Pimp your smartphone with this new wallpaper app

Fondo is a new app on the market offering 4K wallpapers for your Android smartphone. Sure, there are a number of them already available, but what makes Fondo different is that all of its wallpapers are made in-house by the company's team of designers.

There are a number of them to choose from, which you can sort by categories including abstract, typography, landscape, pattern, and minimal, just to name a few. Most are free, but there are also a few premium collections on offer with each containing between 20 and 30 wallpapers that you can unlock for a few bucks — Fondo Pro.

See also:

  10 best live wallpaper apps for Android

Live wallpapers aren't quite the draw that they used to be. Once fancied as "one of the features Apple products don't have", it's since fallen into obscurity a bit. That isn't to say that live …

I have downloaded the app and took a closer look at what it has to offer, and I must say I like what I see. A lot of the wallpapers are gorgeous and unique, while the app is nicely designed and simple to use. You can browse the most popular options available as well as create a list of your favorite wallpapers, so you'll have all of them in one place — check out a few of the ones I like below.

However, the app does contain ads, but I guess that's just the price you have to pay to get your hands on some cool wallpapers. Although you can get rid of them by opting for the already mentioned Fondo Pro, which also gets you access to premium collections.

If you want to pimp your smartphone with a new wallpaper, you should consider giving the Fondo app a try. You can get it on the Play Store via the button below.

Source: Pimp your smartphone with this new wallpaper app

Pixel 2 - FIVE things Google must fix on its new smartphone

Google Pixel 2, Pixel 2 XL - Leaked photos, concept images, and renders Wed, July 5, 2017 Google is hard at work on the sequel to its first in-house flagship smartphone – the Pixel.

ANDROID POLICE

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High-resolution render of the Google Pixel 2 XL, published by AndroidPolice

In just a few days time Google will lift the lid on its next generation Pixel 2 and Pixel XL 2.

These new devices will be revealed to the world at a major event next Wednesday, October 4, and they look set to feature a host of improvements over their predecessors.

Google's original Pixel was well received by fans but rival manufactures have raised the bar considerably, with many now producing devices with faster processors, better screens and improved cameras.

The Pixel 2 and its larger XL sibling are likely to see some boosts to performance and specs but here's five things we think they need if they have any chance of beating the current crop of phones from Apple, Samsung and LG.

GOOGLE

Ahead of the Google Pixel 2 release date here's five things it needs to be a successMAKE IT WATERPROOF

Almost every flagship phone that has launched over the past year feature water resistant designs.

The latest iPhone, Galaxy S8/Note 8 and Xperia XZ1 all include a casing that can cope with getting wet and even some mid-range devices, such as Samsung's Galaxy A5, offer this feature.

Google's original Pixel won't cope well if it gets a soaking and this is something Google desperately needs to fix.

Water damage is one of the most common ways people break their smartphones so included some form of resistance is now vital in any flagship.

ADD WIRELESS CHARGING

Google's current Pixel does support fast charging which means users can get seven hours of usage after just 15 minutes attached to a plug.

Fast charging is a very popular feature but we'd like to see Google go one step further and include wireless charging.

Samsung has had this feature on its phones for a while and with Apple now including wireless charging on its new iPhone 8 and iPhone X it's likely more bars, restaurants and shops will make this hassle-free technology available.

To make the Pixel charge in this way, Google would need to ditch the aluminium rear case as this isn't compatible with wireless charging.

A glass design would be need to be incorporated and we'll have to wait until Wednesday to see if Google has decided this charging technology is worth including.

APPLE

Apple's iPhone 8 now features wireless chargingGIVE USERS AN EDGE-TO-EDGE SCREEN AND MORE DESIGN CHOICES

The Pixel was only launched last year but it is already looking very dated.

LG, Samsung and Apple have all revealed new devices this year that feature edge-to-edge screens - which make phones with big bezels look like they are stuck firmly in the past.

Going edge-to-edge not only improves the viewing experience but also means you get a much bigger display in a device that's physically smaller.

Another thing that would improve the Pixel's desirability is more colour options.

The Pixel is currently only availble in Black or White which some may think is a liitle boring.

HTC, who is rumoured to be making one of the Pixel2 devices, has just launched its new U11 which features numerous colours including a stunning red and very shiny blue.

Let's hope some of that colour rubs off on the Pixel.

GOOGLE

The Pixel need to follow its rivals by ditching the bezels

HTC

More colours like those found on HTC's U11 would be welcomedIT NEEDS A DUAL-LENS CAMERA

Google's camera won a host of awards and receivced one of the highest scores ever from the DxOMark test.

However, the Pixel didn't include a dual-lens camera - something most of its rivals, including the much cheaper OnePlus 5, now have.

Including a double camera on the rear of the phone allows users to zoom and add DSLR-style effects to images.

Samsung's latest Galaxy Note 8 even lets owners change the amount of blur in background after the picture is taken.

It's clever stuff and means you can now take incredible professional looking images using the device in your pocket.

Google has created some clever software which mimics what a dual-lens camera can do, but it's not as good as having the real thing.

GOOGLE

A dual-lens camera would help improve image quality on the Pixel 2KEEP THE HEADPHONE PORT

Apple did it, HTC have done it and now rumours are rife that Google is riding its new smartphone of the headphone port.

Although many haven't had an issue with this socket disappearing from their phones it can still be hugely irritating, especially if you want to charge the phone and listen to music at the same time.

There's also the problem for anyone who has just treated themselves to a new pair of wired headphones as they won't connect without using an adaptor.

With wireless headphones becoming more popular we can understand why manufactures are ditching this port as it frees up space inside for other technology.

But we still think giving consumers access to the standard headphone socket is something Google Pixel fans would no doubt appreciate.

Related articles
Source: Pixel 2 - FIVE things Google must fix on its new smartphone

Huawei Mate 10 is not a smartphone, new teaser says

Now that we're getting ever closer to the October 16 event during which Huawei will make the Mate 10 series official, the Chinese company has started ramping up the teasers for its next flagship device.

In a new short video posted on Twitter, Huawei brazenly claims that the Mate 10 "is not a smartphone" - that's a direct quote as you can see. What is it then, you wonder? Well, the company refers to it as "an intelligent machine".

As you may have gathered, AI seems to be the big focus in Huawei's marketing campaign for the Mate 10, because it's going to be powered by the company's Kirin 970 chipset which features a dedicated neural processing unit for on-device AI capabilities.

Implying that the phone is alive, though, might be pushing things just a tad further than necessary - especially considering where we're currently at when it comes to the smartness level of AI.

Via

Source: Huawei Mate 10 is not a smartphone, new teaser says

Ignore the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S9 - This is the Samsung smartphone fans will want to see

Samsung Galaxy S9 - Images reveal how Samsung's next smartphone could look Fri, September 22, 2017

DBS

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Samsung Galaxy S9 concept images

Samsung is currently riding high as its Galaxy S8 and Galaxy Note 8 continue to perform well against the competition.

The S8 has already won one award for the best smartphone of the year and it looks set to pick up more gongs in rush of winter award ceremonies.

Samsung's Note 8 is also one of the biggest phones of 2017 with our recent review saying it's "one of the best phones Samsung has ever created."

But with 2017 coming to an end all eyes will be on what the Korean tech giant has planned for next year.

Rumours are already beginning to flow around the web about what might be included on the Galaxy S9 and some renders have appeared showing how this device might look.

SAMSUNG

Samsung could launch its Galaxy X in 2018

Although little is known about the S9 many will be hoping Samsung finally includes a dual-lens camera on its flagship device along with the return of the fingerprint scanner on the front of the device.

Samsung has come under huge criticism for its current fingerprint placement and it's thought they are working on technology which will allow this vital sensor to be placed under the display.

The Galaxy S9 will clearly be another exciting device from Samsung but it may not the phone that grabs all of the headlines.

It's thought that a new device called the Galaxy X could just a few months away from being launched and it will include a very unique feature.

This smartphone will be foldable, giving fans the chance to use a much bigger screen in a device that can still fit in a pocket.

Little is know about the Galaxy X but Samsung's president of mobile, Koh Dong-jin, recently revealed that 'Folding Phone' is real

SAMSUNG

The Galaxy X could be the world's first foldable phone

Speaking to Bloomberg the smartphone boss said: "For sure we will launch the product.

