Top smartphone reviews of 2017

Being a mobile tech reviewer definitely has its perks. Shiny new devices are great and all, but still, at the end of the day, the most gratifying thing is to see our work actually help out readers and eager buyers navigate the vast and often confusing smartphone market. 2017 was a really interesting year, with many great announcements and more than one interesting trend set in motion and ready to unfold in 2018. Before CES kicks off and draws our collective attention to the future of mobile, what better time to sift through the top ten reviews of 2017, as rated by your interest....

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/top_smartphone_reviews_of_2017-news-28926.php

New Nokia 8 update begins rolling out

HMD has started pushing out a new update to its Nokia 8 smartphone. The change-log mentions things like improved system stability and user interface enhancements, aside from the December security patch. This new update - which arrives as Oreo version 4.390 and weighs in at around 330MB - is currently hitting units in some European markets. It's worth mentioning that the device has already received the December patch in some markets (like India), but these extra changes weren't included in that update. Via

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/new_nokia_8_update_begins_rolling_out-news-28925.php

OnePlus 5T Sandstone variant could be in works

If you are a OnePlus fan, you might remember that the Chinese company used Sandstone material on its OnePlus One and OnePlus 2 smartphones. Well, now it looks like the OnePlus 5T could get a Sandstone variant as well. The company recently published a video - called What's in the Box? - which shows random people touching/holding a OnePlus product kept in a closed box, and speculating what is it. As you can see, guesses range from "smooth," "grippy," textured", "like stone," to even something as straight forward as "OnePlus One Sandstone." So while there's no information to back this,...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/oneplus_5t_sandstone_variant_could_be_in_works-news-28924.php

Huawei P smart's European pricing and launch time frame revealed

Acclaimed leakster Evan Blass recently revealed that the Huawei Enjoy 7S will be globally available as the Huawei P smart. And now, a new report has revealing pricing and availability info for the device. As per the report, the P smart will go on sale in Germany sometime late January, and will carry a price tag of €249 (around $300). The report talks about the 3GB/32GB variant of the phone. No information yet on whether or not the 4GB/64GB model will be available in the region. Via

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/huawei_p_smarts_european_pricing_revealed-news-28923.php

LG Q6 review

LG went all-in with the 18:9 display aspect ratio this year for its flagships - both the G6 and the V30 employ this spec that's become incredibly trendy in 2017. The tall screens have only recently started to make their way to mid-rangers, though, and on that front LG was among the first to deliver, with the Q6.

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/lg_q6-review-1703.php

New update hitting Samsung Galaxy A7 (2017) and Sony Xperia XA

Samsung has started rolling out a new update to its Galaxy A7 (2017) smartphone. Arriving as firmware version A720FXXU2BQL9, it's a security update that brings along Android fixes for the month of December. The update is currently hitting units in Mexico, but should soon be available in other key markets as well. Moving on, the Sony Xperia XA meanwhile has also been receiving a security update that bumps the Android patch level from August 5 to November 6. The update carries a build number of 33.3.A.1.115. Currently only F3111 and F3113 models are getting the update, but...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/new_update_hitting_samsung_galaxy_a7_2017-news-28922.php

Xiaomi Redmi 5 in for review

Xiaomi Redmi 5 sounds like a successor to the Redmi 4, but it actually comes as a vanilla version of the Redmi 5 Plus that is essentially the follow-up of the Redmi Note 4. The name game might not be strong with Xiaomi, but the device appears to have everything you would expect from a 2017 phone in the affordable segment - an octa-core chipset, 18:9 screen and friendly user interface. The Redmi 5 feels nice in hand, mostly due to its tall design. Texting one-handed is quite comfortable, especially when you have extra room for the keyboard. Xiaomi provides a transparent case with...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_redmi_5_in_for_review-news-28899.php

