And another one - the Asus Zenfone 4 Selfie Lite is official

Just when we thought we were finally beginning to make sense of Asus' Zenfone 4 lineup, the company has come up with another Selfie, the Zenfone 4 Selfie Lite. This one comes in addition to two existing Zenfone 4 Selfies, the ZD553KL and the ZB553KL, and the top-of-the-line Zenfone 4 Selfie Pro. Listed on Asus' Philippine website, the new Selfie Lite shares a lot with the ZB553KL, including the selfie bits - a 13MP f/2.0 camera with an LED flash. The rear camera is another 13MP unit, though Asus stays mum on other specifics. There's a 5.5-inch display on the front, and the lack of...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/and_another_one__the_asus_zenfone_4_selfie_lite_is_official-news-27606.php

Sony Xperia XA1 Plus review

So, what if one Xperia isn't big enough but the other is a tad too much? Well, you come up with something in the middle. Enter the 5.5" Xperia XA1 Plus, which is perfectly bridging the gap between the 5-inch XA1 and the 6-inch XA1 Ultra

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/sony_xperia_xa1_plus-review-1666.php

Red announces the new Monstro 8K VV sensor

High-end cinema camera manufacturer Red has announced the new Monstro 8K VV sensor for its Weapon series of cameras. The Monstro 8K VV will replace the previous Dragon 8K VV sensor announced last year. The new Monstro 8K seems similar on paper, with 8K 60fps full format recording, 35.4 megapixel still capture, 300MB/s data speeds, and simultaneous Redcode RAW and Apple ProRes or Avid DNxHD/HR recording ability. However, the new sensor boasts of improved image quality, with wider dynamic range and shadow detail. It also gets Red's enhanced image processing pipeline (IPP2) in-camera,...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/red_announces_the_new_monstro_8k_vv_sensor-news-27605.php

Android makers looking into 3D sensing, under-display fingerprint readers sidelined

The under-display fingerprint reader may end up being replaced before it even becomes mainstream, at least in high-end smartphones, if a report by analyst Ming-Chi Kuo is right on the money. According to the paper, Android phone makers are looking into 3D mapping solutions for facial recognition in the wake of the iPhone X announcement with similar tech. The inquiries by smartphone manufacturers into 3D sensing have more than tripled since the announcement of the iPhone X, the analyst reports. In addition to the security applications, these technologies allow for augmented reality use, as...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/android_makers_3d_sensing_underdisplay_fingerprint_readers_sidelined-news-27604.php

Samsung Galaxy A3 (2016) software patch fixes battery charging bug

Samsung's rolled out a small software update that fixes an "IMS Service Stopped" bug which has been affecting Galaxy A5 (2016) and A3 (2016) units. On the latter device, the patch comes with a bonus - apparently, Samsung's fixed another bug that would prevent the device from charging beyond around 85%. This annoying issue was reportedly brought about by the Galaxy A3 (2016)'s Nougat update that was released earlier in the summer. You'll be able to do ~15% more of that on your Galaxy A3 (2016) now. The build number to look out for is A310FXXU3CQI8, and it should be hitting...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_a3_2016_software_patch_fixes_battery_charging_bug-news-27602.php

Here comes Android 7.0 Nougat for the Galaxy Tab E on Verizon and T-Mobile

Verizon and T-Mobile have released software updates for the Samsung Galaxy Tab E tablets bringing the OS version to Android 7.0 Nougat. Just Nougat, you say, when Oreo is already here? It's still something for an entry-level/lower-midrange tablet that was launched close to 2 years ago and started out on Lollipop. Verizon has rolled out firmwares for both the Galaxy Tab E 8.0 and the Tab E 9.6. Other than the obvious new Android version, the update brings the refreshed Samsung UX, improved battery management options, and easier multi-tasking, Verizon says. The Android security patch is the...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/android_70_nougat_galaxy_tab_e_verizon_tmobile-news-27601.php

