Sony Xperia Touch getting Android 7.1.1

Sony's one-of-a-kind Xperia Touch projector running Android is getting a software update. Launched on Android 7.0 in Europe this summer and in the US recently, the device is now being treated to the 7.1.1 version of Google's OS. It's a lot more than an incremental update, however - neat features are being added too. Most importantly, the Xperia Touch now gets gesture controls when in wall mode. The input method advertised in early demos didn't make it to the commercial product, and we did miss it when we reviewed the Touch. Well, it's now coming with the update. On top of that, you'll now...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/android_711_coming_to_the_sony_xperia_touch-news-27981.php

Nokia 2 specs confirmed by Antutu listing

The Nokia 2 has been in the rumor mill for a while, popping up in the Bluetooth SIG database, and even getting listed for pre-order on US retailer B&H's website. We've also seen press images, courtesy of @evleaks, and now there's an Antutu entry to 'confirm' previously rumored specs. The modest hardware to be found in the Nokia 2 (or at least its TA-1035 variant) includes a Snapdragon 212 chipset, a single gig of RAM and 8GB of internal storage - entry-level, indeed. The cameras stick to this concept too - 8MP on the back, 5MP on the front. Not really surprising for a phone priced at $99...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/nokia_2_specs_confirmed_by_antutu_listing-news-27979.php

Qualcomm likely to announce the Snapdragon 845 in early December

It's no secret that Qualcomm is going to follow up this year's Snapdragon 835 with an 845 for 2018 flagships - in fact, it's already rumored that Samsung has dibs on the entire first production batch for the Galaxy S9. What is news, however, is that the US semiconductor company will likely announce the Snapdragon 845 at the Snapdragon Technology Summit in December. The event is scheduled for December 4-8 and is to be held in Maui, Hawaii, a leaked invite posted on Weibo reveals. Qualcomm Technology Summit event invite The Snapdragon 835 was made official at CES 2017 in...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/qualcomm_likely_to_announce_the_snapdragon_845_in_early_december-news-27978.php

4,870mAh battery totting ZTE A0620 gets TENAA certified

A new ZTE device has been certified China's TENAA. Listed as ZTE A0620, the device is powered by an SoC with octa-core, 1.4GHz processor, and sports a 5.2-inch HD display. RAM options include 3GB, 4GB, and even 8GB, while storage options include 32GB and 64GB. The handset features a 13MP main camera and a 5MP front shooter. Measuring 147×71×8.5mm and weighing in at 160g, the phone packs in a large, 4,870mAh battery. The listing says the A0620 runs Android 7.1.1 out of the box, and comes in black, gold, and silver color options. A fingerprint sensor is there on the back. There's...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/zte_a0620_with_8gb_ram_and_4870mah_battery_gets_tenaa_certified-news-27977.php

Boost and Virgin Mobile will offer iPhone X starting November 10

Sprint's prepaid brands Boost Mobile and Virgin Mobile have announced availability details for the Apple iPhone X. Pre-orders at Virgin begin November 3, with shipments beginning November 10 onwards. Boost, on the other hand, will start accepting iPhone X orders November 10. Both non-contract carriers are yet to reveal pricing details though. Officially, the iPhone X comes in either Silver or Space Gray and starts at $999/€1,149/£999. The device's official release is set for November 3 next week, and pre-orders have already begun. For the complete list of countries that will get...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/boost_and_virgin_mobile_will_offer_iphone_x_starting_november_10-news-27976.php

Samsung Gear Sport and Gear IconX (2018) now available in US

As scheduled, the Samsung Gear Sport and Gear IconX (2018) are now available to purchase in the US. Both devices are listed on the South Korean company's official US website, carrying $299.99 and $199.99 price tag, respectively. The tech giant is also offering a free Swarovski Band with each purchase of the Gear Sport. Aside from Samsung, third party retailers like Best Buy and Amazon are also offering these devices. Pricing remains the same. Samsung 1 2 | Amazon | Best Buy

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_gear_sport_and_gear_iconx_2018_now_available_in_us-news-27975.php

