Razer Buys Nextbit To Possibly Enter Smartphone Market

In a move out of left field, Razer, best known for their gaming hardware and accessories, has purchased startup phone-maker Nextbit. Nextbit made an Android-powered smartphone that focused on cloud storage with their innovative way they handled apps on the phone. It was a new idea to help phones with limited storage. Razer didn't buy Nextbit for any old reason so we're guessing they're going to jump into the smartphone market in some way.

On Nextbit's official blog post, the company's executive Tim Ross wanted to reassure customers not to worry where the company would go. Razer is only bringing them under their umbrella while letting the company operate separately.

The Nextbit Robin was a low-cost phone that didn't have the build quality of a product you'd buy from Razer. The phone was made of plastic and came in some random color options. Razer buying Nextbit doesn't guarantee they'll enter the smartphone market, but their emphasis on "mobile design and experiences"  certainly suggest that's the case.

Tell us what you think about Razer buying Nextbit, and possibly jumping into the smartphone market.

Source: Razer Buys Nextbit To Possibly Enter Smartphone Market

Finnish defense forces order Bittium Tough Mobile LTE smartphones

Jan. 31 (UPI) -- Bittium has received a contract from the Finnish defense forces to provide Tough Mobile LTE smartphones.

According to Bittium, the company's smartphones are designed to be used in demanding environments, and come equipped with security features such as tamper-detection and integrity check capabilities.

Finnish defense officials say the purchase enhances their mobile communication abilities.

"Bittium is a strategic partner to the Finnish Defence Forces, especially in supplying wireless communications solutions for normal conditions, when those conditions are disturbed, and for state of emergency," Finnish Brigadier General Mikko Heiskanen said in a press release.

Bittium's Tough Mobile LTE smartphone is designed to meet specific security requirements for processing classified information, and can transfer files over a secure network. The devices are also equipped with Digia Salpa, a mobile communications encryption product that protects calls and messages.

In the field, users are able to choose between public and confidential modes, allowing them to use the devices for professional and personal use.

"It is very important for us to be an active party in the implementation of Finland's cyber strategy. In addition, the Finnish Defense Forces as our customer gives us a highly valued reference when marketing our systems internationally," Bittium's Jari Sankala added.

Source: Finnish defense forces order Bittium Tough Mobile LTE smartphones

T-Mobile to cover the sales tax on any new smartphone with prepaid card

After making the monthly bill more straightforward, T-Mobile is now aiming to do the same with phone pricing.

Starting February 1, T-Mobile will cover the cost of sales tax on any new smartphone you buy. Specifically, T-Mo will give you 11.2 percent (11.55 percent in Puerto Rico) of your phone's price on a prepaid MasterCard card. This offer includes ever smartphone that T-Mobile sells.

T-Mobile's new deal will be available to both new and existing customers on a T-Mobile One or Simple Choice Unlimited 4G LTE plan. To get your new phone's tax covered, you'll need to buy the device on an Equipment Installment Plan (EIP) and then submit your account info and the promo code 17DEVICECREDIT on T-Mobile's promos website. Your prepaid MasterCard card will then be mailed to you.

One other detail worth noting is that this is a limited time offer.

While T-Mobile's offer to cover the sales tax on your phone isn't quite as simple as the all-in T-Mobile One plan, which just builds the taxes into the cost that you see advertised, the deal does mean that it'll be like you didn't pay sales tax in the end. So if you're on a T-Mobile One plan or Simple Choice Unlimited 4G LTE plan and have been thinking about upgrading to a new device, now may be the time to do it.

Source: T-Mobile

Source: T-Mobile to cover the sales tax on any new smartphone with prepaid card

F-150 recall, AMG Project One, Arnold's hydrogen G-Wagen: What’s New @ The Car Connection

Germany working toward legislating self-driving cars

The German government has drafted a law that would allow self-driving cars to operate on the Central European country's streets (or straße) that would place the burden for wrecks on drivers and not vehicles themselves. 

During the run-up to America's presidential election, Donald Trump issued a number of controversial proposals, but few garnered as much attention as the wall he suggested building along the U.S.-Mexico border. 

You don't have to buy a brand new car to have all the fun, Ford says. The Michigan automaker is set to release a plug-in system that will let them experience some advanced connectivity features like smartphone-based remote start, a vehicle locator, and a 4G wi-fi hotspot.

 

From Motor Authority:

2019 Toyota Supra rendered

Toyota's new sports car based on a platform developed with BMW is nearing completion.

2018 Maserati Ghibli spy shots

Maserati's Ghibli will soon come in for a subtle facelift.

Mercedes-Benz's GLC Coupe is set to receive the full-force AMG treatment.

Tesla Model 3 design prototype - reveal event - March 2016

Enlarge Photo

From Green Car Reports:

How many Tesla Model 3 electric cars can company build this year?

It's one of the most fascinating sets of questions in the auto industry.

Fiat Chrysler may have a plan to address EPA complaints regarding software in its 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6, according to comments by CEO Sergio Marchionne.

The winds of change are blowing harder in the U.K.

Source: F-150 recall, AMG Project One, Arnold's hydrogen G-Wagen: What's New @ The Car Connection

MWC 2017: Sony may announce five new smartphones

Sony's flagship smartphone among the five is rumoured to feature 4K display and Snapdragon 835 processor.

Sony could be bringing five new smartphones to Mobile World Congress next month, with the flagship device scheduled to sport 4K display and the Snapdragon 835 SoC. According to Review.ge, the smartphone is codenamed Yoshino and will showcase Sony's new imaging technology along with state-of-the-art hardware.

Sony's MWC 2017 event is scheduled to take place on February 27 at 1pm IST, and previous rumours have hinted at two new mid-range smartphones powered by MediaTek SoC, and a successor to the compact Xperia XA smartphone. With Samsung and Xiaomi opting out of MWC 2017, the focus has shifted towards the likes of LG and Moto to bring some new excitement.

The Sony 'Yoshino' reportedly houses a 5.5-inch 4K display with pixel density of nearly 802ppi. Powering the rumoured device is a Snapdragon 835 SoC, which will reportedly be launching first on Samsung's Galaxy S8. The smartphone is set to launch in 4GB and 6GB RAM variants, but the big addition here could be the new IMX400 camera sensor.

Next in the lineup is Sony BlancBright with a 5.5-inch QHD display, and either Snapdragon 835 or 653 SoCs. Alongside this is 4GB of RAM and the same IMX400 camera sensor. Following 'BlancBright' is 'Keyaki', a seemingly mid-range device with a 5.2-inch Full HD display, MediaTek's Helio P20 SoC inside, 4GB RAM, 64GB storage and 23MP/16MP cameras.

The last two devices in the lineup are expected to be the budget offerings codenamed 'Hinoki' and 'Mineo'. The Hinoki is expected to feature a 5-inch HD display, along with MediaTek Helio P20 chipset, 3GB RAM, 32GB storage, and 16MP/8MP front cameras. There is no information on Mineo as yet, but the pricing is expected to be under $350.

Sony has not launched multiple products at a single event, but the company may be looking to shift its focus to budget devices, with such upcoming launches.

Other Popular Deals

Coolpad Note 5 (Royal Gold, 32...

Lenovo Vibe K5 Note (Gold, 32...

LeEco Le 2 (Rose Gold, 32 GB)

Interesting Galleries Best camera phones under Rs....

Best smartphones to buy under Rs. 7,000 in India right now

14 upcoming mobile phones you should expect in India in 2016

10 smartphone sequels to look forward to in 2015

Best smartphones under Rs. 15,000 with great battery backup

10 best smartphones between Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 20,000...

