Prime Exclusive deals: $30 off on Nokia 6, LG G6+ to get $50 price cut

Amazon is offering decent deals on some of its Prime Exclusive phones. To start off, the Nokia 6 is currently going for $149.99, which is down $30 from its usual price. Moving on, you can also save money on the Prime Exclusive LG G6+, which will be up for grabs for $449.99 ($50 off). The deal will go live December 17, and will end December 23. But before that, starting December 10, you'll be available to avail several other deals as well, involving handsets like the Motorola Moto G5 Plus, Moto X4, LG X Charge, and Q6, with discounts up to $50. Source | Via

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/prime_exclusive_deals_30_off_on_nokia_6_lg_g6_to_get_50_price_cut-news-28655.php

Essential Phone's Camera app updated with YouTube Live 360 support

Essential has released another update for its Camera app, bumping it to version 0.1.091. The update brings along a couple of changes, including YouTube Live 360 support (for Essential 360 Camera) and support for Live 360 with a Facebook Page. The previous update pushed by the company enabled Portrait Mode as well as included reduced JPEG compression and added exposure compensation for all regular camera modes. The company has already made its 360 Camera modular accessory capable of live streaming 360-degree videos to Facebook Live. Source

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/essential_phones_camera_app_updated_with_youtube_live_360_support-news-28654.php

T-Mobile offering $50 discount on Apple Watch Series 3

If you are in the US and are in the market for a smartwatch, here's a deal for you: T-Mobile is offering a discount of $50 on the Apple Watch Series 3. To avail the deal, you'll need to purchase the wearable on the carrier's on an Equipment Installment Plan with qualifying DIGITS plan. As you can see in the screenshot above, there's another promo that'll give you three months of free unlimited LTE service. However, keep in mind that you can't club both these offers. For more info on the deal(s), head to the Source link below. Source

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/tmobile_offering_50_discount_on_apple_watch_series_3-news-28653.php

Samsung Galaxy S8/S8+ on Verizon getting Gigabit LTE support

Verizon has started pushing out a new update to Samsung Galaxy S8/S8+ units on its network. Arriving as version G950USQU2BQK5 and G955USQU2BQK5 for the standard and plus variants, respectively, the update brings along support for the carrier's upcoming Gigabit Class LTE service. In addition, the update also includes Android security fixes for the month of November. As is usually the case with OTA roll outs, it might take some time for the update notification to appear on your device's screen, so be patient. Meanwhile, in another update-related news, the Google Pixel 2 and Pixel...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s8_s8_on_verizon_getting_gigabit_lte_support-news-28652.php

Oreo update for US unlocked Galaxy Note8 leaks online

An OTA build for the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Note8 Oreo update has leaked on the internet. The update is specifically for the Verizon version of the Note8 in the US running on the Snapdragon processor. Due to this, even though it can be downloaded and installed, it's only really available for one version of the device (SM-M950U). It's hard to say in what stage of development this update is in but it's unlikely to be the final build and likely one of the interim betas leading up to it that somehow got leaked. It runs on Android 8.0.0 along with Samsung Experience 9.0. We...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/oreo_update_for_us_unlocked_galaxy_note8_leaks_online-news-28650.php

Nvidia announces Titan V, a $3000 graphics card based on Volta

NVIDIA has announced the Titan V, a prosumer graphics card based on the company's brand new Volta architecture using 12nm process that supersedes the previous Pascal architecture found on the Titan Xp. It's a $3000 graphics card that is designed entirely with compute performance in mind for people working on AI, deep learning, 3D rendering, and other computationally intensive applications. At the heart of the Titan V is the GV100 GPU that was first seen on the $10000 (yes, that's one with five zeroes) Tesla V100 back in May. For the most parts, the GPU is identical, with 21.1B...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/nvidia_announces_titan_v_a_3000_graphics_card_based_on_volta-news-28649.php

