iPhone 8 Concept with OLED Edge to Edge Display Appears Online

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Jul 20, 2016

Barely a day after Meizu officially unveiled its latest MX6 flagship, over 3.2 million persons are reported to have registered within the last 24 hours for the device’s first flash sales in China. The Chinese company officially announced this record number today revealing the popularity of the MX6 which packs a very powerful rear camera.

These figures don’t mean Meizu has sold over 3.2 million units of the MX6 in 24 hours but only represent the number of persons who have expressed interest in owning the flagship device which will be made available by flash sale on July 30.

Apart from that, the Chinese company also revealed key figures of the conference yesterday. It said that over 400 media websites reported about the phone’s launch. Full figures are revealed in the image at the end.

As a reminder, the Meizu MX6 brings with it a 5.5-inch 1080 display, powered by a deca-core Helio X20 chipset with Mali-T880 GPU, 4GB of RAM, 32GB of internal memory, 3060mAh battery with fast charging support, a 12MP rear-facing camera, and a 5MP shooter at the front.

The Meizu MX6, which is reportedly the world’s first smartphone to use the custom Sony IMX386 CMOS sensor with 12MP resolution, carries a very affordable price tag of 1999 yuan ($300).

Oneplus 3 Soft Gold Color Version teased, Should Launch Soon

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Jul 20, 2016

When Chinese Tech company, OnePlus launched the OnePlus 3 a few months back, the device was said to come in two color variants, Graphite and Soft Gold but the Graphite version was the one that went on sale worldwide starting at $399. OnePlus promised to release the Gold version which it uniquely refers to as Soft Gold version later on.

Now feelers from OnePlus indicate that we may see the Soft Gold colored version anytime soon. The Chinese company reputed for cheap flagships, has teased an image on Weibo today featuring the One Plus 3 Gold version, which should be a good indication that the Gold version will soon be unveiled.

The teased image of the Gold version carried a short text which talked about the happiness derived from meeting the best in the best of days and the picture shows the OnePlus 3 looking radiant and elegant in a cool gold colored body. The gold color isn’t looking too shiny or catchy but its subtleness should catch the attention of a lot of OnePlus fans.

oneplus 3 gold version — OnePlus 3 Soft Gold version

This recent image teaser conforms with OnePlus Co-founder Carl Pei’s response when asked by a fan on Twitter when the soft Gold version of the OnePlus 3 will be unveiled. Pei did not give a specific date but disclosed that the Gold colored version of the highly sought after OnePlus 3 will hit the market sometime in the latter part of July. We are in July, and in the latter part, so we may get to see how the OnePlus 3 looks colored in Soft Gold anytime soon.

iPhone 8 Details Leaked: There Might Be No iPhone 7s

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Jul 20, 2016

While we are still waiting for the release of the iPhone 7s (Seven S), industry analyst, Sun Changxu revealed details of next year’s iPhone 8 (if it gets called that) on Weibo.

Changxu says that the iPhone 8 will see an autumn release next year and will feature a processor (most likely A11) built using TSMC’s 10nm process. An important part of the leak is the move to OLED displays which will be supplied by Samsung. Apple has always used LCD screens in all its phones, so the change to OLED is a big development.

Thanks to Tomtop for sending Huawei Honor Zero Smart Band for a review.

Huawei Honor Zero Smart Band Review

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Linus

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Jul 20, 2016

Huawei has been known not only for its mobile phones but also for quite a few wearable devices. The Honor Zero is one of them. It is stylish, well-built and it quite affordable. Learn more in our full review.

Buy Huawei Honor Zero Smart Band

Huawei Honor Zero Smart Band Review: UNBOXING

The smartwatch comes in quite a premium box (the presentation reminds me the Huawei P8’s box).

The contents include some instruction manuals and a magnetic charging cable, which stays firmly when attached to the bracelet.

Huawei Honor Zero Smart Band Review: DESIGN and DISPLAY

As for design, the smart band is similar to a classic watch due to its round shape. The device is very well-built and it uses a metal frame, which goes around the display.