26 upcoming & latest smartphones to check-out

Slimmest phones you can buy in India [November 2015]

The best upgrade options for 10 classic smartphones

Huawei P8: First Look

Xiaomi Mi4i vs Asus Zenfone 2 (2GB): Quick Comparison

LG G4: First Look

Asus Zenfone 2 and Zenfone Selfie: In Pictures

Sony's current & upcoming Xperia phones: An Overview

Micromax Canvas Sliver 5: First Look

Sony Xperia C4: First Look

Coolpad Dazen X7 and Dazen 1: In pictures

​
Source: MWC 2017: Sony may announce five new smartphones

iPhone 8 release date, rumours, price, specs and everything you need to know

GETTY/CONCEPT IPHONES

INBOUND: The iPhone 8 is expected to launch this September with a radical new design

Smartphone season is upon us. MWC 2017 is now just a couple of weeks away, and the Samsung Galaxy S8 will follow shortly after that on March 29.

The iPhone 8 release date, however, is a little further down the line, with the most eagerly awaited device in the world not expected to enter the realms of reality until the latter part of the year.

Don't worry though, the wait looks set to be worth it. Recent iPhone 8 rumours have suggested the phone will play host to an array of new, enticing high-end features and updates. It'll need to as well, with the S8, HTC 11 and LG G6 all set to bring the fight to Apple's smartphone mantle before then.

With the better part of eight months still separating you from the iPhone 8, however, the question remains: should you wait for the iPhone 8 release date or just upgrade to the iPhone 7 now? Well, here's everything you need to know about the iPhone 8 to help you make your decision.

iPhone 8 Release Date: When will Apple's next flagship phone launch?

REDDIT • FLOCKMANN • CONCEPTSIPHONE

Apple is notoriously tight lipped when it comes to the launches of its upcoming devices, and the iPhone 8 is no different. Just because Apple hasn't starting spreading the word doesn't mean we don't already have a good idea of when the phone will drop, however.

Ever since the iPhone 4S way back in 2011, Apple's flagship phones have been unveiled each and every September. There's no reason to expect then that the iPhone 8 will be any different.

Exactly when in September the new phone will launch is still unclear.

Based on Apple's past launches, however, we'd expect to see the handset drop during the first two weeks of September, with the phone's in-store release to follow later the same month.

iPhone 8 Design: Is a radical redesign finally on the way?

REDDIT • FLOCKMANN • CONCEPTSIPHONE

It's finally happening, that major iPhone redesign that the world's been calling for in recent years' is finally expected to be introduced.

Much of the iPhone 8 pre-release chatter, leaks and rumours has surrounded the phone's look, with a dramatic redesign reportedly on the cards.

More than a few minor tweaks, the iPhone 8 is expected to feature a brand new look and feel.

This will be kicked off by the phone's physical home button which is seemingly set to be killed off.

A feature that's been around since the original iPhone back in 2007, the round physical home button that sits beneath the phone's screen is reportedly being killed off in order to allow for a bigger screen.

Apple iPhone 8 - Leaked photographs, concept images and renders Friday, 6th January 2017

iPhone 8 is shaping up to be one of the most impressive Apple smartphones to date, with glass panels on the front and rear of the device, a curved borderless OLED display and no Home Button

1 / 10

Apple iPhone 8 will debut a brand-new all-glass look, with a curved OLED display and no physical Home Button

By cutting down the phone's framing, Apple will be able to include a much larger screen without increasing the phone's overall footprint.

It's even been suggested that, like the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge, this screen will curve around both the left and right hand edges of the device.

Further design changes expected to be bestowed on the iPhone 8 include a

Although official images have yet to emerge, a number of iPhone 8 concepts have already started doing the rounds and if the phone ends up looking like these, we're all in for a treat.

iPhone 8 Specs: Expect major improvements

GETTY

Further helping the iPhone's new look, the handset is expected to play host to a new display that'll be brighter, sharper and with deeper, richer colours.

A flurry of leaks have claimed the iPhone 8 will see Apple ditch its traditional LCD displays in favour of new OLED panels.

This high-end screen tech offers deeper, more immersive blacks and brighter, more natural colours while also being less taxing on the phone's battery.

An exact screen size is still unclear, but it's been suggested that Apple could finally embrace 5-inch phones as standard, with the iPhone 8 Plus to grow closer to the 6-inch mark.

It's not just the iPhone 8's look that's being revamped either, beneath the surface, things are all change too.

In terms of battery, the iPhone's staying power is expected to grow, with a larger battery being paired with improved software stability to further eek out additional energy.

These software tweaks will be introduced as part of iOS 11, the software expected to launch alongside and power the iPhone 8.

Early leaks have claimed that iOS 11 will introduce a mass of new features, with a small, floating keyboard to allow for easier one-hand typing while FaceTime will add group video calls, allowing up to five users to chat face-to-face simultaneously.

Combined with a new A11 processor, this software will offer an even sleeker, smoother user experience than ever.

iPhone 8 Camera: Second snapper bliss expected for all

GETTY

iPhone cameras have advanced massively in recent years, completely killing off the dedicated compact camera and quickly coming after your DSLR.With the iPhone 8, things look set to get even better once again.

The biggest claim currently circulating, is that the iPhone 7 Plus's dual-lens camera tech will filter down to the standard iPhone 8.

With one lens capturing normal, wide-angle shots, the additional lens is a telephoto offering, taking you twice as close to the action without compromising on image quality.

As well as working independently, these lenses can join forces to great effect, with the software-enhanced Portrait mode letting users generate a Bokeh effect when the foreground is sharp and the background thrown out of focus.

It's an engaging and captivating effect that's usually reserved for high-end DSLRs.

Things won't be exactly the same though, some tipsters have pegged the iPhone 8 to switch from a horizontal to a vertical camera stack.

Paired with the iPhone's existing strong low-light photography skills and solid 7-megapixel front-facing camera, the iPhone 8 looks set to be the phone in beat in terms of imaging ability.

iPhone 8 Price: It might be time to start saving

GETTY/APPLE

Like the phone's official release date, the iPhone 8 price tag is still shrouded in much mystery, at least officially.

Unofficially, it's clear the phone's going to be seriously expensive, that's just how iPhones work.

The current iPhone 7 is available from £599 for the 32GB model, rising to £799 for the 256GB edition. The 7 Plus is even more expensive with the phone topping out at a wallet busting £919.

Given that the iPhone just underwent a heft post-Brexit price hike, we'd expect to see the handset retain the same pricing-based stepping stones following the iPhone 8's release.

With so much new tech and a dramatic new design being bestowed on the new phone, however, it's possible the device could end up costing even more.

Related articles
Source: iPhone 8 release date, rumours, price, specs and everything you need to know

BlackBerry and Nokia phones are coming back

Lifestyle / 28 January 2017, 5:41pm

Hayley Tsukayama

A Blackberry smartphone is displayed in this illustrative picture taken in Bordeaux, Southwestern France

Washington - The 2017 smartphone cycle is about to kick off in earnest, and there are some familiar names fighting to come back into the fold.

BlackBerry Mobile announced this week that a new phone - complete with a physical keyboard and dubbed the "Mercury" - will debut Febuary 25 at the annual Mobile World Congress trade show. That follows hard on the heels of an announcement from Nokia, which teased the Chinese launch of its new Nokia 6 phone ahead of a larger Febuary 26 launch event.

Nokia? BlackBerry? What's next, the return of Baby-G watches? It may all feel a bit 2002 seeing these phone brands come back into the spotlight, but here's the thing: These are not the phone brands that you think they are. Both of the new smartphones are made by different companies than the ones we knew and loved, as a result of complicated licensing agreements.

