Alcatel 5 and 3V listings show up on Amazon France, specs still scarce

TCL announced the revamped structure of its alcatel smartphone lineup at CES - in broad strokes, at least. Strictly speaking, no device went official then and there, and it wasn't until January 17 when the alcatel 3C kicked things off. What we have now are a few listings from Amazon France, where the alcatel 5 and alcatel 3V have been listed for pre-order. Amazon isn't known for providing the most thorough or accurate specsheets, but there are a few details revealed, alongside the prices of the two smartphones. The alcatel 5's price is set at a cent short of €230 and it will come with...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/alcatel_5_and_3v_listings_show_up_on_amazon_france_specs_still_scarce-news-29247.php

Apple HomePod gets FCC certification, coming to market soon?

Apple's HomePod is coming and there's no stopping it now. About time, really - the smart speaker was unveiled on June 5 last year, with a market launch initially planned for December and then pushed back to early 2018. Well, early 2018 it is, and the HomePod has now received FCC certification. Apple HomePod FCC ID label location Following a rumor from earlier this week that a million units have been dispatched from manufacturer Inventec's warehouses, the smart speaker should be hitting the shelves any day now. At least in the countries from the initial wave of availability,...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/apple_homepod_gets_fcc_certification_finally_coming-news-29246.php

Deal: Essential Phone now available for CAD 460 on Koodo, Telus

The Essential Phone can now be snatched for a mere CAD 460 (the equivalent of around $370) in... well, Canada. Telus subsidiary Koodo is offering the PH-1 (black only) at that price free of contract, though you'd still need to have an extra CAD 15 for a SIM. the offer is live on Telus too, where the SIM card will be CAD 5 more expensive. While it's CAD 100 more than what the handset ran for around Black Friday, the price is still a bargain for the Essential Phone, which comes with top-quality build and flagship internals. Despite a less than impressive sales record and...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/deal_essential_phone_now_available_for_cad_460_on_koodo_telus-news-29245.php

LG G6+ going for $599 in US ($200 off)

The LG G6+ has received a solid price cut in the US, where the unlocked version of the device is currently going for $599.99. Retailer B&H is offering the phone at that rate, down $200 from the tag the device usually carries there. As already mentioned, it's a carrier unlocked version, and is compatible with GSM and select CDMA networks (all Big Four US networks should be included). There's no information on exactly when the promo ends. For more info, head to the Source link below. Source

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/lg_g6_going_for_599_in_us_200_off-news-29244.php

KGI re-estimates Q1 iPhone X shipments with a lower number

The iPhone X has not been one of Apple's best-selling iPhone models in recent years. In fact, Apple is not selling as many shipments as analysts have predicted. While a number of 20-30 million units was estimated for Q1, Ming-Chi Kuo has given a new estimated number of 18 million unit shipments. KGI cited a couple of reasons that the iPhone X didn't do as well. Analysts were counting on the Chinese market to make up these numbers, but ‘a longer smartphone cycle for Chinese phone users' and the belief that the iPhone X's notched-display did not provide as much usable area as a 5.5-inch...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/kgi_18_million_apple_iphone_x_units_will_ship_in_q1_-news-29242.php

KGI re-estimates Q1 iPhone X shipments with a lower number

The iPhone X has not been one of Apple's best-selling iPhone models in recent years. In fact, Apple is not selling as many shipments as analysts have predicted. While a number of 20-30 million units was estimated for Q1, Ming-Chi Kuo has given a new estimated number of 18 million unit shipments. KGI cited a couple of reasons that the iPhone X didn't do as well. Analysts were counting on the Chinese market to make up these numbers, but ‘a longer smartphone cycle for Chinese phone users' and the belief that the iPhone X's notched-display did not provide as much usable area as a 5.5-inch...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/kgi_18_million_apple_iphone_x_units_will_ship_in_q1_-news-29242.php

