Motorola to announce a new Moto smartphone tomorrow, June 1

A new Moto phone will be announced soon–on June 1, Thursday, to be exact. Tomorrow, Motorola will be introducing a new Android-powered smartphone to add to its extensive lineup. We're guessing it will be the Moto Z2 Play as rumored over the weekend. Hi-res images were recently shown off after being spotted on TENAA and after several leaks already.

Lenovo-Motorola has more Moto devices to reveal but we don't think it will be the Moto E4 and E4 Plus. The two are expected to be introduced in Canada this coming July 14. The June 1 launch is expected to be for the Moto Z2 Play. It is said to be the next bold phone from the company. However, it could also be the Moto G5S, Z2 Force, or the Moto X 2017. There a number of new models we can anticipate because Motorola has been busy working on new phones.

We're betting more on the Moto Z2 Play because it is said to be ready for more fun. It seems up for your many adventures and play. This next bold phone could be anything. We're excited for tomorrow because we'll finally see what the new Moto phone is all about.

This good news was shared by Motorola Canada so we're assumming the smartphone will be out in the country and in North America very soon.

SOURCE: Motorola Canada

Source: Motorola to announce a new Moto smartphone tomorrow, June 1

Moto E4 and E4 Plus: budget smartphone with a high-end battery?

The Moto G series was once intended to service entry level consumers, but over the years, the Lenovo Moto E has taken over that role. Winfuture has managed to dig up a leak, which seems to reveal almost all the details and specs of Lenovo's new Moto E4 and Moto E4 Plus models. The two entry level smartphones are technically almost identical, and only differentiate themselves in their size, battery capacity and camera resolution. Now there's another image leak.

Highlight recent changes Yes No

Choose Driving or Action-adventure.

VS

Oops! Seems like something went wrong. Reloading might help.

Driving

Oops! Seems like something went wrong. Reloading might help.

Action-adventure

Lenovo Moto E4: display and design

The Moto E4 Plus falls firmly into the phablet category with its 5.5-inch diagonal display size, while the Moto E4 will have 5 inch display diagonal. Both displays will only have an HD resolution, though considering that they are only entry level devices is completely acceptable. The Moto E4 Plus will also have a higher resolution camera, boasting 13 megapixels compared to the Moto E4's 8 megapixels.

The new Lenovo Moto E4. / © Winfuture

The latest image leak shows the new Moto E4 from three angles: the top, bottom and front. The images come from Slashleaks and show that the affordable device will come with a standard MicroUSB port and a headphone jack, the latter of which will be located at the bottom. And, despite the clear protective case covering the phone, the circular camera module on the back will not protrude like it does on some other Moto phones.

New leaks provide a better picture of what to expect from the Moto E4. / © Slashleaks Opinion by Steffen Herget

The design isn't very exciting

What do you think?

Lenovo Moto E4: battery and technical specs

The most interesting feature that the Moto E4 Plus brings to the table is its battery capacity. If the specs can be believed, it will have a massive capacity of 5000mAh. With specs like that, the Moto E4 Plus could turn out to be the duracell bunny of the smartphone world. Lenovo is known to get the most best performance possible out of its batteries, but considering that the Moto E4 Plus will had a 720p display and a rather slow SoC (system on chip aka processor) with the Mediatek MT6737M, it's not unlikely that this smartphone will last for more than just one day. It's quite a clever move by Lenovo, as polls have consistently shown that battery live is one of the main purchase factors for potential customers.

Opinion by Steffen Herget

An affordable price and a large battery? Sounds like a winning combination to me

What do you think?

The smaller Moto E4 doesn't just have a more compact screen and but also has the weaker battery. It clocks in at only 2800 mAh, just about half of what its bigger brother brings to the table. One the upside, the Moto E4 is surprisingly light weighing only 151 grams.

Lenovo Moto E4: price and release date

The Lenovo Moto E4 will be priced at €150 which converts into roughly $163, while the Moto E4 Plus will be priced at €190, which would be about $206. Both devices will apparently be available in Grey, Blue, and Gold. No official release date has been mentioned yet. 

Lenovo Moto E4 and E4 Plus (rumored) specs   Moto E4 Moto E4 Plus Display 5 Inches, 1280 x 720 pixel 5,5 Inches, 1280 x 720 pixel OS Android 7.1.1 Android 7.1.1 Processor MediaTek MT6737M1,3 GHz Quadcore ARM Cortex-A53 MediaTek MT6737M1,3 GHz Quadcore ARM Cortex-A53 Memory 16GB, Micro SD card supported 16GB, Micro SD card supported RAM 2GB Ram 2/3 GB Ram Camera 8MP back, 5 MP front 13MP back, 5MP front Battery 2800 mAh 5000 mAh Dimensions 144,7 x 72,3 x 8,99 mm, 151 grams 155,0 x 72,3 x 9,55 mm, 198 grams Connectivity 4G/LTE, Bluetooth 4.2, NFC (optional), WLAN 802.11 a/b/g/n, GPS 4G/LTE, Bluetooth 4.2, NFC (optional), WLAN 802.11 a/b/g/n, GPS Price €150 / $163 €190 / $206

Let us know what you think in the comments!

Source: Moto E4 and E4 Plus: budget smartphone with a high-end battery?

Android founder reveals $699 'Essential' smartphone

Related

NEW YORK (CNNMoney) - Andy Rubin, the founder of Android, is back with a new phone.

On Tuesday, Rubin and his new company, Essential Products, unveiled a $699 Android smartphone called the Essential phone.

The Essential has an edge-to-edge display that covers almost the entire front of the device. It also boasts the world's thinnest dual camera system "ever built for a phone," according to its website.

But it's a pair of dots on the side that set the phone apart. They're magnetic connectors that create a dock, designed to snap on and off various accessories. It's a concept called a "modular" phone that allows for swappable hardware pieces.

For now, Essential is offering a 360-degree camera accessory for an additional $50. The company will also offer a cordless docking station in the near future. Rubin's former employer, Google, ended its own modular Project Ara experiment last year.

Meanwhile, Essential clearly set out to differentiate its offering in the competitive smartphone market dominated by Apple and Samsung. Its phone features a titanium body and a ceramic back. Unlike aluminum -- which most phones are made of -- titanium is more resilient and doesn't scratch, dent or bend. The device was drop-tested on solid concrete and survived without any scratches, unlike "the aluminum competitor devices," the company said.

The phone -- which comes in black, white, gray and a bluish green -- is available on Essential's website for pre-order starting Tuesday in the United States. It supports all U.S. carriers. The international release will be announced at a later date.

The new phone was first reported by The Verge and Wired. Rubin will speak at Recode's Code Conference on Tuesday night.

Essential is also launching an Amazon Echo competitor called "Home." Based on the website, it's a smart assistant with a big circular screen that can perform tasks like playing music or letting you know when a light was left on -- but further details remain unclear.

Source: Android founder reveals $699 'Essential' smartphone

Here's Our First Look at Android Creator Andy Rubin's Super Hyped Secret Mystery Smartphone

After months of speculation, the creator of Android, Andy Rubin, is finally showing off his company's new products. Since leaving Google in October 2014, he has been working tirelessly on launching a smartphone that he claims could shakeup the tech industry. Today, we got our first look at it thanks to an exclusive advertisement story from the The Verge. Behold: This is Andy Rubin's super secret mystery phone project.

The Essential Phone is powered by Android (version 7.1.1), and actually shares a lot in common with other flagships like the Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy S8. It uses the same processor as the Galaxy S8 (Qualcomm Snapdragon 835) and features other comparable hardware specs, including 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. It also has a slightly bigger battery than both the Pixel and Galaxy S8 (3,040 mAh).

The Essential Phone also has a nice big 5.71-inch QHD (2560 x 1312) display that makes it at least look more like the Galaxy S8 than the Google Pixel with an edge-to-edge screen. It also has a front-facing 8-megapixel shooter capable of filming 4K videos. That's about as much as you could possibly ask for from the front of the device.

On the backside, the Essential Phone employs dual-rear facing cameras (13MP RGB sensor and 3-megapixel "monochrome" sensor) that will supposedly give the phone the ability to take photos comparable to its chief rivals in the iPhone, Pixel, and Galaxy S8. It also won't come with a headphone jack (sorry dongle haters) and will instead rely on a USB Type-C and a dongle for audio output.