Read also: BlackBerry's keyboard is back for one last dance

The company you know as BlackBerry - Canadian, security-conscious - is focusing its efforts on software to augment smartphones and its auto efforts via QNX - a part of the firm that makes smart dashboard software and has its own self-driving car prototype. While BlackBerry designed the Mercury in-house, it and all other BlackBerry phones will be made and sold by Chinese tech giant TCL.

A different company

And Nokia is no longer the company that rose to prominence with its old feature phones, though it still makes telecom equipment and other consumer gadgets. But since Microsoft sold Nokia off, the rights to make Nokia-branded phones belong to HMD, another Chinese tech company.

Both firms are trying to make a bigger mark in a global smartphone market that's still largely dominated by Apple and Samsung. Picking up a well-known- if slightly dusty - brand from the earlier days of mobile phones is one way to do that.

But don't expect exactly the same experience that you had before. Both phones also represent a capitulation of sorts to Google. BlackBerry and Nokia held out for a while using non-Android operating systems for years. (Nokia and BlackBerry each had their own systems for a while. Nokia also moved to Windows Phone while it was owned by Microsoft.) Both failed, in part because they couldn't keep up with the app selection from Apple and Google, as most developers were only interested in making programs for those two platforms. With both phones now using Android, that won't be an issue anymore.

Of course, consumers will have to hear more details about these phones before we can judge whether either comeback will work. The success or failure of a phone depends more on its features, price and value than on whether it gives you warm fuzzies by reminding you of tech days gone by. But if you're looking to rock a little retro this year, this could be one way to do it.

WASHINTON POST

Source: BlackBerry and Nokia phones are coming back

Google’s Pixel phone shines despite misgauging demand

The new Google Pixel phone is displayed following a product event in San Francisco.

SAN FRANCISCO: The Pixel phone, Google's answer to Apple's iPhone and Samsung's Galaxy, is off to a promising start — but might have done even better had Google managed consumer demand as smartly as the device's sleek design.

Although Google hasn't released sales figures, industry researchers say the Pixel has been a hot item since its October debut was greeted with mostly glowing reviews and the biggest marketing blitz in Google's 18-year history.

But there were missed opportunities.

Google didn't have enough Pixels available to meet demand. Rather than wait several weeks, many consumers interested in the Pixel probably bought an iPhone, Galaxy or another phone instead. And these people aren't likely to need a phone replacement for another year or two.

Google also struck a deal to sell it through just one wireless carrier, Verizon. Although Google' s online store sold Pixels compatible with other wireless networks, most people don't shop for phones that way. Of course, it's a moot point if there weren't enough Pixels to sell, but Google likely would have produced more if it had distribution deals with other carriers.

It's not surprising that Google misjudged the market, given that this is the search company's first stab at making its own phone. Previously, it partnered with various manufacturers on a Nexus line of phones to showcase its Android operating system, but that effort barely made a dent.

"This was probably a really good learning experience for them," says Neil Doshi, an analyst with Mizhuo Securities USA.

The Pixel's success is important to Google because it wants to ensure there's a stylish Android phone to compete with the iPhone and drive more affluent consumers to its search engine, maps, YouTube videos and other services. Samsung's Galaxy and other phones also run on Android , but those devices have been de-emphasising Google's services.

Google, which is based in Mountain View, California, can afford to make some mistakes as it tries to establish the Pixel because its internet search and advertising network brings in so much revenue.

Alphabet, Google's corporate parent, provided another reminder of its financial might with Thursday's release of its fourth-quarter earnings. The company earned $5.3 billion on revenue of $26 billion during the final three months of last year. Even after subtracting commissions paid to Google's ad partners, Alphabet's revenue totalled $21 billion — a 23 per cent increase from a year earlier. The company's profit rose 8 per cent from the prior year.

Although Pixel sales weren't disclosed, the numbers provided a clue on how the phone did. Google's "other revenue" segment, which covers all sales outside of advertising, generated $3.4 billion in the fourth quarter, a 62 per cent increase from the same time last year.

Some of those gains came from sales of Google's new internet-connected speaker, Home, and its business software services, but Doshi believes most of the increase was generated by the Pixel.

He estimates Google sold 1 million to 1.5 million Pixels during the fourth quarter. That's still just a sliver of the estimated 77 million that Apple sold during the same period (Apple is scheduled to release its numbers on Tuesday). Pixel sales are also well below the roughly 15 million Galaxy S7 that Samsung sold during that device's first quarter on the market.

Still, analysts say the Pixel did exceptionally well for a new phone with little brand recognition.

"Without question, Google has a hit on its hands and is building a platform for success," says Jeff Moore, principal of Wave 7 Research. Wave 7 estimates that Pixel accounted for 12 per cent of activations in December compared with 51 per cent for iPhones and 26 per cent for Samsung devices.

Localytics, which tracks app activity on nearly 2 billion smartphones, also reported Pixel activations have steadily increased since sales began, especially around the Thanksgiving weekend and the holidays.

"It looks like it has the potential to be a strong competitor to the likes of Apple and Samsung," says Josh Todd, Localytics' chief marketing officer.

Source: Google's Pixel phone shines despite misgauging demand

Rumor Says Sony Could Launch as Many as 5 New Devices at MWC 2017

We're just a few weeks away from Mobile World Congress 2017 and we already know that a number of smartphone OEMs will be showing off new devices at the event. LG has started to send out press invites to various online publications and it is speculated that they will be announcing the LG G6 on February 26th.

We're also seeing Motorola sending out press invites for the event as well. We haven't heard too much about what Motorola will announce at MWC 2017, but the Moto G5 has been showing up in a number of leaks lately.

We'll likely see other devices shown off in Barcelona this year as now we're hearing a rumor about Sony's plans. If it turns out to be true, Sony has plans to expand their new Xperia X series of devices and we're seeing codenames for 5 different devices being tossed around right now. The codenames we're hearing about right now include Yoshino, BlancBright, Keyaki, Hinoki, and Mineo. The Yoshino device is said to be the successor to the Sony Xperia XZ smartphone.

The rumor claims this device, tentatively called the Xperia XZ2, will sport a 5.5″ 2560p display (4K), the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 SoC, 6GB of RAM and a new Sony IMX400 camera sensor. Now, we have heard that MWC 2017 flagships will not be equipped with the Snapdragon 835 SoC. It's believed that Samsung's order for the Snapdragon 835 that will be used in the Galaxy S8 is eating up so much of Qualcomm's inventory that they won't be able to fulfill orders for anyone else this early.

This is why the LG G6 is rumored to be using the Snapdragon 821 SoC, so if Sony wants to use the 835 in a device they'll show off at MWC 2017, we don't expect it to be sold immediately after the launch event. As with all rumors, we should take this information with a grain of salt until we hear something official from Sony themselves.

Story Via: Android Community Source: Sumaho
Source: Rumor Says Sony Could Launch as Many as 5 New Devices at MWC 2017

Scotland flag emoji has been confirmed for release for smartphones by emoji bosses

YES TO THE EMOJI

President of Unicode Mark Davis announced that the Saltire will be available for smartphone use later this year

SCOTLAND's smartphone users can rejoice as the Scotland flag emoji has been confirmed for release by emoji bosses.

Mark Davis, the president of Unicode, took to social media to announce that the flag will be available on smartphones later this year.

Emoji bosses have confirmed the release of the Saltire emoji later this year

The blue and white flag will be added to the Unicode system alongside the English and Welsh flag.

It comes after the company had announced the proposed update to include the flags last month.

Mark Davis said: "We just agreed to add three UK flags to Unicode."