Sprint and T-Mobile in final stages of negotiation for a merger

Within the last couple of weeks or so, we've heard about rekindled talks between T-Mobile and Sprint regarding a possible merger. Today, a new report from Bloomberg claims people "familiar with the matter" say that the merger is likely to be publicly announced at the end of the month along with the quarterly financial reports. Both sides are performing the final due diligence (steps required for the legality of a transaction) to determine Sprint's valuation in the merger. According to these people, setting an exchange ratio is one of the last steps needed before moving forward. Both...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/report_sprint_and_tmobile_in_final_stages_of_negotiation_for_a_merger-news-27600.php

LG V30 and V30+ are both available today at US Cellular

Yesterday the LG V30 became available from AT&T and Verizon, and today US Cellular is releasing the same top of the line smartphone too. Interestingly though, US Cellular is offering you both the vanilla V30 and the V30+, a model we thought would be exclusive to Sprint. Not so, as it turns out. The V30+ comes with 128GB of storage compared to the V30's 64GB, and that's really the only difference between them. It's unclear why LG thought some additional storage required the use of a different name. Anyway, if USC is your favorite carrier, you can now buy the V30 for $799.99 on prepaid,...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/lg_v30_and_v30_are_both_available_today_at_us_cellular-news-27599.php

Google Pixel 2 will automatically turn on Do Not Disturb mode when you're driving

Aside from all the stuff that Google announced already, there are apparently some surprises left buried in the software of the upcoming Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL. Case in point: the new phones will automatically switch to Do Not Disturb mode when you're driving. This has been discovered through a screenshot for a new app Google has uploaded to the Play Store. The app is called Pixel Ambient Services. As its name implies, it's Pixel-exclusive. It will take care of that always listening functionality for automatically identifying songs playing in your vicinity - and showing you the track's...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/google_pixel_2_will_automatically_turn_on_do_not_disturb_mode_when_youre_driving-news-27598.php

iOS 11.1 will bring hundreds of new emoji to an iPhone or iPad near you

Apple's iOS 11.1, which is currently in testing, obviously won't be a release as big as iOS 11, which launched last month. But it will still manage to pack some niceties, at least for emoji fans. Today, the company has officially revealed that iOS 11.1 will pack hundreds of new emoji, including such amazingness as woman with headscarf, bearded person, breastfeeding, zombie, person in lotus position, but also new food items such as sandwich and coconut. When using iOS 11.1, you'll be able to say "I love you" with an emoji designed after the eponymous hand sign in American Sign...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/ios_111_will_bring_hundreds_of_new_emoji_to_an_iphone_or_ipad_near_you-news-27597.php

AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) officially dies on December 15

Ladies and gentlemen, brace yourselves. On December 15, AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) will be no more. Oath officially announced the sad news today. Oath, by the way, is the Verizon subsidiary that holds the combined operations of Yahoo and AOL. Anyway, this news is quite shocking. Mostly because it reveals the fact that at the moment AIM is still alive and kicking. That's unexpected to say the least. It's probably a good time for it to be put out of its misery, though. AIM started out as the built-in chat app inside America Online's desktop client. It took off (at least in the US) in...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/aol_instant_messenger_aim_officially_dies_on_december_15-news-27596.php

Xiaomi Mi A1 goes on sale in Europe

Want a pure Android phone that doesn't cost as much as a Pixel 2? Android One is seeing a resurgence as Xiaomi joined in with the Mi A1-8776.php). The phone is perfect for those that like Xiaomi's value for money hardware but have objections to MIUI. And now the phone has started appearing in Europe. It's already on sale in the Netherlands for €260 (shipping 2-4 workdays). It's available in Greece as well, though it costs €284. Units are available in Poland too for PLN 1,300 (€300). Xiaomi Mi A1 in Black, Gold and Rose Gold In Spain, the phones are cheaper - €228 - but they...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_mi_a1_goes_on_sale_in_europe-news-27595.php

Xiaomi Mi A1 goes on sale in Europe

Want a pure Android phone that doesn't cost as much as a Pixel 2? Android One is seeing a resurgence as Xiaomi joined in with the Mi A1-8776.php). The phone is perfect for those that like Xiaomi's value for money hardware but have objections to MIUI. And now the phone has started appearing in Europe. It's already on sale in the Netherlands for €260 (shipping 2-4 workdays). It's available in Greece as well, though it costs €284. Units are available in Poland too for PLN 1,300 (€300). Xiaomi Mi A1 in Black, Gold and Rose Gold In Spain, the phones are cheaper - €228 - but they...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_mi_a1_goes_on_sale_in_europe-news-27595.php

