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Jul 28, 2017
Xiaomi Mi 6 Mercury Silver Edition Android smartphone coming soon in China

Xiaomi Mi 6 Mercury Silver Edition coming soon

This limited edition handset has a price tag of around US$445 and, unfortunately, it seems that Xiaomi only plans to sell 100 units in China. Color aside, there are no changed specs.
Codrut Nistor, 28 Jul 2017 15:50
The Moto X4 may be launched in August. (Source: Smart Prix)

Details of the Moto X4's pricing leaked

Pricing details of the Moto X4 have been leaked on Twitter, and the device is looking like a value buy. Snapdragon 660, 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, dual rear cameras, IP68 certification.
Ricci Rox, 28 Jul 2017 14:24
The Micro-B connector is sheltered within the Type-A one, while the Type-C connector is protected by a special rubber cap on the opposite side. (Source: Silicon Power)

Silicon Power outs all-in-one Type-A / Micro-B / Type-C Mobile C50 USB drives

The Mobile C50 drives come in 32 GB, 64 GB and 128 GB configurations featuring a unique 3-in-1 design.
Bogdan Solca, 28 Jul 2017 13:52
The Cubi 3 Plus enclosure features a 5x5 STX LGA 1151 motherboard that allows for CPU upgrades. (Source: MSI)

MSI's Cubi 3 Plus compact PC is powered by the i7-7700 Kaby Lake

The new Cubi 3 Plus line offers several CPU options, starting with the entry-level Celeron G3930 model priced at US$427, up to the high-end Core i7-7700 selling for US$791.
Bogdan Solca, 28 Jul 2017 11:29
The company aims to ship 150  million smartphone units this year (Source: ValueWalk)

Huawei to make exit from budget market, CEO confirms

Huawei CEO Richard Yu has, in an interview earlier in the day, released some information on the upcoming Mate 10 and the company's business arm.
Ricci Rox, 28 Jul 2017 09:19
Latest Radeon 17.7.2 graphics driver adds Enhanced Sync and other optimizations

Latest Radeon 17.7.2 graphics software adds Enhanced Sync and other optimizations

The update includes a more intuitive UI with the potential for longer battery life on AMD laptops with Dual Graphics support.
Allen Ngo, 28 Jul 2017 06:32
Liron Damir, the head of UX, has left Essential. (Image source: LinkedIn)

Lead designer of the Essential phone leaves the company

The head of UX for Essential, Liron Damir, has left the startup to work at Google in the Google Home division. This marks the third departure of a key employee at Essential in as many months.
Sam Medley, 28 Jul 2017 00:09
Jul 27, 2017
LG Mobile Communications reported a net loss, despite improving sales compared to the same period last year. (Source: LG)

LG Mobile posts a loss, says premium smartphone sales weaker than expected

LG Electronics posted a second quarter operating income of US$588.2 million, no thanks to the mobile department which recorded a net loss of US$-117.27 million. LG attributes the mobile loss to lower than expected sales of their premium smartphones, despite a 13% improvement in North American sales of their product line.
Craig Ward, 27 Jul 2017 23:56
The Meizu Pro 7 was released a few days ago. (Source: Android Authority)

The Helio X30 makes its first verified trip to AnTuTu

The Meizu Pro 7 was benchmarked on AnTuTu and while its scores are solid, they're still quite a bit off the scores we've gotten used to seeing on other flagships.
Ricci Rox, 27 Jul 2017 22:30
WhatsApp usage hits a new milestone - one billion users

WhatsApp hits the one billion users mark

After eight years on the market, WhatsApp now provides voice, audio calls, and text messaging services to one billion daily users and 1.3 billion monthly users, more than twice the numbers recorded in early 2014.
Codrut Nistor, 27 Jul 2017 21:45
New security measures put in place by the TSA could slow down security lines if passengers aren't prepared for the change. (Source: CNBC/Getty Images)