The founder also shared pictures of what the much anticipated emojis would look like when they are eventually released.

The tweet has already been shared over 150 times by emoji fans.

The UK flag is already available on smartphones, but the Saltire has remained mysteriously absent from smartphone keyboards. Until now.

BEYOND BELIEF Shocking CCTV of mother throwing infant son down flight of stairs in New Delhi

AIRLINE STRIKE British Airways cabin crew to stage a further six days of strikes in February in a dispute over pay

CALM BEFORE THE STORM Rare 'Mother of Pearl' clouds spotted in Cumbria as 'barrage of storms' warned for next week

EVERY COMMUTER'S WORST NIGHTMARE Shocking moment Polish man is pushed in front of a Tube train by a mindless England fan in 'revenge for Russian footie hooligan attacks at Euro 2016'

DID DON SNUB MELANIA? Eagled-eyed viewers believe they've spotted the REAL reason Melania scowled behind Donald Trump's back

'SHE DIED IN HER SISTER'S ARMS' Parents tell of horrifying moment young mum-of-four collapsed and died in court while listening to family legal battle

TRAIL OF DESTRUCTION Inside wrecked homes full of mountains of rubbish, drugs paraphernalia and human excrement left by squatters

School bud was real Spud Trainspotting T2 star Ewen Bremner says 'super funny' friend inspired his role as Spud

things go from vlad to verse Russian Embassy trolls PM with bizarre poem for warning Trump to beware of Putin

MISSION IMPOSSIBLE The man behind 'world's most INFURIATING game' Flappy Bird is back with a new title

ZUCK'S IN A LAVA Protesters vow to lay siege to Mark Zuckerberg's house as land row escalates

WINTER'S SILVER LINING Beautiful and rare 'mother of pearl' clouds caught on camera as they appear in British skies

Jeremy Burge, chief emoji officer at Emojipedia, and Owen Williams, who works for BBC Wales, had petitioned for the three British flags to be added to the Unicode systems last year, after former First Minister Alex Salmond had backed the introduction of them.

The Emoji Movie releases it's first trailer

Mr Burge also confirmed the release of the flags on his blog as the Scotland flag is confirmed to have the highest demand from social media and smartphone users.

He said: "Previously, flags of the UK home nations haven't been eligible for emoji status as the relevant ISO standard lists the United Kingdom as one single entity.

"Now that subdivisions are supported, thousands of new flags are technically possible - with these being the first three approved."

We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Scottish Sun Online. Email us at scottishsundigital@news.co.uk or call 0141 420 5266

Source: Scotland flag emoji has been confirmed for release for smartphones by emoji bosses

New Cricket Wireless deals include increased high-...

Cricket Wireless today announced some new promos, both for its plans and its smartphones.

First up, Cricket is boosting the high-speed data allotments of its $40 per month and $60 per month plans. The $40 plan is getting bumped from 2.5GB to 3GB, and the $60 plan is going from 10GB to 12GB. Both plans also include unlimited talk and text, as well as unlimited data at slowed speeds after your high-speed allotment is used.

Cricket is also permanently increasing the high-speed data allotment of its $50 plan. That plan was bumped from 5GB to 8GB as part of a promo back in October, but that increase will now be permanent.

If you're looking to treat yourself to a new smartphone, Cricket's got some deals on those, too. These offers are available to customers that port their number to Cricket from another carrier and require activation on a plan $30 or higher:

Alcatel Streak: Free ($9.99 for upgrades and new lines)

Samsung Galaxy Amp 2: Free ($19.99 for upgrades and new lines)

ZTE Sonata 3: Free ($29.99 for upgrades and new lines)

LG Spree: Free ($49.99 for upgrades and new lines)

LG Escape 3: $19.99 ($59.99 for upgrades and new lines)

Samsung Galaxy Amp Prime: $29.99 ($79.99 for upgrades and new lines)

LG X power: $49.99 ($99.99 for upgrades and new lines)

LG Stylo 2: $79.99 ($129.99 for upgrades and new lines)

All of these deals go live tomorrow, January 27.

Source: New Cricket Wireless deals include increased high-...

HTC confirms that a flagship Snapdragon 835 phone is coming this year

Fresh off reports that Samsung's Galaxy S8 would be the first phone to launch with the highly anticipated Snapdragon 835, HTC wants everyone to know it won't be left behind. Despite the upcoming release of a brand new flagship built on the older 821 architecture, HTC is vowing to deliver an 835 phone as well this year, possibly just months after the U Ultra's launch.

When HTC unveiled its dual-screen, all-glass handset earlier this month, there were some questions as to why the company was opting to introduce its premium handset now rather than wait until the newer chips were readily available. In an interview with Tbreak, Chialin Chang, president of smartphones and connected devices at HTC, dismissed those concerns and said the release is part of a very specific strategy.

"When we will look back, it will be clear why HTC introduced (the U Ultra)," he said in a brief but wide-ranging interview. "We want to have a couple of months of leadership before the next flagship CPU comes. But that will be in another period of time—not at MWC. Not for us or any other player. I can tell you that for sure."

Earlier this week, it was reported that Qualcomm's latest processor would be making its debut in the Galaxy S8, and Chang's comments seem to jibe with that. However, while HTC might not be at the front of the line to get its hands on the new 10nm chip, it will be sure to take advantage of it once it arrives.

"Every time there is a brand new CPU with power that we can leverage, we're always at the forefront doing that," Chang told the site. "When the next flagship CPU comes, HTC will be one of the very first tier doing that. … When the new CPU comes, HTC will have another flagship."

A second top-tier phone would be a break from HTC's usual release schedule, and Chang's comments could serve to blunt the impact of the U Ultra, as would-be buyers wait to see what the Snadragon 835 phone brings to the table. But Chang is confident in the company's strategy. "Some people are talking about the timing, but timing was determined 9 months ago. This is the best CPU out there."

Additionally, the mobile chief briefly discussed Android Wear (there won't be an HTC watch anytime soon), the Pixel (just "one aspect" of HTC's relationship with Google), and Google Assistant (it will come when its ready). Chang also addressed concerns about the U Ultra's relatively small 3,000 mAh battery, assuring customers that it "will get you one day" while discussing the fine line between form and functionality.

"We wanted to get a symmetric design and the trimming on the sides impacts the battery," he said. "I admit, the bigger the battery, the better, but there's always a trade-off with the design."

Why this matters: 'Tis the season for Android smartphone rumors, but it's rare to get one straight from the company's mouth. And while it's great news to hear that HTC will be getting on board with the newest chips as soon as they're available, we can't help but look at the U Ultra in a less flattering light now. HTC was already facing hurdles with the U Ultra's lackluster battery and lack of headphone jack, but now there's even less reason for people to plunk down $750 to buy a phone that might very well be obsolete before the end of the summer.

To comment on this article and other Greenbot content, visit our Facebook page or our Twitter feed.
Source: HTC confirms that a flagship Snapdragon 835 phone is coming this year

Nokia ‘Heart’ smartphone surfaces, looks like a toned-down Nokia 6

Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 sets a new record on first day of its sale

Intex Cloud Style 4G with HD display and VoLTE support launched for Rs. 5,799

Demonetisation triggers 30.5% drop in smartphone sales

Samsung announces enhanced battery safety measures

Honor 6X with dual-camera setup launched for Rs. 12,999

Source: Nokia 'Heart' smartphone surfaces, looks like a toned-down Nokia 6

Preview: Samsung Galaxy S8 – Bigger Screens, Bixby & More

After having a rollercoaster of a year in 2016, Samsung is looking to start 2017 with a bang, which includes the Galaxy S8. Now there has already been a slew of leaks and rumors surfacing around the Galaxy S8, which has given us a pretty good idea of what Samsung may be cooking up with this new smartphone, and the eighth generation of the Galaxy S lineup. This includes some of the specs, the new artificial intelligence that will be in the device, as well as what the device even looks like.