"As the head of the business, I can say our current goal is next year,

"When we can overcome some problems for sure, we will launch the product."

Samsung has been pushing the boundaries of design in recent years with the firm being one of the first to include wireless charging and edge-to-edge displays.

If they can launch a foldable device it could be the smartphone everyone is talking about.

Related articles
Source: Ignore the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S9 - This is the Samsung smartphone fans will want to see

A new leak makes Google's larger Pixel 2 XL smartphone sound a lot like the Samsung Galaxy Note 8

The Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL's specs have been leaked. DroidLife

Google is set to announce its new Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL smartphones on October 4, but the alleged specs for both phones leaked on Thursday by a source reporting to Android Authority.

Most of the leaked information in Android Authority's report has already been leaked or rumored, but there are a few details we hadn't seen before. 

For one, the larger Pixel 2 XL will have a curved display that could be similar to the Samsung Galaxy S8 and Note 8 phones.

The phone is also said to have narrow bezels with a screen-to-body ratio between 80-85%, which is also similar to the Galaxy phones. The Pixel 2 XL's display could also feature a wide color gamut for richer colors.

The smaller Pixel 2, on the other hand, is said to have a similar design as the original Pixel, which means it won't have a curved display with narrow bezels, nor will it have a wide color gamut.

Apart from those new details, Android Authority's report seemingly confirms many of the existing rumors, including:

A quad-HD (QHD) 1440p display on the Pixel 2 XL

A full-HD (FHD) 1080p display on the Pixel 2

Both will run on the powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor

Both will have water resistance up to IP67, similar to the iPhone 8

No 3.5mm headphone jacks

Dual speakers on both phones

Both will feature an "active edge" that lets you squeeze the devices to pull up certain apps

Both phones will come with 64GB and 128GB storage options

The design for both phones, at least their backs, as well as their color options and price tags was also leaked not too long ago.

As likely as it is that these leaks and rumors are accurate, nothing is truly certain until Google itself announces its new Pixel 2 smartphones during its October 4 event.

Get the latest Google stock price here.

SEE ALSO: Everything we know about Google's upcoming smartphone, the Pixel 2 NOW WATCH: Everything we know about Google's upcoming smartphone, the Pixel 2
Source: A new leak makes Google's larger Pixel 2 XL smartphone sound a lot like the Samsung Galaxy Note 8

Confirmed: Sony’s next gen phones to feature an all-new design

Sony's smartphones have looked very much alike for several years now, underscored by the company's OmniBalance design principles. While many other manufacturers have tried to re-invent their phones every 24-months or so (at least), Sony has stuck with the same basic aesthetic.

The thing is, that hasn't really helped it in terms of unit sales, as its mobile business has also for several years been only a minor contributor to its bottom line. And, I can attest at least anecdotally, that Sony's recent phones haven't been talked about as excitedly as those from other major Android OEMs.

According to news from The Indian Express (via Phone Arena), however, the company might finally be seeking a different approach.

Sony India's managing director Kenichiro Hibi, told The Indian Express, "We have deployed an OmniBalance design as long as the X series continues to be available in the market. Also, we are planning to launch [a] new generation of products and you can expect a complete new design from the devices."

Sony has previously been rumored to be ditching OmniBalance with new devices coming at MWC in 2018, and it's a notion that would make sense if Sony wants to get a greater grip on smartphone market share. Though to be honest, that doesn't even seem to be the company's aim.

One possibility for Sony's new approach would be to go down the bezel-less route. Apple, Samsung, LG, and Xiaomi have all delivered products to feature such displays, and Huawei has one on the way. Add to that a dual-camera setup and an AI assistant and suddenly Sony would be looking like a contemporary smartphone manufacturer again.

What direction do you think Sony should head in with its next smartphones? Give me your thoughts in the comments.

Source: Confirmed: Sony's next gen phones to feature an all-new design

Essential has probably sold around 5,000 Essential Phones since its release

More than a month after its initial release, the Essential Phone has only sold 5,000 units. That's not good.

Just like every year, 2017 has brought the release of a lot of new phones — most of them very good. You've got your heavy-hitters like the Galaxy Note 8 and LG V30, but then there's the market oddity that is the Essential Phone. The very first product from Andy Rubin's new startup was officially launched on August 17, and since then, it's being reported that a mere 5,000 units of the Essential Phone have been sold.

In the smartphone world, 5,000 units sold in more than a month's time is nothing. BayStreet Research came up with this number by tracking shipments of the Essential Phone across the United States, and when BayStreet asked Essential for a comment on their findings, they didn't receive any sort of response.

To put things into perspective, Samsung's Galaxy Note 8 saw 650,000 preorders in South Korea in just five days. Compared to the Essential Phone's reported 5,000 units for more than a month, that's not a great start at all.

So, what's the cause for the Essential Phone's weak sales? Although we can't say with absolute certainty because every person has different buying habits, we can safely narrow it down to a handful of possibilities.

For starters, if you want to buy the Essential Phone in the United States, the only carrier you can get it from is Sprint. If that isn't your carrier of choice, you'll need to pay the full $699 asking price upfront. Carrier exclusivity is never helpful for increasing sales numbers as much as possible, and that point is further reinforced when you limit your phone to the least popular major carrier in the country.

If you want to sell a lot of phones, don't limit yourself to the country's weakest carrier

Along with its limited availability, the Essential Phone really isn't a complete product. Between unfinished software and numerous camera issues, the phone doesn't perfectly justify its $700 asking price. The premium materials used for its construction are something to behold, but when you're advertising a phone as having all of the "essentials" that everybody needs and don't include a headphone jack, you're looking at a tough sell.

Andy Rubin has reiterated numerous times that the Essential Phone is just the beginning for a host of other products that will make up Essential's ecosystem, and while that may be true, 5,000 units sold in a month's time isn't the best way to kick things off.

How much longer do we wait for Essential to figure it out?

Source: Essential has probably sold around 5,000 Essential Phones since its release

The entrepreneur who made a crazy $16,000 smartphone now wants to build a $999 blockchain phone

Moshe Hogeg is the cofounder and CEO of Sirin Labs. Amir Cohen/Reuters

Sirin Labs, the company behind the $16,000 (£12,000) luxury Solarin phone, has announced that it intends to raise around $100 million (£74 million) to fund the development of a smartphone and a PC that will run on the blockchain.

The startup said on Tuesday that the $999 (£742) smartphone and the $799 (£593) PC will sit under a new device range called "Finney" and that they will be "secure open source consumer electronics for the blockchain era."

The founder and CEO of Sirin Labs is serial entrepreneur Moshe Hogeg — an eccentric Israeli who convinced Leondardo DiCaprio and Tom Hardy to attend the launch of his first phone. In addition to Sirin Labs, Hogeg is also the founder of messaging app Yo!, photo-sharing startup Mobli, and venture capital firm Singulariteam, which has raised around $202 million (£150 million).

Hogeg told Business Insider ahead of the Finney announcement that the yet-to-be-built devices will be able to share data, battery power, and processing power with other Finney devices (sometimes a cable will be necessary).

But there's one condition: these resources can only be offered in exchange for the company's SRN cryptocurrency. "You share the value [of your resources] and get value in exchange," said Hogeg.Sirin Labs

Sirin Labs needs to raise tens of millions of dollars to fund Finney's development. Hogeg plans to do this by issuing a new cryptocurrency and selling some of it to investors in exchange for legal tender or other cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin. "We need around $50 million (£37 million) to build the phone," Hogeg said. "If we get $75 million (£56 million) we can build the computer."

Assuming the money is raised for Finney, then the phone will take around nine months to develop, while the PC will take six months, Hogeg said.

The Finney devices will run on Sirin Labs' Shield OS, which would be designed to support a number of blockchain applications. The company writes on its website that Shield OS would be able to support a crypto wallet, encrypted communications, and a P2P resource sharing ecosystem for payment and apps.

Hogeg is exceptionally bullish when it comes to the blockchain to the extent that he told Business Insider on August 31 that he wants to invest in every Israeli blockchain startup there is. "I actually think it's underhyped," said Hogeg, who plans to invest anything from a few thousand dollars to a few million in local blockchain startups.