Also, the bracelet is very light (25g) and it is IP-68 certified, meaning that it is water and dust resistant.

On the back, we have pins for charging.

The band is made of textured rubber and it is comfortable to wear. You don’t have that irritating feeling after you wear the watch for a long time.

The smart band does not have any buttons and everything is controlled by tapping the touchscreen.

As for display, it uses Amoled technology. It is bright and has a great sunlight legibility (tested both in a cloudy day and under direct sunlight).

Huawei Honor Zero Smart Band Review: FEATURES and FUNCTIONALITY

In order to light up the display, you have to simply lift and turn your wrist.

The smart band has some basic features like clock with the ability to select from a variety of watch faces.

Also, we can see the number of steps taken and calories burned, sleep quality information, stopwatch and adjust some basic settings.

In order to take a full advantage of the smart band, you have to download the Huawei Wear application. I didn’t have any issues pairing my phone with the bracelet and it offered to upgrade the firmware.

Within the app, you can track your fitness goals, choose different activities, adjust various settings and so on. Also, you can receive calls, SMS, Facebook and some other notifications on the display of the bracelet.

I didn’t have any connectivity/syncing issues with the device.

Huawei Honor Zero Smart Band Review: BATTERY LIFE

The battery life could be better. I could get just over 3 days of moderate use when I used the display quite often.

A great thing is that you can fully charge the device in less than 1 hour.

Huawei Honor Zero Smart Band Review: CONCLUSIONS

At the price of $66, the Huawei Honor Zero may not be the cheapest smart band around but it is worth the price if you are looking for a basic fitness tracker, which is comfortable to wear and has a premium design with a great display.

Also, it tracks your steps accurately, gives you notifications of calls, texts and more.

However, keep in mind that it lacks some extra features like a heart rate monitor. Also, the battery life could be better, especially if you are coming from the Xiaomi Mi Band 2.

Buy Huawei Honor Zero Smart Band

Xiaomi To Launch a New Product Tomorrow, Could be A 360° Camera

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Jul 20, 2016

Xiaomi is on a launch spree. Earlier today, the company’s official Weibo account posted a gif of a spinning ballerina. Part of the text on the image which loosely translates into ”360° Panorama” and ”All angles can be seen” hints at the launch of a 360° camera.

This isn’t the company’s first camera. Xiaomi already has about 5 cameras which include action cameras, home security cameras, and a dash camera; all under the Yi brand name.

RELATED: Elephone’s Elecam 360

Xiaomi Targets 1 Million Shipments With Release of Two Mi Notebooks on July 27

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Jul 20, 2016

July 27 is a big day for Xiaomi Inc. The company is set to launch a new Redmi phone and their first notebook(s). The launch of the Mi notebook is a pretty big deal for Xiaomi as the success of the notebook will earn them a lot of respect and definitely money.

According to the latest info from supply chain sources, Xiaomi plans to release 2 versions of their Mi Notebook: a 12.5” version that is already in mass production and a 13” version which will be mass produced later by Wistron.

The 12.5” version is said to be targeted at gamers and is expected to have a competitive price point which will help it conquer the market. Further, the sources added that Xiaomi expects shipments of the notebook to reach at least 1 million units.

The laptops will have the regular clam-shell design, with the 13” version to feature 8GB of RAM, an intel Core-i7 6500U processor, have a metal build, and run Windows 10. There is still no news on the battery life of the two devices but we expect news regarding that before the final launch.

Xiaomi hints the Redmi Pro Features Dual Cameras & Deca-Core Processor

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Jitendra Soni

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Jul 20, 2016

We’ve just got official confirmations about Redmi Pro, one of the devices that will be launched on 27th July 2016. Earlier in the day, Xiaomi confirmed that the Redmi Pro will indeed have an OLED display. Although there are hundreds of other devices with OLED screen in the market, for Xiaomi, it is going to be their first device featuring an OLED screen.

Xiaomi, today, released new official teasers and in one of the teasers, celebrity Chef Liu Shi Shi is shown cooking an “OLED PING”. Other teasers reveals that Liu Shi shi is going to make “ten nuclear double stem head”, and “Mentor” Liu Hao is going to make “brushed gold potato” (literal translations from Chinese).