Verizon Google Pixel 2 bootloaders can be easily unlocked

Verizon may officially not allow Google Pixel 2 bootloaders to be easily unlocked, but it has now come to light that the process is as easy as unlocking bootloaders of non-carrier Pixel 2 units. According to an XDA report (which cites forum posts from several of its own members), a simple fastboot command (specifically, fastboot flashing lock_critical) does the trick. It's worth mentioning that the method - described in detail in the XDA report we're referring - only works with the standard Pixel 2. Users of the XL model are currently out of luck. Also, there are high chances...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/verizon_google_pixel_2_bootloaders_can_be_easily_unlocked-news-28920.php

Nokia 2 will be updated to Android 8.1 Oreo

The Nokia 2 was unveiled at the end of October as HMD Global's lowest-end smartphone to date. It arrived in stores in certain markets last month, running Android 7.1.1 Nougat. Having an older version of the OS on board is pretty much par for the course for an entry-level handset, so that's not surprising at all. However, the Nokia 2 will be updated to Android 8.1 Oreo. Shocking as that may seem, the information comes straight from HMD's Chief Product Officer, Juho Sarvikas, so it's as official as it can get. The Nokia 2 is probably the cheapest phone to get a confirmation of an Oreo update...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/nokia_2_will_be_updated_to_android_81_oreo-news-28919.php

iFixit drops the prices for its iPhone battery replacement kits to $29 or lower

Earlier today we saw that Apple issued an apology for not clearly communicating that it was capping the performance of certain older iPhones when their battery health degraded and offering to drop the price of battery replacement for these devices down to $29 for the entire year of 2018. Now, iFixit has announced that it too will be slashing the prices for all of its iPhone battery replacement kits down to $29 or lower. These kits are available from iPhone 7 and all the way back to iPhone 4S. A typical iFixit battery replacement comes with the battery along with all the tools that...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/ifixit_drops_the_prices_for_its_iphone_battery_replacement_kits_to_29_or_lower-news-28918.php

Honor View 10 now open for registrations on Amazon India

Amazon has started registrations for the Honor View 10 launch in India, unsurprisingly exclusive to Amazon India. Registrations in this case doesn't mean you put any money down but simply that you will be alerted when the phone goes on sale, which will happen on January 8, 2018. The price is yet to be announced. The Honor View 10 is the flagship device in the Honor series, which is Huawei's online exclusive range. It has a 5.99-inch, 2160x1080 18:9 Full View display, 16MP + 20MP dual rear camera system, and 13MP front camera with face unlock. It runs on the Kirin 970 SoC with 6GB RAM...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/honor_view_10_now_open_for_registrations_on_amazon_india-news-28917.php

Users file lawsuits against Apple for slowing down old iPhones

Apple confirmed it slowed down old devices to keep the battery life, but the silent way the company pushed the feature angered many people. According to Reuters, at least eight owners filed lawsuits in US District Courts in California, New York, and Illinois and a similar one was deposited in an Israeli court. Apple iPhone 6s Slowing down iPhones on purpose was widely accepted as a bad move, but Apple said it had to implement the feature to keep the phones from shutting down abruptly. A case, filed on Thursday in San Francisco said that "the batteries inability to handle the...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/lawsuits_apple_slowing_down_old_iphones-news-28915.php

Amazon India teases upcoming Samsung Galaxy On smartphone

Amazon India is teasing a new upcoming device from Samsung. The landing page talks about a 'new way to shop', 'superior performance', and a 'stunning new look' before ending with 'coming soon'. We believe it is a successor to one of Samsung's older mid-range devices. Perhaps a 2018 Galaxy On7 or On8. That's pretty much all we can gather from the dark side view of the device and the fact that it says 'Shoot. Shop. On.' in the teaser. The page also talks about a new way to shop, suggesting a new payment system. Both, Samsung and Amazon, have their payment systems in India, Samsung Pay...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/amazon_india_teases_upcoming_samsung_galaxy_on_smartphone-news-28913.php

