Mysterious HTC hits TENAA: 16:9 display and a back-mounted fingerprint reader

HTC U11 Plus leaks have been piling up for some time now - benchmarks revealed its innards, followed by renders for the exterior. Recently, we heard more about a U11 Life variant, said to arrive alongside the Plus on November 2. Neither of them, however, fits the the description of the HTC 2Q4D200, spotted on TENAA. The latter seems to be yet another variant of the U11 flagship. Unlike the eagerly-anticipated Plus model, this one has a standard 16:9 display, likely the same 5.5-inch, 1440 x 2560 pixel, IPS unit form the original. On the other hand, however, it appears to sport a...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/mysterious_htc_hits_tenaa_169_display_and_a_backmounted_fingerprint_reader-news-27851.php

Apple iPhone 8 Plus vs. Samsung Galaxy Note8 full camera shootout

Who wore it better? We all know the iPhone did it first, and Samsung's a little late to this party. And yes, we all know that between these two it's not really a 'hey, you've got the same shirt, let's hang out together' moment - no, it's more like 'look the other way and pretend they're not there'.

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/iphone_8_plus_vs_galaxy_note8-review-1673.php

Google is rolling out a Try Now button to test instant apps on the Play Store

After first unveiling the Android Instant Apps platform at Google I/O 2016, the web giant is finally taking steps to introduce the new initiative to the public. If you hit up the source link, you will land on a list of app within the Play Store that already support the technology and thus have a new "Try Now" button. Pressing it actually launches the particular app, or at least parts of it instantly, without having to go through a traditional install process. To participate in the neat little public demonstration of one aspect of Instant Apps technology you do have to be running a...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/google_is_rolling_out_a_try_now_button_to_test_instant_apps_on_the_play_store-news-27850.php

TENAA spilled the beans on a new Xiaomi phone. Likely the Redmi Note 5.

A pair of unannounced Xiaomi devices popped up on the Chinese certification authority's website, bearing the model numbers MET7 and MEE7. Both share identical specs sheets, including a trendy new ultra-wide, 18:9 panel and only differ in color, leading us to believe this might be the eagerly-anticipated Redmi Note 5. We've already heard a lot about the next generation of the company's most popular, value-centric offer, but recent renders and leaks appear to agree on a dual main camera setup for the device. The two listings at TENNA both show a single snapper above an LED flash and a round...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/tenaa_spilled_the_beans_on_a_new_xiaomi_phone_likely_the_redmi_note_5-news-27849.php

Early photo samples showcase the Nokia 7 camera performance

A couple of days ago, without too much fuss, HDM Global officially unveiled the latest member of the revived Nokia family - then Nokia 7. Combining a premium bill of materials (7000 series aluminum, vacuum molded 3D Corning Gorilla Glass construction) and a solid specs sheet (5.2" 1080p LCD, Snapdragon 630, 4GB or 6GB of RAM and 64GB of storage), the handset is clearly aimed an the upper-midrange segment. Nokia 7 photographed in the wild Making it in this particular highly competitive niche is no easy task and many place high hopes on the 16MP, f/1.8, 1.12um pixels,...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/early_photo_samples_showcase_the_nokia_7_camera_performance-news-27848.php

Nokia 9 leaks in new image; Nokia 2 gets certified in Russia

The Nokia 9 has already been the subject of several leaks and rumors so far. And now, another image for the device has leaked. Specifically, the image in question shows the back plate of phone. If you compare, the design this new image leaks - including the dual-camera hump - is inline with what we have already seen before. As for specs, rumors so far have revealed the phone will sport a 5.50-inch AMOLED display (an 18:9 panel with QHD+ resolution). It will measure 140.9 x 72.9 x 7.5mm, although thickness would be 8.9mm if you take the camera hump into consideration. Rumored...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/nokia_9_leaks_in_new_image_nokia_2_gets_certified_in_russia-news-27847.php

