iPhone 8 Release Date Rumors Unofficially Confirm OLED Display

A longstanding rumor about the iPhone 8 has been unofficially confirmed by Sharp CEO Jeng-wu Tai. The exec revealed the upcoming smartphone will feature an OLED display panel, as opposed to the LCD panels Apple usually uses on its devices.  

Apple has not yet confirmed this feature; however, reports about the iPhone 8 containing OLED panels have heated up amid rumors the smartphone line will see a major revamp to coincide with the 10th anniversary of the iPhone.

Many Android smartphones often use OLED, or Organic Light Emitting Diode displays, which are known for better contrast ratio and color accuracy, especially displaying the color black Samsung, for example, is well known for using AMOLED displays.

LCD displays are not uncommon among Android devices, just less popular. But Apple has outfitted all of its iPhones with LCD or Liquid Crystal displays. LCD displays are known for better brightness and more efficient power consumption. The biggest difference behind the two types of displays is the technologies that illuminate them.

Pundits believe Apple will switch from LCD to OLED because it plans to place its Touch ID fingerprint sensor directly under the glass. OLED displays are thinner than LCD displays, which could make it easier to include a touch-sensitive feature like a fingerprint sensor under the screen.

Rumors also suggest Apple will get rid of a physical home button on the iPhone 8 altogether.

The iPhone 8 is expected to release in September 2017.

Source: iPhone 8 Release Date Rumors Unofficially Confirm OLED Display

Android 6.0 Marshmallow For Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Now Available For Download?

#AndroidM #GalaxyNote3 – Android 6.0 Marshmallow For Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Now Available For Download? : There are still smartphone users who are not ready to give up on their Samsung Galaxy Note 3. It was one of most popular devices two years ago, but it seems Samsung does not have any plan to release Android 6.0 Marshmallow for Samsung Galaxy Note 3.

Those who decided to stick to their Samsung Galaxy Note 3 are still using the Android Lollipop system, which is quite outdated now. It was not updated to Android Marshmallow and there is no indication that Samsung is planning to do such for the third-generation Note device.

Will the Android 6.0 Marshmallow for Samsung Galaxy Note 3 be released soon? According to Neurogadget, the Android 6.0 Marshmallow for Samsung Galaxy Note 3 is unlikely to be released.

As it appears, Samsung might have no more time to work on the said update now that the company is focused on rolling out Android 7.0 updates to their devices. There are still users who are not ready to ditch their Galaxy Note 3 devices and switch to newer models.

Galaxy Note 3 users are still hoping that they can enjoy the features of the Marshmallow update. Aside from cosmetic improvements, Android 6.0 Marshmallow for Samsung Galaxy Note 3 could bring Google Now On Tap.

It is a popular feature that allow users to launch Now by just long-pressing the Home Button without closing any app. Galaxy Note 3 owners are also raving about the Adopted Storage feature. This feature allows smartphones to treat memory card like the phone's memory storage instead for being considered as a separate space.

But like what the report indicated, Galaxy Note 3 users might not enjoy these new features at all. But for those who want to experience Android 6.0 Marshmallow for Samsung Galaxy Note 3, there is an option. The Galaxy Note 3 could run the Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow update using the Phronesis custom ROM. More details about the custom ROM and installation are available on this link. Source: Morningnewsusa

Source: Android 6.0 Marshmallow For Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Now Available For Download?

Lenovo : Motorola Moto M Smartphone specifications and launch date leaked Again, Read here!!

Purported renders and photos of Lenovo's Moto M surfaced online earlier this month, and now the phone's specs are available too. Meanwhile Moto M smartphone which has leaked on the Internet. Earlier a week, the leaked images of the smartphone have revealed some of its specifications.

Apart from the images, it is also leaked about its specifications like a fingerprint sensor and other details in September. But, as of now, all the details and features about the device are out. Now recent reports seemed to have leaked information regarding its release date and specifications.

As per a new leaked image of specifications, shared by The Android Soul, the Moto M is reported to run Android 6.0 Marshmallow out-of-the-box. As the Lenovo company is appearing to be working persistently hard to keep its reputation and release a budget smartphone.

Moto M design makes us believes that the device will be a 5.5 inch LCD display screen. The device sports a sleek design where the external look of the device attracts the eye of everyone with its metal body. It is also said to be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 processor, coupled with either 3GB or 4GB of RAM.

Moto M device is likely to have a 16-megapixel rear camera and an 8-megapixel or 5-megapixel selfie snapper. The display details have not actually revealed but as of the expert's review, it got reported. The smartphone is also reported to pack an Adreno 506 for graphics capabilities in it. The device will run on 2.0 GHz.

The device is expected to speculate 5100 mAh battery running the Android 6.0.1 version out of the box. Moto M smartphone is expected to launch by the end of December at an affordable budget price. A 3.5 mm headphone jack is also reported to be present on the top the phone.

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(c) 2016- NewsCrab Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info)., source Middle East & North African Newspapers

Source: Lenovo : Motorola Moto M Smartphone specifications and launch date leaked Again, Read here!!

Android Nougat release date for OnePlus 3, OnePlus 2, OnePlus X confirmed?

OnePlus probably has the smallest lineup of smartphones, but it has managed to make a huge impact by selling its phones in large quantities. Right from OnePlus One till OnePlus 3, the company has a total of four smartphones. Since none of the devices are still updated to Google's latest Android Nougat, users are eagerly waiting for the same. 

Earlier this month, OnePlus CEO Pete Lau teased a photo of the OnePlus 3 running Android Nougat. The OnePlus team also revealed during a Reddit AMA that it is "actively working" bringing the latest Android software to its current flagship. But users can also expect the new firmware to arrive on OnePlus 2 and OnePlus X devices, according to media reports.

The company did not reveal an exact timeline of the Android Nougat rollout for its devices, but the process is expected to begin as early as December. OnePlus is also reportedly working on a new smartphone called OnePlus 3T, which is said to be running Android 7.0 Nougat at launch in December. This would put both the company's 2016 flagships on the latest firmware Google has released.

OnePlus 2 and OnePlus X are well within the 18 months' timeline to be updated to latest software as per Google and OEMs contracts. But the software rollout to these devices cannot be expected this year. Sadly, OnePlus One users might be stuck on the current version of Android. But users can always get the taste of Nougat on their device via custom ROM installation.

Source: Android Nougat release date for OnePlus 3, OnePlus 2, OnePlus X confirmed?

Moto M tentative release date and specs leaked!

Smartphone maker Motorola has been working on a new device lately called Moto M. Speculations regarding the company's much-anticipated flagship have for quite some time.

Now recent reports seemed to have leaked information regarding its release date and specifications.

The smartphone, which is stated to release some time in December this year, will reportedly feature a 5.5-inch display with 1080 pixel resolution.

According to a post published by Tech Droider, the device will run on 2.0GHz octa-core Snapdragon 625 processor.

Additionally, the smartphone is expected to offer 4GB RAM and up to 64GB of internal storage. Another variant of the same device that will be sold outside China may come with 3GB RAM and up to 32GB of internal storage. Both sets will offer microSD card support of up to 128GB.

As far as the camera is concerned, one can expect a 16MP rear camera and a 5MP front camera with possible finger scanner on the back of the device.

The main highlight of the Moto M is however, its speculated 5100mAh battery. The device will be running Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow OS out of the box. The device is expected to come in a full metal body.

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Source: Moto M tentative release date and specs leaked!

Worldwide Smartphone Shipments Up 1.0% Year over Year in Third Quarter Despite Samsung Galaxy Note 7 Recall, According to IDC

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. --(BUSINESS WIRE)

According to preliminary results from the International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker, vendors shipped a total of 362.9 million smartphones worldwide in the third quarter of 2016 (3Q16). Despite the recall of Samsung's Galaxy Note 7, volumes were up 1.0% compared to 3Q15 when vendors shipped 359.3 million units. Sequentially, shipments grew 5.3% from 344.7 million in the second quarter of 2016. (Note: IDC's totals for Samsung exclude Galaxy Note 7 shipments for both recalled and unsold devices in 3Q16.)

"Samsung's market dominance in the third quarter was unchallenged in the short term even with this high-profile Galaxy Note 7 recall, but the longer term impact on the Samsung brand remains to be seen. If the first recall was a stumble for Samsung, the second recall of replacement devices face-planted the Note series," said Melissa Chau, associate research director, Mobile Devices. "In a market that is otherwise maturing, Christmas has come early for vendors looking to capitalize with large-screened flagship alternatives like the Apple iPhone 7 Plus and Google Pixel."

"With Samsung's Note 7 finally laid to rest, both Samsung and other vendors will need to invest both time and money into properly testing devices to avoid a future incident of this proportion," said Anthony Scarsella, research manager, Mobile Phones. "The recall of the Note 7 represents an industry-wide wake-up call that will undoubtedly lead to a more vigorous testing and certification process moving forward."