Sirin Labs

Sirin Labs is also willing to work with other phone manufacturers to promote the adoption of Finney, in the same way that Google has done with Android. The company will need another $25 million (£18 million) to fund the development of Shield OS for OEMS.

On the topic of Sirin's premium Solarin phone, Hogeg said: "The company has pivoted from luxury phones to mass market electronics. We released some of the man power we didn't need and hired new ones that are focused on blockchain.

"The company is going in a new direction. We still sell the line but we're not planning to keep developing the line. We're not going to invest more money."

NOW WATCH: Apple's original logo looks nothing like it does today — here's how it's changed
Source: The entrepreneur who made a crazy $16,000 smartphone now wants to build a $999 blockchain phone

Razer developing gaming smartphone for release by the end of year

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Razer has announced it will be bringing a dedicated gaming smartphone to the market by 2018.

Appearing on CNBC's Managing Asia, CEO and co-founder Min-Liang Tan outlined the company's plans for growing in China. Localisation, software, and the virtual credit system zGold all have a role to play, but Tan placed particular emphasis on the burgeoning mobile market.

"Mobile gaming is getting massive everywhere - US, Europe, China - and we hope to have products to serve the mobile gamer everywhere in the world," he said.

"One of the most hotly rumored things about Razer is that we're coming up with a mobile device. And I can say that we are coming up with a mobile device specifically geared toward gamers and entertainment.

"We're hoping to have it come... by the end of the year, so that's something we're working on," said Tan.

The news follows on from Razer's recent filing to go public on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Tan didn't give an exact figure of how much the firm was hoping to raise with an IPO next month, but reports have suggested it could be anywhere between $3 billion and $5 billion.

He said: "We would love to have that war chest to allow us to invest in R&D. We are known to have disrupted many industries."

Razer's move into the mobile market has been a long time coming since it bought out Ouya in July 2015. While the acquisition ignored hardware, Razer swallowed up the employees, software assets, online store, branding, and catalogue of around 1,500 games.

Additionally Razer acquired Nextbit, the team behind the cloud powered Robin Android smartphone, in January of this year.

Tan said: "The way that we do things is that we want to find the best talent and bring them in. We want to learn how make products that we don't necessarily have the engineering talent for at the point in time. So Nextbit was our move in terms of getting great talent. These were some of the founding team members of Android at Google, because we wanted to get a lot more engineering talent from a mobile gaming perspective.

"Ouya was the same thing. We wanted to get from a game store perspective to understand, what else can we do for mobile gaming? And that's what we want to do, bring the best together, look at new categories or industries that we can disrupt."

Source: Razer developing gaming smartphone for release by the end of year

7 NYC Trips That Cost Less Than a New Smartphone

Ditch the new smartphone and choose experiences and memories.

The competition for our attention is fierce; we pay upwards of rent-level money for any new tech toy that makes our social posts up better and selfies clearer.  Shouldn't life be more about making memories? How about taking a trip instead?

Flights.com can get you on a flight to NYC for less than $200, so step out of those endless lines for the newest tech and check out these seven NYC packages that cost $1,000 or less.

A Night at The Opera

Always wanted to see an opera at The MET? Lincoln Center offers opera tickets starting at $25.00, so a sophisticated night out has never been more accessible. If you're more of a jazzhead, Jazz at Lincoln Center Dizzy's Club Coca Cola is an upscale, intimate jazz club serving Southern-accented fare and themed cocktails.

Take a stroll down Fifth Avenue to shop the iconic fashions of Valentino, Prada, and Zegna. Add a stay at the Nylo Hotel in the Upper West Side or Row NYC in Times Square with for an unforgettable getaway.

A Family Trip to Broadway

Take the family to the Great White Way for the biggest family-friendly shows this season. Charlie and The Chocolate Factory, Aladdin and The Lion King are in full swing and Frozen is opening Feb. 2018. Tickets start at $89 so The whole family can see more than one show and still stay on budget.

Girl's Trip: NYC Edition

Plan a getaway with the girls that's packed with NYC exclusives. Is your SHE-tribe the kind that wants a cocktail and a manicure at the same time? Beauty Bar delivers the combo for just $10; or stop by Salon Ziba for affordable blowouts that will leave you runway ready for a night on the town.

Shop the latest trends in food, retail and design at Canal Street Market, find the latest foodie items at Chelsea Market and don't miss Rigby & Peller for some ultra-sexy and luxurious British lingerie.

Paint the town red with your girls at some of the hottest lounges in the city. Visit Mr. Purple, a rooftop bar and restaurant that boasts spectacular views of downtown from its 15th floor perch in Hotel Indigo on the Lower East Side. The Press Lounge, situated atop of the Ink48 Hotel, also offers some of Manhattan's most beautiful panoramic views.

Finish off a memorable weekend with a sunset sail on the Classic Harbor Line and enjoy Iron Chef Morimoto's sushi and sake pairing package. The menu includes a sampling of sushi—nine sushi pieces and one roll—served in two platings, paired with four sake flights all while sailing on the New York Harbor.

Now if you feel like an extra splurge add on a luxurious hotel stay at the Viceroy or SoHo Grand to make this girl's trip one to remember.

NYC 101: New York City's Greatest Hits

These are the NYC legendary landmarks that every visitor and newly minted New Yorker needs to see. Go to the "Top of the Rock," aka the Rockefeller Center, and enjoy unobstructed views on the 67th and 69th floors and don't forget to marvel the view from the 70th floor open-air roof deck. The 70th floor has no glass or metal enclosures, making it perfect for photos. Tickets start at $37.50.

Visit the iconic Empire State Building for breathtaking, 360-degree views of New York from the 86th and 102nd-floor observatories; tickets start at $54. Next up, explore the One World Trade Center building including the one world observatory where visitors can ride to the 100th floor in 60 seconds to take in the panoramic views and learn about the 500 years of New York history.

Get outside for some fresh air on The High Line, this free and public park built on a historic freight rail line elevated above the streets on the West Side is full of eclectic shops and dining, Walk along the Brooklyn Bridge for iconic views of the east river and unforgettable sunsets, and visit Central Park for fun attractions and activities that happen year round.

The Sports Package

Grab the guys and kick back on a sports fandom getaway. Take a short transit from Manhattan to Jersey to watch a game and explore the Metlife Stadium—learn some history about the Giants and the Jets or visit Yankees Stadium in the Bronx with tours starting at $20.00. Getting hungry? Stop into the New York Yankees Steakhouse at Yankee stadium and in Midtown for great steaks and cocktails surrounded by historic Yankees memorabilia.

Grab your favorite jersey and head to Foley's NY Pub & Restaurant, the premier baseball bar in New York with 2,500 autographed balls, hundreds of bobbleheads, game-worn jerseys, stadium seats and other artifacts. Keep the party going at Tír Na Nóg, a Celtic-inspired bar and restaurant with a giant projection screen and 16 HD television screens perfect for enjoying all the sports action.

Finish strong by grabbing a couple Davidoff cigars and heading to mash-up bar Barcade, a combination bar and arcade with a focus on classic video games and American craft beer for some nostalgic fun—Street Fighter anyone?  

Eat Your Way Through NYC

For gourmands looking to delve into American gastronomy, visit this diverse epicenter and binge on Michelin-starred restaurants including Marea, La Sirena and Le Bernadin, and don't miss James Beard award winner for best restaurant Le Coucou, for an old-world French menu.

Take a casual tour with Foods of New York and get an insider look at over 40 of NYC's restaurants and specialty food shops. Turnstile Food Tours offers a taste of the streets of Manhattan on a two-hour walking tour that explores the past and present of New York's street food industry and the challenges of running these thriving but demanding small businesses. Each tour includes generous tastings from some of the best food carts and trucks in New York City.

Join the Culture Club

Feed your mind and enjoy exclusive exhibits and installations at many of NYC best museums for less than smartphone upgrade. Visit the internationally renowned Guggenheim, which is at once a vital cultural center, an educational institution, and the heart of an international network of museums with general admission tickets starting at $25.