HTC U11 Life might be heading to T-Mobile

The HTC U11 Life has been the subject of multiple leaks so far, revealing almost all of its key specs. There have also been reports that the device will be made official at the company's November 2 event. But there has been no information on its availability. That changes now, as a new rumor is suggesting the Android One handset is coming to T-Mobile in the US. Someone who claims they're a T-Mobile store manager, said in a Reddit post today that they've received "a shipment notification for the HTC U11 life and a bunch of accessories." They also included a screenshot suggesting the...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/htc_u11_life_might_be_heading_to_tmobile-news-27974.php

New Samsung Galaxy J5 (2017) update brings BlueBorne fix

Samsung has started pushing out a new update to its Galaxy J5 (2017) smartphone. Currently hitting units in Europe, the update weighs in at 392MB, arrives as version J530FXXU1AQI3, and brings along fix for the BlueBorne vulnerability. The vulnerability, for those who aren't aware, allows a remote attacker to take control of devices via Bluetooth. What's more bothersome is that the process doesn't even require the device being attacked to be paired to the attacker's device, or even to be set on discoverable mode. So this is no doubt an important update. In addition, it also includes...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/new_samsung_galaxy_j5_2017_update_brings_blueborne_fix-news-27973.php

Google confirms Pixel 2 issue with audio in video recordings, says fix incoming

And the Google Pixel 2 issue list continues to expand. The latest problem that has come to light is that the quality of audio in video recordings is not up to the mark. Specifically, it's the background noises that seem to be affected, as clear from the videos below. You can also check out this audio clip (extracted from a video) which shows how the quality gets worse as the recording progresses, but gets a bit better towards the end. The problem isn't being widely reported yet, but for its part, Google has confirmed that the issue is there, and a fix is incoming. Via |...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/google_confirms_pixel_2_audio_issue_while_video_recording_says_fix_incoming-news-27972.php

Android 8.1 may bring SMS-Chrome integration

The latest version of Android 8.1 brings a number of improvements, features, and UI changes. While some are minimal, other features are more significant. One feature that is speculated to arrive is SMS messaging from a Chromebook. This feature would be called "SMS Connect". The new integration was discovered by Ars Technica in which a new APK called "SMSConnectPrebuilt" was found in the Android 8.1 Beta. Although the app didn't have a shortcut from the app drawer, it could be accessed by using an activity browser. The feature will "allow you to "Rear and reply to text messages on your...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/android_81_may_bring_smschrome_integration-news-27971.php

Red Sony Xperia XZ Premium comes to Europe

The red color version of Sony's Xperia XZ Premium leaked back in May, but only launched earlier this month. At first it was only out in the company's home of Japan, but then we spotted it in Malaysia as well. Today the red XZ Premium has arrived in Europe too. It's not yet in stock, but you can already order one if you are in Germany. All you need to do is go to Sony's official online store and pick the red hue for the smartphone. At the moment, it's said to become available in four days, which depending on how you count (if they're working days or not) means the red model should be in...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/red_sony_xperia_xz_premium_arrives_in_europe-news-27970.php

Huawei Mate 10 review

The fall may as well be the season of phablets. Apple, LG and Samsung are the usual suspects but Huawei wants in too - as a front-runner, mind you, not an also-ran. Like its illustrious rivals, Huawei is also yielding to the pressure and the new Mate 10 is trying hard to please the fickle crowd.

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/huawei_mate_10-review-1675.php

BlackBerry Keyone successor already in the works with Snapdragon 660

The Keyone has definitely been a very successful BlackBerry branded Android device, and it looks like TCL, the company making it, is already working on a successor. The existence of this model has been revealed today through a user agent profile spotted on a TCL website. The upcoming phone will have the model number BBF100-1, which makes sense considering that the Keyone is BBB100-1 and the recently announced Motion is BBD100-1. That's a pretty consistent naming scheme TCL has developed for model designations. The new BBF100-1 has a physical QWERTY keyboard too and it will keep the...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/blackberry_keyone_successor_already_in_the_works_with_snapdragon_660-news-27969.php

