Olloclip's latest accessory gives smartphone and GoPro videographers a hand

Smartphones and tiny cameras like the GoPro Hero are becoming popular stand-ins for the traditional consumer camcorder, but compact cameras are literally hard to hold. Enter Olloclip's Pivot. The grip is designed to make smartphone cameras and action cameras easier to hand-hold.

Unlike most camera handles, Pivot rotates 225 degrees to provide a comfortable hold from a variety of different shooting angles. Because of the ergonomic design, Olloclip says the Pivot helps to minimize camera shake by offering a sturdier way to grip the camera.

Related: Hanstrap straps on phones for shooting photos and video

The Pivot includes a universal smartphone clamp as well as a traditional tripod screw that allows it to work with a variety of different cameras. A GoPro adapter is also included. The cold shoe lets you attach accessories like a lamp or microphone.

Small action cameras like the GoPro are easier to pack and durable enough to take anywhere, but difficult to use handheld. Adding a hand grip like the Pivot makes it easier for users to shoot with a small action camera like they would a traditional consumer camcorder, Olloclip says.

Since the Pivot is designed for use with the GoPro as well as a number of other cameras, it's also water resistant for underwater shoots. And Pivot is also compatible with Studio Cases, the brand's case that allows users to easily attach different smartphone lenses.

Olloclip is largely known for its smartphone photography accessories. "Pivot is an important addition to the mobile photography accessories category," Olloclip founder Patrick O'Neill said in a press release. "It's compact and travelable [sic]. And with its unique hub design, it allows you to capture stunning video with confidence at any angle and in any environment — on land or even in water."

The Pivot grip is expected to retail for $50 in October, with pre-orders available at Olloclip's website and Best Buy.

Pre-order at Olloclip

Source: Olloclip's latest accessory gives smartphone and GoPro videographers a hand

Rumors suggest ‘Nexus’ brand may be retired for new Google smartphones

In what will probably be seen as a major change for Google and their efforts to provide hardware to consumers, sources are indicating that the company may be abandoning the "Nexus" brand for the next round of smartphones slated for release this fall. According to a variety of sources and leaks, Google is planning to move their own brand to the forefront, although it is unclear whether "Google" will take the place of "Nexus" or some other brand will be used. In any case, indications are that the Android purists' favored brand is on the verge of retirement.

In addition to the dropping of the Nexus brand for their line of devices, Google is apparently going to add software and interface tweaks to the new devices at a level unseen in the past. One of the hallmarks of the Nexus brand of smartphones and tablets was the plain "vanilla" version of Android. This was especially appealing to users who were not interested in unique interface features or additional apps or bloatware. Google has slowly been moving away from this with recent models and the new versions for 2016 are expected to push this to the limit. This may not be entirely bad as manufacturers like Motorola have shown that a stock-ish Android install can work with just a few add-ons that help enhance the user experience.

Some of the signs pointing to these changes for the HTC manufactured devices include button layouts, colors, and a Settings app that differ from what users see in Android 7.0 Nougat installed on existing Nexus devices. Sources also point to comments made by Sundar Pichai, Google's CEO, who said the company would be "more opinionated about the design of the phones." This could have been a reference to Google being more aggressive with dictating the design of the devices and forcing the manufacturer to eschew any of their own branding.

Thus far all of the rumors surrounding the dropping of "Nexus" as a brand name have centered on smartphone devices. There is no indication at present that Google is working on any tablet devices as part of the Nexus line, but there have been reports that Google plans to introduce their own Android Wear powered smartwatches.

Some have described these proposed changes as the most significant for Google since the beginning of the decade.

What do you think about Google possibly abandoning the "Nexus" brand and following a more mainstream route when it comes to the installed software and user interface on their devices?

source: Android Central

Raised in North Carolina, Jeff Causey is a licensed CPA in North Carolina and possesses the CAPM credential from PMI. Jeff's past Android devices include an HTC EVO, a Samsung Note II, and an LG G3 along with a Samsung Galaxy Tablet 10.1. He currently uses a Motorola Moto X Pure Edition and (very rarely) a Nexus 7 (2013). Jeff used to have a pair of Google Glass and a Moto 360 Sport in his stable of gadgets. Unfortunately, his wife and kids have all drunk the Apple Kool-Aid and have i-devices. Life at home often includes demonstrations of the superiority of his Android based devices. In his free time, Jeff is active in his church, a local MINI Cooper car club, and his daughter's soccer club. Jeff is married, has three kids, and a golden retriever.

Source: Rumors suggest 'Nexus' brand may be retired for new Google smartphones

iPhone 7 Release Date, Features: Apple To Host September 7 Event

Apple announced Monday it will host an event Sept. 7 in San Francisco, presumably to unveil the latest incarnation of the iPhone, the iPhone 7. Could the Cupertino-based company have any surprises up its sleeve?

The timing of the event is in keeping with earlier speculation from technology insider Evan Blass, who predicted the latest iPhone would hit stores around Sept. 16 after an official unveiling about a week and a half prior.

Check out the image from Apple's announcement below:

Apple's event announcement Apple

We're expecting the reveal of two devices come Sept. 7: the iPhone 7 (which could be called the iPhone 6 SE) and the larger, dual-camera Plus version. The entry-level version of Apple's upcoming smartphone will likely feature a 32 GB storage capacity, while the top-end model may offer up to 256 GB of storage space.

The Next Web speculates Apple might use the event as an occasion to "simply dump all of its hardware in one fell swoop," possibly including the long-anticipated update for the MacBook Pro.

With the recently released Samsung Galaxy Note 7 seriously upping the stakes for what constitutes a must-have smartphone, the new iPhone needs to be more than the humdrum update some industry observers have predicted.

Are you excited to see what Apple will announce on Sept. 7? What do you think we'll see? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Source: iPhone 7 Release Date, Features: Apple To Host September 7 Event

Hot Season for Premium Smartphones

LG will unveil its premium V20 smartphone on Sept. 7 in both Seoul and San Francisco around the same time as Apple's new iPhone.

The Korean electronics giant changed the location of the U.S. launch from New York to San Francisco, the better to challenge the American market leader on its own turf.

Samsung, Huawei and Sony are also unveiling their latest strategic smartphones amid intensifying competition in the market for premium models.

Samsung already unveiled its Galaxy Note 7 earlier this month, while Huawei is launching its latest model at the IFA 2016 in Berlin in September.

The battle for the dwindling high-end market began with Samsung's Galaxy Note 7 on Aug. 19. Samsung pushed the date forward to get a head start on Apple, and sales have been excellent amid rave reviews. The Chinese launch is next month.

Apple is set to launch the iPhone 7 next week. The company's second-quarter net profit fell 27 percent on-year due to weak sales of the iPhone 6S and iPhone SE as customers waited for the new model.

Then new phone reportedly features new shock and waterproof functions along with a dual camera. Other changes are also expected, including wireless headphone connectivity.

LG's V20 reportedly focuses on sound technology though a tie-up with Danish high-end audio firm Bang & Olufsen.

LG hopes strong V20 sales will make up for the weak performance of the G5. Sales of last year's V10 totaled 450,000 units in the U.S. just 45 days after its release in late October.

Sony and Huawei plan to unveil the Xperia XR and Mate 9 at the IFA, which opens on Friday. Both companies sent out invitations to the launch, but details of the products have yet to be revealed.

Apple's weakening dominance has intensified competition even further. According to market researcher IDC, Apple's global market share stood at 50.9 percent during the second quarter, down 9.2 percentage points compared to last year.

Meanwhile Samsung's market share rose to 35.9 percent narrowing the gap quickly. Huawei, which has rolled out mainly mass-market smartphones, grabbed more than three percent in the global premium market.

By Kim Bong-kee / Aug. 29, 2016 13:27 KST

Source: Hot Season for Premium Smartphones

iPhone 7 release date, specs, price: New smartphone may face supply shortage

Apple is keeping mum on its upcoming flagship devices, iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, but almost all details, including release date, availability, pricing and specifications have been leaked over the last few weeks. Now, it is learnt that the company may face a supply shortage of the device over low yield from suppliers.

It is reported that the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus will be up for pre-orders on Sept. 9 before hitting the stores on Sept. 23. The reports seem to hold some water, as the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6s were also released around this time. However, it contradicts earlier reports that the flagship handsets will be unveiled on Sept. 12 and released into the market on Sept. 16.

In what could cause disappointment for Apple fans on the day of iPhone 7 release, Nikkei Asian Review has reported citing an industry source familiar with the issue that the Cupertino giant could face a supply shortage with some suppliers not being able to fix low yield rates of their components.

Jeff Pu, an analyst at Yuanta Investment Consulting, too has cut his forecasts for iPhone production from 120 million to 114 million citing issues with dual-camera module and waterproof speaker.