Nokia 3310 3G pre-orders are now live in US; Nokia 3 gets new update

After Europe, pre-orders for the Nokia 3310 3G are now live in the United States as well. Retailer Best Buy has the phone listed on its website, and is asking $60 for it. Available color options include Azure, Charcoal, Warm Red, and Yellow. The model on offer is unlocked, and offers support for dual-SIM. Also, it's only compatible with GSM carriers like AT&T and T-Mobile. As for release, the listing currently says shipments will begin towards the end of this month - October 29 to be precise. Meanwhile, in a separate news, the Nokia 3 has started receiving a new update. Weighing in...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/nokia_3310_3g_preorders_are_now_live_in_us-news-27846.php

Dual-SIM Samsung Galaxy Note8 drops to under $800 in US

The dual-SIM variant of the Samsung Galaxy Note8 has received another price cut in the US. Last we heard, eBay seller never-msrp was offering the unlocked, Exynos-powered model for $819.99. And a quick look at the listing now reveals the tag has dropped further to $799.99. As far as color options are concerned, only gold, gray, and pink are available - black and blue are listed as out of stock. Keep in mind that the device works only with GSM networks, as it's the international model. It's worth mentioning that Samsung isn't officially selling the dual-SIM Galaxy Note8 in the US...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/dualsim_samsung_galaxy_note8_drops_to_under_800_in_us-news-27845.php

"Hey Google" wakeup command slowly rolling out to phones

Currently, you can use either ‘Ok, Google' or ‘Hey, Google' to initiate a voice command with Google Home devices. The latter wake command has never worked on the mobile version of Google, until now that is. Google is now rolling out the ability to activate Google Assistant by saying "Hey, Google" instead of the more cumbersome "Okay, Google". While not a significant change, it's one worth mentioning. The new hotword was first discovered several days ago by XDA-Developers in an APK Teardown of one of the most recent updates to the Google App. Users who receive the update will receive a...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/hey_google_wakeup_command_slowly_rolling_out_to_phones-news-27844.php

Facebook Messenger users can now send/receive money through PayPal

PayPal has announced that they've expanded their collaboration with Facebook by adding their service for P2P payments in the social networking giant's Messenger application. To access the feature - in both one-on-one chats and group chats - tap on the blue plus icon, then select the green colored Payments button, and then select PayPal to send funds. The feature is currently only rolling out in the US and limited to iOS, with Android support coming soon. Meanwhile, PayPal also introduced a customer service bot for Messenger, allowing you to seamlessly receive payment and account...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/facebook_messenger_users_can_now_send_receive_money_through_paypal-news-27840.php

Sharp announces Aquos R Compact with 120Hz display

Sharp has announced the Aquos R Compact, a smaller model in its Aquos R range of smartphones. Unlike the other models in the series, the Aquos R Compact has a different, more of an edge-to-edge display design similar to the company's previous smartphones. The Aquos R Compact has a 4.9-inch, 2032x1080 resolution IGZO LCD. Apart from the fact that it goes right up to the edges on the top, has curved corners and notch in the center for the front camera, the display has 120Hz refresh rate that is twice as fast as almost every other smartphone display. The phone is powered by a Qualcomm...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/sharp_announces_aquos_r_compact_with_120hz_display-news-27841.php

Huawei is working on a foldable phone too, could be released next year

At the launch event for the Mate 10, Mate 10 Pro, and Mate 10 Porsche Design, Richard Yu, the CEO of Huawei's consumer business group, revealed an interesting tidbit in an interview with CNET. It turns out that Samsung and LG aren't the only companies currently working on foldable smartphones, and ZTE's Axon M may not be alone in the space for long. Huawei Mate 10 Pro Yu says Huawei already has a working prototype of such a device. The Chinese company isn't going to launch it in 2017, however. On the other hand, the handset may debut next year, which is also when Samsung is...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/huawei_is_working_on_a_foldable_phone_too_could_be_released_next_year-news-27843.php

