Xiaomi Mi 6 Latest Rumor: Launching mid-March, trial Production begins February

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Jan 19, 2017

More rumors about Xiaomi‘s next generation Mi 6 flagship are still coming out, and for now, they are the only thing we can hold on to for information regarding the device mainly because Xiaomi is yet to release an official teaser in that regard. The latest rumor making the rounds is that the Xiaomi Mi 6 would be released in mid-March. The smartphone is also rumored to enter trial production next month.

Further, earlier rumors from China had suggested that the Mi 6 would have two versions in the aspect of processor. Before now, we had gotten rumors that the device will be the first Snapdragon 835-powered Chinese brand smartphone but now, it is said that there will be a second version with a MediaTek Helio X30 chip crammed inside. This is a rumor that we cannot confirm, because it is not the practice of Xiaomi to use a MediaTek chip on its flagship Mi series. Only the Redmi series had the tradition of featuring both Snapdragon and MTK chipsets.

Apart from the chip model, both the SD 835 and Helio X30-powered versions as rumored, also have certain marked features that differentiate them from one another, according to the leaked info. Some of the rumored features include that the Snapdragon 835-powered Mi 6 version would have two memory versions both using OLED panels and having 2K resolution. There is a 6GB +256GB version as well as a 4GB + 128GB version. On the other hand, the Helio X30-powered version comes in a 4GB + 64GB memory version. The base price of 1,999 yuan ($291) is also rumored to still be intact, while the higher versions are rumored with 2,499 yuan ($363) and 2,999 yuan ($436) price tags respectively.

Also, the Mi 6 flagship is still rumored to use the underglass ultrasonic scanner that made its debut on the Mi 5S and run Android 7.0 Nougat. In addition, the Mi 6 flagship is said to have an upgrade in its camera to a 12MP Sony IMX362 sensor. The display is also said to have two versions; one is a straight or flat screen display, while the other is a curved display but both having different prices.

(source)

Samsung Galaxy Note 7 Explosion Reason to be Officially Revealed on January 23

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Anvinraj Valiyathara

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Jan 19, 2017

The reason behind Galaxy Note 7 explosions will be officially revealed by Samsung through a press conference that will be held on Jan. 23 at 10 am KST in Seoul. It will be live streamed on Samsung’s website.

The Galaxy Note 7 flagship smartphone from Samsung was officially unveiled at the beginning of August 2016. Even before it reached more markets, news about overheating and explosions started surfacing. Samsung carried out its first Galaxy Note 7 recall in September 2016.

Samsung tried to fix the issue by relaunching the Note 7 in October. However, the Galaxy Note 7 units continued to explode. Hence, the South Korean company had to permanently discontinue the phablet in the same month. Samsung and its carrier partners have been sending out software updates that prevents the device from charging again. Such an attempt was done to compel Note 7 users to return their handsets.

Samsung has investigated into the issue, but the actual reason that has caused Galaxy Note 7 units to explode has never been announced. After carrying out comprehensive investigations for several months, not only by Samsung but also by independent organizations on Note 7 incidents, the findings will be revealed through the upcoming press conference on Jan. 23.

Investors want the South Korean company to reveal a convincing reason for the Note 7 debacle before the alleged unveil of Galaxy S8 smartphones in April. In its statement, Samsung has also said that it will announce new measures that it has implemented in response to the incidents. Rumor are rife that the defective batteries may have caused the Note 7 explosion incidents.

After the Galaxy Note 7 fiasco, the rumor mill started claiming that Samsung will discontinue the Note series. However, a recent report from South Korea has revealed that Samsung will not give up on the highly popular Galaxy Note brand. Hence, a Note 8 is speculated to release later this year.

(Source)

LG G6 Leaked Renders Suggest Unusual Display, No Bump for Dual Cam, Slimmer Design

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Anvinraj Valiyathara

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Jan 19, 2017

LG has recently confirmed that it will be present at the next month’s MWC (Mobile World Congress) 2017 event. Rumors are rife that LG will unveil the LG G6 flagship smartphone at the event. Now, fresh LG G6 renders have surfaced that shows the flagship placed inside a case.

In the recent, the Galaxy S8 was spotted inside a case manufactured by Ghostek. Now, the LG G6 is also showcased in an Atomic 3 waterproof case by the same case maker

The image suggests that much of the front side of the LG G6 is occupied by its unusually tall display. Rumors have it that the LG G6 has a 5.7-inch screen that is expected to carry support for Quad HD+ resolution of 1,440 x 2,880 pixels. It offers an aspect ratio of 18:9 and a pixel density of 564 ppi. The LG logo can be seen on its chin like its predecessor.

