Google is killing off Project Tango, come March 2018

The road to progress, especially in the tech realm, is almost never a straight and smooth one. Few companies actually understand this better, in practice, on a grand scheme than Google - an innovator, startup adopter and visionary for many breakthroughs, but also a cold executioner for many others. It seems Project Tango - the ambitious AR platform, is officially getting the latter treatment as well and heading towards the discarded idea pile. Pretty fast at that, with an expiration date set for March 2018. Still, as sad as this news is for AR enthusiasts, not to mention early...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/google_is_killing_off_project_tango_come_march_2018-news-28748.php

Sony H8216 specs leak. Likely a Xperia XZ1 successor

Sony's upcoming 2018 smartphone lineup has been leaking left and right recently. Last week, a potential XZ Premium successor was identified, carrying the H8116 and H8166 model numbers, following a pair of other leaks. A few other 1080p flagships were mentioned in the source as well, with the following model numbers: H8216, H8266, H8276 and H8296. Sony H8216 specs We originally speculated these were variants of a Xperia XZ1 successor, potentially titled the Xperia XZ1S or Xperia XZ2. A theory further backed by a fresh new specs leak for the H8216. It claims the handset will...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/sony_h8216_specs_leak_likely_a_xperia_xz1_successor-news-28746.php

Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) and A8+ (2018) star in a new hands-on video

Samsung's 2018 Galaxy A, premium, mid-range lineup has been a constant highlight in the rumor mill these past few weeks. After catching a glimpse of the Galaxy A8+ (2018) and learning its full specs, we then found out we can expect it, along with the smaller A8 (2018) in January, at CES. And just when we though there was little left to the imagination, a YouTube user dropped a high-quality hands-on video with the pair. Sadly, the clip is not in English, but the eye-candy shots and visual tour around the devices is still very much present. The 2017 influences in the premium metal and...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_a8_2018_and_a8_2018_star_in_a_new_handson_video-news-28747.php

References to the mythical Microsoft Surface Phone creep up once again

OK, before we get into full on "witch-hunt" mode, let's get some facts out in the open, namely that Windows Phone is officially dead. After more than a few major flops, Microsoft seems to be justifiably shying away from the mobile market as a whole. So, unless you count the odd manufacturer, that apparently missed the memo, this should officially be the end of the story, for now. in the souece code of this page, there is "pageName":"Apps hub for 8828080" 😌 https://t.co/mJNu6uO2st— WalkingCat (@h0x0d) December 15, 2017 However, Twitter user WalkingCat doesn't really think so...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/references_to_the_mythical_microsoft_surface_phone_creep_up_once_again-news-28745.php

Instagram is rolling out a new holiday season update

Whether you fall into Instagram's target audience or not, there is no denying that the Facebook-owned social network is working really hard to stay relevant and as "1337" as possible, as the younger crowd would put it. (Provided that reference isn't horribly outdated already). The company's latest update (version 26, if anyone is actually keeping track) is chuck full of holiday spirit. There are three new festive filters to enjoy: a frosted glass effect, holiday makeup and a gold and silver balloon overlay, complete with digital confetti. In addition, the stickers library will soon...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/instagram_is_rolling_out_a_new_holiday_season_update-news-28744.php

Instagram is rolling our a new holiday season update

Whether you fall into Instagram's target audience or not, there is no denying that the Facebook-owned social network is working really hard to stay relevant and as "1337" as possible, as the younger crowd would put it. (Provided that reference isn't horribly outdated already). The company's latest update (version 26, if anyone is actually keeping track) is chuck full of holiday spirit. There are three new festive filters to enjoy: a frosted glass effect, holiday makeup and a gold and silver balloon overlay, complete with digital confetti. In addition, the stickers library will soon...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/instagram_is_rolling_our_a_new_holiday_season_update-news-28744.php

Huawei Mate 10 Lite review

Probably every Huawei flagship - be it P-series or a Mate - has had a trusted companion, a Lite version to complement - and. well, compliment it. The flagship shines even brighter next to a less gifted stablemate. The Lite model in turn doesn't mind sharing some of the reflected light. It always works both ways and manufacturers are trying to get the best of it.