Nokia 3310 4G (TA-1077) spotted on TENAA, runs YunOS

The Nokia TA-1077, which received a certification in China earlier this month and is already said to be the Nokia 3310 4G, has now been spotted on TENNA. The listing also includes images of the device. While details are scarce on the specifications front, one interesting info the listing reveals is that the handset will be powered by Yun-OS, an Android-based operating system from China's Alibaba. No information yet on what price tag the Nokia 3310 4G will carry and when exactly it will be available. Source | Via

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/nokia_3310_4g_ta1077_spotted_on_tenaa_runs_yunos-news-28914.php

Top 10 phones of 2017: Best video recording

We're completing our 2017 best camera roundup with a look at the Top 10 phones for video capture to come out this year. Unsurprisingly, some of these were already featured in the Top 10 rear cameras article from a couple of weeks ago, and whaddayaknow, some can also tike pretty nice selfies. We're done with the stills, though, it's now time for video. #review-body .atitle b { color: #b23f33; height: 100%; display: inline-block; padding: 0 0.5em 0 0; } #review-body p.atitle { border-bottom: 2px solid #b23f33; } #review-body .atable td.value { float:...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/top_10_phones_of_2017_best_video_recording-news-28894.php

LG and Samsung also confirm not slowing down old phones

Apple admitted purposely slowing down old iPhones, with plans to keep on doing it. This wasn't well accepted across the internet and major companies decided to dissociate from such practices. After HTC and Motorola's announcement yesterday, today LG and Samsung also confirmed not tinkering with the performance of older devices. LG G5 & Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge Speaking to PhoneArena, an LG representative stated they "never have never will" do such a thing, adding that the company cares what the customers think. The other Korean manufacturer provided a longer answer: "Product quality...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/lg_and_samsung_also_confirm_not_slowing_down_old_phones-news-28912.php

Motorola Moto Z2 Force on T-Mobile gets Oreo

T-Mobile has started rolling out the Oreo update to Motorola Moto Z2 Force units on its network. The update carries a build number of OCX27, and also includes Android security fixes for the month of December. This comes a week after the Moto Z2 Force on Verizon started getting Oreo, making Verizon the first US carrier to roll out the update. If you are on T-Mobile, you should be getting the update in the days to come, so be patient. Source | Via

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/motorola_moto_z2_force_on_tmobile_gets_oreo-news-28911.php

Xiaomi launches the Yeelight speaker, powered by Alexa

Xiaomi joins the smart home speaker game with its latest announcement. The gadget is called Yeelight and is powered by Amazon's Alexa. The speaker's design is similar to the Echo Dot with a blue LED ring and volume control buttons on the top. Specs-wise, the speaker has quad-core Cortex-A53 CPU with 256 MB RAM and 256 MB internal memory. The Yeelight has six microphones that listen in 360 degrees with a 5-meter range. To reduce the echo, Xiaomi is using Acoustic Echo Cancellation and Beamforming technology. It has 4 GHz/5 GHz dual-band Wi-Fi connectivity, but can also be paired...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_yeelight_speaker-news-28910.php

Motorola drops the price of the Moto G5S Plus in India

Motorola has announced a permanent price drop for the popular Moto G5S Plus in India. The phone will now start at INR 14,999 ($235), a good INR 1000 drop over the previous price tag. The price drop is likely to better compete with newer competition in the market, many of which now sport an 18:9 display. The Moto G5S Plus has always been a pricier option in the budget segment in India and with this price drop Motorola is hoping it can still steer some of the prospective buyers away from the shinier competition and towards itself. The phone is available in 4GB + 64GB configuration...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/motorola_drops_the_price_of_the_moto_g5s_plus_in_india-news-28909.php

Huawei Enjoy 7S to be sold globally as Huawei P smart

Last week Huawei announced a new midranger with the name Enjoy 7S. The phone comes with Kirin 659 chipset, dual cameras on the back and the latest EMUI, based on Android Oreo. According to Evan Blass who proved himself in leaking valuable info, the phone will be sold outside China as Huawei P smart. The Huawei P smart will keep the same specs as the Enjoy 7S - 5.65" display with FullHD+ resolution and octa-core CPU, working at 2.36 GHz. The memory combinations are 3 GB RAM + 32 GB storage or 4 GB RAM + 64 GB storage, but Huawei would not surprise anyone if it decides to try...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/huawei_enjoy_7s_global_huawei_p_smart-news-28907.php