The side view of the smartphone suggests that the phone will be sporting a very thin form factor. There is no visible bump on the dual camera system. The fingerprint sensor is placed below the dual camera module. Hence, the rear view of the device is quite similar to LG G5. The G6 logo sits at the bottom side of the rear panel.

A teaser video has revealed that its next flagship will be an ideal smartphone as it will come with features such as a wonderful camera, a large screen for multi-tasking, and a waterproof chassis.

Speculations are rife that the Snapdragon 835 SoC coupled with 4 GB of RAM will be powering the LG G6. The South Korean company has also revealed the battery of its next flagship will not overheat even when the internal temperature reaches 150 degrees.

LG has confirmed in the recent past that it won’t be using a modular design on its upcoming flagship. Hence, the LG G6 will be coming with a metallic chassis. The LG G5 came with a removable battery, but its successor is expected to feature a non-removable battery that is pegged to carry support for wireless charging.

CPU-Z Ran on Moto G5 Plus, Reveals Majority of The Specs

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Habeeb Onawole

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Jan 19, 2017

The Moto G5 Plus leaked about a week ago. So far, we have seen specs, a press image, and a possible price and launch date. What we have today are images of a phone said to be the Moto G5 Plus running information detection app CPU-Z.

The images which have been stitched together into one single picture reveals details like the RAM, storage, camera and processor.

The CPU-Z results shows that the Moto G5 has a 5.46-inch (probably 5.5-inch) 1080p display with a dpi of 403, 4GB RAM, and 32GB of built-in storage. The device will also sport a Qualcomm MSM8953 a.k.a Snapdragon 625 SoC clocked at 2.0GHz and have a 3150mAh battery.

We also see that the Moto G5 Plus is running Android Nougat with a November security patch but the latter is expected to be more recent when the phone eventually launches. The last info is the camera specifications which is said to be a 12MP shooter on the rear and a 5MP sensor in front.

The source who provided the images also mentions specs of the Moto G5 which is a less powerful variant of the Moto G5 Plus. According to him, the Moto G5 will have 3GB of RAM, but will have different camera sensors.

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Pearl White Xiaomi Mi MIX Gets Unboxed

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Habeeb Onawole

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Jan 19, 2017

The Mi MIX is one of the best devices to come out from Xiaomi’s factory. Released alongside the Xiaomi Mi Note 2, this nearly bezel-less device is a beauty to behold.

When the phone was first launched, it was available only in black but during this year’s edition of CES which was Xiaomi’s first time of attending, the company launched a pearl white variant of the phone.

The white Mi MIX is no different in any way from the black variant save for the color and it still looks very beautiful too.

The Xiaomi Mi MIX has a 6.4-inch Full HD display with a 1080 x 2040 resolution. There is 6GB of RAM, a Snapdragon 821 processor clocked at 2.35GHz, and either 128GB or 256GB of storage. The main camera is a 16MP f/2.0 sensor with EIS, PDAF, and LED flash while the front shooter is a 5MP sensor. Both cameras are manufactured by OmniVision.

The Mi MIX has a 4400mAh battery with Quick Charge 3.0 support. There is a fingerprint scanner at the back and it has a USB Type-C port. Price of the white Xiaomi Mi MIX starts at ¥3499 ($509).

(Source)

Vivo V5 Lite Also Official: Premium Design, 16MP Front Softlight Camera & More!

By

Jed John Ikoba

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Jan 19, 2017

Still driving on the fast lane, Vivo not only announced the V5 Plus but also went official with a slightly lower version dubbed V5 Lite. As the name implies, the Vivo V5 Lite packs a slightly inferior specs lineup when compared with the V5 Plus and the Vivo V5 which was released two months back, but it features the same design as its siblings with just a few features like fingerprint sensor missing.

Specifications

The Vivo V5 Lite packs a 5.5-inch display with HD resolution (aka 1280 x 720 pixels). The device comes with an all-metal body with a design language that is reminiscent of Vivo’s smartphone lineup. There is a fingerprint sensor at the back as well as fused antenna band design at the back of the smartphone. The device has a dimension of 153.8 x 75.5 x 7.6 mm. It weighs 155g.

