OnePlus 4 to release in early 2017? Flagship killer to boast 4K OLED screen

#OnePlus4 #OLED – OnePlus 4 to release in early 2017? Flagship killer to boast 4K OLED screen : Although OnePlus 3 released this year, rumors are already rife about the next iteration phone. OnePlus 3 has an affordable price, but the upcoming smartphone may be the ultimate flagship killer, as it is fondly called, that will reportedly compete with Apple's iPhone 7.

There are many rumors about the upcoming OnePlus 4. The smartphone will reportedly come with 8 GB of RAM and a powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 830 SoC. According to WCCF Tech, the Snapdragon 830 processor will be built on the 10nm, becoming the first chipset for such innovation.

Qualcomm is improving the homegrown Kryo cores on Snapdragon 830 processor for better power consumption. On the other hand, OnePlus 4 will feature Google's latest Android 7.0 Nougat OS.

With regard to the camera, OnePlus 4 will have more impressive camera features than its precursor, and it may even surpass the features in most phones today.

Besides the smartphone coming with 256 GB microSD capability, the OnePlus 4 will sport 23MP rear camera, which is an improvement over the OnePlus 3's 16MP camera, according to Android Headlines. The upcoming device will also have an 8MP front camera with Sony's sensor integration.

A feature that makes the OnePlus 4 a flagship killer is its great screen features. If rumors are to be believed, the upcoming smartphone from OnePlus may be the first handset in 2017 to sport a 4K resolution with an Optic OLED screen. The phone will reportedly have a 5.5-inch diagonal screen with an aluminum casing.

Apart from the OLED touch screen, the OnePlus 4 is rumored to use the latest 3D technology in smartphones. While the exact release date is yet to be unveiled, reports suggest that it will roll out between April and May next year.

Meanwhile, the OnePlus 4 may beat the iPhone 7, especially when it comes to pricing. iPhone 7 is going at approximately $899, but the next iteration from OnePlus will cost about $300 to $400. Source: Yibada

As a result, the manufacturer is still maintaining affordability with top-on-line features. Here is a sneak peek for further details on OnePlus 4:

Source: OnePlus 4 to release in early 2017? Flagship killer to boast 4K OLED screen

SAMSUNG GALAXY C9 RELEASE DATE, NEWS & UPDATE: IMMINENT SMARTPHONE BETTER THAN C5, C7 & S7?

#GalaxyC9 #Smartphone – Samsung Galaxy C9 Release Date, News & Update: Imminent Smartphone Better Than C5, C7 & S7? : Several fans are now excited for the upcoming release of the Samsung Galaxy C9, another top of the line phablet smartphone for the company. The imminent smartphone from the Korean tech giant is a part of the line where the previously launched Samsung Galaxy C5 and Samsung Galaxy C7 belong.

Samsung Galaxy C9 Spec & Features

The Samsung Galaxy C9 will feature a metallic surface similar to the Samsung Galaxy C5 and Galaxy C7 variants with a full HD display. Sources have claimed that Samsung Galaxy C9 will have a 6-inch display screen, which in line with the revolution of the series, Tech Times reports.

What makes Samsung Galaxy C9 very unique from its predecessors is the 6GB RAM and its 64GB internal storage. This would be the first ever Samsung phone to rolled out with a 6GB RAM package along with its powerful specs.

The Samsung Galaxy C9 will most likely feature a physical home button in the bottom of the screen with a fingerprint sensor. In terms of camera specs, Samsung Galaxy C9 will have a 16-megapixel rear camera and a 16-megapixel front selfie snapper.

The Samsung Galazy C9 will sport a Snapdragon 652 OS and an Adreno 510 GPU to support the phone's performance. Other than the flagship's processor prowess, the Samsung Galaxy C9 will run an Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow operating system.

Samsung Galaxy C9 Release Date & Price

As of now, there are no official news about the release date and price of the Samsung Galaxy C9. But, consumers can presume that the phone will cost more than that of Samsung Galaxy C5 and Samsung Gakaxy C7 due to its much-improved specs and features.

Also, it is expected that the Samsung Galaxy C9 will be released in China first before it will be shipped to U.S. For more Samsung Galaxy C9 news and update, stay tuned to GamenGuide! Source: gamenguide

Source: SAMSUNG GALAXY C9 RELEASE DATE, NEWS & UPDATE: IMMINENT SMARTPHONE BETTER THAN C5, C7 & S7?

Samsung Galaxy C9 Release Date, News & Update: Imminent Smartphone Better Than C5, C7 & S7? Impressive Features, Specs & Price Revealed

Several fans are now excited for the upcoming release of the Samsung Galaxy C9, another top of the line phablet smartphone for the company. The imminent smartphone from the Korean tech giant is a part of the line where the previously launched Samsung Galaxy C5 and Samsung Galaxy C7 belong.

Samsung Galaxy C9 Spec & Features

The Samsung Galaxy C9 will feature a metallic surface similar to the Samsung Galaxy C5 and Galaxy C7 variants with a full HD display. Sources have claimed that Samsung Galaxy C9 will have a 6-inch display screen, which in line with the revolution of the series, Tech Times reports.

What makes Samsung Galaxy C9 very unique from its predecessors is the 6GB RAM and its 64GB internal storage. This would be the first ever Samsung phone to rolled out with a 6GB RAM package along with its powerful specs.

The Samsung Galaxy C9 will most likely feature a physical home button in the bottom of the screen with a fingerprint sensor. In terms of camera specs, Samsung Galaxy C9 will have a 16-megapixel rear camera and a 16-megapixel front selfie snapper.

The Samsung Galazy C9 will sport a Snapdragon 652 OS and an Adreno 510 GPU to support the phone's performance. Other than the flagship's processor prowess, the Samsung Galaxy C9 will run an Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow operating system.

Samsung Galaxy C9 Release Date & Price

As of now, there are no official news about the release date and price of the Samsung Galaxy C9. But, consumers can presume that the phone will cost more than that of Samsung Galaxy C5 and Samsung Gakaxy C7 due to its much-improved specs and features.

Also, it is expected that the Samsung Galaxy C9 will be released in China first before it will be shipped to U.S. For more Samsung Galaxy C9 news and update, stay tuned to GamenGuide!

TagsSamsung Galaxy C9, Samsung Galaxy C9 Update, Samsung Galaxy C9 Features, Samsung Galaxy C9 Release Date, Samsung Galaxy C9 Price

Source: Samsung Galaxy C9 Release Date, News & Update: Imminent Smartphone Better Than C5, C7 & S7? Impressive Features, Specs & Price Revealed

Xiaomi unveils its new Mi 5S and Mi 5S Plus flagship smartphones

Barely a month since Apple introduced its iPhone 7 duo, Xiaomi has responded with not one but two new flagships smartphones. Following the release of its Mi 5 flagship earlier this year, the Chinese company has introduced an updated version with the Mi 5S. For those longing for a Mi Note replacement, they have also launched a Plus model that comes with a 5.7″ display.

Mi 5S

The Mi 5S runs latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 processor clocked at 2.15GHz which is a notch above the Snapdragon 820 that's powering the Mi 5. The base model gets 3GB RAM and 64GB of storage while the higher spec variant gets 4GB RAM and 128GB of storage. Instead of a glass back, the Mi 5S now gets an all metal body with brushed finish that curves subtly to the edges. There are noticeable antenna lines that looks awfully familiar.

The front display is a 5.15″ Full HD unit similar to the Mi 5 but the higher-spec variant gets additional pressure sensitivity. Imaging is one of its key highlights with a 12MP f/2.0 Sony IMX378 camera that boasts a larger 1.55-micron pixel size. It can capture 4K videos at 30fps and 1080p videos up to 120fps. For the front, it still maintains the good old 4MP f/2.0 "Ultrapixel" camera that has a larger 2-micron pixel size.

