apple Pay is available in quite a few countries and territories already, but its international expansion isn't slowing down. One of the countries most rumored to get the mobile payments service has been Germany, with some mumblings from May suggesting a launch in the fall or winter. The former of those time frames seems more likely in light of new information that's surfaced today. If you're in Germany running the latest betas of iOS 11 and watchOS 4, when you set up your Apple Watch you will be presented with the screens you can see below. They tell you about Apple Pay and apparently give...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/apple_pay_might_land_in_germany_very_soon-news-26716.php

Android O will be the last major update to hit the OnePlus 3 and 3T

OnePlus' track record with software support for its devices has been decent for some products, and very bad for others (remember the OnePlus 2 and OnePlus X?). And with the release of the OnePlus 5 it's understandable that owners of last year's flagships, the OnePlus 3 and 3T, have gotten a bit antsy not knowing exactly what to expect from this point forward. So today the Chinese company's Head of Product, Oliver Z., has decided to answer a few questions on the matter. He has thus revealed that Android O will be the last major update headed to the OnePlus 3 and 3T, with security patches...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/android_o_will_be_the_last_major_update_to_hit_the_oneplus_3_and_3t-news-26715.php

Sony Xperia XZ Premium arrives in Canada on August 15, or in September

Sony will release the Xperia XZ Premium in Canada soon. The device is already on sale in the US, where it's even received a $100 price cut recently. It will be out up north either on August 15, or in September. Two different reports came out on the matter today, and they don't agree on much. What is clear is that Amazon will be offering the unlocked model, and that we'll have to wait until it becomes available in order to find out how much it will cost. Given that its current price in the US, in unlocked form, is $699.99, that means it could go for CAD 899 - or even CAD 999 if we take into...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/sony_xperia_xz_premium_arrives_in_canada_on_august_15_or_in_september-news-26714.php

Deal: Galaxy S7 edge on Verizon or Sprint for just $191.76, today only

Sure, the Galaxy S8+ is official and on sale, and has been for many months now. But that doesn't mean last year's Galaxy S7 edge isn't a good performer even in this day and age. And since it's older, the deals for it are much better than for its successor. Case in point: today only, Best Buy is holding a sale on S7 edge units for Verizon and Sprint. You need to become a customer of one of those carriers, or to already be one. If so, you can grab the S7 edge for just $7.99 per month with two-year installments. That means the grand total you will pay for the device over the course of...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/deal_galaxy_s7_edge_on_verizon_or_sprint_for_just_19176_today_only-news-26713.php

Samsung Galaxy Note8 visits Geekbench with Exynos 8895 and 6GB of RAM

With its official introduction fast approaching, we've always known it was just a matter of time before we saw the Samsung Galaxy Note8 in a benchmark. And today that's exactly what happened. A prototype Note8 has been put through the paces of Geekbench, and this has resulted in the confirmation of a couple of the phone's oft-leaked specs. The device we're talking about here is the one with the model number SM-N950F, which will be destined for Europe and other global markets in a single-SIM iteration. It boasts 6GB of RAM according to the benchmark, so it's pretty much a given that...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_note8_visits_geekbench_with_exynos_8895_and_6gb_of_ram-news-26712.php

Moto X4 press renders leak alongside full specs

Last week we got confirmation that some long ago leaked shots of the upcoming Moto X4 did in fact depict the phone's final design, and earlier today the Brazilian equivalent to the US FCC outed quite a number of live images of the prototype that went through its testing. Now we have an image showing leaked press renders of the Moto X4, adding to the barrage of news related to this smartphone. Thankfully, though, these came alongside full spec details. The Moto X4 will have a 5.2-inch 1080p touchscreen, and will only be available in the two colors you can see below: Super Black and...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/moto_x4_press_renders_leak_alongside_full_specs-news-26711.php