Design

According to most leaks, it appears that Samsung is looking to update their design this year. In 2015 and 2016, Samsung kept with mostly the same design. Using a glass back and a metal frame. But it looks like with the Galaxy S8, the bezels are going to be even smaller, and the physical home button may also be disappearing. This leads many to believe that Samsung is going to be using on-screen buttons (something they haven't done in years) and have the fingerprint sensor underneath the glass of the display.

There are plenty of different pictures of the design of the Galaxy S8 floating around (as well as the larger Galaxy S8 Plus), but it does appear that there won't be an "Edge" variant, as the standard Galaxy S8 will feature a curved display. Additionally, the chin and forehead bezels are going to be trimmed down, allowing Samsung to fit in a larger display in a smaller surface area. In fact, according to the dimensions that appeared recently, it appears that the Galaxy S8 will have a 5.7-inch display, while being just a few millimeters wider than the Galaxy S7. With the Galaxy S8 Plus having an enormous 6.3-inch display, and it being just a tad wider and taller than the Galaxy S7 Edge, which is pretty impressive, all things considered.

When it comes to the backside, the flash and laser autofocus module seems to have been moved. Instead of being beside the camera or below the camera like we've seen with earlier Samsung devices. The module appears to be above the camera, which admittedly does look a bit odd. We haven't seen any images of the sides, so it's hard to say where the volume rocker, power button and so forth will end up. But there likely won't be many, if any changes there.

Battery

There hasn't been much talk about the battery just yet, but given the issues Samsung had with the Galaxy Note 7, you can rest assured that they will be testing this battery more than they have on any other smartphone. LG has even said that they have made sure that the battery on the G6 won't overheat or explode. Which they are doing this by using a heat pipe inside the device, to allow heat to escape and keep it from building up. While there hasn't been any rumors about Samsung doing something similar with the Galaxy S8, they likely are. The last thing Samsung wants (or needs) is another Galaxy Note 7 incident. Those two recalls cost Samsung over $2 billion USD and their brand also took a rather huge hit.

As far as capacity goes, that's a big mystery too. However, there is a report out there claiming that the Galaxy S8 will feature a 4200mAh battery. That's a pretty big upgrade from the Galaxy S7, especially with the Galaxy S8 being about the same size as the Galaxy S7, unless Samsung is looking to make the new device thicker, it's tough to believe that bump in capacity. Especially seeing as the Galaxy Note 7's issue was the fact that there wasn't enough room around the battery, and that the capacity was too high.

Specs

As we mentioned already, the Galaxy S8 is aimed to sport a 5.7-inch display and the Galaxy S8 Plus with a 6.3-inch display. Both of which are supposedly going to be Super AMOLED Quad HD panels, no real surprise there. The change here is the fact that Samsung is believed to be using an RGB array of pixels instead of Pentile. With Pentile you are looking at an RGBG setup, meaning there are two green pixels for every red or blue. With RGB, you'll get one of each. Supposedly this is all due to VR and needing to make it a bit more immersive for users.

Samsung is largely expected to be one of the first to use Qualcomm's latest flagship processor, the Snapdragon 835. Remember, Samsung is actually manufacturing the Snapdragon 835, so it would make sense for Samsung to use it in their flagship smartphone. Of course, if history is anything to go by, the Snapdragon 835 will be used in the US and select other markets, with an Exynos chip being used everywhere else. In 2017, rumors are pointing to the Exynos 8895 getting the nod for the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus. The Exynos 8895 will be paired with the Mali-G71, which is already on the market in the Huawei Mate 9 (which uses the Kirin 960 SoC). It's a massive improvement over the Mali-T880 from ARM. Of course, the Snapdragon 835 would come with the Adreno 540 GPU from Qualcomm.

It's also rumored that Samsung will stick 6GB of RAM inside the Galaxy S8, along with 64GB of storage (like the Galaxy Note 7 did) and a micro SD card slot. It's also possible that Samsung could opt for a 128GB model, however in recent years the extra storage SKU's haven't done very well for Samsung, and they've opted to offer just one storage size with their flagships.

Bixby

It's rumored that Samsung will be adding their own personal assistant to the Galaxy S8. Seen as the successor to S Voice, Bixby is said to be much more powerful, and perhaps even more functional than the personal assistants we have today – like Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri and Cortana. Of course, it likely won't be as smart as what Google has, since it has the search engine and knowledge graph behind it. But according to rumors, Bixby may be able to utilize the camera to do things like carry out visual searches.

Bixby is the child of Viv which Samsung purchased late last year. Viv was a popular AI assistant because of the amount of tie ins it had with third-party software and services. And that's something that Samsung is likely going to leverage to help make Bixby be competitive, and work well in the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus.

Release Date

Currently, there are loads of different dates floating around for when the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus will be available. But the most common rumor is pointing towards it being announced at a separate event in April and being available later that month. That's opposed to it being announced at Mobile World Congress (which begins on February 27th), where the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S7 were both announced. Of course, we won't know for sure until Samsung sends out invites for an event, and so far, they have been quiet about Mobile World Congress while most other smartphone makers have opted to send out invites already – including Huawei, LG, and Sony.

The last few years, Samsung has been able to release their flagship devices worldwide on the same date, including on all the major carriers in the US. Expect the same this year with the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus. These two devices should launch in South Korea, the US, UK and other key markets on the same day, with other markets following a few weeks later. Right now, pricing has not hit the rumor mill, but expect it to be around the same price as the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge, if not a bit more expensive.

Cases

There have been quite a few cases leaked already for both the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus. These leaks have all shown a device that looks quite similar to each other. Although the latest leak that comes from Mobile Fun shows that the camera module may keep the flash and laser autofocus on either the left or right side of the camera instead of above it, based on the camera cut out there. Something else worth noting is the fact that this case shows three buttons. The volume rocker and what might be the power button on one side and then a third button on the other. Many are speculating that this could be for Bixby. So instead of always listening (or perhaps in addition to), you could press that button to talk to Bixby and give it a query.

Wrap Up

If it turns out that Samsung is indeed skipping Mobile World Congress – at least in terms of the Galaxy S8 – and announces these two devices later on in the year, then we still have quite some time before the device is unveiled and that means plenty more rumors. We already know, or at least we think we know, a whole lot about these two devices. For instance, the fact that the displays will be much larger this year, a larger battery, and more. There's still a whole lot that we don't know, or that might be faked or untrue. We'll have to wait until DJ Koh takes the stage in Barcelona, New York, London or wherever the next Unpacked happens to take place, and show off the brand new device from the South Korean manufacturer.

Source: Preview: Samsung Galaxy S8 – Bigger Screens, Bixby & More

Target plans to introduce its own smartphone payment service in stores later this year

Shoppers will be able to use their phones to pay in Target stores later this year, but it won't necessarily be with Apple Pay or Android Pay.

Instead, Target plans to introduce mobile payment features to one or more of its own apps, the retailer's Chief Information and Digital Officer Michael McNamara told Recode last week at a National Retail Federation conference in New York City.

It's not clear if Target will add the payment feature to its main Target app, its popular Cartwheel coupon app or both. A spokesman declined to comment further.

Target will be following in the footsteps of other big retailers like Walmart and Kohl's who have added mobile payment features to their own apps over the last year, in the wake of offerings from Apple, Google and Samsung. All three of the big-box stores had originally backed a separate payment app, CurrentC, but it never launched widely.