Apple looking into iPhone 8 and 8 Plus swelling batteries reports

Numerous users around the world have reported their iPhone 8 or 8 Plus opening up due to a swollen battery. At the time of writing reports include devices in China, Canada, Greece, Japan and Taiwan, forcing Apple to officially look into it. So far the reports appear to be limited related to the number of devices sold. The issue shouldn't be directly compared to what transpired with the Galaxy Note7 last year as the iPhone 8's don't appear to be exploding, just cracking open due to a swollen battery. There's no information at this point about what causes the issue. Some reports...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/does_the_iphone_8_and_8_plus_have_a_swelling_battery-news-27594.php

Essential Phone gets a camera-boosting update

The Essential Phone has been generally well received with the major exclusion of the camera performance. Users and reviewers have reported bad processing, slow response and underwhelming low light performance and Essential had vowed to fix it with an update. Now an update has been released to address camera performance. You'd need to update both the phone itself with the firmware number NMI81C and the Essential Camera app on the Google Play store. The changelog cites reduced shutter lag, improved low light image quality, improved consistency of image quality and even improvements to...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/essential_phones_camera_gets_better_through_software-news-27593.php

Galaxy S8 voted Phone of the Year in Britain, Apple Watch 2 is Best smartwatch

The Mobile Choice Consumer Awards are held once a year and they allow Brits to vote for the favorite tech. The Samsung Galaxy S8 took home the Phone of the Year award as well as Best Camera Phone. Samsung also won Manufacturer of the Year. In the more affordable segments, the Huawei Honor 9 won Best Midmarket Phone while the Moto E4 was awarded Best Value Phone (under £150). Samsung Galaxy S8 • Huawei Honor 9 • Motorola Moto E4 • Apple Watch Series 2 42mm The Apple Watch Series 2 got the Best Smartwatch award, but the the Best Fitness Wearable award went to Fitbit Charge...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/galaxy_s8_voted_phone_of_the_year-news-27591.php

'Selfie-expert' Oppo F5 leaks in videos, pictures

Oppo's first 18:9 smartphone is nearing an official unveil. The Oppo F5, which has its focus on being a masterful selfie snapper made a new appearance thanks to an ongoing campaign in the Philippines. The phone's latest appearance is in the form of a video by ABS-CBN Lifestyle in which beautiful models are taking selfies with the phone. You can see the Oppo F5 from all sides, showing its nearly bezel-free 18:9 screen, its 20MP single camera on the back and its 16MP dual camera on the front. And if you follow the hashtags #OPPOF5 and #CaptureTheRealYou on Facebook you can see a lot...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/selfieexpert_oppo_f5_leaks_on_facebook_videos_and_pictures-news-27586.php

BlackBerry Motion image leaks

Superman can relax, the Krypton has been renamed "BlackBerry Motion". We had only seen the phone's back, dressed up in BB's favorite material - carbon fiber. Now we get a peek at the front as well thanks to a leaked official render of the device. The Motion doesn't actually move - there's no slider here. No QWERTY keyboard either. In fact, this appears to be a keyboard-less version of the Keyone. Unfortunately, this includes the less-than-stellar Snapdragon 625 chipset (or a 626, same thing). The rumored specs also include 4GB of RAM for the chipset and a 4,000mAh battery (this...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/blackberry_kryptons_retail_name_will_be_motion-news-27587.php

Honor 6C Pro leaks via manual

Huawei's Honor brand has been announcing phones at a feverish rate lately and while the Huawei Mate 10 is the one we are most looking forward to, we may also see a new Honor 6C Pro soon. Up until now there has been an Honor 6C, otherwise known as the Huawei Enjoy 6s or Nova Smart, but a leaked user manual has revealed the existence of the Honor 6C Pro. The user manuals for the Honor 6C Pro have surfaced on Honor's Italian and German websites pointing to a release in those respective markets. The manuals themselves divulge very little about the Honor 6C Pro outside of it having a...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/honor_6c_pros_existence_confirmed_through_manual-news-27585.php