The smartphone is powered by a 64-bit octa-core processor whose real identity is not revealed. The processor is backed by 3GB of RAM and the device also features 32GB of internal storage which is expandable via microSD. The V5 Lite packs a unique selfie camera arrangement with an ample 16MP sensor coming along with a selfie softlight flash and f/2.0 aperture. The rear camera isn’t bad either, sporting a 13MP sensor with f/2.2 aperture and an LED flash. On the software, the V5 Lite runs Android 6.0 Marshmallow-based Funtouch OS 3.0. Keeping the lights on is a modest 3,ooomAh battery. There is also dual SIM and 4G LTE support, but no fingerprint sensor.

Vivo V5 Lite Price & Availability

The Vivo V5 Lite comes in Crown Gold and Rose Gold colors and will first be on sale in Thailand, Indonesia, Myanmar and Philippines. The price of the V5 Lite wasn’t announced but it is expected to be cheaper than the pocket-friendly Vivo V5.

Helio X20 vs Snapdragon 625: Chips Inside the Redmi Note 4 Versions Compared

By

Joel Joseph

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Jan 19, 2017

Xiaomi has just announced the international version of the popular Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 smartphone and as expected, there’s one major difference in this new model as compared to the original version — the processor inside. Continuing the tradition, the company announced the Redmi Note 4 with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 chip inside, instead of the Helio X20 chipset that powers the Chinese variant of the model.

So, which ones better in terms of performance?

Helio X20 vs Snapdragon 625: Performance

If we are strictly comparing the performance of the two versions, then the Chinese Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 with Helio X20 is definitely the winner here. Mediatek’s Helio X20 chip is actually meant to power flagship models, but like its predecessor — the Helio X10, the chip also ended up in mid-rangers like the Redmi Note series. This is great for mid-rangers because their performance is now taken to a whole new level. Considering how most Helio X20 models have at least 3GB or 4GB RAM versions, the combination of a powerful processor + ample RAM actually makes phones like the Redmi Note 4 great performers.

Coming to the Snapdragon 625, it’s pretty decent. It’s definitely not as powerful as the X20, no doubt about it. The SD625 comes with eight octa-core Cortex A53 cores clocked at 2.0GHz which is actually a tried and tested combination. It doesn’t provide amazing performance as some tech enthusiasts would like, but it will be decent enough for normal users. In comparison, the Helio X20 features 2 x Cortex A72 cores @ 2.1GHz (power cores) + 2 X Cortex A53 @1.8GHz + 4 x Cortex A53 @ 1.4GHz (efficient cores). As for the GPU performance, both the chips should handle graphics pretty well.

Here are the AnTuTu and Geekbench scores for reference. Note that benchmarks don’t really mirror real life performance, but they come in handy for comparing two chipsets.

Helio X20 scores around 85-90K on AnTuTu while SD625 scores around 60-65K.

On Geekbench, Helio X20 gets around 1500 on Single-core and 4406 on multi-core tests. On the other hand, SD625 gets around 850 and 3160 in the same two tests respectively.

Helio X20 vs Snapdragon 625: Power Efficiency

Here, the Snapdragon 625 should have an edge. The chip comes with eight power efficient cores, which although may not be powerful, they are super efficient. This along with the 14nm manufacturing process will ensure that the battery on the Redmi Note 4 is amazing. Remember that both the models come with 4100mAh battery and on paper, the battery life should be better on the SD625 version as compared to the Helio X20 model.

Interestingly, Mediatek has always maintained Helio X20 to be super efficient, thanks to its tri-cluster architecture and 20nm manufacturing process. So, be sure of one thing, the battery life on both the versions are going to be pretty good! It’s a pity that both the models don’t feature fast charging.

Helio X20 vs Snapdragon 625: Version Pricing

Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 with Helio X20 was launched a while back (in August 2016) starting at around $135. The Redmi Note 4 with SD625 that was announced today start at $146.

So, which version would you prefer? I know the two versions are kind of exclusive to a particular region (Helio X20 in China and SD625 in India) but if you had to choose between the two, which one would you pick? I personally feel, something like the Snapdragon 650 would have been a better choice inside the Indian version, as the two Cortex A72 cores make sure that it’s better than the SD625 in terms of performance. The big battery anyway ensures that the phone will last more than a day, so efficiency shouldn’t have been a big factor in choosing the chip.

What are your thoughts?