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/huawei_mate_10_lite-review-1698.php

Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018), A8+ (2018), and LG K10 (2018) to be announced at CES in January

Samsung's much leaked Galaxy A8 (2018) and A8+ (2018) are going to be unveiled at CES, according to a new rumor out of South Korea. LG won't let Samsung have the whole spotlight to itself though, as it also plans to announce the K10 (2018) on the same occasion. The A8 duo for 2018 will come with 18:9 Infinity Displays and very small bezels. The A8+'s screen will be 6" in size, while the A8 will settle for 5.5". They will ship with Bixby Home and Bixby Remind, at least in Korea, but will not have Bixby Voice installed (or a Bixby button). You will get 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, a 16 MP...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_a8_2018_a8_2018_and_lg_k10_2018_to_be_announced_at_ces_in_january-news-28743.php

GSMArena labs: enhanced compare tool

You don't realize how complicated modern smartphones are until you try comparing two side by side. The avalanche of features can bury the true differences between them so we've improved our Compare page with a new mode. It shows only the differences between models, dimming the identical features. Looking at very similar phones to find the differences can be quite hard - let's try the Samsung Galaxy flagship line for example. With the differences mode enabled, you can immediately spot that the Galaxy Note8 has a stylus and HDR10-enabled screen. The camera has 2x zoom and uses a slightly...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/gsmarena_labs_introducing_our_differences_compare_mode-news-28739.php

Huawei Honor 9 Lite price leaks, will be unveiled on December 21

The upcoming Huawei Honor 9 Lite will be a slightly smaller alternative to the Mate 10 Lite. Both phones have dual cameras on their fronts and backs, but will the Honor phone be more affordable than the Mate? China Telecom answered that question a bit prematurely. The new phone will cost CNY 2,000 for the 4GB/32GB model and CNY 2,400 for the one with 64GB storage. That's the same price as the Mate 10 Lite (64GB). The invite • Huawei Honor 9 Lite The new Honor 9 Lite will be unveiled at an event on December 21, the image above is the invite. You don't have to wait that long for...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/huawei_honor_9_lite_price_leaks-news-28742.php

OnePlus 5 Oreo beta 2 begins rolling

OnePlus 5 users enrolled in the company's Oreo beta program, have started getting a new build. The OxygenOS Open Beta 2 update brings along several changes related to launcher, camera, file manger, and system. Starting with the launcher, issues related to shortcut and widget have been fixed. Camera changes are mostly UI improvements, while file manager changes include addition of f4v format in video category and speed improvements while deleting large number of files. Now coming to system changes, there are improvements related to Bluetooth audio, vibration, and Reading mode. Bugs...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/oneplus_5_oreo_beta_2_begins_rolling-news-28741.php

Deals: Samsung Galaxy Note8, Galaxy S8 and LG V30+

It's probably too late for holiday gift shopping, but you you can still score a flagship Galaxy on the cheap for the new year. And if that's not your thing, perhaps you'll like an LG better. There's a Samsung Galaxy Note8 (dual SIM) on eBay US for $730 right now. Available in Black, Gold and Gray with 64GB storage. Europeans are looking at €710 for a Maple Gold variant (also dual SIM, also from eBay). If you want to go smaller, there's a Galaxy S8 (dual SIM) going for €520 (Orchid Gray). Samsung Galaxy Note8 • Samsung Galaxy S8 • LG V30 And the promised alternative - LG...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/ebay_deals_galaxy_note8_galaxy_s8_and_lg_v30-news-28737.php