ZTE Blade X launches exclusively at Cricket for $119.99

ZTE's Blade X Max launched at Cricket back in May, and today it's being joined by a smaller sibling, the adequately named Blade X (sans Max). This device features a 5.5-inch 720p touchscreen, a 13 MP rear camera, a 5 MP front-facing snapper, Dolby Audio, and an FM radio. It's powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 425 chipset, aided by 2GB of RAM and 16GB of expandable storage. A 3,000 mAh battery ensures smooth operation, while for connectivity you get Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2, USB-C, and 4G LTE. The Blade X runs Android 7.1.1 Nougat. You can already order the phone from Cricket's...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/zte_blade_x_launches_exclusively_at_cricket_for_11999-news-27842.php

TENAA photos show the HTC U11 Plus screen has rounded corners

Here's one thing that the speculative renders of the upcoming HTC U11 Plus did not get right - the bottom corners of the 6" screen are rounded (the top corners are square). Screen highlighted to improve visibility This year, we've seen plenty of unorthodox screen shapes and we think this one is quite practical. The bottom of the screen usually shows the Android buttons, so the rounded corners will not eat into on-screen content. The 16:9 multimedia can also keep clear from the cut off areas. Unfortunately, this isn't the full TENAA page, it just shows device photos. Pretty soon we...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/tenaa_photos_htc_u11_plus-news-27839.php

Report says HTC U11 Life arriving on November 2 for €400

We already knew HTC is working on an Android One smartphone dubbed U11 Life. In fact, the device has already had most of its key specs leaked. However, there has been no word on its pricing and availability. Well, that was until now, as a new report is suggesting the phone will be made official at the company's November 2 event (alongside the U11 Plus). The report also says pricing would be around €400 in Europe. The complete spec sheet has been revealed as well, most of which is inline with what all has been already leaked. The info includes 5.2-inch full HD display, Snapdragon 630...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/report_says_htc_u11_life_arriving_on_november_2-news-27834.php

Apple decreases iPhone 8 production as demand wanes

The report that iPhone 7 is outselling the iPhone 8 looks to have been right on the money. New intel from Taiwan says that Cupertino asked suppliers to reduce production by nearly 50% for the following two months. In the same time, Canada's carrier Rogers was quoted to say that the interest in the latest iPhone has been "anemic". In the meantime, Verizon CFO said that low demand is expected. The number of third-quarter phone upgrades fell short, compared with previous years, but this is due to interest in the iPhone X, not because of dissatisfaction with the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/apple_iphone_8_production_low_demand-news-27835.php

You can now remap the squeeze on the Pixel 2 to do something else

Google's Pixel 2 and 2 XL have an edge squeeze functionality, called Active Edge, which can summon Google Assistant if you grip the phone tightly, but can't be set to do anything else. But XDA developer flar2, the creator of the Button Mapper app, has found a way to remap the squeeze to perform another task, all without the need for root. There is a caveat, though. It takes 14 steps to enable another function through Active Edge. And because Google hard-coded the Assistant into the squeeze gesture, the Button Mapper app needs to launch it first, before opening up anything...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/you_can_now_remap_the_squeeze_on_the_pixel_2_to_do_something_else-news-27836.php

Apple iPhone 8 Plus vs. Samsung Galaxy Note8 blind camera shootout

Those of you following our Facebook page are probably aware that we're working on a camera shootout between the iPhone 8 Plus and the Galaxy Note8. Well, we're getting there, it's just a few finishing touches away from publication and it should go live some time tomorrow.

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/iphone_8_plus_vs_galaxy_note8_blind_shootout-review-1672.php

HTC U11 Android O update is expected in November

Back in August, HTC confirmed the Android Oreo update for the U11 smartphone. The company further confirmed the update will arrive sometime in the fourth quarter of this year. Since then, however, there has been no official word on this matter. Now, well-known Twitter tipster LlabTooFeR has revealed that the update is in the final stages of its development, and will start rolling out in the November-early December time frame. HTC U11 Android O update is reaching final stages of the development. Expected ETA is November-early December...— LlabTooFeR (@LlabTooFeR) October 20,...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/htc_u11_android_o_update_is_expected_in_novemberearly_december-news-27833.php