LG V30 is now available at Verizon and AT&T, pre-orders start at T-Mobile

Following quite a long wait since its official introduction at the end of August, LG's V30 is now available in the US at two of the big four carriers. We're talking about Verizon and AT&T. At the same time, T-Mobile has started taking pre-orders for the handset, ahead of its launch that will happen on October 13. At Verizon, you can snatch an LG V30 for $840 all-in, or 24 monthly installments of $35. If you buy before November 6, you can score a $200 Visa prepaid card, and you will receive a free new Google Daydream View VR headset. AT&T is asking for $809.99 of you hard earned cash...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/lg_v30_is_now_available_at_verizon_and_at_t_preorders_start_at_tmobile-news-27584.php

Verizon's Google Pixel 2 is already $100 off at Best Buy if you use monthly installments

As you may know, Google only made the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL official yesterday. Yet here we are 24 hours later bringing you the first ever deal on the company's new smartphone duo. Best Buy already lets you save up to $100 when you purchase a Pixel 2, but there are some noteworthy caveats. First off, only the Pixel 2 is $100 off. The Pixel 2 XL is discounted too, but just by a mere $25. Next up, you need to know that these are Verizon Pixels we're talking about, and to take advantage of the price reduction you're going to have to pay for them using the carrier's installment...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/verizons_google_pixel_2_is_already_100_off_at_best_buy_if_you_use_monthly_installments-news-27583.php

Huawei teases 4,000mAh battery for the Mate 10

Huawei has been doling out teasers for the Mate 10 on its Twitter account, but it's mostly vague, aspirational stuff. There's nothing vague about this - the new flagship will have a 4,000mAh battery. Let's list its main competitors, shall we? Galaxy Note8 - nope, 3,300mAh. iPhone X - double nope, 2,716mAh. LG V30 - 3,300mAh again. Pixel 2 XL - a bit better, 3,520mAh. Xperia XZ Premium - 3,230mAh. Mi Mix 2 - 3,400mAh. We can keep going, but the simple truth is this - very few flagships, even the big ones, go above 3,500mAh batteries. So the new Mate 10 with its large battery and a 10nm...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/huawei_mate_10_4000mah_battery-news-27582.php

Microsoft Edge Preview lands on iOS and Android

Microsoft will soon bring its Edge browser to Android and iOS smartphones. The software giant has started a beta testing program for Windows Insiders to give Egde mobile a try. Microsoft Edge on iOS and Android will be able to push pages to and from the PC so you can continue your browsing on multiple devices. Edge will also sync bookmarks, history and reading lists and brings its Reading View to mobile - with it you can eliminate the links, ads and design clutter from an article and focus only on the text. Sadly Microsoft won't allow you to sync tabs (for now at least) like you...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/microsoft_edge_preview_lands_on_ios_and_android-news-27581.php

Apple squashes the Watch Series 3 connectivity bugs in new update

You may have heard that Apple's first LTE-enabled Apple Watch was having issues with unsecured Wi-Fi networks, which prevented the smartwatch from using its LTE connection. When out of known Wi-Fi coverage the Apple Watch Series 3 with LTE would latch onto public networks that require a browser sign-in to work. Given that the watch lacks a browser it would connect to the network but not have internet. Now Apple has fixed the issue in its latest watchOS update - watchOS 4.0.1. All you need to do in order to get the fix is download iOS 11.0.2 on your iPhone and then update the Apple...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/apple_squashes_the_watch_series_3_connectivity_bugs_in_new_update-news-27580.php

The new Pixel 2 phones support USB-PD up to 27W

If you're picky about your USB accessories, you may check if it's approved by Google software engineer Besnon Leung. He has some good news about the new Pixel 2 and 2 XL - they support up to 27W charging! For that you will need to buy a compatible USB Power Delivery charger. The phones ship with an 18W charger (same as the original Pixels) that promises 7 hours of mixed usage with just 15 minutes of charge. Imaging how much more you'll get out of a 27W charger! If you get the new Pixelbook, it comes with a 45W charger that is compatible (at a lower power level, of course). Google is...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/the_new_pixel_2_phones_support_usbpd_up_to_27w-news-27579.php