Appl is expected to release two variants – iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus – with the former to have a 4.7-inch screen, and the latter a 5.5-inch screen with dual cameras. The two devices are expected to share other specifications like an A10 chip, an iOS 10 operating system, a 3GB RAM, a camera with OIS (optical image stabilization, and a lightning jack.

Interestingly, MobiPicker has reported that the iPhone 7 will be priced at 5258 Yuan (around $802) for the 32GB, 6088 Yuan (around $924) for the 64GB, and 7088 Yuan (around $1075) for the 256GB model, as against 5,288 Yuan for the 16GB model of iPhone 6s. The report has also claimed that the iPhone 7 Plus will come with a price tag of 6088 Yuan (around $924) for the 32GB model, 6888 Yuan (around $1045) for the 128GB, and 7888 Yuan (around $1197) for 256GB, compared to 7,788 Yuan for the 128GB model of the iPhone 6s Plus.

Source: iPhone 7 release date, specs, price: New smartphone may face supply shortage

‘It Just Works?’ Not quite: iPhones crash more than Android phones, study finds

One of Apple's catchphrases for its devices in years past was "It just works." That might not be as accurate anymore, according to a new study by Blancco Technology Group. In its latest quarterly "State of Mobile Device and Performance" report, the company claims crash reports have nearly doubled quarter over quarter, suggesting that Apple has its work cut out to improve its software.

Blancco says 58 percent of all Apple devices with its mobile diagnostic tools installed failed at some point during the quarter, compared to only 35 percent of all Android devices, up from just 25 percent last quarter. Sixty-five percent of the crashes on iPhones were due to apps, while Wi-Fi issues accounted for 11 percent of crashes. Headset or data connectivity issues crashed four percent of devices each.

What's the cause of this dramatic increase in crashes on iOS devices? That's difficult to ascertain, as Blancco provided little data on the phones in the test themselves. One possibility is a large number of iOS devices participating in the iOS 10 Public Beta were plagued by many of the issues that Blancco found as the most common early on, but have gotten dramatically better with successive releases.

Related: iOS users outspend Android users in in-app purchases, study says

Among the biggest offenders when it came to apps that caused crashes on Apple devices were social media apps, including Snapchat (17 percent), Instagram (14 percent) and Facebook (9 percent). Android, on the other hand, seemed to have more problems with apps native to the OS itself, including Google Play Services (12 percent), Google Contacts Sync (5 percent) and the Address Book (5 percent).

As a whole, crashes on Android devices actually dropped 9 percent quarter-over-quarter, possibly indicating that Google itself might be starting to get a handle on the bugs that seem to plague some of its native apps. It did, however, have a greater rate of hardware-related issues, according to Blancco's study.

In any case, third-party app stability seems to be much better overall on the Android platform, possibly due to the fact that Android places less restrictions on app developers in how they build their apps for the platform — and that shows in the fact that apps are at fault for crashes 50 percent less of the time than their iOS counterparts.

By device, the iPhone 6 and 6s were the most crash-prone on the iOS site, and Samsung devices fared the worst on the Android side. With Samsung, that might be more of a function of its massive market share. Other poor-performing devices were generally low-cost smartphone purveyors like Lenovo and LeTV. In other words, you get what you pay for.

Source: 'It Just Works?' Not quite: iPhones crash more than Android phones, study finds

Google’s Project Ara Release Date, Specs, Features

#ProjectAra #Modular – Google's Project Ara Release Date, Specs, Features : The search engine giant Google has recently showcased a prototype version of their modular smartphone, codenamed Project Ara. Shipping will begin later this year and developer editions would be the one available. Project Ara was once just a concept by the great mind of Dave Hakkens.

Modular smartphones are similar to a computer, a particular part of the phone can be upgraded or replaced easily, just like upgrading a computer's CPU, graphics card, and CPU. Old hardware is also promised to be compatible for the upcoming new ones in the future.

It's a Lego-like smartphone. If the users are tight in budget, they can buy a particular part of the phone first and eventually building it as time passes by. It consists of Memory, Processor, Camera and, Battery. People can easily build smartphones that suit their needs and styles.

Google's Project Ara smartphone is reportedly sturdier and has a longer lifespan than any of the current products available on the market today, as its hardware can be easily upgraded or replaced if needed. Invitation for the third-party developers is now being handed out.

Third party developers are now being invited to cooperate using the developer edition of the said phone that will be shipped later this year.A video surfaced online that shows how Project Ara's pieces can be easily removed from the base of the phone, it currently has 6 rooms for modules and can be swapped at the user's will. These modules are able to fit into any of slot module of the phone, it is powered by the new Greybus software.

Greybus software intends to deliver power efficiency, instantaneous connections and data transfer rates that can reach up to 12Gbps. The phone's frame has the core, it has fixed functions like GPU, Antennas, Sensors, CPU, Display and the Battery. Developers are also able to include more hardware in modules.

Modules are held and supported in place using connectors and latches that are developed for more future proof or be able to be compatible to the phones of upcoming generations. Google's Project Ara is rumored to be released later this year. Source: Thebitbag

Source: Google's Project Ara Release Date, Specs, Features

Google Nexus 2016 Release In November Not August?

#Nexus #Smartphone – Google Nexus 2016 Release In November Not August? : While, Google has remained tight lipped about the release date, specs or price of the highly anticipated Nexus 2016 flagships codenamed HTC "Marlin" and HTC "Sailfish," a new report suggests the launch is likely to happen sometime in November.

According to PCTablet, the upcoming Nexus 2016 smartphones launch will happen by the end of November 2016 alongside Google Nexus 7 2016 tablet.

The much rumored Nexus 7 tablet is expected to feature Snapdragon 820 processor, Android 7.0 Nougat, 4GB RAM, and an expandable internal storage. The new 7-inch tablet will be manufactured by Huawei.

Talking about specs of the upcoming Google Nexus 2016 handsets, both the devices were recently spotted on AnTuTu benchmark site. As per the benchmark listing.

Which surfaced on Weibo, the HTC Nexus 2016 "Marlin" M1 will feature a 5.5-inch AMOLED display with a 1440 x 2560 resolution and run on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor, with a recorded clock speed of 1.59GHz.

Among other specs, the handset will feature 4 GB of random access memory (RAM), 32 GB of native storage space, Android 7.0 Nougat right out of the box, a 13-megapixel main camera enabled with LED flash, an 8-megapixel front facing camera and a 3,450 mAh battery, reported TechTimes.

As far as specs of the HTC Nexus "Sailfish" S1 is concerned, the smartphone is rumored to feature a 5-inch display with a full HD resolution (1,920 x 1,080 pixels), Qualcomm's current-generation Snapdragon 820 chipset coupled with Adreno 530 graphics processing unit (GPU), 4GB RAM, 32 GB of built-in storage capacity, Android 7.0 Nougat right out of the box, a 13-megapixel rear camera, an 8-megapixel front camera and a 2,770mAh battery, reported GSMArena.

Recently, BGR reported that Google accidentally revealed one of its upcoming new Nexus phones in a video promoting the Google Photos app for iOS and Android on its official Instagram account. It remains to be seen whether or not the smartphone which appears in the video is one of Google nExus 2016 smartphones. Source: Scienceworldreport

Source: Google Nexus 2016 Release In November Not August?

New Nexus UK release date | Nexus 2016 UK price, new features, specs

New Nexus UK release date | Nexus 2016 UK price, new features, specs The final version of Android Nougat has been released, but what has happened to the new Nexus phones that were expected to come alongside it? We investigate rumours surrounding the new Nexus phones. Nexus 2016 release date, UK price, new feature and specification rumours. Google was expected to launch Android Nougat on new Nexus phones this month, but N is here and Nexus is not. What's going on?

By Marie Brewis | 23 Aug 16

We investigate rumours surrounding the new Nexus phones. Nexus 2016 release date, UK price, new feature and specification rumours. Codenamed Sailfish and Marlin, and made by HTC, these were thought to be the launch devices for Android 7.0 Nougat. Also see: Nexus 5X review and Nexus 6P review.

What happened to the new Nexus phones?

 As we expected, the final version of Android Nougat was released yesterday (22 August), but in a surprise move Google didn't announce new Nexus phones alongside it. Its official Android blog pointed merely to the now-confirmed LG V20, which will be the first device to ship with Nougat out of the box. So what happened to the new Nexus phones we've been hearing rumours about for months?

(Also see: LG V20 UK release date, price, specification and feature rumours.)

There are two possible scenarios here. One, they never existed in the first place, and could in fact be other non-Nexus devices HTC is working on. We've heard rumours about multiple HTC Desires (the HTC Desire Pro and HTC Desire Lifestyle) tipping up at IFA, so could Marlin and Sailfish actually be HTC Desires rather than Nexus phones? (We think not, if only because the leaked renders look so different.) And two, perhaps they just weren't ready yet. Maybe Google is holding them back for a proper launch in the coming weeks.