Try one of "Oprah's Favorite Things" when you go on a tour with Shady Ladies Tour at MoMA.  This fascinating experience is focused on women's art history. Learn about history's scandalous, feisty courtesans, royal mistresses, scandalous women of every sort; the walls of the Metropolitan Museum are lined with them, from ancient Greek hetaerae to Sargent's Madame X.

Want to see a life-size T-rex? Head over to American Museum of Natural History and go on a memorable anthropological journey. Learn about the evolution of animal life, the formation of planets and stars, and so much more. General admission starts at $23.

This article was written in collaboration with Flights.com as a way to encourage you to #UnboxtheWorld instead of that new tech gadget.

Source: 7 NYC Trips That Cost Less Than a New Smartphone

Nokia set to release two more smartphones before the year is out

Following the leak of the Nokia 2 entry-level smartphone last week, fresh rumours have surfaced online, via PhoneArena, to suggest it won't be the last Nokia handset to be released in 2017.

Two unnamed smartphones made by HMD Global, the manufacturer of Nokia phones, have been certified in China. They go by the model names TA-1041 and TA-1042.

It's unlikely either of them are a Chinese variant of the Nokia 2, as both have a Quick Charge feature, something reserved for more premium devices and currently only features on the Nokia 8 flagship.

It could therefore mean that HMD Global will release another flagship phone, perhaps the Nokia 9, or a premium mid-range phone that could be called the Nokia 7. Another theory is that one of the unnamed devices will be a Chinese variant of the Nokia 8.

Roland Quandt, a reputable leaker, has also added weight to the theory by saying there will "definitely be another Nokia smartphone coming soon".

Nokia hasn't confirmed any media events to unveil any phones, but the Nokia 2 leaked renders show a date of 5 October, so we may not have long to wait for any official news.

Source: Nokia set to release two more smartphones before the year is out

Tampering IMEI of mobile phones to attract jail term up to 3 years: Government

Image for representational purpose only. (File photo)

NEW DELHI: The government has made tampering of IMEI number -- a unique 15-digit serial number of mobile devices -- a punishable offence that can attract a jail term of up to 3 years as it seeks to curb incidence of mobile theft.

The move will help curb issues pertaining to fake IMEI numbers and also ease tracking of lost mobile phones.     

"It shall be unlawful, if a person, except the manufacturer –- intentionally removes, obliterates, changes, or alters unique Mobile Device Equipment Identification Number," the Department of Telecom said in a notification dated August 25.   

The new rules called "the prevention of tampering of the Mobile Device Equipment Identification Number, Rules, 2017" bar a person from knowingly using a mobile device whose IMEI number has been changed unlawfully or software that can change or tamper the unique number.     

IMEI is a unique ID of a mobile handset. Whenever a user makes a call, the call record shows phone number of the caller and IMEI number of the handset from which the call has been made. The mobile number in a handset may be changed by changing SIM but IMEI number can be changed by a technical person using special equipment.     

The unique number of mobile devices is allocated by global industry body GSMA and bodies authorised by it. When a mobile phone is lost, people are required to mention the IMEI number of the handset for tracking.     

The DoT had started consultation in June to frame strict laws around tampering of IMEI numbers which makes it difficult for police or any other security agency in tracking mobile phones. The DoT barred telecom operators in 2009 from providing service to any mobile phone with fake IMEI number but the operators face problem in identifying handsets with duplicate IMEI number.     

In one of the tracking cases of mobile phone, the Telecom Enforcement Resource and Monitoring (TERM) cell of the DoT found that there were around 18,000 handsets using same IMEI number.     

The rules have been framed in combination of section 7 and section 25 of the Indian Telegraph Act.  The section 7 gives DoT power to make rules for conduct of telecom or telegraph services and section 25 deals with damaging of telegraph line, machines and related equipment with provision of punishments of up to 3 years of imprisonment or fine or both.     

Besides, the Department of Telecom is putting in place a new system that will block all services on stolen or lost mobile phones on any network even if the SIM card is removed or IMEI number of the handset is changed. 

Source: Tampering IMEI of mobile phones to attract jail term up to 3 years: Government

Foldable Samsung Galaxy smartphone receives certification in South Korea; expected to release in 2019

Home > News > Foldable Samsung Galaxy smartphone receives certification in South Korea; expected to release in 2019 Here's yet another proof of Samsung Foldable Galaxy smartphone being real.

Samsung's foldable smartphone has been talked about for some time now. According to a new report, a Samsung phone with the model number SM-G888N0 has received its certification from the National Radio Research Agency (NRRA) in South Korea. However, it is rumored that the smartphone will be called the Samsung Galaxy X aka the foldable smartphone post its launch.

It has been widely rumored that Samsung has been working on the Galaxy X1 and Galaxy X1 Plus foldable smartphones. Considering the smartphones have been certified for use by NRRA, we can expect them to launch anytime soon. According to a report in PocketNow the phone will only arrive in 2019. The device is expected to enter the prototyping phase in "this quarter". This is contradictory to recent reports where Koh Dong-jin, president of the mobile business at Samsung Electronics, said that the company is setting its eyes on 2018 to release a smartphone with a bendable display. He further added that the company aims to launch a foldable smartphone next year under its 'Galaxy Note' brand.

Apart from that, the smartphone has received Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi Alliance certification. From what we know from the renders leaked so far, the Galaxy X is expected to come with "flexible" or "secondary" display. According to the patent, the secondary display turns on when the smartphone is folded. The phone will have a bendable section right in the middle, allowing users to hold the device like a flip phone. The smartphone is said to feature a physical home button up front. ALSO READ: Samsung's foldable Galaxy X smartphone receives Bluetooth certification

The earliest rumors suggested that the phone would come with Bluetooth 5.0 and Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow on Wi-Fi Alliance and Bluetooth SIG. However, we suggest you take the listing with a pinch of salt, considering that Samsung might rethink its decision of including an outdated OS  and specifications in its first foldable smartphone. The smartphone will be launched in two variants; Galaxy X and Galaxy X1 under the codename Project Valley.

Published: September 24, 2017 2:17 PM IST | Updated: September 24, 2017 2:17 PM IST
Source: Foldable Samsung Galaxy smartphone receives certification in South Korea; expected to release in 2019

MageNative Launches New Smartphone app

September 23, 2017 -- !-- AddToAny BEGIN -->

with a 30-day free trial

With a vision of empowering offline retail and easing their transition from eCommerce to mCommerce, MageNative recently launched a brand new product for Shopify Stores, who are ready to take the next step in retail. Mage Natives newly launched MageNative Shopify Mobile App will allow them to create native mobile applications for Android and iOS smartphones. The app is now available for all Shopify store owners.

Designed by MageNatives team of highly experienced developers, the app has been designed to help Shopify Store owners get a brand new, customized application developed for their stores, at minimal costs. MageNative understands that the high costs of developing a native app is the main factor why so many Shopify storeowners do not consider expanding to m-Commerce; therefore hold back their growth potential. Staying true to their vision MageNative set out to develop a state-of-the-art, customized, yet inexpensive mobile solution. The MageNative Shopify Mobile App will cost 40 per month for both Android and iOS applications.

Customers can also purchase apps for single platforms at $20 apiece, and for those who are apprehensive about the offer, MageNative has announced that everyone can create and use an app for their Shopify Store, free of cost for a period of 30 days. Great news for all Shopify storeowners who have purchased one of CedCommerces other Shopify extensions; they will get the app absolutely free of cost for up to 6 months.

The apps will have an attractive and user-friendly layout, combined with complete Synchronization with the clients Shopify Store. The app will also offer multilingual and RTL support. Push Notifications alerts. Buyers will be able to login in the shopping app by using their Facebook or Google accounts and a voice Search feature.

With this app, MageNatives is allowing Shopify storeowners to capture a rapidly growing market. According to recent reports m-commerce is quickly taking over eCommerce because statistics show that customers are now spending far more time on mobile applications than they are on their desktops..

About MageNative:

MageNative offers a variety of mobile solutions and has a vast, global client base. Established just two years ago, the company has been heavily involved with customized m-Commerce developments. The company has a full-fledged research division, which constantly strives to create state-of-the-art solutions for eCommerce store owners, looking to expand into mobile commerce.