Android Nougat Update for ZUK Z2 Pro Already Rolling Out

By

Habeeb Onawole

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Jan 19, 2017

If you own a ZUK Z2 Pro you should look forward to receiving the Android Nougat update today as some owners have started receiving it.

The Lenovo owned company had announced last month that it was planning a Nougat update for the ZUK Z2 Pro and ZUK Z1. The update was scheduled to start rolling out before the beginning of the Spring Festival next week. And true to their words, the update has started already.

The update comes as a ZUI 2.5.335 update based on Android Nougat. It will bring new features, security patches and bug fixes. The changelog is listed below:

System optimization or system stability
System security patches
Split screen experience
Fix system silent problem
Repair off screen after a period of time to open the screen, WeChat “network connection is not available” problem
Repair specific scenarios even accidental loud speaker problem
Repair the occasional system color reversal problem
A small tool to optimize the file manager performance
Some basic Android Nougat changes

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Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 with Snapdragon 625 Chip Launched

By

Jed John Ikoba

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Jan 19, 2017

Xiaomi has launched a new version of the Redmi Note 4 in India, infusing a new Snapdragon 625 chip into the smartphone. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 was first unveiled in China in August last year sporting a MediaTek Helio X20 chipset and really the device didn’t fare very well when compared to the Redmi Note 3 which it took over the baton from.

The launch is coming in India, a market where Xiaomi had fared pretty well last year, especially with its Redmi series. The launch in India could also indicate that the smartphone will go global, hitting other continents and countries in the near future. The main selling point of the Redmi Note 4 is definitely the Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 chipset onboard which many would prefer over the Helio X20 on the India version. The new chipset also brings into the mix a more efficient battery management than the Redmi Note 3.

Basically, the Redmi Note 4 adopts the same design as the Helio X20-powered version, sporting an aluminum unibody and a 5.5-inch IPS LCD display with 2.5D curved glass on top. The device comes in three memory variants, a base variant with 2GB RAM + 32GB storage, another with 3GB RAM + 32GB of storage and a top model with 4GB RAM + 64GB of internal storage. There is also a large 4,100mAh battery crammed inside the smartphone.

The camera remains the same 13MP rear sensor with phase detection autofocus (PDAF) and LED flash, as well as a 5MP selfie shotter up front. The SD 625-powered Redmi Note 4 version also retains the dual SIM capability, rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, 4G VoLTE and runs on MIUI 8 based on Android 6.0 Marshmallow. It is worthy of note that MIUI-8 based on Android Nougat is currently in beta testing and should be available on the Redmi Note 4 whenever the stable ROM is available.

Pricing & Availability

Coming to the price, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 with 2GB + 32GB will sell for 9,999 Rupees ($146), while the 3GB + 32GB goes for 10,999 Rupees ($161), and the 4GB RAM + 64GB for 12,999 Rupees ($190). The Redmi Note 4 comes in gold, dark gray, and black color variants and will be available from January 23 at 12 noon via Mi.com and Flipkart. Also note that a blue variant was recently added to the lineup in China but it is not clear if that one will be available on this global edition.

The Vivo V5 Plus with its Dual-Front Cameras is Now Official

By

Habeeb Onawole

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Jan 19, 2017

Vivo, yesterday officially launched the Vivo V5 Plus. If you remember, the Chinese phone maker launched the Vivo V5 back in November but the V5 Plus is actually the device you want to look at.

The unique selling point of the Vivo V5 Plus is its dual front-facing cameras. The combo is a 20MP Sony IMX376 sensor with f/2.0 aperture and 5P lens, while the second camera is an 8MP f/2.0 shooter. The cameras work the same way the iPhone 7 Plus’ cameras work. The larger sensor takes the image while the 8MP camera captures depth information. There is also a selfie softlight flash in front in case you need to take shots in poorly lit places.

The Vivo V5 Plus is a phone first before a camera, so there is a 5.5-inch full HD screen with 2.5D Gorilla Glass 5, 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, and a Snapdragon 625 processor under the hood. The rear camera is a 16MP f/2.0 sensor that can record 4K videos and there is a 3160mAh battery that supplies juice.

Vivo has opted for a front-mounted fingerprint scanner and has put the same custom-made AK4376 Hi-Fi audio chip present in the Vivo V5 in it. The Vivo V5 Plus with its wonderful features actually disappoints by shipping with Vivo’s FunTouch OS 3.0 which is based on Android 6.0 Marshmallow. We had hoped the delay in the launch will see it coming with Android Nougat instead.