United States airport security could get even slower

Over the next few months, the TSA will introduce a new requirement for passengers to remove all electronic items larger than a smartphone from their bag as they go through airport security. This measure is intended to make it easier for TSA agents to examine items that could conceal dangerous substances.
Craig Ward, 27 Jul 2017 21:12
AMD's new Ryzen 3 processors have hit the budget segment with two appealing quad-core options at a price point filled with dual-core CPUs. (Source: AMD)

Reviews claim Ryzen 3 is a hit

Ryzen 3 was released a few hours ago, and reviews of the two new CPUs have appeared online. Reviewers have found the 4-core processors offer great value when compared to the 2-core i3 CPUs at the same price point. This value becomes even more apparent when overclocking ability is taken into account.
Craig Ward, 27 Jul 2017 20:12
The seventh generation iPod Nano, now the last. (Source: Apple)

The iPod Shuffle and Nano are no more

After 12 years of honorable service, both the iPod Nano and iPod Shuffle have received their discharge papers. The two tiny music players were a smash success worldwide due to their tiny size and distinct look, but the rising use of smartphones as music players has finally made the pair obsolete.
John Garcia, 27 Jul 2017 19:38
Sharp Aquos S2 premium Android smartphone with on-screen fingerprint reader

Sharp Aquos S2 leaks online

This upcoming premium Android handset is expected to offer a 5.5-inch 4K display, a dual-camera setup on the back, an on-screen fingerprint scanner, as well as a high screen-to-body ratio.
Codrut Nistor, 27 Jul 2017 19:25
The two leaked SoCs will be integrated in mid-range and flagship models launching in 2018. (Source: Samsung)

Samsung Exynos 9610 and 7885 specs get leaked

Samsung's Exynos 7785 is a mid-range SoC that will be integrated in the 2018 Galaxy A7 model, while the 9610 model does not seem to be the flagship SoC, since the Galaxy S9 launching next year should integrate the un-leaked Exynos 9810 chip.
Bogdan Solca, 27 Jul 2017 16:42
The VIVE Standalone VR headset is designed for “a more affordable, yet high-quality VR experience”. (HTC China)

HTC prepares standalone VIVE VR Headset for China

The Chinese-specific standalone headset from HTC is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 835 SoC and is very similar to HTC's standalone Daydream headset that will be released worldwide later this year. The standalone headsets are supposedly more affordable than the previous versions.
Bogdan Solca, 27 Jul 2017 13:34
Nokia 6 Android smartphone coming in silver finish late July 2017

Nokia 6 finally available in silver

The black version has been up for purchase in the US for a while now, and now we see a silver color option on Amazon as well. Those not happy with black or silver can get this handset in blue or copper as well.
Codrut Nistor, 27 Jul 2017 11:45
The W2017 reportedly sold for about $2900 USD.

The Samsung W2018 clamshell phone is expected to retail for over $2000

The Samsung W2018 will be Samsung's premium flip phone for the year and while that price tag may seem like a joke gone wrong, there's no doubt that the device itself is an incredible package.
Ricci Rox, 27 Jul 2017 09:56
USB 3.2 in the works for a 2019 launch (Source: USB.org)

USB 3.2 in the works for a 2019 launch

Theoretical transfer rates will double to 20 Gbps without even needing to purchase any new cables.
Allen Ngo, 27 Jul 2017 07:12
Foxconn assembly line workers. (Image source: Foxconn)

Foxconn to open new LCD manufacturing plant in Wisconsin

Foxconn, the electronics manufacturer largely responsible for building components used in the iPhone, has announced their intention to construct an LCD manufacturing plant in Wisconsin. In return, the state of Wisconsin will pay the Taiwanese company US$3 billion in taxpayer subsidies.
Sam Medley, 27 Jul 2017 05:41
Jul 26, 2017
If rumors are correct, we can expect Coffee Lake to be the first six-core CPUs on Intel's mainstream platform. (Source: Intel)