Amazon brings Echo speakers and Music Unlimited to 28 new countries

Amazon announced today that its Music Unlimited service and the Echo speakers will be available in 28 new countries, primarily from Europe and South America, starting immediately. Amazon Music Unlimited has a 40-million track catalog with prices from $7.99 for Prime users and $9.99 for non-Prime customers, although it varies in some markets. For EU countries it is between €4.99 and €9.99, while in Latin America the individual plan is $5.99 and the family one is $8.99. The Amazon Music Web Player and the apps for iOS and Android will now have English, German, French, Italian,...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/amazon_echo_music_unlimited_28_new_countries-news-28648.php

Nexus 6P now getting the v8.1 Oreo update over the air

The Huawei Nexus 6P is over two years now but it keeps chugging along - it is now receiving the Android 8.1 Oreo update on the same day as the Pixel 2 phones. It's a 534MB update, so you may want to buckle up. We have confirmation that the rollout has reached India, the most impatient may download it manually. Nexus 6P updating to Android 8.1 Oreo Version 8.1 brings along memory optimizations, enhancements to Autofill, a battery indicator for Bluetooth devices and more. It also enables the Visual Core imaging chip on the new Pixels, but of course that's not available on this old...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/nexus_6p_now_getting_the_v81_oreo_update_over_the_air-news-28647.php

Suppliers of iPhone X components report lowering orders

Analysts have been reporting strong growth for the iPhone X, but that is contradicted by reports from several sources close to the component supply chain. The launch push is over - limited by a shortage of difficult to manufacture components, shipping times quickly shot up to 4-5 weeks. Yields improved and the wait times dropped to 1-2 weeks. But now that the early adopter rush is over, it seems that demand is lagging behind the predictions. With demand for key component not growing as strong as expected, the sources are concerned that Apple may reduce its iPhone X shipment target for...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/suppliers_of_iphone_x_components_report_lowering_orders-news-28645.php

OnePlus says it's working with Snapchat to fix camera issues

Earlier today we reported the latest OxygenOS 4.7.4 update for the OnePlus 5T. Even though the company optimized the Camera UI and improved the photo quality, owners of the phone who take pictures and videos on Snapchat still face a major issue. When the camera is powered on in the app, it zooms in 2x and can't be forced to take normal snaps. OnePlus 5T • 2x OnePlus 5T zoom • Snapchat's own zoom • OnePlus 5T selfie • Snapchat selfie As seen on our screenshots, Snapchat's UI fills the whole screen. In order to achieve that, it also switches from the default 4:3 camera...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/oneplus_5t_users_snapchat_issues-news-28644.php

Xiaomi Mi Note 3 gets a high score by DxOMark

The Xiaomi Mi Note 3 is the latest smartphone to get evaluated by DxOMark and became the highest-scored Xiaomi ever. The Mi Note 3 got an overall score of 90, which puts it right alongside the HTC U11. If we look beyond it gets broken down to 94 for photo and 82 for video. The Xiaomi Mi Note 3 received praise for the reliable and fast autofocus, the zoom ability and the good simulated bokeh effect but lost points for noise in the images. The video was criticized for poor detail. Here's a breakdown of the recent phones that passed through DxOMark. DxO scores ...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_mi_note_3_gets_high_praise_on_dxomark__and_a_score_of_90-news-28642.php

LG G7 might come with an advanced iris scanner

An unearthed patent by LG revealed that the Korean company is preparing an advanced iris scanner that might arrive just in time for the next flagship the LG G7. It will not only unlock the device, but also help you make protect sensitive information. Figures from the LG patent listing The iris scanner checks the biometric characteristics of the eye and sets up with a light screen and a dark screen, since the iris changes in size, depending on how much light gets to it. Then the sensor will check what are you looking at and if you are the owner of the phone, the sensitive...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/lg_g7_might_come_advanced_iris_scanner-news-28640.php