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LG G6 Invitation Reads February 26 Launch at MWC

By

Habeeb Onawole

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Jan 18, 2017

South Korean electronics manufacturer LG has started sending out invites for an event slated for February 26. The event which will hold during MWC 2017 in Barcelona at noon (local time) is said to be the launch of the LG G6.

The LG G6 is the company’s flagship for the year and LG intends to do things differently this year. First the new flagship will not be modular like its predecessor, the LG G5. It will not feature a removable battery and has also been teased to be waterproof.

The G6 will have a new design: its body will be smaller and will be made out of metal and glass. Last week, the company’s display arm announced a new 5.7-inch display with a Quad HD+ resolution and an aspect ratio of 18:9. It has been said that the LG G6 will be the first phone to sport the display. We deduce that the words ”See More” hints at the large display.

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Samsung Galaxy S8 Alleged Display Panels Leak

By

Jed John Ikoba

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Jan 18, 2017

Samsung Galaxy S8 is said to come in two version, one of which is a Plus version with a 6-inch display. This assertion seems to be corroborated by a new leaked photo said to contain the Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus displays. The photo surfaced on Twitter a few days back, apparently from a Polish speaking poster who claims that the source of the leaked photos was an unnamed screen protector supplier in China, with a 100% authenticity track record.

As a way of further fueling speculations of two versions, the display panels which is held side by side on the photo comes in two different sizes with one obviously larger than the other. One other thing worthy of note is that the displays seems to have curved edges at the sides. We cannot say for sure, though, if this is actually the Galaxy S8’s displays.

However, the Samsung Galaxy S8 is expected with a premium look and a design language different from what Samsung had done in the past. The leaked display panels reflects some of the features, such as the absence of a physical home button and a very high screen-to-body ratio, with the display occupying almost the entire screen. The Galaxy S8 is expected with a 5.7-inch WQHD (2560 x 1440) Super AMOLED display, with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 SoC inside. The device is also expected to run on Android Nougat out of the box. The Galaxy S8 Plus, on the other hand, is expected as a 6.2-inch phablet.

(source)

Nokia 6 Entirely Sold out in Just a Minute in First Flash Sale

By

Jed John Ikoba

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Jan 18, 2017

The much awaited Nokia 6 mid-range smartphone today went on its first flash sales in China and as was expected, the device was sold out in just a minute. The Nokia 6 was already headed to being a hot selling smartphone, considering the over 1 million persons that registered their intention to have the 1699 yuan smartphone.

As we hinted earlier, the Nokia 6 is on sale in China exclusively on e-commerce platform Jingdong (JD.com). The 1699 yuan price tag might be considered as expensive for some, considering the smartphone packs a lowly Snapdragon 430 chip onboard. However, such perceived deficiency is made up for by the premium, rugged build the device featured. The smartphone also comes with a large 4GB RAM, which could ensure it doesn’t lag when apps are installed. The smartphone is expected to go on a second round of flash sales in the coming days but Jingdong is yet to announce a date for that. However, the number of units sold on the first flash sale is noy yet disclosed, but we hope Nokia has enough units in stock.

As a reminder, the Nokia 6 sports a 5.5-inch display with 1080 pixels resolution. It is fired up by a Snapdragon 430 chipset which is backed by a huge 4GB of RAM. There is also 64GB of storage onboard with the option of expanding it further via microSD. On the camera end, the device packs a 16MP rear camera with a single LED flash lying just underneath it, as well as an 8MP front-facing camera for sleek selfies. There is an ample 3,000mAh battery crammed inside the smartphone as well.

(source)

Which brand Smartphone are you using as your daily driver (Poll)

By

Joel Joseph

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Jan 18, 2017

With the entry of Chinese companies into the smartphone industry, we have to agree that the market has become more interesting with plenty of different options available to consumers. While this may not be good news for existing companies (as cutthroat competition would mean less profits for them), consumers are definitely the ones benefiting from this.

So, we are conducting a poll to check out which brand smartphone are you using right now as your daily driver. We know many of you may have more than one smartphone (that could be a different brand as well) but here we are looking for phones that you use every day from making calls, watching videos to checking e-mails and messages.

iPhone 8 Concept Model Includes All Rumored Features Like Glass-on-Glass Design, Wireless Charging

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

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Jan 18, 2017

After releasing iPhone 6, iPhone 6S and iPhone 7 with almost same design, Apple is expected to launch iPhone 8 with overhaul changes to its design. Handy Abovergleich, a Dutch company has reveal concept model of iPhone 8 based on all the rumors surrounding it.

