Verizon's latest outage saw mobile and internet services disrupted in Southern California

Verizon hasn't had a great day, to say the least. The carrier has announced that vandals cut multiple fiber cables, causing service disruptions for both mobile and internet customers in parts of Southern California. Repairs were swiftly initiated, and the service was restored within a few hours. Law enforcement was notified and is investigating the incident. Theft and vandalism like this, Verizon says, "represent a direct threat to the safety and security of our communities". The company is "committed to raising awareness and driving proactive solutions to prevent these direct...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/verizons_latest_outage_saw_mobile_and_internet_services_disrupted_in_southern_california-news-74099.php

iPhone 18 Pro BOM cost estimated to be up by 40%

We’ve already seen rumors that iPhone 18 Pro availability may be limited at launch due to the ongoing global memory chip shortage and a new TrendForce report now gives an estimate of how much more expensive the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro might end up being. The iPhone 18 Pro’s bill of materials (BOM) is expected to rise by up to 38% compared to its predecessor. This is for the 256GB storage version. As TrendForce puts it, higher retail prices for the iPhone 18 Pro are “unavoidable” at this point. Previous estimates suggest the baseline 256GB iPhone 18 Pro will cost as much as...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/iphone_18_pro_components_estimated_to_be_40_more_than_before__-news-74098.php

You can now use Venmo to pay for apps and subscriptions on Google Play

In the US, you can now pay for stuff on Google Play - apps, games, subscriptions, in-app purchases, etc. - using your Venmo balance or the cards and bank accounts linked to your Venmo account. Of course, before you can use this, you need to set it up in Google Play, linking your Venmo account to your Play account, by going to the Payment methods section in the Google Play Store app. Once that's done, you're good to go. Venmo is merely the latest payment method that Google Play has added, following the likes of PayPal and Cash App. Google thus seems adamant about diversifying its...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/you_can_now_use_venmo_to_pay_for_apps_and_subscriptions_on_google_play-news-74095.php

Leaked images show off the Fairphone 6+ in Cobalt Blue

A few weeks ago, a new version of the Fairphone 6 surfaced – dubbed the “Fairphone 6+”, the new model was listed with 12GB of RAM and 256GB storage. That is more than the original model, which only has 8 gigs of RAM. This is quite an unexpected move given everything that has been going on in the world of semiconductors. Anyway, the listing was spotted by NieuweMobiel and showed three color options: Cobalt Blue, Horizon Black and Forest Green. Now the Dutch publication also has images that show off the first color: Fairphone 6+ in Cobalt Blue More specifically, these leaked images...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/leaked_images_show_off_the_fairphone_6_in_cobalt_blue-news-74093.php

Redmi 17 5G and Redmi 17 4G go official

Following the Redmi 15 series from last year, Xiaomi has now launched its Redmi 17 series with two members. The Redmi 17 4G and Redmi 17 5G share identical looks and key specs. Redmi 17 4G (left) and Redmi 17 5G (right) Both phones come with 6.9-inch IPS LCDs, but unlike their predecessors, the new models feature 1600 x 720px resolution panels instead of the FHD ones found on their predecessors. Both phones come with 120Hz refresh rates. They also share the same 7,500mAh battery with 45W wired and 22.5W reverse wired charging. In terms of chipsets, the 4G variant gets a...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/redmi_17_5g_and_redmi_17_4g_go_official_-news-74087.php

iQOO Neo11 Ultra and Z11s to launch next week, design revealed

iQOO has confirmed the launch date of the Neo11 Ultra and Z11s in China. The company has also revealed the design of both smartphones along with several of their key specifications. The iQOO Neo11 Ultra and iQOO Z11s will debut in China on August 18, the company confirmed in a Weibo post. While the Neo11 Ultra is being marketed as the only smartphone in its segment to combine a 2K display with a 9,100mAh battery, the Z11s is being touted as the company's first phone with a 10,000mAh battery. The iQOO Neo11 Ultra features a pill-shaped horizontal rear camera module and will...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/iqoo_neo11_ultra_and_z11s_to_launch_next_week_design_revealed-news-74085.php