On paper, the phone is a beast, but since we've only seen official renderings and company photos—it's hard to say whether the phone will actually live up to the hype. The specs sound nice, but we'd be remiss to recommend this phone without giving it a proper trial in our everyday lives.

One of the weirder elements of Essential Phone, and one we're really looking forward to testing, is its unique inclusion of two pins on the back of the device that will make it somewhat modular and capable of hooking up to different accessories. To start, the pins are going to be used with a charging dock and 360-degree camera. In the future, the pins could be used to hook up even more ambitious accessories.

The Essential Phone can be reserved online starting today for $700, and you can get the 360-degree camera kit for $50 extra bucks as part of an introductory pricing. The Essential Phone is specifically targeting US customers and will ship in four different colors: Black Moon, Stellar Gray, Pure White, and Ocean Depths. We would suggest holding off for now, at least until we can test the device and verify that it's actually worth a stack of hundred dollar bills.

Oh, wait! But there's more. Rubin's company is apparently planning to release other products like the Essential Home, a smart speaker device that runs on a platform called Ambient OS that is also developed by Essential.

The operating system is built specifically with a home network in mind and is meant to anticipate an owner's every need. For example, one way the device will be more helpful than other smart speakers on the market is that it will automatically notify you to leave early for an important meeting or remind you when anniversary's come up. The screen can be used to display timers, reminders, and even directions to upcoming meetings.

The Essential Home will use a large circular display and a speaker, similar to the touchscreen Amazon Echo Show announced a couple of weeks ago. The display can apparently help you play music, search for information, set timers, and do some of the other things that you've come to expect from products like Google Home and Amazon Echo. The Essential Home will likely learn more skills over time through the Ambient OS API that gives developers access to devices, services, and other information about a person's home network so that they can build more useful apps.

For now, you can only pre-order the Essential Phone, and there's no word on when the phone will begin shipping or be on sale in other places. There's no indication of when the Essential Home will be on sale, either. We'll certainly be following the phone's rollout closely, but it's safe to say Andy Rubin's super secret phone project is... well... not much different than every other Android flagship phone on the market.

[Essential via The Verge]

Source: Here's Our First Look at Android Creator Andy Rubin's Super Hyped Secret Mystery Smartphone

Motorola's new Z play smartphone is here

Over the week, there was a number of Moto's upcoming Moto Z2 leaked in a number of retail images which revealed that the smartphone could arrive in the next few weeks. Now, leaked images have cropped up in Droidholic  with pictures of the retail box and accompanying new images of the phone.

The leaked images show a red color for the retail box, which also mentions Moto Z2 Play's compatibility with Moto Mods, since previous pictures did reveal connector pins at the back of the phone. Moreover, the Lenovo branding is visible on one side of the box and the model featured inside has a plastic display cover which reveals some of the specs.

Photo: SlashLeaks

Photo: Droidholic

The Moto Z2 Play is touted to come with a 5.5-inch display with 1080 x 1920 resolution and a fingerprint scanner embedded in the oval-shaped home button in the front. The phone will have 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage.

Additionally, the phone is also slated to have fast charging the battery is visible inside the box, together with the USB to micro USB cable and earphones. The recently leaked renders which showed up on SlashLeaks, show the back panel of the upcoming phone, together with the Motorola branding.

Moto Z2 Play is touted to arrive with a 12MP single-lens camera on its back and a 5MP selfie snapper on the front panel, with support for Full HD video recording. It will run Snapdragon 626 and Android 7.1.1 Nougat out box. Other specs include 2.5D curved glass on the display and 3000mAh battery, much smaller that the previous year's Moto Z Play.

Source: Motorola's new Z play smartphone is here

Google Will Release THREE Pixel Phones In 2017

 According to the latest rumours there will be THREE Pixel branded devices in 2017 and ALL of them will use Qualcomm's Snapdragon 835 processor.

The word comes via Android Review, which reports that Android Open Source Project code was spotted which strongly implies this to be the case. Allegedly 'code commits' were picked up which not only show the Snapdragon 835 is involved, but also shows a new third codename.

Previously spotted codenames "Muskie" (Pixel 2017) and "Walleye" (Pixel XL 2017) have shown up again, but the third new codename to appear is "Taimen". Literally nothing is known about what kind of device the Taimen might be, but speculation is rife. Some suggestions include a new Nexus 6-sized phablet, bigger even than the Pixel XL, or a Pixel C tablet successor.

Taimen has now been spotted in Geekbench running Android O and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor with a clock-speed of 1.9GHz and 4GB of RAM. Still no indication of what type of device it is though, or indeed, any other specs which might help make a clearer picture of things.

Pixel 3 (2018) Already In Development With LG?

On a slightly different note, rumours have already emerged of a possible Pixel 3 handset in-development by LG. The word comes via Korean publication Chosun which claims LG is "expected" to be involved with 2018's run of Pixel branded hardware. PhoneArena reports having spoken to LG on the subject, with the firm branding it "pure speculation".

Our thought is that this really could go either way. On the one hand, with the Pixel 2 series not even out the gate yet - and frankly not expected until the latter half of the year, given 2016's Pixel launch date - it's difficult to imagine the Pixel 3 plans are very concrete at this stage. But, on the other, as we know from the last few cycles of rumours for Apple, Samsung, and indeed several other OEMs, planning does seem to start very far in advance of new releases, like, before a successor is even out, its subsequent successor is already on the drawing board. That would certainly fit here.

And LG does make quite a compelling candidate, having worked on the Google Nexus 5 and Google Nexus 5X in the past; two of Google's more popular Nexus blackberry replacement parts . It doesn't get any less believable for the firm's denials either, given that it has made similar denials about alleged involvement in Nexus products in the past, only to turn out to be very much involved indeed! So yes, it's standard MO for LG to play coy when it's suggested the firm is in cahoots with Google on a new product. We pretty much expect them to go "who? moi?" at this stage.

The Google Pixel and Pixel XL launched in 2016 and were, for the most part, very divisive handsets. People either loved or hated them. I fell into the former category and I even went as far as saying the Google Pixel XL was the best Android phone released in 2016.

That was my opinion, of course, after living with the Pixel XL for a month and while many might not agree with me, a lot of people will because Google's Pixel lineup of phones weren't just great looking handsets, they were also solid performers.

The camera was brilliant, the battery life superb. I loved the software, pure Android, and I do actually regularly use Assistant for a variety of tasks on a day to day basis.

Google even sold quite a respectable number of Pixel zte parts too.

The big G has now confirmed that there WILL be a series of successor model Pixel handsets in 2017, as expected. Whether these handsets will be called the Pixel 2 and Pixel XL 2 remains to be seen, after all, Google used to name its Nexus series primarily based on the display size (Nexus 5, for example) and would then put a year in brackets afterwards for repeated iterations of the same size device.

All of these naming conventions are somewhat clumsy, however, it would be great if Google could come up with a neater, tidier naming scheme for the Pixel series.

Source: Google Will Release THREE Pixel Phones In 2017

New LG V30 smartphone is better than LG G6: 128GB, Android 8

Late last year, LG already released its new flagship, the LG V20. Since then, there have been teasing of the new flagship in the V series. That is the new LG V30 smartphone, with 128GB ROM and Android 8!

New LG V30 smartphone is better than LG G6: 128GB, Android 8

Summer is approaching, and we have big events coming such as Computex and IFA 2017, where phone manufacturers introduce their new devices. Samsung released the Galaxy S8 and S8+ already, and Apple is launching its new iPhone sometime in September, LG is definite the most anticipated brand in the summer. There are a lot of reports about the new LG V30 smartphone, and DBS Designing recently has made a design of this new phablet, and it looks incredible!

At first glance, this design resembles LG G6 a lot. However, one major difference is that it comes with a second display at the back. Otherwise, it is water-resistant, and the screen curves at the corners of the panel, similar to G6. The bezels, if there are any, are very narrow, and the material used to make the phone's body is metal. There is a dual camera set-up up front, on the top bezel.

Also, in this design for the new LG V30 smartphone, the fingerprint scanner is below the screen panel. It is certainly going to be the trend in future flagships, especially for Apple and Samsung. A dual camera is also at the back of the phone. Other LG V30 specs include a 5.8-inch Quad HD Plus display, 128GB of internal storage and the default OS of Android 8.0. It certainly feels a lot better than the LG G6 already!