The top five vendors remain unchanged from last quarter despite double- and triple-digit growth from the leading Chinese vendors Huawei, OPPO, and Vivo. While Samsung and Apple continue to challenge each other at the top, these upcoming players have delivered value-packed devices that offer consumers top-shelf features at a fraction of the cost compared to the market leaders. Phones like the OPPO R9 and the Vivo X7 have become serious competitors in China and are also witnessing mild success in Western Europe thanks to new athletic sponsorships across various countries. Whether or not these brands can make an impact in the U.S. market remains to be seen, but success will be crucial if aspirations of growth are a top priority.

Smartphone Vendor Highlights

Samsung: The continued success of the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge helped maintain volumes in 3Q16 despite the recall and negative publicity of the Note 7 fiasco. Outside of Samsung's flagship S7, the more affordable J-series of devices continued to steadily drive volume in both developed and emerging markets with flagship-styled devices across various price points and display sizes. Samsung will need to put the Note series to rest as quickly as possible and look to their S7/S7e to captain the ship and keep Samsung users on board for the long haul.

Apple: The new iPhone 7 and 7 Plus drove third quarter shipments of 45.5 million units, down 5.3% from the 48 million units last year. Higher than expected iPhone 7 Plus demand outstripped supply, which should be alleviated through the fourth quarter, helped by new features such as water resistance, faster processing, improved optics, and larger storage capacities. A new "jet black" color option has also proven popular with many carriers and retail partners are still showing the device on back order. IDC believes that the iPhone could witness greater success come next quarter as it stands to likely benefit from the Note 7 recall that took place earlier this month.

Huawei: The Chinese giant shipped 33.6 million units, up a notable 23% from last year. The current dual-camera P9 flagship continued to help with its momentum in China despite the higher price tag compared to some of its rivals. Huawei's Honor brand also found success with the new V8, as the mid-tier device sold well both in and outside of its home country. Outside of China, shipments have grown drastically as China now represents 53% of shipments compared to 60% last year. Huawei continues to maintain a strong brand in Europe and is finding success with the P8 and P9 family, where it is taking away share from Samsung and Apple with competitive specs at lower price points with the Lite versions. Huawei may now have it sights set on the U.S., as we have the New York unveiling of its next Mate series flagship (Mate 9) in early November.

OPPO: In China, OPPO continued to do well largely due to its R9 device that saw continued success in the market and its domestic popularity helped it further close the gap to global number #3, Huawei. OPPO has also pursued an aggressive expansion strategy outside of China, with shipments to the rest of Asia/Pacific tripling since the same quarter a year ago. It particularly experienced good growth in India as it employed more staff to be positioned at storefronts to promote smartphones to consumers.

vivo: On its home turf, vivo plowed more investment into marketing in order to expand its reach via TV advertising, targeting high-tier all the way down to lower-tier cities in China. vivo also held a number of promotional activities and saw growth in China largely due to its X7 series. Its strong coverage in the Tier 3 to Tier 5 cities continued to help it to excel. Outside of China, its presence is still relatively small, but it managed to double its shipments quarter year over year in 3Q16. In India, it grew by increasing its marketing investments to expand its reach via television advertisements

 

Top Five Smartphone Vendors, Shipments, Market Share, and Year-Over-Year Growth, Q3 2016 Preliminary Data (Units in Millions) Vendor      

3Q16ShipmentVolumes

   

3Q16 MarketShare

   

3Q15ShipmentVolumes

   

3Q15 MarketShare

   

Year-Over-Year Change

Samsung       72.5     20.0%     83.8     23.3%     -13.5% Apple       45.5     12.5%     48.0     13.4%     -5.3% Huawei       33.6     9.3%     27.3     7.6%     23.0% OPPO       25.3     7.0%     11.4     3.2%     121.6% vivo       21.2     5.8%     10.5     2.9%     102.5% Others       164.8     45.4%     178.2     49.6%     -7.5% Total       362.9     100.0%     359.3     100.0%     1.0% Source: IDC Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker, October 26, 2016  

Notes:

Data is preliminary and subject to change.

Vendor shipments are branded device shipments and exclude OEM sales for all vendors.

The "Vendor" represents the current parent company (or holding company) for all brands owned and operated as subsidiary.

In addition to the table above, an interactive graphic showing worldwide unit shipments for the top 5 smartphone vendors over the previous five quarters is available here. The chart is intended for public use in online news articles and social media. Instructions on how to embed this graphic can be found by viewing this press release on IDC.com.

About IDC Trackers

IDC Tracker products provide accurate and timely market size, vendor share, and forecasts for hundreds of technology markets from more than 100 countries around the globe. Using proprietary tools and research processes, IDC's Trackers are updated on a semiannual, quarterly, and monthly basis. Tracker results are delivered to clients in user-friendly excel deliverables and on-line query tools. The IDC Tracker Charts app allows users to view data charts from the most recent IDC Tracker products on their iPhone and iPad. The IDC Tracker Chart app is also available for Android Phones and Android Tablets.

For more information about IDC's Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker, please contact Kathy Nagamine at 650-350-6423 or knagamine@idc.com.

About IDC

International Data Corporation (IDC) is the premier global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, and events for the information technology, telecommunications, and consumer technology markets. With more than 1,100 analysts worldwide, IDC offers global, regional, and local expertise on technology and industry opportunities and trends in over 110 countries. IDC's analysis and insight helps IT professionals, business executives, and the investment community to make fact-based technology decisions and to achieve their key business objectives. Founded in 1964, IDC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of International Data Group (IDG), the world's leading media, data and marketing services company. To learn more about IDC, please visit www.idc.com. Follow IDC on Twitter at @IDC.

All product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161026007048/en/

IDCMelissa Chau, +65 6829 7713melissachau@idc.comorAnthony Scarsella, +1 508-935-4712ascarsella@idc.comorRyan Reith, +1 650-350-6242rreith@idc.comorMichael Shirer, +1-508-935-4200press@idc.com

Copyright Business Wire 2016

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Source: Worldwide Smartphone Shipments Up 1.0% Year over Year in Third Quarter Despite Samsung Galaxy Note 7 Recall, According to IDC

Microsoft Surface Phone 2016 Release Date, News & Update: October Microsoft Event to Launch its New Handset?

Microsoft Surface Phone 2016 Release Date, News & Update: October Microsoft Event to Launch its New Handset? : Since the beginning of 2016, Microsoft has been rumored to launch several hardware devices this year including Microsoft Surface Pro 5, Microsoft Surface Book 2 and the highly anticipated Microsoft Surface Phone 2016.

Previous reports suggested that all three devices will arrive before the year ends; however, the Redmond-based company has yet to provide concrete details with regard to these releases. According to the latest report, the upcoming Microsoft Surface Phone will not be revealed anytime soon.

There were reports saying that the new smartphone will be the highlight of the upcoming Microsoft event; however, tech experts suggest that the October 26 affair will only unveil the company's software products.

They added that there is no indication whatsoever that would suggest that Microsoft is going to reveal the new Microsoft Surface Phone 2016 this month.

Although the much awaited smartphone has become a favorite subject of numerous rumors and speculations all over the Internet for many months now, the company has continued to stay mum about its development and release.

According to Paul Thurrott, a reputable tech journalist, Microsoft is said to be in limbo as of the moment whether to continue the Microsoft Surface Phone 2016 project or not.

Apparently, the company is not confident enough to decide whether this year is the best time to go back to the smartphone market. Its previous releases with Lumia smartphones were nothing but disappointments.

Dont Miss it  Microsoft Surface Pro 5 latest news: Hybrid rumored to be unveiled in October, but won't be available until 2017?

Meanwhile, according to PC Advisor, Microsoft is going to start its Windows Event today, which is expected to unveil several of the company's upcoming hardware and software releases including the Windows 10 Redstone 2.

Despite the uncertainty, many fans are still positive that Microsoft will soon announce the new Microsoft Surface Phone 2016 this year. It is rumored to come out with the best features and impressive specs under the hood. Stay tuned for more news and updates about Microsoft and its upcoming releases. Source: gamenguide

Source: Microsoft Surface Phone 2016 Release Date, News & Update: October Microsoft Event to Launch its New Handset?

Galaxy S8 release delayed! Samsung is focused on Galaxy Note 7 investigation

Analysts at JPMorgan Chase, the largest bank in the U.S., downgraded their position on Korean equities to underweight because of the Galaxy Note troubles, Jan Loeys, the firm's chief market strategist, noted last week.