In the case of Kohl's service, Kohl's Pay, shoppers can use the app to both pay and earn rewards points with a single scan at checkout. McNamara said it would make sense for Target to offer store shoppers a way to both pay and use a digital coupon in one step.

McNamara said the Target payment service will only be available to shoppers who have a Target REDcard — "at least initially." REDcards are debit or credit cards that come with perks like 5 percent off Target purchases and free shipping on online orders.

Apple Pay is a payment option for online purchases in the Target app. But it's not a payment option in Target stores.

Source: Target plans to introduce its own smartphone payment service in stores later this year

LG G6 leak shows smartphone with a screen that takes up nearly 90 percent of the device

© Provided by CNBC South Korean electronics giant LG is set to release its flagship LG G6 smartphone next month which will feature a display that takes up nearly 90 percent of the device's front surface area, according to a leaked image obtained by CNBC. 

The LG G6 is expected to be launched on February 26 at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. LG has sent out invites to journalists and industry professionals for the press conference. A source told CNBC, LG would release the phone in early March in key markets, but no firm date is in place yet.

CNBC understands that the LG G6 will be made with metal and glass and feature a 5.7-inch display, which takes up most of the smartphone reducing the size of the bezel. Smaller bezels appear to be an emerging trend. Last year, Xiaomi unveiled a concept phone called the Mi Mix which had a 91.3 percent screen-to-body ratio, while numerous leaks around the upcoming Samsung S8 appear to show it having a very small bezels. 

LG declined to comment on the leak when contacted by CNBC.

The South Korean firm will be hoping to fill the void left by its fiercest rival Samsung at the Mobile World Congress. Samsung usually unveils its flagship device at the trade show, but mobile chief Koh Dong-jin said earlier this week that the S8 would be delayed.

Last year, LG took the wraps off a modular G5 smartphone which allowed users to change parts of the handset, but this didn't take off. LG will find it tough to take market share in what is becoming an increasingly tough smartphone market with Samsung, Huawei and Apple dominating the high-end of the space, and Chinese players like Oppo and Vivo grabbing share in the mid-tier.

"Even if this is one of the best devices at MWC, I don't see it changing the fortunes for LG," Francisco Jeronimo, research director for European mobile devices at IDC, told CNBC by phone.

"What's been difficult for LG is growing the brand awareness that drives the demand from consumers." 

Source: LG G6 leak shows smartphone with a screen that takes up nearly 90 percent of the device

Cheaper Biometric Smartphones Flooding Global Market: Acuity

"…there are now at least 120 biometric smartphone models priced under $150, with the average price now only $116."

Biometric smartphones are now flooding the global mobile market and prices are way down, according to a new report from Acuity Market Intelligence.

There are now 500 biometric smartphone models on the market, from 87 different vendors. And over a period of just a few years, from Q1 2013 to Q4 2016, the average price of a biometric smartphone dropped from $849 to $276. What's more, there are now at least 120 biometric smartphone models priced under $150, with the average price now only $116.

ZTE is the OEM leading the mobile biometrics market, holding seven percent of the overall marketshare. It's followed by Huawei at 6.2 percent, then Coolpad, Lenovo, and Xiaomi at four percent each, and Samsung at 3.4 percent. Looking to software, 97 percent of all biometric smartphone models are Android devices, yet iOS remains significant with fingerprint-scanning pioneer Apple capturing 45 percent of unit sales.

The analysis tracks well with Acuity's own predictions concerning the ongoing popularity of biometric smartphones. And with India's government now calling for domestic OEMs to develop $30 biometric smartphones to work with its Aadhaar biometric national ID program, it's fair to expect overall costs to continue to drop as the technology proliferates.

–

January 23, 2017 – by Alex Perala

Source: Cheaper Biometric Smartphones Flooding Global Market: Acuity

Samsung Galaxy S8 Not Likely To Release at MWC 2017

Among the biggest names when it comes to the world of smartphone technology, Samsung has been around the markets for quite a while now. The brand is known for their dedication to the users, and has been releasing some of the best smartphones of recent times. Following the Note 7 disaster things changed for Samsung. The next big release from the company, the Samsung Galaxy S8 was earlier expected to release at the Mobile World Congress 2017. However that no longer seems to be the case.

The Samsung Galaxy S8, based on rumors obtained via Ars Technica is expected to release at an event in New York in April. As of now the rumored date is that of the 15th of April. There has been no specific reason as to why Samsung is pushing the release, but it is likely that the company wants to ensure the safety of the device before they release it.

Samsung Galaxy S8 is expected to be announced in April, and will likely be released in late May. This would help Samsung spread the profits across the next few quarters bumping quarterly revenues for Q2 and Q3 higher. Samsung's delay is also possibly to ensure incidents like that of the Note 7 are not repeated again.

Talking about the expected specs of the phone, the Samsung Galaxy S8 looks like quite an impressive offering as of now. The phone is all set to feature the Snapdragon 835 processor, along with 6 to 8 GB of RAM and over 128GB of storage space. The camera of the Samsung Galaxy S8 is all set to dethrone Google Pixel as the best smartphone camera. It indeed looks quite interesting if we trust the rumors. As we draw closer to the release date, more details are expected to come out! Stay tuned with us for the latest updates.

A traveler by nature and journalist by profession. Priya is not just a regular contributor at Droidmen but has also been featured by many travel blogs. Her passions include reviewing the latest gadgets and devices and traveling to unexplored places.

Source: Samsung Galaxy S8 Not Likely To Release at MWC 2017

Vertu Constellation X Gets Certified by TENAA, is a New Luxury Phone With Snapdragon 821 CPU

It's been a quite few troubled years for luxury phones, that haven't been launched as often as in the early 2000s, mostly because some firms went out of business. Vertu also seemed to be having a rough time after being sold by Nokia, but it's finding its footing and preparing a new phone, judging by the latest TENAA certification. The Vertu Constellation X has recently been certified.

It's a luxury smartphone that has some very solid and high end specs. This is a Quad HD AMOLED 5.5 inch phone with a quad core Snapdragon 821 chipset on board. This chip was also seen on powerhouses like the Google Pixel XL or the ASUS ZenFone 3 Deluxe. There's 4 GB of RAM on board, 128 GB of flash storage and a 3200 mAh battery. We also get support for 4G LTE, VoLTE and the whole package measures 10 mm in thickness and weighs 240 grams.

The Vertu Constellation X is available in black, white, red, green or purple and it'll surely have a hefty price, clearly over $1000. It runs on Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow and also brings a case that seems to be made of stainless steel and the back is covered with leather. Those are guesses based on previous products and they're most likely spot on.

via Mobilissimo.ro

Source: Vertu Constellation X Gets Certified by TENAA, is a New Luxury Phone With Snapdragon 821 CPU

Samsung Galaxy S8 release date, specs, features and everything you need to know

GETTY

UPCOMING: The Samsung Galaxy S8 will reportedly launch on April 18

The rumours are flowing, the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 fiasco is a long distant memory, and now the world awaits the Samsung Galaxy S8 release date.

The most hotly anticipated device of 2017, the Samsung Galaxy S8 is expected to build on what was widely regarded the best smartphone of last year - the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge - with a new design and much improved specs sheet on the cards.

Although a faster processor and improved cameras are expected, the S8 is reportedly facing delays, meaning if you're due an upgrade, you'll face a tough decision on whether to snap up a new phone now or hold off until the S8 arrives.

So, should you plump for the S7 now or hold off for the S8 to drop? Well, here's everything you need to know about Samsung's next-generation flagship phone to help you make your decision.

