Oppo A57 coming to India
This selfie-centric Android handset launched in China back in December 2016 and is scheduled to hit India on February 3. Its specs include a generous 16 MP front camera with f/2.2 aperture.
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Jan 31, 2017
Farewell to a legend: NAMCO founder Masaya Nakamura has passed away
The Founder and CEO of NAMCO brought joy to millions with arcade hits like Pac-Man, Galaxian, and Pole Position.
Nintendo expected to sell 12 million Switch consoles in Japan
A study that appears overly optimistic at this stage shows that almost 11 percent of Japan's population will buy the Nintendo Switch console, which means over 12 million units.
No more Nougat updates for Nexus 6 and Nexus 9
Although the Nexus 6 phone and Nexus 9 tablet will no longer get Android updates since Google has confirmed that Android 7.1.2 would not reach them, these devices will continue to get security patches.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 arrives at FCC
The WiFi only SM-T820 model and the 4G LTE-capable SM-T825 surfaced on FCC, but the launch date of the Galaxy Tab S3 surfaced online. Reports from South Korea reveal that Samsung plans to unveil it on February 26 at MWC.
Nougat Launcher hits Tizen Store
The Nougat experience is now available to Tizen smartphones, although it comes from an independent app developer shaped as a basic app that simply launches other apps and then shuts down.
Apple releases watchOS 3.2 to developers
The update comes with a new Theatre Mode, as well as access to SiriKit, thus allowing third parties to interact with the virtual assistant on the Apple Watch, but also limiting the app types that can use it.
Google unveils Android 7.1.2 Nougat
Shortly after the official announcement, Google also posted the Public Beta images for the Pixel/Pixel XL, Nexus Player, and Pixel C. This update promises to bring bug fixes, optimizations, and a few enhancements for carriers and users.
Enthusiasts bring classic ThinkPad designs to the modern era
Classic ThinkPads are alive and well thanks to some dedicated enthusiasts in China. With a completely custom-made motherboard, 1400 x 1050 IPS panel, Broadwell CPU, and updated ports, the X62 is a modern laptop in retro clothing.
Intel yearly revenue up while sales continue to dwindle
Profits are down 10 percent YoY to 10.3 billion USD despite a revenue jump of 7 percent.
Hexa-core Ryzen CPUs could be unlikely
AMD may be skipping hexa-core processors in favor of watered-down octa-core configurations for the mainstream lineup instead.
Meizu Pro 7 leaks additional renders and specs
1800-nit brightness? 10,000:1 contrast? It all sounds a little out there, but the Meizu Pro 7 might surprise us in the end. The way it implements its 4K screen will be particularly exciting to observe.
Oppo R9 replaces iPhone as top selling phone in China
After five years, a mighty titan has been dethroned. Apple's iPhone has finally been supplanted by a fast-growing mid-range smartphone maker Oppo Electronics. Apple will have to impress with the iPhone 7 in order to win Chinese consumers back.
Upcoming Asus X550UI may be shipping with RX 460 graphics
AMD could be preparing discrete Polaris GPUs for entry-level gaming notebooks with prices as low as $700 USD.
Nextbit Robin team acquired by Razer
The Nextbit team, developers of the Robin cloud-based smartphone project, have been acquired by Singaporean gaming hardware company Razer.
Jan 30, 2017
Silent killer: Update to Blackphone's Silent OS intentionally breaks unauthorized devices
The makers of the ultra-secure Blackphone have released an update to Silent OS that prevents the operating system from running on phones "identified as unlicensed."
Fitbit releases Q4 financial results, misses target revenue
Despite recent acquisitions, the fitness company and missed Q4 and FY 2016 growth expectations by about 22% and 10%, respectively. This will result in the termination of 6% of their global workforce.
Starbucks' new virtual assistant takes coffee orders via voice
Starbucks has updated their app to include a virtual assistant. Users can now use the app to place orders using either voice commands or a chat interface. The app will also integrate with Alexa.
Samsung Galaxy Grand Neo and Galaxy J2 Prime get updated
The factory unlocked variants of these two entry-level Android handsets have just begun to receive the security patch that takes care of 67 common vulnerabilities and exposures.
Comcast's wireless phone service coming later this year
The rumors about the launch of Comcast's wireless phone service were confirmed back in September 2016, and now more details surface. The service would use both Comcast WiFi hotspots and Verizon's LTE network, being expected to launch in stages, starting this summer.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 with Nougat gets its WiFi certification
Two months after Samsung begun the work on the Nougat firmware for this slate, the Galaxy Tab S2 with Android 7.0 on board finally receives its WiFi certification, so the update should arrive soon.
Windows 10 leading the market according to Microsoft
A graph revealed by the Redmond giant showing the install base of the Windows operating systems still supported by Microsoft reveals that Windows 10 has been leading the market since last November.
Oppo and Vivo are now the 4th and 5th largest smartphone manufacturers worldwide
Both Lenovo and LG are no longer two of the top five largest smartphone manufacturers while Samsung and Apple continue to dominate the market with over 38 percent of worldwide shipments.
Teclast Tbook X5 Pro Windows tablet coming for $620 USD
The 12.2-inch Surface Pro lookalike ships with the brand new Kaby Lake Core m3-7Y30 CPU, WUXGA touchscreen, 8 GB of RAM, and USB Type-C all for less than the price of the lowest-end Surface Pro 4.
Jan 29, 2017
Satechi releases a new USB-C Power Meter
This handy accessory allows its users to test the output parameters of their chargers and provides information about their safety, effectiveness, and USB Type-C compatibility.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 hits GFXBench
The device that surfaced on GFXBench had Android 7.0 "Samsung Edition" on board, as well as a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor, 3 GB RAM, 32 GB internal storage,and a 9.7-inch multitouch display with 2,048X1,536 pixels.