This is the first indication that the Samsung Galaxy Note name won't be retired, despite the fact that it's tied to several battery explosions and two recalls. The company replaced numerous phones but reports of the safe units catching on fire also surfaced. Samsung, in addition to offering refunds or exchanges for a Galaxy S7 smartphone, has already offered financial incentives amounting to 100,000 won ($88.39) to affected customers in South Korea. It is going to introduce Galaxy S8 at "MWC 2017", which is held at in Barcelona, Spain at the end of February, just like before and release Galaxy S8 in South Korea and other countries sequentially starting from middle of March.

In a statement, Samsung said customers who trade in their Note 7 phone for either a flat-screen or curved-screen version of the Galaxy S7 can trade up for a Galaxy S8 or Note 8 smartphone launching next year through an upgrade program. The phone received good reviews in the first few days but things haven't gone well since.

The fallout from Samsung's exploding Galaxy Note 7 smartphones could go well beyond Samsung. Although the consumers bought the expensive product worth 1 million won (US$883), they had to waste their money and time to check on their batteries and exchange their phones. This is now available in South Korea but the company might bring the offer to other countries soon.

Samsung Electronics' D'light Shop, which is located in Seocho-dong, that was advertising Galaxy Note 7 before is now advertising Galaxy S7 Edge.

"Currently we do not have any plans to release Galaxy S8 early." said a high-ranking official for Samsung Electronics.

Samsung is looking to regain its customers after the Galaxy Note 7 battery problems and this could be a great way to do that. Let us know in the comments.

Source: Galaxy S8 release delayed! Samsung is focused on Galaxy Note 7 investigation

OnePlus 4 Release Date And Rumors: End Of Samsung Apparent After Flagship-Killing Device’s Release

#OnePlus4 #Smartphone – OnePlus 4 Release Date And Rumors: End Of Samsung Apparent After Flagship-Killing Device's Release : Of every incredible smartphone that is soon to be released, the OnePlus 4 is one of the most expected , regardless of the competition of giants as Apple and Samsung with the iPhone 8 and the Galaxy S8.

Given this fact, this mobile device is likely to be the real deal in 2017, thanks to a series of specs rumors that, if proven true, could mean the creation of a mind-blowing smartphone.

OnePlus 4 Rumors

For example, it has been rumored that the OnePlus 4 will be equipped with 8 GB RAM, 256 GB external storage support via microSD card, Google's latest operating system Android 7.0 Nougat, a 4,000 mAh battery and a fingerprint scanner, as reported by The News Independent. Also, it has been said that this phone is expected to come with 4000mAh battery with quick changing support.

Even if some of these rumors are proven inaccurate, the undeniable fact is that the OnePlus 4 will be released at the best moment possible, considering that the current king of Android phones is weaker than ever due to the Note 7 disaster.

Actually, its situation is so bad right now that smartphone´s cancelation has represented a huge setback not only for the company, but also for the South Korean economy as a whole.

Galaxy S8 Will Have To Be A Perfect Phone To Beat The OnePlus 4

That is why the OnePlus 4 is likely to be one of the most popular phones of next year, because even if Samsung ended up rushing the S8 release, it will have to be something extremely incredible to be the best, since its recent failure could generate some kind of prejudgment in users.

Source: OnePlus 4 Release Date And Rumors: End Of Samsung Apparent After Flagship-Killing Device's Release

Intel releases ‘Pocket Avatars’ mobile chat app for Android, iOS

After launching hybrid PC range combining both Android and Windows, Intel has now released a social app for Android and iOS named Pocket Avatars. The smartphone app uses facial tracking technology to relay a sender's expressions and offers video-like mobile messaging.

The app uses smartphone's camera and microphone to record a short message while combines your voice and expressions with several cartoon characters including Lego figures, Care Bears, Annoying Orange and Gumby. Out of these, half characters can be purchased in-app for USD 0.99 each while others are available for free. Then, the message is sent to recipient, who can play it, complete with the avatar's head movements, smiles and blinks.

Intel had made investment in 26 companies including USD 700,000 in Medopad and USD 740 million in Cloudera in 2014. Also, it had acquired 56 companies such as Basis Science, Hacker League, KNO, Sensory Networks, Indisys and others.

Times of India says: Pocket Avatars was launched on Thursday by Mike Bell, an Intel senior executive, who described the app, which is free on Android smartphones and iPhones, as a way to demonstrate facial tracking technology that could appear on future Intel platforms such as laptops or tablets.

"Rather than let it sit in a lab and languish, we thought 'wouldn't it be cool to show people,'" Bell said of the technology. "It's fun and easy to explain what it does, but it's actually pretty complex behind the scenes."

Intel's core market, the PC industry, is languishing and the chipmaker is far behind rivals such as Samsung Electronics and Qualcomm in mobile chips.

The Next Web says: While the app might seem outside of Intel's main business efforts, Bell said the company has "every intention to keep this going and improve upon it." With messaging apps attracting billion-dollar valuations, it's not out of the question that this could become a substantial revenue generator.

"My group is chartered with getting Intel into non-traditional lines of business," Bell noted. "We said, 'Okay, everybody's rushing out there to do the same sort of [messaging] thing. Let's take the technology we have and have more fun.'"

"People who have sent me messages are more relaxed," he said. "It's not like a video chat where people are worried how they look. It doesn't require you to show yourself or your background or where you are, but it allows you to take on this alternate persona."

To contact the author, email at sujata@iamwire.com

Source: Intel releases 'Pocket Avatars' mobile chat app for Android, iOS

Samsung Galaxy S8 release date, specs: Next flagship to feature LG battery?

Samsung Galaxy S8 is starting to get more and more attention despite the fact that the device isn't even launched. While making a point about the universal healthcare plan that he has instituted, he compared it to the explosive problem of the tech giant Samsung with its Galaxy Note 7 smartphone. US owners can get a $25 credit from their carrier with the return of a Galaxy Note 7 handset.

Obama says not so fast and points to Samsung and the Galaxy Note 7, not by name but we all know they are the target, in trying to create an analogy for how to handle the challenges the ACA is experiencing.

Galaxy X may not appear next year, although it is not a final decision.

It looks like Samsung Galaxy S8 will be a crucial device for the company, and hopefully, until then, the tech company will solve every issue that can cause damage to the device.

In addition to the high-end iris scanner, the Samsung's latest gadget Galaxy S8 will be having a dual-lens rear camera.

With a deal with LG Chem, it is likely that the third-party player will supply the battery component for the upcoming Galaxy S8. However, none of the talks have been official and it still remains to be seen if LG will entertain such an arrangement. The first recall was in anticipation of a new and improved version of the device. Incidentally, Samsung is working along with Qualcomm in order to make this processor.

The Apple iPhone 7 went on sale in South Korea on Friday, seeking to fill a void left by arch-rival Samsung on its home turf following a damaging recall fiasco over the Note 7 smartphone.

President Obama's Galaxy Note 7 joke... ...

Meanwhile, should the deal push through, it will mean that there will be updated components for the Galaxy S8.

Source: Samsung Galaxy S8 release date, specs: Next flagship to feature LG battery?

Morning Brief: 70 Nobel laureates endorse Clinton, 35 killed in bus accident in J&K, new Meizu budget smartphone release date and more

Here are a few stories from International Business Times India to start your day with:

1. US presidential elections: 70 Nobel laureates 'strongly and fully' back Hillary Clinton

Around 70 Nobel Prize winners have backed Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton as the next president of the United States. Read more...

2. Jammu and Kashmir: 35 killed, several injured in bus accident in Reasi

At least 35 people were killed and 10 others were injured when a bus fell into a deep gorge in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district on Thursday. The bus was on its way from Reasi to Bakal when the incident happened around 3 pm. Read more...

3. 'Time to say goodbye to US,' says Philippines President Duterte during China visit

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday said that it is "time to say goodbye" to the United States. Duterte made the statement while on a visit to China where he met Chinese President Xi Jinping to thaw tensions between the two nations and regulate bilateral agreements. Read more...

4. New Meizu budget smartphone coming on October 31; leaked photos show promising design

Meizu, which has already established a strong presence in the smartphone market, is looking to deepen its roots in the industry. Many smartphones are expected to be released by Meizu soon, which will redefine the company's existing portfolio. Read more...

5. Ranveer to replace Salman as face of popular beverage brand because Bigg Boss 10 host is too old for it?

Salman Khan's long-term association with a beverage brand has come to an end. Both the parties have issued a joint statement to keep speculations at bay. Read more...

Source: Morning Brief: 70 Nobel laureates endorse Clinton, 35 killed in bus accident in J&K, new Meizu budget smartphone release date and more

Samsung Galaxy S8 release date, specs: ROM software rumored to be in the works; flagship to be presented in early 2017?

