News - Notebookcheck News

HP EliteBook 800 G4 notebook series with Intel Kaby Lake processors coming soon

HP EliteBook 800 G4 series coming soon

The updated EliteBook 800 lineup now gets Intel Kaby Lake processors, as well as new security features. HP Sure Start Gen3 was designed to notify the user when someone unauthorized attempts to tamper with the BIOS.

Codrut Nistor, 15 Dec 2016 21:35

OnePlus 3T Android smartphone gets December 2016 Marshmallow-based update

OnePlus 3T gets another Marshmallow update

The OxygenOS 3.5.4 firmware for this fresh handset is, unfortunately, still based on the old Android Marshmallow. It does not offer any new features but has multiple tweaks and fixes instead.

Codrut Nistor, 15 Dec 2016 19:50

Google Home now with Netflix and Google Photos support December 2016

Google Home gets support for Netflix and Google Photos

Not long after introducing "Actions on Google" for third-party voice support through Google Assistant, Google adds Netflix and Google Photos support to Google Home. Even more, new YouTube Red subscribers get a free 6-month trial with their Google Home purchases by the end of 2016.

Codrut Nistor, 15 Dec 2016 15:45

Fitness trackers such as the Fitbit (pictured) are the most popular type of smart-wearable. (Source: Fitbit)

Fitness bands good for health, terrible for privacy: Study

A recent study by The Center for Digital Democracy has found that despite the highly personal health information collected by wearables, there are insufficient regulations in place to safeguard the treatment of the information.

Douglas Black, 15 Dec 2016 14:41

The UX310UQ is a solid ultrabook with a dedicated GPU for light gaming. (Source: ASUS)

Asus refreshes the UX310 ultrabook with Kaby Lake

Asus's UX310 ultrabook has been updated to Kaby Lake. It packs a 7th generation Core i-series CPU, 2 GB Nvidia 940MX GPU, and both m.2 SATA and 2.5" storage in a compact, inexpensive package.

Douglas Black, 15 Dec 2016 11:37

The Samsung Galaxy C7 Pro has turned up on Chinese TENAA leaks.

Samsung: Galaxy C5 Pro and C7 Pro pushed back to January 2017

Samsung apparently decided to push back the release of their Galaxy C5 Pro and Galaxy C7 Pro midrange phones to early 2017. A new leak courtesy of TENAA reveals pictures of the Galaxy C7 Pro.

Alexander Fagot, 14 Dec 2016 22:11

Gionee will unveil the fancy looking M2017 on December 26th in China.

Gionee M2017: High-End phone featuring 7,000 mAh battery launches on Boxing Day

Chinese smartphone maker Gionee has decided on a December launch for their high-end phone M2017. An official poster reveals that the 10 mm thick smartphone with 7,000 mAh battery will be announced on Boxing Day.

Alexander Fagot, 14 Dec 2016 21:50

New security features, such as HP Sure Start, will be available in HP's upcoming EliteBook line and other HP devices. (Source: HP)

HP unveils new security features for commercial PCs

The new features are aimed to deter intrusions by protecting multiple layers of notebooks and PCs.

Sam Medley, 14 Dec 2016 21:44

Acer announces affordable TravelMate P4 series

The 14-inch P449 and 15.6-inch P459 refreshed models start at $649 USD each with a Skylake CPU, 1366 x 768 HD display, and USB Type-C. Options include a FHD IPS display and Nvidia 940MX graphics.

Allen Ngo, 14 Dec 2016 21:28

Fossil branded smartwatches, Fossil Diesel and Kate Spade coming soon

Fossil Diesel and Kate Spade smartwatches coming soon

Next to the Emporio Armani smartwatch by Fossil that has been recently announced, the Diesel- and Kate Spate-branded Fossil smartwatches are also expected to debut in the coming weeks.

Codrut Nistor, 14 Dec 2016 19:55

Apple watchOS-driven smartwatches, watchOS 3.1.1 update problems

Apple pulls watchOS 3.1.1 update

Since it seems that this week's update bricked some Series 2 Apple Watches after installing, Apple has decided to withdraw watchOS 3.1.1. For now, the latest watchOS variant available remains 3.1.

Codrut Nistor, 14 Dec 2016 18:25

The Osborne 1, released in 1981, was the world's first portable microcomputer. (Source: OldComputers.net)

EEVblog tears down world's first portable computer

Ever wonder what made the world's first "luggable" computer tick? EEVblog has released a video teardown of the groundbreaking device.