Keeping the lights on is a larger 3,200mAh battery that supports QuickCharge 3.0 via a USB Type-C interface. Another new feature is its fingerprint sensor. Unlike other phones that has a separate fingerprint module, the Mi 5S uses an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor that scans from underneath the front glass panel. This is basically Qualcomm's 3D Sense ID technology which enables better security while maintaining a seamless design. With its upgraded spec and materials, the Mi 5S is slightly bulkier than the standard Mi 5.

The Mi 5S is priced at 1,999CNY (about RM1,234) for the base 64GB model and 2,299CNY (about RM1,419) for the higher 128GB storage option.

Mi 5S Plus

Meanwhile the Mi 5S Plus is the bigger sibling with a larger 5.7″ screen that does Full HD resolution. It runs on a 2.35GHz Snapdragon 821 processor with either 4GB or 6GB of RAM, which are accompanied with 64GB and 128GB storage respectively. Xiaomi boasts that the 6GB RAM variant is able to score over 160,000 points on Antutu which is just below the iPhone 7.

It also gets an all metal build and it comes with a standard rear-mounted fingerprint scanner plus a pair of 13MP main cameras. Similar to the Huawei P9 series, one sensor shoots in monochrome while the other shoots in colour. Selfies however, are still handled by the same 4MP front camera. With a 3,800mAh battery on board, it weighs 168 grams and has a thickness of 7.95mm.

Despite being a larger device, Xiaomi likes to point out that it has a smaller footprint compared to the iPhone 7 Plus. The Mi 5S Plus is priced at 2,299CNY (about RM1,419) for 4GB RAM + 64GB storage and 2,599CNY (about RM1,604) for 6GB + 128GB storage.

Both Mi 5S and Mi 5S Plus will be released first for the Chinese market and based on the past launches, it would probably take a while before it reaches our shores. Of course, you can always rely on our grey importers to offer them locally in the months or even weeks to come.

Mi 5S/Mi 5S product video and images

Related

Android, Mobile Devices, Mobile OS, Xiaomi Mi, Mi 5S, Mi 5S Plus, Ultrasonic Fingerprint scanner, Xiaomi, Xiaomi Mi 5, Xiaomi Mi 5s, Xiaomi Mi 5s fingerprint scanner, Xiaomi Mi 5S Launch, Xiaomi Mi 5S Plus
Source: Xiaomi unveils its new Mi 5S and Mi 5S Plus flagship smartphones

Google might release a new laptop and tablet that run on a completely new operating system

The 2013 Google Nexus 7 tablet. Google

Google is working on a new laptop that runs on a new "Andromeda" operating system, which will merge aspects of Chrome OS into Android, according to a new report from Android Police's David Ruddock.

Another new report from 9to5Google corroborates that rumor, but adds that Andromeda is also set to arrive on a forthcoming "Huawei Nexus" tablet.

That would likely be the presumed Google Nexus 7 successor that was apparently leaked earlier this month. (Curiously, 9to5Google says that tablet would keep the "Nexus" branding Google is rumored to be dropping with its new "Pixel" phones.)

About the laptop: Android Police claims it's codenamed "Bison," and that it's informally known as the "Pixel 3." It's said to pack a 12.3-inch touchscreen in a design that's under 10 mm thick, which'd make it one of the thinnest notebooks in the world.

Android Police speculates the Pixel 3 might feature a "convertible" design similar to Lenovo's Yoga laptops, and that it'll have a MacBook-esque glass trackpad that relies on haptic vibration feedback. Google is reportedly aiming to start it at $799.

Google CEO Sundar Pichai. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Google is no stranger to laptop hardware, having released two Chromebook Pixels in the past, but both reports say the Pixel 3 wouldn't run the Chrome OS you'd usually find on a Chromebook. Instead, both it and the Huawei-made tablet would run "Andromeda," a new platform that is said to incorporate aspects of Chrome OS into Android.

Exactly what Andromeda would do differently isn't yet clear, but the idea of Google combining its laptop and mobile operating systems has been floated around since Chrome OS was first introduced.

Those rumors picked up steam after a Wall Street Journal report last October, and invited further speculation after Google's Hiroshi Lockheimer, the man in charge of both OSes, vaguely hinted that the company's upcoming October 4 event would have historical significance for Android.

We announced the 1st version of Android 8 years ago today. I have a feeling 8 years from now we'll be talking about Oct 4, 2016.

— Hiroshi Lockheimer (@lockheimer) September 24, 2016

Whatever the case, a merger between Chrome OS and Android would seem to harmonize what've traditionally been two separate spheres for the tech giant. Select Chromebooks recently gained the ability to run Android apps on Chrome OS, but this would appear to be a much tighter integration across device types, potentially similar to what Microsoft does with Windows today.

The multitude of leaks suggests Andromeda is something that's coming soon, but exactly when it'll launch remains a mystery. Android Police's report says Google wants to launch the presumed Pixel 3 in Q3 2017, but previous rumors suggested the Huawei-built tablet would be ready by the end of this year. 

Google is already rumored to showcase two new 'Pixel' phones, its Google Home smart speaker, a 4K- and HDR-capable Chromecast, and a new "Google WiFi" router at the aforementioned October 4 event — if the Andromeda rumors become official on top of that, we could be looking at one of the most newsworthy days in the company's history.

Google declined our request for comment.

SEE ALSO: Here's everything we know about Google's upcoming 'Pixel' smartphones
Source: Google might release a new laptop and tablet that run on a completely new operating system

iPhone 7 Price And Release Date At MetroPCS

MetroPCS subscribers will soon be able to purchase the iPhone 7. The smartphone is available at select stores in San Francisco as of Friday. Nationwide availability of the device will soon follow, according to the discount carrier's parent company, T-Mobile.

While there are online listings for the smartphone, purchase availability for the iPhone 7 will be in stores only. Metro PCS will offer the 32GB and 128GB models of both the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus. The iPhone 7 will be available in black, gold, rose gold and silver options, while the iPhone 7 Plus will be available in black only.

See the iPhone 7 MetroPCS pricing below:

iPhone 7 32GB - $649iPhone 7 128GB - $749

iPhone 7 Plus 32GB -  $769iPhone 7 Plus 128GB - $869

MetroPCS begun its initial offering of the iPhone earlier this year. The discount carrier also sells the iPhone SE, iPhone 6s, 6s Plus and the iPhone 5s.

MetroPCS plans range between $30 and $60, offering unlimited talk and text and data between 1GB and unlimited.  

Source: iPhone 7 Price And Release Date At MetroPCS

Sony Android Nougat release schedule details surface online; Xperia XZ, X Performance first in line to receive update

[Representational Image] Sony Android Nougat release schedule details surface online; Xperia XZ, X Performance first in line to receive update. In Image:Android NougatAndroid via Twitter

Soon after Google released the Android Nougat to the Nexus series devices, Sony announced the list of devices eligible for the new v7.0 mobile software. But, the details with regard to the time frame of the roll-out plan were withheld.

Now, a presentation slide understood to be showcased in the recently concluded Sony Slovakia's closed-door meeting leaked online revealing Android Nougat release schedule details.

As per the leaked file available with Xperia Blog, Sony's recently unveiled smartphone Xperia XZ and former flagship X Performance will be the first to receive the new firmware in October.

In November, Xperia X and X Compact owners will be able to taste the new sugar-flavoured Nougat update and in the following month of December, Sony is reportedly planning to release the firmware to Xperia Z5, Z3+ and Z4 series.

Mid-range Xperia XA and XA Ultra are slated to get Android 7.0 in the first quarter of 2017.

As of now, Sony has not made any official comment on the leaked Android Nougat release schedule.

Also read: Waiting for Android Nougat update? See if your smartphone is eligible for Google's mobile OS v7.0

For those unaware, Android 7.0 Nougat comes with many new features and improvements over the previous generation Marshmallow. It brings bundled notification, improved battery optimisation, multi-window options and more value-added features to enhance users' experience.

Also read: Android 7.0 Nougat released: 16 key upgrades of Google's new mobile OS update over Marshmallow

Source: Sony Android Nougat release schedule details surface online; Xperia XZ, X Performance first in line to receive update

Google Pixel, Pixel XL Release Date, News & Update: Specs Better Than iPhone 7, Samsung Galaxy S7?