Stable MIUI 9 Global ROM arrives on November 2, Xiaomi confirms

MIUI 9 is the absolute latest iteration of Xiaomi's UI overlay on top of Android. It was officially unveiled back in July when the Mi 5X got announced. Since that point, there have been many beta builds of the MIUI 9 Global ROM for supported devices, and now we're thankfully very close to the stable version's release. The stable MIUI 9 Global ROM is going to be out on November 2, according to Xiaomi. This will at least be true for handsets sold in India. Not at all coincidentally, on that same day the company is holding an event in the subcontinent, during which it's promised to unveil a...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/stable_miui_9_global_rom_arrives_on_november_2_xiaomi_confirms-news-27968.php

Deal: Sony Xperia XZ drops to $314.99

Sony's Xperia XZ launched in October of last year, and as you may know its successor is already on the market too - the XZ1. So it's understandable then that the XZ is now being discounted. In fact, at the moment it's being offered by both Amazon and B&H for the lowest price ever. The XZ was initially priced at $699.99, and it's now less than half that. You can buy one for just $314.99 from the aforementioned retailers, although it's not entirely clear how long this deal will last. So if you don't mind having last year's hardware innards you can buy the Xperia XZ for a very good price....

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/deal_sony_xperia_xz_drops_to_31499-news-27967.php

iPhone X screen repair to cost $279, while other damage will set you back $549

The iPhone X is now up for pre-order, and a lot of people seem to want to grab Apple's first $999 smartphone - shipping estimates have already slipped to 5-6 weeks at the moment, in fact. An interesting detail has been revealed by Apple today regarding the iPhone X, and it has to do with repair prices. The company published its flat-fee pricing for units that aren't covered by AppleCare+, and it turns out that if you know you're clumsy you probably shouldn't skip that. A screen-only repair of the iPhone X will set you back $279, while for other damage you will pay $549. For...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/iphone_x_screen_repair_to_cost_279_while_other_damage_will_set_you_back_549-news-27966.php

New HTC U11 Plus teaser shows a small screen bezel

Earlier this week HTC outed its first teaser image for the upcoming November 2 event where we expect the U11 Plus to become official. And today the Taiwanese company is back with another picture, this time showing us a teeny tiny bit of the phone's front. While one corner normally isn't much to go on, what's very obvious here is that the bottom screen bezel is much smaller than we've seen from HTC's recent flagships. So it definitely looks like the rumors will pan out and the U11 Plus will be the first HTC handset with a tall 18:9 aspect ratio and small bezels. We wouldn't call this...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/new_htc_u11_plus_teaser_shows_a_small_screen_bezel-news-27965.php

iPhone X pre-orders "off the charts", Apple says as shipping estimates slip to 5-6 weeks

Predictably, Apple's most exciting iPhone of 2017 has sold out pretty quickly after going up for pre-order this morning. If you order an iPhone X from Apple right now, in most countries you're going to get a shipping estimate of 5-6 weeks. That means the device will only arrive at your doorstep in December. People who got up early and were among the first to issue a pre-order were luckier, however, and some may even receive their iPhone X on November 3, which is the official launch day. That's also when you can theoretically line up in front of your Apple store and wait to grab one in...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/iphone_x_preorders_off_the_charts_apple_says_as_shipping_estimates_slip_to_56_weeks-news-27963.php

Vivo X20 gets a King of Glory edition

We told you about the Oppo R11 "King of Glory" edition and now another BKK brand is doing the same. vivo unveiled the X20 KOG Edition to celebrate the anniversary of the multiplayer online game. The teaser reveals that the vivo X20 (or at least its side) will come in red and black, the same colors the Oppo R11 KOG Edition sported. Specs-wise the X20 KOG will be the same as the X20 and probably would keep the same price tag. Sources suggest the phone will arrive mid-November, although an exact date is yet to be confirmed by the Chinese manufacturer. Via

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/vivo_x20_king_of_glory_edition-news-27959.php