Samsung Galaxy A5 (2017) starts getting Nougat update

Shortly after doing it for the Galaxy A7 (2017), Samsung has now started pushing out the Nougat update to the Galaxy A5 (2017). Weighing in at around 1.3GB, the update is currently hitting units in Russia. As for changes included, the list is similar to the one for Galaxy A7 (2017), meaning things like refreshed UI, quick setting buttons, and multi window experience are all there. However, the Dual Messenger feature isn't explicitly listed, so it's hard to say at this point if that's included or not. Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_a5_2017_starts_getting_nougat_update-news-26703.php

Android O will add support for in-band ringtones

Android O will be a massive update to phones' Bluetooth features. Your phone will finally be able to show you the battery level of accessories and in the case of Bluetooth headsets, it will support in-band ringtones. That's a feature that iPhones have had for ages and Android users have wanted for about as long (since 2009!). What's "in-band ringtones"? Essentially, it allows your Bluetooth headset to ring with whatever ringtone you've set on your phone. Work on the feature began a few months ago and seems ready now. Other cool changes in Android O include Sony's LDAC, which streams...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/android_o_will_add_support_for_inband_ringtones-news-26710.php

Weekly poll: are camera humps bad?

If you've been following the iPhone 8 leaks, the camera hump may have caught your attention. Yes, a vertical dual camera with an LED flash between the two lenses is an attention grabber, but today we want to talk about the hump. Is it a deal breaker? In last week's Counterclockwise, we concluded with a simple truth - the trend of thin phones killed the large image sensor. But modern designs have gotten so thin that even a small camera module creates a hump (bezel-less screens and big batteries don't help either). At least some makers put the camera in the middle so that the phone is...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/weekly_poll_are_camera_humps_bad-news-26697.php

Weekly poll results: AMOLED runs laps around LCD

No hard feelings, liquid crystals, but users just prefer AMOLED - over 60% of them. It's hard to argue with such a dominant vote, but the second most popular option (by quite some distance) was the practical response "only quality matters". LCD and Quantum Dot displays both failed to capture a significant share of the vote. Still, LCD has the market inertia - most models up to this year used LCD, but that might change in 2018 (certainly will in the flagship segment). This is not to say that AMOLED is perfect. The comments echoed the usual concerts - burn in, PenTile, color tint at an...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/weekly_poll_results_amoled_runs_laps_around_lcd-news-26693.php

Xiaomi celebrates 5 million Redmi Note 4s sold in India

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 has grown to 5 million sales in India. Back in March, it celebrated over 1 million units sold in 45 days and sales have remained strong since. To mark the occasion, Xiaomi created the world's largest grain mosaic (using millet, the namesake of its phones). The mosaic covered an impressive 6,000 square feet. Besides promotion, the company did some charity work as well, donating 40 tons of grain to help feed 500,000 people. Check out the video below to see the mosaic come to life. It has some star power with cameos from the women's cricket team (including captain...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_celebrates_5_million_redmi_note_4s_sold_in_india-news-26709.php

ZTE Z982 found on GFXBench: 6" screen and 2160p video recording on a budget

Earlier this year, ZTE released the MAX XL, a 6" smartphone on a budget. That is more of a carrier phone, however, and its camera can't shoot 2160p video. What if that could change? A ZTE Z982 appeared on GFXBench with a similar 6" 1080p screen and Android 7.1 Nougat. It seems to use the same Snapdragon 435 chipset as well with 2GB of RAM and 32GB storage. The camera is decidedly different, however. It packs a 16MP sensor and can indeed shoot 4K 2160p video. The selfie camera is an 8MP unit with reported video capabilities of 1,440 x 1,080px - that's 4:3 1080p. We're guessing this is a...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/zte_z982_found_on_gfxbench_6_screen_and_2160p_video_recording_on_a_budget-news-26707.php

LG V30 could cost $700, a Plus model will launch simultaneously

The rumors of the price of the Galaxy Note8 gave us sticker shock ($1,000-$1,100!), can LG challenge with a better price for the LG V30? ETNews thinks "yes" and it has more to share. First, there will be two models - V30 and V30 Plus - which will cost $700 and $875 respectively. They will launch simultaneously on September 15 in South Korea and on September 31 in Germany. The Plus model will have more storage, 128GB vs. 64GB, better audio hardware and wireless charging. The other specs should be identical, including the RAM (6GB). As a reminder: 6" OLED Full Vision display, Snapdragon...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/lg_v30_could_cost_700_a_plus_model_will_launch_simultaneously-news-26708.php