Specs leaked for upcoming i7-8700K

A progressive series of 'leaks' over the last few days have given us an idea of what to expect from the Coffee Lake i7-8700K. It will be a 6-core CPU operating on the same LGA 1151 socket as Skylake and Kaby Lake, have 12MB of cache, and a potential turbo clock up to 4.7 GHz.
Craig Ward, 26 Jul 2017 23:58
Xiaomi Mi 5X launched

Xiaomi Mi 5X officially launched

The Mi 5X has been officially released and its final price of $220 is one that makes it a good buy for the features it offers. Snapdragon 625, 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, 5.5" FHD display, dual rear cameras.
Ricci Rox, 26 Jul 2017 23:39
Props to Meizu for actually doing something different. (Source: Android Authority)

Meizu Pro 7 and Pro 7 Plus unveiled - First devices with MediaTek's Helio X30 SoC

The Meizu Pro 7 and Pro 7 Plus have finally been unveiled, with the flagships featuring MediaTek's new Helio X30 while boasting of an impressive spreadsheet of features.
Ricci Rox, 26 Jul 2017 23:36
Google Chromecast is now four years old

Google Chromecast is now 4 years old

Although many consider it a product that completely changed the streaming market for home users, Google Chromecast's fourth anniversary was a quiet one. Sadly, there is no promo to come with this celebration, but there's always the next year.
Codrut Nistor, 26 Jul 2017 22:55
BlackBerry KEYOne Black Edition spotted online, coming to China on August 8

BlackBerry KEYOne Black Edition spotted online

This flagship is currently available only in silver, but a Chinese website has just unveiled the unconfirmed information that a Black Edition is ready to launch locally on August 8.
Codrut Nistor, 26 Jul 2017 21:15
Microsoft Paint remains around, but is now available via Windows Store

Microsoft Paint will not be discountinued

Although it was rumored that Windows 10 users would no longer have access to the good old Paint app, since a whole new, 3D version, was introduced by the Creators Update, Microsoft has just confirmed that MS Paint will be available in the Windows Store.
Codrut Nistor, 26 Jul 2017 16:20
Qualcomm and Apple have been locked in a legal battle since January. Now Intel has joined by throwing their support behind Apple. (Source: recode.net)

Qualcomm hits back at Intel's claims of anti-competitive behavior

Qualcomm has responded to Intel's claims that they are an "anti-competitive bully," by asserting that they aren't specifically targeting Intel's products, just those that infringe on their patents.
Craig Ward, 26 Jul 2017 15:58
The NVMe PCI-e Gen3X4 SSD is one of the special features of the GV62 7RC gaming notebook. (Source: MSI)

MSI introduces the GV62 7RC budget gaming notebook with MX150 GPU

The GV62 7RC will have several variants powered by Intel's I7-7700HQ / i5-7300HQ / i3-711 CPUs and Nvidia's MX150 GPU. The i7-7700HQ variant with 4 GB RAM costs US$749.
Bogdan Solca, 26 Jul 2017 14:47
Arrow Launcher running on one of our handsets, showing a homescreen with rotating wallpaper (left), extra options when swipping up on the bottom row shortcuts (middle), and the quick cards screen (right). (Source: Own)

Microsoft releases Arrow Launcher 3.8 beta on Android

Microsoft maintains a relatively rapid release schedule for their popular Arrow Launcher. Only two weeks after the release of version 3.7 they have released version 3.8 to beta testers.
Craig Ward, 26 Jul 2017 14:23
Is AMD slowly returning to its glory days from the early 2000s? (Source: AMD)

AMD's Q2 2017 revenue results unveiled - Ryzen steals the show

AMD is well on its way back to profitability, thanks to the Ryzen CPUs, the Vega GPUs and the EPYC datacenter products. Q2 2017 revenue increased 19% over Q2 2016.
Bogdan Solca, 26 Jul 2017 11:57
Jul 25, 2017
The dual rear camera design is a nice, new take. (Source: Lenovo)