Apple issues statement regarding iPhone batteries and performance

Last week, we saw reports of Apple slowing down the performance of older iPhones. Back then, Apple had provided a short statement to media stating it was doing this to protect devices with older batteries from suddenly shutting down. Obviously, that didn't go down so well with people who have had theories of Apple intentionally slowing down older iPhones, with multiple lawsuits being files and the hue and cry that comes with these sort of things. Today, Apple has released a full and formal statement regarding the situation surrounding the iPhone batteries and performance. Right off the...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/apple_issues_statement_regarding_iphone_batteries_and_performance-news-28908.php

Samsung to unveil new Exynos SoC next week; Galaxy S9/S9+ clear FCC

Earlier this month, Qualcomm announced the Snapdragon 845, the SoC that'll likely power Samsung's next-gen S series smartphones in the US and China. The rest of the world, no points for guessing, will get Exynos-powered Galaxy S9 and S9+. Well, the next-gen Exynos SoC that'll power these flagships will be made official next week on January 4. A recent tweet from the South Korean company effectively confirmed this. Discover #TheNextExynos that goes beyond a component. Stay tuned. pic.twitter.com/542sWnQ7EZ— Samsung Exynos (@SamsungExynos) December 28, 2017 No official...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_to_unveil_new_exynos_soc_next_week_galaxy_s9_s9_clear_fcc-news-28906.php

Samsung pushes out update to fix Galaxy Note8 LTE data interruption issue

Samsung has started rolling out a new update to its Galaxy Note8 flagship smartphone. The update doesn't change the build number (which remains at N950FXXU2BQKG), but it includes a fix for an LTE-related issue. Specifically, the changelog says the update fixes intermittent interruption of LTE data. That's it. Aside from this, some other usual bug-fixes are also included. Reports say the update is currently hitting units in Taiwan - no information on if and when other key markets will get it. Source | Via

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_pushes_out_update_to_fix_galaxy_note8_lte_data_interruption_issue-news-28905.php

New OnePlus 5T update brings camera improvements

The OnePlus 5T has started receiving a new update. Arriving as OxygenOS 4.7.6, the update brings along multiple changes, including those related to camera and system. To start with, camera-related changes include clarity improvements for selfie in low light, performance improvements for third-party camera apps, and some stability improvements. Moving on, system-related changes include screenshot and WiFi display improvements. The update - which weighs in at 86MB - also adds assistive lighting for face unlock, and bumps the security patch level to December. In case you missed, an...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/new_oneplus_5t_update_brings_camera_improvements-news-28903.php

The 20 most popular phones of 2017

While we wait for 2018's phone launches with anticipation, let's take a moment and glance back over our shoulder and have a look at your most popular phones of 2017. Before we get into the phones themselves, it became apparent that 3 brands dominated the top 20. The top 20 most popular phones, brand breakdown Samsung led the way with 35%, followed by Xiaomi 25% and Nokia 15%. The remaining 25% comprised OnePlus, LG, Motorola, Huawei and Apple with 1 entry a piece. So let's get going and look at the top 20 in more detail. Top 10 Your most popular phone of 2017 was the...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/the_20_most_popular_phones_of_2017-news-28892.php

HTC and Motorola don't intentionally slow down older devices, unlike Apple

The mother of all mobile-related conspiracy theories was shockingly confirmed one week ago, when Apple admitted that it purposefully slows down old iPhones. While the company's intention is actually to prolong the life of those devices that are affected by aging batteries, this admission was obviously very controversial on the internet, where even much smaller issues turn into all-out flame wars at times. What Apple does is it throttles the CPU of iDevices that have old batteries, in order to prevent situations in which the battery life becomes worse. And today two of its competitors have...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/htc_and_motorola_dont_intentionally_slow_down_older_devices_unlike_apple-news-28902.php