Libratone put out two "Made for Google" headphones

Libratone has two new headphones sets in its "Made for Google" program for accessories announced yesterday at Google's Pixel 2 event. First up are the Q Adapt in-ear USB-C earphones, which are specifically designed for smartphones without a 3.5mm jack - like Google's new Pixel 2. The Q Adapt has sweat-proofing, noise cancellation and playback controls. The Q Adapt On-ear wireless headphones support the Pixel 2's fast pairing feature through Bluetooth. It works similarly to Apple's AirPods' pairing to iDevices - no setup required, just proximity. The Q Adapt On-ear supports...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/libratone_outs_two_made_for_google_headphones-news-27577.php

Cortana-powered Harman/Kardon Invoke could cost $150

The Harman/Kardon Invoke is a smart speaker powered by Microsoft's Cortana that is coming this Autumn, the third week of October specifically. However, the company is yet to announce its price - well, Microsoft may have let that slip through Xbox Live awards. The Invoke speaker was listed as an award worth $150, which would put it above the cost of a new Amazon Echo Plus ($150 with a Hue bulb) and the Google Home ($130, but backordered). Well, H/K does have a reputation for premium quality and price. You can make Skype calls with your Invoke or listen to Spotify (now that Groove...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/harman_kardon_invoke_could_cost_150-news-27578.php

Checking the Galaxy S8 and S8+ market share after six months

The Galaxy S8 and S8+ are half a year old - not yet time for a birthday cake, but we can check how they are performing on the market. Here's the breakdown, courtesy of AppBrain (an ad network). Note that these numbers are for Android phones only, the iPhones are not included. In the US, a prime market for Samsung, the S8 duo has 5.8% combined, about half what the S7 generation has (10.3%). The older S5 is at 4.6%. In Canada, the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge have a total of 12.6% while S8's combined share is under 5%. In both countries, the smaller S7 is the top individual device. Not so in the...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/galaxy_s8_and_s8_market_share-news-27576.php

Huawei Mate 10 Pro spotted in the wild

The Huawei Mate 10 Pro is out in the wild - the phone will be unveiled on October 16, but being tested before it goes official. The camera you see in the second image promises f/1.6 lenses for its dual camera. You can have a better look at the back and how it compares to the Mate9. Huawei Mate 10 Pro spotted in the wild Going by the rumors, the Mate 10 Pro has every intention to compete with the top smartphone flagships. This includes a prices that flies just under €900. Still, the Pro will have a 5.9" AMOLED screen with QHD+ resolution and (allegedly) a DeX-like functionality...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/huawei_mate_10_pro_spotted_in_the_wild-news-27575.php

HMD considers a 4G Nokia featurephone for India

HMD will not bring the 3G Nokia 3310 (2017) to India, saying that the local market lacks interest in 3G phones. Yet, in an interview Ajey Mehta, Vice President of HMD Global for India divulged that HMD is considering making a 4G featurephone. He referenced Reliance Jio's JioPhone, an affordable 4G featurephone that's making an impact on the market. The Finnish maker is one of the few remaining to do featurephones so it might have a go at the ultra-affordable market in the subcontinent if interest translates to actual sales. Source

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/nokia_4g_featurephone_india-news-27574.php

Honor 9i debuts with 5.9-inch 18:9 screen and four cameras

Huawei's Honor sub brand has just launched the Honor 9i in India. The phone is a Flipkart exclusive, priced at 19,999 INR, but currently going for 17,999 INR (around €234). The Honor 9i is the same phone as the Maimang 6 that was announced for China and the Honor Nova 2i for Malaysia. The Honor 9i/Nova 2i/Maimang 6 has a 5.9-inch 18:9 IPS LCD of 1080x2160px resolution, dual cameras on the back (16MP+2MP) and two snappers on the front (13MP + 2MP). Inside sits a Huawei-made Kirin 659 chip with 4GB of RAM, a 3,340mAh battery and there's a fingerprint reader on the back. The Honor...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/honor_9i_goes_live_in_india_59inch_189_screen_and_dualcamera-news-27573.php

Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL stock depletes, waiting begins