Huawei P11 might also have a notch

Huawei is preparing to launch its next flagship the P11 in February and first leaked firmware files suggest a surprise is on the way. According to XDA Developers, the Chinese manufacturer is going to introduce the phone with a notch on the front screen, similar to what we've seen in the iPhone X, Essential PH-1, and Sharp Aquos S2. The overlay image comes from a reference in a configuration file that defines the "RoundCornerDisplay". Multiple files are associated with this definition, all of them appearing to assist in avoiding drawing over parts of the screen to accommodate the unique...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/huawei_p11_might_also_have_a_notch-news-28638.php

YouTube's new music streaming service coming March 2018

According to a new Bloomberg report, YouTube will launch a new music streaming service early next year. The paid service - of we have already heard - will be launched in March 2018. The report notes the service is internally named as Remix, and would offer Spotify-like on-demand streaming as well as video clips. Currently, YouTube is in talks with some of the world's biggest record labels including Sony Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group, and Warner Music Group, and the latter is said to be already on board. Talks are also on with Merlin, a consortium of independent...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/report_says_youtubes_new_music_streaming_service_coming_march_2018-news-28637.php

Deal: Get Samsung Galaxy S8+, wireless charger, and $100 gift card for $725

Here's a decent Galaxy S8+ deal for you: Amazon is offering the unlocked variant of the phone along with a fast wireless charger and $100 gift card for $725. For comparison, Samsung is officially selling the unlocked variant for $825 (but is currently also offering free Get Gear VR or DEX Station). So you get to save $100 if you go for the deal Amazon is offering. No information on when the promo ends, so those interested in availing the deal may have to act fast. Source

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/deal_bundle_containing_samsung_galaxy_s8_wireless_charger_and_100_gift_card_for_725-news-28635.php

Oppo F5 Youth lands in India for around $265

The Oppo F5 Youth - which was made official by the company late last month, and has only been available in the Philippines so far - has now landed in India as well. The device carries a price tag of INR 16,990 (around $265). As for availability, you'll be able to purchase the handset through both online and offline channels. Reports say launch is set for today. The phone is currently listed on Oppo's official India website as well, but the 'Buy Now' button does nothing at the moment. Source | Via

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/oppo_f5_youth_lands_in_india_for_around_265-news-28636.php

New OnePlus 5T update brings camera UI optimizations, photo quality improvements

The OnePlus 5T has started receiving a new update. Arriving as OxygenOS 4.7.4, the update weighs in at 285MB and brings along a couple of camera-related changes as well as some system-related optimizations and improvements. To begin with, the photo quality has been improved. Also, the UI of the camera has been optimized. System changes include optimizations related to audio, vibration, face unlock, and WiFi battery usage. Then there are improvements related to fingerprint and GPS. Finally, some usual bug fixes and stability improvements are included as well. Source

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/new_oneplus_5t_update_brings_camera_ui_optimizations_photo_quality_improvements-news-28633.php

Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL units on beta start getting Android 8.1 update as well

Google has started pushing out the Android 8.1 OTA update to Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL units running the second Developer Preview build. The update weighs in at 41MB for the standard model and around 43MB for the XL variant. The update will directly bump your device to 8.1 stable channel (meaning you don't have to downgrade to 8.0 first). However, the process does involve a factory reset of your device. It's worth mentioning that devices running Android 8.0 have already started getting the 8.1 update. Not only that, the Mountain View, California based company has also made available...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/google_pixel_2_and_pixel_2_xl_units_on_beta_start_getting_android_81_update_as_well-news-28632.php

Instagram separates messaging feature into a new app called Direct, currently in testing

Instagram is currently testing Direct, a new messaging app that was previously a part of the main Instagram app. Basically, the company has taken the direct messaging feature of Instagram and spun it into a separate app, turning it into the Snapchat clone it always wanted. The app is currently available today in six countries: Chile, Israel, Italy, Portugal, Turkey, and Uruguay, on both, iOS and Android. There currently is no timeline for when this app will be available everywhere, if at all. Like Snapchat, Direct opens up in the camera view, letting you quickly snap a picture...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/instagram_separates_messaging_feature_into_a_new_app_called_direct_currently_in_testing-news-28631.php