Sony announces Xperia R1 and Xperia R1 Plus mid-rangers

Sony has launched two new smartphones in the Indian market, the Xperia R1 and the Xperia R1 Plus. These are compact, budget Android phones that Sony claims are "designed for Indian lifestyle" and "designed to excite the new Indian", whatever that means. The Xperia R1 has a 5.2-inch, TFT LCD with 720p resolution. Inside is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 430 processor with 2GB of RAM and 16GB of expandable storage. In terms of imaging, the phone has a 13 megapixel camera on the back with Sony's Predictive Hybrid Autofocus, which uses object tracking and motion prediction to focus on moving...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/sony_announces_xperia_r1_and_xperia_r1_plus_in_india-news-27960.php

Huawei AppStore is coming to Europe

Chinese manufacturer Huawei has announced that the own AppStore will be available in Europe in the first quarter of next year. The announcement was made at the Huawei Eco-Connect Europe event in Berlin Yesterday. This means European users of all Huawei and Honor-branded phones will be able to access the digital marketplace soon. "Huawei unveiled several new Mobile Services, content partnerships with 15 key app and game developers, as well as two strategic partnerships with key video content providers ahead of the launch of Huawei AppStore," the company said in a press release. In...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/huawei_appstore_is_coming_to_europe-news-27958.php

OnePlus 5T might arrive on November 16

Yesterday a photo of the OnePlus 5T appeared, along with a teaser from Carl Pei, OnePlus co-founder. Now a leaked image popped up, suggesting a November 16 launch date, which is 4 days earlier than the previously rumored one. The image says "Amazon Exclusive" and it likely originates from India, since the current flagship OnePlus 5 also was sold only through Amazon there. For some reason the sale date is edited and unavailable. The picture also states "Larger display. Same footprint". We expect to see an 18:9 FullView display on the OnePlus 5T and the fingerprint would go on the...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/oneplus_5t_might_arrive_on_november_16-news-27957.php

WhatsApp gets ability to delete messages

WhatsApp is getting a new feature, and a long requested one at that. The feature in question lets you delete/recall messages after they've been sent. To access the delete functionality, just tap and hold. Then you get to choose whether to delete messages for everyone or just for yourself. If you go for "delete for everyone," the message will get deleted from recipients' chat window as well, replaced by "You deleted this message" in your window and "This message was deleted" for others. There are, some points worth mentioning here. Firstly, 'delete for everyone' only works for up...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/whatsapp_gets_ability_to_delete_messages-news-27955.php

Apple iPhone X finally available for pre-order

The iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus are already on sale and now it's time for the third announced iPhone to hit the shelves. Apple launched the pre-order for iPhone X in more than 50 first-wave countries and regions. The iPhone X can be purchased through Apple.com, Apple Store app and some local retailers. Shipments are expected to begin next Friday, November 3, but estimate delivery is already slipping and it might take up to 4-5 weeks. According to some sources, the reason is the limited supply because of manufacturing troubles with the OLED panel and the TrueDepth camera. The...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/apple_iphone_x_preorder-news-27954.php

Motorola Moto X4 now available in Japan

The Motorola Moto X4 is now available in Japan. The device is listed on Amazon Japan for JPY 58,103, or $510. Shipments are set to begin tomorrow, or October 28. The handset made its debut back in August at this year's IFA conference, with Europe becoming the first market to get it. The next country to get the Moto X4 will likely be India, where the phone is expected to go on sale November 13 onwards. Amazon Japan | Via

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/motorola_moto_x4_now_available_in_japan-news-27953.php

Android 8.1 OTA rollout has begun

Shortly after the first Developer Preview for Android 8.1 went live, the update has started rolling out over the air (OTA). So those who have enrolled in the Android Beta Program should expect the update notification soon (if not received already). It's worth mentioning that aside from OTA, the only other option to get the beta build currently is to download and flash a factory image - there's an ongoing problem with side loading OTA images, and Google seems to be working on it. Source 1 2

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/android_81_ota_rollout_has_begun-news-27952.php