Sony Xperia XA2 Ultra is the H4233 that leaked in September

Back in September an upcoming 2018 Sony smartphone had its specs leaked by a benchmark run. So far, however, all we've had to go on was its model number, namely H4233. And while that in itself betrayed the phone's mid-range status, it's always good to know exactly what a device is actually going to be called. In this case, the H4233 will be sold as the Xperia XA2 Ultra, the successor to the XA1 Ultra which launched this May. The official confirmation of its name comes by way of SIRIM, the Malaysian product certification body, which has outed it through its documents. The XA2 Ultra...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/sony_xperia_xa2_ultra_is_the_h4233_that_leaked_in_september-news-28901.php

Here's a leaked list of devices sporting the Snapdragon 845 in 2018

By now it's pretty clear that most of the top of the line Android smartphones of 2018 will have the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 SoC at the helm, which was unveiled at the beginning of this month. Thus, the situation next year will pretty much emulate what happened in 2017 with the Snapdragon 835. Today from a source in China comes a list of handsets that will be using the SD845 in 2018 along with their expected announcement timelines. We can't verify the validity of this information, but the presence of these devices in the list is anything but surprising. In February, Samsung will...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/heres_a_leaked_list_of_devices_sporting_the_snapdragon_845_in_2018-news-28900.php

Apple & Samsung take 70% of holiday activations

During this holiday season Apple & Samsung accounted for 70% of devices activated according to Flurry Analytics, with Apple taking the Lion's share with 44%. Google was a no show. Flurry took a look at the most gifted smartphones and tablets around the globe this holiday season, examining activations throughout the week leading up to Christmas day. Flurry Analytics, part of Oath, is used by over 1M mobile apps and has insight into 2.1 billion devices worldwide. Apple Dominate Similar to last year, 44% of new phone and tablet activations were Apple devices. Whilst Samsung's...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/apple___samsung_take_70_of_holiday_activations-news-28889.php

Gionee S11 to launch in India in January 2018

Gionee will be launching its S11 smartphone in India in January 2018, according to the sources at Techook. The phone first launched in China last month along with three siblings. The Gionee S11 has a 5.99-inch, 18:9 FullView Display and a MediaTek Helio P23 processor with 4/6GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. It boasts a dual camera system on the front and back, with the rear having a 16MP + 5MP system and the front having a 16MP + 8MP system. Apart from that, the S11 has a 3410mAh battery, hybrid dual SIM slot, and Amigo OS 5.0 based on Android 7.1 Nougat. The phone is priced at...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/gionee_s11_to_launch_in_india_in_january_2018-news-28897.php

Deal: The LG V30 is down to £700 at CarphoneWarehouse

The LG V30 is still fresh on European shelves but it's already seeing its first discount - in this case a 12% drop in price at CarphoneWarehouse in the UK. Originally a £795 prospect in both Silver and Blue, the 64GB LG V30 is now down to £700. Other retailers in the UK offer the V30 as well, but their price is harder to swallow. The V30 is in stock and available for next day delivery and there doesn't appear to be a timer on the new price. Mind you, at £700 the LG V30 is still rather expensive but so are its competitors such as the Pixel 2 XL, Galaxy S8+ or iPhone 8...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/deal_the_lg_v30_is_down_to_700_at_carphonewarehouse-news-28898.php

ZTE briefly lists the Blade V9 listed on its website

An official product page for the ZTE Blade V9 briefly went online and was subsequently pulled down. But, luckily, it was online long enough to grab all the information about the upcoming phone. The Blade V9 is ZTE's first phone with an 18:9 aspect screen (the tallest so far was the 17:9 ZTE nubia Z17s). The Blade V9 has a 5.7-inch LCD of 1080x2160px resolution. Inside there's a Snapdragon 450 chipset coupled with either 2GB, 3GB or 4GB of RAM with 16GB, 32GB and 64GB of internal storage, respectively. There's also a MicroSD card slot which doubles as a second SIM housing. There...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/zte_briefly_lists_the_blade_v9_listed_on_its_website-news-28896.php