The fact is only tight-lipped Google employees, mobile operators and accessories dealers know the truth right now, and although it seems strange that Google would launch a new mobile OS without its Nexus phones, we could still see a surprise launch perfectly timed to steal Apple's iPhone 7 thunder in early September.

You'll also be interested in: Google I/O 2016 as it happened | Android Nougat (& how to get Android Nougat now) | Android VR | Nexus 7 (2016) | Android Pay UK | Google Home

Note: According to The Telegraph, Google will be making its own phone this year. This means that, in common with Apple, it will have complete control over hardware and software and not have need to depend on a hardware partner. It followed this approach with the 2015 Pixel C, so it sounds plausible that it could try this with phones next. However, we do not believe this new Google phone is a Nexus phone, and it won't be the device on which Google unveils the final version of Android Nougat. Read on for rumours concerning the new Nexus.

Nexus 2016 | New Nexus rumours: Nexus 2016 UK release date - When is the new Nexus coming out?

Nexus 2016 release date: Early September 2016 (TBC).

Google unveils a new Nexus smartphone every year (in 2015 it announced two), which it traditionally uses as the launch vehicle for its annual Android update. Yesterday (22 August) we saw the release of the final version of Android Nougat. What we didn't see was any new Nexus phones, though Google did confirm that the LG V20 would be the first phone to run N out of the box.

Perhaps we shouldn't have been surprised. Tradition sees the new operating system Developer Preview announced at Google I/O in early summer, and then released on the new Nexus 5 and/or new Nexus 6 phone around October time. (The Nexus 5X and 6P were announced at the end of September 2015, and the Nexus 6 before it in October 2014.)

However, the Android Nougat Developer Preview was released a couple of months early this year, ahead of Google I/O. In July we saw the release of the final Developer Preview, which means we were expecting to see an earlier Android OS launch than in previous years. Also see: When will my phone get Android Marshmallow?

The rumours backed it up, too. According to respected tipster Evan Blass the final version of Android Nougat would be rolled out in August and would include the August security update. His tweet caused speculation that the phones could launch this week, but Blass has since confirmed that he meant only that the security update will be included in Nougat and not that Nougat would be rolled out with the patch on 5 August.

We're now left with two options. Either the new Nexus phones aren't coming, or Google is for some reason holding them back. If it is the latter, our estimated release date would be the same week as the iPhone 7 launch, which puts the new Nexus release date at early September 2016.

Nexus 2016 price

Nothing has been confirmed about the price, but given that the Nexus 5X now costs from at £299 and the Nexus 6P from £449, we'd be very surprised if they were any more expensive.

As we've said, nothing is concrete right now, but we will continue to update this article over the coming year as and when we hear new snippets of Nexus 5 or Nexus 6 2016 information. Also see: Best phones 2016 and Best Android phones 2016.

Nexus 2016 | New Nexus rumours: Who will make the new Nexus phones for 2016?

Rumours that HTC is working on two new Nexus phones for 2016 went into overdrive at the end of April 2016 following a tip from serial leaker @evleaks on Twitter. 

However, Huawei has since allegedly confirmed that it is responsible for at least one of the new Nexus devices for 2016 (which could very well be a new Nexus 7 rather than a new phone). Huawei general manager for consumer business in South Africa said: "We're doing the Nexus again this year, by the way."

Huawei was already tipped to be making the updated Nexus 6P by Chinese electronics industry analyst Pan Jiutang, via Weibo.com, yet others have claimed HTC is responsible for both.

Since we updated this article Huawei's PR has been in touch with the company's official comment on the subject: "We don't comment on future products, as a matter of policy. Huawei is committed to creating the world's most compelling and innovative devices, offering an exceptional performance and outstanding user experience. 

"We are proud to have worked with Google, which is strong in innovation, on the Nexus 6P and will continue to collaborate in the future, such as our support for Daydream, the recently-announced platform for high performance mobile VR."

Nexus 2016 | New Nexus rumours: Nexus 2016 specification rumours - Nexus 2016 new feature rumours 

Again, we have to make it clear that everything you read here is merely rumours and speculation. As we've learned in the past, however, there is usually some truth behind the leaks. Here's what we've heard on the rumour mill so far: 

• Google has confirmed that it will not be building the new Nexus phones itself, but Google CEO Sundar Pichai says it will be more opinionated in the design. That's not as extreme as the rumour earlier reported by Droid Life, which suggested that Google intended to apply "Apple-like control" over its new Nexus devices for 2016, and would be involved at every step of the design and manufacturing process, no longer requiring a second manufacturer such as LG, Huawei or HTC to build the device for it, nor add its name to it. 

• Pan Jiutang has suggested that the new Nexus 6 2016 will be a high-performance handset running the Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor. This seems like a logical move, given that the Nexus 6P runs 2015's top Snapdragon chip, the 810. The Snapdragon 820 has an Adreno 530 GPU (with 40 percent better performance and efficiency than previous chips), the X12 LTE modem (which provides 33 percent better performance and 15 percent better power efficiency), the Hexagon 680 DPS (digital signal processor) and a quad-core Kryo CPU that will bring up to double the performance and power efficiency when compared to previous generations.

• The specs of the Sailfish Nexus phone have leaked via the GFXBench graphics testing benchmark database. It's expected to feature a 5in full-HD screen, a 2.1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 quad-core processor, Adreno 530 graphics, 4GB of RAM, 32GB of storage, and 12- rear and 8Mp front cameras with support for 4K video. An AnTuTu listing also reportedly showing the Nexus Sailfish confirms the Snapdragon 820 processor, Adreno 530 graphics and full-HD screen, but suggests it will have 13Mp- and 8Mp cameras.

• The Nexus Marlin has now appeared on AnTuTu as well, and has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor, Adreno 530 graphics, 8Mp and 13Mp cameras, plus a Quad-HD screen.

• The HTC-made Nexus 2016 phone codenamed Marlin has been spotted in the Geekbench database. It is shown to be running Android 7.0, with a quad-core processor (which could be the new Qualcomm Snapdragon 821) and 4GB of RAM. It scored 4969 points multi-core, making it faster that the iPhone 6s Plus but a little behind the Samsung Galaxy S7 and OnePlus 3 - you can see how this compares to other flagships in our article What's the fastest smartphone 2016?

• Previously, the number in each phone's name has been related to its screen size, with the Nexus 5 a standard smartphone and the Nexus 6 a phablet. According to Mocha RQ, HTC will build smaller Nexus phones, with 5- and 5.5in screens rather than the 5.2- and 5.7in displays we saw in 2015. The current 6P has a 5.7in Quad-HD display, and it's likely we'll see this again given that Sony has failed to wow critics with its first 4K smartphone screen. The new Nexus 5 may stick with a full-HD screen.

• Twitter tipster LlabTooFeR claims the codenames for the new Nexus 5 2016 and new Nexus 6 2016 are T50 and T55 - both of which hint towards the rumoured 5- and 5.5in screen sizes. They've also become known via codenames Sailfish (despite the existing mobile OS of the same name) and Marlin, with the latter recently been spotted on Google's Source site in a list that mentions three major devices. The other two are Angler and Bullhead.

• Regardless of the internal storage capacities, the new Nexus phones are expected to receive unlimited online photo- and video storage via Google Photos without having to reduce their file sizes. According to Android Police the latest Photos update includes text that describes a specific benefit for Nexus customers: "free unlimited storage for original quality photos and videos uploaded from their Nexus devices".

• Marlin is expected to be a metal device, while Sailfish will be built from plastic.

• We also know the new Nexus 5 and Nexus 6 2016 will be running a brand-new operating system, Android 7.0 Nougat. However, according to Android Police, the Home screens will be updated to feature a new app drawer, Now pane and Search widget.

• With Android Marshmallow building in support for USB-C, it's a given that the new Nexus 2016 phones will feature USB-C for data transfer and charging. The Snapdragon 820 also supports Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0, for super-fast charging with a compatible mains adaptor. 

• Android Police has published renders of the new Nexus 2016, although it acknowledges they are not final and the official press renders may differ.

A supposed picture has emerged, via Tech Droider, of the screen of the so called HTC-made Marlin Nexus phone. Here's the screenshot, covered by a case, presumably to avoid any further design leaks. You can clearly see the 'Model number' listed as 'marlin' - though as with every leak we aren't sure if this is totally genuine. However, the device seems to be running Android Nougat, hinting at an upcoming model. 

Based on the render and leaked information, Tech Configurations has made a 3D video rendering of what the phone might look like.

Android Police has leaked images of what is said to be the Nexus Sailfish, a metal and glass device with a very 'HTC' look abut it. The Marlin is expected to be the same, but larger. (We've cleaned up the edges a little, but have not otherwise tampered with the image.)