Samsung Galaxy S8/S8+ and J7 Pro getting new updates

Samsung's latest Galaxy S series flagships - S8 and S8+ - are getting a new update. Firmware versions G950FXXU1AQI9 and G955FXXU1AQI9, respectively, weigh in at around 480MB and bring Android security fixes for October. Other changes that the update features are stability-related, and are for the launcher and DeX mode. Currently, units in Europe are getting this update. Meanwhile, Samsung has also started pushing out the October security patch to its Galaxy J7 Pro smartphone. The update is currently rolling out in Mexico, and carries the code J730GMUBU2AQJ2. Via 1 2

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s8_s8_and_j7_pro_getting_new_updates-news-27832.php

Huawei Mate 10 Pro scores 97 on DxO test

DxO has been working overtime of last, bringing a heap of new photo tests - the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus - 94, the Samsung Galaxy Note8 - 94 - and finally the Google Pixel 2, which received the highest ever compound score for a phone - 98. And now we have a detailed test of the Huawei Mate 10 Pro. If all you care about is the overall score - the Mate 10 Pro was awarded a 97 - but for those of you that want a more detailed breakdown, DXO Labs has you covered. The Huawei Mate 10 Pro received a 100 for its photo performance and 91 for video. For stills the Huawei Mate 10 Pro gets...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/huawei_mate_10_pro_scores_97_on_dxo_mark-news-27831.php

Pixel 2 available to purchase from Google Store in Australia, shipments begin next week

If you live in Australia, and have been eyeing the Pixel 2 duo you'd be glad to know the phones can now be pre-booked from the company's Australian online store. The listing reveals shipments for the Pixel 2 begins October 27 onwards, while those for the XL variant will take 4-7 weeks (depending on the model you order). The standard model - Pixel 2 - starts at AUD 1,079 or $845 (64GB) and goes up to AUD 1,229 or $965 (128 GB). Aside from Just Black and Clearly White, the Kinda Blue color option is also available, although only in 64GB storage. The XL model, on the other hand,...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/pixel_2_available_to_purchase_from_google_store_in_australia_shipments_begin_next_week-news-27830.php

Oppo F5 appears in video commercial

We already know that Oppo F5 will launch on October 26. Leaks about the phone keep coming, the latest being a video on Instagram. It shows the phone's selfie camera in use and ends with the slogan "Selfie Redesigned" and the date November 13. During the video that can be found below, the question "What is real beauty" is asked. Then Indonesian stars Chelsea Islan and Raline Shah explain more about their perception of beauty while taking selfie videos. What is seen in the video clip is hardly news anymore - the Oppo F5 will have an oval fingerprint on the back and an 18:9 FullView...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/oppo_f5_video_commercial-news-27829.php

Google's new Daydream View VR headset goes on sale

Google's made officianew Daydream View VR headsetl is now available for purchase from the company's online store in the US. The device carries a price tag of $99. While officially, the headset comes in Fog, Charcoal, and Coral color options, only the latter is available for immediate shipment at the moment (the first one will ship in 2-3 weeks, while the second one will be released on October 29). For more information, head to the Source link below. Source

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/googles_new_daydream_view_vr_headset_goes_on_sale-news-27828.php

KGI: 2-3 million iPhone X units will be available at launch day

The launch of the iPhone X - November 3 - is only two weeks away and production issues have lead analysts to believe only 2-3 million units will be available at launch. Apple relies on the X performing well as the iPhone 8 duo is seeing weaker sales since many are waiting on Apple's true flagship to arrive. Earlier, the TrueDepth camera was indicated as the source of the troubles, but analyst firm KGI reports this issue has been solved (it was the dot projector that caused headaches). Now two separate PCBs are failing to meet Apple's requirements, which are even more stringent than the...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/kgi_2_3_million_iphone_x_available_at_launch_day-news-27826.php