Next-year Snapdragon 670, 640 and 460 specs leak

Qualcomm announced its flagship chipset in the beginning of December at the Snapdragon Technology Summit. According to the latest leak from Weibo, the chipset company from San Diego is preparing three more SoC platforms for 2018 - Snapdragon 670, Snapdragon 640 and Snapdragon 460. The SD670 comes as a successor of the SD660. The biggest change is the process it is built on - it will be 10nm so it will be more power-efficient. The CPU will have eight cores - 4x Kryo 360 at 2 GHz and 4x Kryo 385, clocked at 1.6 GHz. The GPU will be Adreno 620 and dual 14-bit Spectra 260 ISP. It will...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/snapdragon_670_640_and_460_specs_leak-news-28895.php

LG reveals upcoming Google Assistant powered ThinQ Speaker

LG has revealed its upcoming Bluetooth speaker called ThinQ Speaker. The key feature of this speaker is that it comes with Google Assistant built-in. Along with being able to do your typical Google Assistant tasks like asking about the weather or the news or anything else, the ThinQ Speaker will also be able to integrate with LG's line of smart home appliances. You will be able to tell Google Assistant to turn on your air purifier or your robot vacuum cleaner. LG has also partnered with Meridian Audio for the speakers and the device is capable of streaming high quality lossless...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/lg_reveals_upcoming_google_assistant_powered_thinq_speaker-news-28893.php

Image of Meizu 15 Plus confirms bezel-less design

Images of the 15 Plus, the anniversary phone by Meizu, appeared earlier this month, revealing no bezels from three sides. A new render from Weibo today confirms the design and reveals the phone will have dual cameras at the back, coupled with what appears to be a 10-LED dual-tone flash, last seen in the Meizu Pro 6. The front will have only a single bezel at the bottom under the screen. The Meizu 15 Plus will have a single selfie camera, implemented on the front screen like the Essential PH-1 or the Sharp Aquos S2. The display will have rounded corners and will span all the way to...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/meizu_15_plus_confirms_bezelless_design-news-28891.php

Huawei Mate 10 Pro giveaway: We have a winner!

Our long-running Huawei Mate 10 Pro holiday giveaway is finally over and we have a winner. Congratulations: Mihai S. If you are reading this, check your email. We already reached out to discuss a few details before we get that shiny new Mate 10 Pro rolling your way. To all the other participants - thank you for the impressive turnout and interest and we wish you better luck next time! Our Gleam statistics counted almost 15,000 users this time around and for good reason. The Huawei Mate 10 Pro is truly one of the best phones of 2017. It managed to shine in both our 2017...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/huawei_mate_10_pro_giveaway_we_have_a_winner-news-28890.php

Motorola Moto X4 (standard model) gets Oreo as well

After the Android One variant of the Moto X4 started getting it last week, Oreo for the standard Motorola Moto X4 has begun rolling out as well. The update is currently hitting units in India, where the device launched last month. Thanks so much 😍😍😍😍😍 @motorolaindia Just received oreo update on my #motox4 (regular moto x4 in india) pic.twitter.com/XfR1377Hps— QuickTech Mohit 🐦 (@mohit00km) December 27, 2017 The update, as you can see in the screenshot above, arrives as version OPW27.2, and also includes Android security fixes for...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/motorola_moto_x4_standard_model_gets_oreo_as_well-news-28887.php

New LG Tribute Dynasty smartphone surfaces, coming to Sprint, Boost, and Virgin mobile

User manual for a new LG Tribute series smartphone has surfaced. Dubbed Tribute Dynasty, the device carries a model number of LG-SP200. A device with the same model number has already been certified by the FCC. Nothing much is known about the device at the moment, except that it will be available in the US through Sprint, Boost, and Virgin mobile. It's already end of the year, so it's reasonable to assume the phone will be made official sometime early next year (CES 2018, perhaps). Via

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/new_lg_tribute_dynasty_smartphone_surfaces_coming_to_sprint_boost_and_virgin_mobile-news-28886.php