#GalaxyS8 #Smartphone – Samsung Galaxy S8 release date, specs: ROM software rumored to be in the works; flagship to be presented in early 2017? : Reports are getting rife that South Korean conglomerate Samsung is back to the drawing board yet again and is rumored to be devising the yet to be unveiled Galaxy S8's firmware.

However, it was pointed out that the firmware is region-specific and it is said that countries like the United States, France, Germany, China, and South Korea are among the chosen few to have the particular software.

Moreover, it is also believed that Samsung is working round the clock for the said read-only memory (ROM) as the newest iteration of the Galaxy S-series is speculated to be introduced early next year at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.

Having said that, this could be Samsung's way of making consumers finally forget the debacle that they have endured in recent months with the Galaxy Note 7's defective battery pack.

It was noted previously that the company is rumored to be working on two renders of the Galaxy S8, but instead of naming the top-end version as "S8 Edge," there are speculations that it could be called the "Galaxy S8 Plus." Doing so would definitely raise some eyebrows given the fact that Apple first used the "Plus" suffix on the larger renders of the iPhone.

Though specs for both phones are still under wraps as of late, it is theorized that the Galaxy S8 will have a 5-inch screen while the S8 Edge/Plus could be crossing the phablet territory as it is rumored to be donning a 5.5-inch display.

In addition, the premium version of the flagship smartphone could feature 4K resolution while the other render might settle for a 2K display. Both handsets might boast of features such as virtual reality (VR) capability, the latest Android 7.0 Nougat operating system, and could be powered by either Samsung's Exynos processor or a Snapdragon chipset from Qualcomm. Source: Vinereport

Source: Samsung Galaxy S8 release date, specs: ROM software rumored to be in the works; flagship to be presented in early 2017?

Samsung must ensure burning phones are not all it becomes associated with

Nothing could be worse for a diversified multinational conglomerate than to have one fiasco over a particular product overshadow all what it is all about, but that's exactly where South Korea's Samsung finds itself courtesy of its Galaxy Note 7 smartphone. Launched amid much fanfare and positive reviews, the handset promised so much, but it all went up in flames doused out perhaps by even greater corporate embarrassment.

As soon as it hit the market, reports surfaced of the Note 7 overheating and catching fire. As Samsung Electronics scrambled to recall and issue replacements, reports started emerging about the replaced handsets also going up in flames. Finally, on 11 October, the company admitted defeat by initially asking global partners to stop selling the Note 7 "while the investigation is taking place", and later confirming it would no longer build or sell the phone.

Samsung's decision was inevitable following days of nightmarish headlines and public scrutiny. Airlines started banning the Note 7 on health and safety grounds, the Korean central bank said the fiasco would impact the country's headline economic growth and its image, and analysts hit the airwaves putting a figures on how rival Apple – whose iPhone the Note 7 was supposed to take head-on – would benefit from it all.

There was no way of camouflaging the fiasco that saw Samsung Electronics' share price slide by more than 10% intraday on the Seoul Stock Exchange at one point before recovering (see below). Of course, in light of the development, investor panic is understandable. However, those panicking ought to sit back and take stock of what sort of brand they saw being clobbered.

Samsung, founded in 1938, is to South Korea, what General Electric is to the USA. In more ways than one, the Korean conglomerate, or 'chaebol' to use the local vernacular, is as diversified as they come and finds itself dabbling in sectors even GE does not touch, and Apple neither has nor is likely to have a pedigree in any time soon.

As South Korea's largest chaebol, in any given fiscal year, it alone accounts for 16-19% of the country's gross domestic product, which tell you why the Korean Central bank is spooked. Beyond the much beleaguered Samsung Electronics, the division that makes everything from its television sets to washing machines, but is only currently associated with the Note 7 fiasco, are Samsung Heavy Industries [one of the world's largest shipbuilder measured by 2010 revenues], Samsung Engineering and Samsung C&T [both being among the world top 20 construction companies].

The conglomerate is also associated with Samsung Life Insurance, a major Asia life insurance company, operates Everland Resort (Korea's oldest theme park) and runs Cheil Worldwide, a major advertising agency. Samsung is also the world second largest semiconductor maker, second only to Intel and twice the size of Qualcomm – the company ranked third on the table.

However, being the manufacturer of phones susceptible of quite literally 'firing up' is not an easy tag to shake. The ubiquitous smartphone has become such an integral part of our lives that losing it via an episode as spectacular as an explosion or fires registers in the public mind. That another subsidiary does wonderful things counts for little, it's Samsung Electronics that serves as a drag on the brand.

IBTimes UK

According to Roberta Cozza, Research Director at Gartner, the company will remained entrenched in a battle for consumers' trust, especially with Samsung Electronics poised to launch yet another flagship phone in the 2017.

"The issues with the Note 7 have serious repercussions not only in dollar terms, but also with regard to brand and perception of trust in Samsung, and will drag for the next few quarters at the very least," Cozza told IBTimes UK.

The Gartner expert believes Samsung Electronics' next big high-end flagship smartphone release – expected over the first quarter of 2017 – will be "critical" for the company to start to regain some of that brand trust back.

Samsung Electronics knows just as much. In a surprise regulatory filing in the wake of its declining share price, it warned that headline profit will take a dent of £1.9bn ($2.3bn, €2.1bn) from pulling its Galaxy Note 7 smartphones off the market.

Overall third-quarter operating profit is expected to come in at KRW5.2trn (£3.7bn, $4.5bn), down from previous estimates of KRW7.8trn.

Things are likely to get a lot worse before they get better. According to a provisional impact assessment by Nomura securities, the Note 7 incident may dent demand for its other smartphones as well. "Furthermore, it might even slash the company's fourth quarter mobile division profit by around 85%," it added.

There is growing market consensus that the mobile division – in its bid to chase Apple's iPhone – grew too fast, too soon having caught the public's imagination with its initial array of popular smartphone.

Profit over safety?

Ken Daly, chief executive officer of retail channel JML, said while there are no reasons or suggestions to suspect compromises being made in the manufacturing process of the Note 7, Samsung users are bound to question it. "People might begin to think manufacturers are putting profit over safety, and the dangers that this outlook represents could be huge."

Samsung Electronics has announced a root and branch investigation and appears to be working overtime to compensate affected customers via its vendors. In the interim, ratings agencies are sticking by the company, as it attempts to overturn its problems.

"We believe the impact on credit ratings will be limited at this stage mainly because of the company's significant net cash holdings of about KRW65tr ($58.3bn) as of June 30, 2016, and strong operating cash flow," S&P said in a statement.

Damage to brand equity is hard to quantify this early, according to Gartner's Cozza, but Samsung Electronics certainly has a job on its hands. "It needs to look hard internally at any management issues that might have impacted on the handling of this crisis and quality assurance practices in place. The need to make drastic changes to ensure improvements take place as soon as possible cannot be greater."

Importance of that process for South Korea's largest chaebol cannot be understated. Of course, there is more Samsung than a burning mobile phone, but being remembered only for it over the medium term could have devastating consequences for the company and Korea Inc as a whole.

Gaurav Sharma is the Business Editor of IBTimes UK. He has been a financial journalist for over 15 years, with a core specialisation in macroeconomics and commodities. Follow Gaurav on Twitter here.

Source: Samsung must ensure burning phones are not all it becomes associated with

Vivo Smartphone Selects Kronos Workforce Management Solution For 45,000 Employees in China

Posted October 17th, 2016 for Kronos Printer-friendly version BEIJING and CHELMSFORD, Mass., ,

Kronos Incorporated today announced that Vivo Smartphone has chosen to deploy the Kronos Workforce Central solution to more effectively manage and engage 45,000 employees across production plants in China.

News Facts

Vivo Smartphone is a growing Chinese multinational smartphone manufacturer. In a highly competitive industry, smartphone manufacturers are constantly looking to enhance productivity and the workforce is emerging as an asset that can be optimized and empowered for improved operational efficiency, product quality, and customer responsiveness.

Following an in-depth evaluation of market trends and competing products, Vivo Smartphone chose Kronos to deliver automated workforce management solutions, replacing previous manual and partially automated processes. Accuracy and efficiency of processes will also lead to increased employee engagement through a more equitable system.

The Kronos solution will integrate with Vivo Smartphone's human capital management ERP system, improving the overall HR efficiency and payroll quality through more accurate and timely workforce data entering the system. The integrated solution will further enhance visibility into labor data to support better decision making and continuous operational improvement.

Supporting Quotes

Dong Liang, human resources director, Vivo Smartphone

"Vivo Smartphone is looking to drive innovation and efficiency to achieve new heights of competitiveness and leveraging workforce management technology is an important part of this process. Kronos is the best choice in workforce management for large, multinational manufacturers and we look forward to staying in the forefront of innovation with a better managed and more engaged workforce with the help of Kronos."