Nokia 6 (2018) or Nokia 7 gets certified by the FCC ahead of its US market debut

Nokia has already promised an "awesome" MWC 2018 press event, and one of the things it may announce next month in Barcelona is a US release for one of its newest smartphones. Two models of the same device, in single and dual-SIM iterations, have recently been certified by the FCC - a necessary step before any such launch can take place. Right now it's unclear whether we're talking about the Nokia 7 unveiled in China last year or the newly outed Nokia 6 (2018). All we have are the model numbers to go by: TA-1045 and TA-1016. We're guessing it's either the Nokia 7 or the Nokia 6 (2018)...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/nokia_6_2018_or_nokia_7_gets_certified_by_the_fcc_ahead_of_its_us_market_debut-news-29239.php

Possible Samsung Galaxy J8 (2018) spotted in benchmark listings

Samsung decided to unify the naming of its Galaxy devices. First it was the Note, then the A series caught up with the flagship S series. A new device from the affordable J series codenamed SM-J720F appeared on Geekbench and GFXBench and sound logic suggests that a Galaxy J8 (2018) might be announced. SM-J720F on Geekbench and GFXBench The specs chart in both benchmarks show the Exynos 7885 chipset that comes with octa-core CPU, clocked at 1.6 GHz (technically 1.59 GHz). The GPU is Mali G-71 and the RAM is 4 GB. Internal storage of the SM-J720F is 32 GB. The new phone will...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/possible_samsung_galaxy_j8_2018_spotted_in_benchmark_listings-news-29240.php

OnePlus admits credit card info was stolen from its database

OnePlus has finished its investigation into credit card theft and concluded that some users have indeed been affected. Card number, expiry date and security code have been compromised. The company recommends that you check your credit card statements and alert your bank to any irregular charges which will help you initiate a chargeback. You can contact the OnePlus support team if you need further assistance. OnePlus is looking into providing a year of free credit monitoring for affected users. This will automatically monitor your card for any shady transactions. An email sent out...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/oneplus_finds_evidence_that_credit_card_info_was_stolen-news-29238.php

LG to introduce new V30 with AI at MWC 2018

With the G7 development restarted, LG is left with no new device to present at its MWC 2018 event. Instead, the Korean giant might introduce a refreshed V30 with enhanced AI features, sources report. Current LG flagships V30 & G6 The phone will be announced with new technologies and functions and could carry the strange math formula-resembling name V30+α. Korean reports suggest the new phone will be a product of the partnership between LG and Google with Google Assistant-based AI functions. This plan might sound unusual for LG but is in tone with a new strategy of retaining...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/lg_to_introduce_new_v30_with_ai_at_mwc_2018-news-29235.php

Samsung denies allegations of planned obsolescence

Samsung has denied the allegations that it is slowing down its older phones. The company already stated as much weeks ago but the investigation in Italy was opened based on user reports. "Samsung does not provide the software updates to reduce the product performance over the life cycle of the device. We will fully cooperate with Italian Authority for Market and Competition's investigation in Italy to clarify the facts." Apple (which admitted to downclocking older iPhones) is in hot water in the US, France and Italy, but Samsung is facing investigation only in Italy so far. The cause of...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_denies_allegations_of_planned_obsolescence-news-29237.php

LG X4+ unveiled in Korea: a MIL-STD rated phone with 32-bit DAC

Each of the phones in LG's X-series has a special skill. The new LG X4+ is rugged with a MIL-STD-810G certification, similar to the X venture though at a lower price point. The X4+ puts battery life ahead of performance with 3,000mAh capacity and a Snapdragon 425 chipset (with 2GB of RAM, 32GB storage). It runs Android 7.0 Nougat on a 5.3" IPS display (720p resolution, nothing to write home about). This isn't a simple low-end affair. The phone boasts a high-quality DAC with support for 32-bit 192kHz audio. Or you could listen to FM radio instead. LG Pay is also supported for when you're...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/lg_x4_unveiled_in_korea_a_milstd_rated_phone_with_32bit_dac-news-29232.php