We'll be updating this article with new rumours all year, so bookmark us and return another day for the latest new Nexus 5 and new Nexus 6 2016 leaks.

Read next: Best new phones coming in 2016.

Follow Marie Brewis on Twitter.

Source: New Nexus UK release date | Nexus 2016 UK price, new features, specs

Android Nougat rolling out to Google Nexus phones

This photo provided by Google shows the Android Nougat statue, officially unveiled Thursday, June 30, 2016, at Google campus in Mountain View, Calif. (Google via AP)

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SAN FRANCISCO — Google is ready to start sending out the latest version of its Android operating system to a handful of devices.

The release, announced Monday, means many Nexus-branded devices should receive a free upgrade to Android 7.0, nicknamed "Nougat," during the next few weeks.

The first models in line include the Nexus 6, Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Nexus 9, Nexus Player, Pixel C and General Mobile 4G.

Other smartphones coming out this fall will be sold with Nougat already installed.

The new version of Android has been in a testing phase since March as Google polished the system that will feature 72 new emojis and the ability to reply to notifications without opening an app.

Rival Apple is scheduled to release the latest operating system for the iPhone next month.

Source: Android Nougat rolling out to Google Nexus phones

A look at autumn’s most eagerly awaited smartphones

Fall will bring a new line-up of high-end smartphones. — AFP picSAN FRANCISCO, Aug 21 ― Autumn 2016 promises another great lineup of smartphone releases with the IFA tech show, Apple's keynote and various manufacturer launch events all in store to kickstart the season. Here's a look at some of the mobile devices expected to land this year.

A top-end phablet

Unveiled early in August, the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 is up for release August 19 in the US and September 2 in Europe. This new top-of-the-range phablet from the South Korean manufacturer notably features a 5.7-inch Super AMOLED screen with curved edges. Like the Galaxy S7, it runs the 2.3GHz octa-core Exynos 8890 processor with 4GB of RAM. The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 is due to launch for US$849/€859/RM3,410 for the 64GB version (with expandable memory slot).

The first Android Nougat smartphone

This time around, the first smartphone to run Android 7.0 (Nougat) won't be a handset from the Nexus range, but will instead be the LG V20. The V20 is lined up to replace the V10, a dual-display mobile with a second strip-shaped screen running across the top of the main display. As well as shipping with the very latest version of Android, the LG V20 will be getting a 32-bit Hi-Fi digital audio converter. It's likely to be unveiled at the beginning of September.

New Nexus devices

A new version of Android inevitably brings a new line of Nexus devices, promising performances optimised to get the best out of Google's mobile OS. Two new 5-inch devices built by HTC are expected this autumn (codenames: Sailfish and Marlin), possibly accompanied by a larger handset from Huawei, following on from the current 6P. There's no word yet on when the new devices might be released.

Dive into augmented reality

The Lenovo Phab 2 Pro is sure to make a splash as the first smartphone compatible with Google's Tango augmented reality technology. Augmented reality brings virtual content to real-world settings, anyplace, anytime. Previewed at the Viva Technology show in Paris in July, the 6.4-inch phablet is due to land in September priced US$499/€499/RM2,003. Watch out for more Lenovo phablets equipped with this technology.

The new iPhone

Autumn also means a new iPhone. As usual, Apple's September keynote will see the official launch of the latest version of iOS (10) and will give users a first look at the firm's new smartphone(s). Rumours suggest that the "iPhone 7" could ditch the standard headphone jack in favour of Apple's proprietary Lightning connector. It's rumoured to be getting a dual rear camera and could see the current mechanical button replaced by a touch-sensitive system based on Force Touch technology, detecting differences in pressure.

A host of other smartphones ― from manufacturers including Sony and Huawei ― are likely to be unveiled at the IFA technology show in Berlin, Germany, which runs September 2 to 7, 2016. ― AFP-Relaxnews

Source: A look at autumn's most eagerly awaited smartphones

‘Pokemon Go’ Latest News, Release Date & Update: Augmented Reality Game Aided Nintendo 3DS Sales

Everyone is familiar with the mileage that "Pokemon Go" has had so Nintendo's claim that its 3DS sales are benefitting from its fame is not that surprising.

The thing is, "Pokemon Go" is still somehow associated with the Nintendo 3DS and this is mostly tied up to the "Pokemon" trademark. While Niantic Labs is the one that deserves credit, brand recall tied up to Nintendo cannot be denied.

To prove their point, Nintendo even points out the rise in 3DS sales in recent months. For July alone, North American sales showed an 80% sales increase (year-on-year), which technically makes it the best-selling game for the month.

"Pokemon Sun and Moon" joins the hype

With "Pokemon Go" causing quite a stir, it isn't surprising why games with somehow related titles are thriving as well. One game is "Pokemon Sun and Moon" which is rendering a bit of nostalgia for folks who frequently played the game.

As mentioned in a previous post, "Pokemon Sun and Moon" has some indirect reference for the current clan of "Pokemon Go" players. That includes the potential evolution of Pokemon characters, one of the key parts of the augmented reality game to date.

Debatable or not?

Right now, many will be debating Nintendo's claim though the facts presented are pretty much evident. "Pokemon Go" may or may not have something to do with the rise in popularity but the sales figures do carry some point of contention.

Be it as it may, the safe conclusion is that both Niantic and Nintendo have profited from the success of "Pokemon Go". Hence, any brand that carries the "Pokemon" name has now created some sort of impact with criticism left for players who get the chance to play the game. There may be differences but the fact remains that the augmented reality game has captivated the gaming sector by leaps and bounds.

TagsPokemon Go, Nintendo, Niantic, Pokemon Sun and Moon, 3DS

Source: 'Pokemon Go' Latest News, Release Date & Update: Augmented Reality Game Aided Nintendo 3DS Sales

Frank Ocean’s Device Control is a smartphone infomercial

Sick of music videos with glaringly obvious product placement? You might want to stay away from Frank Ocean's surprise visual album Endless.

Not that it's easy to see or listen to it- it's currently streaming exclusively on Apple Music, and there are no plans to release it elsewhere as of yet. But those of you that do get a chance to check the album out might be surprised by the track "Device Control," which has Ocean talking nonstop about about gadgets. It starts off right from the intro of the song:

With this Apple appliance, you can capture live videos/Still motion pictures shot at high frequency/Blurring, blurring the line.

So it's official- Frank Ocean loves iPhones and can't wait for the iPhone 7, even if there won't be a headphone jack! Small details like that don't bother Frank. But wait, what's next?

With this Sony Telephone 4K video is in your palm. It is in your palm, in your palm. In your hand, in your hand. With your eyes, with your eyes. You can capture real 4K.

Ok, so we should buy a Sony? Really? Is the video quality that much superior?

The new Samsung Galaxy allows you to livestream your life/Livestream your life, livestream your life/You can blur the border between still and motion pictures.

Now we're just completely confused, Frank. Can we get a rating system or something on this?

Apple Music subscribers, you know what to do. The rest of us can only hope to catch a YouTube stream of Endless, although those are constantly being pulled down. Or we can just read the lyrics on Genius and hope to one day know which phone Frank Ocean thinks is worth our time.

Those waiting for the incredible singer's follow-up to Channel Orange, tentatively titled Boys Don't Cry, may only have to wait till this weekend. Call your friends.

Source: Frank Ocean's Device Control is a smartphone infomercial

Microsoft pushes back HP Elite X3's UK release, gives it a price cut as well

Microsoft has pushed back the release of HP's Elite X3 Windows 10 smartphone in the UK. The business-focused device, which was supposed to begin shipping on August 18, will now be shipped starting August 22 in the country.

The Redmond, Washington-based company has also reduced the price of the business pack as part of which the handset is being offered. The pack - which includes a Desk Dock - is now available for £706.80 (taxes included), down from its original price tag of £749.

The price cut brings the cost of the bundle inline with what HP is officially selling it for. However, the date at which HP will start shipping the phone isn't yet clear - the company's UK website just says "delivered in 5-10 Working days."

Among third-party retailers, Clove currently has the bundle listed for £700. The listing reveals that the device will begin shipping today (August 19).

Source 1 2 3 | Via

Source: Microsoft pushes back HP Elite X3's UK release, gives it a price cut as well

'Pokemon GO' Gen 2 Release Date, News & Update: 100 New Pokemon Expected; What You Need To Prepare

"Pokemon Go" fans are already looking forward to new creatures that will allegedly arrive in the game's Generation 2 update. So far, "Pokemon Go" Gen 1 featured 145 total Pokemon, out of the 151 in the Pokedex, including four region-exclusive creatures.