Google calls Pixel 2 screen burn-in non issue, extends device warranty to two years

Google has come out with an official response on some of the major Pixel 2 screen issues that came to light recently. Talking about the screen burn-in problem - which is referred to as differential aging by the company - the search giant says the decay characteristics of the Pixel 2 XL display "are similar to OLED panels used in comparable products." Google also says their investigations into the burn-in issue revealed that "the differential aging is in line with that of other premium smartphones and should not affect the normal, day-to-day user experience of the Pixel 2 XL." The...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/google_calls_pixel_2_screen_burnin_non_issue_extends_device_warranty_to_two_years-news-27951.php

Samsung released a display ad amidst the Pixel 2 XL's screen debacle

With the release of the Google Pixel 2 XL, many press outlets and fellow tech YouTubers, alike, have stressed their experiences with the LG-made display. Initial reception has not been good and users have reported muted colors, color-shifting, and even premature burn-in. Mind you, we are still in the same month that the device launched. Amongst everything going on with Google and the larger Pixel 2 model, Samsung released an ad a couple of days ago. A montage of various YouTubers and mobile influencers giving words of praise to Samsung's displays. Perhaps, to remind the tech community what...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_released_a_display_ad_amidst_the_pixel_2_xls_screen_debacle-news-27950.php

Best Buy's upfront iPhone 8 and iPhone X prices are $100 more

Popular US "big box" retailer Best Buy sells smartphones with the authorization to also sell service for AT&T, Sprint, and Verizon (along with a few other pre-paid carriers). Of course, carriers have to make a deal to allow a retail store like Best Buy to resell cellular service for another carrier. The partnership helps everyone: Best Buy gets more customers in the store, carriers sell more service, Best Buy gets a cut. It's a win-win-win, right? Well, on the surface level, yes. The deal works out for everyone. In fact, Best Buy even offers its own promotions, ones that you can only take...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/best_buy_prices_iphone_8_and_iphone_x_models_with_a_100_premium_if_you_buy_upfront_-news-27949.php

Sony Xperia XZ1 is now out in Canada; Nokia 3, 5, and 3310 3G officially coming soon

As previously revealed, the Sony Xperia XZ1 became available to buy in Canada today. The smartphone can be purchased from both Bell and Freedom Mobile. While you can get it for CAD 0 down if you choose either carrier's highest two year plan, if you intend to buy the XZ1 outright you're going to have to spend a whopping CAD 1,000. So even if it doesn't have bezels worthy of a late 2017 flagship smartphone, Sony's device definitely delivers on the premium pricing front. Also of interest to our Canadian readers is the fact that three Nokia phones will be officially available over there soon....

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/sony_xperia_xz1_is_now_out_in_canada_nokia_3_5_and_3310_3g_officially_coming_soon-news-27948.php

NVIDIA announces GTX 1070 Ti for $449

NVIDIA has announced yet another graphics card based on the Pascal architecture, the GTX 1070 Ti. As you can tell from the name, this new card slots between the existing 1070 and 1080 cards. Like the name, the 1070 Ti specs also slot neatly between the 1070 and 1080. It has 2432 CUDA cores, 1607MHz base clock, 1683MHz boost clock, 8Gbps 8GB GDDR5 memory with 256-bit memory bandwidth. The card has a TDP of 180W. The 1070 Ti will be available from NVIDIA as a Founder's Edition card and from hardware partners for starting price of $449. Sales will begin worldwide on November...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/nvidia_announces_gtx_1070_ti_for_449-news-27947.php

Microsoft is developing a foldable tablet running Windows 10 on ARM

Back in 2009 and 2010, many rumors told us Microsoft was working on a folding tablet called Courier. In the end, that never saw the light of day, and Apple's iPads became the kings of that market. Intriguingly though, Microsoft is now said to be developing another device that is similar, at least in concept, to the canceled Courier. It's codenamed Andromeda, and will be a folding tablet that will run Windows 10 on ARM. Microsoft Courier It will come with telephony capabilities, but won't be a smartphone - although, when folded, it's allegedly "pocketable". That said, the main...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/microsoft_is_developing_a_foldable_tablet_running_windows_10_on_arm-news-27946.php