For more information, please visit: http://magenative.cedcommerce.com/

Media ContactCompany Name: MageNativeContact Person: Karshit BhargavaEmail: [email protected]Phone: 8888820953Country: United StatesWebsite: http://magenative.cedcommerce.com/

Source: www.abnewswire.com

Related Keywords:Business, Shopping & Deal, Technology,

Source:Copyright (c) AB Digital, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Source: MageNative Launches New Smartphone app

Apple is about to release new operating system for iPhones

IPhone owners are getting an upgrade on Tuesday — even if they are not planning on buying an iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus or iPhone X.

Every Apple smartphone will become more useful because the tech titan will begin rolling out its latest version of its mobile operating system.

Called iOS 11, the operating system will update several iPhone features, including ones you use regularly. Here are seven key updates included with iOS 11, which should be available starting at around 1 p.m. ET.

New emojis: iOS 11 will see the expansion of Apple's already enormous roster of emojis. Your texts will be more customizable than ever with the addition of Bearded Man, Woman with Headscarf, Exploding Head smiley and Throwing Up smiley, among many others.

A redesigned, customizable Control Center: Gone is the current multi-windowed Control Center that allows you quick access to features like the camera, flashlight and airplane mode. In iOS 11, the Control Center is customizable so that you can add the features you use most, such as Voice Memos, Alarms and Wallet.

Files: For the first time, Apple's mobile devices are getting their own file-sorting program. The aptly-named Files will let you see all the documents and files you have stored in the Cloud that are synced across all your devices. It will also be able to files you keep in third-party apps like Google drive and DropBox.

Siri gets smarter: Apple's virtual assistant now has a new, more natural-sounding voice. You can also ask it to translate your words to Spanish, French, German, Chinese and Italian.

Storage optimization: Gone will be the days where your iPhone's storage is clogged with apps and data you never use. The new storage tool in iOS 11's settings will "offload" apps you never use off of your phone, and will also ask if you'd like to store old iMessage conversations in the Cloud.

Easier WiFi: Getting on the WiFi at a friend's house is simpler than ever before. Rather than needing to dig up a password, you can now hold your phone up next to theirs, and they will receive a notification asking them if they want to allow you onto the network.

One-handed typing: Sending a text while carrying your morning coffee will soon be easier than ever. IOS 11 now offers a specialized keyboard designed to be used with only one hand. When you select it under your keyboard settings, it will shift all the keys to the left or right side so that they can all be easily accessed with a single thumb.

Source: Apple is about to release new operating system for iPhones

Original Anime VAs to Return in New "Yu Yu Hakusho" Smartphone Game

Japanese social game company KLab (Love Live! School Idol Festival) has co-produced a new smartphone game based on Yoshihiro Togashi's action manga series in the early mid-'90s, Yu Yu Hakusho, with AXEL GameStudio (Dia Horizon), and announced on September 21 that its official title is "Yu Yu Hakusho 100% Maji Battle." 

It is also confirmed that the original four main voice cast of the TV anime adaptation aired in Japan in 1992-1994 will reprise their roles. The confirmed four are: Nozomu Sasaki (50/as Yusuke Urameshi), Megumi Ogata (52/as Kurama), Nobuyuki Hiyama (50/as Hiei), and Shigeru Chiba (63/as Kazuma Kuwabara). The TV anime celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, and the anime's production company Pierrot has launched a special site for the anniversary project, introducing various plans (events, collaboration goods, etc.)   

In "Yu Yu Hakusho 100% Maji Battle," the main characters, such as Yusuke, Kuwabara, Kurama, and

Hiei, appear as SD characters and show highly intensive battles with exhilarating feeling and overflowing

presence. Players can form their own dream team, including a five-member team which has been desired

by the fans, and can compete with other players' teams. The release date of the battle RPG has not yet

been decided.

Key Visual

Title logo

Shigeru Chiba, Nozomu Sasaki, Nobuyuki Hiyama, Megumi Ogata

TV anime 25th anniversary visual

Source: KLab press release

©Yoshihiro Togashi 1990-1994

©Pierrot/Shueisha

©KLabGames/AXEL GameStudio Inc.

Source: Original Anime VAs to Return in New "Yu Yu Hakusho" Smartphone Game

Alphabet’s $1B Smartphone Buy: Street Happy It’s Not $12B Like Motorola

Shares of Alphabet (GOOGL) are down $1.32 at $946.22, in pre-market trading, after the company this morning announced a deal with Taiwan's HTC (2498TW) in which it will pay HTC $1.1 billion to take on about 2,000 HTC employees, many of whom work on the "Pixel" smartphone, as Google employees.

This deal follows the $12.1 billion purchase by Google in May of 2012 of Motorola Mobility, and the subsequent divestiture of that business to Lenovo Group Holdings (0992HK) in 2014 for just a fraction of that price, $2.9 billion.

If anything, there may be some relief today that this is smaller than that 2012 deal.

Google will also take a non-exclusive license to HTC's intellectual property, the two companies said. HTC said it will continue to develop "premium" smartphones of its own, and it will also continue to develop its "Vive" virtual reality products.

HTC shares, down 13% this year, were unchanged in Taipei trading, at 69.30 in New Taiwan doll ars.

Google's head of hardware, Rick Osterloh, wrote in a blog post this morning that the company is "investing for the long run" with respect to the company's effort to have a "single hardware organization." He noted that the second round of "Made by Google" products will come out on October 4th, when Google has scheduled a media event.

SunTrust's Youssef Squali reiterates a Buy rating on Alphabet stock, and an $1,100 price target, writing that this is "an astute move with limited downside risks."

Squali acknowledges Google's purchase and then divestiture of Motorola "calls into question the rationale for the move."

But, "there are several reasons today for Google to be interested in owning a hardware design unit," he contends:

By controlling hardware design, operating system and native applications, Google will get closer to delivering a better end-to-end user experience, which should ultimately create a stickier eco -system for audiences, and give Google more control over the integration of its services with Android. We also believe that an increased focus on hardware would bolster Google's focus on emerging areas such as smart speakers and AR/VR headsets [...] We also note that higher adoption of its proprietary smartphone could allow the company to better maneuver EC's investigation of app bundling on Android, although we do not view it as the primary reason for the transaction.

Squali expects "only a limited impact to Google's P&L" with the deal. "Longer term, if proprietary hardware sales take off, we could see a larger impact with a hit to margins, given that these tend to have lower margins."

R.W Baird's Colin Sebastian reiterates an Outperform rating, and a $1,100, writing that Google is in the hardware business "for the long run," and that as such, "this is a well-thought-out deal, as it allows Google to obtain key talent behind Pixel phones, while avoiding HTC's less-desirable overhead, manufacturing, and technology assets."

Like Squali, Sebastian sees "potential benefits" including "reduced Android fragmentation, keeping Android on stronger competitive footing, and maintaining a higher-quality threshold for Android devices."

Sebastian also notes "concerns over HTC's long-term viability," which make this a way to "ensure uninterrupted design and production of Pixel handsets, while offering a 'lifeline' for HTC's own Android devices."

Sebastian does confess to being "surprised" that the deal "does not include HTC's VR business."

But Google could improve its own "augmented reality" efforts with this addition of talent:

Over time, centralizing the company's hardware unit should help Google better integrate proprietary technology and services in areas such as Voice, Google Assistant, augmented reality (AR), home automation and other "Internet of Things." Moreover, the ad dition of significant hardware design capabilities should allow Google to utilize its own chips in Pixel and other devices, which is important given that "smart" hardware devices will increasingly rely on voice, visual, and gesture inputs that require greater AI/ML capabilities on the hardware. In the press release, Google highlighted the Google Assistant as a priority to integrate with new hardware.

Cantor Fitzgerald's Kip Paulson reiterates an Overweight rating on Alphabet, and a $1,100 price target, writing that it's "a positive for Alphabet's Made by Google product efforts."

Paulson notes that hardware "was one of the 3 key drivers for other revenue growth of 42% Y/Y in 2Q17 (after Cloud and Play)."

This is also "a lower risk way of ramping up Google's hardware efforts vs. the $12.5B acquisition of Motorola's Mobility handset business in 2011 (which dragged on overall results in the 2012-14 timeframe)."