"Pokemon Go" Gen 2 was announced by Niantic at San Diego Comic Con 2016, where several new Pokemon were said to be included. The new creatures feature both completely new Pokemon, as well as new evolutions, so players are advised to start saving up on Candies and Stardust.

The Bitbag wrote that "Pokemon Go" Gen 2 will reportedly include Crobat, the ultimate evolution of Zubat. At present, Zubat can only evolve into Golbat, but the new transformation should require about 100 Candies. Onix can evolve into the third stage Steelix, which may also require 100 Candies. In the new "Pokemon Go" update, Chansey can evolve into Blissey, requiring about 100 Candies. Horsea can transform into Kingdra, while Scyther can evolve into Scizor, at only 50 Candies. Porygon can evolve into Porygon2, which will need 50 Candies. Generation 4 "Pokemon Go" will reportedly include Porygon-Z, which will require several Candies.

RankedBoost revealed that there will be chance evolution in "Pokemon Go" Gen 2. Poliwag generally turns into a Poliwhirl, but the new update will bring Politoed, which Poliwag may turn into by chance. Slowpoke can evolve into Slowbro in the current "Pokemon Go," but the Gen 2 update can turn it into Slowking instead. Eevee has the chance to turn into any of the five next-level Pokemon, namely Jolteon, Vaporeon, Flareon, Umbreon and Espeon. The latter two are the latest addition in its forms.

Oddish can evolve into Gloom and eventually, the new PokemonBellossom for 100 Candies. Gloom generally turns into the grass/poison-type Vileplum, but the new "Pokemon Go" update provides trainers the choice of turning it into Bellossom instead. It is still uncertain whether all the new evolutions can be done by Candies alone, or if there will be new mechanisms introduced.

"Pokemon Go" Gen 2 is the next update, although Niantic has not yet provided a specific release date. There are rumors that it will become available early in 2017.

TagsPokemon Go Gen 2, Pokemon Go, New Pokemon, Pokemon GO characters, Niantic, Zubat, Golbat, Steelix, Onix, Horsea, Scyther, Scizor, Polygon-Z, Poliwag, Poliwhirl, Slowpoke, Slowbro, Politoed, Vileplum

Source: 'Pokemon GO' Gen 2 Release Date, News & Update: 100 New Pokemon Expected; What You Need To Prepare

Too many new smartphone models released each year: Survey

Consumers think smartphone makers are releasing too many new models each year, a survey showed Tuesday.

The survey conducted in six countries, commissioned by the environmental group Greenpeace, showed that more than half of those who responded would prefer to change their phones less frequently.

Handset devices are one of the most frequently replaced electronics products. The top cellphone companies, Samsung and Apple, launch new flagship phone models at least once every year, showing off the latest display and mobile processor technologies. Phone makers typically upgrade their cheaper lineups as well.

"Over half of respondents across the countries surveyed agree that manufacturers are releasing too many new models, many designed to only last a few years," said Chih An Lee, global IT campaigner at Greenpeace East Asia. "In fact, most users actually want their phones to be more easily dismantled, repaired and recycled."

Frequent introduction of new models was not necessarily a bad thing for South Korean Kwon SunHo.

"Even if each company releases one new phone every year or every six months, there are so many smartphone companies these days that it feels like new models are often released," the 24-year-old college student said. "I think it is a good phenomenon because it drives down the prices of older products."

Kwon, who upgrades phones every two or three years, picks a model that is not the latest and doesn't have the most cutting-edge features to save money.

The survey revealed some differences in attitude toward phone repairs across countries.

Chinese and South Koreans were more likely to have had their phones repaired than respondents in the U.S. or Germany.

Nearly half of respondents in all six countries believed that phone manufacturers should be more responsible in making recycling of their phones easier.

"If they give a discount to consumers who return their companies' phones, they can increase consumer loyalty and help the environment as well," Kwon said.

"I think it makes sense that manufacturers promote (recycling) as they know the components during production well," said Choi Yunsu, a 28-year-old South Korean. Choi usually gives his old phones to his family or sells them to someone, and said he has never heard of recycling a smartphone.

Respondents to the Greenpeace survey said battery life was an important feature for new smartphones.

More than 90 percent of respondents in China, Mexico and South Korea said it is important for new smartphones to be easily repaired if damaged. Consumers in all countries also said that producing phones without hazardous chemicals is an important factor.

Greenpeace polled 1,000 consumers each in the United States, Mexico, Russia, Germany, China and South Korea.

Source: Too many new smartphone models released each year: Survey

Google-Branded Smartphones Are Coming to India

Google is getting ready to release smartphones under its own brand, with the launch likely to be scheduled for early next month, Gadgets 360 has learnt from its sources. Later in September, these smartphones will be available in a handful of countries, including India, with details of rollout to other markets unclear at this point.

Gadgets 360 understands that Google will unveil two Android Nougat-running smartphones, one sporting a 5-inch display, with the other having a 5.5-inch screen size. A source that saw units of the two smartphones in India recently said that smartphones will come in 32GB and 128GB variants, but could not confirm other specifications.

These sizes and storage capacities match the leaked specifications of the two 'Nexus' smartphonesSailfish and Marlin that have been floating around for a while, though Gadgets 360 understands these smartphones will not be released carrying the Nexus moniker. Instead, Google will launch the smartphones under its own brand, though they may be manufactured by HTC, a fact Gadgets 360 has not been able to independently confirm. Emails sent to Google on the subject remained unanswered.

What we can confirm is that Google is positioning these devices as premium smartphones with excellent overall experience, in an attempt to take the iPhone head-on, something that's been reported earlier. Gadgets 360 understands that these smartphones may come with a new mechanism for transferring data from the iPhone, designed to make the on-boarding process for new users a little bit easier. However, market experts tell Gadgets 360 that it's Samsung's high-end sales that are more likely to be impacted by the launch of Google's new phones, at least in India, a market where Apple continues to be an aspirational technology brand with no peers.

The source who saw the two smartphones confirmed that the phones ran the forthcoming version ofAndroid, and noted the new launcher minus the Google search box. Further, Gadgets 360 understands that the all-new Google Assistant will be one of the headline software features of the new phones.

While Google has partnered with the likes of HTC, LG, and more recently Huawei, among others, to launch smartphones under the Nexus umbrella, these smartphones will be the first time Google will release phones with its own name as a consumer-facing brand in the mobiles segment. Googlereleased the Pixel C tablet last September, and a year later the search giant is set to enter the smartphone segment in a similar fashion.

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Source: Google-Branded Smartphones Are Coming to India

Lyft Inks Partnership to Bring Ridesharing to Seniors

Popular San Francisco-based ridesharing company Lyft has partnered with SPLT, a carpooling app service out of Detroit, to deliver non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services to seniors in Michigan—including those who do not have a smartphone. 

Through the partnership, seniors can request transportation to and from appointments by submitting their name, pick-up and drop-off locations either by phone, text message or through a website, Crain's Detroit Business reports. Then, they'll be matched with Lyft drivers who will provide the rides to and from the appointments.

SPLT will handle actually scheduling the rides, as well as Medicare qualifications, insurance reimbursement and reporting to health care systems. The service is scheduled to launch sometime this fall.

Currently, 3.6 million Americans per year miss or postpone medical care due to problems accessing transportation, according to a SPLT press release. This problem is exacerbated by the fact that more than 25% of American seniors do not own smartphones with which to request ridesharing services.

Lyft and SPLT saw an opportunity in the NEMT space because the space's existing players require that patients book transportation a minimum of four days before their appointments. Then, after the appointments, patients often have to wait several hours before their driver shows up, SPLT says. 

"The inefficiencies in this industry are enormous and patients have no voice or alternative," SPLT founder and CEO Anya Babbitt said in a press release. "Patient trust is what we plan to bring back to the NEMT experience."

Lyft and SPLT also aim to slash pre-booking times from days to hours, as well as patient wait times from hours to minutes.

"Getting a patient to their doctor appointment can lower the cost and increase the quality of care," Gyre Renwick, Lyft's head of enterprise healthcare partnerships, said in the press release.

This year, SPLT aspires to roll out the service at health care systems throughout the Midwest; Babbitt hopes to launch nationwide after that, Crain's reports. 

Lyft and SPLT had not responded to Senior Housing News' requests for comment as of press time.

This is not the first time ridesharing companies have targeted the senior population. Uber launched uberASSIST, a ridesharing solution for seniors, in October 2014; months later, in July 2015, Uber began offering free rides at select senior centers and retirement communities across the country.

Written by Mary Kate Nelson

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Source: Lyft Inks Partnership to Bring Ridesharing to Seniors

IPHONE 7 PRICE, RELEASE DATE, AND SPECIFICATIONS

#iPhone7 #Apple – iPhone 7 Price, Release Date, Specifications, and All Other Rumours : iPhone 7 is the most anticipated smartphone of the year, and Apple fans across the world are counting down to when the smartphone and its variants will be launched.