New LG V30 smartphone: A great phone in the future

If LG follows up with this new LG V30 smartphone design, it is going to be a great phone. What do you think about this design?

Source: New LG V30 smartphone is better than LG G6: 128GB, Android 8

iPhone 8 release date - Leak reportedly outs Apple's big iPhone launch plans

GETTY/TWITTER

IPHONE INBOUND: Is this when the iPhone 8 release date will be held?

The iPhone 8 release is the most eagerly awaited date on the 2017 tech calendar, and new reports have claimed to out the mystery of when Apple's next smartphone will drop.

While Apple continues to remain tight lipped on the matter, prolific iPhone tipster Benjamin Geskin has teased the potential launch plans on Twitter.

According to Geskin, with the iPhone 8 will be formally announced on September 17 alongside the more low key iPhone 7S.

This big reveal will reportedly be follow by an in-store release on September 25.

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

Taking the Twitter, the tipster wrote: "Apple's iPhone 8/7s Keynote will be held on September 17. Sales September 25."

Despite teasing the dates, Geskin has noted that the timeframe is still not 100% confirmed.

Although the well credited tipster has risked his reputation with the claim, we'd suggest taking the prediction with a sizeable pinch of salt for now.

That's because justified questions are already being raised about the validity of the claims.

CONCEPT PHONES

While the mid-September timeframe would fit with the past five years of iPhone unveilings, the September 17 date tipped appears unlikely.

That's because the 17th falls on a Sunday.

Ever since 2012, Apple has unveiled its latest flagship phones on either a Tuesday or Wednesday in early September.

This has been followed less than two weeks later by an in-store release on the Friday of the following week.

Again raising questions, Gaskin's mooted September 25 launch would see the iPhone 8 made available to consumers on a Monday, breaking with Apple's rigid tradition.

Based purely on Apple's history then, what's more likely is a September 6 or 13 unveiling followed by a release on either September 15 or 22. This, however, is pure speculation.

While the iPhone 8 release date might still be shrouded in mystery, the phone's specs sheet has already been the subject of multiple leaks and early outings.

According to multiple teases, the iPhone 8 will play host to a new A11 processor which will line up alongside the iOS 11 software expected to be unveiled during next month's WWDC conference.

This combination of power and precision will reportedly be backed up by a new OLED display and a vertically aligned dual lens camera.

The phone is also widely expected to adopt a new design, with metal making way for a new glass rear and a face that trades in a physical home button for a larger, more immersive display.

Related articles
Source: iPhone 8 release date - Leak reportedly outs Apple's big iPhone launch plans

Adam Levine Calls BottleRock His New Favorite Festival After Fans Keep Phones Away During Maroon 5 Set

In the age of Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and more, it is almost impossible to keep your phone away during your favorite band's concert. Impressing your friends who aren't in attendance is crucial and finding that perfect angle of the stage is imperative.

But last night, the flashes of amateur photography were not present (or at least not overwhelming) during the Maroon 5 set at BottleRock Music Festival. 

"You know, this is so cool. I have to say this is my new favorite festival to play," Adam Levine said to the excited crowd.

"Concerts and music are about being in the moment and experiencing it. Everywhere we go, there are a million phones out. I don't see that here. So thank you for experiencing this with us and this is my new favorite festival for that reason."

Big praise for the 40,000+ fans in attendance.

Maybe it is because the setlist at a Maroon 5 concert has not changed much over the past few years. After opening with "Moves Like Jagger," the band ran through classics like "This Love," "Harder To Breathe" and "Misery" to the delight of fans from age 10 – 50, while ignoring their new hit "Cold."

But the lack of surprises in the setlist is countered with the realization that fans have when attending a Maroon 5 show: You Know Every Word To Every Song.

The hour and a half sing-a-long concluded with a fiery Prince cover of "Let's Go Crazy" which saw the final sweat drops run out of fans who had been on the festival grounds since 11am. A fitting conclusion to a fantastic first day at BottleRock.

Photo: BottleRock Napa Valley Professional Photography Team

{"position1":{"name":"Maroon 5","id":40523,"url":"https:\/\/www.iheart.com\/artist\/maroon-5-40523","type":"artist","errors":null,"tagged":true}}

Source: Adam Levine Calls BottleRock His New Favorite Festival After Fans Keep Phones Away During Maroon 5 Set

Now, a smartphone for dolphins to play games

As the eight-feet underwater touchpad allows dolphins to interact and make choices, it could be used to investigate their intelligence and communication

Bottlenose dolphins swim in groups called pods of about a dozen.

New York: Researchers have developed an underwater computer touchscreen exclusively for dolphins to play games.

With the smartphone built just for them and a little bit of training, dolphins can play games like Whack-a-Mole, the researchers found.

As the eight-feet underwater touchpad allows dolphins to interact and make choices, it could be used to investigate dolphin intelligence and communication by providing them choice and control over a number of activities.

The touchscreen features specialised dolphin-friendly "apps" and a symbolic keyboard to provide the dolphins with opportunities to interact with the system, Rockefeller University said in a news release this week.

To make the system safe for the dolphins, the touchscr een has been installed outside an underwater viewing window, so that no parts of the device are in the pool. The animals' touch is detected optically.

"It was surprisingly difficult to find an elegant solution that was absolutely safe for the dolphins, but it has been incredibly rewarding to work with these amazing creatures and see their reactions to our system," said Marcelo Magnasco, Professor at Rockefeller University in New York.

"It has always been hard to keep up with dolphins, they are so smart; a fully interactive and programmable system will help us follow them in any direction they take us," Magnasco said.

While the research is still in its early stages, the team has embarked on studies aimed at understanding dolphin vocal learning and communication, their capacity for symbolic communication, and what patterns of behaviour may emerge when the animals have the ability to request items, videos, interactions and images.

In addition to the to uchscreen itself, the dolphins habitat at the National Aquarium has been outfitted with equipment to record their behaviour and vocalisations as they encounter and begin to use the technology.

"We hope this technologically-sophisticated touchscreen will be enriching for the dolphins and also enrich our science by opening a window into the dolphin mind," Diana Reiss, Professor at Hunter College in New York, said.

"Giving dolphins increased choice and control allows them to show us reflections of their way of thinking and may help us decode their vocal communication," Reiss added.

Source: Now, a smartphone for dolphins to play games

Andy Rubin to show off new Essential smartphone next week

We're only waiting for the Essential phone to be introduced. Andy Rubin's next smartphone project is expected to be big but maybe not exactly as the Android platform. Essential just posted a teaser over on Twitter, saying that "something big is coming" on the 30th of May. It's going to be a new phone and even Rubin is excited about the announcement.

Recode's Code Conference will be happening next week where Rubin will be speaking. We're assuming the phone will be unveiled there at the event and finally show off a phone that was leaked earlier with very minimal bezels and curved corners on the display. The smartphone is said to be powered by Android–one of Andy Rubin's first babies.

If you may remember back in 2014, Rubin left Google to help a new hardware tech startup. We learned earlier this year that his new company has been working on the Essential smartphone. It was shown off as an almost bezel-less phone and has already reached GFXBench. All these and more happened even if Softbank backed out of a multi-million dollar on Andy Rubin's startup.

Look at the image, it's a silhouette of a smartphone being held by one hand. There is something on top of the phone we're assuming is a camera. However, it can also be anything like maybe an add-on accessory for mobile payment, a flash, or a personal diffuser (kidding). For some, it could even be a breathalayzer.

We can't figure out what that one is but let's just wait and see until the official announcement.

SOURCE: Essential

Source: Andy Rubin to show off new Essential smartphone next week

Andy Rubin's Essential Phone release date confirmed

I want to know what the hype is around NVIDIA Shield TV games.

What do you think?

Jump to section:

What is Essential?

Andy Rubin was the Senior Vice President of Google's mobile sector up until 2014. His successor was Sundar Pichai, the now Google CEO, who was then succeeded in turn by Hiroshi Lockheimer. Rubin was the Android inventor and under his leadership, the OS was installed on billions of devices. Later, he got into robotics at Google, but soon left this area as well in order to pursue his own interests.

After 2014, Andy Rubin began to work intensely with young startups and, under his tutelage, Playground Global found worldwide success. The focus of the company was on artificial intelligence, robotics and augmented reality. Now, it would like to integrate the innovations that it was able to achieve in a new smartphone, as recently reported by Bloomberg.