Source: Alphabet's $1B Smartphone Buy: Street Happy It's Not $12B Like Motorola

Health Matters: Doctor Visits Via Smartphone

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - Follow up appointments are much easier for some Arkansas moms after having a child.

Their postpartum doctor visits are going digital.

Telemedicine is only a click away in the comfort of your own home. The new technology is changing the way doctors and patients interact.

Nicci Talley welcomed her third child in August. Since then, the road to UAMS is on an easier route.

"I could do this appointment at home, on my couch, so easy," she says.

You heard her right..on her couch..in Sheridan..with her smartphone.

"This made it 3 thousand times easier," she adds.

It's as simple as logging into an app and instantly connecting with your doctor on the other side of the screen.

With two other children to look after, Nicci is feeling happy knowing she's saving time, gas and the hassle for her postpartum hospital visit.

"It was so nice not having to get the kids ready, pack up and load up the car and drive 45 minutes to Little Rock," she continues.

Nirvana Manning, Service Line Director with UAMS, says it boils down to convenience.

"So many of our patients come from surrounding areas, so when they come here to deliver, it's often very cumbersome for them to come back for postpartum care," she explains.

Doctors looked at telemedicine as a solution. It works great for moms like Nicci who have more than one child.

"They can be in the corner playing and they can do whatever they want. And there they get that one-on-one time with their provider," Manning says.

"Would you recommend it to other mothers?," we ask Nicci. "Yes. Most definitely," she responds.

Nearly 10 mothers have already used telemedicine to meet with their doctors at UAMS.

Source: Health Matters: Doctor Visits Via Smartphone

Nobunaga’s Ambition: Taishi Smartphone Version Announced With Cross-Save Support On PC

By Sato . September 21, 2017 . 7:45am

Koei Tecmo announced at the Nobunaga's Ambition: Taishi Special Stage at TGS 2017 that the upcoming PS4, Switch, and PC strategy game is getting a smartphone version.

There was no information on the release or pricing of Nobunaga's Ambition: Taishi for smartphones, but producer Hiroyuki Koyama shared that they're working on cross-save support so fans can play at home on PC and on the go with the smartphone version.

Nobunaga's Ambition: Taishi releases in Japan on November 30, 2017 for PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and PC. The release date for the iOS and Android versions will be announced on a later date.

Video game stories from other sites on the web. These links leave Siliconera.

Source: Nobunaga's Ambition: Taishi Smartphone Version Announced With Cross-Save Support On PC

Battle of Blades Is Square Enix’s New Smartphone Game With 4v4 Battle Arena Action

By Sato . September 20, 2017 . 1:00am

We recently saw a new teaser from Square Enix that showed a bunch of weapons from different series for a new smartphone game, and it has been revealed today as Battle of Blades.

Battle of Blades is a new smartphone game described as a 4-on-4 fantasy battle arena game, where you'll participate in team battles with four members on each side.

In multiplayer, the objective is to control the bases located on the field.

You'll team up with four players to take on the powerful enemies known as "Darkness." They have boss battles and loot as rewards for doing so.

There's a customization option for you, the "Hero." You can use the Mana Board to unlock power-ups, equip accessories to change your looks, and more.

The game's single player mode has a story written by Yuichirou Higashide, who worked on Fate/Apocrypha and Ayaka Shibito. The story will show us the respective justice of the good and bad of heroes on both sides.

Battle of Blades launches in Japan sometime this year for iOS and Android. Those of you interested can pre-register here.

Video game stories from other sites on the web. These links leave Siliconera.

Source: Battle of Blades Is Square Enix's New Smartphone Game With 4v4 Battle Arena Action

Dual Lens Smartphone Market Trends, Opportunities and Forecast 2020

(EMAILWIRE.COM, September 20, 2017 ) Scope of the ReportThe report titled "Global Dual Lens Smartphone Market: Trends & Opportunities (2016-2020)" provides an in-depth analysis of the global dual lens smartphone market with detailed analysis of market sizing and growth, market share and economic impact of the industry. The report also provides the shipment analysis of major players in the market such as Apple and Samsung. The report also provides an overview of global smartphone market which includes market size in terms of volume and smartphone users worldwide along with the market segments.

The report provides country analysis of China for the dual lens smartphone market which includes market sizing in terms of volume along with the penetration rate of dual lens smartphones.

Furthermore, the report assesses the key opportunities in the market and outlines the factors that are and will be driving the growth of the industry. Growth of the global dual lens smartphone m arket has also been forecasted for the period 2016-2020, taking into consideration the previous growth patterns, the growth drivers and the current and future trends. The competition in the global dual lens smartphone market is stiff and dominated by the big players like Huawei. Further, key players of the dual lens smartphone market HTC Corporation and LG Electronics Inc. are also profiled with their financial information and respective business strategies.

For more information about this report: http://www.reportsweb.com/global-dual-lens-smartphone-market-trends-and-opportunities-2016-2020

Country Coverage- Global- China

Company Coverage- Huawei Investment &Holding Co., Ltd.- HTC Corporation- LG Electronics Inc.

Company Coverage1 Huawei Investment & Holding Co., Ltd.1.1 Business Overview1.2 Financial Overview1.3 Business StrategyDual Brand StrategyResearch and Development

2 HTC Corporation2.1 Business OverviewAccolades and Achievements2.2 Fina ncial Overview2.3 Business StrategyNew Product Launch

Request Sample Copy at http://www.reportsweb.com/inquiry&RW00020384/sample

3 LG Electronics Inc.3.1 Business Overview3.2 Financial Overview3.3 Business StrategyNew Marketing Strategy for SmartphonesIntroduction of New Brand

Market Trends3.1 Technological DevelopmentsLens CombinationsActuator UseInfrared Light Lenses3.2 Introduction of New Smartphones with Dual Lens CamerasSamsung Galaxy GS7Apple Next Launch3.3 Dual Lens Cameras vs. DSLRs3.4 Higher Demand for Components3.5 Price Competitive

Executive Summary

Global dual lens smartphone market is at its nascent stage as the market evolved in 2014 after the launch of HTC and Huawei dual lens smartphones. Major players of the market launched new smartphones with dual lens cameras by the end of 2015 thus; the market is projected to have grown significantly in 2015. For the span of next five years i.e. 2016-2020, projections are made that the market wo uld rise tremendously at a significant CAGR. China is expected to lead the market accounting the significant share in the market.

The growth drivers for the global dual lens smartphone market are: expansion in fusion technology, production capacity expansion along with the rise in disposable income. Despite the market is governed by various growth drivers, there are certain challenges faced by the market such as: technological hurdles, stable sourcing of image sensor and migration to finer processes for image sensors, high-cost burdens, and algorithms.

Inquire before Buying at http://www.reportsweb.com/inquiry&RW00020384/buying

Source: Dual Lens Smartphone Market Trends, Opportunities and Forecast 2020

Everything we know about Google's upcoming smartphone, the Pixel 2

Google revealed plans to unveil new Pixel smartphones at an October 4th event. Here's everything we know about the phones so far.

Source: Everything we know about Google's upcoming smartphone, the Pixel 2

Apple is about to release new operating system for iPhones

IPhone owners are getting an upgrade on Tuesday — even if they are not planning on buying an iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus or iPhone X.

Every Apple smartphone will become more useful because the tech titan will begin rolling out its latest version of its mobile operating system.

Called iOS 11, the operating system will update several iPhone features, including ones you use regularly. Here are seven key updates included with iOS 11, which should be available starting at around 1 p.m. ET.

New emojis: iOS 11 will see the expansion of Apple's already enormous roster of emojis. Your texts will be more customizable than ever with the addition of Bearded Man, Woman with Headscarf, Exploding Head smiley and Throwing Up smiley, among many others.

A redesigned, customizable Control Center: Gone is the current multi-windowed Control Center that allows you quick access to features like the camera, flashlight and airplane mode. In iOS 11, the Control Center is customizable so that you can add the features you use most, such as Voice Memos, Alarms and Wallet.

Files: For the first time, Apple's mobile devices are getting their own file-sorting program. The aptly-named Files will let you see all the documents and files you have stored in the Cloud that are synced across all your devices. It will also be able to files you keep in third-party apps like Google drive and DropBox.