Microsoft apparently working on a light Windows 10 version
This unconfirmed Windows 10 variant is expected to target lightweight devices similar to the Surface RT. As rumors claim, the new operating system could be the desktop Windows 10 Cloud with CShell modularity.
Samsung Gear Fit Pro might launch soon
Those who do not find the Gear Fit 2 or the Gear S2/Gear S3 suitable for their health/fitness tracking needs might soon get a new smart wearable from Samsung that offers such features, allegedly named Gear Fit Pro.
Microsoft releases Q4 2016 financials, cloud services are key
Office 365 continues to pay off for the Redmond tech giant as cloud services were the greatest contributor to revenue.
ZTE might reboot the Hawkeye project
Since ZTE already decided that the specs of the Hawkeye handset need a bump to draw enough attention on Kickstarter, it might not be a bad idea to change the specs and to start once again, pushing the device into the high-end market sector.
Jan 28, 2017
Nokia's Snapdragon 835-driven flagship rumored to be a tablet
The upcoming tablet is expected to offer the impressive 4K resolution, next to the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor, 4 GB RAM, 64 GB internal storage, and Android 7.0 Nougat on top.
Toshiba to sell part of its memory business
Due to the cost overruns expected to reach several billion dollars incurred by its US nuclear business, the Japanese company is spinning off part of its flash memory division and selling a stake in the resulting business.
Google Maps now shows parking difficulty icon for 25 US metro areas
In addition to the tools for drivers, commuters, and pedestrians available until now, Google Maps now shows parking difficulty icons based on previous and historical parking data.
Audrey personal assistant being tested by Hinge
Not long after switching from swiping to "stories," dating app Hinge aims to add a personal assistant who automatically sends messages to matches and schedules dates. Rumors mention a $99 USD/month price for the upcoming service.
Kyocera announces Japan-exclusive washable smartphone
The rafre KYV40 smartphone will be available via KDDI Corporation and is the successor of the world's first "hand-soap-washable smartphone," namely DIGNO rafre. It comes with Nougat on board, as well as a hand gesture-operated cooking app.
Alcatel may announce a modular smartphone at MWC
One of the phones expected to release at MWC is the Idol 5, which sources say will be modular. The bold design move is certain to stand out from the competition, though modular smartphones have yet to prove widely popular.
Intel establishing pilot plant to test 7nm manufacturing process
Intel has revealed its plans to pilot 7-nm semiconductor fabrication technologies. The pilot plant will work on perfecting the process over the next few years, and then replicate the process at its plants worldwide.
Uninstall your anti-virus and use Windows Defender, says veteran software engineer
Third-party anti-virus programs are doing more harm than good, says a veteran programmer. If you're running a modern Windows operating system, stick with Windows Defender.
Lenovo lists Moto smartphones eligible for Android 7.0 OTA updates
The Moto G4, G4 Plus, X Force, and X Play will all begin receiving Android 7.0 upgrades later this February with the Moto X Style, G4 Play, and Z Play to follow shortly thereafter.
Microsoft's Lumia smartphone sales numbers disappoint
Windows Phone may be on its last legs, but Microsoft isn't giving up on smartphones just yet. The upcoming Surface Phone represents all of the company's hopes and dreams when it comes to the mobile market.
"Game Mode" implemented in latest Windows Insider Build
Windows 10's "Game Mode" feature has gone live in the latest Windows Insider Preview Build. The mode should increase smoothness of gameplay by stopping background tasks or programs from stealing CPU/GPU cycles.
Jan 27, 2017
Sony could launch five devices next month
One of these five devices could be the Xperia XZ2, a top-of-the-line handset with a 5.5-inch 4K display, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor, 6 GB RAM, and the new Sony IMX400 sensor powering the main camera.
A new Windows tablet by Samsung gets certified
The upcoming 10-incher might debut as the Galaxy TabPro S2, no less than four different models being expected to hit the market. For now, they have only received the WiFi certifications.
Classic adventure game Myst now available on Android
The venerable PC adventure game finally comes to Android devices for an immersive gaming experience on the go.
Google might launch a cheaper Pixel handset
The cheaper Google phone is expected to launch later this year and is known as Pixel 2B for now. Sadly, the rumors do not say anything about its specs and features, so it might even hit the market as an Android One device.
BLU Vivo XL2 now available in the US
This affordable Android handset uses the MediaTek MT6737T processor, next to 3 GB RAM, 32 GB internal storage, a 13 MP main camera, all driven by a 3,150 mAh battery. It runs Marshmallow and has a price tag of just $100 USD (special launch price, regular price being $150 USD).
Samsung Galaxy S8 rumored to be announced on March 29th, will be redesigned
According to rumors, The Samsung Galaxy S8 will remove the physical home button and feature much larger displays. The phone is expected to be announced on March 29th.
ZTE delays the Nougat update for Axon 7
The update was expected to arrive this month, but now ZTE pushes the launch date of Android 7.0 for the Axon 7 handsets to a later date. Although this date is not public yet, the company says the update should arrive by the end of March.
Schenker XMG A507 and A707 now available with Kaby Lake and GTX 1050 Ti
Prices for the 15.6-inch A507 and 17.3-inch A707 start at 1050 Euros and 1150 Euros, respectively, with NVMe SSD and Intel Optane options.
LG Q4 2016 financial results show a weakening smartphone business
LG smartphone revenue increased by 15 percent QoQ due to strong sales of the V20, but YoY results have fallen dramatically. Sales of OLED and UHD TVs, however, have been keeping the company afloat.
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