Samsung Galaxy Note8 X 99 AVANT limited edition artsy phone goes on sale

Can phones be art? The Samsung Galaxy Note8 X 99 AVANT certainly tries. It's a very limited run of just 99 units (hence the name) and feature the exclusive artwork of Han Seung-Woo. You get a tiger-themed case (with the artist's signature on the inside) so that you don't have to choose between keeping your phone safe and covering up the artwork. You also get a separate print (69 x 45cm in size) you can hang at home. Each of the 99 units has a unique 8-digit number to attest to its authenticity. Other than that, the phone is a standard Galaxy Note8 (midnight black) with 256GB of...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_note8_x_99_avant_limited_edition-news-28736.php

Huawei P11 to launch in Q1 next year

Earlier on, a Huawei exec said that the P11 will "probably" be announced at the MWC. It seems that those plans are solidifying as representatives at an event in Germany confirmed that the new flagship will be unveiled in Q1 2018. There are plenty of speculations about the Huawei P11. Some that we half way believe, like the three camera setup, and others that we hope are not true (notches are not a good thing). Huawei P10 Anyway, the Huawei P10 was announced in February at the MWC and went on sale the following month. We're probably looking at the same time frame for the P11 next...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/huawei_p11_might_launch_in_q1_next_year-news-28735.php

Samsung patents foldable dual screen phone with focus on gaming

Foldable dual screen phones seem like a solution in search of a problem. Samsung patents reveal what the company engineers believe might be the right problems to solve for a successful foldable phone. As we saw before, providing gaming controls on the second screen while gameplay runs on the other screen is the most obvious solution - it's the Nintendo 3DS, but reborn as an Android phone. The patents also talk about using a stylus - the S Pen presumably. Graphics artists often draw on a stylus-enabled tablet that is not a screen - having a separate screen means you don't cover up...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_patents_describe_gameplay_on_foldable_phones-news-28734.php

OPPO R11s gets New Year Anniversary Edition

Oppo has announced a new variant for its R11s smartphone. Dubbed New Year Anniversary Edition, the model is being released to commemorate the upcoming new year. Based on the red R11s, it has a gold rim border on the rear camera setup and golden logo. There's also a small golden dot near the bottom. Specs and pricing should remain same. No exact information on availability yet. Via

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/oppo_r11s_gets_new_year_anniversary_edition_variant-news-28732.php

New report says Samsung aiming H1 2018 launch for its smart speaker

Last we heard, Samsung had confirmed that it's working on a Bixby-powered smart speaker, saying that it'll be launched soon. Now, according to a new report, the company is aiming to enter the smart speaker market sometime in the first half of next year. The report notes that the speaker will have a strong focus on audio quality. Another key area of focus is how it'd manage connected home appliances like lights and locks. NOT the Bixby speaker (this is a Samsung Radiant 360 Bluetooth speaker) The device will also synchronize with smartphones and TVs, the report says, adding that...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/new_report_says_samsung_aiming_h1_2018_launch_for_its_smart_speaker-news-28729.php

Galaxy S9 and S9+ outed in renders and video, see them from all angles

There comes a time in the life of every rumored device when CAD-based renders are outed for it, showing it from all angles. These are accompanied by a render video so you can really get a hang of what it will look like. Today is just such a day, but you get two for the price of one: both of Samsung's upcoming flagships, the Galaxy S9 and S9+, have received this exact treatment. Samsung Galaxy S9 front Starting off with the smaller Galaxy S9, you will undoubtedly notice that while it sports a similar overall design to the S8, there are some notable changes. Samsung...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s9_and_galaxy_s9_renders_outed_see_them_from_all_angles-news-28728.php

LG pre-announces new Gram laptops ahead of CES

Not to be outdone by Samsung and its unveiling of the Notebook 9 (2018) earlier today, LG has decided to do what it does best: pre-announce a product. This time around it's a new generation of Gram laptops, that will be fully unveiled at CES in Las Vegas in early January. The Gram series debuted in 2014, and the 2018 iteration features a 72Wh battery that delivers 19 to 22.5 hours of use depending on the screen size you pick (assessment based on 2014 MobileMark criteria). You will be able to buy a Gram next year with a choice of 13.3", 14", and 15.6" display. In that order, they will...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/lg_preannounces_new_gram_laptops_ahead_of_ces-news-28727.php