Xperia ZG Compact with Snapdragon 810 found in Geekbench

Is someone playing a prank? Geekbench results show multiple entries of "Sony Xperia ZG Compact" with Snapdragon 810. You'd think that this is just the Xperia Z5 Compact, but someone fiddled with the software so that it reports as ZG. Still, the RAM is slightly different between ZG and Z5 entries - 1812 MB and 1764 MB respectively. The benchmark has a different entry in the "motherboard" field. We didn't find the ZG in any other benchmarks. Geekbench: Xperia ZG Compact • Xperia Z5 Compact It seems quite unlikely that Sony is building a new phone with Snapdragon 810 - no other...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/xperia_zg_compact_with_snapdragon_810_found_in_geekbench-news-26706.php

Details of 5.2" HTC U11 Life revised, pic included

The U11 is HTC's best phone in years and the company is working on a smaller, 5.2" variant that will go under the moniker HTC U11 Life (its code name is Ocean Life). Of course it's IP67 waterproof, just like its bigger sibling. And like it, it will lack a 3.5mm headphone jack. The good news is that you're getting the USonic headphones with noise cancellation included in the box. And if you want to go wireless, there's Bluetooth 5.0. The U11 Life will have a mid-range chipset - a Snapdragon 630 instead of the 660 that was initially rumored. The GPU will have an easier time since the...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/details_of_52_htc_u11_life_revised_pic_included-news-26705.php

Xiaomi Redmi Note 5A images and specs surface

The Redmi Note 5 leaked a month ago and later we found out that there will be a more affordable Note 5A variant (the regular 5 will reportedly start at CNY 1,200 / $175 / €155). Additional details have emerged and the 5A isn't quite what we expected. Dropping down from the Snapdragon 630/660, the more affordable model will use Snapdragon 425 instead (an old, 28nm chip). And it will have a smaller battery, 3,080mAh vs. 3,790mAh on the non-A model. In short, expect less performance and a shorter battery life. Xiaomi Redmi Note 5A The Xiaomi Redmi Note 5A will run Android 7.1 Nougat...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_redmi_note_5a_images_and_specs_surface-news-26704.php

Samsung SM-T385S with Android 7.0 gets WiFi certified

A new Samsung device has received WiFi certification from the WiFi Alliance (WFA). Carrying a model number of SM-T385S, the device runs Android 7.0 Nougat out of the box. Here is the listing in question: While the listing clearly mentions the device as a smartphone, given the model number, it could well be a tablet instead. In fact, the SM-T385S seems to be a variant of last year's Galaxy Tab E 8.0, which was SM-T375. Reports say a couple of other variants - SM-T385K and the SM-T385L - have also been certified by the WFA. Sadly, there's currently no information on the specifications...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_smt385s_with_android_70_gets_wifi_certified-news-26702.php

Samsung begins testing Nougat on multiple Galaxy C-series devices

According to tipster @mmddj_china who is based out of China, Samsung has started testing the Nougat update on multiple Galaxy C series devices. Specifically, Android 7.0 is being tested on the Galaxy C5, Galaxy C7, and the C9 Pro. C5000ZCU1BQH2C7000ZCU2BQH1C9000ZCU1BQH2C5 C7 C9 Pro Chinese version start testing Android7.0— 萌萌的电教 (@mmddj_china) August 10, 2017 He also notes that it is the Chinese variants of these phones. There is, however, no information on exactly when the roll out will begin. Given Samsung's track record, it may take sometime...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_begins_testing_nougat_on_multiple_galaxy_c_series_devices-news-26701.php

Motorola Moto Z2 Force goes on sale in US

Announced late last month, the Motorola Moto Z2 Force has been available to pre-order in the US. However, that was until now, as sales for the device have begun - all major carriers (the Big Four) are now selling the handset. Motorola is also offering the carrier variants officially. Price starts at $720, and goes up to $810. So it all depends on the carrier of your choice. The unlocked variant isn't on sale yet, and there's no confirmation on exactly when it will be launched. Aside from the phone, the Moto 360 Camera Mod is also now available to purchase - it costs...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/motorola_moto_z2_force_goes_on_sale_in_us-news-26700.php