Upcoming fullscreen Xperia smartphones leak in images

Two new Xperia smartphones have leaked, sporting the in vogue fullscreen bezel-less designs. The images come courtesy GizChina.com, who are confident these are indeed images and not renders. The two devices not just look different from current Xperia devices but also between each other. One device has the current squarish Xperia design with what look like speaker grilles at the top and bottom on the front. On the back is a very unique looking curved matte and glossy surface, with the matte regions forming semicircles at the top and bottom. The glossy area in the center is supposed to...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/upcoming_fullscreen_xperia_smartphones_leak_in_images-news-28630.php

Apple to launch an LCD iPhone with a metal case in 2018

Apple will launch at least one iPhone with LCD in 2018, industry insiders in Japan reported. It will be one of three new flagship phones, the other two allegedly coming with OLED screens. The inside information comes as a blessing to Sharp and Japan Display, two of the main LCD manufacturers in the market. Their shares went down massively after the iPhone X came out with an OLED screen, supplied by Samsung. Apple iPhone 8 with an LCD The LCD iPhone will have 6.1" screen and metal case, including the back panel. On the contrary, the other two iPhones are expected to have 6.3" and...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/apple_launch_lcd_iphone_metal_case_2018-news-28629.php

Samsung Gear Sport review

Samsung's latest smart watch entry is the Gear Sport. The Gear Sport is smaller and lighter than the Samsung Gear S3 Frontier which should make for a more comfortable fit and a look, which is more appealing to both sexes alike. The Gear Sport is now water-resistant up 50 meters and can track swims. Combined with Tizen 3.0 and numerous S-Health improvements it's shaping up as a competitive offering from Samsung.

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_gear_sport-review-1694.php

Samsung Bixby gets Spanish language support

Just a couple of weeks after learning Chinese Samsung's Bixby has gone fluent in Spanish. The update doesn't seem to be widely available at the moment, with reports currently only coming out of Spain (obviously). It may take some time, but the feature should eventually be available in all key markets. With this, Bixby Voice now supports a total of four languages, including Chinese, English, Korean, and Spanish. Source | Via

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_bixby_updated_with_support_for_spanish_language-news-28628.php

Xiaomi Mi Max and Mi Max Prime get MIUI 9

The MIUI 9 global rollout continues with Xiaomi Mi Max and its India-exclusive variant the Xiaomi Mi Max Prime. The upgrade version is V9.1.1.0.NBCMIEI for the Mi Max and is around 1.5 GB in size. The Prime version should get V9.1.2.0.NBDMIEI but the package is essentially the same. MIUI 9 brings to Xiaomi users new features like Split Screen, Search for Apps, Dual Apps and a new assistant, accessible with a left swipe from the home screen. There are plenty of design customizations and the Indian customers are in for a treat with special holiday cards in the Calendar...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_mi_max_mi_max_prime_global_miui_9-news-28626.php

LG announces classy V30 Signature Edition in Korea

The LG Signature Edition is an exclusive V30 made specifically for the South Korean market. LG is making only 300 units and will start selling them later this month for KRW2 million - about $1800. What differentiates the Signature Edition from a maxed-out LG V30 is the colors - either white or black and the back - a zirconium ceramic that's harder to scratch. You can get your name laser-inscribed plus special after-sales customer service and a premium package that includes special Bang & Olufsen earphones and Bluetooth headphones. Those things aside, the LG Signature Edition matches...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/lg_announces_classy_v30_signature_edition_in_korea-news-28625.php

Huawei Nova 2s arrives with Android Oreo

Huawei held a special event today for its latest addition to the Nova series. The company introduced the Nova 2s with 16 MP RGB + 20 MP Monochrome camera setup on the back and a 6" FullView display with a fingerprint scanner below it on the front. Huawei Nova 2s official renders The new Nova 2s has the Kirin 960 chipset and three memory combinations - 4 GB RAM + 64 GB storage, 6 GB RAM + 64 GB storage and 6 GB RAM + 128 GB storage. The two cameras at the back have f/1.8 aperture, while the front ones have relatively slower f/2.0 lenses. The front snapper is 20 MP and is...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/huawei_nova_2s_announcement-news-28624.php