Samsung and Apple under investigation in Italy over planned obsolescence

The Italian Competition and Market Authority (AGCM) has officially opened an investigation against Apple and Samsung over reduced performance of older phones. The Apple thing isn't new, but late last year Samsung publicly stated that it doesn't slow slow phones down. AGCM received consumer reports claiming otherwise. The exact charge is that these two companies are reducing performance of old products to encourage people to buy new models. This was allegedly done via a software update that did not properly inform the consumer of the consequences. The regulator will carry out separate...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_and_apple_under_investigation_in_italy_over_planned_obsolescence-news-29231.php

vivo X20 Plus UD with under-screen fingerprint scanner to arrive on January 25

Just three days after the vivo X20 Plus UD with a fingerprint scanner under the display arrived on TENAA, its price and launch date were leaked on Twitter. The popular leakster Zyad Atef suggests the phone will arrive on January 25 and will cost CNY3,998 ($625/€510). vivo X20 Plus UD renders The vivo X20 Plus UD looks like the regular X20 Plus - 6.43" AMOLED display with 18:9 ratio screen. The sole difference is that the rectangular fingerprint scanner on the back is gone since the sensor now will be under the screen. We had a hands-on with the phone back at CES 2018. The...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/vivo_x20_plus_ud_arrive_january_25-news-29230.php

Google confirms Android Auto pixelated display issue

For past several months, Android Auto users have been complaining about an issue that causes the display on their car's head unit appear to be very pixelated. Following is a screenshot shared by one of the complainants: Going by user reports, the problem doesn't seem to be specific to any particular car manufacturer or model. Similarly, complaints have been coming from users with different phones (mostly Pixel though) running OS versions ranging from Nougat to Oreo. What's good is that Google has finally confirmed the issue, saying they are working with the Android OS team to...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/google_confirms_android_auto_pixelated_display_issue-news-29226.php

Razer Phone 2 launches in September, perhaps alongside Project Linda

Last year Razer entered the smartphone space with its eponymous device which made quite a splash with a 120Hz display panel and huge battery. The gaming company is already planning its next handset, according to a new rumor. The Razer Phone 2 will reportedly be released in September, which means an official unveiling at IFA seems likely. This information allegedly comes from "an internal source", but since it's just an unconfirmed rumor for now don't forget to take it with a pinch of salt. Interestingly, Razer may launch the Project Linda laptop dock alongside its second smartphone....

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/razer_phone_2_launches_in_september_perhaps_alongside_project_linda-news-29225.php

New ZTE handset with Android 8.1 Oreo on board gets Wi-Fi certified

ZTE is no longer making the Axon 7 and the Chinese company hasn't announced a successor for this device yet, instead choosing to focus on the foldable Axon M, which is due to launch in its home market this week and Europe by the end of March. However, ZTE is apparently working on a new smartphone, as revealed by a recent Wi-Fi certification. The handset that got that treatment is known only by its model number, Z2321U, at the moment. The most interesting bit about the Wi-Fi Alliance documents is that the device is running Android 8.1 Oreo, which is a version of the OS that has so far been...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/new_zte_handset_with_android_81_oreo_on_board_gets_wifi_certified-news-29224.php

WhatsApp introduces Business app

WhatsApp has launched a new WhatsApp Business app for small business owners to communicate with their customers. A lot of businesses already use WhatsApp and with this they can be more efficient and provide information better. Businesses can download the new app and set up their account. Compared to the standard app, the Business app will allow additional information on the profile page, such as business description, email or store address, and website, which will help customers reach them. The Business app will also have messaging tools that will let users send quick replies to...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/whatsapp_introduces_business_app-news-29223.php

4G speeds in US recover after unlimited plans crashed them

2017 was a good year for mobile users in the United States - Verizon launched its unlimited data plan, T-Mobile responded by one-upping its costs, AT&T followed two weeks later, and Sprint went one step further with prompting users to switch from Big Red. But the Unlimited 4G revolution came at a price - speeds went south. The situation improved in the three-month period, ending in November 2017, where all four major carriers saw LTE speeds improve, even if AT&T and Verizon are still struggling to reach their initial speeds. August saw all-time low 4G speeds for AT&T and Verizon...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/4g_speeds_us_improve_after_launch_of_unlimited_plans-news-29222.php

Apple iPhone X long-term review

The introduction of Face ID and the removal of the Home button has resulted in a paradigm shift in the way we interact with our iPhones. Three of us have been using the iPhone X since launch and this long-term review covers what the iPhone X is like to live with on a day to day basis and we are ready to answer what's good and what's bad about it from a different perspective.