With the support of a team of 40 people, made up of former Apple and Google employees, the Android founder has now started a new company called Essential. It will reportedly produce not only smartphones but also smart home hardware, with the high-end smartphone at the center of the ecosystem.

Essential Phone: price and release date

All the speculation and rumors surrounding the upcoming smartphone of Andy Rubin's new startup called Essential will end on May 30, 2017. The Essential Phone's unveiling date was announced on Twitter by the recently created official account of the company.

A report from Bloomberg says that the phone will likely cost close to the same as the iPhone 7 (around $649).

Essential Phone: bezel-less design

The new smartphone from the Android inventor Andy Rubin will celebrate its market launch this year and, of course, come with top equipment and an AI. Rubin gave us a first glimpse of how the Essential Phone will look back in March with the following Tweet: 

In the picture, you can only see the upper right corner of the smartphone, but from this small section alone, you can tell the Essential Phone will have a nearly bezel-less display design. Whether the display will occupy almost the entire front, or whether the Essential Phone will have a "chin" bezel at the bottom like the Xiaomi Mi Mix, we can't yet discern.

Essential Phone: camera and possible modular attachments

If the Essential smartphone is to have a nearly bezel-less design, that begs a question: where will the front camera go? The Xiaomi Mi Mix, pictured below, has a selfie cam on the bottom right corner of the front of the phone, meaning you have to flip it upside down in order to avoid taking pictures of the inside of your nose. Needless to say, this is a bit awkward. Essential could opt for this placement, or they could take a page from Huawei's book. The Huawei ShotX has a rear camera that flips up to face the front.

The Xiaomi Mi Mix's selfie camera is located on its thin bottom bezel. / © AndroidPIT

It could also be the case that the new Essential phone has modular attachments instead of a built-in front camera. The tweet below appears to show an attachment at the top of the device which could be either an external front camera or a 360 degree camera. 

A report from Bloomberg says the Essential Phone could have a proprietary connector, which would allow for an extension of the phone's functionality, similar to Moto Mods. It also mentions a spherical 360 degree camera is already in the works, and this could be what we see in the tweet above.

Essential Phone: software Artificial intelligence

2017 will be the year of AI and assistants. Rubin realized this, and if you look at progress in the entire tech sector right now, you'd see that Amazon is even a hair further along than Google is in the race to have control over your household. For those who don't participate right now, they'll lose an opportunity to get on board. Andy Rubin, a robotics expert, is likely to make Essential a big player in the market. According to the Bloomberg report, Essential will be a "platform company designed to tie multiple devices together" and it is "working on a suite of consumer hardware products, including ones for the mobile and smart home markets". 

The report also mentions that the device could be docked into your home or car using a proprietary connector, making Amazon Echo and Google Home useless, since your smartphone could then function as a central control hub for your smart home gadgets, like stereos and routers. There is still no word on whether the AI of the Essential Phone will be Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa or another artificial intelligence.

Will it run Android or something new?

Will this be an Android smartphone or a completely new player on the market? Andy Rubin could have chosen to ditch Android and install a Play Store-compatible spin-off, with a core he can better control. Taking Cyanogen Inc. as an example though, we saw that this approach can end embarrassingly, especially if it is done with the premise of sticking it to Google. In October 2016, about four years after the foundation of Inc, the first Android-deviation Cyanogenmod came to an end. Two months after, the company also closed. Android, without Google, is hardly feasible, especially if you aren't named Amazon. So, its no surprise that Essential Phone will run Android. This has even been confirmed by none other than Alphabet Executive Chairman Eric Schmidt. 

Essential Phone: early specs rumors

Even if you can't trust database entries from benchmarks 100 percent, they can give a very good initial idea of what to expect from a phone specs. The Essential FIH-PM1 device can now be found in the GFXBench database. According to the entry, will have an 18:9 display ratio with a 5.5-inch display diagonal. The resolution is 1,312 x 2,560 pixels. This is a lower resolution and also smaller screen diagonal than the Samsung Galaxy S8 and LG G6 offer.

Essential will follow the new display format trend; 18:9 for the Galaxy S8 and 18:5 for the LG G6. / © AndroidPIT

Since it will be a top smartphone, it's no surprise to find the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 with 2.2 GHz, Adreno 540 GPU and 4 GB of RAM in the benchmark. The internal memory listed is only 16 GB, but this could be easily increased before the release of the phone. A 12 MP main camera and 8 MP front camera complete the picture. 

Essential Phone rumored technical specs Technical Specs Essential Phone Type Smartphone Dimensions unknown Weight unknown Battery unknown Display size 5.5 inches Display technology unknown Resolution 1.312 x 2.560 Pixel (ca. 18:9) Front camera speculated to be 8 MP Rear camera speculated to be 12 MP Flash LED Android Version Android, probably 7.0 Nougat UI unknown RAM 4 GB Internal storage 16 GB Removable storage unknown Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 with Adreno 540 GPU Clock speed 2.2 GHz Connectivity Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, NFC, USB Type-C

The table above reflects the latest rumors about the Essential Phone, and it will be updated as more information surfaces. 

Let us know what you think about the Essential Phone in the comments!

Source: Andy Rubin's Essential Phone release date confirmed

Pokémon’s Latest Smartphone Game is All About Training a Magikarp to Jump the Highest

The Pokémon Go dust, as you can tell, has settled. People have moved on from the extremely controversial and popular game long ago. However, the Japanese company is back already with another smartphone title but this time, it's all about everyone's favorite – Magikarp!

Magikarp Jump is a free iOS and Android game where you are supposed to catch a Magikarp and train it for battling with other creatures. Wait a minute, you can only use Magikarp in the fight? Yes but there's where the twist is. As a user, you need to train your Magikarp to jump the highest. There are various training options you can force your pet into such as boxing sessions, feeding it berries, and a whole lot more.

Once your Magikarp reaches a worthy level, you can participate in tournaments and individual competitions where whichever side's Magikarp jumps the highest, wins. That's the entire game. You will also discover a range of skins throughout this daunting journey and dress up your Magikarp as you like. Furthermore, you will also a personal pond which can be also decorated according to your preferences. There will be also instances where other Pokemons will come visit your Magikarp and help it grow quicker.

Magikarp Jump is a fun little adventure that's definitely worth trying out once. It won't be as engaging as Pokemon Go for obvious reasons but I can see fans spending hours and money on it. The game is already available in the iOS app store and play store for you to get started.

Source: Pokémon's Latest Smartphone Game is All About Training a Magikarp to Jump the Highest

iPhone 8 release date could finally bring this useful feature to Apple's smartphone

The Apple iPhone 8 looks set to be the best smartphone the US technology giant has ever created.

This new device will launch in the same year that Apple celebrates the iPhone's 10th anniversary and it appears there will be no expense spared in making it the smartphone to beat in 2017.

Rumours have already suggested that the iPhone will feature an edge-to-edge AMOLED display, updated cameras with augmented reality support and a new, faster, processor.

Now it seems another feature could finally be coming to the iPhone which some users have been waiting a long time for.

A patent spotted by Patently Apple may suggest that Apple will include Pencil support on the iPhone 8.

The Apple Pencil was originally released in 2015 alongside the new iPad Pro but it's never been compatible with the iPhone.

It's though that if the patent becomes a reality the rechargeable stylus could be used for "game playing, telephoning, video conferencing, e-mailing, instant messaging," and even "workout support". 

The patent notes that the stylus will work with other types of apps in the future such as word processing, spreadsheet making, email and more.

Although there's no confirmation on this latest rumour Apple CEO Tim Cook is clearly in no rush to extinguish the growing hype around the forthcoming 10th anniversary iPhone.

During the company's quarterly earnings call this week, Mr Cook fuelled speculation about Apple's product roadmap for the next year.

"I think the smartphone is still in the early innings of the game," the 56-year-old Apple CEO told investors during the earnings call.

"I think there's lots more to do. Every year, I think it becomes more important to people's lives, there's more things people are doing with it."

Although Apple looks set to launch the iPhone 8 September the company could announce more products as early as next month.

It has been suggested that Apple could unveil a new Amazon Echo rival at its WWDC Developers conference in June.

This Siri-powered speaker would likely to go on sale as a premium product and include a much higher price than the Echo.

Making the announcement at WWDC would make sense for Apple as it would give the company time to enlist developers to build applications for the new device.