Android Oreo update for G6 being tested by LG

A day after LG announced the roll-out of the final Oreo build for its V30 smartphone, it has come to light that the South Korean company is already testing Oreo update for the G6. The beta testing is currently going on in China. A user even shared screenshots of an Oreo-powered G6 unit. Take a look: The software version is V19A, and the list of supported models includes LGM-G600L, LGM-G600S, LGM-G600K, LGM-G600LR, LGM-G600SR, LGM-G600KR, LGM-G600LP, LGM-G600SP, and LGM-G600KP. No information yet on when the final rollout will begin, although that shouldn't take long now. For more...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/lg_testing_oreo_update_for_g6-news-28885.php

AT&T's Huawei Mate 10 Pro launch pushed to February

A report from earlier this month confirmed that the Huawei Mate 10 series will hit AT&T and Verizon in the US sometime in January 2018. However, now it's come to light that the launch - at least for the AT&T Mate 10 Pro - has been pushed to February. The latest piece of news comes from a new report from The Information, which also quotes the Chinese company's CEO Richard Yu as saying that certain elements of Huawei's custom Android skin EMUI were "stupid." The comment was made by Yu in an internal company memo. In case you missed, a leak surfaced recently, revealing Huawei's 2018...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/at_ts_huawei_mate_10_pro_launch_pushed_to_february-news-28884.php

Android Oreo Open Beta for OnePlus 5T imminent

An Android Oreo Open Beta program for OnePlus' latest smartphone 5T looks imminent. The company's German arm sent out a tweet yesterday, suggesting this. Weihnachten ist zwar vorbei, aber wir haben trotzdem ein Geschenk für euch! ;) Wie wär's mit der Open Beta für Android Oreo auf dem #OnePlus5T! pic.twitter.com/LvKR3A6duC— OnePlus Deutschland (@OnePlus_DE) December 27, 2017 When translated, the tweet reads: Christmas is over, but we still have a present for you! ;) How about the Open Beta for Android Oreo on the # OnePlus5T! So the tweet clearly indicates that an Open...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/android_oreo_open_beta_for_oneplus_5t_imminent-news-28883.php

LG partners with HERE to develop next-gen telematics solution for driver less vehicles

LG has announced that it has partnered with HERE Technologies to develop a next-gen telematics solution for autonomous vehicles. The solution - a data communications hub - will be combination of LG's telematics tech and HERE's map data and location services. "When fully developed, telematics will play a key role as the communication hub for autonomous vehicles," LG says in a press release. "First, sensors in the vehicle's ADAS - comprised of cameras, radar and lidar - read the surrounding environment and send the data to the cloud along with information on nearby vehicles collected via...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/lg_partners_with_here_to_develop_nextgen_telematics_solution_for_driver_less_vehicles-news-28882.php

Mid-range version of HTC U11+ coming in January, U12 later on

Every year we pretty much hear the same thing about HTC: the company is going to put out less devices, focusing on its high-end and upper-midrange models. As 2018 is incredibly close now, we once again got the exact same prediction, this time from unnamed "industry sources" in Taiwan. HTC will allegedly release a rehashed version of the U11+ in January, with mid-range specs. This sounds very much like the device codenamed Ocean Harmony, which is expected to come with the Snapdragon 652 at the helm, 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, and a 5.99" 18:9 touchscreen. After that, the next flagship,...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/midrange_version_of_htc_u11_coming_in_january_u12_later_on-news-28881.php

Our editors talk: Best phones, worst phones 2017

It's been over 10 years since Apple launched the first generation Apple TV. This year alongside the new iPhones, Apple introduced the fifth generation now supporting 4K/High Dynamic Range and appropriately called the Apple TV 4K. Recently updated to tvOS 11.2, now graced by Amazon's recently launched Prime Video app and with Apples own TV app is rolling out internationally it's time we revisited what Steve Jobs once called a ‘hobby'.