#Pixel #PixelXL – Google Pixel, Pixel XL Release Date, News & Update: Specs Better Than iPhone 7, Samsung Galaxy S7? : The upcoming Google Pixel and Pixel XL are preparing to take on the Apple iPhone 7 when it launches in October 2016. The Google Pixel models were previously known as Nexus 2016, but the company decided to change the brand name, most likely because the Nexus series may have reached its peak. The new Google Pixel smartphones feature state-of-the-art design and features.

The BitBag revealed that the Google Pixel and Pixel XL will launch with the new Android 7.1 Nougat out of the box. In terms of appearance, the Google Pixel devices will allegedly have a metallic exterior while the back panel features plastic, glass and the camera.

There will reportedly be three available colors – Black, Aluminum and Bright Blue. The flagship version will have a 2770 mAh battery, while the Pixel XL will have a 3450 mAh cell.

The Google Pixel is said to feature a 32GB base variant, but there may also be a 128GB variant. The Google Pixel will have a 5.0-inch display, while the Pixel XL will have a 5.5-inch screen, both built by HTC.

The flagship model may feature a screen resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, while the XL will have a QHD resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels. The smartphones will be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor and 4GB of RAM. The phones may have a 12 or 13-megapixel rear camera and an 8-megapixel front shooter.

Android Police hinted that the Google Pixel and Pixel XL may not be waterproof, having an IP53 rating. These will feature limited dust protection and are water-resistant to some extent.

The non-waterproof nature of the Google phones may be its biggest disadvantage against the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus.

Not to mention the Samsung Galaxy S7, S7 Edge and Note 7 as well, all of which are waterproof to a certain degree. The Google Pixel phones have powerful specifications and the new Android OS, which adds to their competiveness in the current market.

The Google Pixel and Pixel XL will officially launch on Oct. 4, 2016 on Google Store and Verizon. The prices of the two models have yet to be confirmed but the Google Pixel XL is expected to be expensive at around $650. More updates and details are expected soon. Source: Gamenguide

Source: Google Pixel, Pixel XL Release Date, News & Update: Specs Better Than iPhone 7, Samsung Galaxy S7?

‘Google Nexus 2016’ Release Date: Google Retain the Nexus Price under the Pixel Brand; VR Daydream, Google Home Coming in October

"Google Nexus 2016" or Pixel phones are not the only ones expected in the upcoming Google event in October. Analysts revealed the plan of Google to unveil the virtual reality headset and a certain Amazon Echo rival. Could it be true that Pixel phones price will be at par with Nexus brand?

Despite rumors regarding "Google Nexus 2016" as the most powerful android smartphone, an analyst expects that Google will team up with another manufacturer to be able to come out with cheaper phones. The principal analyst of Moor Insights and Strategy Patrick Moorhead is expecting the Pixel phones price ranging from $299 to $399 at par with Nexus brand according to SF Gate. Moorhead also believed that Nexus brand will not be discontinued in contrast to the statement of other analysts.

On the other hand, the October media event of Google will not only be about the launching of "Google Nexus 2016" or Pixel phones. Google is slated to launch their two newest products aside from the android smartphones - Google VR Daydream and Google Home according to Pocket-Lint. The former is said to be compatible with the android smartphones while the latter is the counterpart of Amazon Echo.

Google Home is an internet-connected device just like a size of a cup of coffee. This device comes with great features such as answering questions to topics like the weather, check on deliveries and schedule appointments. The Google VR Daydream will have a built-in controller that works best with smartphones. This VR platform of Google is said to beat Apple in VR field since the latter has not invested so much on marketing their VR products just like Google does.

The prices of Google VR Daydream and Home have not been released up until this moment. With the fast approaching holiday season, it is expected for the device to hit the shelves before on or before December this year.

Source: 'Google Nexus 2016' Release Date: Google Retain the Nexus Price under the Pixel Brand; VR Daydream, Google Home Coming in October

Google Pixel phones: Everything we know about the release date, price and specs of Google's rumored Nexus successors

Every year since 2010, Google has launched a "Nexus" phone into the marketplace -- a device made by a third-party manufacturer, with the distinction of being the first one kissed with that year's version of Google's Android operating system. Nexus has since become synonymous with higher-end features in a package that's cheaper than Apple and Samsung's top phones.

This year, things are probably going to be a little different. Here's what we know so far, and what's rumored, about the next Google-branded phone.

There will be two and their names shall be Pixel (maybe)

The word on the web is that Google is doing away with the Nexus brand and plumping for Pixel instead. Why? We don't know for sure, and it's only a rumor for now, but Google already has a Pixel C tablet, so the designation at least makes sense. If the rumors are true, we'll have two phones, the Pixel and Pixel XL. That would work out, too. Last year we saw double Nexus phones a s well, the Nexus 6P (made by Huawei) and smaller, lighter-featured Nexus 5X (made by LG).

You could be looking at the Google Pixel and Pixel XL.

Android Police

I don't have any insider information here, but if I were to guess, I'd say Google might want to start fresh because the Nexus numbering is getting out of hand. Phones named 6P and 5X don't seem to belong to the same generation (but they did), and with the iPhone 7 phones, four Samsung Galaxy "7" phones and the ZTE Axon 7, another "7" phone would feel played out. There's also the matter of an existing Nexus 7 and Nexus 9; Google may be running short on names. This would also be a good opportunity to give the phones a new philosophy or price range.

October 4 launch date set

We can't say for sure that Google will definitely unveil its next phone, but something rectangular is being unmasked on October 4 in San Francisco. Google's site for the launch, its invitation to journalists, giant billboards and new TV commercials all show a phone-shaped rectangle accompanied by a Google "G" (and various morphing animations from the Google search b ar, on the video versions).

We'll be on the ground covering the event live.

What else do we know about the phones?

Again, we don't know anything for sure, but we've heard plenty of rumors and leaks about phones that may or may not be called the Pixel and Pixel XL. The smaller phone might have a 5-inch screen; the larger one a 5.5-inch display. They could be made by HTC and start at $650 (that converts to about £500 and AU$860), with the Pixel XL costing more. There may also be a financing plan you can buy from Google and an extended warranty, similar to Apple Care.

The back may have an unusual glass panel.

@OnLeaks, Android Authority

The phones could come in three colors, according to Android Police: aluminum, black and bright blue colors. In the US, it's possible they'll sell through Google's Store and Verizon.

The possible specs, pieced together from leaks all over the internet, from Business Insider, Android Authority and Android Police are listed below.

Rumored Google Pixel specs

5-inch display with 1,920x1,080-pixel resolution

12- or 13-megapixel rear camera

8-megapixel front-facing camera

Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor

32GB, 128GB storage options

4GB RAM

2,770 mAh battery

Android 7.0 Nougat

Google Daydream-ready

Rumored Google Pixel XL specs

5.5-inch display with 2,560x1,440-pixel resolution

12- or 13-megapixel rear camera

8-megapixel front-facing camera

Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor

32GB, 128GB storage options

4GB RAM

Android 7.0 Nougat

Google Daydream-ready

Will we see any other hardware?

Don't hold your breath for the Project Ara modular phone with swappable parts; that's stalled so much that Google has finally pulled it off the table, for now.

But here's what we do expect:

New Pixel tablet: Last year's excellent Pixel C is due for an upgrade.

More to come

Rumors and leaks will hit a fever pitch as the October 4 event approaches. We'll update this story with the best nuggets we find, and we'll be sure to bring you all the goods from Google's big event.

Source: Google Pixel phones: Everything we know about the release date, price and specs of Google's rumored Nexus successors

Google Set to Unveil Next Smartphone, VR Headset at Oct. 4 Event

The Pixel smartphones have been rumored for months, as well as a new Daydream VR headset and an updated Google Chromecast dongle.