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/apple_iphone_x_long_term-review-1711.php

Samsung starts mass producing GDDR6 chips for next-gen graphics cards

Samsung has started mass production of GDDR6 memory chips. They are bound for next-generation graphics cards, consoles, servers and other applications where a high bandwidth is required. These chips are built on a 10nm process and have a capacity of 16 gigabits - a major improvement over Samsung's 20nm 8 gigabit GDDR5 chips (which went into mass production 3 years ago). Also, a 35% reduction in power use is achieved since the new chips operate on 1.35V instead of 1.55V. A system with a 384-bit memory bus can achieve 864 GB/s bandwidth, beating HBM2 memory used in some current high-end...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_starts_mass_producing_gddr6_graphics_memory-news-29221.php

Honor View 10 gets face unlock through OTA update

Huawei has announced that the Honor View 10 will get face unlock feature in an upcoming OTA update. The rollout has already started and will be available to everyone by January 24. Face unlock works similarly to other phones, where the phone will unlock the screen when you look at it. If your eyes are closed, the phone will not unlock. Due to the low level security of feature, it is only available for unlocking your screen and not things like online payments. What it can do is know when you are looking at your lockscreen and expand the notifications so you can read them. If anyone else...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/honor_view_10_gets_face_unlock_through_ota_update-news-29219.php

MIUI 9 comes with Game Speed Booster, here's how it works

MIUI 9 update was announced in July, and a global rollout began on November 2. Xiaomi said that 40 devices would get the latest version of the user interface, including phones from 2012. One of the new features of MIUI 9 is smart system optimizations to make the device run faster. It comes with Game Booster that should improve the overall performance of games, and here's how to make it work. We tested it on the Redmi Note 5A, but the feature is available on any phone running the stable MIUI 9 ROM. Screenshots of Game Booster The Xiaomi Security app is used for...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/miui_9_game_speed_booster_works-news-29220.php

Deal: Huawei discounts Honor 9 and Honor 6A in Europe

Huawei is celebrating Honor Day. Okay, the holiday is not real but the discount is. Two phones are on offer: the premium mid-ranger Honor 9 and the entry level Honor 6A. The best deal is in the UK, but it will last only until the end of today. The Honor 9 is £300 (down from £380) while the 6a is £100 (down from £150). You can snag one online from the official store. In Spain, the Honor 9 is €370 (around £327), but there's no time limit. And the Honor 6A goes for €110 (down from €170). In Germany there's a similar deal until the end of the month - Honor 9 for €370. The 6A...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/deal_huawei_discounts_honor_9_and_honor_6a_in_europe-news-29218.php

Samsung patent says future selfie cameras may sit behind the screen

Fingerprint readers were pushed to the back by shrinking bezels but may return to the front, except they'll live below the screen. You can't put a selfie camera on the back, however, which resulted in notches on some phones - like the iPhone X and the Essential Phone. But can cameras join the fingerprint reader and live below the screen too? Patent drawings of putting the selfie camera, earpiece and sensors behind the screen A Samsung patent shows such a device. It goes a step further and moves everything under the surface - including the earpiece, the proximity and ambient...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_patent_shows_selfie_camera_may_be_behind_the_screen-news-29217.php

chaiOS vulnerability can block iPhone's messaging, freeze devices

A newly discovered vulnerability in Apple's iMessage lets ill-meaning people to completely freeze the app on and even restarts the iDevices by simply sending a link. The bug named "chaiOS" was taken down from the platform and the account was shortly suspended, so at least finding it wouldn't be too easy. 👋 Effective Power is back, baby! chaiOS bug:Text the link below, it will freeze the recipient's device, and possibly restart it. https://t.co/Ln93XN51Kq⚠️ Do not use it for bad stuff. ----thanks to @aaronp613 @garnerlogan65 @lepidusdev @brensalsa for testing!—...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/bug_named_chaios_reveals_imessage_vulnerability-news-29216.php