Siri gets smarter: Apple's virtual assistant now has a new, more natural-sounding voice. You can also ask it to translate your words to Spanish, French, German, Chinese and Italian.

Storage optimization: Gone will be the days where your iPhone's storage is clogged with apps and data you never use. The new storage tool in iOS 11's settings will "offload" apps you never use off of your phone, and will also ask if you'd like to store old iMessage conversations in the Cloud.

Easier WiFi: Getting on the WiFi at a friend's house is simpler than ever before. Rather than needing to dig up a password, you can now hold your phone up next to theirs, and they will receive a notification asking them if they want to allow you onto the network.

One-handed typing: Sending a text while carrying your morning coffee will soon be easier than ever. IOS 11 now offers a specialized keyboard designed to be used with only one hand. When you select it under your keyboard settings, it will shift all the keys to the left or right side so that they can all be easily accessed with a single thumb.

Source: Apple is about to release new operating system for iPhones

Revealed: How new iPhones only get more expensive the longer you wait

Tim Cook launches the iPhone 8. If it's priced like the iPhone 7, it's only going to get more expensive to buy on a plan, the longer you leave it.

If you're thinking of buying one of Apple's new iPhones, you should buy it as soon as it comes out.

New analysis of the way Australian telcos charge for iPhones reveals that the low price paid by early buyers of Apple's phone is essentially subsidised by a higher price paid by customers who buy the phone later in the release cycle.

The monthly cost of iPhones bought on a plan in February, just a few months after the phone first comes out, can be almost double the monthly cost of iPhones bought when the iPhone first comes out in September, according to an analysis by the mobile phone plan comparison service WhistleOut.

The same isn't true of other phones. Brands such as Samsung tend to drift downwards in price as they get older, says WhistleOut publisher Joe Hanlon.

Apple's phones, on the other hand, quickly get more expensive to buy on a plan, and stay more expensive until they're superseded the following September.

WhistleOut tracks all the plans offered by all the major mobile phone companies, and has analysed the historical pricing patterns for the iPhone, Samsung's Galaxy S7 and other phones.

In one of the most extreme examples, the analysis revealed that Optus charged an average of $16 a month across all its plans, on top of voice and data charges, for an iPhone 7 purchased immediately after it came out in September last year. But customers who signed up for the same phone in February faced average monthly repayments of $29 across all of Optus' plans.

Telstra didn't discount as heavily initially (its average iPhone 7 charge was $19 a month if you signed up in September), meaning by February its charge hadn't risen as steeply ($25 a month).

An explanation for this can be found in the way Australia's phone companies fight each other for new customers.

Telcos such as Telstra, Vodafone, Optus and Virgin regard the release of a new iPhone as a key opportunity to win new customers to their networks each year.

So they offer promotions and discounts to lure iPhone buyers from other networks in September and October, forgoing most or all of their profit margins on the phone for the sake of winning "churn", The Australian Financial Review understands.

Once the feeding frenzy is over, around November, they begin to claw back the cost of those discounts by charging more to any customers who sign up for the phone later on.

By April this year, the average monthly repayment for someone signing up for a (not so) new iPhone 7 with Telstra, Vodafone, Optus or Virgin was $27, compared to an average of $18 if the phone was bought when it first came out, according to WhistleOut's analysis.

The reason the iPhone price curve is different from, say, Samsung price curves, says Hanlon, is that with the exception of Telstra customers, most iPhone owners are more loyal to Apple than they are to their telecommunications provider, giving competing telcos a brief window of opportunity to win them over with heavy discounts.

A recent survey by WhistleOut found that 81 per cent of Virgin customers, 72 per cent of Vodafone customers and 71 per cent of Optus customers would happily change their phone networks if it meant they could get a better deal on the cost of the phone itself. Only 44 per cent of Telstra customers said they would do the same.

Optus, Telstra and Vodafone all declined to comment.

Source: Revealed: How new iPhones only get more expensive the longer you wait

A Year After its Release, the Google Pixel Remains the Best Android Phone for Me

The past year has been tremendously evolutionary for the smartphone market. With the influx of pretentious trends such as bezel-less display panels, it's hard not to lose affection with the smartphone you have even if you bought it less than a year ago. Being a Google Pixel user, I went through a similar transition over the past couple of months as OEMs continue to bolster their efforts for dislodging one another with striking new phones.

Stupendous launches like the Samsung Galaxy Note8, the LG V30, and even the HTC U11 made 2017 one of the most exciting periods for Android smartphones. Edge-to-edge panels, dual cameras, advanced video recording skills, are just some of the features which have briskly become standard only in the last few months. And yet, here I am still living happily with my Pixel without any temptations to switch whatsoever.

The reason behind that, however, is quite straightforward. Google's aim with the Pixel was simply to fill the iPhone void in the Android market. What that essentially means is a smartphone that aces all the essential marks and proves to be a dependable option that doesn't fall short once the honeymoon phase expires. That's exactly what the iPhone has always stood for, but the most critical difference it possessed over its Android counterparts was the fact that Apple had control over the hardware as well as the software allowing it to produce an indomitable experience for users.

The Google Pixel ushered that perk to the Android landscape last year, and since then it has, for me at least, able to maintain its edge over the competition. Whether it's the performance or the camera, the Pixel is yet to face a challenge despite the lack of a secondary camera on the rear. Of course, it doesn't feature any special or exclusive hardware. Google's software prowess is what has fueled the Pixel's competencies in almost every area.

One of the most prominent examples of this, apart from the camera, is the phone's ability to stream HDR content on YouTube without any dedicated hardware decoder. Google managed to build one entirely through software without any hiccups in quality at all. To understand the gravity of the situation here, take any other phone launched around the time Pixel came out. Will it ever support HDR video content without a hardware content? The answer is no. The Google Pixel is still, of course, superior to its fellow comrades when we talk about Android updates. Even the most recent ones don't run the latest 8.0 release.

The thing is that the Google Pixel made me realize how crucial a native integration is for a smartphone. All these jazzy new Android phones are exceptionally well done, but if they began losing their shine just after a couple of months, they are really not worth spending $700 on, at least for me. The Google Pixel still leads the market in the three most critical factors of a smartphone – performance, camera, and software. And considering the fact that the phone has managed to keep even after a year, I don't think I will be switching to a new phone anytime soon.

Furthermore, Google is already gearing up to launch a successor to the original Pixel on October 4th. If the leaks are even remotely true, it will also add features to the lineup you expect from a 2017 smartphone such as a bezel-less panel, a higher price tag (lol), waterproofing, a squeezable body and more. However, I will be sitting on the edge of my seat to see how Google improves the aspects it still has a lead over, like the camera. Stay tuned to TechPP for more updates on that.

Source: A Year After its Release, the Google Pixel Remains the Best Android Phone for Me

Why There Are Never Enough New iPhones

The big letdown from Apple's product announcement last Tuesday was news that its most desirable new gadget, the iPhone X, can't be pre-ordered until late October and won't start shipping until November. Even then, analysts are predicting supply shortages. Dealers in Hong Kong expect to sell the phones at a $300 to $400 premium in the first weeks they're available.

Shortages of hot new gadgets are so common, it's easy to take them for...

Source: Why There Are Never Enough New iPhones

iPhone 8 - Best FIVE new features coming to latest Apple smartphone

APPLE

Apple iPhone 8 release date

After months of rumours, leaks and plenty of speculation the iPhone 8 has finally be unveiled.

This latest flagship smartphone was shown to the world during a major keynote at Apple's new HQ in Cupertino last week.

The iPhone 8 and larger iPhone 8 Plus both include a number of improvements over their predecessors making them the best Apple smartphones to date.

Alongside the iPhone 8, the US technology giant also revealed its iPhone X which has a new design with a screen that covers the entire front of the device.

However, with a £999 price tag, and a release date of November, the iPhone X may not be the first choice for many Apple fans.