For months, Google's upcoming Pixel smartphones, its Daydream VR headset and an improved Chromecast dongle have been rumored. Now, Google has released a video teaser that shows an animated outline of a smartphone along with an Oct. 4 event date notice, where the company is likely to announce the rumored new products.Device fans can enter their email address on the page and click the "Notify Me" to receive updates from Google as the products arrive and are unveiled. The Oct. 4 event will be held in San Francisco but is also being live-streamed on YouTube.com/Google.The two Android smartphone models, which are reportedly called the Google Pixel and Pixel XL phones, have been designed by Google rather than third-party suppliers, but are built by HTC, according to earlier reports.The Google smartphones have been rumored since May, according to an earlier eWEEK story. By directly designing the devices, Google could have more control and oversight of its hugely popular Android mobile op erating system, which could help it take on Apple more directly in the smartphone wars, the story reported. The two upcoming devices were apparently code-named Marlin (M1) and Sailfish (S1) as they went through the development process, according to earlier reports. Google has offered Android handsets in the past through arrangements with manufacturers such as HTC, Huawei and others, but those handsets were designed by those companies and carried Google Nexus nameplates, without Google's own designs. Google has not previously designed and built its own phones. Earlier in September, a rumor from a well-known IT tipster circulated about Google's potential plans for a 7-inch tablet computer that will be built by Huawei and offered for sale by the end of 2016. Also in September, Google suspended one of its other recent smartphone initiatives, its Project Ara smartphone effort, which began in 2013 with the concept of designing a phone platform that would incorporate a wide array of camera, audio and other modules as desired by users. Project Ara was ended as part of an effort to streamline the company's hardware efforts, even after its progress was touted at Google's I/O developer conference earlier this year.The Ara phones centered on a baseplate or frame that incorporated a display, CPU, graphics processing unit, sensors and all the functionality of a standard smartphone.Google was scheduled to release a preview version of Ara this fall in a bid to spur developer interest in the technology and ensure that modules for a wide range of applications would be available for the smartphone at launch. Organizations that were working with Google in developing modules for Ara included Samsung and Sony. Among the modules that Google was working on was one that would integrate the functions of a glucometer so people with diabetes could measure their glucose levels using their smartphones.In March, a Google Nexus handset, the Nexus 5X, debuted as the second phone being sold for use with Google's Project Fi mobile phone services. The Nexus 5X smartphone is made by LG for use with the inexpensive monthly wireless service plans, which start at $20 a month. The Nexus 5X is priced at $349 for a 16GB model or $399 for a 32GB model.Project Fi came out in April 2014 under what was then an invitation-only system. Project Fi phone services recently opened to all users who buy or provide a compatible Nexus smartphone that will work with the service. So far, the Nexus 6P by Huawei, the new Nexus 5X and the earlier Nexus 6 are the only three smartphones that will work with Project Fi's network. Users pay $20 per month for cellular access, plus data fees of $10 per GB only for the data that is consumed each month. The monthly access fee als o includes unlimited talk and texting, WiFi tethering and international coverage in more than 120 countries.
Source: Google Set to Unveil Next Smartphone, VR Headset at Oct. 4 Event

Pixel perfect: Google picks a date to launch its next phones

Goodbye, Nexus phones. Google is holding a big press conference on October 4, where it's rumored to be launching two new phones under its increasingly-used Pixel branding.

Both the Google Pixel and Pixel XL are expected to be announced at its San Francisco event, which starts at 9am PST, 12pm EST and 5pm BST. It'll be live streamed on Google's favorite video site, YouTube.

We're in for a 5-inch and 5.5-inch phone with a release date of October 20, according to the latest leaks, and the invite tease a phone silhouette that's a window into various scenes. Naturally that invites speculation of a VR focus.

Just don't expect any Nexus device to show up. We'll likely see Google's Pixel branding replace the long-used Nexus name and officially learn that HTC is behind the pair of phones.

Specs boost for Google Daydream?

It's true that HTC just made the HTC 10, but the thinking is that it'll top its own phone's specs and that of every other 2016 smartphone with the debut of the Snapdragon 821 processor.

Qualcomm's latest System-on-a-Chip is already inside the Asus Zenfone 3 Deluxe, but that handset hasn't made its way to the US or UK yet. Google and HTC could get an early lead on the competition.

In all likelihood, the extra processing power will be put to good use for VR. Google Daydream VR is going to open up more Android devices to virtual reality and that supposedly starts with the Pixel and Pixel XL.

We'll know for sure on October 4. TechRadar will be at Google's Nexus event for all of the coverage, so check back between now and the newly confirmed launch date.

Source: Pixel perfect: Google picks a date to launch its next phones

SAMSUNG GALAXY S8 RELEASE DATE, SPECS: FLAGSHIP TO BE LAUNCHED WITHOUT THE HEADPHONE JACK?

#GalaxyS8 #Smartphone – Samsung Galaxy S8 release date, specs: Flagship to be launched without the headphone jack? : In the advent of wireless audio in mobile devices spearheaded by Cupertino-based Apple, the trend seems to be catching up to other phone makers and one of the notable companies that may well seem to follow is Apple's closest rival, Samsung.

Despite the South Korean tech giant's current fiasco involving their Galaxy Note 7 flagship, the company is said to be gearing up in devising the next Galaxy S smartphone and as aforementioned the handset is rumored to be veering away from the audio connector.

However, the company may not go wireless after all as reports are suggesting that the still-prevalent audio jack might be replaced instead with a USB Type-C hub that is now being adopted by most of the current and upcoming mobile devices.

Meanwhile, if the spinning rumors about the hyped device are anything to go by, the Galaxy S8 is slated for next year's release and is currently in development. Moreover, reports say that there will be two iterations of Samsung's 2017 flagship handset and they are said to be donning the product IDs SM-G950 and SM-G955, as well as the codenames "Dream" and "Dream 2."

In addition, the Galaxy S8 is speculated to be powered by either Samsung's Exynos processor or Qualcomm's Snapdragon chipset that are both timed with impressive speeds. Nonetheless, fans should be taking this with a pinch of salt since the handset's release is still far-off.

There were also suggestions from online tech gurus pointing out that the company should be setting their sights on re-establishing their reputation now that the Galaxy Note 7's erring battery has flawed the Galaxy moniker.

Analysts further explained that Samsung should be gearing up a notch in perfecting the Galaxy S8 to have an earlier than scheduled reveal and at the same time dampen the worsening Galaxy Note 7 woes. Source: Vinereport

Source: SAMSUNG GALAXY S8 RELEASE DATE, SPECS: FLAGSHIP TO BE LAUNCHED WITHOUT THE HEADPHONE JACK?

MICROSOFT SURFACE PHONE RELEASE DATE, SPECS NEWS UPDATE: FLAGSHIP SMARTPHONE TO ARRIVE IN 2017?

#SurfacePhone #Mobiles – Microsoft Surface Phone release date, specs news update: Flagship smartphone to arrive in 2017? : Microsoft has yet to unveil its biggest release of the year. Previous reports suggested that the company is going to announce several hardware products this year including the Microsoft Surface Pro 5, Microsoft Surface Book 2 and the much awaited Microsoft Surface Phone.

Many people expected the company to reveal its new flagship smartphone at the recently concluded IFA 2016. However, that did not happen. Now, new reports have emerged suggesting that Microsoft Surface Phone could be released in 2017.

One of the reasons experts are looking at is the arrival of Intel's Kaby Lake processor. It has been reported that Microsoft's next entry in the smartphone market will run on Intel's next generation core processor.

According to Mobile & Apps, the powerful chipset would not be available until late this year. If Microsoft decides to launch the Surface Phone this year, a Kaby Lake powered smartphone seems impossible.

The publication added that Microsoft Surface Phone will most likely arrive next year with Surface Pro 5 and Surface Book 2. All models are said to come with Kaby Lake processors. The base unit will carry 3 GB of RAM paired with 32 GB of storage capacity.

The next variant carries 6 GB of RAM paired with 128 GB storage capacity. The top-tier model is expected to come with 8 GB of RAM and a storage capacity of 500 GB. However, these reports have yet to be confirmed by Microsoft.