Xiaomi Mi A1 gets new Special Edition Red variant

Xiaomi has launched a new variant for its Mi A1 Android One smartphone. Dubbed Special Edition Red, the variant has been launched in Indonesia, where it carries a price tag of IDR 3,099,000, which currently translates into around $215. Aside from the new color, the variant is same as the regular Mi A1, meaning there's no change in specs. So with this, the Mi A1 now comes in a total of four color options, including black, gold, rose gold, and red. No information on when other markets will get the new model. Via

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_mi_a1_gets_new_special_edition_red_variant-news-28725.php

Retail box for Meizu M6S leaks in hands-on photo

Aside from its higher-end devices, Meizu has been releasing mid-rangers under the Blue Charm sub-brand in China. These devices have so far been rebranded into the "M" series for other markets, with the latest being the M6 and M6 Note. However, the Chinese company has long been rumored to split Blue Charm into its own independent company and stop using the Meizu name for these models altogether. That could happen starting with the upcoming M6S, which was initially planned to launch this month, but has been pushed to early next year because of some camera-related issues. Today in China a...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/retail_box_for_meizu_m6s_leaks_in_handson_photo-news-28726.php

Bing joins Reddit in launching AI-powered search

The Microsoft search engine Bing just announced new AI-powered Intelligent Search features. The most important function is called Intelligent Answers that runs on neural networks to provide the needed answers. The company also announced a partnership with Reddit that will help the Intelligent Search. When searching for a general topic that already has the answers by the online community, Bing will offer a sneak peek. It will also provide info about subreddits, AMAs, and celebrities. Starting today, when a question is typed in the Bing search bar, a summarized info will appear from...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/bing_joins_hands_with_reddit_in_launching_aipowered_search-news-28723.php

OnePlus 5T Star Wars Limited Edition hands-on review

The OnePlus 5T Star Wars Limited Edition is finally here and we have had one in-house to play with for a few days. Normally, we would do a full review but since, outside of a few aesthetic differences, this is still the OnePlus 5T that released last month, this feature will pretty much just focus on those changes and we would direct you to our full review of the OnePlus 5T for further reading. Box With that said, let's get on with this. The very first thing you will notice when you get this phone in your hands is the packaging. OnePlus phones have had a fairly basic white and red...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/oneplus_5t_star_wars_limited_edition_handson_review-news-28714.php

Oreo Beta 4 for Samsung Galaxy S8/S8+ now seeding

As expected, Samsung has started rolling out Oreo Beta 4 build to eligible Galaxy S8/S8+ units. The update weighs in at around 850MB, and arrives as software version ZQL8 for both devices. As for changes, the update features improvements related to Bluetooth stability as well as a long list of bug fixes. The changelog also mentions new Google security patch - should be for the month of December, as Beta 3 included the November patch. Thanks for the tip, Pranjal!!!

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/oreo_beta_4_for_samsung_galaxy_s8_s8_now_seeding-news-28721.php

Honor 9 Youth Edition set to be unveiled next week

Huawei's sub-brand Honor has confirmed that it will be unveiling a new smartphone next week. The company took to its official Weibo account to announce that Honor 9 Youth Edition will debut on December 21. The device has already been certified by China's TENAA. Some of its key specs include Kirin 659 SoC and 5.65-inch display (18:9 aspect ratio) with 2160 x 1080 pixel resolution. It will be available in 3GB/32GB and 4GB/64GB memory configurations. The handset features dual camera setup (13MP+20MP) on both back and front. Battery capacity is 2,900mAh, while OS is Android 8.0. The...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/honor_9_youth_edition_set_to_be_unveiled_next_week-news-28722.php

Essential Phone to get double tap to wake and EIS in "near future"