The iPhone 8 concept model features an AMOLED display. There is an AMOLED status bar at the top that shows all the notifications and helps in providing ample screen space to the users.

The bottom features a Touch ID fingerprint sensor enabled virtual haptic Home button. There are two virtual shortcut keys on the left and right side of the Home button. The iris scanner is also present on the device for added security. It can seamlessly scan iris even when the user is wearing contact lenses, spectacles and sunglasses.

The iPhone 8 concept model sports dual camera sensors on its back panel. The 16-megapixel camera is equipped with an f/1.7 aperture that can shoot stunning photos in dim lighting conditions. It carries support 4K resolution video shooting. The images show that the iPhone 8 will be the first Apple iPhone to feature a USB Type-C port.

The concept images also reveal that the iPhone 8 will also get the much-awaited wireless charging feature. The iPhone 8 concept phone is powered by Apple A11 Fusion chipset.

According to Handy Abovergleich, the iPhone 8 would be arriving in three models, the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone 8 Pro. These devices will be available in six finishes such as glossy white, space black, stainless steel gold, silver, jet black and rose gold.

The iPhone 8 Pro is expected to arrive with support for Apple Pencil stylus. The pressure-sensitive stylus will allow users to do everything that can be done through a conventional pencil.

As far as design is concerned, the iPhone 8 concept model features ultra-thin bezels and rounded edges. As iPhone 8 rumors have stated, it features a glass-on-glass design available on iPhone 4 and 4S and its frame is made up of stainless steel.

(Source)

Samsung Android 7.0 Nougat Update News: List of Eligible Smartphones Revealed

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

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Jan 18, 2017

Several smartphone manufacturers have started rolling out Nougat update. Apart from Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge, none of the Samsung smartphones have receive Android Nougat. Sam Mobile has compiled a list of Samsung smartphones that would be getting the latest Android software.

Samsung Galaxy S7, S7 Edge, S7 Active

Users of Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge in the U.S., the U.K and China are now able to update to Android 7.0. The update is gradually reaching other users of the world. Samsung is also expected to release Android N update for Galaxy S7 Active.

Samsung Galaxy A (2017)

The South Korean company announced new Galaxy A series smartphones at the start of this year. The Galaxy A3 (2017), Galaxy A5 (2017) and Galaxy A7 (2017) have arrived with Marshmallow OS pre-installed. However, these devices will be soon getting the Android N upgrade.

Samsung Galaxy S6, S6 Edge, Note 5, S6 Edge+, S6 Active

The Samsung Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 Edge and Galaxy Note 5 were all found being tested with Android Nougat in the last quarter of 2016. Speculations suggest all the five devices will get Android N by the end of Q1 or in Q2 after the launch of Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus in April.

Samsung Galaxy A (2016)

In December 2016, rumors had started swirling that the 2016 versions of Galaxy A smartphones would be getting the Android 7.0 Nougat update. Hence, smartphones like Galaxy A3 (2016), Galaxy A5 (2016), Galaxy A7 (2016), Galaxy A8 (2016), Galaxy A9 (2016) and Galaxy A9 Pro (2016) are eligible to get Android N upgrade. These devices are expected the latest Android version after 2017 Galaxy A smartphones receives it.

Samsung Galaxy J (2016)

The Galaxy J5 (2016) and Galaxy J7 (2016) are the only two Galaxy J series smartphones to get Android N. It seems that the update for these smartphones would be arriving after all the above-mentioned devices get Android N.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S2, Tab A

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 and Galaxy Tab A are the only tablets that are rumored to receive Android Nougat update.

(Source)

Huawei Android Nougat-Based EMUI 5.0 Upgrade Schedule Released

By

Jed John Ikoba

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Jan 18, 2017

Huawei announced a new Emotion UI version 5.0 based on Android Nougat around November last year and the new user interface made its debut onboard the Huawei Mate 9 flagship. As usual other Huawei smartphones are expected to get upgrades to the new interface as time goes on.