With these two dishes, which will be revealed in detail in the next two days, Xiaomi could be trying to say that the Redmi Pro comes with a Deca-core processor (Helio X25) and dual cameras. Well, that’s exactly what we will take from the teaser as these features have been revealed before.

What we already know is that Redmi Pro will come with a 5.5-inch 1080p display, 4GB RAM, up to 128GB native storage, would support dual SIM dual standby full CNC and MIUI 8 based on Android 6.0. In terms of pricing, your guess is as good as ours ! But earlier reports have said that it could be higher than other Redmi models.

Honor V8 Max now revealed to be Honor Note 8, Features A Giant 2K Display!

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Jul 19, 2016

The Honor V8 Max expected from Huawei’s Honor sub-brand which is rumored to be unveiled this August, is now the subject of a GIF image teaser. The teaser hints about the device adopting the Honor Note 8 moniker on launch day.

We all had thought it would be called V8 Max and Huawei kept us holding on to that until now that it has come out to reveal via the GIF teaser on its official account that it would be Honor Note 8, stressing that the Note 8 will open up a new era for large screen device.

Apart from the name, the poster also touts the new Honor Note 8 to feature a 2k display resolution. This is in line with the specifications listed on TENAA for the device. The TENAA listing showed the Honor Note is equipped with a 6.6-inch 2K display and of late, that there are two versions available. While one of the versions feature a Kirin 950 chipset, 3GB RAM and 32GB of built-in storage, the second and higher version features a Kirin 955 processor with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of onboard storage. There may likely be a 128GB internal storage version as well.

In other specs, the phone is said to be equipped with USB Type-C interface, a 4,400mAh battery with fast charging support, a 13MP main camera (IMX278) at the back and an 8MP front facing shooter. In addition, the phone comes in silver and gold and other colors.

The pricing should start at 1999 yuan ($300) for 3GB model, while the 4GB memory version should retail around 2299 yuan ($344).

MIUI 8 Stable Release Rolling out from August 23

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Jul 19, 2016

Xiaomi unveiled the latest version of the MIUI 8 operating system back in May. The company first released the closed beta of the new OS a few weeks back and recently, the open beta ROM was released. Xiaomi had confirmed earlier that the MIUI 8 stable release should be rolled out sometime before August 16. Now, the company confirms that the MIUI 8 Stable ROM will be released starting August 23. So, if everything works on schedule, then Xiaomi phones should start getting the new OS before the end of August this year.

MIUI 8 stable rollout date

While the MIUI 8 OS comes with a lot of new upgrades and visual changes such as new fonts, redesigned apps etc, the company executives have confirmed that there will be additional features rolled out in the future updates. Things like split screen multitasking are going to be added later.

Another good news is that the company has confirmed that it will soon start working on MIUI 9 and it should most likely be based on Android N version. Considering that MIUI is usually stuck on old Android versions, this is welcome news to millions of fans around the globe.

Xiaomi Redmi Pro could be using OLED display, hints teaser

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Jul 19, 2016

Apart from the Mi Notebook laptop launching on July 27, Xiaomi is expected to unveil a new flagship smartphone in the Redmi series. All along, the device was tipped to be the Redmi Note 4 since logically the current latest is the Redmi Note 3, until it was outed that the flagship may likely be called Redmi Pro.

Xiaomi has released a video teaser on its Weibo page that seems to suggest that the Redmi Pro would sport an OLED display. The video teaser and its attached text tells us that one of Xiaomi’s new spokesperson, @Wu Xiubo would serve today’s first Cuisine which it named as French dessert “OLED PING” and described as “Colorful, like the Galaxy, feel comfortable and romantic life”. The message went on to disclose that from today and in the next seven days before the July 27 Xiaomi news conference, the three spokesmen will be involved with the launch of the Redmi Pro.