In a report by Tech Times, Microsoft Surface Phone will come out in three variants. All models will differ in specs and prices. According to the publication, Microsoft is planning to hold an event in October, which the company may launch the Surface Book 2 and Surface Pro 5. However, the Surface Phone will most likely skip the affair. Source: christiantimes

Source: MICROSOFT SURFACE PHONE RELEASE DATE, SPECS NEWS UPDATE: FLAGSHIP SMARTPHONE TO ARRIVE IN 2017?

LG V20 release date news: World’s first Android Nougat smartphone specs unveiled

#LGV20 #AndroidNougat – LG V20 release date news: World's first Android Nougat smartphone specs unveiled : The Korean tech giant, LG, has recently unveiled its latest flagship smartphone offering, the LG V20. The smartphone is of course being highly lauded by fans as it, apparently, contains all the right features and hardware that befits a flagship from LG.

One of the biggest draw about the new V20 is that it is now officially the first smartphone in the world that will be coming with Google's Android 7.0 Nougat right out of the box. Aside from the highly anticipated new Android operating system update, the device also comes with some very unique offerings.

LG has taken the dual-screen feature of the V10 and improved it slightly in the V20. The new V20's second 2.1-inch screen with a 160×1040 pixel solution is now twice as bright and has a 50% bigger font size. The main display on the device is now a 5.7-inch QHD display that has 1440 x 2560 pixel resolution.

As for its hardware specs, the V20 is powered by a Quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor that is being paired with a large 4 GB of random access memory (RAM). The device is also being offered with 64 GB of internal storage capacity that is expandable up to 2 TB via a microSD slot.

The cameras for the V20 is a dual-camera setup for the rear, comprised of a 16-megapixel shooter and another with 8 megapixels. The 16-megapixel camera has an aperture of f/1.8 with a 75-degree lens. It also uses a Hybrid Auto Focus system which utilizes three auto focus systems, namely laser detection, phase detection, and contrast detection.

The 8-megapixel camera, on the other hand, is equipped with a 135-degree wide angle lens and has an aperture of f/2.4. The device also sports a 5-megapixel front shooter. The V20 is built with lightweight aluminum and is powered by an ample 3,200 mAh battery that supports Quick Charge. The device currently has no fixed release date, but it is expected to be available in South Korea within the month. Source: mnrdaily

Source: LG V20 release date news: World's first Android Nougat smartphone specs unveiled

One million Samsung smartphones in US recall

SAN FRANCISCO: The US Consumer Product Safety Commission on Thursday (Sep 15) announced a recall of around one million Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphones plagued by incidents of batteries bursting into flames.

Samsung has received 92 reports of batteries in the US of overheating, including 26 reports of burns and 55 reports of property damage. (Photo: AFP/Drew Angerer)

The move by the US safety agency formalises the recall underway in 10 countries after reports of faulty batteries that caused some handsets to explode during charging.

Samsung meanwhile announced replacements for the faulty phones would be available to US customers next week.

In the United States, there have been 92 reports of batteries overheating, including 26 reports of burns and 55 reports of property damage, including fires in cars and a garage, the commission said in a notice.

The US notice affects around one million of the global total of 2.5 million handsets being recalled, which has cast a cloud over the South Korean electronics giant and world's largest smartphone vendor.

Samsung has advised consumers in 10 countries to trade their handsets for temporary replacement phones until it releases an updated flagship device.

But many users have snubbed the offer, choosing to wait until the new phones were available, citing the inconvenience of switching devices for an interim period.

And different regulatory practices in different countries – as well as varying reactions from carriers – have caused a degree of customer uncertainty and confusion that is hampering Samsung's efforts to get the recall behind it as quickly and painlessly as possible.

In a half-page ad carried by major South Korean newspapers on Wednesday, Samsung announced a Note 7 software update that will limit battery recharges to 60 per cent of capacity. It would prevent the phones from overheating, and thus exploding, but would effectively mean a downgrade of the high-end device.

REPLACEMENTS COMING

Samsung Electronics America announced that replacements for Note 7 smartphones will be available at retail locations in the US by Sep 21.

"Our collaboration with the CPSC to fast-track a voluntary recall in the US addresses safety concerns by ensuring we reach Note 7 owners quickly to exchange their devices," Samsung America president Tim Baxter said.

"We are asking owners to act now by powering down their Note 7 devices and receive a replacement devices or a refund through our exchange program."

In an effort to steal a march on Apple, the Note 7 was given an early launch in the key US market, making that a priority for the recall effort.

US and Japanese aviation authorities have urged passengers not to turn on or charge the large-screen phones on aircraft, while the US Federal Aviation Administration has told passengers not to stow the device in checked baggage.

Samsung's recall trouble comes as rival Apple seeks to regain momentum with the Friday release of new-generation iPhone 7 models.

The newest versions of the California-based technology giant's lifestyle-changing iPhone aim to win over users with sophisticated camera technology, water resistance, more power and other improvements.

Source AFP

Source: One million Samsung smartphones in US recall

God Eater Online Announced for Smartphones

Bandai Namco always has big surprises for us, this time they got God Eater Online, an upcoming action MMO title for smartphone.

God Eater is an action and adventure game that mixes elements from the acclaimed Monster Hunter series. Player wields guns with multiple functions to exterminate Aragamis, creatures inspired by gods invade the earth.

The game allows multiple players to team up, which is a new feature in the series.

God Eater Online is in development for both Android and iPhone platforms, and its release date is to be announced. More details will be revealed later. 

Source: God Eater Online Announced for Smartphones

Forget the paintbrush — paint with a flashlight and a smartphone with Pablo

The electronic shutter on smartphones typically makes it tough to shoot a long exposure, which is necessary for creating light paintings. But one new app is introducing light painting to mobile photographers. Pablo, a free app developed by professional light painters, releases today in the Apple App Store, with an Android version currently in development.

Light painting combines a slow shutter speed with the motion of a light source — anything from sparklers and flashlights to traffic or fireworks — to create patterns in photographs. The problem is that smartphone cameras don't use a physical shutter, but instead use a surge of electricity that triggers the photo capture (called an electronic shutter). That shutter design makes it difficult for a smartphone camera to achieve a shutter speed slow enough for the light-painting technique.

Related: Add a spotlight to a drone to create dramatic lighting effects

While some apps like Slow Shutter work around that limitation by merging multiple photos to create a similar look, Pablo uses a proprietarty algorithm that creates a live video, which means users end up with both a still and a video.

According to its developers, Pablo is the only dedicated light-painting app designed by professional light painters, and is among the minority as an app that uses technique over filters. Pablo is a new company, formed as a joint venture between LightBomber, a professional light-painting company based in Brooklyn, New York, and Imperial Creation, an app development company based in Cairo, Egypt.

Pablo, like shooting a light painting with a DSLR, requires a tripod for the best results. Unlike shooting with a DSLR, however, the app also offers a live preview of how the completed photo may look. After starting a recording using the app, users move lights in front of the camera to create a design, and then stop the recording. The app then produces both a high-resolution video and a still photo from the footage.

Pablo's software can also create a light painting from an existing video. Uploading a video to the app will freeze any light trails and create a still photograph.

The platform also includes a built-in delay so users can create selfie-style light paintings.

Pablo is available for a free download on the App Store.

Source: Forget the paintbrush — paint with a flashlight and a smartphone with Pablo

Now test glaucoma at home with your smartphone

By TNT Bureau

Sep 13, 2016: We have seen smartphones work as electrocardiograms, so why not use them to test for glaucoma at home? That's the idea behind Cambridge Consultants' Viewi headset. Rather than hitting the hospital or optometrist's to monitor your vision, you could simply slide your phone into a head-mounted Gear VR-like holster. From there, a mobile app reproduces the flashing light patterns used to test for open-angle glaucoma. A Bluetooth remote acts as the input device for patients to press when they see a flashing light and, really, that's about it, according to the press release.

It should only take about five minutes per eye, and the results are supposedly straightforward and easy enough to understand. They're even shareable with your eye doctor. The idea here is to make it easier to monitor the progress of the disease and augment, rather than replace, traditional testing methods.