Alongside, the rumour mills just keep churning out fresh details about the smartphone. The iPhone 7 is anticipated to launch at its now traditional September event, and as we approach the date, more pieces of the iPhone puzzle are being fleshed out. The iPhone 7 is not expected to see any major design tweaks, except for a minor few.

However, there are some significant changes that are worth a mention. We compile all the rumours and leaks that have surfaced online so far, and give you a comprehensive list of all that is expected to come with the iPhone 7 this year.

Three variants

In 2013, Apple released two iPhones for the first time – the iPhone 5s and 5c. The following year saw a major design overhaul with Apple ditching its 4-inch smartphone size entirely, and releasing two smartphones in different sizes, the 4.7-inch iPhone 6 and 5.5-inch iPhone 6 Plus. Last year, the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus were released with software upgrades.

However this year, Apple is reportedly taking it a notch further and is tipped to launch three variants namely iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, and the iPhone 7 Pro/ Plus/ Premium. And as we head towards the actual launch, yet another report is tipping the presence of three variants – the iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, and iPhone 7 Pro.

Source: IPHONE 7 PRICE, RELEASE DATE, AND SPECIFICATIONS

Google may have accidentally revealed a new Nexus smartphone

Google (NASDAQ: GOOGL) could present its new Nexus smartphone during the second half of 2016. The company apparently gave a glance to fans of an unreleased Nexus phone.

On its Instagram account, Google posted a video to promote the Google Photos app for iOS and Android, where it is displayed a phone that is not familiar among Google's free devices. It could be undoubtedly a prototype looking similar to an iPhone SE, which has been set up to run Google's current new Android 7.0 Nougat software.

Leaked renders have depicted Google's new Nexus devices ahead of their official launch. Image Credit: BGR

Google has previously revealed Nexus devices throughout marketing videos, and it is possible the company did it again with the first official render of a new 2016 Nexus phone. The company had planned for the phone's render to be revealed later this year, yet Google jumped forward ahead of scheduled.

Consumers are always looking fresh options to change their phones, and it seems like Androids have captured the attention of them. When asked, consumers also referred to Android phones as innovative, affordable and compatibles with new Android software updates.

Google's Nexus lineup has become the favorite among users, in fact, for some of them, the Nexus 6P is the best Android phone ever. Apart from its bodily characteristics, the Nexus 6P features an advanced technology security which is quicker and offers more security with the fingerprint sensor placed behind the back of the device.

After the success of the Nexus 6P, the giant searcher is aiming to present a phone to be the successor of Nexus 6P: the Marlin.

Marlin & Sailfish

The company has also announced the launch of two phones called Marlin and Sailfish during 2016. On one hand, the Marlin is expected to be the successor to the popular Nexus 6P, whose hardware has been developed in an all-metal design and cutting-edge specs.

It has been rumored that the Sailfish, on the other hand, is expected to be a smaller phone compared with the Marlin, in a plastic design, but with similar specs features.

Google Nexus 2016 Render Teases A Cleaner Design For Both HTC-Made 'Sailfish' And 'Marlin.' Image Credit: Android Headlines

2016's Google devices are planned to be launched in October.

Google's Android 7.0 Nougat software

Alongside with new Android devices, Google has also announced some updates to its software. During the release in March, the company stated the new software would be available later this summer. By then, the company only said that most of the changes would not be visual but internal.

After the global release, people have used beta versions to test the Android 7.0 Nougat software and it seems it runs smoothly on Nexus devices.

The new Android's software will be free software, update for all smartphones and tablets that can support it. Manufacturers like Samsung, Motorola, LG, among others, could get likewise updates of the software.

Considering that the Android 6.0 Marshmallow could not immediately be updated in most of Android's devices, it is expected that the software rolls out much faster for everybody.

Source: Gotta Be Mobile

Source: Google may have accidentally revealed a new Nexus smartphone

Nokia Android smartphone likely to be manufactured by Foxconn

The Nokia brand was recently bought by Foxconn from Microsoft for a considerable $350 million and now the company is planning to release two new smartphones into the market based on the Nokia mobile phones brand but from the house of HMD global Oy. Both the mobile phones are said to be of different sizes. The smaller one will have a 5.2-inch display and the larger one is said to sport a 5.5-inch display. Both the models are said to have 2K resolution display and will be equipped with Z-Launcher System UI that is based on Android 7.0 Nougat.

Nokia Android smartphone will be manufactured by Foxconn

A new rumor has it that at least one of the new Nokia smartphones that will be manufactured by the new owners of the brand, Foxconn, will feature special camera sensors. These camera sensors will be made using graphene. Graphene is a thin layer of pure carbon. The single tightly packed layer of carbon atoms bonded in a hexagonal honeycomb lattice.

Nokia Android smartphone Specs

Previously the rumors had speculated that the new Nokia Android smartphone could be powered by the Snapdragon 820 chipset and sport an all-metal body. Now the new rumors say that the Nokia device is expected to come packed with IP68 Waterproof and Dustproof protection that is similar to the ones on the Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge. The development effort for this technology cost $1.35 billion.

Other highlights of the device include water and dust resistance (IP68), fingerprint sensors, and OLED displays paired with QHD resolution (2,560 x 1,440 pixels). As far as the software is concerned, the handsets are said to sport an improved version of the predictive Z-Launcher by Nokia. This is a newer version of the beta that is available in the Google Play app store. This skin to the Android Nougat sure looks promising.

Foxconn also has the manufacturing rights to Apple's iPhone. If the quality of work coming out of their facility is any evidence of their prowess, the Nokia lovers can expect some quality from the brand after a long pause.

Deemed as one of the most popular brands in any industry, Nokia is an iconic figure in the industry. The takeover by Microsoft sure made its future look promising, but the Android and iOS killed it. However, the new comeback has been one of the most anticipated news in any category this year. Whether or not it lives up to it, is only for time to tell.

Source: Nokia Android smartphone likely to be manufactured by Foxconn

Sony to release security patches to address QuadRooter vulnerability for Xperia phones

Sony to release QuadRooter vulnerability fix for its Xperia phones Sony will release security patches to address the QuadRooter vulnerability discovered recently, affecting as many as 900 million Android smartphones and tablets using Qualcomm chipsets. The company, in its official support forum , notes […]

Sony to release security patches to address QuadRooter vulnerability for Xperia phones

Source: Sony to release security patches to address QuadRooter vulnerability for Xperia phones

LG V20 smartphone to offer upgraded sound with 32-bit Quad DAC

[Rendered image of LG V20 leaked by online media AndroidAuthority.com]

The upcoming LG V20 smartphone, the latest flagship model of South Korean tech company LG Electronics Inc., will feature a cutting-edge sound system in collaboration with U.S based audio chipmaker ESS Technology.

LG Electronics on Thursday announced that the LG V20, which is scheduled for release on September 7, will be equipped with a 32-bit Hi-Fi Quad DAC chip by ESS Technology to provide an optimum sound experience to its smartphone users.

The DAC or digital to analog converter is a chip that switches sound sources that are composed of digital signals such as 0 and 1 to analog signals that human can hear. The Quad DAC is four DAC chips in one single audio chip and it allows the audio system to better play 32-bit sound by reducing ambient noise. With 32-bit Quad DAC, sound is delivered that is closest to a live performance, the company said. The smartphone maker's s precedent model LG V10 was also equipped with 32-bit single DAC but it did not offer 32-bit music generatio n.

Sound experts say an audio system equipped with Quad DAC delivers sound very clearly that it is even possible to hear the breathing of a singer and noise of bow touching a string of a violin. The Quad DAC is embedded in some of the premium audio players released by high quality music equipment makers such as McIntosh and Yamaha, and a McIntosh's compact disc (CD) player with Qaud DAC is priced at over 1,000 British pounds ($1,300). Previously, Korean electronics company Iriver Inc. launched a high performance MP3 player with double DAC.

"Quad DAC on the V20 will make users feel as if they are carrying around a professional home-audio system on their smartphone," said Robert Blair, president and chief executive officer of ESS Technology.

LG Electronics has focused its efforts to upgrade the audio and video features of its smartphones, beginning with the LG V10 that was launched last year. Juno Cho, president of Mobile Communications division of LG Electroni cs said that the company will continue working with industry leaders such as ESS Technology to bring the "best in class audio" to its mobile phone users as he added that the LG V20 phone is also equipped with upgraded multimedia features.