Instagram gets Superzoom for dramatic close-up videos, Halloween face filters and stickers

Instagram is adding two new features today, available as part of the app's version 20 which should already be up for grabs in the Apple App Store for iOS and the Google Play Store for Android. Superzoom is a new function that will automagically create a dramatic close-up video once you activate it. The video will even have a "suspenseful" soundtrack to really drive the dramatism point home. The Superzoom option is next to Boomerang in the Instagram camera. You can make a Superzoom of anything - people, animals, or even objects. The videos can then be sent through Instagram Direct or...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/instagram_gets_superzoom_for_dramatic_closeup_videos_halloween_face_filters_and_stickers-news-27945.php

Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2017) reaches the US on November 1, priced at $229.99

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2017) is almost ready to make its debut in the US. Today the Korean company has officially announced that the tablet is headed to that market, where it will be released on November 1. You'll be able to pick one up from Samsung's own online store, in two colors: black and silver. The Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2017) will be priced at $229.99. For that amount of cash you're getting a metal frame with rounded edges, an 8-inch 1,280x800 touchscreen with 480 nits brightness, Android 7.1.1 Nougat pre-installed, and a 5,000 mAh battery. Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_tab_a_80_2017_reaches_the_us_on_november_1_priced_at_22999-news-27944.php

LG G6, G6+, Q6, and X charge are now Amazon Prime Exclusive phones, cheaper with ads

The latest smartphone brand to join Amazon's Prime Exclusive program is LG. Starting today, you can order four LG handsets through this arrangement, where you pay less for devices but have to put up with ads on the lock screen. The LG G6+ can be yours for $499.99 in this system, the G6 is priced at $399.99, the Q6 costs $229.99, and the X charge is $149.99. Per Amazon's own calculations, you're saving $300 for the G6+, $238 for the G6, $70 for the Q6, and $50 for the X charge compared to the full retail pricing of these unlocked phones. Of course you may find them (a lot) cheaper elsewhere...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/lg_g6_g6_q6_and_x_charge_are_now_amazon_prime_exclusive_phones_cheaper_with_ads-news-27943.php

App Annie: 26 billion Android and iOS apps downloaded in Q3

The app analytics platform App Annie published its Q3 app consumer report. According to the data, over 26 billion apps were downloaded by Android and iOS users between June and September, an 8% increase on a yearly basis. Impressively, this number only includes new downloads - no updates or reinstalls. Users spent nearly 325 billion hours on Android apps, the report also revealed. This is a 40% increase over the previous year and App Annie has an explanation for the spikes of usage. Due to the launch of Reliance Jio and their LTE network back in 2016, India has seen a huge spike in...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/26_billion_android_ios_apps_downloaded_q3_2017-news-27942.php

Canalys: India overtakes US to become second largest smartphone market

China overtook the US to become the biggest smartphone market in 2013, and now India is taking away second place from it. Canalys reported today that total smartphone shipments in India reached 40 million units in Q3, 46.5% of them accounted to Samsung and Xiaomi. Samsung is the leader with 9.4 million shipped smartphones, while after a massive 290% increase in shipments YoY, Xiaomi is in second place with 9.2 million units. The Chinese company focuses on the low-end devices since it struggles in the mid-range, Canalys points out. Samsung, Oppo, and vivo are stronger in the midfield...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/canalys_india_second_largest_smartphone_market-news-27939.php

Samsung Galaxy A7 (2018) passes through Geekbench with 6GB of RAM

The Samsung Galaxy A7 (2018) has found its way to another benchmark - Geekbench 4. Previously it was spotted on GFXBench with the Exynos 7885 chipset. This time there's more RAM - 6GB instead of 4GB. And this is an F model, which means it's headed to Europe. Samsung has started offering more RAM in China due to local competition, but it would be great to see Western models get extra memory too. Samsung Galaxy A7 (2018) scorecard by Geekbench 4.1.3 Earlier, we saw the Galaxy A5 (2018) with Snapdragon 660, the A7 will have a Qualcomm-powered version too. That model had 6GB of RAM...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_a7_2018_geekbench_6gb_of_ram-news-27938.php