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/editors_talk_best_worst_phones_2017-review-1701.php

Netflix teams up with WhatsApp in India to communicate with customers

Netflix has teamed up with popular messaging service WhatsApp in India to communicate with users. For now it seems Netflix will be using this platform to send messages related to account as well as suggestions to its customers. Netflix wants to send recommendations on Whatsapp now... pic.twitter.com/LsAqQUfs5j— Sahil Khan (@sahilk) December 27, 2017 Users with Netflix and WhatsApp will get a notification to opt into the service. Once chosen, users will get a message from Netflix on WhatsApp asking it to add it to your contacts. For now, it's a one-way traffic, with the user getting...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/netflix_teams_up_with_whatsapp_in_india_to_communicate_with_customers-news-28880.php

WhatsApp to discontinue BlackBerry OS and Windows Phone support on December 31

Just in case you had forgotten, WhatsApp will be dropping support for devices running on BlackBerry OS, BlackBerry 10 and Windows Phone 8.0 and older devices on December 31, 2017. Starting next year, you will not be able to use WhatsApp on these platforms. Earlier this year, WhatsApp confirmed its plans to sunset the BlackBerry and Windows Phone versions of the service. The company also announced deadlines for other platforms. Nokia's Series 40 devices, for example, will be supported till December 31, 2018 while Android 2.3.7 and older devices will be supported till February 1,...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/whatsapp_to_discontinue_on_blackberry_os_and_windows_phone_8_devices_on_december_31-news-28879.php

Top 10 fan favorite phones of 2017

Popularity is one thing, but winning people's hearts is a completely different task. It's now time to look back at 2017 and see which phones you guys liked the best. We'll rank the phones that got the most favorites by the registered users on our site. The list features 9 flagships, which was to be expected - high end devices cause most people to fall in love with them. Yet one midranger from a beloved brand managed to do the seemingly impossible and snatch second spot. The Xiaomi Mi 6 snatched the 10th place in the list. Fantastic specs, dual camera, and impressive looks are...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/top_10_fan_favorite_phones_2017-news-28840.php

Garmin vivofit 4 activity tracker features always-on color display, over 1 year battery life

Garmin has launched a new activity tracker. Dubbed vivofit 4, the main selling points for the wearable include an always-on color display and over 1 year battery life. The device is also swim- and shower-safe. In addition to basic activity tracking, the vivofit 4 can also track your sleep and intensity minutes. Other features include a countdown timer, stopwatch, alarms, weather info, and the Find My Phone functionality. Available color options for the activity tracker include White, Limegreen Speckled, and Black. As for price, the device carries a tag of $80, and is available for...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/garmin_vivofit_4_activity_tracker_comes_with_alwayson_color_display_over_1_year_battery_life-news-28878.php

Google planning to open physical stores in India to boost Pixel phone sales

According to a new report, Google is planning to open physical stores in India, a move that's aimed at boosting the sales of Pixel phones in the Asian country. The brick and mortar stores, or "experience centers," could be launched towards the latter half of 2018. The Mountain View, California-based company had recently set up pop-up stores in malls across the country to showcase features of new Pixel 2 phones. They even created a dark room at some locations, to show how good the recent flagships are when it comes to low-light photography. And the consumer response was better than...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/google_planning_to_open_physical_stores_in_india_to_boost_pixel_phone_sales-news-28877.php

Huawei 2018 roadmap leaks, three P series phones coming in Q2

Huawei's product roadmap for the year 2018 has leaked. The image shows three new devices - codenamed Maya, Salina, and Honor 1 - are set for Q1 launch. The first quarter will also see more widespread availability for the Mate 10 Pro and Mate 10 Lite. Q2 will also be a busy quarter for the Chinese company, with three new P series phones lined up for release, internally being referred to as P, P Plus, and P Lite (said to be part of the P20 lineup). The quarter will also see a new Honor phone - Honor 2 - being made official. While Q3 is all about Honor 3, Q4 will see the arrival of two...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/huawei_2018_roadmap_leaks_three_p_series_phones_coming_in_q2-news-28876.php