Nokia 8 with 6GB RAM hits Germany

Nokia 8 already made its way to Germany, but now the more powerful version also arrives to the European country. Online retailers Amazon and Otto now offer the 6GB RAM version of the phone for €669, with the latter also offering paying in monthly installments. The more powerful version of Nokia 8 comes only in Polished Blue color. On Amazon there are at least five retailers with over 90% positive rating who offer the phone, where the lowest offer of €669 also has free delivery. Otto, on the other hand, can give you the phone for monthly installments between €18.60 (if bought with...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/nokia_8_6gb_arrives_in_germany-news-27824.php

Honor 9i/Mate 10 Lite hands-on review

The Honor 9i is the latest phone to be launched under Huawei's online-online brand in India. Also known as the Huawei Mate 10 Lite, Nova 2i and Maigmang 6 in other countries, it is Huawei's first phone with not two or three but four on-board cameras.

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/honor_9i_huawei_mate_10_lite-review-1671.php

Google Pixel 2 XL teardown reveals what's inside, results in 6 out of 10 repairability score

Now that the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL are available in Verizon stores (and the pre-orders have started shipping), it's time to take a good long look at what's inside these devices. Literally. The enterprising folks over at iFixit have chosen to tear down the Pixel 2 XL today, revealing all of its innards. That includes the recently announced Pixel Visual Core custom chipset created by Google itself. This will be enabled in Android 8.1 for even faster computational photography abilities. As usual in a modern smartphone, the rest of the components come from a lot of different companies....

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/google_pixel_2_xl_teardown_reveals_whats_inside_results_in_6_out_of_10_repairability_score-news-27820.php

Samsung introduces Gear S3 Golf Edition in South Korea

When playing golf, caddies can be crucial to your success. But now Samsung aims to provide a viable replacement for them by releasing the Gear S3 Golf Edition smartwatch. The watch is a collaboration between the Korean company and Golfzon Co., a South Korean developer of indoor golf simulators. The Gear S3 Golf Edition has the Smart Caddie app pre-installed. Its database has information of over 60,000 golf courses around the globe. The Smart Caddie also provides real-time location and geographical features of the actual course, including undulations. The watch doesn't have any...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_gear_s3_golf_edition_south_korea-news-27819.php

Visa Checkout support comes to Android Pay

Visa Checkout allows you to pay through Visa's platform, without giving your credit or debit card information to the merchant. You just need a user name and a password. And now you can use it with Android Pay too so that password can be switched out for a fingerprint. This integration was announced almost exactly a year ago and should have arrived earlier this year, but there were obviously some delays. Anyway, in the meantime Visa Checkout celebrated 20 million customers. Checkout is meant for online and in-app purchases. So while you can't pay for coffee at Starbucks with it, you can...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/visa_checkout_support_comes_to_android_pay-news-27818.php

Logitech announces UE Blast and Megablast Bluetooth speakers with Alexa

Logitech has announced two new Ultimate Ears speakers, the Blast and the Megablast. While on the surface they look like slightly redesigned Boom 2 and Megaboom, both of these new speakers feature Amazon Alexa built-in. Like Amazon's Echo series of devices, both Blast and Megablast feature Amazon's voice assistant built-in. Using an array of far-field microphones, the speakers can listen to your queries once you say the magic word, presumably even over the sound of music playing through its speakers. As you'd expect, both speakers have Wi-Fi and need to stay connected to the...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/logitech_announces_ue_blast_and_megablast_bluetooth_speakers_with_alexa-news-27817.php

Legend introduces diamond-studded iPhone X collection

Apple introduced the iPhone X in September, and the phone will go on sale on November 3. But if the starting price of $999/£999/€1,149 doesn't seem like much to you, you may want to consider one of the customized units by Finnish company Legend. It is selling 256 GB iPhone X's with diamonds on the back and gold rim to add extra fancy to the premium smartphone package. Some of the variants Legend offers At €2,950 the Aurum model is the cheapest in the rooster. It has a 24K gold-plated back panel, nacre (mother of pearls) inlaid logo and a solid 18K gold rim. The Fusion...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/legend_luxurious_iphone_x_collection-news-27815.php