Miao Qing, general manager, Greater China, Kronos

"Becoming a trusted vendor for Vivo Smartphone is a big milestone for us. The brand has quickly expanded outside of China since its inception seven years ago and currently ranks among the top smartphone makers in terms of market share. To be selected by such a rapidly expanding and innovative brand proves that our products and services are an ideal choice for customers looking to compete at a global level."

Supporting Resources

About Kronos Incorporated

Kronos is a leading provider of workforce management and human capital management cloud solutions. Kronos industry-centric workforce applications are purpose-built for businesses, healthcare providers, educational institutions, and government agencies of all sizes. Tens of thousands of organizations — including half of the Fortune 1000® — and more than 40 million people in over 100 countries use Kronos every day. Visit www.kronos.com. Kronos: Workforce Innovation That Works™.

###

© 2016 Kronos Incorporated. All rights reserved. Kronos and the Kronos logo are registered trademarks and Workforce Innovation That Works is a trademark of Kronos Incorporated or a related company. See a complete list of Kronos trademarks. All other trademarks, if any, are property of their respective owners.

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Source: Vivo Smartphone Selects Kronos Workforce Management Solution For 45,000 Employees in China

Samsung offers alternative phones to Note 7 to appease India customers

Posted 15 Oct 2016 03:05

Updated 15 Oct 2016 15:30

Workers take a billboard of Samsung Electronics' Galaxy Note 7 off from atop a building in central Seoul, South Korea, October 14, 2016. REUTERS/Staff

MUMBAI: Samsung Electronics Co on Friday offered alternative phones to its India customers who had pre-ordered its flagship Galaxy Note 7 devices, in a bid to appease loyal clients in one of its largest smartphone markets.

The world's largest phone maker has been hit by an avalanche of negative publicity, after being forced to recall millions of the fire-prone Note 7 devices and later scrap the high-end phone altogether.

India is one of the world's largest and fastest growing smartphone markets and a critical one for Samsung as it is the No. 1 player in the nation with a roughly 25 percent market share.

The device that had been set to go on sale in India in early September ended up not getting to any Indian customers after it failed to resolve overheating problems which caused some of the phones to ignite.

The company initially apologised to customers for the delay in the Note 7, and in a release late on Friday it said for those who had pre-booked devices, in lieu of the Note 7 it would offer customers either its Galaxy S7, or S7 Edge devices.

It also offered affected clients a free set of its virtual reality headsets, a free pair of wireless headphones, a voucher worth about US$50, along with a free one-time screen replacement in case of any damage to the new smartphone within a year.

In a separate statement Samsung also questioned analyst estimates on the extent of the impact on revenue in India from the Note 7 debacle.

"We can confirm that contrary to these reports, we are headed for record sales of mobile phones this year," the company said in the statement.

Earlier on Friday, Samsung said however that it expected to take a hit to its operating profit of about US$3 billion over the next two quarters due to the discontinuation of the Galaxy Note 7.

(Reporting by Euan Rocha; editing by Susan Thomas)

- Reuters

Source: Samsung offers alternative phones to Note 7 to appease India customers

OnePlus May Release A New Phone, But It Will Note Be The OnePlus 4

#OnePlus4 #Smartphone – OnePlus May Release A New Phone, But It Will Note Be The OnePlus 4 : After OnePlus' third successful take on the low-priced high-end OnePlus series, new rumor arise about the company's plan to produce yet another flagship this year.

However, it won't probably be the highly anticipated OnePlus 4. Unfortunately for the excited fans out there, the OnePlus 4 is still bound for 2017 as no new release date has been announced for it.

OnePlus' New Phone For 2016

What's expected to come out from OnePlus' doors right now is a new variant for the OnePlus 3. It doesn't have a name yet, so tech bloggers identify it under two different names.

Some would call it the OnePlus 3S and some would call it the OnePlus 3 Plus. So while everyone was talking about next year's OnePlus 4, the company took everybody by surprise as the news about another OnePlus 3 come out.

OnePlus 3 Plus / OnePlus 3S Rumors

The upcoming flagship variant from OnePlus will still look the same. Fans should expect the bigger change in design for the OnePlus 4. As of now, Tech Radar says that the new phone will only change internally.

Instead of using Snapdragon 820, the rumored OnePlus 3S/ 3 Plus will use a faster chip that is the Snapdragon 821. Also, instead of using an AMOLED display, the company might shift to LCD.

OnePlus 3 Shortage, Is It True?

The main reason why the rumor about a new phone came out is the alleged shortage of OnePlus 3. According to recent headlines, OnePlus is taking too long in delivering the new flagship to buyers.

It was said that the shortage in AMOLED display brought about this OnePlus 3 dilemma. Because of this, the company might need to do something to meet the demand for their 2016 flagship. Since the OnePlus 4 is too far ahead, shifting to different specs for the OnePlus 3 must be the most viable solution.

Needless to say, OnePlus hasn't confirmed this yet and this remains a rumor. Android Central says that OnePlus admitted that there is a delay in the shipment and it is caused by this year's high demand in AMOLED display. However, nothing has been confirmed about the alleged new flagship variant. Source: Itechpost

Source: OnePlus May Release A New Phone, But It Will Note Be The OnePlus 4

US govt bans Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphones on flights

Passengers and flight crews will be banned from bringing Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphones on airline flights under an emergency order issued Friday by the Department of Transportation in response to reports of the phones catching fire.The order, which goes into effect on Saturday at noon EDT, says the phones may not be carried on board or packed in checked bags on flights to and from the United States or within the country. The phones also can't be shipped as air cargo.The department initially said that passengers attempting to board planes with the phones might face fines, but later clarified that such passengers will simply not be allowed on planes. Passengers who try to evade the ban by packing the phone in their checked luggage may be subject to criminal prosecution in addition to fines. Packing the phones in checked luggage increases the risk of a "catastrophic incident," the department said.Passengers who are currently travelling with Samsung Galaxy Note7 phones shoul d contact Samsung or their wireless carrier immediately to obtain information about how to return their phones and arrange for a refund or a replacement phone, the department said.Samsung has recalled more than 2.5 million of the smartphones, citing a battery manufacturing error. The South Korean company discontinued the product earlier this week, less than two months after its August release.The Consumer Product Safety Commission says there have been nearly 100 reports of batteries in Note 7 phones overheating in the US. One fire erupted on a Southwest Airlines flight earlier this month. In another case, a family in St. Petersburg, Florida, reported a Galaxy Note 7 phone left charging in their Jeep caught fire, destroying the vehicle.The Federal Aviation Administration had previously warned passengers not to pack the phones in their checked bags and to power them off and not charge them while on board planes.

"We recognize that banning these phones from airlines will inconvenience some passengers, but the safety of all those aboard an aircraft must take priority," said Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. "We are taking this additional step because even one fire incident inflight poses a high risk of severe personal injury and puts many lives at risk."Samsung said in a statement that it is working with the department to make customers aware of the ban. The company also urged Note 7 customers to get a refund or exchange their phones by visiting their wireless carrier or retail store. Samsung has a website and a phone number, 1-844-365-6197, for customers with questions.The Note 7 isn't the only gadget to catch fire thanks to lithium-battery problems, which have afflicted everything from laptops to Tesla cars to Boeing's 787 jetliner. At least three US airlines are adding new fire-suppression equipment to fleets in case a cellphone or laptop battery overheats, catches on fi re and can't be extinguished.Rechargeable lithium batteries are more susceptible to overheating than other types of batteries if they are exposed to high temperatures, are damaged or have manufacturing flaws. Once overheating starts, it can lead to "thermal runaway" in which temperatures continue escalating to very high levels. Water can extinguish the flames, but doesn't always halt the thermal runaway. Flames will often reappear after initially being quenched.Lithium batteries are ubiquitous in consumer electronic devices. Manufacturers like them because they weigh less and pack considerably more energy into the same space than other types of batteries.Earlier this year, the International Civil Aviation Organization, a UN agency that sets global aviation safety standards, banned bulk shipments of rechargeable lithium-ion batteries as cargo on passenger planes until better packaging can be developed to prevent a fire from spreading and potentially destroying the plane.

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Source: US govt bans Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphones on flights

iPad Mini 5 Release Date, Specs, Features: Next-Gen Tablet To Boast New 3D Touch Feature On iOS 11?

#iPadMini5 #iOS11 – iPad Mini 5 Release Date, Specs, Features: Next-Gen Tablet To Boast New 3D Touch Feature On iOS 11? : Although there is no such official news about the iPad Mini 5, there have been a number of reports pointing out the release to be scheduled next year. The rumors also claim that the iPad Mini screen will have 3D touch technology and if launched before September, it will have iOS 10 or iOS 11 if launched after September!