Chris Dainty, a professor at University College London Institute of Ophthalmology and Moorfields Eye Hospital, expressed interest in wider applications of Viewi, noting that it "could provide a valuable early warning system for people at risk of developing glaucoma, as well as patients who need to monitor the effects of the disease on their vision.

The folks at Cambridge Consultants also hope that it'll have a positive impact in developing countries where traditional medical procedures and facilities aren't readily available. At around $26.53, it could be the most cost effective method, too.

Source: Now test glaucoma at home with your smartphone

Game on for Nintendo as it embraces the smartphone

Almost 10 years ago, the consumer electronics world was upended by two inventions in the space of a couple of months. The first was Nintendo's Wii, released in November 2006, which pioneered a new way of playing video games that brought the industry away from its roots as a pursuit for children, teenagers and young adults, and towards a living room family activity.

With its innovative wand-style controller and games like Wii Sports that were easy to pick up and play for just a few minutes, it went on to sell over 100 million units and became the best-selling console of its generation.

Just two months after the Wii's release, Steve Jobs stood up on stage at a special event in California and unveiled the iPhone. Its multi-touch interface was, like the Wii's remote, unique for its industry. And of course, it also went on to become a best-seller.

A decade later, the iPhone is still here but Nintendo's Wii is barely hanging on. The console's successor, the Wii U, has sold a fraction of the earlier product, and looks set to be ditched in the coming months.

Nintendo has Apple to blame for a lot of this. The casual gamers that the Japanese company so successfully captured in the Wii's early days have not gone away, but are instead playing games on their smartphones and tablets, the industry that Apple created.

Games such as Candy Crush Saga and Clash of Clans became the new Wii Sports, creating massively successful companies such as King Digital, recently acquired by Activision Blizzard for $5.9bn (pounds 4.5bn) and Finland's Supercell, valued at $10.2bn.

Meanwhile, Nintendo has stuttered. Poor sales of the Wii U, which launched with a less-than-inspiring roster of games, have led it to post successive annual losses, and its share price fell to a level one sixth of its 2007 high. A generation of gamers still profess to have a place in their hearts for the company's iconic characters - Mario, Zelda and Donkey Kong - but they have not shown it with their wallets.

Nintendo trod water for years. Fans clamoured for it to develop games for the smartphone, where it could build a new legion of players, but the 127-year-old company, steeped in Japanese tradition, prevaricated. Like Apple, Nintendo has always made a point of controlling both the hardware and the software of its products, and while it continued to develop critically acclaimed games only for its own consoles, the world began to leave it behind. Satoru Iwata, chief executive until his death last year, summed up the strategy. "If we did this," he said in 2011 about the prospect of making mobile games, "Nintendo would cease to be Nintendo."

So last week, at another of Apple's events, the image of Shigeru Miyamoto, the Japanese company's hallowed design chief, announcing that a Mario game would finally come to the iPhone was a tremendous moment. Even as Apple unveiled a new iPhone, Miyamoto's cameo drew one of the most frenzied responses of the event and the following day Nintendo's shares rose 13pc.

It has been clear for some time that Nintendo was finally getting interested in the small screen. Last year it signed a deal with DeNA, a Japanese mobile developer, to bring games to the iPhone, and released its first - a social network-type game called Miitomo - earlier this year.

Then came this summer's wild success of Pokemon Go, which rebooted the 20-year-old franchise and has been downloaded by more than 500 million people. Although the game was not developed by Nintendo but two affiliated companies, it showed definite potential.

None the less it was unclear exactly how grand the Japanese group's mobile ambitions were, and the real test of whether Nintendo was serious would be whether one of its most popular characters like Mario would get an outing on the smartphone. Wednesday night's demo Super Mario Run, in which the portly plumber somersaults through a world of green pipes and Koopa Troopas, finally made it clear. It will be instantly familiar to those of us who whiled away their childhood evenings in the warm glow of a Game Boy.

"There was a time when Nintendo's platforms were the most popular in the world; now we see smartphones are the most popular device in the world," Miyamoto told The Daily Telegraph.

The pressing matter now is whether Nintendo can make it a success. Since the launch of the iPhone App Store, the smartphone games industry has been both incredibly lucrative and fickle.

Companies such as OMGPop and Rovio, the creators of previous hits Draw Something and Angry Birds respectively, have risen and fallen almost overnight. Even Pokemon Go has become stale for many.

But Nintendo, with its legacy of repeated hits and infinite capacity for nostalgia, will probably avoid such a fate with its own creations. That millions of people will pay for a Mario iPhone game is as close to a nailed-on bet as you can get.

The other question is whether the compromise will cannibalise what exists of Nintendo's remaining business, which is still healthy, at least in terms of its handheld consoles.

For answers, we could look again to Apple, which wrestled with a similar question in 2002 when Steve Jobs decided to allow a new version of the iPod to work with Windows, as well as Apple's own Mac.

The result was a huge leap in sales that set Apple on course to become the company it is today. Nintendo can only hope for a similar revival, but at least it has made a step in the right direction.

Source: Game on for Nintendo as it embraces the smartphone

AAMC health column: Text neck - is your smartphone hurting you?

According to a 2015 study, nearly two-thirds of American adults own a smartphone, and we're spending more time than ever looking down at them. The new technology's widespread use has led to the rise of a new disorder: "text neck."

Text neck is exactly what it sounds like: a postural disorder resulting from spending too much time staring down at cell phones or other devices. It can result in neck pain, soreness and pain in the back and shoulders.

Typically, when you hold your head straight, gravity only applies 10 to 12 pounds of force to the neck. But as the angle between the neck and the vertical plane increases, so does the amount of force. When you look down at your phone, your head is most likely at a 60-degree angle. At this angle, you'll feel 60 pounds of force on your neck. That's like putting a little kid on your neck all day.

The disorder is more common among young people, but I have seen symptoms in patients as old as 50. Most people have a cell phone, whether they're texting or just scrolling through social media, they're constantly looking down. What that's doing, though, is adding increased stress on the cervical spine.

With Pokémon Go emerging as a major mobile phenomenon — the app had more than 21 million daily users in the U.S. just weeks after its release — people have been staring at their phones more than ever. Since the game requires users to move around a lot, it is helping kids get more exercise, but this could lead to more symptoms of text neck. The constant looking down is not good for them.

Text neck is easily avoidable, and the best medicine is education. I teach a spine course at AAMC, and tell all of my patients to simply alter their phone habits. I tell them to pick the phone up and bring it to eye level. This is an easily preventable condition. There's no need to suffer from pain in your neck, shoulders or back due to your phone.

If you suffer from back pain, Anne Arundel Medical Center's free Lower Back Pain 101 class can help. This class features a spine doctor, nurse and physical therapist who will teach you the basics about your spine, easy injury prevention exercises and common back pain treatments. You'll have time to ask questions about your unique situation. To sign up for the next class on Wednesday, Sept. 21 from 5 to 6pm, visit askAAMC.org/Events or call 443-481-5555.

Ashish Kakar, PT, DPT, is a physical therapist at Anne Arundel Medical Group Physical Therapy in Annapolis. To reach his office, call 443-481-1140.

Source: AAMC health column: Text neck - is your smartphone hurting you?

Singtel releases iPhone 7 prices

Posted 10 Sep 2016 10:12

Updated 10 Sep 2016 10:40

Phil Schiller, Senior Vice President of Worldwide Marketing at Apple Inc, discusses the iPhone7 during an Apple media event in San Francisco, California, U.S. September 7, 2016. REUTERS/Beck Diefenbach

SINGAPORE: Local telco Singtel on Saturday (Sep 10) released its prices for Apple's latest smartphones.

According to its website, the 32GB iPhone 7 will cost S$698 under its Combo 1 plan, which charges subscribers S$27.90 per month. On the other end of the scale, the 256GB iPhone 7 will cost S$1,008 under the same subscription plan.

For the iPhone 7 Plus, the 32GB model will cost S$878 under the Combo 1 plan, while the 256GB model will set subscribers back by S$1,188 under the same plan.