LG mobile division keeps bleeding money in Q3 2017

LG Electronics posted its Q3 2017 financial results and the trends from Q1 and Q2 2017 earning releases continue. The company keeps going strong, mainly thanks to the Home Appliance & Air Solution divisions, but the mobile communications branch is still unable to turn a profit. Тhe company posted revenue of KRW15.22 trillion ($13.44 billion), which is a 15% increase from Q3 2016. The operating income almost doubled to KRW516.1 billion ($455.7 million). Mobile Communications posted revenue of KRW2.81 trillion ($2.48 billion). This results in an 8% increase over Q3 2016 and 4%...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/lg_mobile_division_q3_2017-news-27937.php

Oppo F5 arrives with 20MP front camera with AI

After a months' worth of ads and promotions across the Philippines, the Oppo F5 is finally official. The successor to the Oppo F3, the F5 drops the front fingerprint button for a tall 18:9 6.0-inch LCD of 1080x2160px resolution. The fingerprint scanner has been moved over to the back but if you don't care to reach for it, the Oppo F5 supports face unlock. Mind you Oppo warns that this isn't as secure as the fingerprint reader. The cameras are the clear focus on the Oppo F5. The rear snapper is a 16MP unit with an f/1.8 aperture but the higher-resolution one is the 20MP f/2.0 unit on...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/oppos_f5_face_unlock_20mp_front_camera_ai-news-27940.php

Logitech adds Google Assistant integration to Circle security cameras

Logitech has announced Google Assistant integration for its Circle 2 and original Circle series of security cameras. This will let you use your voice to tell your camera to stream its footage to your TV. For this to work, you first need to link your Circle account in the Google Assistant. Then you need either the Google Home or an Android or iPhone with Google Assistant as well as a Chromecast or TV with Chromecast built-in. Once you have all the pieces in place, you will be able to talk to your camera using Google Assistant and tell it to stream directly to your...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/logitech_adds_google_assistant_integration_to_circle_security_cameras-news-27936.php

Nokia 2 gets Bluetooth certified

The Nokia 2 smartphone has been certified by the Bluetooth SIG. The listing doesn't reveal much about the device, except confirming the Nokia 2 moniker and revealing that multiple versions of the device exist. The phone has already been certified by regulators in Russia. It was even recently spotted listed on a US retailer's website for a brief period, revealing a $99 price tag. It is expected to go official sometime next month. Specs-wise, the entry-level handset is expected to be powered by a Snapdragon 210 or 212 chipset and pack in a 4,000mAh battery. It is also said to feature...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/nokia_2_gets_bluetooth_certified-news-27935.php

OnePlus 5T hands-on photo shows off its front bezel, Carl Pei posts a teaser

Things are changing almost overnight - Carl Pei (CEO of OnePlus) went from dodging questions about why OnePlus 5 is out of stock to posting a teasing photo, hinting at a "great camera". Of course, he still hasn't called out the OnePlus 5T by name, but it seems only a matter of time now - about a month if rumors are to be believed. Teaser photo by Carl Pei (no EXIF info) AnTuTu already gave away the camera upgrade and we've been seeing images of the redesigned look - an 18:9 screen surrounded by slim bezels on the front and a fingerprint reader relocated to the back. But those were...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/oneplus_5t_handson_photo_leaks-news-27934.php

New Samsung Pay update brings Android Oreo support

Samung has started pushing out a new update to its mobile payments app Pay. Currently rolling out in India, the update brings along support for Android Oreo OS. What's interesting is that none of the South Korean company's smartphones have received the Android 8.0 update yet. So Samsung Pay getting Oreo support in India suggests the update could be arriving to at least some Samsung phones in the country. Alternatively the tech giant might be preparing to launch an Oreo beta program in India, as recent reports suggest such a program is currently being prepped for the US. Source |...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/new_samsung_pay_update_brings_android_oreo_support-news-27933.php