If you have a Pixel 2-shaped hole in your heart then you'd best be prepared to wait. The Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL are already showing out of stock warnings on most models. The Google Pixel 2 is easier to get - in most configurations it will ship by October 17 though some color and storage configurations will ship in 5 to 6 weeks although that estimate could be pushed further back. The more desirable of the two - the Google Pixel 2 XL - can ship in 2 to 3 weeks in a best case scenario if you really don't care for a specific memory/color combo and you are in the US. Waiting 5 to 6 weeks...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/get_ready_to_wait_for_the_google_pixel_2_and_pixel_2_xl-news-27572.php

Apple looking into iPhone 8 and 8 Plus swelling batteries reports

Numerous users around the world have reported their iPhone 8 or 8 Plus opening up due to a swollen battery. At the time of writing reports include devices in China, Canada, Greece, Japan and Taiwan, forcing Apple to officially look into it. So far the reports appear to be limited related to the number of devices sold. The issue shouldn't be directly compared to what transpired with the Galaxy Note7 last year as the iPhone 8's don't appear to be exploding, just cracking open due to a swollen battery. There's no information at this point about what causes the issue. Some reports...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/does_the_iphone_8_and_8_plus_have_a_swelling_battery-news-27594.php

Essential Phone gets a camera-boosting update

The Essential Phone has been generally well received with the major exclusion of the camera performance. Users and reviewers have reported bad processing, slow response and underwhelming low light performance and Essential had vowed to fix it with an update. Now an update has been released to address camera performance. You'd need to update both the phone itself with the firmware number NMI81C and the Essential Camera app on the Google Play store. The changelog cites reduced shutter lag, improved low light image quality, improved consistency of image quality and even improvements to...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/essential_phones_camera_gets_better_through_software-news-27593.php

Galaxy S8 voted Phone of the Year in Britain, Apple Watch 2 is Best smartwatch

The Mobile Choice Consumer Awards are held once a year and they allow Brits to vote for the favorite tech. The Samsung Galaxy S8 took home the Phone of the Year award as well as Best Camera Phone. Samsung also won Manufacturer of the Year. In the more affordable segments, the Huawei Honor 9 won Best Midmarket Phone while the Moto E4 was awarded Best Value Phone (under £150). Samsung Galaxy S8 • Huawei Honor 9 • Motorola Moto E4 • Apple Watch Series 2 42mm The Apple Watch Series 2 got the Best Smartwatch award, but the the Best Fitness Wearable award went to Fitbit Charge...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/galaxy_s8_voted_phone_of_the_year-news-27591.php

'Selfie-expert' Oppo F5 leaks in videos, pictures

Oppo's first 18:9 smartphone is nearing an official unveil. The Oppo F5, which has its focus on being a masterful selfie snapper made a new appearance thanks to an ongoing campaign in the Philippines. The phone's latest appearance is in the form of a video by ABS-CBN Lifestyle in which beautiful models are taking selfies with the phone. You can see the Oppo F5 from all sides, showing its nearly bezel-free 18:9 screen, its 20MP single camera on the back and its 16MP dual camera on the front. And if you follow the hashtags #OPPOF5 and #CaptureTheRealYou on Facebook you can see a lot...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/selfieexpert_oppo_f5_leaks_on_facebook_videos_and_pictures-news-27586.php

BlackBerry Motion image leaks

Superman can relax, the Krypton has been renamed "BlackBerry Motion". We had only seen the phone's back, dressed up in BB's favorite material - carbon fiber. Now we get a peek at the front as well thanks to a leaked official render of the device. The Motion doesn't actually move - there's no slider here. No QWERTY keyboard either. In fact, this appears to be a keyboard-less version of the Keyone. Unfortunately, this includes the less-than-stellar Snapdragon 625 chipset (or a 626, same thing). The rumored specs also include 4GB of RAM for the chipset and a 4,000mAh battery (this...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/blackberry_kryptons_retail_name_will_be_motion-news-27587.php

Honor 6C Pro leaks via manual

Huawei's Honor brand has been announcing phones at a feverish rate lately and while the Huawei Mate 10 is the one we are most looking forward to, we may also see a new Honor 6C Pro soon. Up until now there has been an Honor 6C, otherwise known as the Huawei Enjoy 6s or Nova Smart, but a leaked user manual has revealed the existence of the Honor 6C Pro. The user manuals for the Honor 6C Pro have surfaced on Honor's Italian and German websites pointing to a release in those respective markets. The manuals themselves divulge very little about the Honor 6C Pro outside of it having a...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/honor_6c_pros_existence_confirmed_through_manual-news-27585.php