Hot on the heels lf yesterday's news that Essential Phone sales have reached 50,000 units, we learn the phone is going to get EIS and double tap gesture for waking the phone. The company held it's bi-weekly AMA on Reddit where officials discussed plans and current bugs. Essential officials also discussed Project Treble. That is coming to the PH-1 in the Oreo 8.1 release, but fans might have to wait, since 8.0 is still in beta. The Oreo Beta 2 that was scheduled for this week, but got postponed in the last minute after encountering "a few regressions". It should arrive on Monday and...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/essential_phone_to_get_double_tap_to_wake_and_eis_in_near_future-news-28720.php

Samsung Notebook 9 (2018) unveiled: S Pen version in tow

Samsung went ultralight with its latest ultrabooks. The 13.3" version of the Samsung Notebook 9 (2018) weighs 995g (2.19lbs). Even the larger 15" model is just 1,250g (2.76lbs)! They are powered exclusively by 8th generation Intel Core i7 processors with up to 16GB of RAM and up to 1TB SSD (the fast NVMe PCIe kind). The 15" model can be had with Nvidia MX150 dedicated GPU (2GB of GDDR5), which weighs an extra 40g. Battery life should be quite impressive for something so light thanks to the 6-cell 75Wh battery. The body is made out of a magnesium alloy called Metal12, which is both light...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_notebook_9_2018_laptops_unveiled-news-28719.php

Huawei Enjoy 7S leaks in full ahead of December 18 announcement

The upcoming Huawei Enjoy 7S appeared on TENAA this week revealing most of its specs. Today a tweet by famous @evleaks reconfirmed them and brought us the first official press render of the phone. Huawei, on the other hand, took it to Weibo to announce the official launch date - the Enjoy 7S will arrive on December 18. Huawei Enjoy 7S first official render Evan Blass reported what we already knew - 5.65" FullView display with 1080 x 2160 pixel resolution and Kirin 659 chipset. The phone will have either 3 GB RAM + 32 GB storage or 4 GB RAM + 64 GB storage, depending on version. There...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/huawei_enjoy_7s_to_arrive_on_december_18-news-28718.php

New Google PhotoScan update brings ability to auto save

A new update has started rolling out to the Google PhotoScan app, bumping it to version 1.5. The update brings along several changes, including the ability to auto save images. Specifically, the photos you scan through the app are now automatically saved to your device, and Google Photos in the process. In addition, the update also makes the capture and saving process easier. Moving on, the update also brings along an improved corner editor. And finally, in addition to corners, you can now also drag the edges to adjust the automatic cropping of your scanned photo. Source | Via

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/new_google_photoscan_update_brings_ability_to_auto_save-news-28715.php

Google Assistant finally arrives on Android tablets, also expands to phones running Lollipop

The Google Assistant started life as an exclusive to the original Pixel phones. It then got rolled out to every Android handset that runs Marshmallow or a newer version, and now it's finally time for it to expand some more. First off, it's in the process of being rolled out to even older phones, the ones that still run Lollipop. This rollout is ongoing for users with the language set to English in the US, UK, India, Australia, Canada, and Singapore, as well as in Spanish in the US, Mexico, and Spain. You'll get it if you're in Italy, Japan, Germany, Brazil, and Korea too. Once you receive...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/google_assistant_finally_arrives_on_android_tablets_also_expands_to_phones_running_lollipop-news-28713.php

iOS 11.2.1 and tvOS 11.2.1 now available to restore remote access in HomeKit

Today Apple has made iOS 11.2.1 and tvOS 11.2.1 available to download and install. They should already be rolling out over-the-air to supported mobile devices and Apple TV consoles. Both of these releases practically fix the same thing: the inability to use remote access in HomeKit for shared users. This was temporarily disabled last week through a server-side switch, in order to swiftly address a newly discovered vulnerability in Apple's smart home framework, which allowed unauthorized access to occur in certain conditions. It was a pretty nasty bug, letting unauthorized people access...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/ios_1121_and_tvos_1121_now_available_to_restore_remote_access_in_homekit-news-28712.php