Huawei did recently release a time table that shows when it will push upgrades to EMUI 5.0 in China. The time-table shows earlier models like the Mate 8, P9, P9 Plus and others had started receiving upgrades to the beta version since November last year. While the full upgrade should have started rolling from January 6, 2017. Some models like the G9 Plus, Huawei Nova, Honor 6X, Honor Note 8 and M3 tablet would start getting their full upgrades between March and May 2017, according to the schedule.

Huawei recently released a poster on its EMUI Weibo page that announces that the Huawei P9 and P9 Plus will receive full upgrades to EMUI 5.0 before the Spring Festival which is just few days away. The Huawei P9 and P9 Plus have already started receiving beta upgrades since November which is usually for a few beta testers. But with this latest teaser, all owners of the P9 and P9 Plus would get the upgrade pushed to their smartphones before the Spring Festival. The company also hinted those who want to be among the first to get the upgrade can do so directly via the Mobile phone service app which has now been renamed Member Services app.

(source)

Huawei Executives Arrested For Allegedly Leaking Internal Info to LeEco

By

Jed John Ikoba

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Jan 18, 2017

Unconfirmed reports from China say that Huawei has arrested six of is mid-level and top executives in the consumer business division for allegedly leaking sensitive internal information to LeEco. Those arrested are said to include some of Huawei’s product designers. The exact information leaked to LeEco wasn’t stated, but it may interest you to know that the six executives arrested were said to no longer work with the company as at the time of their arrest.

In a swift manner, LeEco whose name is mentioned in the debacle has responded that it did not receive any information from the arrested individuals but admitted that there are some patent disputes between both companies. LeEco has also issued a notice of its intention to take legal actions. The cause of the dispute is said to likely be related to two recent LeEco patent filings, one for children’s smartwatch and another for an antenna design which Huawei considered as an infringement of its patent. But LeEco claims the six individuals upon leaving Huawei, did not carry along any documents or drawings. Perhaps the accused executives cross-carpeted to LeEco from Huawei, but we are not sure about that.

Details are still sketchy about the issue, but we hope to bring you more information as they unfold.

(source)

Xiaomi Releases Roidmi Glasses with Anti-UV Protection

By

Habeeb Onawole

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Jan 18, 2017

Remember the teaser image (below) Xiaomi released a few days ago? Turns out it was actually hinting at a pair of eyeglasses. The company took the wraps off the product today. The glasses is released under the Roidmi brand which is the same brand Xiaomi uses for its car charger line.

The Roidmi Glasses is not just your a fancy pair of glasses as its main function is to protect your eyes from ultraviolet rays from the sun. According to the product detail, the Roidmi Glasses can block 99.99% of UV rays. Overexposure to ultraviolet rays are said to be the cause of eye problems like cataracts and retinal damage.

Xiaomi has designed the glasses in a way that it appeals to the younger generation. The glasses comes in a white box which when opened reveals three separate compartments. One holds the frame, another holds the temples, and a third holds the nose pads. Sadly, there is no glass case in the box.

There are two pairs of temples in the box and both have the Roidmi name on it and the same applies to the nose pads as well. It seems you will not need a screwdriver to fix the temples as they clip into the frame easily. After fixing the temple and the nose pad, the weight of the glasses is just 21g.

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Xiaomi’s Second Gen Mi Notebook 2 Details Outed

By

Jed John Ikoba

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Jan 18, 2017

Xiaomi announced its first Notebook laptop – the Mi Notebook Air, around the middle of last year and the laptop received lots of positive reviews from fans and pundits alike. The company later added a 4G LTE version of the Mi Notebook Air recently, exclusive to China mobile but with the same design. There are indications that the innovative tech company is already working on a second generation Mi Notebook 2 model.

Reports emanating from Taiwan quotes IDC vice-president as saying that they Mi Notebook Air came out with a good momentum and that sales reached 110,000 units in the third quarter alone, representing 2% of the market share. That share figure was said to have increased to 4% by the fourth quarter. The identified the Mi Notebook Air’s core selling points as its cost-effectiveness, good quality and the influence of the brand name.

Mr Wang Jiping also hinted that the second generation Mi Notebook Air’s production will kick-off in April this year. The IDC vice-president is further credited to have stated that the next gen. Mi Notebook Air 2 will feature the same thin build as its predecessor. The body will be manufactured using higher lithium-magnesium alloy which would bring down the weight of the device to jjst a quarter of an aluminum alloy. The Notebook PC will be manufactured in a more cost effective manner than its predecessor, but it is uncertain if that would make it cheaper than the Mi Notebook Air.

(source)