Fitbit's upcoming smartwatch leaks in new images

We already know that Fitbit is working on a new smartwatch, and have also seen some leaked images in the past. Now, a new set of images have leaked, giving as a clear view of the device from multiple angles. The watch - which is reportedly internally dubbed Project Higgs - will remind you of the company's Blaze fitness tracker, as it has similar button configuration and protruding back. The major change, however, is in the heart rate sensor. While its previous offering featured green optical sensors for tracking heart rate, Fitbit's new smartwatch seemingly comes with two red...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/fitbits_upcoming_smartwatch_leaks_in_new_images-news-26699.php

Latest leak shows Motorola Moto X4 from all angles

A week after the usually reliable tipster Evan Blass (@evleaks on Twitter) shared the final design for the Motorola Moto X4, a new leak has emerged, showing the device from almost all angles. These leaked images are from Anatel, Brazil's homologation agency. So, on the front, we can see thin side-bezels, and a fingerprint sensor at the bottom. The back, on the other hand, is glass and has curved edges. The dual camera setup is broadly similar to what we saw in the previous leak by @evleaks. The image that shows the handset's bottom reveals USB Type-C port and a 3.5mm headphone...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/latest_leak_shows_motorola_moto_x4_from_all_angles-news-26698.php

Doogee Mix review: Dress to impress

We've always tried to maintain an impartial perspective and shy away from bias in our work. Whether that shines through or not is really up to you, our readers to decide. However, we will admit right off the bat that Doogee hasn't really received any significant attention from us in the past. While there are perfectly good reasons for that as well, we still feel compelled to give the Doogee Mix the benefit of the doubt.

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/doogee_mix-review-1638.php

Deal: Moto G5 Plus drops to all-time low of $179.99 shipped, saving you $50

Another week has passed, which means another Moto G5 Plus deal is now available. At the beginning of the month, we saw Moto's device going for just $199.99 in its iteration with 2GB of RAM and 32GB of storage, possibly as a reaction to the launch of the newer G5S Plus. The G5 Plus isn't an old handset, however - remember that it only got official this February at MWC. It also happens to be the No.1 best selling unlocked smartphone on Amazon. And if you visit the mega retailer's listing today, you'll find a nice surprise waiting for you over there: namely, that the G5 Plus has gotten even...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/moto_g5_plus_drops_to_alltime_low_of_17999_shipped_saving_you_50-news-26696.php

Coolpad to launch the Play 6 in India

Coolpad published an event on Facebook, teasing the launch of the Play 6 in India. With series of posts, the company will lead to the actual release of the phone. Once the event reaches its end date of August 20, the Coolpad Play 6 will start hitting the shelves. The Coolpad Play 6 comes with It has a Snapdragon 653 chipset, putting itself on par with the Oppo F3 Plus and ZTE nubia Z17 mini. One of the more impressive specs is the 6 GB RAM, coming along with 64 GB storage and a microSD slot. A dual camera setup is located on the back with a fingerprint scanner keeping company...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/coolpad_to_launch_the_play_6_in_india-news-26694.php

Deal: Google Pixel XL and Sony Xperia X are 30% cheaper

If you are interested in exquisite deals for outstanding smartphones, look no further. If you are a fan of the Google Pixel XL but don't want to cave into a massive price tag of about £720, today is your lucky day. The Very Silver version with 32 GB storage is sold for "only" £499.99 or 30% less. The Sony Xperia X is another impressive smartphone that received a price cut. The Graphite Black version is only £229.95 on Amazon and the British retailer Argos. The usual price of the phone is somewhere around £300, but the Rose Gold option is slightly lower. The Sony Xperia X model is...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/deal_google_pixel_xl_and_sony_xperia_x_are_30_cheaper-news-26691.php