LG V30+ announced for India, will be available on December 18

Right on schedule, LG has finally unveiled the V30+ smartphone for India today. This is the version of the company's latest flagship smartphone that comes with 128GB of built-in storage, double the space of the 'vanilla' V30. It's certainly taken its sweet time to get to the subcontinent, considering that it was initially announced in August and released in some markets in September. Anyway, the wait is almost over. The V30+ will be available on December 18 exclusively from Amazon India for INR 44,990, which at the current exchange rates means $699 or €593. It's very competitive...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/lg_v30_announced_for_india_will_be_available_on_december_18-news-28711.php

Nokia camera app get telephoto and wide-angle support ahead of Nokia 9 launch

The Oreo beta for the Nokia 5 brought a new version of Nokia's camera app - with surprising (and hidden) new features. The camera now supports dual cameras of both the telephoto and wide-angle kind. The app specifically shows 2x telephoto zoom, which is the standard for phones right now. The Nokia 5 can't make use of it of course, even HMD's only dual camera phone - the Nokia 8 - has a identical field of view on its two cameras. But this app shows what could come in the future. So far no phone on the market does both telephoto and wide-angle. We've already heard the first murmurs of...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/nokia_camera_app_supports_telephoto_and_wideangle-news-28709.php

Sony's Meet the Makers gives insight into the Xperia phones' color options

Meet Kaoru Murai, Sony Mobile's Art Director in charge of color, material and finish for Xperia phones. He shares how the colors are chosen and also some interesting insight into what colors are more popular where. For instance, Europeans seem to prefer Silver while Japanese customers gravitate towards white. To choose the colors of Sony smartphones Kaoru Murai's team creates a concept with a target customer in mind and then discusses the color possibilities. More often than not the designer's recommendation is heeded the most. Blue has been one of the most popular colors of...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/sonys_meet_the_makers_gives_insight_into_the_color_of_xperia_phones-news-28708.php

Essential Phone sales reach 50,000 units

The Essential Phone has some impressive specs and a very tempting price since the beginning of November. But with the company not disclosing any sales numbers officially we have to rely on other sources to know how many people actually got the PH-1. The Essential Camera app has just surpassed the 10,000 - 50,000 mark in the Google Play store and now falls in the 50,000 - 100,000 category. This was caught on reddit by user where_else, who followed up with numbers about the other Essential apps - Services and Resources. They are still in the previous range, meaning Google is yet to...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/essential_phone_sales_50000_units-news-28704.php

Google releases Year in Search video

December is usually a month for looking back and reflecting on the past year. Google released its annual Year in Search video, pointing out the trending events in 2017. It included the refugee crisis in Myanmar, the hurricanes that hit Puerto Rico and Houston, the #MeToo movement and many civil uprisings. Top five searches on Google included the iPhone 8 at second place and the iPhone X at third, being surpassed by only the Hurricane Irma disaster. Consumer Tech category reveals that the third most searched gadget was the Nintendo Switch which already sold 10 million units. In other...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/google_year_in_search_2017-news-28706.php

Panasonic launches low-end Eluga I9 smartphone

Panasonic has launched a new budget Android smartphone, the Eluga I9. The phone is priced at INR 7,499 ($116) and will be available exclusively on Flipkart in India starting December 15. The Eluga I9 has a 5-inch 720p IPS display in a 7.8mm thickness unibody design. It is powered by a MediaTek MT6737 processor with 1.25GHz quad-core CPU, with 3GB of RAM, and 32GB of expandable storage. On the back is a 13 megapixel camera and on the front a 5 megapixel camera, both with flash. The phone has a 2500mAh battery and comes with Android 7.0 Nougat. The Eluga I9 will be available in...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/panasonic_launches_lowend_eluga_i9_smartphone-news-28705.php

Microsoft Store discounts Mixed Reality Headsets by up to $200

AR and VR keep getting cheaper and cheaper. The latest discount is applied to the Mixed Reality Headsets by a variety of makers and with a wide spectrum of features. The Acer and Lenovo headsets cost $200 (both down from $400). Both feature 1440p (square) displays, 2.89" in size with 105° field of view and 90Hz refresh rate. Acer Windows Mixed Reality Headset • Lenovo Explorer Windows Mixed Reality Headset The HP headset is $250 with Similar specs. The Dell Visor is also $250, but the Microsoft Store currently shows it as out of stock. HP Windows Mixed Reality Headset...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/microsoft_store_discounts_mixed_reality_headsets-news-28703.php