Samsung 360 Round is a 3D 360° camera for the pros

After years of development, the Samsung 360 Round is official. This a 360° camera that can stream VR content in a more professional setting, unlike the Gear 360. For one, it has a total of 17 cameras organized in 8 pairs plus one on the top. This allows it to stream immersive 4K 360° videos in 3D (something the Gear camera cannot do). If you've tried watching 360° video from a consumer camera, you'll likely have noticed that it's in 2D, which spoils the illusion. It takes pairs of cameras to create a 3D image with depth. High quality audio is supported out of the box with 6 internal...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_360_round_a_pro_360_deg_camera-news-27814.php

LG V30 lives through scratch, bend and burn tests

Smartphone boogeyman JerryRigEverything got his hands on an LG V30 and put it through his own version of the Salem witch trials - he scratched, bent and burned it. The Gorilla Glass 5 front scratches at a Mohs level 6 or 7, which is to be expected from this toughened glass. It protects the entire front (including the selfie camera) and the grilles of the stereo speakers are metal. The V30 is already earning solid points on durability. Just about everything on the side of the phone is made of hard metal (save for the antenna bands, but that is by necessity). This rigid metal passed the...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/lg_v30_lives_through_scratch_bend_and_burn_tests-news-27813.php

Oppo F5 to come in three variants

There is one week until the unveiling of the Oppo F5, but we already know some of the specs and versions of the next "Selfie Expert". According to a photo from Thailand, the device will be available as a standard Oppo F5, a more powerful Oppo F5 6 GB and a more affordable Oppo F5 Youth. The vanilla Oppo F5 will have 4 GB RAM, "AI Beauty" selfie camera that is expected to have 20 MP sensor and sadly, the outdated Android Marshmallow 6.0. The screen will most likely be 18:9 FullView display with 2160 x 1080 resolution. The Oppo F5 6 GB will have, you guessed correctly, 6 GB RAM....

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/oppo_f5_three_variants-news-27812.php

HTC U11 Plus renders show a small refinement of the familiar design

The HTC U11 Plus leaks are piling on - after benchmarks revealed its innards, time to gaze at the phone's exterior. Technical details put the phone at 158.2 x 74.6 x 9.1mm in size. That would make it noticeably taller than, say, an LG V30 - another phone with a 6" 18:9 screen. Thicker too, though @LlabTooFeR (who knows a thing or two about HTC phones) suggests that the U11 Plus will have a batter capacity around 4,000mAh. If that is the case, we'd be quite happy with a 9.1mm phone. Plus, the regular U11 is 153.9mm tall already so this isn't that much of an increase for the extra screen....

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/htc_u11_plus_renders-news-27811.php

Samsung Galaxy Note8 strong demand continues in South Korea

The Galaxy Note8 smashed pre-order recordsand it's maintaining strong momentum in the weeks after the launch. According to industry data, the 64 GB version is the most-sold phone in South Korea for the second week of October with 28.3%. If the 256 GB version adds up, the percentage goes even higher. ATLAS Research & Consulting said after the initial pre-ordered 850,000 units, Samsung kept selling 20,000 to 30,000 units of the Galaxy Note8 in the fourth week of September. In October, Samsung keeps selling around 10,000 - 20,000 units per day and industry insiders shared that the...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_note8_strong_demand_continues_in_south_korea-news-27810.php

Samsung Gear Sport lets you control smart devices with a turn of the bezel

Samsung's new Gear Sport smartwatch debuted in August this year and it went on pre-order recently. The device is powered by version 3.0 of the Tizen-based wearable platform, making it the first wearable of its kind. It appears though that there's one feature that went under the radar and only recently came to light. The functionality in question is the ability to control smart devices by using the rotating bezel of the smartwatch. The functionality has its roots in Gear Sport's compatibility with Samsung Connect, which is the company's home automation platform for controlling...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_gear_sport_allows_users_to_control_smart_devices_with_turn_of_bezel-news-27809.php