OnePlus 5T Star Wars edition coming to Europe too

Rejoice, young padawans - the OnePlus 5T Star Wars edition is coming to Europe. It is not exclusive to India as previously thought. Europe even gets it a day early - December 14 (there will be an event on the 13th at 16:00). But there's a catch - only Finland, Sweden and Denmark. The phones cost €500 for the 6GB/64GB model and €560 for 8GB/128GB. Yes, the same prices as the regular Midnight Black model. In case you haven't noticed, the Star Wars edition is the only way to buy a white OnePlus 5T. Europeans outside the three countries might need to jump through an extra shipping hoop,...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/oneplus_5t_star_wars_edition_coming_to_europe_too-news-28622.php

Xiaomi announces 27.6M smartphone shipments in Q3 2017

Xiaomi held an event today where the company revealed the Redmi 5 and Redmi 5 Plus. But before the big stars, there were several announcements worthy of attention. The company announced 27.6 million smartphone shipments in the third quarter of 2017. Xiaomi also quoted IDC to boast about their growth. The Chinese company achieved a huge 102.6% increase over Q3 2016. The market share also doubled from 3.7% to 7.4%, pushing vivo out of the Top 5. The company also showed its international success. Xiaomi is the top 5 manufacturer in 14 markets, including a tie for the top...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_276m_smartphone_shipments_q3_2017-news-28623.php

Nokia Steel HR now on sale in US

The Nokia Steel HR, which has been available to pre-order since last month, is now available for purchase in the United States. A quick look at the Finnish company's US website reveals both 36mm and 40mm variants are on sale. The 40mm model is only available in black, while the other one is available in white as well. Shipments for the 36mm, black variant will begin in 2-3 weeks, while all other models will be released on December 22. Pricing starts at $180 and goes up to $200 depending on the variant you purchase. For more info, head to the Source link below. If you are unsure...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/nokia_steel_hr_now_on_sale_in_us-news-28619.php

Xiaomi announces the Redmi 5 and Redmi 5 Plus with 18:9 screens

We saw plenty of leaks, but now Xiaomi officially lifted the curtain for the Redmi 5 and Redmi 5 Plus at an event in China. The phones come with tall FullView displays, massive batteries and attractive prices. Xiaomi Redmi 5 and Redmi 5 Plus Xiaomi Redmi 5 The Xiaomi Redmi 5 has a 5.7" screen with 18:9 ratio and HD+ resolution. The chipset is Snapdragon 450, built on the 14 nm process technology. It features an octa-core CPU, clocked at 1.8 GHz. The memory versions are 2 GB RAM with 16 GB storage or 3 GB RAM with 32 GB storage. There is also microSD on board that...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_redmi_5_redmi_5_plus_official-news-28621.php

Asus Zenfone 4 Oreo update likely arriving this month

Back in August, when Asus confirmed that the entire Zenfone 3 and Zenfone 4 series will get the Oreo update, the company didn't provide a roll out time-frame, only saying the update will hit all eligible devices "by the second half of 2018". Well, now we have some news on that front. A moderator at the Taiwanese company's official forums recently confirmed that the Zenfone 4 (ZE554KL) Oreo update is expected to begin rolling out this month. ZE554KL is currently expected to provide upgrades in December Android O Sadly, an exact roll out date wasn't provided, but still it's far...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/asus_zenfone_4_oreo_update_likely_arriving_this_month-news-28618.php