So, if you are in the market for a new smartphone here's everything you need to know about the latest iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus.

iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X pictures - Apple reveals three new iPhones Tue, September 12, 2017 Apple has unveiled the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X at the Steve Jobs Theater in Apple Park. Here are the hot new iOS 11 devices in pictures

APPLE

1 of 25

The Apple iPhone X features an edge-to-edge display and ditched the Home Button

1. WIRELESS CHARGING

Apple has now included wireless charging on its latest smartphone which means it can get a refill by simply being placed on a compatible pad.

The iPhone 8 uses the established Qi ecosystem which means it will work with most accessories currently available on the market.

It's worth noting that Apple doesn't include a charging pad in the box so you'll have buy one separately to use this new feature.

As well as wireless charging the iPhone 8 can have its battery boosted in super-quick time with it capable of getting 50 per cent of battery life with just 30-minutes of charge.

APPLE

Apple iPhone 8 features wireless charging2. IMPROVED CAMERA

There's an improved 12-megapixel camera with a larger and faster sensor, a new colour filter and deeper pixels. 

A new Apple-designed image signal processor delivers advanced pixel processing, wide colour capture, faster autofocus in low light and better HDR photos, while a new quad LED True Tone Flash with Slow Sync results in more uniformly lit backgrounds and foregrounds. 

Apple says that all this adds up to outstanding photos with vibrant, realistic colours and more detail.

The iPhone 8 Plus retains its dual-lens camera which, along with its clever zoom and Portrait Mode, can now change the lighting in pictures.

Portrait Lighting, brings dramatic studio lighting effects to iPhone, allowing customers to capture stunning portraits with a shallow depth-of-field effect in five different lighting styles.

3 A11 BIONIC PROCESSOR

Apple is boasting its new processor is the fastest ever to be seen in an iPhone.

The new A11 Bionic chip has around 30 per cent faster graphics performance than the previous brains found inside the iPhone 7.

If true it's likely to outperform not only its predecessor but all of the latest Android competition.

4. NEW COLOURS & GLASS DESIGN 

Apple has included some new colours on the iPhone 8 with the device going on sale in space gray, silver and gold

The iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus also introduce a beautiful glass back design and don't worry about it breaking as Apple says it's the most durable glass ever in a smartphone.

The finish is made using a seven-layer colour process for precise hue and opacity, delivering a rich depth of colour with a colour-matched aerospace-grade aluminium bezel.

Both the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus are also water and dust resistant.

APPLE

Apple iPhone 8 release date5. EXTRA STORAGE

There's some very good news if you are always running out of storage space as Apple has now included 64GB as standard.

This is double the basic memory on the iPhone 7.

Apple has also ditched the 128GB version with the only other model of the iPhone 8 featuring 256GB of in-built memory.

It's also worth noting that iOS 11, which launches next week, will automatically reduce the size of photos taken on the iPhone's camera, giving users some more extra space.

The iPhone 8 and 8 Plus can be pre-ordered now with it arriving in shops from Friday September 22.

Prices SIM-only start from £699 with contracts available from around £40 per month.

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Source: iPhone 8 - Best FIVE new features coming to latest Apple smartphone

Google set to unveil Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL smartphone to take on iPhone X

Google is believed to be about to unveil its next smartphone to rival Apple's iPhone X.

The technology giant has announced it will host a live event at the beginning of October, where new versions of the firm's Pixel and Pixel XL will be unveiled.

A teaser video on the company's Twitter feed shows a series of questions about phone performance being typed into a Google search bar

It includes queries about poor battery life, before a message appears reading: "Answers are coming. Oct 4."

It will be exactly 12 months since the original Pixel was announced. At the time, it was marketed as Google's first own-built phone, which had virtual helper Google Assistant at its centre.

Reports are now naming Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL as the likely new devices to be unveiled.

The event follows Apple's latest live event earlier this week, when it introduced three new iPhone handsets, including the £999 iPhone X, which marked the 10th anniversary of the phone's original launch.

Critics warmly received the original Google Pixel in 2016 - and according to some reports, notable upgrades to this year's device will include the addition of optical image stabilisation (OIS) to the rear camera for the first time to reduce the number of blurred photos being snapped.

It completes a busy period for smartphone announcements with Samsung, LG and Sony having all introduced new devices in September.

Source: Google set to unveil Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL smartphone to take on iPhone X

The LG V30 is quietly one of this year’s best smartphones

The best camera experience

By now LG devices have become ubiquitous for featuring dual-lens camera systems, and the V30 is no different. Even in the pre-production unit we've been testing over the past few weeks, the camera quality has been very impressive. You can view some of the camera samples in the gallery above.

The V30 features a primary 16-megapixel camera that offers an aperture of f/1.6 and a second 13-megapixel wide-angle camera, which is great for landscape shots. Compared to previous efforts from LG, the wide-angle lens doesn't have nearly as much distortion, so shots look wide yet natural.

But even more impressive is the sheer amount of features LG packed into the camera's software, from Cine Video to deep manual controls. If you prefer to have control of your images before they're taken, the V30 offers a robust feature set for tweaking exposure, white balance, and more. And never at any point is the software overwhelming.

If Auto Mode is more your thing, the V30 does a great job balancing focus, white balance, exposure, and sharpness, really giving devices like the Galaxy S8 and HTC U11 a run for their money.

On the video side, users can choose between 16 color-grading presets, allowing them to create more cinematic-looking shots. It's a small but very welcome addition that adds to LG's Cine Video suite of features, including the ability to dramatically zoom into subjects.

And as a final topping, the V30 will record lossless audio that promises not to distort in loud environments.

So, to conclude, if you want a proper media phone—for creating a consuming—the V30 is the device to beat.

Source: The LG V30 is quietly one of this year's best smartphones

C Spire introduces new Samsung Galaxy Note8 smartphone today

RIDGELAND, Miss., Sept. 15, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- C Spire, a diversified telecommunications and technology services company, launched Samsung's new Galaxy Note8 smartphone today on its wireless division's "Customer Inspired" Maximum Range 4G LTE network.

Starting today, consumers can purchase the Galaxy Note8 online at www.cspire.com/note8 or via phone through Customer Telesales at 1.855.CSPIRE4 for home delivery or pick up at any C Spire retail store.

C Spire launched the new Samsung Galaxy Note8 smartphone today on its "Customer Inspired" Maximum Range 4G LTE network. In a special, limited time offer, consumers who purchase the Galaxy Note8 by Sept. 24 can receive their choice of either a free Gear 360 camera or a 128GB memory card and fast wireless charging convertible valued at up to $229.

In a special, limited time offer, consumers who purchase the Galaxy Note8 by Sept. 24 can receive their choice of either a free Gear 360 camera or a 128GB memory card and fast wireless charging convertible valued at up to $229.1  Supplies are limited and subject to availability.

The Note8's 6.3" inch Quad HD+Super AMOLED Infinity Display is the biggest screen ever on a Note device while the narrow body makes it comfortable to hold in one hand, see more and scroll less.  The device also features an S pen performance stylus, dual 12MP rear cameras with pro mode and a powerfully fast Octa core (2.35GHz Quad + 1.9GHz Quad) 10nm processor.

Pricing for the flagship device, which has garnered praise from leading technology media, starts at $38.74 per month for 24 months on C Spire's Device Payment Plan.  The phone is available for $929.99 without an agreement or payment plan and comes in Midnight Black with 64GB of storage.

"The Galaxy Note8 complements our industry-leading suite of customer-inspired products and services with a device designed to help them achieve more in work and life," said Suzy Hays, senior vice president of Consumer Markets for C Spire.  "We're excited to add this advanced device to our portfolio."

For more information on the Samsung Galaxy Note8 or to purchase the device, please visit www.cspire.com/note8.  To learn more about C Spire products and services, please visit www.cspire.com.

About C SpireC Spire is a diversified telecommunications and technology services company that provides world-class, customer-inspired wireless communications, 1 Gigabit consumer Internet access as well as a full suite of dedicated Internet, wireless, IP Voice, data and cloud services for businesses.  This news release and other announcements are available at www.cspire.com/news. For more information about C Spire, visit www.cspire.com or follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cspire or Twitter at www.twitter.com/cspire.

1Samsung Promotions are subject to change - Visit samsung.com/us/promotions for more information.

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SOURCE C Spire

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Source: C Spire introduces new Samsung Galaxy Note8 smartphone today