Along with this speaker there's a chance we may see a new iPad launched next month.

Although Apple has recently released a lower priced tablet its Pro range hasn't had an update for sometime.

Source: iPhone 8 release date could finally bring this useful feature to Apple's smartphone

Reality Check: What Does, and Doesn’t, Protect Your Smartphone

It turns out that in most scenarios, all you need is a case or a screen protector, or a combination of both. And you should probably think twice about buying extended warranty, but consider an insurance plan if you are concerned about damage, loss and theft.

Screen protectors are a partial solution

A shattered smartphone screen is always a sad sight. Makers of screen protectors, the plastic or glass films that can be adhered to a smartphone display, say that their products will safeguard your screen from scratches and cracks when it falls face down.

But screen protectors are an incomplete solution.

A majority of broken smartphone screens come from impact on the corners and edges, according to a survey of smartphone owners by iFixit, a company that sells components for repairing electronics. When a smartphone's corners or edges hit the ground, the impact is in a concentrated area and more likely to cause shattering, whereas if it had fallen face down on the ground, the impact would have been spread out over the width of the screen.

On the other hand, screen protectors help protect screens from scratches, which weaken the structural integrity of a display and may eventually lead to large cracks. But don't expect them to save your phone if you drop it on the pavement.

Kyle Wiens, the chief executive of iFixit, said that people who care about the longevity of their phone should consider a screen protector because scratches from house keys in your pocket or general wear and tear are commonplace.

"Every glass phone I've ever had has had scratches on it," he said. "I think it's inevitable."

Fortunately, screen protectors are relatively cheap. After testing eight products, The Wirecutter recommended $8 glass screen protectors from TechMatte. The TechMatte screen protectors were extremely scratch-resilient compared to others, including protectors that cost more than $40.

Why you should buy a case

For overall device protection, a case, which covers the corners, edges and back of a smartphone, is your best bet. A good case will protect your phone from scratches and absorb impact in those areas when your device is dropped.

There are hundreds of cases available composed of different materials, including plastic and leather. The Wirecutter recommends $11 Silk cases, which are slim, inexpensive and composed of a flexible plastic that is easy to grip.

There are trade-offs to cases and glass protectors. A case adds a bit of bulk to the device, making it heavier and heftier in your pocket, and a screen protector adds some thickness.

If you were to go with just one accessory, a case is more important than a screen protector given the case's reach over more parts of the phone.

"We'd definitely recommend a case before the screen protector," said Nick Guy, the mobile accessories reviewer for The Wirecutter. "We don't think most people need a glass protector, but because they're so affordable, there's no serious downside to having one."

Skip the extended warranty

Many smartphone manufacturers and vendors sell an extended warranty that can replace or repair your phone if it is damaged. The downside is that the cost of the warranty programs — roughly $80 a year — often exceeds the cost of doing individual repairs for broken devices.

Consider SquareTrade's iPhone warranty program. The cost of two years of coverage, which covers drops, spills and malfunctions, is about $150.

"That's so expensive because if you drop it once and get it fixed locally, it'll cost less than that," Mr. Wiens of iFixit said.

If you cracked your screen, the cost of repairing it at some San Francisco repair shops would be about $110. Paying $150 would be worth it only if you expect to break your phone screen multiple times over two years.

Eric Arnum, the editor of WarrantyWeek, a newsletter that publishes market research on warranties, added that extended warranty programs, including those offered by SquareTrade, Best Buy and Apple, do not cover device loss or theft — two common perils for smartphones since people carry them around everywhere.

That's where insurance comes in. Device protection plans that offer coverage for lost or stolen cellphones are insurance programs, and often these plans also include protection for damaged items. By contrast, warranty programs cover only damages or defects. The insurance programs offered by carriers like AT&T, Verizon and Sprint include loss, theft and damage protection, but they are nearly double the cost of SquareTrade's warranty program.

"If it works when you open the box, chances are it's going to work fine for a long time," Mr. Arnum said. "You really have to ask yourself, Are these perils that you want to insure?"

To Mr. Arnum, the answer is obvious: If you are going to pay for coverage at all, opt for an insurance program that includes loss and theft coverage.

Probably the strongest argument against paying for any protection coverage is it does not address one major problem with smartphone longevity: the battery. Warranties and insurance programs do not offer to replace batteries free once they run out of capacity, which happens roughly every two years.

"It's like expecting your car warranty to cover your tires wearing out," Mr. Wiens said. Fortunately, repair shops typically charge between $40 to $80 to replace a worn-out battery with a fresh one — a worthwhile price to pay to give your smartphone a second life.

Continue reading the main story
Source: Reality Check: What Does, and Doesn't, Protect Your Smartphone

Asus ZenFone Live smartphone with ‘Beautification’ feature for live videos launched at Rs 9,999: specs, features & release date

Asus has launched the ZenFone Live smartphone in India today. The Asus ZenFone Live is said to be the world's first smartphone with hardware-optimised, real-time beautification technology for video live streaming. The new smartphone comes with a price tag of Rs 9,999. The phones feature Asus' new live beautification app called BeautyLive. This application can basically smoothen out blemishes on your face, that too in real time. Buyers of the device will be connected to this app via their Facebook account. These settings will appear on your Facebook Live video. Users will be enabled to pick a skin beautification option and can choose on a scale of 1 to 10 based on the level required.

The Asus ZenFone Line comes with a 5MP camera to click selfies, along with 1.4 um pixel size, LED flash, auto-focus, and 82-degree field of view. On the back, the camera is 13 megapixels and features the PixelMaster technology, f/2.0 aperture and 5P Largan lens. The storage of Asus ZenFone Live can be expanded upto 128GB using a microSD card. The device is fueled by a 2,650mAh battery. The smartphone contains a 5-inch HD IPS display with a resolution of 1280×720 pixels.

You may also like to watch:

The phone is powered by the quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon processor with 2GB RAM and 16GB/32GB ROM. The phone also consists of dual-MEMS mics for clearer chat as well as the five-magnet speaker with the smart amplifier.

Asus ZenFone Live has the following dimensions: 141.2 x 71.74 x 7.95 and weighs 120 grams. The device runs Android 6.0 Marshmallow along with Asus' ZenUI 3.5 skin. The ZenFone Live smartphone supports hybrid SIM slot. In terms of connectivity, the phone includes WiFi 802.11b/g/n, Bluetooth v4.0, WiFi direct, GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Micro USB and a 3.5mm headset jack. It supports Accelerator, E-Compass, Proximity and Ambient light sensors.

Source: Asus ZenFone Live smartphone with 'Beautification' feature for live videos launched at Rs 9,999: specs, features & release date

GST gain: Smartphones, cement to cost less under new tax regime, says govt

GST gain: Smartphones, cement to cost less under new tax regime, says govt

The government said on Monday the goods and services tax (GST), scheduled to be rolled out from July 1, was set to benefit consumers, as the tax incidence on smartphones, medical devices and cement would come down.

The GST Council, comprising state finance ministers and headed by the Union finance minister, last week finalised the tax on most of the items and services.

A smartphone currently attracts two per cent central excise duty, besides the  value-added tax (VAT), which vary from state to state (five per cent to 15 per cent).

"The weighted average VAT rate on smartphones works out to about 12 per cent. Thus, the present total tax incidence on smartphones works out to more than 13.5 per cent. As against this, the proposed GST rate for smartphones is 12 per cent," the finance ministry said.

In the case of medical devices, the present tax incidence works out to more than 13 per cent, while it would attract a GST of 12 per cent.

Puja samagri, including havan samagri, has been kept under the "nil" category, though the exact formulation for the same is yet to be finalised.

Referring to the packaged cement, the ministry said it would be taxed at 28 per cent under the GST as against 31 per cent on account of different indirect taxes.

Similarly, there will be a lower tax burden in case of medicaments, including ayurvedic, unani, siddha, homeopathic or bio-chemic systems.

Medicaments, in general, attract six per cent central excise duty and five per cent VAT. Further, CST, octroi, entry tax, are also applicable in general.

(With PTI inputs)

Source: GST gain: Smartphones, cement to cost less under new tax regime, says govt

You can expect three new iPhones to release this year

Launching this September.

We're months away from the launch of the next iPhone, and the rumor mill has gone full steam ahead with the numerous leaks claiming how Apple's next smartphone will look like.