Nokia 6 passes 1 million registrations on Amazon India

The Nokia 6 was announced for the Indian market way back in early June, but but Amazon started accepting registrations in mid-July for an August 23 flash sale. Things have been going slowly, but the interest is there - Amazon just marked 1 million registrations. It has exclusivity in the country and has put up an INR 15,000 price tag. Note that registrations are not really pre-orders, though it's not clear if HMD has 1 million units to sell anyway ("flash sale" doesn't sound like they have units to spare). The Nokia 3 has been available since June through offline channels (though...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/nokia_6_passes_1_million_registrations_on_amazon_india-news-26692.php

Asus Zenfone 4 and a smaller Zenfone 4 Max also leak

It's a Zenfone kind of day - first the Selfie and Selfie Pro, now the base Zenfone 4 and a smaller version of the Zenfone 4 Max. The Zenfone 4 ZE554KL seems to have inched up to basically flagship-level pricing - €500. The spec sheet feels a bit on the light side for five bills, though. We start with a 5.5" 1080p screen (IPS or AMOLED, it's not clear) with 2.5D Gorilla Glass on top and a metal body. The rear houses a dual 12MP + 8MP camera, the front an 8MP selfie cam. Inside is 4GB RAM and 64GB storage, plus a dedicated microSD slot (with two separate nano SIM slots). Not bad, but the...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/asus_zenfone_4_and_a_smaller_zenfone_4_max_also_leak-news-26695.php

Samsung wins Korean lawsuit over Galaxy Note7

Last year, a group of Galaxy Note7 owners filed a class action lawsuit against Samsung in South Korea. They sought KRW 300 thousand ($267) per person for the inconvenience called by the recall. Since then, the number of claimants has grown to 1,900 and the money to of KRW 935 million ($822,000 total, $433 per person.) Now a local court has ruled in favor of Samsung, saying that the recall and any inconvenience it might have caused was not "unacceptable". A similar suit was filed against Samsung in the US, but that is still ongoing. Source

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_wins_korean_lawsuit_over_galaxy_note7-news-26688.php

Samsung Galaxy S8 appears in Rose Pink, set to launch in Eastern Europe first

Earlier this summer Samsung announced a new color of the Galaxy S8+ flagship. Then the phone was about to appear in Mexico as well, but no images of the smaller Galaxy S8 appeared anywhere. Famous leakster Roland Quandt unveiled the images, and unsurprisingly, they are the same as the Plus-sized flagship. He claims Eastern Europe is the first region to get the new color option. When the Samsung Galaxy S8 was announced back on March 29, only five color options were announced. Many markets still have to wait until Coral Blue and Maple Gold hit their shelves. Since...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s8_appears_in_rose_pink_set_to_launch_in_eastern_europe_first_-news-26690.php

Ristar joins the Sega Forever Collection on Android and iOS

The Sega Forever Collection just received a new addition - Ristar. While not as popular as Sonic, the game is a platformer made by the same team and published in 1995 for the Sega Genesis. While Sonic has his speed, Ristar uses his stretchable arms, which are the core mechanic of the game - they are how you navigate obstacles through the many levels and the main means of attack. Check out the video below for a quick sample of the gameplay. Sega Ristar resurrected for smartphones If you like what you see, head to the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store. As other Sega...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/ristar_joins_the_sega_forever_collection_on_android_and_ios-news-26689.php

Zenfone 4 Selfie and Selfie Pro show up early, flaunt dual selfie cameras with flash

The new Zenfone 4 models will not be unveiled until August 17, but the company's online shop jumped the gun and released specs and images of the Zenfone 4 Selfie ZD552KL and Zenfone 4 Selfie Pro ZD553KL (not to be confused with Zenfone 4 Pro). The Selfie duo has something in common - a dual selfie camera. The Pro model means business with a 24MP + 5MP front camera, while the regular Selfie has a 20MP + 5MP setup. Both cameras have a field of view of 120° and a dedicated selfie flash on the front. The rear camera feels plain by comparison - a single 16MP...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/zenfone_4_selfie_and_selfie_pro_show_up_early_flaunt_dual_selfie_cameras_with_flash-news-26687.php