Europe won't get Samsung's new HMD Odyssey VR headset

Earlier this month, Samsung announced a new VR headset dubbed HMD Odyssey. The company confirmed the device, which is built for Microsoft's Mixed Reality AR experience, will be available in the US, but there was no word on its European availability. Now, that information is out, and sadly, it's not good news for Europeans. The company has confirmed that the headset won't officially launch in the region. The info comes courtesy of a Samsung spokesperson who didn't provide any details on why the company isn't bringing the device to Europe. Meanwhile, in the US, the headset will be...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/europe_wont_get_samsungs_new_hmd_odyssey_vr_headset-news-27808.php

BlackBerry Motion coming to more European markets, stars in a new video

The BlackBerry Motion is already available in the Middle East, the UK and the Netherlands. And now, the company has announced the phone will be available in more European markets. Specifically, the device is coming to Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Pre-orders in Germany are set to go live today (October 19), and pricing is set at €469 across the eurozone. Those in Switzerland, however, will have to shell out CHF 489 (around €422). Meanwhile, a second UK retailer - Carphone Warehouse - has started accepting pre-orders for the BlackBerry Motion. The retailer is asking £399 for...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/blackberry_motion_coming_to_more_european_markets_new_video_released-news-27806.php

Nokia 5 and Samsung Galaxy S7 getting new updates

The Nokia 5 smartphone has started receiving a new update. Weighing in at around 690MB, the update brings along new Android 7.1.2 Nougat OS. In addition, it also includes Android security fixes for the month of October. Other changes included in the update are improved system stability and some UI-related enhancements. Meanwhile, the Samsung Galaxy S7 series of smartphones is also getting a new update. Weighing in at around 122MB and arriving as firmware version G930FXXU1DQJ1 and G935FXXU1DQJ1 for the S7 and S7 edge models, respectively, it's a security update that brings the...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/nokia_5_and_samsung_galaxy_s7_getting_new_updates-news-27807.php

Bixby 2.0 to offer support for smart home, be open to third-party developers

As expected, Samsung has revealed some key details about the next version of its Bixby virtual assistant. The South Korean company says Bixby 2.0 will be available on all connected technology devices like mobile phones, TVs, refrigerators, and home speakers. "It will be more personal, with enhanced natural language capabilities for more natural commands and complex processing, so it can really get to know and understand not only who you are, but who members of your family are, and tailor its response and actions appropriately," the company said in a press release. Not only this,...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_says_bixby_20_will_offer_support_for_smart_home_open_to_thirdparty_developers-news-27805.php

Android Pay gains support for 34 new financial institutions in US

For quite some time now, Google has been steadily updating Android Pay's list of supported banks/financial institutions in the US. And once gain, new names have been added to the list. The number specifically stands at 34 this time. Some of the names that have been added to the list include Charles Schwab Bank, Advantage Plus FCU, Bank of Blue Valley, Centennial Bank (AR), Elements Financial CU, Farmers & Merchants Union Bank, Greater State Bank, Heritage Bank, Landings Credit Union, and Members Heritage Credit Union. Some other new names are Minnequa Works Credit Union, Northfield...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/android_pay_gains_support_for_34_new_financial_institutions_in_us-news-27804.php

Nokia 7 launches in China with glass back, Snapdragon 630

Today the newest member of HMD Global's Android smartphone roster has become official in China. The Nokia 7 is the first Android device from the brand to sport a glass back - it's a vacuum molded 3D Corning Gorilla Glass construction no less. The 7's frame is 7000 series aluminum with diamond cut beveled edges. It sure looks premium (if you can ignore those bezels), and it comes with IP54 certification, which means it's splashproof essentially. Inside, you'll find the Qualcomm Snapdragon 630 running the show, paired with either 4GB or 6GB of RAM. microSD cards are supported for expanding...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/nokia_7_launches_in_china_with_glass_back_snapdragon_630-news-27801.php