This is what the OnePlus 5T will look like

It's no secret that Oppo and OnePlus (and vivo) are owned by the same company and it shows in a variety of ways across the devices of the three manufacturers. The OnePlus 5 has an uncanny resemblance to the Oppo R11 - they differ slightly in size, chipset and RAM, in cameras and batteries but are more or less identical in terms of design. Which is why you needn't look further than the upcoming Oppo R11s to know how the OnePlus 5T will look. The OnePlus 5T will move the fingerprint scanner to the back to make room for a new nearly bezel-less 18:9 display - a 6.0-inch AMOLED...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/this_is_what_the_oneplus_5t_will_look_like-news-27932.php

Oppo R11s goes live on Oppo's site days before announcement

The Oppo R11s is now almost completely revealed, days before it is supposed to be announced on November 2. The phone is now officially listed on Oppo's Chinese website so people can register their interest in buying it. There's also a live product page for the Oppo R11s. You'll be able to buy the Oppo R11s in Champagne, Black, Red and a special Star Screen red, in which the red color continues under the front glass. Judging by the current price of the Oppo R11 - around 3,000 CNY for the 64GB model - we can expect something similar for the Oppo R11s. The Oppo R11s is said to...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/oppo_r11s_goes_live_on_oppos_site_days_before_announcement-news-27930.php

Xiaomi to announce new phone series in India on November 2

Xiaomi India started sending out press invites for an event on November 2. The company plans to introduce yet another smartphone series after the Mi A1 arrival, followed by the Mi Mix 2. The invitation simply says #YourBestSelfie, although another image was seen with the "A new series is coming. Join Manu and Jai on 02.11.2017" slogan. We also get a lightning logo, suggesting the phone might have a fast charge and a good front camera, obviously. Sources suggest it might come with Quick Charge 3.0, found in the Xiaomi Mi Note 3. It is equipped with a 16 MP selfie snapper with 2.0...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_announce_new_phone_series_india_november_2-news-27931.php

Oreo beta program for Samsung Galaxy S8 likely launching next week

HMD just announced a beta program for Android 8.0 OS on Nokia phones, and now Samsung is following suit. If the information shared in the following screenshot is to be believed, the South Korean company will launch an Oreo beta program for its Galaxy S8 flagships next week on October 31. There will be 7,500 spots for each device, and only T-Mobile and Sprint users will be allowed to fill up these, meaning other carrier models aren't eligible to join the beta program. Sign-ups will be carried away via the Samsung Members and Samsung+ apps. It's worth noting that not only the program...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/oreo_beta_program_for_samsung_galaxy_s8_likely_launching_next_week-news-27929.php

Apple refutes reports suggesting less accurate Face ID on iPhone X

It's no longer a secret that Apple is facing production issues with the iPhone X, and the components used in the device's facial recognition module are to blame for it. A recent report from Bloomberg said that Apple has told suppliers it will settle for lower quality Face ID components to ramp up production. Exact words from the report were that Apple "quietly told suppliers they could reduce the accuracy of the face-recognition technology to make it easier to manufacture." Now, the Cupertino-based company has responded to the claims made in the report, terming it as "completely...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/apple_refutes_reports_suggesting_less_accurate_face_id_on_iphone_x-news-27928.php

Sony Xperia X Compact is now just $279.99 in white

Sony's Xperia X Compact is more than a year old at this point, so it's no surprise to see it starring in an offer that can net you big savings. What is slightly more surprising is that each of its three color versions is currently retailing for a different price over at Best Buy. To have some context for the following, remember that the X Compact launched in 2016 at $499.99 unlocked. In the meantime, we've seen it going for $399.99 and even $349.99. Note that the unlocked model sold in the US works with GSM-based carriers (such as AT&T, T-Mobile, and the various MVNOs operating on their...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/sony_xperia_x_compact_is_now_just_27999_in_white-news-27922.php