Moto Z2 Force announced, goes on sale in the US today

The Motorola Z2 Force has been officially launched and will be available for pre-order in the US starting today. Snapdragon 835, 5.5" QHD POLED display, dual rear cameras, 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage.
Ricci Rox, 25 Jul 2017 23:09
The 128 GB HTC U11 is available exclusively in silver. (Source: HTC)

HTC U11 with 128 GB of storage is now available

The HTC U11 model with more RAM and storage that first released in China has made its way to the US. For $70 more than the standard 64 GB model, you now get double the storage and an increase in RAM to 6 GB. HTC is also discounting a few of its devices for a limited time.
John Garcia, 25 Jul 2017 21:20
Xiaomi Mi 5X Android smartphone official teaser now live

Xiaomi Mi 5X teaser video surfaces online

The video reveals that this new handset would hit the market in gold, pink, and black. Its list of features includes a fingerprint reader, MIUI 9 software, a 5.5-inch display, and more, all for a price between $250 USD and $400 USD.
Codrut Nistor, 25 Jul 2017 21:00
Source3 joins Facebook to get content creators paid

Facebook acquires Source3

Thanks to the Source3's technology and this content rights management company's team, Facebook plans to help digital artists monetize their content while staying safe from piracy.
Codrut Nistor, 25 Jul 2017 19:30
The TB250-BTC+ motherboard features a moistureproof PCB and over current / voltage / heat protections. (Source: Biostar)

Biostar announces world's first 8-Slot PCI-e mining motherboard

Biostar has expanded their dedicated mining portfolio with the TB250-BTC+ motherboard that features 1 x PCI-E x16 3.0 slot plus 7 x PCI-E x1 3.0 slots. This model is designed for DIY people who intend to build home mining rigs.
Bogdan Solca, 25 Jul 2017 16:26
BLU R2 LTE Android smartphone in silver finish

BLU R2 and R2 LTE now official

These two new affordable handsets come with a MediaTek MT6737 processor inside, next to 1 GB memory and 8 GB storage (R2) or 2 GB RAM and 16 GB storage (R2 LTE), both running Android Nougat out of the box.
Codrut Nistor, 25 Jul 2017 16:15
Nokia 8 with Snapdragon 835 to hit stores on July 31

UPDATE | Nokia 8 with Snapdragon 835 to hit stores on July 31

The Nokia 8 is billed to go on sale on July 31. It's also expected to have a price tag in the region of $675, which isn't a bad deal by any means.
Ricci Rox, 25 Jul 2017 15:38
UMIDIGI Crystal set for August 7 launch

UMIDIGI Crystal set for August 7 launch

UMIDIGI's new midranger, the Crystal, has been shrouded in mystery but we will finally be getting an official announcement on August 7.
Ricci Rox, 25 Jul 2017 15:32
The Power-Mode slider allows users to select from four preset power modes for battery life or performance. (Source: Own)

UPDATE: Surface Pro 4 firmware update brings a Power-Mode slider

The latest firmware update for the Surface Pro 4 has enabled the Power-Mode slider, which was previously only available on the new Surface Pro 2017 and the Surface Book. The slider provides users with a quick and effortless way to adjust power settings on the fly.
Craig Ward, 25 Jul 2017 15:08
SK Hynix is the second largest DRAM chip manufacturer, with a quarter of the worldwide market. (Source: SK Hynix)

DRAM chip manufacturer SK Hynix reports record profit

After recording a record profit in the first quarter of 2017, SK Hynix has broken that record by reporting a second consecutive record profit. Operating profit increased by 24% and net profit by 30% between the first and second quarters.
Craig Ward, 25 Jul 2017 13:12
There is no telling how long Apple will continue to honor the internal policy. (Source: iFixit)

Some 2012-2013 MacBook Pro owners are getting new machines due to battery shortage