LG V30 is now available at Verizon and AT&T, pre-orders start at T-Mobile

Following quite a long wait since its official introduction at the end of August, LG's V30 is now available in the US at two of the big four carriers. We're talking about Verizon and AT&T. At the same time, T-Mobile has started taking pre-orders for the handset, ahead of its launch that will happen on October 13. At Verizon, you can snatch an LG V30 for $840 all-in, or 24 monthly installments of $35. If you buy before November 6, you can score a $200 Visa prepaid card, and you will receive a free new Google Daydream View VR headset. AT&T is asking for $809.99 of you hard earned cash...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/lg_v30_is_now_available_at_verizon_and_at_t_preorders_start_at_tmobile-news-27584.php

Verizon's Google Pixel 2 is already $100 off at Best Buy if you use monthly installments

As you may know, Google only made the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL official yesterday. Yet here we are 24 hours later bringing you the first ever deal on the company's new smartphone duo. Best Buy already lets you save up to $100 when you purchase a Pixel 2, but there are some noteworthy caveats. First off, only the Pixel 2 is $100 off. The Pixel 2 XL is discounted too, but just by a mere $25. Next up, you need to know that these are Verizon Pixels we're talking about, and to take advantage of the price reduction you're going to have to pay for them using the carrier's installment...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/verizons_google_pixel_2_is_already_100_off_at_best_buy_if_you_use_monthly_installments-news-27583.php

Huawei teases 4,000mAh battery for the Mate 10

Huawei has been doling out teasers for the Mate 10 on its Twitter account, but it's mostly vague, aspirational stuff. There's nothing vague about this - the new flagship will have a 4,000mAh battery. Let's list its main competitors, shall we? Galaxy Note8 - nope, 3,300mAh. iPhone X - double nope, 2,716mAh. LG V30 - 3,300mAh again. Pixel 2 XL - a bit better, 3,520mAh. Xperia XZ Premium - 3,230mAh. Mi Mix 2 - 3,400mAh. We can keep going, but the simple truth is this - very few flagships, even the big ones, go above 3,500mAh batteries. So the new Mate 10 with its large battery and a 10nm...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/huawei_mate_10_4000mah_battery-news-27582.php

Microsoft Edge Preview lands on iOS and Android

Microsoft will soon bring its Edge browser to Android and iOS smartphones. The software giant has started a beta testing program for Windows Insiders to give Egde mobile a try. Microsoft Edge on iOS and Android will be able to push pages to and from the PC so you can continue your browsing on multiple devices. Edge will also sync bookmarks, history and reading lists and brings its Reading View to mobile - with it you can eliminate the links, ads and design clutter from an article and focus only on the text. Sadly Microsoft won't allow you to sync tabs (for now at least) like you...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/microsoft_edge_preview_lands_on_ios_and_android-news-27581.php

Apple squashes the Watch Series 3 connectivity bugs in new update

You may have heard that Apple's first LTE-enabled Apple Watch was having issues with unsecured Wi-Fi networks, which prevented the smartwatch from using its LTE connection. When out of known Wi-Fi coverage the Apple Watch Series 3 with LTE would latch onto public networks that require a browser sign-in to work. Given that the watch lacks a browser it would connect to the network but not have internet. Now Apple has fixed the issue in its latest watchOS update - watchOS 4.0.1. All you need to do in order to get the fix is download iOS 11.0.2 on your iPhone and then update the Apple...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/apple_squashes_the_watch_series_3_connectivity_bugs_in_new_update-news-27580.php

The new Pixel 2 phones support USB-PD up to 27W

If you're picky about your USB accessories (like me), you may check if it's approved by Google software engineer Besnon Leung. He has some good news about the new Pixel 2 and 2 XL - they support up to 27W charging! For that you will need to buy a compatible USB Power Delivery charger. The phones ship with an 18W charger (same as the original Pixels) that promises 7 hours of mixed usage with just 15 minutes of charge. Imaging how much more you'll get out of a 27W charger! If you get the new Pixelbook, it comes with a 45W charger that is compatible (at a lower power level, of course)....