These new batch of images were sourced from the Chinese social media website Weibo and it shows a rough blueprint on the look of the next iPhone. The leaked 'molds' somehow confirm the same dual camera setup for next iPhone but interestingly, there seems to be three models in the lineup.

The leftmost and rightmost molds are said to be the iPhone 7S and iPhone 7S Plus, which carries that same 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch display sizes while the one on the middle is supposedly the iPhone 8.

From the image, you can tell that the iPhone 8 will also have the same dual camera setup but in a new vertical layout. It also has a 5.8-inch display which is technically bigger than the iPhone 7S Plus but dramatically smaller in size thanks to the thinner bezels.

While these aren't confirmed, it still fuels more rumors about the upcoming smartphone. 2017 is the 10 anniversary of Apple's iPhone, and everyone is expecting a lot of big things for Apple's next flagship device. Other rumors point to a new OLED screen that will replace the aging LED screens of previous versions, along with a rumored higher price tag.

What features are you expecting for the upcoming iPhone? Let us know what you think in the comments below!

Source: You can expect three new iPhones to release this year

LG X Venture is a New Rugged Mid-Range Smartphone With Android Nougat

LG today introduced an exciting new mid-range Android smartphone that joins its X line, dubbed the X Venture. The X Venture is unlike most mid-range smartphones out there, as it offers high durability thanks to its rugged design.

The LG X Venture sports a 5.2-inch LCD display with 1080 x 1920 Full HD resolution, giving it a pixel density of 424 pixels per inch. It is powered by the capable Snapdragon 435 octa-core 64-bit processor inside, coupled with 2GB of RAM and 32GB of onboard memory. The smartphone allows further expansion up to 256GB thanks to a dedicated microSD card slot. Moving on to imaging, the LG X Venture features a 16MP snapper at the back and a 5MP resolution selfie snapper on the front. Unlike most LG smartphones, the X Venture packs a huge 4,100mAh capacity battery inside, supporting Qualcomm's Quick Charge 2.0 fast charging technology. This allows the large battery to charge from 0% to 50% in just 48 minutes. In terms of software, the handset runs on Android 7.0 Nougat OS with LG's custom skin on top.

Now let's talk about the "adventure" credentials of the X Venture. The smartphone features a dedicated QuickButton on the side, which opens up the LG Outdoor Essentials app. It includes a barometer, compass, step-tracker, weather info, and a handy flashlight. If you press the QuickButton for slightly longer than usual, it will enable the Glove Mode, letting you interact with the display even when you have gloves on. Alternatively, you can also choose any other app to open up when the QuickButton is pressed. The X Venture is IP68 certified, meaning it can withstand being submerged in fresh water up to 1.5 meters deep for a period of 30 minutes. It also boasts 14 MIL-STD-810G certifications for shock, water, and extreme temperature resistance.

LG X Venture will go on sale in the US today, available exclusively via AT&T. You can grab one from the carrier for a monthly installment of $11. The smartphone will be hitting other markets across Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East in the coming weeks.

Source: LG X Venture is a New Rugged Mid-Range Smartphone With Android Nougat

Is this our first real picture of Samsung's bending smartphone?

Should Facebook police thought? - reflecting on the leak of its rulebook

Google AutoDraw and the battle for creativity over convenience

The best CD ripper 2017

HP Spectre x2 leads refreshed line of high-end HP laptops

Samsung Galaxy Note 8 release date, news and rumors

OnePlus 5 leak tips it to be faster than the Samsung Galaxy S8

Nokia 9 release date, news and rumors

Nokia 9 revealed as a real flagship Android phone in latest leak

Samsung Galaxy Note 8 may finally embed the fingerprint scanner under the screen

Source: Is this our first real picture of Samsung's bending smartphone?

New smartphone Coolpad Conjr vs Moto G5 Plus - Specs Comparison

The new Coolpad Conjr is the newest smartphone that customers are able to buy. This new device is affordable and has a fingerprint sensor.

Customers will be able to buy the new Coolpad Conjr at the price of 149 dollars. This device comes with a HD display and a great built, which means that it is solid. The new Coolpad Conjr is more like a phablet, but with a refreshing design.

However, this doesn't mean that customers will be able to use it with one hand. This phone is like many other phablets on the market and it is meant to be used with two hands.

Coolpad Conjr also comes with some downsides. For example, the battery life is very short and it runs an outdated version of Android.

The new Coolpad Conjr also has some great competitors on the market, which means that it will have a though life. For example, the Blue Life One X2 is a great budget phone that will probably be preferred by many customers.

 In its mission to be an affordable phone, the company was also forced to make a few compromises.

As we mentioned, the new Coolpad Conjr is available at the price of 149 dollars. Its design is not very attractive, which means that it comes with a gray plastic body.

Moreover, there are brushed aluminum sides, which follow a common standard met on many other budget phones on the market.

However, we must say that the new Coolpad Conjr feels pretty nice in hands even if it has a plastic body. This new phone measures 5.5 x 2.8 x .03 inches and weighs approximately 5.1 ounces. This means that this phone is identical with the Alcatel A30, which has the same measurements. Both devices are very easy to use and are more comfortable than the Moto G5 Plus.

As we know, Motorola's device is available at the price of 299 dollars and weighs 5.5 ounces. Along the sides, customers will see all the standard ports and buttons. So, there is a SIM/microSD card slot and a power button situated on the right.

Another great thing is that customers will be able to pop up the storage to 256GB. On the left side, customers will find a 3.5mm audio jack, a volume rocker and a micro USB charging port. In the end, we must say that on the back there is a fingerprint sensor and the camera.

The fingerprint sensor is able to support a large number of functions, for example answering calls or act as a camera shutter key.

 Other connectivity features include Bluetooth 4.1 and 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi. Unfortunately, the new Coolpad Conjr doesn't come with NFC, which is a comm on feature among phones at this price range.

The new Coolpad Conjr is powered by a quad-core Mediatek MT6735CP processor. This is an entry-level chip, but we must say that it is capable to handle easy stuff, like browsing the Internet, sending emails or checking all social media platforms.

Source: New smartphone Coolpad Conjr vs Moto G5 Plus - Specs Comparison

Smartphone Obsession Grows with 25% of Millennials Spending More Than 5 Hours Per Day on the Phone

May 18, 2017 03:02 ET | Source: B2X Care Solutions GmbH

Smartphone and IoT trends_US (1).pdf

Smartphone obsession_US.pdf

SEATTLE and MUNICH, Germany, May 18, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A new study released by B2X, the leading provider of customer care for smart mobile and Internet of Things (IoT) devices, found that global consumers' dependence on their smartphones continues to grow, while they also rapidly adopt a new generation of IoT devices. Accordingly, consumers continue to pay more and more for their smartphones, and fast and easy access to customer care continues to be the #1 criteria for consumer satisfaction.

Infographics accompanying this release are available at:

http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2557ed64-3799-44ab-9cf4-0fe0b0ec2a27

http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/70d2dbd6-a987-4348-a1e4-79d0fba51eef

The Smartphone and IoT Consumer Trends 2017 study, published by B2X in cooperation with Prof. Dr. Anton Meyer and Prof. Dr. Thomas Hess from the Institutes of Marketing and New Media at the Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich, offers useful insights on smartphone and IoT trends, customer care experiences and preferences, consumer usage as well as some fun facts on consumers' relationships with their devices.

"This study confirms the importance of customer care to the world's smartphone and IoT brands," commented Rainer Koppitz, B2X Chief Executive Officer. "Consumers rely on their devices more than ever, and one of the best ways to strengthen and protect your brand is to offer consistently excellent support across the globe."

Here's a summary of the key findings:

Digital dependence and compulsive smartphone use is growing, day and night.

One quarter of Millennials look at their phone more than 100+ times a day versus less than one tenth of Baby Boomers. And nearly half of Millennials look at their phone more than 50 times a day, three times the rate of Baby Boomers (15.9%). In the United States, a slightly higher 27% of Millennials checked their phone 100+ times a day versus 16% in Germany and 31% in India.

25% of Millennials spend more than 5 hours on their smartphone each day and more than 50% spend at least 3 hours compared to a quarter of Baby Boomers. Baby boomers in the US who spend at least 3 hours on their phone are close to the global average, while Baby Boomers in India (42%) and Brazil (49%) are much heavier users.