Xiaomi Mi 5X now comes in 32GB storage option as well

Xiaomi has launched a new, 32GB storage variant for its Mi 5X smartphone. The model is listed on the Chinese Mi online store for CNY 1,299, which currently translates to around $195. The Mi 5X was made official last month with 4GB RAM and 64GB storage, and a price tag of CNY 1,499 (around $225). So the new variant is CNY 200 ($30) cheaper. Aside from storage, rest all specs of both models are same. Source | Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_mi_5x_now_comes_in_32gb_storage_option_as_well-news-26685.php

Live video of the iPhone 8 shows more than before

Another day, another iPhone 8 leak. This time we see a live video of a black device that looks like the flagship which Apple is going to launch in September. It might be just a dummy, but the evidence is mounting that Apple would have at least one phone, which will look like this given the increasing number of leaked prototypes. The clip is just 5 seconds and a spectacularly low quality for modern times, but the key components are visible. There is a dual camera on the back in a vertical setup while on the front we see another dual setup. One of the cameras above the display will...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/live_video_of_the_iphone_8_reveals_its_design-news-26686.php

Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 getting Android Nougat update now

Xiaomi has started pushing out a new update to its Redmi Note 4 smartphone. Weighing in at around 1.3GB and currently hitting units in Greece, the update brings along the much awaited Android Nougat (version 7.0). Arriving as MIUI version 8.5 (global), the update also includes Android security patches for the month of July. The device was launched earlier this year, and came with Android 6.0 Marshmallow out of the box. It will also get the MIUI 9 update soon - roll out is scheduled for August 11. Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_redmi_note_4_getting_android_nougat_update_now-news-26683.php

LG V30 to feature the world's widest aperture on a phone camera and TouchSense haptics

LG has just shared some camera-related details about its upcoming V30 smartphone. The South Korean company claims the device "will include the world's largest aperture and clearest lens ever to be featured in a smartphone." The V30, like its predecessor, has a dual camera setup. However, the company says the main camera module includes an F/1.6 lens (a first for LG), which delivers 25% more light to the sensor compared to an F/1.8 lens. "The glass Crystal Clear Lens also delivers greater light-collecting ability than a plastic lens as well as better color reproduction," LG says in a...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/lg_v30_to_feature_worlds_widest_aperture_and_touchsense_haptics-news-26684.php

Samsung's flagships start getting August security patch

Samsung has started rolling out the latest security update to its flagship smartphones. Specifically, the August patch has begun hitting the Galaxy S7 edge smartphone. Arriving as version G935FXXU1DQH3, the update is currently rolling out to units in Mexico, but other regions should also get it sooner than later. It's worth mentioning that the Galaxy S7 edge may be the first Samsung flagship to get the August patch, but its definitely not the first Samsung smartphone to get it - the update has already been pushed out to the Galaxy J7 Prime. Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsungs_flagships_start_getting_august_security_patch-news-26680.php

Lenovo's Phab2 Pro 'Tango' phone and other Phab series devices won't get Nougat

Lenovo has updated its software upgrade page to reflect that there will be no Nougat update for the company's entire Phab series of devices, including the Phab2 Pro 'Tango' smartphone that was launched less than a year ago. Other affected handsets include the Phab, the Phab Plus, Phab2, and Phab2 Plus. In addition, a couple of tablets from last year, including the Tab3 7 Essential and the Tab3 10 Business Tablet will also not get the update. Source | Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/lenovos_phab2_pro_tango_phone_and_other_phab_series_devices_wont_get_nougat-news-26679.php

iPhone 8, 7s, 7s Plus dummy units shown in family photo as all three devices enter volume production

Somewhat corroborating yesterday's report which said Apple would launch the iPhone 8, 7s, and 7s Plus at the same time next month, a new rumor now claims all three devices have entered volume production. This obviously wouldn't include the iPhone 8 if that model were to be launched later than the other two, as previously alleged. So the trio should be outed at a special event at some point in September, with commercial availability coming before the end of the month. The iPhone 7s and 7s Plus will not see any stock shortages, but the story will be quite different for the iPhone 8, as...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/iphone_8_7s_7s_plus_dummy_units_shown_in_family_photo_just_as_all_three_devices_enter_volume_product-news-26678.php