Honor 9 Lite specs revealed by TENAA - two dual cameras for double the fun

The Huawei Honor 9 Lite is back at TENAA, and this time it left little to the imagination. After the photos from yesterday, comes a list of all key specs. The phone has a 5.65" screen with 18:9 aspect ratio and 1080p+ resolution, making it a slightly more compact alternative to the Honor 7X and Mate 10 Lite. It's an LCD by the way, AMOLED seems reserved for the Pro line. The good news is that the Honor 9 Lite runs Android 8.0 Oreo out of the box. It comes with 3GB/32GB memory as base and there's an upscale 4GB/64GB version. The chipset is unnamed, but the CPU specs seem to match the...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/honor_9_lite_specs_revealed_by_tenaa-news-28702.php

Huawei Mate 10 series to hit AT&T and Verizon in the US

Huawei devices haven't exactly had a lot of exposure in the US. The company pushed some affordable mid-rangers through its subsidiary Honor like the Honor 6X that got sold out at its first flash sale. Huawei also offered the Mate 9 and even launched a Superbowl commercial. Starting next month, the manufacturer is teaming up with AT&T and Verizon to offer the Huawei Mate 10 and the Huawei Mate 10 Pro as as the next step in its US expansion. Many Western markets, including the US, offer devices primarily through carriers, which is another reason why Chinese makers are having a hard...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/huawei_us__1072tt_verizon_mate_10_series-news-28701.php

6 new Meizu phones, including Meizu M6S, to arrive in H1 2018

Meizu M6S was expected to launch in China next week, but latest reports say the developers are having issues with its camera and will postpone the launch until 2018. It will be the first of six new Meizu smartphones being prepared for launch between January and June 2018. Meizu M6S is expected to be an update of the Meizu M6 and Meizu M6 Note, but we might have to wait until January or February to see if it will have a fingerprint scanner on the side as previously leaked images suggested. The Meizu 15 Plus is another phone, bound to appear in early 2018. First images of the...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/6_new_meizu_phones_including_meizu_m6s_arrive_h1_2018-news-28699.php

The Huami Amazfit 2 is Xiaomi's latest smartwatch offer

If you've ever dabbled in the wearable market, then Amazfit might just sound familiar. Originally known for its simplistic, yet stylish, activity trackers, the company has been under Xiaomi's caring wing for some time, long enough to release the second version of its smartwatch. Officially, the device goes by the name Amazfit Smart Sports Watch 2 and was just unveiled, along with an Amazfit Smart Sports Watch 2S Premium Edition variant. The Amazefit Pace 2 moniker has also been thrown around, hinting at a potential western release, as well. Either way, all new models build and...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/the_huami_amazfit_2_is_xiaomis_latest_smartwatch_offer-news-28700.php

AT&T's Samsung Galaxy S7/S7 edge updated with new mobile Hotspot APN support, AirWatch fix

AT&T has started pushing out a new update to Samsung Galaxy S7/S7 edge units on its network. Arriving as build number G930AUCU4BQK2 and G935AUCU4BQK2, respectively, and weighing in somewhere between 350MB and 400MB, the update brings along several changes. To start with, the update features support for new Mobile Hotspot APN. Then there is an AirWatch-related fix for enterprise customers. The update also include some improvements related to call and network performance. And lastly, Android security fixes for the month of November are also included in the update. For more...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/at_ts_samsung_galaxy_s7_s7_edge_updated_with_new_mobile_hotspot_apn_support_airwatch_fix-news-28698.php