Qualcomm reveals full specs of Snapdragon 845, comes with AI Platform

Qualcomm's Snapdragon Technology Summit in Hawaii is still going and new bits and pieces about the company future products are incoming. Yesterday the company announced the arrival of its latest flagship chipset Snapdragon 845 and now the company took the time to list its detailed specs. The new SoC will have octa-core CPU, clocked at up to 2.8 GHz, new GPU and AI platform, based on the Hexagon 685 DSP. Snapdragon 845 Process 10 nm FinFET CPU 8x Kryo 385 (4x Cortex-A75 up to 2.8 GHz + 4x Cortex-A55 up to 1.8 GHz) GPU / VPS ...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/qualcomm_full_specs_snapdragon_845-news-28620.php

OnePlus explains why it opted against having Project Treble on current devices

OnePlus has already confirmed that it'll not have Project Treble on any of its current devices, including the recently launched OnePlus 5T. Now, the Chinese company has provided more information on the matter. During and AMA session on its official forums yesterday, a staff member explained that implementing Project Treble on current devices through an OTA update comes with risk of bricking the units. Here's what they exactly said: Project Treble requires a storage partition, by which the Android framework and vendor image are separated. However, because partitions were not required...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/oneplus_explains_why_it_opted_against_having_project_treble_on_current_devices-news-28616.php

Android Wear devices to get Oreo update starting today

It was back in October, when an Oreo-based Android Wear beta was announced by Google. Now, over two months after that, it has been announced the Oreo update will start rolling out to Android Wear devices today onwards. The announcement came in the form of a Google+ post by Googler Hoi Lam, who is also a moderator at Android Wear Developers community on the social network. The post, as you can see in the screenshot, also lists some improvements the update brings along, including notification vibration strength setting, touch lock option for wet conditions, support for 7 new countries...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/android_wear_devices_to_get_oreo_update_starting_today-news-28614.php

Oculus Rift Core 2.0 beta now rolling out

Oculus has announced that it has begun rolling out the Rift Core 2.0 beta to all users on the public test channel. Announced back in October, Rift Core 2.0 is, according to Oculus, the next chapter for Rift. It features three main components, an overhauled Home interface, a redesigned Oculus desktop app and Dash. The Home space has been thoroughly redesigned, with the ability to customize it. Users can choose and rearrange the items in their Home space to their liking and fill it with interactive objects and decorative collectibles. Home is unique to every user and users can share...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/oculus_rift_core_20_beta_now_rolling_out-news-28613.php

OneDrive for Android gets a new look

Microsoft has redesigned the Android version of OneDrive. The app now features a bottom tab bar, which is more in line with the updated Android user design guidelines. The app looks more modern and cleaner than before. Also added is a new Me tab. Here you can keep track of your notifications, your files made available for offline use, your recycle bin and your OneDrive plan details. The app is now available to download for free on the Google Play Store. Download

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/onedrive_for_android_gets_a_new_look-news-28612.php

Qualcomm announces support for Android Oreo (Go Edition)

Qualcomm has announced support for Google's new Android Oreo (Go Edition) platform. The company will be working alongside Google to improve the experience on these devices, many of which will have 1GB or less RAM. Qualcomm didn't really say anything about what it is doing in this partnership and merely listed off what Google has done with Android Oreo (Go Edition). Which, as we learned yesterday, involves having a streamlined version of the OS designed for low-end hardware with low RAM and storage space, lightweight version of Google apps, and a version of Play Store that highlights...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/qualcomm_announces_support_for_android_oreo_go_edition-news-28611.php

Huawei Mate 9 and Mate 9 Pro getting Oreo with EMUI 8.0 update

As promised EMUI 8.0 is being delivered to Huawei's Mate 9 and Mate 9 Pro (also the Porsche Design model). This is the latest version of Huawei's Android customization, it is based on Android 8.0 Oreo. The phones launcher around this time last year with EMUI 5.0 - which was based on Android 7.0 Nougat (Huawei decided to rejigger the version numbers). Anyway, this new versions brings over many of the AI features that the the new Mate 10 brought. This includes the digital assistant with voice commands, translation and more. The desktop mode, called Projection, is part of the update as...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/huawei_mate_9_and_mate_9_pro_oreo_update-news-28610.php