Owners of the 2012 or 2013 15-inch MacBook Pro who need their batteries replaced are in luck: due to a supply shortage of the battery parts, Apple is giving users the option to receive a new machine with "equivalent" specs instead of waiting until September for the parts. Users have reported getting 2015 or even 2017 15-inch MacBook Pros as replacements.
Douglas Black, 25 Jul 2017 12:18
The MXene nanomaterial combines with the hydrogel to produce a "Swiss cheese" macroporous structure. (Source: Drexler University)

Improved nanomaterials could bring batteries that fully charge in a few seconds

Researchers from Drexler University claim that their MXene nanomaterial combined with a special hydrogel can improve the ionic flow and reduce battery charge times to mere seconds.
Bogdan Solca, 25 Jul 2017 11:26
Snapdragon 836 may make its debut on the Google Pixel 2

Snapdragon 836 may launch first on the Google Pixel 2

The Snapdragon 836 should be a small bump in raw horsepower over the Snapdragon 835 to make it even faster than the North American Galaxy S8 and most other current flagships.
Allen Ngo, 25 Jul 2017 07:33
Lenovo may be planning an AMD-powered ThinkPad with Raven Ridge APUs

Lenovo may be planning an AMD ThinkPad lineup with Raven Ridge APUs

The rumored ThinkPad A275 and A475 could succeed or supplement the current ThinkPad E series by giving users more AMD processor options.
Allen Ngo, 25 Jul 2017 06:32
The leaked specs are rather exhaustive yet make no mention of hyper-threading. (Source: eTeknix)

Coffee Lake hexa-core desktop chip specs leaked

Specifications have leaked for three upcoming Coffee Lake desktop chips, which operate at 95-watt TDPs for the overclockable CPUs and 65 watts for the non-overclockable.
Douglas Black, 25 Jul 2017 06:05
The i7-7740X is one of two quad-core processors on X299. Ivybridge-E was the last time we had a quad core on the enthusiast platform, and it wasn't designated as an 'X' SKU. (Source: NotebookCheck)

Kaby Lake X i7-7740X overclockable to 5 Ghz on air

The i7-7740X has top of the line single core performance, but lags behind six and eight core processors in multi-threaded workloads. Anandtech have managed to push their CPU to 5.0 GHz stable on all cores. This could indicate better binning than the i7-7700K, but a quad core is still on odd choice on the enthusiast X-series platform.
Craig Ward, 25 Jul 2017 03:27
With the start-up and memory use improvement that "quantum flow" brings we could soon have a more agile fox. (Source: Mozilla)

Firefox 55 reduces startup time by 90 percent and memory usage by 75 percent

A Mozilla developer has tested multiple versions of the browser and found that the current beta version improves startup times by over 90% and reduces memory usage by 75% when compared to the latest stable version. While these results are specific to the extreme test profile and operating system used, they show that we can expect a positive performance improvement from the next release of Firefox.
Craig Ward, 25 Jul 2017 03:22
The 17.3" display is ideal for immersive gaming and movie watching. (Source: Amazon)

MSI GP72 Leopard Pro-402 is the most affordable 17-inch gaming laptop yet

The new GP72 Leopard Pro-402 is powered by Intel's i7-7700HQ CPU and the GTX 1050 Ti GPU, and it is priced at US$1,126.99, making it the most affordable 17-inch gaming laptop currently on the market.
Bogdan Solca, 25 Jul 2017 00:19
Jul 24, 2017
A possible design that Razer can adopt for the gaming smartphone. (Source: straitstimes.com)

Razer is working on a "hardcore gamer" smartphone

After acquiring Nextbit and Ouya, Razer plans to extend into the smartphone business with a device dedicated to "hardcore gamers."
Bogdan Solca, 24 Jul 2017 20:49
Image source: Fairphone

Fairphone will stop software and hardware support for its first device

The Fairphone, which was meant to be an easily repairable, long lasting smartphone, will no longer be supported. Fairphone, the company behind the device, will no longer sell replacement parts and has halted software development.
Sam Medley, 24 Jul 2017 18:20

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Notebookcheck, 2021-10-10 (Update: 2026-09- 9)