The full breakdown of the prices can be found below:

Singtel is the first local telco to release iPhone prices with carrier subsidy, while M1 and StarHub have yet to announce pricing. All three telcos said on Thursday they would offer the phones from Sep 16 onwards.

Customers can pre-register their interest on the telcos' websites, although pre-registration for StarHub has closed.

- CNA/cy

Source: Singtel releases iPhone 7 prices

Why Apple's IPhone 7 Release Changes Little In The Smartphone Market

Date: Thursday, September 8, 2016 10:21 PM EDT

Apple (AAPL) recently announced the iPhone 7, which you can pre-order now. The basic cost is $649, and dependent on the carrier you choose, your monthly payment could vary. The phone packs in some interesting new features which I will review here. While the smartphone technology is advancing, very little is expected to change in the mobile market as the result of the new iPhone features. Apple will continue to dominate profits in the area, while Android will continue to dominate in the overall number of handsets in production. Users will have a growing choice of options, and finally I have decided to stop using iPhone products. 

Apple currently dominates with 92% of smartphone market profits. This is more astounding when you consider that Android (phone OS owned by Google) dominates the market share in terms of phones sold. See graph (courtesy of KPCB):

Growth rates have indicated that smart phone saturation is neigh. Currently, $5 billion people have some form of smart phone. Or perhaps some of those people have multiple models of different smart phones. Either way, there isn't a whole lot of room for growth. 

Apple must be doing something right with their iPhones. While various manufacturers of Android-based phones are fighting a brutal price and features war, Apple strolls along calling it's own design shots while raking in the cash. Simply put, Apple has seemingly been able to command outrageous premiums compared to the market and staying out of the fray of price decreases that have characterized Android's dominance of mobile market growth. 

It is easy to see why the iPhone is so profitable. While many smartphone manufacturers allow external memory to be added at whatever costs the market currently offers them at, Apple asks $100 for each additional 100GB of memory. Want the top of the line iPhone 7? Well, then you just spent $200 more because the iPhone doesn't allow external memory to be added. Other manufacturers not only cannot charge that type of premium for a simple memory upgrade, they often lose memory sales to the plethora of memory manufacturers in the market that are busy bidding down the price of memory to the consumer. 

The author is not invested in any funds mentioned in the article. 

The author is not invested in any funds mentioned in the article. 

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Source: Why Apple's IPhone 7 Release Changes Little In The Smartphone Market

Samsung releases September Android security updates for Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge

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Samsung is rolling out September Android updates containing all security patches starting with its flagship Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge smartphones. Two key features of the updates are Samsung Cloud and Gallery app that were first introduced in the Galaxy Note 7.

Both the updates were rolled out as part of a previous update, but only a few users received it. With the latest roll-out, Samsung has made the features available for all S7 users. In terms of enhancements, the Samsung Cloud will allow users to synchronise, back-up and restore information stored on their phones.

Once updated, it would appear as Galaxy Cloud, Samsung Backup and Restore or, Personal data management, depending on the Galaxy model. With Samsung cloud you can sync and create back-up for multiples features such as contacts, calendar and more. The Gallery app puts photos under different categories.

The update brings build version XXU1BPHJ and Android security patch level 1 September, according to Galaxy Club. To get the latest build manually head over to Settings >> About device and then press Download. Sammobile has reported that the update is currently seeding across Europe.

Samsung has also released details of the Android security update for September. Along with Google patches, Samsung has fixed patches for nine vulnerabilities and exposures to improve security of Galaxy phones. One of the vulnerabilities that Samsung fixed had affected devices powered with Exynos 7420 chip. As the company explains, "The vulnerability exists due to a null pointer dereference on fimg2d driver. The patch verifies if the object is null before dereferencing it."

Source: Samsung releases September Android security updates for Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge

HTC releases Desire 10 video teaser hinting at camera

NEW DELHI: HTC has once again teased its Desire 10 smartphone , which is expected to launch on September 20. The teaser comes in the form of a short video clip posted on the company's YouTube account.

That said, the YouTube video doesn't reveal many details about the device. It just shows a glimpse of what seems like the camera panel of the device. After that, the number '150' appears in the video. What it exactly means is open to interpretation.

Last week, the Taiwanese tech giant released a teaser video with a title, "It's coming. 09.20 #BeEdgier". The video shows a smartphone with a metal body design, similar to HTC's Desire 10 Pro smartphone, which itself leaked in images online last month.

HTC's unannounced handset is expected to feature a metal unibody design and a fingerprint sensor at the back.

As per rumours, the smartphone will have a 5.1-inch Quad HD display of 1440x2560 pixel resolution. It is expected to be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 process or, paired with 4GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage.

HTC may launch Desire 10 Pro smartphone on September 20

HTC One A9s at the ongoing IFA 2016. And now, the company has released a new teaser video with a title that reads, "It's coming. 09.20 #BeEdgier". The video shows a smartphone with a metal body similar to the company's Desire 10 Pro smartphone, which leaked in images online last month.

HTC is also expected to launch its affordable Desire 10 Lifestyle smartphone. Like to have a 5.5-inch HD display of 720x1280 pixel resolution, the smartphone is expected to be powered by a quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon processor coupled with 2GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage, further expandable via microSD cards. For imaging duties, the Desire 10 Lifestyle will likely sport a 13MP rear camera with LED flash and a 5MP front camera. Dual front-facing speakers powered by Boomsound are also expected. HTC launched its latest mid-range smartphone - One A9s, at the IFA 2016 in Berlin, Germany. It has a 5-inch HD display of 720x1280 pixel resolution. The display is made scratch resistant with a coating of Corning Gorilla Glass. Powering the device is an octa-core MediaTek Helio P10 processor paired with 2GB/3GB of RAM. The smartphone offers 16GB/32GB of internal storage, further expandable up to 2TB via microSD cards. The handset runs Android 6.0 Marshmallow operating system topped with the company's Sense UI. The One A9s sports a 13MP rear camera with LED flash and a 5MP front facing camera for selfies.

>

Source: HTC releases Desire 10 video teaser hinting at camera

MICROSOFT SURFACE PHONE: IS NEW WINDOWS SMARTPHONE ABOUT TO BE ANNOUNCED?

#Microsoft #SurfacePhone – Microsoft Surface Phone: Is New Windows Smartphone About To Be Announced? : Forget about the Surface Pro 5; it looks like Microsoft could actually be announcing the product that many have been waiting for the most – the Surface Phone. iTech Post has the news.

"Microsoft might use this year's IFA conference in Berlin as a good occasion for an official announcement about the Surface Phone series, its second-generation smartphone lineup."

The article adds that the phone could actually go on sale in October. However, they also say that the Surface Pro 5 could be announced in October, which is unlikely since most other sources point to a release next spring.

The article also suggests that the Surface Phone could come in three different options. One would have 32GB of storage with 3GB of RAM, and another would have 128GB of storage with 6GB RAM. The largest configuration would have 500GB of storage and 8GB of RAM.

Can the Microsoft Surface Phone compete with the iPhone? [Image via Daryl Deino]

Many other sources point to a 5.5-inch AMOLED display, while others say the display will be 5.7-inches. It's also suggested that the phone would run on a mobile processor such as a Snapdragon or Intel ATOM CPU. BGR even posted alleged leaked photos, but wasn't too thrilled about Microsoft's upcoming phone.

"It's also a painfully clear indication that you shouldn't purchase a Windows-powered smartphone, no matter how appealing it looks. And the new Surface phone certainly looks appealing."

The opinion piece adds that people want to use Windows on a laptop, not a mobile phone. Some of the commenters at the end of the article agree that a phone running Windows may not be a good idea.

"The Windows mobile system needs far more refinement than it currently has, but MS has had years to refine it. It should be a supreme system by now. The fact that it isn't is why it isn't growing in the market," says Marty.

"Microsoft has had a mobile phone OS for decades and its stunk the whole time. Memory management has been a disaster for them since Windows CE," claims RAS. Still, there is a lot of excitement for the Surface Phone on Twitter.