Samsung Galaxy S8 Release Date: When will the iPhone rival launch?

MOBILE FUN

Typically, despite Samsung remaining tight-lipped on the matter, the Samsung Galaxy S8 release date would have been easy to pin down.

Since the original model, Samsung's flagship line of Galaxy S handsets have dropped either at, or in the weeks surrounding the Mobile World Conference gathering in Barcelona. This year, however, things are expected to be different.

Delays are reportedly on the cards, with last year's exploding Galaxy Note 7 batteries and the need to fix the issue said to be the cause.

  Samsung Galaxy S8 - Leaked photos and concept images REVEALED Tuesday, 17th January 2017

SAMSUNG'S Galaxy S8 looks set to be unveiled in April and here's how it could look.

1 / 15

Samsung Galaxy S8 in pictures

Don't worry though, the phone isn't being pushed back too much. Instead, the Samsung Galaxy S8 release date will reportedly be held in April, at least according to a number of leaks and claimed insider sources.

Exactly when in April remains unclear, however. While some insiders have suggested April 15 is the date to add to your diary, as this is a Saturday, it seems an unlikely choice.

Further claims have pegged Tuesday, April 18 as the magic date. Although Samsung has yet to confirm these reports, you might want to keep it free, just in case.

Samsung Galaxy S8 Design: Expect a radical new look

MOBILE FUN

It's the one thing that everyone wanted from the iPhone 7, but Apple owners were left wanting. The Samsung Galaxy S8, however, won't disappoint, with a dramatic new look all but confirmed for the upcoming phone.

According to countless leaks and endless rumours, the S8 will take the principles of the S7's look and refine the whole thing. Unlike past models that have paired a traditional flat model with a curved edge option, the S8 will reportedly be all about the curve.

As well as losing the tradition, flat screen option, the S8's design looks set to cut out something else - unnecessary framing.

A series of leaked photos and renders for third-party case manufacturers have suggested the phone will ditch its traditional chunky framing in favour of a more minimalist, sleek look. This has the benefit of a larger screen fitting within a device no bigger than its predecessors.

According to the phone's premature outings, as well as shaving precious millimetres off the side and top of the device, the base of the phone will be heavily reduced by the complete removal of the phone's physical home button.

Marking a new way of interacting with the device, this lack of a physical control will mean the handset's integrated fingerprint scanner will also need to be moved.

Although it's been suggested the biometric sensor could be slide underneath the phone's screen itself, what's more likely, is that, like most Android phones, it will move the finger-friendly pad to the rear of the device.

In terms of build, expect the S8 to adopt the same metal-framed, glass-backed style of the S7, with the 3.5mm headphone jack to remain.

Samsung Galaxy S8 Specs: A true flagship phone

VENIAMIN GESKIN/TWITTER

No corners will be cut here, the Samsung Galaxy S8 is a flagship phone and will have the specs to match its standing.

It's been suggested that the phone will drop in two sizes, with a 5.7-inch handset landing alongside a 6.2-inch model. Given the reduced framing and curved screen, however, these phones shouldn't feel overly big.

Resolution of these panels remains unclear, with both 2560 x 1440p QHD displays and over the top 4K displays having been tipped to make an appearance. We'd expect the former to make an appearance.

Beneath the surface, the S8 will be all grunt, with Qualcomm's latest 64-bit Snapdragon 835 processor tipped to run the show.

This will reportedly be paired with a massive 8GB of RAM, the first smartphone to pack laptop-beating levels of memory. In terms of storage, 64GB is expected to be the base level, expandable via microSD.

On the software front, Google's latest Android 7.1.1 Nougat OS will run the show, skinned in Samsung's own TouchWiz UI. Given that the S7 edge Android Nougat update has only just dropped, this is the software that will power the phone for the foreseeable future.

Sadly, the leaks haven't answered all of the questions, and battery life remains the big unknown. Although a larger capacity battery is expected, given the issues that befell the Note 7, we wouldn't be surprised to see Samsung play it safe and match the S7's one day staying power.

Samsung Galaxy S8 Camera: Making the best, better

GETTY

Although the Samsung Galaxy S7 packed the best camera we'd ever seen squeezed into a smartphone, the S8 looks set to make things even better still. The changes here will be focused up front rather than on the back side, however.

On the rear, the same 12-megapixel camera with super wide f/1.7 26mm lens will remain. Don't grumble at the lack of updates though, this is still the best smartphone camera out there whether you're shooting in bright, direct sunlight or in the hours of darkness.

Up front, however, things are expected to be all change, with the S7's 5-megapixel camera making way for a new 8-megapixel offering.

This won't just be about a megapixel boost, either. Autofocus and an integrated flash - two features that are usually missing from selfie-snappers - are set to make and appearance and revolutionise your vanity shots.

Samsung Galaxy S8 Price: The phone's potential downfall?

GETTY

The S8's expected specs sheet and radical redesign all look amazing. None of it sounds particularly cheap, however.

Those curved screens add a premium - even when they're the only option - and updated cameras, processors and batteries always keep the costs high.

Although formal S8 pricing is yet to be confirmed, don't expect it to play nice with your wallet.

Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge prices already start at a wallet-busting £639, and if the S8 is going to ditch its flat form factor in favour of a curved design, we'd expected the S8 to follow in a similarly lofty fashion.

We won't know for sure until Samsung makes it official on April 18, however.

Related articles
Source: Samsung Galaxy S8 release date, specs, features and everything you need to know

Android One Arriving In US: Can Google Breathe New Life Into Android Brand?

Tech Times reported on Jan. 18 that Google plans to release Android One smartphones in the United States (U.S.) before mid-2017 and that it will be offered in the $200 - $300 price range.

Google is partnering with a phone manufacturer for the device's hardware-much like how Nexus was produced-and, while nothing has been confirmed yet, rumors are floating that LG may be a part of the project.

It's not hard to imagine how many phone manufacturers are interested in the project since Google promises major financial support for the promotion of the device as long as the manufacturer abides by the company's conditions for the low-cost smartphone.

Android One is not exactly new since it has been offered in emerging markets since 2014 but with the planned release in the U.S., Google may just be aiming to dominate the mobile phone market since the Google Pixel is reportedly doing really well against Apple and Samsung phones.

[iOS vs Android] vs Android One

iOS and Android devices have a fairly healthy competition but Android One's release could trigger an additional competition between Android devices. This is because, unlike other Android phones out in the market that rely on carriers to roll out software and security updates, the planned Android One device has guaranteed timely updates for two years.

The move is actually a good one considering Google has always been looking for ways to improve user experience with its products. Users of Android devices offered by carriers usually have to wait for months before they can receive updates so Android One's promise of timely updates would cut the waiting time and assure users that their devices are up-to-date.

One expert believes that releasing the Android One in the U.S. is a logical step for Google to raise the standards for Android devices.

"What [Google] can do, however, is continue to expand and amplify the options for consumers to get on board with its own vision for how Android should work," JR Raphael of Computer World writes.

Low-cost devices and the current market trend

Despite the promise for more updated software, the future of Android One remains uncertain because of the current market trend.

That is, since carriers offer more expensive high-end devices in very tempting and affordable monthly installment plans, consumers usually take the bait and purchase using credit.

"While there certainly exists a market for good, unlocked phones in the United States, that market has showed very little momentum [...] carriers are getting even more aggressive making high-end phones affordable," David Ruddock of Android Police observes.

Ruddock proves a good point. After all, if a consumer can pay for high-end $750 device in monthly installments similar to a $300 mid-range mobile phone, a consumer is more likely to choose the former, regardless of the length of time they have to pay.