Kantar: Huawei leads the Chinese market, and Samsung nowhere to be seen

Kantar Worldpanel just revealed its summary of the smartphone markets across the globe for the August-October 2017 period. According to the data, Huawei, Xiaomi, Apple, vivo, and Oppo made up 91% of sales in China. The same report also reads that Apple shares were hurt due to the iPhone X late release. Urban China, where the 3G connection is shabby, is dominated by Huawei, Oppo, and vivo who sell their devices in offline stores. Xiaomi, on the other hand, is the most influential player online but also managed to launch multiple stores at once to keep up with the offline...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/kantar_huawei_leads_chinese_market_samsung_nowhere-news-28609.php

You can now download the Android 8.1 factory image for Pixel and Nexus devices

Google has released the Android 8.1 OTA and factory images for the Google Pixel 2, 2 XL, original Pixel and Pixel XL, Nexus 6P, Nexus 5X and the Pixel C tablet so you can go and download them and flash them onto your device. The 8.1 update will start rolling out to Google Pixel and Nexus devices next week, while today Google is seeding Android 8.1 to the Android Open Source Project. Android 8.1 includes the Neural Networks API which gives apps access to machine learning and hardware acceleration, there are enhancements to Autofill, memory optimizations, bug fixes and security...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/android_81_starts_rolling_out_to_pixel_and_nexus_devices-news-28608.php

LG V30+ arriving in India next week

The LG V30 continues its expansion around the world - first Europe, now India. Today the company sent out invites for a December 13 event (that's next Wednesday) to unveil the LG V30+. The V30+ is the same hardware but with double the storage - 128GB. And there's a free card slot to boot (a hybrid slot, but still). We don't know the price yet or whether the regular V30 will also be available (it should be, right?). The LG G6 currently sells for INR 33,000, though the V30 will probably be closer to its initial price of INR 55,000 (a Galaxy Note8 is INR 68,000). Via

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/lg_v30_arriving_in_india_next_week-news-28607.php

Apple wins a trademark lawsuit against Xiaomi in Europe

Xiaomi filed an application in 2014 with the Intellectual Property Office of the European Union (EUIPO) to register Mi Pad as a trademark in the EU. Apple challenged the form on the grounds of English-speaking consumers might read Mi Pad as "my pad, " and therefore this sounds too close to iPad. The General Court of EU said the complaint upheld by EUIPO in 2016 was correct, therefore not allowing Xiaomi to trademark its tablet series. Apple iPad vs. Xiaomi Mi Pad "The dissimilarity between the signs at issue, resulting from the presence of the additional letter ‘m' at the...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/apple_wins_trademark_lawsuit_xiaomi_europe-news-28606.php

Consumer Report: iPhone X has a great camera, but final score is below Galaxy S8

Consumer Reports has finished testing the iPhone X and the results are mixed. The phone features the best camera - for both stills and video - that CR has ever tested. The screen got high marks as well and the testers were generally pleased with Face ID (the lack of a Home button required only a short adjustment period). But the phone is found to be quite fragile. Of the three units tested, two had failed screens after 50 turns in the tumbling machine - that's a $280 repair right there. The third unit had a "significantly" cracked back. To its credit, the iPhone X did just fine on the drop...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/consumer_report_iphone_x_score_is_below_the_galaxy_s8-news-28605.php

Xiaomi Redmi 5 and Redmi 5 Plus surface again, come with Snapdragon chipsets

The Xiaomi Redmi 5 and Redmi 5 Plus will arrive tomorrow. We already know how the phone will look, how it most likely will cost. Most of the specs were leaked on TENAA, while the MIUI 9 was announced by the company. Some of the specs were double-confirmed by a live photo which also revealed the Snapdragon chipset that will power the Redmi 5 phones. The Redmi 5 will arrive with 5.7" screen with the popular FullView display with 18:9 ratio. The chipset will be Snapdragon 450 - a 14nm process unit with octa-core CPU and Adreno 506 GPU. The camera on the back will be 12 MP. The...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_redmi_5_and_redmi_5_plus_snapdragon_chipset-news-28604.php