The much awaited Apple's Next-Gen tablet will have an A9 or A10 chipset, a 12 MP primary camera with True Tone flash technology and the tablet will come in two variants- 32GB and 128GB.

According to Neurogadget , the smartphone will come with a smart connector, quad speakers and a 3.5mm headphone, if Apple does not decide to change it. There will be three screen sizes for this tablet and the diagonal measures of each are 9.7 inch, 10.1 inch and 12.9 inch.

There is another news that Apple will release iPad pro 2 alongside the major release of Mini 5 and it is rumored to be released in March 2017. There are no details on when the new Macbook Pro will be launched.

But, fans are hoping best to find some good information on the Macbook Pro launch on the October 25 event of Apple's Q4 earning calls. This event was supposed to be held on Oct 27 but it was moved 2 days earlier due to 'scheduling conflict'.

The iPad mini 4 was launched in September 2015 with some significant changes in design, updated specs and some new features which made it one of the best tablets around.

According to Macworld there was no announcement for the new iPad Mini 5 on Apple's event on 7th Dec 2016 which suggests its release in March 2017. Despite the release of previous iPad Mini versions during the last quarter of the year, we have not seen any further leaks suggesting the release during this year. The next hope continues to be in the March 2017, the time around the Macbook Pro was released in 2016. Source: Morningnewsusa

Source: iPad Mini 5 Release Date, Specs, Features: Next-Gen Tablet To Boast New 3D Touch Feature On iOS 11?

Lumigon Launches T3, a Premium Smartphone With Unique Features in Scandinavian Design

COPENHAGEN, Oct. 13, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Now Available in the Netherlands, Russia, Dubai and at Airports Around the World 

Lumigon announces the launch of the T3 smartphone, integrating minimalistic Scandinavian design with durable steel exterior and innovative features such as a night vision camera and the innovative BackTouch technology, so far never seen before in mobile phones.

To view the Multimedia News Release, please click: http://www.multivu.com/players/uk/7852551-lumigon-launches-T3-smartphone/

"We wanted to create a new smartphone that reflects our design philosophy," says Lumigon CEO Lars Gravesen. "The glass and steel used in the T3 are extremely durable, but that doesn't mean sacrificing the look and feel of the phone. In fact, it provides a great balance between design, premium materials, innovation and technology."

In addition to the classic versions, the T3 is also available in a gold edition with four different models, to fulfil the needs of customers who like it a little more extraordinary.

Innovative design, inside and out 

The exterior of T3 is crafted from molybdenum 316 stainless steel, whose strength and high resistance is known from the boat industry. This durability is further enhanced with scratch and damage resistant glass. Both the front and back of the phone are of Corning® Gorilla® Glass to help ensure the 4.8" HD Super AMOLED Diamond display is not spoiled by screen cracks. These robust materials were carefully selected and precisely crafted to create a dust and water-resistant phone that can withstand daily use, while retaining the sleek design of an exclusive product.

These details extend to the interior, which is powered by an ultra-fast 2.2 GHz 64 bit 8-core processor with 3 GB RAM running Android™ 6.0, making this smartphone run smooth and fast. Lars Gravesen continues, "In a world with such huge demands for data, we wanted to give our customers enough capacity that will make users hardly run out of space, thus we decided to launch the T3 with 128 GB internal memory as standard."

Being a truly versatile device, the T3 also features a 4G Dual Nano SIM slot allowing the use of two SIM cards simultaneously. These can be hot-swapped without shutting down the phone, allowing for exceptional agility on the go.

Perfect picture - day and night  

The T3 comes with three cameras and provides high quality photography regardless of time of day or lighting conditions. The 4K HD camera takes ultra-sharp photos while the advanced Phase Detection Autofocus find its focus point instantly. The 2K HD front camera with innovative FrontFlash allows for perfect selfies even in dark environments. The mirror in combination with the FrontFlash turns this phone to a gadget that the ladies will find very handy when fixing their makeup on the go.

The T3 is the first smartphone in the world to have a 2K HD Night Vision camera that can capture photos and videos even in total darkness.

BackTouch 

The innovative BackTouch technology enables to scroll content on the display from the back of the phone and is very convenient when taking selfies as the user just needs to tap on the BackTouch. This brand new feature introduces easy one-handed navigation and improved swiping and scrolling capabilities.

Secured 

T3 has cutting-edge security and interface features. The 360° ceramic fingerprint reader provides added security along with Lumigon's unique Vault feature that lets the user store private and confidential information on the phone. The data within the Vault is secure and encrypted with AES 256-bit algorithm.

Make it Your Way 

T3 is provided in three classic colours, black, white and orange as well as the exclusive series, like the elegant 24-karat gold in four different models. Users can then show their individual looks, while those who want to experience the next level of luxury can leave their mark with a personal engraving.

Mr Gravesen says, "The T3 was created for users who want something different and want to stand out from the crowd."

"To me," he continues, "Danish design reflects craftsmanship, simplicity and real-life functionality, taking high-quality materials and combining them with innovative features to create a clean premium product. That was the design mindset that brought us to the creation of the T3 smartphone."

Availability 

The T3 is available for purchase at the Lumigon web shop and at selected dealers worldwide at a price starting from EUR 645/DKK 4799 for the stainless steel versions with 128 GB internal memory. The sales box also includes a stainless steel designer headset created from quality materials and with precision in every detail.

About Lumigon 

Lumigon designs, develops and produces high-end smartphones and accessories. Based in Copenhagen, the company's products are designed to reflect their Danish origin, taking inspiration from Scandinavian design traditions characterised by simplicity, minimalism and solidness. Lumigon is a private company with extensive experience within consumer electronics, mobile software and distribution.

Discover more about the T3 at http://www.lumigon.com

For product images in high resolution, visit the press section http://lumigon.com/press.html

Press contact: press@lumigon.com 

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161011/427151 )Video: http://www.multivu.com/players/uk/7852551-lumigon-launches-T3-smartphone/

Source: Lumigon Launches T3, a Premium Smartphone With Unique Features in Scandinavian Design

BlackBerry DTEK60 smartphones up for pre-order for $500

BlackBerry's next Android-powered smartphone is now available for pre-order. B&H is selling the DTEK60 for $500.

No release date is listed yet, but the phone is said to be "coming soon."

As expected the BlackBerry DTEK60 seems to be the big sibling to the DTEK50 that launched earlier this year. It has a similar design and similar software, but a bigger screen and beefier specs. It's also priced $200 higher.

The DTEK60 has a 5.5 inch, 2560 x 1440 pixel display, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor, 4GB of RAM, and 32GB of storage.

It features a USB 2.0 Type-C port, a mciroSDXC card slot, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

The phone supports GSM and 4G LTE networks and features 802.11ac WiFi, Bluetooth 4.2, NFC, and GPS.

There's a 21MP rear camera with phase detection auto-focus and support for 4K video recording, and an 8MP front camera. There's also a fingerprint sensor on the back of the phone.

The BlackBerry DTEK60 has a 3,000 mAh and support for Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0.

In keeping with BlackBerry's new strategy, the phone's hardware was not designed in house. Instead, the DTEK60 appears to be a variant of some of TCL/Alcatel's latest phones. But in addition to Google Android 6.0 software, the BlackBerry version includes BlackBerry's suite of Android apps for communication, security, on-device search, and more.

via Crackberry Forums

Source: BlackBerry DTEK60 smartphones up for pre-order for $500

MICROSOFT SURFACE PHONE RELEASE DATE NOT HAPPENING ANYTIME SOON

#SurfacePhone #Microsoft – Microsoft Surface Phone Release Date Not Happening Anytime Soon : Microsoft Surface Phone isn't getting released anytime soon, or so it seems. The American tech giant has a special event scheduled soon but its upcoming massive smartphone won't be making an appearance. It's likely that Microsoft is just going to release some new miscellaneous devices but the Surface Phone won't be among them.

Having killed off the Lumia series completely, Microsoft and its fans are now looking towards a new device, which is the Surface Phone. This is going to be a premium device, one that fans and business owners have been looking forward to since the beginning of the year.

This smartphone is going to have accessories, amazing tech specs, and maybe it's going to be the first phone with a 64-bit architecture. In any case, this device isn't going to be released on the 26th of October according to Microsoft. What's more is that this isn't going to arrive anytime this year, but rather somewhere in 2017, perhaps at the beginning of the year.

Surface Phone Release Date

ALSO READ : MICROSOFT SET FOR SURFACE PHONE NO-SHOW

According to Mary Jo Foley, we shouldn't expect any new smartphones from Microsoft this year, especially not at the 26th of October event. Microsoft is probably going to announce a Surface All-in-One device at that event and probably a new Band gadget.