The answer will come in mid-2017

We can speculate all we want whether the promised Android One device will tip the scales in the iOS vs Android war and earn more love from consumers but, until it is released, it is hard to say if it can make any difference.

© 2016 Tech Times, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.

Source: Android One Arriving In US: Can Google Breathe New Life Into Android Brand?

LG V20 ZeroLemon Case Brings Additional Battery Power

If you are an LG V20 user and are looking to increase the battery life of your handset, then accessory maker ZeroLemon may have the perfect offering.

ZeroLemon has unwrapped a 10,000 mAh TriCell Extended Battery with Soft TPU Full Edge protection case for the LG V20 smartphone.

ZeroLemon specializes in smartphone batteries and battery cases for iPhones and Galaxy phones. The accessory maker also came up with the world's first Tri-Cell Battery Design and asserts that this was deployed "to all flagship devices." This helped users of the said smartphones to be equipped with the world's highest capacity battery, tripling the phone's available power.

The company mainly lays its focus on manufacturing products that customers usually look forward to. 

LG V20 TriCell Extended Battery

The 10,000 mAh battery for the LG V20 is expected to release this month. The battery case is also equipped with a soft TPU full edge protection case, which extends the battery life apart from offering maximum protection to the LG handset. The case also safeguards the device from sudden fall or drops.

A spokesperson for ZeroLemon asserted that the case was an essential LG V20 accessory.

"There was a real need for a better performing battery and that's exactly what we are delivering along with a premium LG V20 battery case at a very attractive price point, and backed up by our 180 day ZeroLemon warranty," noted the spokesperson . 

ZeroLemon claims that the protective case guards the entire handset from any external damages. It also includes a back cover. However, it does not provide any screen protection.

Where To Buy?

The excitement surrounding the release of the protective battery case for the LG V20 is palpable, as it will amp the battery capacity of the smartphone.

Consumers can purchase the 10,000 mAh TriCell Extended Battery protective case for the LG V20 from e-retailer Amazon from Jan. 18 onwards.

The LG V20 case from ZeroLemon looks quite robust and measures 6.47 ×3.25 × 0.82 inches. The case weighs 8.12 ounces which is not very heavy considering it packs a 10,000 mAh battery. The LG V20 weighs 6.14 ounces, so consumers looking to purchase the smartphone need to bear this in mind.

The LG V20 case is originally priced at $99.99; however, it is currently discounted and can be snagged for just $59.99. The case is available for purchase on Amazon. The case is available only in the black color option.

The 10,000 mAh ZeroLemon battery case for the LG V20 has a free shipment offer. Customers also get a warranty of 180 days, alongside a guarantee of a 30-day full refund from Amazon. 

© 2016 Tech Times, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.

Source: LG V20 ZeroLemon Case Brings Additional Battery Power

Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 Smartphone – Top Reasons to Buy & Not to Buy

Xiaomi, the Chinese smartphone manufacturer today launched their new handset, Redmi Note 4 in India, which is also the global launch of the product as it is an all new variant with different processor than what China saw last year. We have been using the device since around four weeks and also published a detailed review of the device today as the company launched their new handset.

Most of you might be aware of the fact that Redmi Note 4 is successor to the Redmi Note 3 handset which was launched last year. For consumers who have been using the Redmi Note 3, they might be wondering whether to go with this update and purchase the new iteration or not. Even if you're not a Xiaomi smartphone user, this might be the right time to jump on the bandwagon. Following we tell you the top reasons to buy and not to buy the Xiaomi's Redmi Note 4 smartphone.

Check Latest Price of this Phone   

Top Reasons to Buy

Design

Xiaomi has always impressed experts and consumers when it comes to the design part as the brand has been know to offer impressive detailed design documentation at their launch event. The brand loves to tout about how they came to conclusion on the final design output. Talking about why design is the top reasons you should be buying the Redmi Note 4. Considering the price the device is launched at in India, you won't get a premium looking handset with such ergonomics and sturdy built. We have been using the Redmi Note 3 for quite a while now and the successor to it is pretty solid design offering elegant design. Note that glass panel on display adds for attraction.

Display

The display is and always will be an important part of smartphone functionality. And that is why it should be perfect. The Redmi Note 4 sports a 5.5-inch LCD display that has a resolution of 1920 x 1080, which accounts for 401 PPI (Pixel Per Inch). This has become standard in the mid-range, which shouldn't be surprising looking at the number of devices competing each others in this segment. What sets the Redmi Note 4's display apart from others is the color reproduction as it looks beautiful when the brightness levels are at full strength. The sunlight legibility of the display is pretty impressive, which is one of the factors why this handset is good purchase. All thanks to the 2.5D curve glass laid on top of the display, it allows the screen to be much more smoother than before.

Performance

Not many handsets manufactures focuses on the actual real-life performance of their handsets. Unlike Xiaomi, which actually does a lot of work in not only equipping the best processor, but also customising it to the internals they have used on their device. With Redmi Note 4, company has done the same thing, as they have use the best possible mid-range processor, i.e. Snapdragon 625 and customised the device internals as well as MIUI software to give the best outcome. And with configuration like 4GB of RAM and 64GB internal storage, you can expect impressive efficiency and performance as well. This time company has really outdone themselves in offering a high-end internal on a comparatively affordable handset.

Battery Life

You want a good design, display and performance on your handset. What else should one expect from their handset? Well, it's a last but not the least, a good battery life. If the handset you're using doesn't have a good battery life, then what's the point of having all this impressive specifications. The Redmi Note 4 is the handset you would want to purchase for not only it's beautiful design, impressive display and efficient performance, but also for the insanely long lasting battery life. With a 4000 mAh capacity battery, Xiaomi has managed to last the battery life on their new handset for a day on a heavy usage. And it's pretty interesting.

Check Latest Price of this Phone   

Top Reasons Not to Buy

NO 4K Video or OIS

This range of handsets pretty much now offers a 4K video recording as it has now become the standard in video recording. But unfortunately the Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 lacks the 4K video recording, not only that there is no OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) support to reduce the blurs and shakes in videos. Such as was the case with Redmi Note 3, the predecessor of the new iteration that Xiaomi has brought to India today. Despite changing the camera module, the company didn't improve the video recording capability of the new handset. This could easily be a deal breaker for photography enthusiasts as other mid-range handsets are offering this feature since last year.

NO Fast Charging

With such a huge battery package inside the Red Note 4, one would expect it to support the fast charging as charging such a huge battery capacity would take at least 2 Hours and 30 Minutes. Now that is a long time to wait for your device to get fully charged. Early morning most of us leaves to office within just 1 hour (some in just 30 minutes) after waking up. In that amount of time, calculating by the usage experience, the Redmi Note 4 would be charged less than 50%. Ignoring the fact that whether that would last over the day on nominal usage or not. It won't be good for handset's battery pack to charge it half on daily basis. Of course, one would get time for at least twice a week to charge it fully, but that's not the point. With fast charging it is much more convenient for the user. This is one of the let downs on the new Xiaomi handset.

NO USB Type-C

Well, only if Xiaomi has introduced the USB Type-C port on their latest mid-range handset. Considering it's within reach of the company as they have used it on their Redmi Pro smartphone that is only available in China. With Redmi Note 3 being a successful handset in India, Redmi Note 4 could have been much interesting product than it is now. As it is know for a fact that UCB Type-C is a future of ports, it could have been a great start to jump on the bandwagon on their product specially designed for India. But unfortunately, today isn't the day when we would see a Type-C port on a mid-ranger from Xiaomi, while others are already offering.

Related

Source: Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 Smartphone – Top Reasons to Buy & Not to Buy