사진설명: Rendered image of LG V20 leaked by online media AndroidAuthority.com

By Shin Hyun-kyu and Lee Gyung-jin

[ⓒ Pulse by Maeil Business News Korea & mk.co.kr, All rights reserved]

Source: LG V20 smartphone to offer upgraded sound with 32-bit Quad DAC

Smartphones Need Not Apply To ZTE’s Crowd Sourced Competition For The Next Big Mobile Product

ZTE wouldn't be surprised if the product it develops in its new initiative, Project CSX, was announced by a competitor before it launches its own model in 2017. In fact, the manufacturer has anticipated curiosity from other companies and has made it possible for anyone to view CSX submissions in the Z-Community forums without registration.

"We've gone through all those scenarios. And if we launch in March and someone else launches in February, that's the risk we take," ZTE Vice President of Technology Planning and Partnerships Jeff Yee told iDigitalTimes.

ZTE launched "Crowd Sourced X" last Wednesday as an endeavour to develop a new product for the mobile space. Tech enthusiasts can sign up and share their ideas for an original mobile product and the community will vote to select a winner, which will be announced in October. The grand-prize winner will receive a trip to CES Las Vegas 2017, while many other runner-ups will receive cash prizes. But the main purpose of CSX is to bring something new to the market.

The main criteria for submission are that the product must be feasible for a 2017 launch, portable, able to connect to a cellular or Wi-Fi network and affordable to the general population.    

"We really want to challenge users to get more creative than [smartphones]. What if the next mobile device [is something] that can help to fulfill something in your lives, probably solves a problem," Yee said. "At the end of the day if it's a phone then we'll go ahead and build a phone. But we really want to challenge users to get to something even more than that."

Though manufacturers, including ZTE, continue to release smartphones, many with new and beefed up features they hope will attract customers, smartphone growth continues to slow. Growth is expected to drop to 3.1 percent in 2016, according to the IDC. Outside of smartphones, markets including wearables and virtual reality have peaked consumers' interest, but haven't truly taken off, leaving the industry at a loss for what's next.  

ZTE hopes CSX will be a way to bring fresh ideas into the tech space and give consumers a more direct way to be heard by manufacturers and get the exact products they want on the market. One standout idea of the forums so far is a solar-powered screen for a smartphone, intended to help with battery life.

Yee admits the project is extremely experimental, but said CSX may continue in the future, depending on the success of this current run. CSX essentially puts consumers in the place of the marketing team that works to develop the next generation of mobile products. User discussions within the forum will act as research and development to refine the ideas and details the logistics of how the product will work. This will then be voted on by the community.

"The final thing, if you think of it as a package [is] the idea and the concept -- The concept requires CAD drawing submissions, what materials should we use, it becomes a lot more complex. That whole package is what gets voted on in October," Yee told iDigi.

Initial submissions will be accepted through Aug. 31, voted on by the community through Sept. 10 and then judged by ZTE Sept. 11. Ideas that move on to phase 2 can be developed further until Sept. 30, voted on by the community through Oct. 10 and judged by ZTE Oct. 11. A final voting period will take place Oct. 12-19 to select the winning concept.

ZTE will then take the winning concept and develop it into a actual product, which will release in 2017. The release timeframe will be dependent on the type of product, as well as whether the original CSX author(s) will have further involvement, according to Yee. Ideally, ZTE would like to have the developer(s) and the community involved in the process from conception to release.  

In the future, Yee imagines CSX may include different parameters to allow for more creativity and could possibly move outside of mobile products. But for now, those submitting must simply keep their ideas as unique as possible. Submitters should keep in mind that they can also build on existing ideas with original concepts.

"It sort of follows patent rules," Yee said. "You're allowed to develop patents on existing technology as long as you're doing something to make it unique."

Source: Smartphones Need Not Apply To ZTE's Crowd Sourced Competition For The Next Big Mobile Product

iPhone 7 Plus Will Release Now Circulating Benchmark Results

iPhone 7 Plus Will Release Now Circulating Benchmark Results iPhone 7 Plus Will Release Now Circulating Benchmark Results

– Apple will launch new smartphones in the year 2016. September's rumored smartphone will launch the successor of iPhone 6. The next generation of the name iPhone 7, has been a lot of rumors about the smartphone to be used screen duo iPhone 7 are also available.

The picture shows the test results Geekbanch of iPhone 7 Plus which has been revealed to be using an ARM processor and has a RAM capacity of 3GB. The picture originated from a Chinese site Weibo postings that have been taken by Techtastic.nl Belanjda sites. in the image have the results of single and multi-core hardware models of the iPhone with the string 'iPhone9,2.'

Comparison of iPhone 6s Plus which has the support of dual core chipset with speed 1,84GHz and implementing capacity of 2GB RAM and hardware are string 'iPhone8,2'. If these results can be believed that the score of a single core has the numbers 2548 and 6430 the numbers of multi-core processors.

In results iPhone 7 Plus will also be using the processor Apple A10 to 16 nanometers and with this it beat iPhone 6s Plus are using the processor Apple A9 and had a score of 2,490 and 4,341 for multi cores.

The results already indicate that the processor will use Apple A10 which also contained A9X perkua 2.2 GHz speed of 12.9 inch iPad Pro. The products already have a Scotch Geebench respectively 3,224 and 5,466. it has been reported by Mac Rumors.

Last week, while the sites are reporting that the iPhone 7 Plus will use 3GB of RAM and will also support two claims that have been obtained from KGI Securities analyst Ming-Ching Kuo. Keep up to launch iPhone 7 Plus.

Also Read List Price Latest iPad & iPhone

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Source: iPhone 7 Plus Will Release Now Circulating Benchmark Results

September 7 said to be the iPhone 7 release date

All signs may point to Apple's new smartphone coming in September, but just when exactly is the iPhone 7 release date? Anyone with even a passing interest in mobile is keeping at least one eye on rumors around the Cupertino firm's newest handset, with tidbits like dual cameras and, for the first time, a move away from a physical home button all among the whispers, but the big question is always around when we can see the iPhone 7 for real.

According to Bloomberg's sources, there's not long to wait. The well-connected Mark Gurman suggests September 7th is Apple's big announcement day, though the phone almost certainly won't go on sale immediately.

Instead, the actual iPhone 7 release date is more likely to be a little more than a week later. Apple traditionally has its new iPhone in-store on a Friday - so that, among other things, it can capture an extended weekend of sales and announce "record demand" later on - which suggests September 16th.

Interestingly, Bloomberg writes, the almost equally-anticipated MacBook Pro refresh won't share the spotlight at the iPhone 7 launch. Instead the notebook - which is said to have a touchscreen OLED function key bar, that can be dynamically changed to suit different apps and uses - will be revealed at a different point, presumably to give both important products separate time to shine.

As for the iPhone 7, what we're expecting is part evolution, part revolution over the existing iPhone 6s. The new phone is expected to retire the physical home button, a feature of iPhones since the very first model, in favor of a pressure-sensitive pad that would do away with moving parts yet still support Touch ID.

Haptics, similar to those in use by the Apple Watch and the Magic Trackpad, would be implemented to give the iPhone 7 home button a "kick" like a physical button might.

NOW READ: After iPhone 7, the all-glass iPhone?

Meanwhile dual cameras on the rear of the smartphone could combine their snaps to make a single, high-quality image, in an expansion of sorts on the HDR photography mode that current iPhones offer. Though Apple is expected to launch two sizes of the iPhone 7, as is the case now, the smaller phone may well lack the twin camera rig.

Most controversial, of course, is the idea that the iPhone 7 headphone jack will be retired in favor of connecting either via the proprietary Lightning port, or using a wireless standard such as Bluetooth. Doing away with the 3.5mm jack would allow Apple to reclaim no small amount of space inside the phone, though critics point out that it would also force a widespread update of existing, perfectly functional headphones unless people were content to use an adapter.

Such an adapter is tipped to be in the box with the new iPhone, though Apple is also said to be planning new Lightning-connected EarPod headphones in time for the iPhone 7 release.

SOURCE Bloomberg

Source: September 7 said to be the iPhone 7 release date

Pokemon Go Plus Release Date Is 30th Of September On IPhone Only

Nintendo has offered for a short time pre-order for hardware accessory for the Pokemon Go. The Pokemon Go Plus Bluetooth bracelet was sold out right around the launch of Pokemon Go on July 6. End of July Nintendo decided to scrap the planned release of Pokemon Go Plus in July. The company announced to ship the Pokemon Go Plus in September.

Now Nintendo stores in Europe and Gamestop in the United States list a September 30th as Pokemon Go Plus release date. Nintendo states in their store that the device will ship before September 30th. This could mean that the release is earlier in September. Nintendo has though to first fulfill the pre-orders that are now not traded anymore on eBay. Apparently all pre-orders found new owners at the premium prices.

The list price of the Pokemon Go Plus is $34.99. Gamestop, ToysRUs and Amazon have it listed in their online stores, but the pre-order is not available at the writing of this report. We will update this story with how to buy the Pokemon Go Plus as soon as retailers start to take orders again. We anticipate that retailers like ToysRUs are in negotiations with Nintendo to feature the Pokemon Go Plus in Black Friday 2016 sales.