Sony CEO: Xperia phones are here to stay

The Guardian interviewed Sony CEO Kaz Hirai, who talked in depth about the company's various divisions, but we found his thoughts on the smartphone segment the most interesting. First, the good news: Sony Xperia phones are here to stay. Now the bad: phones may not be. Hirai believes the future lies elsewhere but to capture and lead this future market, his company needs to stay in the communication business. "It's not about the smartphones of today; it's more about looking beyond smartphones - at what are we going to be doing - and to be a player in this space; ideally to be a leader....

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/sony_ceo_xperia_phones_are_here_to_stay-news-29215.php

HMD'с CPO promises an awesome MWC 2018

HMD started the year early and unveiled the new Nokia 6 (2018) on January 5, but was quiet at CES. It seems that the company has been saving the good stuff for MWC - the Chief Product Officer, Juho Sarvikas, promises it will be "awesome". Мо

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/hmd_cpo_promises_an_awesome_mwc_2018-news-29214.php

Google shows design prototypes of the Pixel 2 in an interview with the lead designer

Google's blog, The Keyword, interviewed the lead designer behind the Pixel 2 phones and other Google products. Here's a rare look behind the scenes and some insight into why the gadgets were built as they are. Ivy Ross, the lead designer, says that the most important design principle is "human". By that she means that cold, hard screens need to be balanced with something soft and tactile. This lead to the texture of the Pixel phones and the fabric used in the Home Mini and Daydream headset. Of course, the Pixel cases also feature fabric - knit exterior and soft microfiber lining....

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/google_shows_design_prototypes_of_the_pixel_2-news-29213.php

Xiaomi admits fault for WhatsApp obsolete bug, issues a fix

Last weekend Xiaomi users complained about a problem with WhatsApp. When opening the app, it read "This version became obsolete. Please go to the Google Play Store to download the latest version", but when they did, it just said the application is up to date. WhatsApp said it is a third-party issue and today Xiaomi acknowledged the fault and said a fix is coming. According to a Xiaomi spokesperson, the company uploaded a beta version of WhatsApp's APK on the Mi App Store. Since the Xiaomi service updates apps automatically by default, users got the beta and struggled with the...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_admit_fault_whatsapp_obsolete_bug_fix-news-29212.php

Apple will let you disable CPU slowdown with next iOS update

After it was discovered that Apple is slowing down the chipsets as their batteries age, the public outrage was so massive, that the company had to issue an official statement in order to avoid further lawsuits. According to Tim Cook, iOS 11 users will be able to opt out off the slowdown with the next update, scheduled for March. Tim Cook "We're going to give people the visibility of the health of their battery so it's very, very transparent.", said Tim Cook in an interview with ABC. The update will also inform users more clearly when the iPhone is automatically reducing...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/tim_cook_users_could_disable_intentional_battery_slowdown_with_next_ios_update-news-29211.php

Google says fix for WiFi issue with Chromecast built-in devices coming today

Last week, we reported that an issue with devices like Chromecast dongle or Google Home is preventing WiFi networks from operating properly. Google quickly confirmed the problem, even before it came to light that the issue is widespread. Now, the Mountain View company has announced that the fix for the problem will start rolling out via a Google Play services update today (January 18). Here's how Google explained the problem: In certain situations, a bug in the Cast software on Android phones may incorrectly send a large amount of network traffic which can slow down or temporarily...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/google_says_fix_for_wifi_issue_with_chromecast_builtin_devices_coming_today-news-29209.php

