HTC Nexus 9 gets Android 5.0.2 update while waiting for 5.1.1

At the moment the absolute latest version of Android is 5.1.1, which is already out for some devices. However, the HTC-made Nexus 9 is now in the process of receiving a software update to Android 5.0.2. That's quite baffling, but at least it is a software update. Throughout its short existence, the Nexus 9 previously only got one of those, bumping its OS version from 5.0 (which it launched with) to 5.0.1. That's it. Other Nexus devices have since made the jump to 5.0.2, then 5.1, and now 5.1.1, but the Nexus 9 with its 64-bit Nvidia chip has been left out. Until now, that is. The update to Android 5.0.2 Lollipop is on its way to Nexus 9 owners, and it's around 23MB in size. After applying it, you'll be on build number LRX22L. As the minor version number jump from 5.0.1 to 5.0.2 implies, this one should be all about the bug fixes. At this rate, expect the Nexus 9 to finally run Android 5.1.1 in a few months - perhaps receiving that update while the rest of the Nexus family is getting...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/htc_nexus_9_gets_android_502_update_while_waiting_for_511-news-12159.php

Verizon's upcoming LG Lancet with Windows Phone 8.1 leaks

In mid-April a then-unnamed LG Windows Phone headed to Verizon got the leaked press render treatment. In the meantime, we found some confirmation that LG is in fact getting back into the Windows Phone realm on the Korean company's own website, and now we know what its upcoming device will be called. Verizon will sell it as the LG Lancet, and it will launch running Windows Phone 8.1 Update 2, and not Windows 10 for phones. This might mean the Lancet is due for release soon, as the mobile version of Windows 10 is probably still a few months away. Thanks to some leaked promotional materials for the Lancet, we have a good idea of what to expect in terms of specs. The handset will sport a 4.5-inch 480x854 touchscreen, an 8 MP rear camera, and a VGA selfie snapper. It will be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 SoC, featuring a 1.2 GHz quad-core CPU. Internal storage will be 8GB (of which half should be user-accessible), though you'll be able to extend that with a microSD card. Keeping things running smoothly will be a 2,100 mAh battery. RAM amount isn't mentioned in the official spec sheet that got leaked, but given the rest of the internals here we're thinking it will be 1GB. Interestingly, LG is set to borrow some software features from its Android smartphones for the Lancet. Hence, we'll see KnockOn (double tap to wake or sleep), as well as Soft Light and Gesture Shot for the camera, which let you take selfies with an illuminated screen or a hand...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/verizons_upcoming_lg_lancet_with_windows_phone_81_leaks-news-12158.php

HTC reports grim financial results for April, One M9 the culprit

HTC reports rather disturbing financial results for the month of April with revenue down 38.7% YoY to $440M. Compared to last month's $650M, the figures are down 32.4%. Unexpectedly low demand for the One M9 is to blame, an unnamed analyst with Taiwanese Yuanta Securities Investment Consulting Co claims. Digging further into the cause of the problem, the source states that neglecting the Snapdragon 810's thermal issues, which lead to poor reviews and worried carriers, is the main reason for the disappointing numbers. The One M9 shipments for the entire year 2015 are currently estimated at 4.5 million, which doesn't look good, compared to the 7 million One (M7) and 8 million One (M8) units sold for the respective years of their launches. Low demand has also meant that retailers have been forced to lower prices to attract customers, further hurting the income. HTC has a projected revenue for Q2 in the $1.50B - $1.66B range and that puts a lot of expectations on the remaining two months, when $1.05B worth of sales are needed to meet the low end of the target. The expected release of the One M9+ and One E9+ within the quarter carry hopes of potentially sparking up sales and reversing the downward trend. Source |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/htc_reports_grim_financial_results_for_april_one_m9_the_culprit-news-12157.php

Gionee Elife E8 is a QHD 6-incher with a 3,520mAh battery

The Gionee Elife E7 phablet was released all the way back in 2013 and its replacement is long overdue. The next-generation model dubbed Elife E8 is now apparently ready for primetime, as evidenced by a listing on Chinese regulator TENAA's website. Expectedly, the new phablet carries a number of improvements over the predecessor. Most notably, screen size has grown to 6 inches, compared to the 5.5 inches of the Elife E7, but resolution has also seen a bump to 2,560 x 1,440 pixels. According to the listing, it's an AMOLED panel, too. Gionee Elife E8 TENAA entries typically don't specify chipset model, and we're only left knowing that the SoC inside the Elife E8 comes with an octa-core processor ticking at 2GHz. Given that the Elife E7 utilized a Snapdragon 800, and the the Snapdragon 810's high-performance CPU cores are usually clocked at 2GHz, that's the most likely option. Joining that mysterious processor is 3GB of RAM and 32GB of storage, which can be expanded via microSD. Another key feature of the Gionee Elife E8 is the fingerprint scanner, which resides on the back, below the camera, Huawei Ascend Mate7 style. The camera itself is quoted at 8MP, but that seems unlikely, given the previous generation's 16MP sensor. The 8MP front snapper sounds more credible. The LTE-capable Elife E8 measures 164.0 x 82.3 x 9.6mm and weighs a hefty 207g. It does have a 3,520mAh battery to show for it, but then the aforementioned 6-inch Asend Mate 7 comes with a 4,000mAh cell in a slimmer and lighter body. Naturally, there's no info on pricing and availability, but that will likely become clear in the following weeks. Source |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/gionee_elife_e8_is_a_new_qhd_6incher_with_3520mah_battery-news-12156.php

New Android 5.0.2 update rolling out for Sony Xperia Z2/Z3 series

Sony is rolling out a new Android 5.0.2 Lollipop firmware (build number 23.1.A.1.28) for its Xperia Z2 and Z3 series devices, including the Z3, Z3 Compact, Z3 Tablet Compact, Z2, and Z2 Tablet. The update includes fixes to enable the easy movement of content from internal memory to external microSD card, as well as improved messaging functionality in Ultra stamina mode. in addition, it ensures that the LED light is lit across all sound modes, and the lock screen / notification bar doesn't indicate "no service" when the device has coverage. Finally, the update also brings back the "close-all-button" in the activity menu. Meanwhile, Sony's Xperia Z has also been confirmed to get the Lollipop update next...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/android_502_lollipop_rolling_out_for_sony_xperia_z2_z3_series-news-12155.php

Goldgenie outs a carbon fiber backed iPhone 6

Luxury customization specialist Goldgenie has expanded its portfolio of iPhone 6 mods and now offers a carbon fiber collection. In fact, the company has launched three separate ranges employing the high-strength material, with the more exclusive ones sporting Swarowski crystals as well. All models are based on the 64GB version of the iPhone 6 and you can choose either a white or black face. Starting from there, you get a fine carbon-fiber pattern on the back covered either in 24K gold, platinum or a darker shade of the metal, aptly named black platinum. The gold model costs £2,637, while the platinum versions command a £100 premium. As befitting its luxury aspirations, the Goldgenie customized iPhone 6 comes in a cherry oak finished box. Golgenie iPhone 6 carbon fiber models with Swarowski crystals • Cherry oak box If the plain carbon fiber models are too low-key for you, you can always opt for the Carbon Fiber Swarowski Style Logo Collection. It adds a bit of flair with a crystal encrusted Apple badge on the back. That adds another £100 to the total price. Alternatively, you can go all out and pick an iPhone 6 from the Carbon Fibre Swarovski Style Brilliance Collection, which adds even more stones on the back, as well as on the smartphone's edges. That brings the price up to...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/goldgenie_outs_a_carbonfiber_backed_iphone_6-news-12154.php