Source: MICROSOFT SURFACE PHONE: IS NEW WINDOWS SMARTPHONE ABOUT TO BE ANNOUNCED?

Samsung recalls Note 7 phones

SEOUL, South Korea -- Samsung recalled its Galaxy Note 7 smartphones on Friday after finding some of their batteries exploded or caught fire.

Samsung's Note 7s are being pulled from shelves in 10 countries, including South Korea and the United States, just two weeks after the product's release. Customers who already bought Note 7s will be able to swap them for new smartphones in about two weeks, said Koh Dong-jin, president of Samsung's mobile business.

He apologized for causing inconvenience and concern to customers.

The recall, the first for the new smartphone, comes at a crucial moment in Samsung's mobile business. Apple is expected to announce its new iPhone next week and Samsung's mobile division was counting on momentum from the Note 7's strong reviews and higher-than-expected demand.

Samsung said it had confirmed 35 instances of Note 7s catching fire or exploding. There have been no reports of injuries related to the problem.

The company said it has not found a way to tell exactly which phones may endanger users out of the 2.5 million Note 7s already sold globally. It estimated that about 1 in 42,000 units may have a faulty battery.

Samsung's official statement was silent on whether customers should stop using their phones, and it didn't say whether the problems happened while the phones were charging or during normal use.

This summer, Samsung ran into a quality-control issue with another smartphone, a niche model called the Galaxy S7 Active. Consumer Reports found that the phone didn't live up to its water-resistance promises. Samsung said that relatively few phones were affected and that it had identified and fixed the manufacturing problem. Samsung said it would replace devices under warranty if it failed, but it declined to let customers swap phones otherwise or to issue a broader recall.

On the Note 7, after complaints surfaced online, Samsung found that a battery cell made by one of its two battery suppliers caused the phone to catch fire. Koh refused to name the supplier.

"There was a tiny problem in the manufacturing process, so it was very difficult to figure out," Koh told reporters at a news conference. "It will cost us so much it makes my heart ache. Nevertheless, the reason we made this decision is because what is most important is customer safety."

Customers' reports of scorched phones prompted Samsung to conduct extra quality controlling tests and delay shipments of the Note 7s this week before the recall.

South Korean high school teacher Park Soo-Jung said she had rushed to buy the new phone, ordering one before its release and then activating it on Aug. 19.

The 34-year-old living in the port city of Busan said that she was bruised when she rushed out of bed after her phone burst into flames, filling her bedroom with smoke.

She's having second thoughts about buying another newly released device, especially after losing all her personal data stored in the destroyed Note 7, she said.

"If the exploded phone had burned near my head, I would not have been able to write this post," she said in a popular online forum Thursday, where she shared a photo of the scorched Note 7 and described dousing the flames.

China is not affected by the sales suspension. The company said it used a battery made by another supplier for the Note 7s sold in China.

Business on 09/03/2016

Source: Samsung recalls Note 7 phones

FBI Releases Secretary Clinton Email Investigation Files – Clinton: “I Can’t Remember”, “I Don’t Recall”…

Missing all the hardware, missing a dozen phones, missing iPads, missing mobile devices; an inability to remember anything; a belief that everyone else was responsible…. that's just the beginning of the information found within the FBI files released today (full pdf's below):

The FBI released today pages from the investigation into Hillary Clinton's use of a private email server following pressure to release the documents.   The FBI released a summary of Clinton's July 2 FBI interview and also a summary of the FBI investigation itself.

DISCOVERY ONE: Clinton Deleted Her Private Email Archive "A Few Weeks After The New York TimesDisclosed" The Private Server. Viser Tweet: "A few weeks after the NYT disclosed that Hillary Clinton had a private email account, her archive inbox was deleted." (Twitter.com, 9/2/16)

DISCOVERY TWO: Clinton Did Not Know The (C) Mark Meant Classified And Did Not "Pay Attention To Diff Classification Levels." Seitz-Wald Tweet: "Clinton said she didn't know what (c) mark meant, didn't pay attn to diff classification levels, treated all srsly." (Twitter.com, 9/2/16)

DISCOVERY THREE: "There Were 17,448 Work-Related Emails That Clinton Didn't Turn Over To The State Inspector General." (Twitter.com, 9/2/16)

DISCOVERY FOUR: As Secretary Of State Clinton "Had 13 Mobile Devices And 5 iPads" With Her Private Email.Viser Tweet: "Hillary Clinton, who said she had her private email for convenience, had 13 mobile devices and 5 iPads, according to FBI." (Twitter.com, 9/2/16)

DISCOVERY FIVE: Clinton's Lawyers Could Not Locate The Mobile Devices With Her Email Address.. Viser Tweet: 'FBI found 13 total mobile devices associated with Clinton's 2 phone numbers. Her lawyers couldn't locate the devices" (Twitter.com, 9/2/16)

DISCOVERY SIX: "The FBI Determined That Clinton Brought Her Blackberry Into A Secure Area At State, Which Is Prohibited." (Twitter.com, 9/2/16)

DISCOVERY SEVEN: Clinton's Email Archive Was Transferred Onto A Personal Gmail Address To Help Archive The Records. Zapotosky Tweet: "In 2014, in an effort to transfer an archive of Clinton emails from a laptop onto a server, someone used a personal Gmail address to help" (Twitter.com, 9/2/16)

DISCOVERY EIGHT: Clinton Deleted Her Emails Because She Thought "She Didn't Need Them Anymore."Cilizza Tweet: 'Clinton told the FBI she deleted her emails because she didn't need them anymore not to avoid FOIA"(Twitter.com, 9/2/16)

DISCOVERY NINE: Someone Tried To Hack Into Clinton's iCloud Account. Viser Tweet: "The FBI found that someone was trying to hack into Hillary Clinton's iCloud account. They were unsuccessful." (Twitter.com, 9/2/16)

DISCOVERY TEN: "Hillary Clinton Sent Out An Email To All State Employees Warning Them Against Using Personal Email Addresses." (Twitter.com, 9/2/16)

BONUS DISCOVERY: "The Phrase 'Could Not Recall' Or 'Did Not Recall' Appears 27 Times In Hillary Clinton FBI Interview Transcript." (Twitter.com, 9/2/16)

File #1 of Document release:

View this document on Scribd

File #2 – The Summary of Interview:

View this document on Scribd Below is the list of things Clinton could not recall in the FBI interview, as compiled by Lifezette:

When she received security clearance

Being briefed on how to handle classified material

How many times she used her authority to designate items classified

Any briefing on how to handle very top-secret "Special Access Program" material

How to select a target for a drone strike

How the data from her mobile devices was destroyed when she switched devices

The number of times her staff was given a secure phone

Why she didn't get a secure Blackberry

Receiving any emails she thought should not be on the private system

Did not remember giving staff direction to create private email account

Getting guidance from state on email policy

Who had access to her Blackberry account

The process for deleting her emails

Ever getting a message that her storage was almost full

Anyone besides Huma Abedin being offered an account on the private server

Being sent information on state government private emails being hacked

Receiving cable on State Dept personnel securing personal email accounts

Receiving cable on Bryan Pagliano upgrading her server

Using an iPad mini

An Oct. 13, 2012, email on Egypt with Clinton pal Sidney Blumenthal

Jacob Sullivan using personal email

State Department protocol for confirming classified information in media reports

Every briefing she received after suffering concussions

Being notified of a FOIA request on Dec. 11, 2012

Being read out of her clearance

Any further access to her private email account from her State Department tenure after switching to her HRC office.com account.

Secretary Clinton could not recall when she received her security clearance or whether it was carried over from her time in the Senate. She also could not recall any briefing or training by the State Department "related to the retention of federal records or the handling of classified information."

Secretary Clinton said she was briefed on Special Access Programs – the top-level classification of U.S. intelligence – but could not recall the specific training or briefings on how to handle that information.

Donald Trump Campaign

Source: FBI Releases Secretary Clinton Email Investigation Files – Clinton: "I Can't Remember", "I Don't Recall"…