One thing that everybody is looking forward to is Windows 10 on the Surface Phone and this should be good because we recently had the Anniversary Update to Windows 10, marking a step forward. We're hoping to see the Microsoft Surface Phone by the end of 2017 and it's definitely going to happen, and business owners want this to happen more than anyone else.

Source: MICROSOFT SURFACE PHONE RELEASE DATE NOT HAPPENING ANYTIME SOON

Google Pixel Phone Release Date Breakdown: The Nexus 2016?

Evan Niu, CFA owns shares of Apple. To put it in simpler terms, Apple's new iPhones crush Google's Pixel smartphones when it comes to performance.

Newly released ads for the Pixel phones land some blows on the iPhone.

The phone has been created to use the company's powerful new assistant (their version of Siri), aptly named Assistant. The iPhone 7 is powered by an A10 Fusion 64-bit quad-core chipset paired with M10 motion co-processor and 2GB of RAM. Would you pay out over $700 for a Google Pixel XL? Google states that Android 7.1 will first be made available as a Developer Preview, which will roll out no later than the end of Q4. One will have a five-inch screen (larger than the standard iPhone7), while the other will have a 5.5-inch screen (the same same size as the iPhone 7 Plus). To say iPhone vs Pixel doesn't sound epic like Superman vs. Batman does.

Pricing for the Pixel and Pixel XL starts at $649.99 and $769.99, respectively, if you choose the 32GB version. Pre-orders in India will begin October 13. The VR headset will come with a companion motion controller, a feature missing from other conventional VR headsets till date.

Also worth mentioning is the lack of security features discussed at the Made By Google event at the Pixel launch. That is a $79 value, and essentially matches Samsung's free Gear VR deal with the Galaxy S7. From a premium all-metal design, the latest and greatest hardware and more. In the United States, it will be available at Verizon or Google's website. It cost $129 and is due out next month.

Google announced the next iteration of its media streamer Chromecast, dubbed as the Chromecast Ultra. Chromecast Ultra finally brings 4K support to the Chromecast. The Amazon Fire comes at a hefty price of $100, while the Chromecast Ultra is priced at a mere $69. Sharp has also unveiled a "Home Assistant" gadget at a technology show in Japan, reports "Wall Street Journal".

Mobile devices are ubiquitous, and that means they're being used for work.

The very appeal of an iPhone is its ubiquity and familiarity, with new software arriving across the entire platform at once and new hardware adding faster or better versions of what came before. This is so because the carrier has seemingly confirmed that while Google will be exclusively responsible for software updates on its Google Store variants, Verizon Wireless will be responsible for the units that it sells.

Source: Google Pixel Phone Release Date Breakdown: The Nexus 2016?

News Galaxy S8 Release Date, Specs: Device To Havw Two Rear Cameras, Undergoing Drastic Physical And Hardware Changes (VIDEO)

#GalaxyS8 #Smartphone – News Galaxy S8 Release Date, Specs: Device To Havw Two Rear Cameras, Undergoing Drastic Physical And Hardware Changes (VIDEO) : Samsung may have planned a major changes for its next flagship phone. While the tech company has not officially announced the successor to the Galaxy S7, which is expected to be named the Galaxy S8, a report surfaced on the internet and speculates that the next iteration will look a lot different.

Several of the alleged changes include the Galaxy S8 will have no physical home button, instead, the device will implement a home button function behind tempered glass or in the display. The front of Galaxy S8 will only feature the display, no buttons or even borders.

The smartphone will have a dual-camera set-up just like the iPhone 7 Plus. Rumors also claimed that the processor of Samsung Galaxy S8 will be a combination of a Exynos chip and Snapdragon 830, according to ET News.

However, getting rid of the physical button would let the South Korean tech giant fill the front side of the device with an edge-to-edge display that will not have any bezels.

Galaxy S8 is still expected to have a distinctive attribute of a dual-curved display similar to the previous Galaxy phones, but the top and bottom bezels are said to go away as well, based on the report of BGR.

Device feature termination may sound familiar, for the reason that Apple Inc. is also rumored to remove the physical home button of the 2017 iPhone and place a TouchID fingerprint scanner under the screen of the smartphone.

Apple is also said to launch a full-screen iPhone next year that lacks a home button, which corroborates the earlier report of New York Times.

Rumor has it that Apple's iPhone 8 will feature an OLED screen that will likely be manufactured by the South Korean tech monster. The Galaxy S8 is also expected to improve the screen resolution, in which pictures and videos are slated to look clearer and have some sort of 3D effect.

Watch The Video Here: Source: universityherald

Source: News Galaxy S8 Release Date, Specs: Device To Havw Two Rear Cameras, Undergoing Drastic Physical And Hardware Changes (VIDEO)

iPhone 8 specs, release & rumors: Everything you should know about the 10-year anniversary release

#iPhone8 #iOS – iPhone 8 specs, release & rumors: Everything you should know about the 10-year anniversary release : The first wave of iPhone 8 rumors has rolled in, teasing fans about the exciting possibilities that could come with the anticipated 10th anniversary iPhone. We've listed down some of the most buzzed-about iPhone 8 rumors.

Physical redesigns

Since Apple will be celebrating the 10-year anniversary of the iPhone, it is expected that the new device will come with major redesigns and upgraded features. One of the consistent rumors with respect to the physicality of the iPhone 8 is that it will come with an edge-to-edge display and curved glass on the front and back.

Moreover, Forbes reported that Apple may be switching from LCD to OLED, which allows the company to create a thinner iPhone that doesn't consume a lot of battery. In celebration of the glass body that made the iPhone 4, Apple is reportedly planning to re-adopt the same material for the iPhone 8.

Upgrades to biometrics

It appears that Apple won't stop developing biometrics feature for the iPhone. Following the success of 3D touch and fingerprint scanner, there are rumors that iPhone 8 will feature iris scanning. This adds another layer of security that's difficult to hack and will prevent users from abusing the Home button.

Wireless charging

Apple is beginning the wireless revolution by taking out the earphone jack from the iPhone 7. The earphones are now completely wireless and sold separately from the smartphone itself.

Although users were divided by this new stand, Apple will reportedly carry it over to the iPhone 8 and even go so far as to remove the Lightning port. According to Mac Rumors, Apple has been hiring engineers to develop a stable system for wireless charging.

Camera

KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggests that the dual-lens camera used in the 5.5-inch iPhone 7 Plus will be the same cameras used for the iPhone 8. An additional feature to the camera would be the optical image stabilization, which is commonly incorporated in both wide-angle and telephoto lens.

Release date

In keeping with tradition, the iPhone 8 is expected to come out in September 2017. Source: yibada

Source: iPhone 8 specs, release & rumors: Everything you should know about the 10-year anniversary release

Police release CCTV image after wallets stolen from rugby club

Police would like to speak to a man filmed on CCTV after two wallets and mobile phones were stolen during a rugby training session.

The items were taken from the men's changing rooms at St Andrews Rugby Club, in Ashlawn Road, Rugby , some time between 7pm and 9pm on Thursday, September 22.

Both wallets contained bank cards as well as money and it is believed the cards were later used to carry out fraudulent transactions in the area.

A wedding ring was also taken during the incident and police say the victim is keen for it to be returned as it has sentimental value.

Warwickshire Police would like to speak to this man Read More

Warwickshire Police have published a CCTV image of a man officers would like to speak to as they believe he could have information, which may help with the investigation.

Anyone with information should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through their website www.crimetoppers-uk.org quoting incident number 368 of September 22.

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Source: Police release CCTV image after wallets stolen from rugby club

Google's First Project Tango Smartphone Coming Next Month As Lenovo Phab2 Pro

Google's Project Tango effort to pack 3D mapping in a smartphone will reportedly hit the scene next month, starting with the Lenovo Phab2 Pro.

After Google's Project Ara got canceled and Lenovo's Phab2 Pro was delayed, there was a lot of uncertainty surrounding Project Tango. The Phab2 Pro was supposed to launch this summer as Google's first Project Tango smartphone, but was delayed to a vague "fall" release.

Some wondered whether Project Tango would ever see the light of day, but it now seems that it will — and soon. According to CNET, Google's Clay Bavor confirmed that Project Tango's Lenovo Phab2 Pro is all set to debut in November.

For those unfamiliar with the massive phone, the Lenovo Phab2 Pro boasts a 6.4-inch display and 3D mapping capabilities, tracking your surroundings and displaying content in an augmented reality manner like it's right there in front of you. This could be greatly useful in various scenarios where visualization is essential, such as redecorating or picking out new furniture.