The video teaser almost confirms that the Redmi Pro will feature an OLED display. The OLED display will be featured on the 5.5-inch 1080p display which the Redmi Pro has been touted to tag along. Other specs expected on the device includes; a deca-core Helio X25 processor, 4GB of RAM, Android 6.0 Marshmallow-based MIUI, dual cameras, dual SIM and lots of stunning features which would keep you hooked on this device.

Xiaomi Sells Over 1.5 million Mi Max units in Two months, reveals Analyst

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Jul 19, 2016

Xiaomi released the Mi Max which is its first device with the largest ever display size in May this year and the device was a huge success, receiving over 8 million registrations prior to its first flash sales. The device carried a 6.44-inch display while it was moderately priced at 1499 yuan ($224).

Just two months after it first went on sales, it has been reported that the massive phablet has recorded over 1.5 million sales during this period. This was revealed by an analyst, @Kevin Wang who stated this figure from the view point of supply chain, since the Xiaomi Max has been on sale for two months, it had shipped more than 1.5 million units.

He further adds that this is a great achievement considering no other 6-inch smartphone has managed to achieve this feat.

The report was forwarded by CEO Lei Jun saying the Xiaomi Max is the best choice for users who love large screen devices. This seem to lend credence to the assertion that over 1.5 million Xiaomi Mi Max units have been sold in just two months.

The opening up of more offline sales channels could see the Mi Max and other Xiaomi devices make monumental sales records at the year’s end, considering their cheap pricing.

Meizu has no plans for a Notebook PC, but curved screen phones possible!

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Jul 19, 2016

Meizu unveiled the Meizu MX6 flagship earlier today in China. The phone comes with the deca-core Helio X20 chip with 4GB RAM and a powerful 12MP Sony IMX386 CMOS sensor. Soon after the event, the company executive, Bai Yongxiang (CEO) and Li Nan (VP) talked about the company’s future plans with the Chinese media.

In an interview, Meizu’s CEO made it clear that the company currently has no plans for a Notebook PC. This comes at a time when Xiaomi is expected to unveil its first ever laptop on July 27. Considering Meizu and Xiaomi often compete in similar product segments, it was possible that Meizu could be developing its own version of the laptop. But that clearly is not on the cards, at least for now.

At present, he said that the company wants to focus on its smartphone business. Further, he added that a curved screen smartphone from the company is possible in the future. We have been hearing many rumors as well as pictures of the curved screen phone from Meizu and this could be a good indication that such a device is really in the works. When asked about smartwatches, the CEO didn’t completely say that a wearable was out of the question.

As for today’s MX6 release, he believes that the phone will easily sell over a million units.

If the camera with IMX386 sensor is really better than competitors, then MX6 with its 1999 Yuan ($300) can turn out to be a pretty good deal.

What do you think?

More iPhone 7 Real Images Surfaces Online, No Headphone Jack!

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Jul 19, 2016

Weibo user @kk has posted a fresh batch of iPhone 7 images said to be taken at the Foxconn factory.

The images are not any different from what have previously showed up all over the internet but one of the images shows the top part and it is taken in a way that let’s you see there is no 3.5mm jack on the device.

The 8848 Titanium is a Phone for The One Percenters

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Jul 19, 2016

Luxury phone maker, 8848, has announced a new phone called the 8848 Titanium M3 with a starting price of 9999 Yuan ($1493)!!!

The founder of the company, Du Ying says the company’s aim is to make secure and high-taste phones for business folks. He also mentioned that a sale of 100,000 units a year is a win for the company.

The M3 is made of hand polished titanium, sapphire glass, high- tech ceramic, and calfskin from Netherlands. It has a 5” FHD screen, 4GB of RAM, 128GB of built-in storage, a 21MP rear camera, 3MP front facing camera, and an unspecified octa-core snapdragon processor. The phone also has full network support.

On the software side, the phone’s encryption prevents calls from being traced; mobile banking is secure, and that the OS is ”isolated” from the call history, contacts, and messages.

This isn’t the first phone from the company which is sometimes referred to as Vertu of China; last year they released a model called the 8848 Ti Mobile.