More Android Wear devices are now getting Oreo

Earlier this week, Google revealed names of Android Wear devices that already began getting Oreo, as well as those that will eventually get the update. Well, that list has been updated by the company. The following names have been added afresh to the section which contains devices currently getting the update: Hugo BOSS BOSS Touch, Movado Connect, Tommy Hilfiger 24/7 You, Guess Connect, and Gc Connect. So that naturally means the number of entries in the section containing names of devices waiting to get the update has reduced. Here are all the remaining names in that section...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/list_of_android_wear_devices_getting_oreo_has_been_updated-news-28696.php

Oppo R11s review

The Oppo R11s is a great example of what has been going on in the mobile industry over the past six months or so. Soon after the original R11 launched in June, widescreen became the next big thing, Face ID took over from fingerprint unlock and the telephoto camera was repurposed for broader use.

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/oppo_r11s-review-1696.php

Instagram now lets you follow hashtags just like you follow people

Are hashtags people? Instagram now seems to think so. The Facebook-owned photo-oriented service has introduced another new feature today in its relentless quest to be your No.1 social destination. Long story short, you can now follow hashtags like you follow Instagram accounts. Search for something, and relevant hashtags will be listed in the results. When you find one you like, open it and then hit Follow. From that point on, top posts from that hashtag will enter your feed, and some of the latest stories with the hashtag will be featured in your stories bar. As with people, you...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/instagram_now_lets_you_follow_hashtags_just_like_you_follow_people-news-28694.php

Twitter makes it easy to create tweet threads

Twitter has added the ability to create Twitter threads more easily. Users will be able to tap a button while writing their tweet and link a second tweet to it and so forth. Once you are done, you can hit 'Tweet all' and the entire thread will be posted at once. If you feel like adding to the thread later, you can tap the new 'Add another tweet' button. Additionally, Twitter has also made it easy to spot a Twitter thread. Threads will have a 'Show this thread' label and tapping it will open the entire thread. We're introducing an easier way to Tweet a thread! 👇...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/twitter_makes_it_easy_to_create_tweet_threads-news-28695.php

OxygenOS 4.5.15 is now out for the OnePlus 5, brings October security patches

Last week OnePlus sent out OxygenOS 4.7.4 to the 5T, its latest smartphone. The software for that and its predecessor, the OnePlus 5, still hasn't been unified. That's why the 5 not only didn't receive last week's update, but in fact is getting an entirely different version altogether. Rolling out starting today, OxygenOS 4.5.15 is on its way to the OnePlus 5. This brings with it the October security patches, and no, you're not reading that wrong - we're still in December, and two more monthly security updates for Android have been released since. Even if it's not the latest, the...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/oxygenos_4515_is_now_out_for_the_oneplus_5_brings_october_security_patches-news-28693.php

Deal: Pixel 2 and 2 XL are £50 off in the UK and come with a free Google Home Mini

Google is feeling generous in the UK as the holidays are getting closer. Thus, the company is offering you £50 off the recommended retail price for both the Pixel 2 and the Pixel 2 XL. To top that off, you will also receive a promo code that will net you a Google Home Mini for free - since you probably need more of the Google Assistant in your life. Both of these promos are to be had at the Google store. The £50 discount on the phones will be available until December 16, while for the free Home Mini you can order a Pixel 2 or 2 XL until the end of the year. You then have until February 28...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/deal_pixel_2_and_2_xl_are__pound50_off_in_the_uk_and_come_with_a_free_google_home_mini-news-28692.php

Apple iMac Pro to go on sale on December 14

The Apple iMac Pro will be available for purchase starting December 14. Prices start at $4999 for the base configuration. The iMac Pro is the most power Mac Apple has ever made. The base configuration comes with an 8-core Intel Xeon, 32GB 2666MHz DDR4 ECC memory, 1TB SSD, AMD Radeon Pro Vega 56 GPU with 8GB HBM2 memory, 5K Retina display, 10Gb Ethernet, four Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) with support for two additional 5K external monitors, and that sick Space Gray finish for the main machine as well as the supplied Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse. However, if you feel like going all...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/apple_imac_pro_to_go_on_sale_on_december_14-news-28690.php