alcatel 3C goes official in Italy with 6" 18:9 screen, €129.99 price tag

The alcatel 3C got the leaked press render treatment a week ago, and in the meantime it's already been officially announced in Italy. This is the first device to go official from alcatel's newly revamped roster, that was teased at CES. All of the phones should be showcased at MWC next month. The 3C comes with a 6-inch 1,440x720 display with the oh-so-trendy 18:9 aspect ratio (and a 76% screen-to-body ratio), but that's just about the only exciting thing about it. It's powered by the MediaTek MT8321 chipset, which has a 1.3 GHz quad-core CPU with antiquated Cortex-A7 cores. That's paired...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/alcatel_3c_goes_official_in_italy_with_6_189_screen__euro12999_price_tag-news-29207.php

Samsung's dedicated AI chips to outclass Apple and Huawei in the second half of the year

Apple and Huawei have already introduced AI-focused chipsets last year, the A11 Bionic and Kirin 970, respectively. Not one to allow itself to be left out of the latest trends in the mobile world, Samsung is reportedly working tirelessly on a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) of its own. For mobile devices, the company is said to have already reached "the technological levels of Apple and Huawei", or so unnamed sources in Korea claim. Samsung will even "come up with better chips" (than Apple and Huawei) "for sure in the second half of the year". The race is on, then. Samsung Galaxy...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/samsungs_dedicated_ai_chips_to_outclass_apple_and_huawei_in_the_second_half_of_the_year-news-29206.php

Huawei video teases new fast charge tech - 48% in 5 minutes... but there's a catch

Huawei's Watt Lab is talking up a next-generation quick charging technology, which could fill a phone's battery to 48% in just 5 minutes. The setup shown in the video is a bit unconventional, however. The good stuff starts around the 50 second mark. You can see that the battery has many more connectors than a battery you find in phones today. Subdividing the battery and charging each piece separately is not a new trick but it sure is effective. But notice that you don't charge the battery inside the phone - instead the battery is taken out and charged in an external device. We wouldn't...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/huawei_video_teases_new_fast_charge_tech__48_in_5_minutes-news-29205.php

BlackBerry Keyone Bronze Edition arrives in China

BlackBerry had an event at CES 2018 where the company introduced a Bronze edition of the Keyone. When we had a hands-on with the device, we were told the phone would arrive in the EU, Middle East, and Asia. Today Blackberry announced the start of pre-orders for the new color option on its Weibo page, making China the debut market for the Bronze variant. The Bronze edition differs from the all-Black and Silver variants only in the color of the metal parts. It rocks the same hardware - 4.5" IPS LCD screen with a 3:2 ratio and a hardware QWERTY keyboard below. The chipset is...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/blackberry_keyone_bronze_edition_arrives_in_china-news-29204.php

Deal: Samsung Galaxy Note8 (Exynos, dual-SIM) on eBay for $725

Another day, another Samsung Galaxy Note8 deal. This one is from eBay (US-based seller) and asks $725 for the stylus-packing flagship. It's the dual-SIM Exynos version of the phone, which should work in most places in the US. Note that AT&T's Band 30 and T-Mobile's Band 71 are not supported (those have already rolled out to some of the larger US cities). And you're not getting warranty. You can check out the deal here, but note that it may not last long. Only a limited quantity is left and only in Black. Or have another look at yesterday's deal.

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/deal_samsung_galaxy_note8_on_ebay_for_usd_725-news-29203.php

Exynos 7872 unveiled: hexa-core CPU with A73 cores, plus an iris scanner

Samsung officially unveiled the Exynos 7872 chipset, which we already saw on the Meizu M6s. The new chip is part of the mid-range Exynos 5 series, but packs some more upscale features. It is built on a 14nm process and features a hexa-core CPU with two clusters: 2x Cortex-A73 (2.0GHz) + 4x Cortex-A53 (1.6Ghz). The graphics power is supplied by a Mali-G71 GPU. The chipset has built-in support for an Iris scanner, something currently reserved for flagship devices. Also, the camera department boasts 1080p @ 120fps video recording capabilities as well as Smart Wide Dynamic Range. But...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/exynos_7872_unveiled_with_hexa_core_cpu-news-29202.php