The phablet packs a Snapdragon 652 processor specifically optimized for Tango apps, 4 GB of RAM, 64 GB of storage, microSD support for up to 126 GB of additional storage, and Android 6.0 Marshmallow on the software side. The massive 6.4-inch display has a QHD resolution of 2,560 x 1,440 pixels and can adapt to different lighting conditions.

The Lenovo Phab2 Pro will come at a $499 price point unlocked and go on sale in the United States sometime in November, albeit a specific date is not available at this point.

It's worth pointing that while the new Google Pixel smartphones will play nice with the Daydream VR headset, the Lenovo Phab2 Pro will not be compatible because it doesn't have an AMOLED display to properly support VR.

Consequently, those looking to buy a new Google phone next month may want to think twice whether they want AR or VR. Both the Lenovo Phab2 Pro and the Google Pixels will go on sale in November, but they will offer different experiences.

If you're looking for augmented reality, the Lenovo Phab2 Pro should do the trick. If VR is more up your alley, the new Google Pixel and Pixel XL will be the first two smartphones that are Daydream VR-ready.

Google has yet to make an official announcement regarding Project Tango and the Lenovo Phab2 Pro release, but we'll let you know as soon as it does.

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Source: Google's First Project Tango Smartphone Coming Next Month As Lenovo Phab2 Pro

Using the Twistgrip from Manfrotto to take better smartphone photos

As a longtime fan of Manfrotto products I was pleased to be able to get my hands on their TwistGrip solution – a universal clamp for iPhones and other smartphones which allows you to easily attach your phone to a tripod. It has the added advantage of allowing you to connect other accessories to its cold-shoe located at the top – such as an LED light or a microphone for video work. This makes it a really versatile, compact, portable, creative and stylish solution which fits in your pocket.

I'm also pleased to have the opportunity to share with you how I've been putting the TwistGrip to use – and why I won't be letting it out of my sight anytime soon!  The TwistGrip's ability to attach your smartphone to a tripod opens up so many photographic possibilities. In this review I'll share some of these.

The unobtrusive, Italian-built TwistGrip is made from aluminium and attaches securely to any ¼" tripod mount and, in turn, securely clamps your smartphone in place. With a maximum device thickness of 8.2cm it'll easily work with larger smartphones such as the iPhone 7 Plus.  A neat feature is the way the jaws which grip your smartphone twist around 45 degrees making the clamp much lower-profile for storage in your pocket or handbag – ready for those spontaneous moments requiring a tripod. It's simple to use – open the TwistGrip's jaws, insert your smartphone, clamp the jaws, then tighten the knurled wheel to lock it in place.

If you don't already have a tripod I'd strongly recommend that you get one. Manfrotto have an incredible range for all purposes and budgets. For the smartphone photographer who doesn't want to haul a large tripod around with them all day long I'd recommend the Manfrotto Pixi tripod which is compact, easy to use and, when folded up, fits into a jacket pocket or handbag. Folded up, it also doubles as a great way to hold your smartphone when shooting video on the move. When used in conjunction with the Manfrotto TwistGrip you have the perfect creative solution to enable you to respond spontaneously, staying 'in-the-moment' and capturing that moment. For the more experienced photographers who will most likely have at least one tripod already, the TwistGrip fits right on no problem.

1# Shooting In Low Light

I live in Wales, UK and we are rarely blessed with bright, consistent weather conditions – so most of my photography happens on overcast, darker days. Using a tripod is often essential to avoid camera-shake during the longer exposure times required to get a good exposure in low light conditions. However, connecting a smartphone to a tripod is nearly impossible without some kind of adaptor.  I wasted lots of time creating my own makeshift solutions from metal brackets, elastic bands, etc.  Now, with my smartphone secured to my tripod with the Manfrotto TwistGrip, I can work more confidently in low light situations and capture sunsets like this.

2# Long Exposure Photography

Using slow shutter apps it's possible to simulate a long exposure effect with your smartphone, but it's essential that your phone doesn't move during the process. I use the TwistGrip to attach my iPhone to my Manfrotto 190XB tripod (now replaced by the 190X) with Manfrotto 390RC2 head (now replaced by the 391RC2) when shooting long exposure photos.

When shooting the picture below I had to deal with the challenges presented by the tricky, wet terrain of a small waterfall. I also needed to keep my iPhone perfectly still as I was using a 4-second shutter speed in the Slow Shutter app to create a 'veiling' effect on the water.

This kind of photo wouldn't be possible without a tripod to keep my iPhone absolutely still throughout the process – and, with my precious iPhone positioned above the water, I was glad I could trust Manfrotto's TwistGrip to let me get on with the job in hand without worrying about whether my phone was going to take a swim.

3# Photographing Wildlife

Another practical situation where the ability to mount your smartphone on a tripod is when photographing wildlife. I'm sure we all see birds in our gardens or parks but without the impressive zoom capability of some dedicated cameras and expensive lenses we're unlikely to be able to photograph our feathered friends 'up-close and personal' – they tend to fly away.

Smartphones don't generally have sufficient optical zoom to yield good results from a distance – the subject invariably ends up being a speck in the distance and the impact is lost. One solution I often employ is to locate my iPhone on a tripod very close to where my furry subject will be – leave some tempting food (crumbs, nuts, etc.) and retreat to a safe distance with my Bluetooth shutter release. When my subjects return I'm able to photograph them remotely as they feast on the food.

My bird-feeder is about 10 feet away from the back of the house and I've often photographed its visitors with my dSLR and a long lens. But the photo above has to be my favourite so far – and it was taken with my iPhone. I positioned the phone about a foot away from the feeder – mounted on a tripod using the Manfrotto TwistGrip – while I fired the camera shutter from inside the house using my Bluetooth shutter release.

I've also used this technique in more spontaneous circumstances. For example, when I spotted a family of peacocks strutting down a path I quickly attached my iPhone to my Manfrotto TwistGrip (which I'd already attached to my Manfrotto Pixi tripod) and positioned it on the ground facing towards where I anticipated the birds would shortly walk.

I threw down some sandwich crumbs – making sure they could see what I was doing – then retreated into some bushes about 10 metres away. Shortly afterwards the birds obliged by walking cautiously into the frame, pecking at the crumbs while I fired the shutter remotely.

I was able to get lots of usable images this way. It's wonderful to be able to capture these beautiful creatures up close without distressing them and without having to purchase additional lenses – some of which compromise image quality.

4# Macro Photography

With the huge range of third-party macro lenses for smartphones it's no surprise that macro photography is becoming more and more popular. One obstacle to taking great macro shots is the incredibly shallow depth of field. Hand-holding the smartphone while taking macro shots is a hit-and-miss affair because the slightest hand movements change your smartphone's distance from the subject – putting  the subject out of focus. The solution is to attach your smartphone to a tripod – with a TwistGrip! Finding and maintaining the correct distance from the subject is now much easier.

5# Getting Low Down

As you've seen with the peacock photos above, the ability to mount your smartphone onto a small, portable tripod like the Manfrotto Pixi allows you to take great photos from low down – almost from the perspective of your subjects themselves. The following photo of a pebble arch was taken on the beach in poor light conditions and I wanted to get a low down perspective through the arch. Being able to use my Manfrotto Pixi tripod with the TwistGrip clamp meant I could maintain the right shooting angle and benefit from the lack of camera shake while taking the picture.

6# Self Portraits

Willing portrait models aren't always available, so many photographers hone their portrait skills on themselves – but a "selfie" at arms-length just isn't going to cut it. Being able to mount your smartphone on a tripod using the Manfrotto TwistGrip makes this far simpler. Set your tripod up, attach your smartphone, and set the timer to give yourself time to get back into position – and you're done!

7# Videography

Many of us use our smartphones to shoot video – whether it be family videos or promotional. Creating stable, smooth footage is always desirable and, with the TwistGrip, achievable.

8# Time-lapse Videography

Another practical application for the TwistGrip is time-lapse video. Typically you'd want your smartphone fixed in one location as it captures the clouds, cars or people passing by. You could do this with a regular tripod, but if you're feeling adventurous why not attach your phone to a cookery timer (as shown below) which automatically rotates a full 360 degrees in 60 minutes. Securing the TwistGrip to the top of such a timer is relatively simple using a cheap adaptor plate.

In Summary

You've probably guessed I'm inseparable from my Manfrotto TwistGrip. It's well designed, versatile, portable and perfect for attaching your smartphone to any kind of tripod. Once your smartphone is secured you can easily tackle more challenging shooting scenarios with confidence.

You can purchase the TwistGrip tripod clamp from the Manfrotto website.

Rob Dunsford

Rob Dunsford is a writer for iphonephotographyschool.com as well as an equestrian event photographer and singer-songwriter living in Mid Wales, UK.

http://robdunsford.photography

http://instagram.com/rob_dunsford

Source: Using the Twistgrip from Manfrotto to take better smartphone photos