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/the_new_pixel_2_phones_support_usbpd_up_to_27w-news-27579.php

Libratone outs two "Made for Google" headphones

Libratone has two new headphones sets in its "Made for Google" program for accessories announced yesterday at Google's Pixel 2 event. First up are the Q Adapt in-ear USB-C earphones, which are specifically designed for smartphones without a 3.5mm jack - like Google's new Pixel 2. The Q Adapt has sweat-proofing, noise cancellation and playback controls. The Q Adapt On-ear wireless headphones support the Pixel 2's fast pairing feature through Bluetooth. It works similarly to Apple's AirPods' pairing to iDevices - no setup required, just proximity. The Q Adapt On-ear supports...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/libratone_outs_two_made_for_google_headphones-news-27577.php

Cortana-powered Harman/Kardon Invoke could cost $150

The Harman/Kardon Invoke is a smart speaker powered by Microsoft's Cortana that is coming this Autumn. The third week of October specifically. However, the company is yet to announce its price - well, Microsoft may have let that slip through Xbox Live awards. The Invoke speaker was listed as an award worth $150, which would put it above the cost of a new Amazon Echo Plus ($150 with a Hue bulb) and the Google Home ($130, but backordered). Well, H/K does have a reputation for premium quality and price. You can make Skype calls with your Invoke or listen to Spotify (now that Groove...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/harman_kardon_invoke_could_cost_150-news-27578.php

Checking the Galaxy S8 and S8+ market share after six months

The Galaxy S8 and S8+ are half a year old - not yet time for a birthday cake, but we can check how they are performing on the market. Here's the breakdown, courtesy of AppBrain (an ad network). Note that these numbers are for Android phones only, the iPhones are not included. In the US, a prime market for Samsung, the S8 duo has 5.8% combined, about half what the S7 generation has (10.3%). The older S5 is at 4.6%. In Canada, the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge have a total of 12.6% while S8's combined share is under 5%. In both countries, the smaller S7 is the top individual device. Not so in the...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/galaxy_s8_and_s8_market_share-news-27576.php

Huawei Mate 10 Pro spotted in the wild

The Huawei Mate 10 Pro is out in the wild - the phone will be unveiled on October 16, but being tested before it goes official. The camera you see in the second image promises f/1.6 lenses for its dual camera. You can have a better look at the back and how it compares to the Mate9. Huawei Mate 10 Pro spotted in the wild Going by the rumors, the Mate 10 Pro has every intention to compete with the top smartphone flagships. This includes a prices that flies just under €900. Still, the Pro will have a 5.9" AMOLED screen with QHD+ resolution and (allegedly) a DeX-like functionality...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/huawei_mate_10_pro_spotted_in_the_wild-news-27575.php

HMD considers a 4G Nokia featurephone for India

HMD will not bring the 3G Nokia 3310 (2017) to India, saying that the local market lacks interest in 3G phones. Yet, in an interview Ajey Mehta, Vice President of HMD Global for India divulged that HMD is considering making a 4G featurephone. He referenced Reliance Jio's JioPhone, an affordable 4G featurephone that's making an impact on the market. The Finnish maker is one of the few remaining to do featurephones so it might have a go at the ultra-affordable market in the subcontinent if interest translates to actual sales. Source

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/nokia_4g_featurephone_india-news-27574.php

Honor 9i debuts with 5.9-inch 18:9 screen and four cameras

Huawei's Honor sub brand has just launched the Honor 9i in India. The phone is a Flipkart exclusive, priced at 19,999 INR, but currently going for 17,999 INR (around €234). The Honor 9i is the same phone as the Maimang 6 that was announced for China and the Honor Nova 2i for Malaysia. The Honor 9i/Nova 2i/Maimang 6 has a 5.9-inch 18:9 IPS LCD of 1080x2160px resolution, dual cameras on the back (16MP+2MP) and two snappers on the front (13MP + 2MP). Inside sits a Huawei-made Kirin 659 chip with 4GB of RAM, a 3,340mAh battery and there's a fingerprint reader on the back. The Honor...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/honor_9i_goes_live_in_india_59inch_189_screen_and_dualcamera-news-27573.php