Apple HomePod may launch soon as supplier reportedly ships first batch

Apple missed the holiday rush as it delayed the HomePod to early 2018 while Amazon and Google cashed in. Cupertino still hasn't nailed down the exact launch date, but info from one of the suppliers suggests that it's coming soon. Inventec has started shipping an initial batch of 1 million units, says an anonymous insider source. Apple has contracted two companies to build its smart speaker - Inventec (which also assembles AirPods) and Foxconn. In total 10-12 million units are expected to ship this year, split evenly between the two companies. Another insider claims that the delay...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/apple_homepod_may_launch_soon_as_supplier_reportedly_ships_first_batch-news-29201.php

Deal: Free AKG Bluetooth headphones with Galaxy S8 and Galaxy Note8 in the U

The Galaxy S9 is right around the corner but now might be a good time to snatch last year's flagship on a deal. Samsung offers free AKG Y50BT Bluetooth headphones with the purchase of a Galaxy S8, Galaxy S8+, Galaxy S8 Active and Galaxy Note8 in the US. The deal can be found on the online retail platform Shop Samsung. To claim the gift, you have to head to the Galaxy S8 or Galaxy Note8 page on the Samsung website. After choosing a carrier and a color you get to pick the AKG headphones. If bought separately, the Y50BT costs between $150 and $180. AKG is part of the brand...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/deal_free_akg_bluetooth_headphones_with_galaxy_s8_and_galaxy_note8-news-29200.php

Xiaomi will update 40 devices to MIUI 9

Hats off to Xiaomi - it supports its devices for a long time. A long time. The company announced that it will update 40 devices to the latest MIUI 9 software. Some flagships already got it, but there are some really old devices on this list - some dating back to 2012! Admittedly, MIUI 9 is based on Android 7.0 Nougat, but it is heavily customized. Still, we're talking about 6-year-old devices here. Most Androids get left out in the cold after less than 2 years (especially the cheaper models). Anyway, here is the full list (some of those are already updated, others are...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_will_update_40_devices_to_miui_9-news-29199.php

Samsung Pay reaches 3M users in India

Yesterday we told you that the Galaxy On7 Prime is available from today in India. There was an official launch event where Sandeep Singh Arora, Vice President of Marketing at Samsung, introduced the phone. He also stated that 3 million users in India have already signed up for Samsung Pay since its introduction in March 2017. Sandeer Singh Arora The service supports major banks like Axis, Citi, HDFC, and Standard Chartered with Mastercard, Visa and American Express cards. Samsung also partners with Paytm and UPI for unified payments. Devices, compatible with Samsung Pay in...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_pay_reach_3m_users_india-news-29198.php

Sony sets a date for its MWC 2018 event

Bright and early in the morning of Monday, February 26 Sony will unveil new devices. That's the third day of the MWC. Of course, the press invite just promises technological innovation without telling us exactly what we'll see. The rumor mill forecasts a high chance of Xperia XZ Pro - Sony's foray into OLED displays coinciding with a switch to 18:9 aspect ratio (nary a bezel in sight). This phone can mark several other firsts for the company, including its first dual camera on the rear (its first dual selfie cam is on the XA2 Ultra). There may also be a successor to the Xperia XZ1...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/sony_sets_a_date_for_its_mwc_2018_event-news-29197.php

Meizu introduces the M6s with a side-mounted fingerprint scanner

You've read the rumors, and you've seen the leaks - now is time for the official unveiling of the Meizu M6s. The Chinese company introduced today the phone with an 18:9 tall screen, new Exynos 7872 chipset with hexa-core CPU and a side-mounted fingerprint scanner that unlocks the screen in 0.2 seconds. While the position of the sensor below the power button is a first for Meizu, the Samsung-built SoC is first for any smartphone. The Exynos 7872 is coupled with six CPU cores - two Cortex-A73 at 2.0 GHz and four Cortex-A53 at 1.6 GHz for power efficiency. The GPU is Mali-G71 MP3. RAM...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/meizu_introduces_the_m6s_with_a_sidemounted_fingerprint_scanner-news-29196.php

