OnePlus One gets another OTA software update

The OnePlus One caused quite a stir in the mobile world when it was first introduced as a budget-conscious high-end hardware device. But what really helped it stand out among the crowd was perhaps the choice of CyanogenMod as a native OS. While the handset does have a lot of shortcomings is still remains a tinkerer's dream with its alternative open approach and capable internals. Today the small, but dedicated Chinese team behind the device announced yet another official OTA for the OnePlus One. The release is still based ok CM 11S, so we are still looking at an Android KitKat-based ROM, but the latest 05Q release still brings a lot of features and fixes. Among the most notable changes in the new version we find that the SwiftKey and MaxxAudio applications are now bundled with the OS. The OnePlus team also boasts improvements to BlueDroid, an updated configuration for NFC, updated media codecs (as well as enabled WMA DSP and AAC codecs), and a few security fixes. There are also some notable changes to the camera and modifications to various settings menus, throwing away unused options and bringing in new ones. It is clear that the team is very active in developing the software and that is most of what the OnePlus One is all about. Third party developers area also showing a lot of love for the device. There is an overwhelming amount of unofficial ROMs available for the smartphone, ranging all the way from the Latest Lollipop CyanogenMod 12 to AOSP builds and pretty much all other popular custom Android flavors. In other words there is a lot of room for experimenting if you are not afraid to deviate from the beaten path and experiment with software beyond the official builds. Here is a comprehensive changelog of the new 05Q build: Recovery: • Fixed dab with Linux 3.10 • Improved ADB Sideload • Improved wipe confirmation screen layout • Improved progress bar General: • Fixed wrong emergency call property • Improved audio policy flexibility • Increased void volume • Improved light controls • Updated WCNSS configuration • Upgraded ADCB Files • Powered HAL improvements • Upgraded SQLite to version 3.8.6 • Reduced volume increment/decrement step per click • Added support for Query SIM SMS capacity • Upgraded TP firmware to 14001220 • Fixed headset insert/remove crash • Fixed ability to hang up a call from a wired audio headset Set Up: • SetupWizard: Allow turning on mobile data if off by default FileManager: • Fixed force close when sharing multiple files over Bluetooth FOTA: • Displays download size as a decimal prefix • Enabled scrolling on the system update screen • Added Download clicked notification • Shows download size on UI • Updated Icons • Added progress bar CameraNext: • Added letterbox view for to show actual capture in preview • Added toast information to aid in first time use of Continuous shot GalleryNext: • Additional supported video types Dialer: • Blacklist, strip extension from number • Fixed screen rotation behavior during call Clock: • Call events can be handled on alarm • Fixed city and time zone entries At this rate it seems more than likely that we will be seeing an official Lollipop CM ROM for the OnePlus One in the not so distant...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/oneplus_one_gets_another_software_update-news-11116.php

BlackBerry OS 10.3.1 update is coming February 19

BlackBerry OS 10.3.1 update is coming on February 19 for all of the company's current smartphone line-up that's not featuring the latest OS version. Currently, the BlackBerry Classic is the only one to run BlackBerry OS 10.3.1. The information is unconfirmed by BlackBerry and originates from N4BB.com, who claim to have it from a source within the company. Regardless, the update will be available for the BlackBerry Passport, BlackBerry Porsche Design P'9983, BlackBerry Z30, BlackBerry Z10 and BlackBerry Q10. The latest BlackBerry OS version will come with an updated virtual assistant that will bring BlackBerry closer to the likes of Siri and Google Now. Additionally, version 10.3.1 will come with notification profiles, enhanced calendar reminder dialogs, task recurrence, mark pictures and videos as hidden. Other novelties include a battery saving mode and the option to restrict apps to run while minimized. Source |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/blackberry_os_1031_update_is_coming_february_19-news-11115.php

OnePlus One to be available in India sans invite tomorrow

If you're living in India and are interested in purchasing a OnePlus One smartphone but do not have an invite, here is some good news: the device will be available for purchase without an invitation on Amazon India tomorrow, the same day the Mi 4 is scheduled to go on sale in the country. The OnePlus' invite-free sale will begin at 10am, and will last for 24 hours. The device, which was launched in the country last December, will be available at the usual price of INR 21,999 ($353). Specifications-wise, the OnePlus One features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 chipset with 2.5GHz Krait 400 CPU and a 5.5-inch 1080P display. It comes with 3GB RAM, 16/64GB of internal memory, and a 3100mAh battery. The device has 13MP main camera with dual-LED flash and 5MP front camera, and runs CyanogenMod OS 11, although it will next receive an update to the company's own Android Lollipop-based fork, dubbed Oxygen, which will be launched on February 12th. Source |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/oneplus_one_to_be_available_in_india_sans_invite_tomorrow-news-11114.php

CyberMedia: Samsung still the top smartphone vendor in India

Last week, a report from market research firm Canalys said that Micromax has overtaken Samsung as the leading smartphone manufacturer in India. However, the South Korean company was quick to refute the report, claiming that it's still the top player in the market, based on numbers released by GfK India. Now, a latest report from market research company CyberMedia Research (CMR) also suggests that Samsung hasn't been dethroned yet, although it points out that the tech giant is "losing its earlier firm grip." As per the report, total handset shipments in India last year stood at around 257 million units, with Samsung claiming 16.5% share, down from 20.3% at the beginning of the year, while Micromax and Microsoft (Nokia) claiming 13.3% each. "However, Samsung was seen to be losing its earlier firm grip on market, as its share of the market showed a downward trend during the year, as compared to Micromax that gained primarily in April-June 2014, but then continued to remain flat during the rest of the year," the research firm said in a statement. The report noted that Samsung has been losing grip in the smartphone segment too, with market share falling to 29.3% at the end of 2014, compared to 43.2% at the beginning of the year. On the other hand, Micromax registered some gain, with market share rising from 17.5% in January-March 2014 to 18.9% in the last quarter of the...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/cybermedia_samsung_still_the_top_smartphone_vendor_in_india-news-11113.php

Alibaba Group makes a large investment in Meizu

Alibaba Group announced that it will invest $590 million in the smartphone manufacturer Meizu. The Chinese online behemoth will become a minority owner of Meizu Technology Limited. Meizu and Alibaba " will collaborate at both strategic and business levels to achieve a deeper integration of Meizu's hardware and Alibaba Group's mobile operating system." Alibaba has its own YunOS smartphone platform, based on Android. A version of Meizu MX 4 with the OS has been available for some time now. With market value of $213 billion, Alibaba will surely be a welcome partner for Meizu. The latter will help the retail giant promote its mobile OS and will benefit from its vast network of online stores and users. Alibaba didn't disclose how much equity it acquired in Meizu for its investment. Source | Via...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/alibaba_group_makes_a_large_investment_in_meizu-news-11112.php

More images of Samsung Galaxy S6 in a case make the rounds

More images of Samsung Galaxy S6 in a protective case made the rounds online. The latest batch of renders showcase the upcoming flagship smartphone wearing a rugged cover. In line with past leaks, the images once again showcase the new spot of the heart-rate sensor and the camera flash on the device. The newcomer will have the setup on the right side of its camera as opposed to below it in the Galaxy S5. Samsung Galaxy S6 will debut on March 1 in Barcelona alongside an Edge variant. You can find a round-up of all the rumors about the smartphone over here. Source (in...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/more_images_of_samsung_galaxy_s6_in_a_case_make_the_rounds-news-11111.php