An interesting tidbit is that the Pokemon Go Plus is only compatible with the iPhone. Nintendo states that Niantic is working on an update for the Pokemon Go Android app since July that will enable the Pokemon Go bracelet. The lack of Android support has likely contributed to the decision to delay the Pokemon Go Plus device.

The iOS Pokemon Go app will also require an update that is "planned for 2016" says Nintendo. This is kind of a weak formulation. There is a risk that the iPhone app will not be ready when the Pokemon Go Plus starts to ship.

Pokemon Go Plus is a simple Bluetooth wearable device. The obvious attraction is that you can show off that you are a Pokemon trainer. With the 3rd party Pokemon Go Plus stickers you can even show off which team you are on.

With Pokemon GO Plus you do not have to look at your smartphone to spot nearby Pokemon or PokeStops. The wearable connects to a smartphone via Bluetooth low energy and notifies you about events in the game using an LED light and vibration.

The Pokemon GO Plus will begin to blink and vibrate whenever you're within range of a PokeStop. Press the Pokemon GO Plus button to search the PokeStop for items. If you find any items, swipe or tap them to add them to your inventory. 

When a Pokemon is near, the light on the Pokemon GO Plus will flash. It will also flash and vibrate when you pass a PokeStop.

Once a Pokemon is close, press the button on the Pokemon GO Plus to throw a Poke Ball. You'll only be able to throw a Poke Ball using Pokemon GO Plus if you've caught the Pokémon before. The Pokemon GO Plus will flash and vibrate to let you know if you were successful in catching the Pokemon.

The Pokemon Go Plus could be used to find rare Pokemon, if Niantic enhances the support for the bracelets to configure filters and alerts for specific Pokemon. This could extend the Pokemon Go nearby tracker in a powerful way for advanced trainers.

The Pokemon Go Plus device is the only real chance for Nintendo to make revenue off Pokemon Go. So far the AR game has generated about $200 million shared between Niantic, The Pokemon Company, Google and Apple. More Pokemon Go News.

Source: Pokemon Go Plus Release Date Is 30th Of September On IPhone Only

iPhone 7 Release Date, News & Update: Apple Smartphone Has Same Design with iPhone 6s? Price, Features & Specs Unveiled

Previous reports have claimed that the iPhone 7 may not bid "many attractive selling points." Since then, we've witnessed a series of stories and leaks appearing to advocate the view that the exterior scheme will look comparable to existing models.

Recent reports say that the new iPhone 7 will be available in 4.7 and 5.5-inch variants, with an improved A10 processor, 3GB RAM and 32GB base storage choice. There is nothing specific on the cost of the iPhone 7, however, MobiPicker  affirmed that the base model will cost around ¥5,258 (about $802 or Rs. 53,000) and the 64GB as well as 256GB models will cost at around ¥6,088 (about $924, Rs. 61,000), ¥7,088 (about $1075 or Rs. 71,000).

The Indian price tag of the handset will vary as it is not meant purely on the ratio of the currencies. Lastly, we may witness the primary iPhone 7 model with a base storage of 32GB and 64GB and 256GB variants.

As per Bloomberg, a report stating that Apple authors have reassured many different rumors on the iPhone 7. These contains an iPhone 6-like scheme with organized antenna lines, dual cameras with the 5.5-inch model, a pressure-sensitive Home button with haptic function and removal of the headphone jack.

There has been a lot guesses about the use of the double-camera setup on the bigger iPhone 7. Also, the report indicates that the system will provide several benefits on the photos and videos that will be taken using the iPhone 7 device.

The scheduled release date of the iPhone 7 will be on the Sept. 16, 2016. Stay tuned to GamenGuide for more iPhone 7 news and updates!

TagsiPhone 7, Apple, iPhone

Source: iPhone 7 Release Date, News & Update: Apple Smartphone Has Same Design with iPhone 6s? Price, Features & Specs Unveiled

Chinese Smartphone Makers Threaten Samsung

China's Huawei will unveil its flagship new smartphone, the Honor 8, and a bigger version, the Honor Note 8, in San Francisco on Aug. 16.

The release comes hard on the heels of the launch of Samsung's Galaxy Note 7, also in America, and clearly throws down the gauntlet to both Samsung and Apple.

Huawei already unveiled the Honor Note 8 at a media event in Beijing on Aug. 1, a day before Samsung launched the Galaxy Note 7 in the same "phablet" category.

Chinese smartphone makers at first conquered their domestic market for cheap phones before branching out into more high-end, sophisticated models on the global stage. And Samsung and Apple are getting nervous.

Given the rapid technological strides Chinese firms have made in the last few years, first by shamelessly copying their betters and then by tinkering with technologies, analysts expect them to make swift headway in the global market.

According to market researcher IDC, Samsung leads the global market by selling 77 million smartphones with a 22.5 percent market share in the second quarter of this year. Apple's global market share dropped 2.1 percentage points on-year to 11.8 percent, not too far ahead of Huawei's 9.4 percent.

Unless the iPhone 7, set for release next month, proves a massive hit, Apple could lose its No. 2 status to the Chinese upstart.

Newcomers Oppo and Vivo are also catching up fast. Their global market shares rose from 2.8 percent and 2.7 percent in the second quarter of 2015 to 6.6 percent and 4.8 percent this second quarter.                                                                                                                          Chinese smartphone makers have already overtaken Samsung and Apple in China and India. According to market researcher Counterpoint, Oppo's market share in China rose to 22.9 percent in June to top the market, while Huawei ranked second with 17.4 percent and Vivo third at 12 percent.

Apple and Samsung, meanwhile, saw their shares of the Chinese market fall to nine percent and 6.8 percent.

In India, Chinese smartphone makers' share rose from 21 percent in the first quarter to 27 percent in the second.

A Samsung staffer said, "Chinese smartphone makers have almost caught up with Korean manufacturers, not only in terms of hardware but design as well, while they are catching up quickly in leading technology."

By Kang Young-soo, Park Soon-chan / Aug. 09, 2016 12:52 KST

Source: Chinese Smartphone Makers Threaten Samsung

Samsung Z2 release date in India, price, specifications: What we know so far

Samsung's upcoming Tizen-based smartphone Samsung Z2, successor of the Samsung Z1, has been in news for a while now. It has now emerged that the device will be released this week.

The Samsung Z2 will be launched in India on Aug. 11, come with a price tag of Rs. Rs. 4,499, and available in two colours -- Black and White, according to PhoneHorn (via SamMobile).

It may be recalled that a Samsung handset with model number SM-Z200F, believed to be the Samsung Z2, was certified by Bluetooth recently, giving a hint that its release date isn't far off. It was also reported that the handset will sport a 4-inch display with LTE connectivity, house Voice Control and S Bike Mode features, and come with My Money Transfer app for Indian users.

The Samsung Z1, which was released in 2015, sports a 4-inch PLS TFT capacitive touchscreen with 480x800 pixels (233ppi pixel density) and measures 120.4x63.2x9.7 mm in dimension. Under the hood, it has a 1.2GHz dual core Speedtrum SC7727S processor, a home-made Tizen operating system, a 4GB internal memory expandable up to 64GB via microSD card, a 768MB RAM, a 3.15MP main camera with LED flash, Geo-tagging and face detection, a VGA front-snapper, and a 1,500mAh battery.

Source: Samsung Z2 release date in India, price, specifications: What we know so far

Pokemon Go Banned in Iran Due To “Security Concerns”

The Middle-Eastern nation of Iran has officially become the first country to ban Pokemon Go, the augmented reality smartphone game that has dominated the consciousness of smartphone users worldwide.

According to a report by the BBC, The Iran's High Council of Virtual Spaces, a governmental online filtering and monitoring agency, has restricted the use of the app due to unspecified "security concerns".

Pokemon Go has created a number of disturbances since its release, many of which have been in regards to the game"s focus on visiting real-world locations and landmarks to both catch Pokemon and retrieve in-game items. These range from players wandering onto military bases, Holocaust Museums raising concerns of disrespect, to local communities being overrun with players.

The BBC reports that Iranian authorities were reported to have been in contact with the game's developers, Niantic Inc, in the past month in order to "see what extent the game's creators would co-operate with them", before officially making a decision to ban the game nation-wide. However, the report also states that despite restrictions, Iran citizens on social media are allegedly still discussing and playing the game.

Iran is the second-largest country in the Middle East next to Egypt, and is the 18th-largest in the world. Its population comprises over 79 million people, all of whom are now restricted from playing Pokemon GO. At its peak, Pokemon GO registered over 25 million active users in the United States alone.

Source: Pokemon Go Banned in Iran Due To "Security Concerns"