T-Mobile makes the Revvl official, available tomorrow for $125

After a couple of leaks, the T-Mobile Revvl has finally become official today. The device only bears the carrier's brand, but it is manufactured by TCL. The Revvl will be available tomorrow from the magenta carrier. It can be yours for $125 full retail, or $5 down and $5 per month for two years if you go with the equipment installment plan. Alternatively, you can grab it using TMo's Jump on Demand scheme, paying $0 down and $5 per month. As you've probably gathered from its pricing, the Revvl is anything but a flagship. That said, it does boast some decent specs for that amount of...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/tmobile_makes_the_revvl_official_available_tomorrow_for_125-news-26677.php

Nvidia voluntarily recalls European AC wall adapter plug head for Shield tablets and Shield TVs

Nvidia today had to announce that it's taking steps to mitigate a possible risk of electric shock posed by some AC wall adapters used for some of its products. The part in question is the plug head for Shield AC wall adapters designed for use in continental Europe (it's pictured to the left). The devices affected are Shield World Charger Kits, European Shield tablets, and European Shield TV consoles sold between July 2014 and May 2017. If you don't have any of those, or aren't using the European plug, you have nothing to worry about. If you do own one of the aforementioned products and...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/nvidia_voluntarily_recalls_european_ac_wall_adapter_plug_head_for_shield_tablets_and_shield_tvs-news-26676.php

Essential Phone will get a firm release date within a week, the company announces

The saga of the Essential Phone's release continues. Speaking to the Wall Street Journal today, company representatives promised to finally reveal the actual release date of the handset within the next week. That does not mean the product will be available in seven days or less, mind you - that's just a time frame for telling us exactly when to expect it to hit the streets. That's certainly good news, but you may remember that Essential's promise in May at the unveiling event for the phone was to ship it within 30 days of that moment. That obviously hasn't happened, and now we're more than...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/essential_phone_will_get_a_firm_release_date_within_a_week_the_company_announces-news-26675.php

Xiaomi Mi Mix 2 prototype allegedly stars in leaked image showing an all-screen front

Last year Xiaomi shocked the smartphone world by getting on the 'near-bezelless' train before we even knew that would be the main trend of 2017. This was achieved with the launch of the stunning Mi Mix, which came with essentially no bezels at all on three sides of its screen. This year the Mi Mix 2 will have to live up to that, and it might just pull it off. At least, that is, if the image you can see below turns out to be real. It's leaked today in China and is alleged to depict a prototype of the Mi Mix 2. As you can see, the last remaining bezel in the Mi Mix - the bottom one -...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_mi_mix_2_prototype_allegedly_stars_in_leaked_image_showing_an_allscreen_front-news-26674.php

Samsung Galaxy Note8 pre-orders start on September 1

Samsung pushed its Galaxy Note8 sales roadmap to carriers, Korean sources reveal. The company announced that the week following the official unveiling on August 23 would be reserved for events for network providers and retailers. The pre-order period will happen between September 1 and September 10, and the official launch is already scheduled for September 15. The 10-day pre-order period is a day shorter than Galaxy S8's back in April. Nevertheless, Samsung is expecting massive interest and pre-order numbers for the Galaxy Note8 since it is practically the first Galaxy Note phone in...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_note8_preorder_starts_on_september_1-news-26672.php

Samsung is now selling the unlocked Galaxy S8 for just $539.99, limited quantity available

Do you want to buy a Samsung Galaxy S8? Are you interested in the unlocked model? How about saving a whopping $185 in the process? Well, if that sounds good to you, then be prepared to act fast. The Korean company is currently offering its latest flagship smartphone, in its unlocked iteration, on eBay for just $539.99. That's a very big discount compared to its initial price of $724.99. Unfortunately, there's only a limited quantity of handsets available at this price, hence why you need to move quickly to score one. It's unclear how long the deal will last, or why Samsung decided to...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_is_now_selling_the_unlocked_galaxy_s8_for_just_53999_limited_quantity_available-news-26673.php