OnePlus 5T open beta 2 adds new OnePlus Switch app for switching between devices

OnePlus has released OxygenOS Open Beta 2 for the OnePlus 5T based on Android Oreo that comes with a whole host of improvements and some new features. The most notable addition is a new OnePlus Switch app designed to make it easy to switch to a new OnePlus device from an existing one from any Android brand. Another addition is a new clipboard feature that's activated whenever you mark and copy something across the device. The phone will then let you search, translate or share that text. In terms of improvements, there are some to the battery for managing high power consumption...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/latest_oneplus_5t_open_beta_2_adds_new_oneplus_switch_app_for_switching_between_devices-news-29188.php

Honor 9 Lite launched in India with quad-camera and FullView display

Huawei has launched its latest Honor 9 Lite in the Indian market. The phone is priced at and will be sold exclusively through Flipkart. The Honor 9 Lite is the latest mid-range smartphone from Huawei. It has a 5.65-inch, 2160x1080 18:9 "FullView" LCD. It has a 13MP camera on the front and back and a secondary 2MP camera on the front and back, making it four cameras in total. The phone is powered by the Kirin 659 processor with 3/32GB and 4/64GB memory options. It runs on a 3000mAh battery. The phone will be available in three color options, Sapphire Blue and Glacier Gray with...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/honor_9_lite_launched_in_india_with_quadcamera_and_fullview_display-news-29189.php

Samsung unveils Galaxy Note8 PyeongChang 2018 Limited Edition

The 2018 Winter Olympics is taking place in PyeongChang, South Korea between February 9 and February 25. Samsung, as one of the main sponsors of the Games, will give more than 4,000 personalized Galaxy Note8 devices to athletes and IOC staff. The phones will have a shiny white back panel with a golden five-ring Olympics logo. The Galaxy Note8 PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Games Limited Edition will also rock golden finish of the phone's rim, buttons and parts of the S Pen. Samsung Galaxy Note8 PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Games Limited Edition The exclusive Galaxy Note8 will...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_unveils_galaxy_note8_pyeongchang_2018_olympic_games_limited_edition-news-29187.php

Moto X5, G6, G6 Plus, and G6 Play promo images leak alongside spec details

When it rains, it pours - at least that seems to be the case for Motorola-related leaks today. No less than four different models have been outed, from two of the company's series. And all of these could conceivably become official at MWC next month. The Moto X5 is probably the strangest of them all, with its iPhone X-like notch and white software button at the bottom of the screen. Oh, and there's no fingerprint sensor in sight anywhere. Whether that means the X5 will be the second handset ever to sport an in-display fingerprint scanner or not (following the vivo X20 Plus UD) remains to...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/moto_x5_g6_g6_plus_and_g6_play_images_leak_alongside_spec_details-news-29193.php

alcatel 3V specs and press renders leak

alcatel is revamping its branding and product strategy this year, coming out with three distinct series - 1, 3, and 5 - all with 18:9 screens. Some of the lines will have multiple devices, and it already looks like the '3' tier will be the most crowded. We've already seen leaked press renders of the alcatel 3C, and today the 3V got the same treatment. On its own that wouldn't be a lot, because the brand has already put out some teaser renders of its own back at CES. But fret not, for we've also got the full spec sheet for the alcatel 3V to go with the pics. The phone is expected to...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/alcatel_3v_specs_leak_alongside_press_renders-news-29192.php

BlackBerry Motion Review

As BlackBerry continues to release BlackBerry hardware, the company is slowly reestablishing itself in the smartphone industry. Even toward the end of the year, we still encounter a large number of people that don't know that BlackBerry is relevant again.

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/blackberry_motion-review-1706.php