Consumers are always on call. 85% of global consumers keep their smartphone in direct reach all the time, and more than a quarter keep it on their body all the time, even at night.And they have a need for speed. 57% of smartphone users expect friends and family to respond to messages immediately or at least within a few minutes. 

Consumers will give up family and friends, even go to prison to not lose their smartphones.

Global smartphone users won't give up their device for one month, even if they were offered a day with their favorite celebrity (74%), a 10% salary increase (56%), an extra week of vacation (50%), $1,000 dollars (41%) or a holiday at their dream destination (28%).

They'd also give up family, friends or sex for a week before their smartphone. Americans were the most likely (11%) to give up their partner or spouse for a month in order to not lose their phone for a year.

4% would even go to prison for a month to not lose their smartphone for a year.

Finally, consumers regularly feel frustrated (27%), lost (26%), stressed (19%) and sad (16%) without their smartphones.

Consumers are buying more and more expensive smartphones, and consumer IoT devices are going mainstream.

Nearly 10% of global consumers plan to spend more than $750 on their next smartphone and 26% plan to spend at least $500 versus the 9% who spent that much on their current smartphone. In the US, one third of consumers plan to spend at least $500 for their next smartphone.

Smartphone customer care, technical capabilities and the quality of materials are the three most frequently mentioned factors for customer satisfaction, globally. In the US, accessibility of service was the most influential factor on customer satisfaction.

Consumer IoT device ownership is expected to grow in the high triple digit percentage range, from 250% for virtual reality headsets to nearly 500% for drones. The two other categories set for highest growth are smart home automation (330%) and smart security systems (275%).

Today's most popular, currently owned IoT devices include GPS devices, WiFi speakers and streaming set-top boxes.

"Gartner estimates that there will be 14 billion IoT devices in use by 2020 plus an additional 6 billion smartphones according to IHS," said Prof. Dr. Thomas Hess, Director of the Institute for Information Systems and New Media at the Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich. "People want to connect everything in their lives. They want to automate their home, experience Virtual Reality and use Smart Digital Assistants. And it's all happening now."

When it comes to customer care, consumers still want in-store service, fast repairs and in the most highly addicted countries, insurance.

The store where consumers bought their smartphone is the most popular option for customer service and support, followed by email. Online support ranks as the third most popular customer service option.

Globally, people find a processing time of 2-3 days acceptable, but in reality, they have to wait 2-3 weeks to get their smartphone repaired.

Speed of service, expertise of staff and transparency of process are the three most important factors for customer satisfaction in smartphone service.

Only 20% of smartphone owners have insurance, but those who do are highly likely to buy it again. Not surprisingly, smartphone insurance is most popular in countries with the highest smartphone addiction, including Brazil, India and the US. And more than half would like an option for an immediate smartphone replacement.

"When it comes to customer care, most people still prefer to go to a store and talk with a service agent face to face – a complete contradiction in a world where most things happen online," commented Prof. Dr. Anton Meyer, Head of the Marketing Department, Munich School of Management at the Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich. "Smartphone brands that understand the value of customer care have a real competitive advantage. There is no better way to differentiate a brand than making customer service a top priority."

The B2X Smartphone and IoT Consumer Trends 2017 study is based on interviews of more than 2,600 people in Brazil, Germany, India, Russia and the United States conducted by Facit Research in cooperation with Professors Meyer and Hess at the Ludwig-Maximilian University of Munich.

About B2X

B2X is the leading global provider of end-to-end customer care solutions for mobile and IoT devices. Founded in 2007, B2X helps many of the world's leading mobile and consumer IoT companies deliver a superior after-sales service experience. The company's unique positioning is based on its global service partner network and its SMARTCARE Technology platform that connects everything to a digitally integrated customer care ecosystem. With more than 1,000 employees and over 500 trusted partners in 140 countries worldwide, B2X is the premier after-sales service provider for manufacturers, insurance providers, carriers and retailers.

For additional information, visit www.b2x.com, B2X Twitter, B2X LinkedIn.

Contact Kimberly Meyer Head of Global Marketing & Communication B2X Care Solutions kimberly.meyer@b2x.com +49 89 452353-259 Nick Olsson Olsson Communications nick@olssoncommunications.com 415-637-4865

Related Articles

other press releases by B2X Care Solutions GmbH
Source: Smartphone Obsession Grows with 25% of Millennials Spending More Than 5 Hours Per Day on the Phone

Latest Motorola Moto Z2 Force Leaked Render Clearly Shows The Front And Back Of The Smartphone

Lenovo's Moto Z2 series of handsets that include the alleged Moto Z2 Force and Moto Z2 Play are frequently in the news thanks to an array of leaks and speculations. A couple of days ago, leaked press renders of both the devices surfaced online.

Close on the heels of this leak, a new render showing off the Moto Z2 Force has emerged online. The folks at Android Authority shared a new image of the upcoming handset from the Lenovo-owned company, which the publication received from a reliable source.

What The Leaked Moto Z2 Force Render Reveals

The latest Moto Z2 Force render reveals a device that bears resemblance to previously leaked images. The new image show off the front and the rear of the impending smartphone.

The leaked Moto Z2 Force render reveals that the upcoming Motorola handset houses a front-mounted rectangular fingerprint sensor, which is located at the bottom of the screen. However, apart from this, the front panel does not reveal any extraordinary feature or functionality.

The rear panel of the smartphone highlights one of the biggest differences between the Moto Z2 Force and the Moto Z2 Play. While the Moto Z2 Play is expected to feature a single-camera setup on the back, the leaked Moto Z2 Force render shows off a dual-camera setup.

This dual lens setup suggests an increase in the overall picture quality and Moto Z2 Force owners will surely welcome the dual-rear cameras on the handset.

The leaked features are in line with previous rumors and leaks, which too hinted at the presence of the dual-camera setup and a fingerprint sensor on the Moto Z2 Force.

Moto Z2 Force: Features And Specs

The company has been tight lipped about the upcoming Moto Z2 Force. It is yet to officially disclose any features or specs of the smartphone. However, it is speculated that the Moto Z2 Force will sport a 5.5-inch FHD display.

It is also anticipated that the Moto Z2 Force will house the latest Snapdragon 835 SoC. This is the same chipset which powers the Samsung Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+. The Motorola smartphone will likely house 4 GB of RAM. It is also speculated that the Moto Z2 Force will ditch the 3.5mm headphone jack in favor of a USB Type-C port.

The release date of the Moto Z2 Force is not known, but previous leaks have pointed to a June 8 launch for the Moto Z2 Play and it is likely that both devices debut together. The appearance of the Moto Z2 Force's leaked renders indicate that the smartphone's production is underway. The company will likely debut the handset in the coming months.

© 2017 Tech Times, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.

Source: Latest Motorola Moto Z2 Force Leaked Render Clearly Shows The Front And Back Of The Smartphone

Legend of Zelda for smartphones rumours: release date, platforms & pricing

Following the success of Super Mario Run and other mobile releases, Nintendo is rumoured to bring the hugely popular Legend of Zelda franchise to smartphones. Here's everything we know so far. Nintendo is said to be bringing Legend of Zelda to smartphones soon

By Lewis Painter | 21 mins ago

Following the success of Super Mario Run and other mobile releases, Nintendo is rumoured to bring the hugely popular Legend of Zelda franchise to smartphones. The company has been building its mobile presence over the past few years after focusing only on games for its hardware, and it has largely been a success; according to WSJ reporter Takashi Mochizuki, Nintendo has made more than 20 million yen from its smartphone games in the US and Japan alone.

So, when are we likely to be able to play Legend of Zelda on our iPhones and Androids? Here, we provide the latest Legend of Zelda mobile release date rumours, along with what to expect in terms of gameplay and pricing.

Interested in other upcoming mobile games? Take a look at our list of the best upcoming mobile games in 2017. 

When will Legend of Zelda for smartphones be released?

While we've heard nothing official from Nintendo, a report from the Wall Street Journal suggests that the mobile variant of Legend of Zelda should be released after the upcoming mobile version of Animal Crossing, which is expected later in 2017. However, the report also states that the timing and order of the releases could be changed.

The report aligns with comments made by Nintendo CEO Tatsumi Kimishima in April 2017 stating that the company plans to release two to three new smartphone games before the end of the current financial year, in March 2018.