Nokia 7 in Matte White to be available in China next week

Like white phones? Soon you'll be able to buy a Matte White Nokia 7, in China anyway. The phone is yet to make its way to its native Europe, though the Gloss Black has been available in China for a while now. Anyway, JD.com, Suning and Lynx will all start accepting reservations tomorrow (requires CNY 100 deposit). The actual sale begins on December 12 - 12/12 - at a price of CNY 2,000 ($300/€255). Nokia 7 in Matte White By the looks of it, only the 4GB/64GB variant is available in white. If you want 6GB/64GB you'll have to go with the black one. Still no word on a western...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/white_nokia_7_in_china_next_week-news-28603.php

Apple TV will finally get Amazon Prime Video

Way back at the WWDC in June Apple announced that Amazon Prime Video will come to Apple TV before the end of the year and it looks keen to keep its promise. Apple mistakenly leaked a story about the launch of Amazon Prime Video for the Apple TV, which was picked up by Reddit user studio1burbank. He set his phone's date and time to 1 day in advance and got a promo in his App Store about the Amazon Prime Video for Apple TV. Apple has since hidden the promo but it's clear that it will update the Apple TV to support Amazon Prime Video quite soon, likely this week. The new Apple TV...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/apple_tv_will_finally_get_amazon_prime_video-news-28602.php

Huawei P11 rumored to have three cameras on the back for 40MP snaps

Huawei loves dual rear camera systems so much that it's basically been employing this arrangement in all of its flagships and mid-rangers for a while now. Next year, though, the Chinese company may take things to a whole new level. In fact, Huawei's next P-series smartphone - perhaps to be dubbed the P11 - might be showing up with not one, not two, but three cameras on the rear. This setup will allegedly enable 40MP photos, as well as 5x "hybrid zooming". Selfies won't be forgotten either, for you will be able to take 24MP shots with "low light enhancement". The new Leica-branded optics...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/huaweis_next_pseries_device_rumored_to_have_threelens_rear_camera_for_40mp_snaps-news-28600.php

Huawei Nova 2S unboxed and handled on video

Previous leaks have painted a pretty picture of the Huawei Nova 2S, but now a very short video gives a visual confirmation. The phone also gets its first hands-on, despite its unofficial status. It will be unveiled on December 7 (tomorrow). The video starts off with an unboxing, starring a charger, cable and a headset. The phone comes with Android 8.0 Oreo - Huawei has been great in providing the latest software - while the power is supplied by a Kirin 960, the chipset used in the P10 and Mate 9 flagships. And it's hooked up to 6GB of ram, an upgrade over the base Nova 2. Storage is...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/huawei_nova_2s_unboxing_video-news-28601.php

iOS 11 adoption reaches 59%

Apple has revealed its latest iOS adoption numbers. The data shows that 59% of the iDevices are already on iOS 11, which is an improvement from the 52%, measured back in the beginning of November. One-third of iPhones, iPads and iPod touch devices are still on iOS 10, while 8% are running an earlier versions of the Apple mobile OS. The smallest piece of the pie chart includes devices like the iPhone 5C, 3rd generation iPads and 4th gen iPod touch which are no longer getting software updates. Source

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/adoption_of_ios_11_reaches_59-news-28599.php

Apple Pay Cash comes to the US

Apple Pay Cash has arrived to US customers, enabling person to person cash payments through Apple Pay and iMessage. The feature was first supported in the iOS 11.2 beta 2 but was not ready by the time the final iOS 11.2 rolled out a few days ago. Apple Pay Cash supports iPhone SE, iPhone 6 and newer, iPad Pro, iPad 5th Generation, iPad Air 2, iPad mini 3 (or later) while Apple Watch users need watchOS 4.2 to use Apple Pay Cash. You need to restart your devices before they can start to send and receive money. Currently a US exclusive, there's no timeframe for the eventual...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/apple_pay_cash_comes_to_the_us_-news-28598.php