Get up to $300 toward a Pixel 2 or Pixel 2 XL at Verizon starting tomorrow

The Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL are both officially launching tomorrow, October 19 on Google's online Store and at Verizon. Verizon stores will also start carrying the Google Home Mini and updated Daydream View headset. Apple iPhone 7, 7 Plus, 6S, 6S Plus, 6, 6 Plus, or SE Google Pixel or Pixel XL Samsung Galaxy S8, S8+, S7, S7 edge, S6 edge, S6 edge+, S5, Note5, Note 4, or Note edge Motorola Z2 Force, Z Force, Z Droid, or Z Play LG G6, G5, G4, V20, or V10 HTC 10 or One M9 Note that this is the full list of eligible devices and not all of them will yield a $300 trade-in...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/get_up_to_300_toward_a_pixel_2_or_pixel_2_xl_at_verizon_starting_tomorrow-news-27803.php

New HTC U11 variant spotted on GFXBench with 6-inch 18:9 display

Just as the device appeared on popular benchmarking app - GeekBench, HTC's unannounced device has also appeared on GFXBench, complete with some new information about the display. Rumors point to an HTC U11 ‘Plus' model running the latest version of Android - 8.0 Oreo. There's also going to be a 6-inch display with a 1440 x 2880 px resolution, which calculates to a taller 18:9 display. This could be HTC's re-release of the HTC U11 with a display that fills out body and reduces the size of the bezels. Considering that the LG V30 shares an identically-sized footprint to the HTC...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/new_htc_u11_variant_spotted_on_gfxbench_with_6inch_189_display-news-27802.php

Sony Xperia XZ Premium gets Oreo in December, red version launches in Japan

Sony's Xperia XZ Premium will receive the update to Android 8.0 Oreo in December. That's at least true for units sold in Japan, the company's home country, since that's where the information comes from. In other parts of the globe, the rollout may start sooner than that, or later. This should however give you a very rough estimate of when to expect the first XZ Premiums to run the latest iteration of Google's OS. In other news related to the Xperia XZ Premium, Sony has officially announced the red color version for this smartphone today. This was first spotted back in May, and we haven't...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/sony_xperia_xz_premium_gets_oreo_in_december_red_version_launches_in_japan-news-27800.php

Microsoft Lumia 640 and 640 XL won't receive the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update

Microsoft may not be actively developing new features for Windows 10 Mobile anymore, as recently confirmed by an exec, but the company is still supporting some older Windows phones with bug fixes, security updates, and minor improvements here and there. The Windows 10 Fall Creators Update, which started rolling out to PCs yesterday, is one such iterative release for smartphones. However, there are two handsets that will never see this version of the OS making it to them: the Lumia 640 and 640 XL. Microsoft has decided to end software support for the duo with the Fall Creators Update...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/microsoft_lumia_640_and_640_xl_wont_receive_the_windows_10_fall_creators_update-news-27799.php

Moto X4 is the newest Prime Exclusive phone at Amazon, yours for $329.99

Following its initial announcement at IFA at the end of August, the Moto X4 got an Android One variation last month, and today another edition has been unveiled. This time the Moto X4 joins Amazon's Prime Exclusive list of smartphones, which you can get for a lower price than normal if you're a Prime subscriber. The Moto X4's unlocked price in the US is $399.99, but if you have Prime you can grab one for just $329.99 when the mega-retailer starts taking pre-orders later today. Of course you need to remember that Prime Exclusive devices will show you Amazon ads on the lock screen to help...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/moto_x4_is_the_newest_prime_exclusive_phone_at_amazon_yours_for_32999-news-27798.php

Qualcomm says patent war with Apple is strictly business

Wall Street Journal is having the D.Live tech conference where Steve Mollenkopf, Qualcomm CEO discussed the company's relationship with Apple. The two companies are currently entangled in a number of lawsuits, the latest one being filed in China and aiming to ban iPhone production and sales. Steve Mollenkopf, Qualcomm CEO At the discussion, Mollenkopf said that all they are doing are negotiations over fees that can be resolved. "Qualcomm has a long history of providing value and settling these issues", the CEO added. The conversation ended with strong reassuring words from the...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/qualcomm_patent_war_apple_business-news-27797.php