In terms of a possible release window, we can look back to the release of previous mobile games Super Mario Run and Fire Emblem Heroes. Super Mario Run was announced during Apple's September 2016 event where it launched the iPhone 7, although the game wasn't made available for iOS users until three months later, in December 2016. Android users had to wait even longer, until March 2017.

Then, in February 2017, Fire Emblem Heroes was made available for iOS and Android.

Assuming Nintendo sticks to the same release schedule, we could see Legend of Zelda released in February 2018, following the release of Animal Crossing in late 2017.

Of course, we'll update this section with more information as soon as we receive it, so check back soon for the latest Legend of Zelda mobile release date rumours.

Read next: Best upcoming console and PC games of 2017

Will Legend of Zelda be available for iOS or Android?

As with previous Nintendo mobile releases (Fire Emblem Heroes and Super Mario Run), we expect the mobile variant of Legend of Zelda to be available for both iOS and Android. What is unclear at this time is whether iOS users will have a period of exclusivity, as was the case with Super Mario Run in 2016.

What can I expect from Legend of Zelda for smartphones?

While there is no official news from Nintendo about what to expect from Legend of Zelda for smartphones, we can speculate about what it'll be like to play and the kind of pricing model it'll have.

One of the biggest challenges for Nintendo (or, more specifically, Tokyo-based developers DeNA Co) will be making the relatively complex controls of a Zelda game work well on a touchscreen smartphone. Although with that being said, Nintendo has released two touch-controlled Zelda titles for the DS (Phantom Hourglass and Spirit Tracks) so we know it is possible.

What is unclear is whether the upcoming mobile Legend of Zelda will follow the one-off fee approach of Super Mario Run or a free-to-play game with in-app purchases like Fire Emblem Heroes.

While we imagine long-time fans of the series would prefer a paid game with full access to all features, it's worth noting that Nintendo made much more profit on in-app purchases in Fire Emblem Heroes than Super Mario Run despite a smaller number of downloads. The free-to-play Pokémon GO was also a huge hit for Nintendo and the Pokémon Company, so we imagine that's the model the company will lean towards.

Source: Legend of Zelda for smartphones rumours: release date, platforms & pricing

New photo leaks of the OnePlus 5 smartphone seemingly confirm one of its biggest rumors

Apparent photos of the next OnePlus flagship smartphone leaked online on tech retail site PriceJara.com ahead of its summer release.

The photos suggest that the OnePlus 5, the successor to the OnePlus 3t, will have a dual-lens camera, which lines up nicely with rumors. You can check out PriceJara's website to see the full leak.

PriceJara

PriceJara claims the OnePlus 5's dual-lens camera is similar to the iPhone 7 Plus' dual-lens camera, but it's unclear if the OnePlus 5's camera will have the same functions as the iPhone 7 Plus. Not all dual-lens cameras do the same things. For example, the LG G6 uses one of its lenses to offer a wider field of view.

The LG G6's regular lens versus its ultra-wide angle lens. Antonio Villas-Boas/Business Insider

The iPhone 7 Plus' dual-lens camera, on the other hand, offers features like Portrait mode, which creates a professional-looking blurry effect, called "bokeh," around a photo's subject.

Portrait mode on the iPhone 7 Plus, made possible by its dual-lens setup. Courtesy of Melia Robinson

OnePlus already confirmed to The Verge earlier this month that it is releasing the successor to its flagship OnePlus 3T smartphone sometime this summer, and it'll be called the OnePlus 5.

According to the leaked photos from PriceJara, OnePlus will continue to use a premium all-metal design, like it did with the OnePlus 3 and 3t, pictured below.

The OnePlus 3t (left) and OnePlus 3 (right). Antonio Villas-Boas/Business Insider

Other rumors surrounding the OnePlus 5 suggest it'll run on the powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor that the Samsung Galaxy S8 smartphones are currently using. The OnePlus 5 is also said to come with 6GB of RAM compared to the Galaxy S8's 4GB of RAM, which should make the OnePlus 5 a speedy multitasker than can run the Android operating system and apps quickly and smoothly. 

With all that said, it's important to note that nothing about the OnePlus 5, including the design and specs, is concrete until OnePlus announces the details itself. So far, that only includes OnePlus' plans on releasing the phone sometime this summer.

SEE ALSO: The Galaxy S8 versus the Galaxy S7 — is it worth the upgrade? NOW WATCH: Everything we know about the next iPhone — including a completely new look Loading video...
Source: New photo leaks of the OnePlus 5 smartphone seemingly confirm one of its biggest rumors

5 Flagship smartphones from 2016 that are worth buying now

FROM THE WEB This Abandoned Wolf-Dog Always Stayed In A Corner. Now He'..

Scribol

31 of the Greatest Fishing Lures of All Time

Line and Sight

NASA releases "then-and-now" photos of Earth. The chan..

Cyber Breeze

25 of Hollywood's Longest Marriages

Womens Forum

Archaeleogists Make A Discovery That Leaves Them Speechless

History In Orbit

MORE FROM TECHRADAR Google IO 2017: Google Assistant announced for iOS devices

TechRadar

5 reasons why the iPhone 5s is a steal for Rs 15,000

TechRadar

Google Pixel 'Taimen' spotted on benchmarking database

TechRadar

Do we really need 8GB RAM on the OnePlus 5?

TechRadar

Is 'classroom' the next big battleground for tech companies?

TechRadar

Promoted Stories

30 Car Cleaning Hacks Your Local Cleaners Don't Want You T.. Activly

The 20 Worst Dog Foods Puppytoob

6 Things That Hurt a House Flip Bankrate

She Is Considered The Most Beautiful Woman In Her Country Livingly

Bill and Melinda Gates Live In A House That Goes Beyond Hu.. Credit Tips Today

Jenna Jameson's Net Worth Has Left Us Without Words Kiwi Report

{{if user.username || user.id}} {{:user.name}} {{else}} {{:user.name}} {{/if}} {{if user.points}} • {{/if}} {{if user.badge}} {{/if}} {{/for}} {{if user.badge.length > 3}} {{/if}} {{/if}} {{if parentusername}} • {{:parentusername}} {{/if}} {{if user.location}} • {{:user.location}} {{/if}} • Just Now {{if user.username || user.id}} {{/if}}
Source: 5 Flagship smartphones from 2016 that are worth buying now

Gionee S10 Smartphone Could Feature Four Cameras

The flagship Gionee S10 will be the first smartphone to feature two front cameras when it is unveiled in China later this May.

Chinese smartphone company Gionee is gearing up for the launch of their upcoming flagship, the Gionee S10. The handset is set to feature four cameras, which is very rare on a smartphone. The last device which tried this was the Amazon Fire Phone… and we all know how that turned out.

If you're hoping for a four sensor rear camera, you're out of luck. The Gionee S10 will feature two sensors on each side. This includes a dual-sensor front camera, which is a world first. We're unaware of any handset which has done this thus far. This will allow selfie takers to manually adjust aperture for maximum bokeh. This could be a big feature for users who want those arty profile pics where the background is washed out.

Other features expected on the Gionee S10 include a 1080p IPS screen, Octa core processor, 4GB RAM and Android 7.0 Nougat. The design looks to be very similar to Apple iPhone handsets, with a unibody build that curves around the edges. The front appears to be a glass, with a fingerprint sensor positioned below the screen. It's also expected to ship with a 3D Touch Display, which will allow navigation via different levels of pressure.

The smartphone is due to be announced on May 26th at the Shanghai Oriental Sports Center.

Via Anzhuo

Thomas Wellburn Tech, mobile and gaming enthusiast. Has a passion for Techno and music production. Will watch cat videos for several hours at a time. Latest posts by Thomas Wellburn (see all) Samsung Pay is Now Available: How Does it Compare? HTC U11 Flagship is World's First 'Squeezable' Phone Lenovo's New Motorola Smartphone Range is Utterly Confusing Nintendo's Legend of Zelda is Coming to Smartphones Sky Mobile Latest Company to Ditch EU Roaming Charges NHS Cyber Attack: What's Actually Happened? The European Samsung Galaxy S8 Can't Run Dolphin Brits Are Still Not Taking Privacy Seriously Weekly Smartphone Recycling Deals: May 11th 2017 Nokia 3310 Will be Available in UK This Month

Home » Latest » Gionee S10 Smartphone Could Feature Four Cameras

Source: Gionee S10 Smartphone Could Feature Four Cameras