The base version of the Titanium M3 has a price of 9999 Yuan ($1493), there is also a 12,999 Yuan ($1941) fashion edition, and a high-end version that costs 15,999 Yuan ($2389).

Meizu MX6 12MP Sony IMX386 Official Camera Samples Released

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Jul 19, 2016

UPDATE: More Samples Added!

Meizu MX6 was officially announced a couple of hours back and it comes with a powerful camera on board. The phone is using the Sony IMX386 custom CMOS sensor along with a new algorithm that ensures that the white balance and noise are optimized for beautiful photos. With PDAF, f/2.0 aperture, and 6P lens, the overall camera setup seems to be quite powerful.

However, we have often seen that the specs on paper don’t matter much. In fact, the only thing that matters is the resulting images taken from the device. So, for now, let’s take a look at the three camera samples (yes we could find only three right now) of the Meizu Mx6 that have been officially released by the company. These official images look amazing, but that isn’t surprising given that they come directly from Meizu. The color reproduction seems to be great and the images turned out to be clear and well focused.

You can check out the samples from below. Like always, we would advise you to wait for some real samples from MX6’s camera until we can make our final judgment. Also, you will most likely find a review of the device from Gizmochina in the coming days, wherein you can check out the real samples from the device.

CLICK ON THE BELOW IMAGES FOR FULL SIZE (4000 x 1700)

Another Honor V8 Max with Kirin 955 Chipset Shows up on TENAA

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Jul 19, 2016

Days after the Honor V8 Max was spotted listed on TENAA’s website with a Kirin 950 processor, another V8 Max model equipped with a different chipset, clocked at 2.5GHz and has entire network support has been spotted on the certification website. Now, as you may know, TENAA doesn’t list the name of the processor but we were able to determine that using the CPU clock speed listed on the TENAA record for the V8 Max.

Earlier on, TENAA’s listing pegged the CPU clock speed of the V8 Max at 2.3GHz and since Honor uses Kirin chipsets, we identified the Kirin 950 as the processor in question. This is where things change, as the new Honor V8 Max smartphone is listed as having a CPU clock speed of 2.5GHz in addition to supporting entire network.

The shift in the clocking frequency from 2.3GHz to 2.5GHz means this V8 Max version sports possibly a Kirin 955 SoC which clocks at 2.5GHz.

The juice doesn’t stop there, as the new V8 Max model equally wears a different memory chip inside its hood, packing a higher 4GB RAM and 64GB ROM, higher than the 3GB RAM + 32GB ROM on the version listed earlier.

In other features, both versions pull their weight together, sporting 6.6-inch 2k display, 13MP main camera, 8MP front camera unit, massive 4,400mAh battery and Android 6.0 Marshmallow pre-installed inside both.

The latest information from China reveals that the Honor V8 Max will be launched in August this year, possibly on August 1 and is expected to carry a 1999 yuan ($450) price tag.

Meizu’s New Bluetooth Speaker Has a Build Quality Way Higher Than Its Price

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Jul 19, 2016

Meizu launched a new speaker (not the Meizu Gravity) called the Lifeme BTS30 alongside the MX6 flagship today with a price tag of 399 Yuan ($60).

While the price tag is affordable, Meizu says it is a premium speaker that has the build quality of a 3000 Yuan ($448) device. The speaker which has a simple design similar to transistor radios of old without the knob and dials, weighs 685 grams, has 3D sound technology, and comes in silver and black.

The speaker uses Bluetooth 4.0 and has a range of up to 10 meters. There is a Texas Instruments TPA3130 amplifier IC in it and a battery that can last for up to 7 hours.

The power button, volume rocker, and call button (just in case you want to use this for answering calls) are positioned on the right. We can’t tell if the buttons are aluminium like the rest of the body or if they are made out of plastic until we get our hands on a unit.

Meizu has added 2 anti-slip pads to the base so that it doesn’t slide off your desk when pumping out sounds.

While it does look really nice, the only fault we can see is the absence of an auxiliary port. It would have been an added feature.

Meizu MX6 Official With Helio X20 & Sony IMX386 12MP Sensor

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