Sam Medley, 14 Dec 2016 16:58

Acer Predator 17 X with Core i7-7820HK specifications leak

Acer Predator 17 X with Core i7-7820HK Kaby Lake specifications leak

The Predator series is getting even better with an unlocked Kaby Lake CPU, GTX 1080 GPU, and 4K UHD IPS display for an expected price point of just under 4000 Euros.

Allen Ngo, 14 Dec 2016 16:35

Nova Launcher 5.0 Android launcher app now available

Nova Launcher 5.0 now available

The new version of this Android launcher marks the fifth anniversary of the very popular application that has been downloaded more than 10 million times so far.

Codrut Nistor, 14 Dec 2016 16:15

AMD is back and better than ever with its latest offering, the 90 watt Ryzen desktop CPU. (Source: AMD)

AMD's new "Ryzen" CPU is a match for Intel's i7-6900K

Ryzen is an 8-core, 16-thread processor with a base clock speed of 3.4 GHz and a boost mode for dynamic overclocking. In benchmarks performed by AMD, the 95-Watt Ryzen matched a 140-Watt Intel i7-6900K.

Douglas Black, 14 Dec 2016 09:13

You can get a percentage, but no "time remaining" estimate. (Source: 9to5Mac)

Newest macOS preview build removes battery time remaining estimates

The latest MacOS Preview has removed the "time remaining" estimate from the battery menu following complaints about the poor battery life on the new MacBook Pro models.

Douglas Black, 14 Dec 2016 08:15

Apple's wireless AirPods can be purchased for $159 USD. (Source: Apple)

Apple's wireless AirPods now available for purchase

After several delays, Apple's AirPods are now listed on Apple's online store.

Sam Medley, 13 Dec 2016 17:42

Samsung Pay mobile payment service Mini variant not to run on Apple devices

Samsung Pay Mini might not offer iOS support

Apple seems to have rejected the Samsung Pay Mini app submitted to the App Store and it looks like Samsung will not resubmit it again for the time being, choosing to focus on the Android client instead. Samsung Pay Mini for Android is expected to launch next month, at CES.

Codrut Nistor, 13 Dec 2016 16:30

Apple iOS 10.2 update is now available, iOS 10.2 new features

Apple releases iOS 10.2

This new update is the second major one received by iOS 10 since its October release. The list of new features includes more than 100 new emojis, additional support for RAW digital cameras, new full-screen effects in Messages, and more.

Codrut Nistor, 13 Dec 2016 16:15

Cronologics joins Google to help improve Android Wear

Google acquires Cronologics

The startup that joins the search giant has been founded in part by former Google employees back in 2014. Now, the Cronologics team will be working on improving Android Wear directly.

Codrut Nistor, 13 Dec 2016 15:30

New AMD drivers hint at more Polaris GPUs to come

Code in the AMD graphics driver for Mac OS Sierra refers directly to unknown Polaris GPUs codenamed 'Polaris 10 XT2' and 'Polaris 12'.

Allen Ngo, 13 Dec 2016 07:36

The long-awaited update for Android integrates search functionality directly into the keyboard. (Source: AndroidPolice)

Six months after iOS release, Gboard finally comes to Android

Google's Gboard has finally come to Android, replacing Google Keyboard. The update includes search and sharing of urls, pictures, and gifs directly from the keyboard, as well as many other enhancements.

Douglas Black, 13 Dec 2016 03:47

The Surface Hub runs a customized version of Windows 10 and is designed for collaboration with multi-touch and ink. (Source: Microsoft)

Microsoft Surface Hub shipping again; back in stock

After months of backlogs and supply issues, Microsoft reports that the Hub is back in stock and has shipped to over 2000 customers in 24 markets, with some customers ordering 1500 units.

Douglas Black, 13 Dec 2016 02:54

Lenovo: ThinkPad X1 Carbon with Kaby Lake leaked

Business laptops (like ThinkPads) are still based on the older Skylake CPUs. Now, the top model of Lenovo´s upcoming Kaby Lake lineup has been leaked, the new X1 Carbon.

Benjamin Herzig, 13 Dec 2016 00:10

Recompiled x86 apps will be able to bypass the ARM emulation of future Windows 10 versions.

Microsoft will let developers recompile x86-apps for better performance on Snapdragon chips

Developers of x86 applications for Windows 10 will be able to bypass ARM emulation and speed up these apps on future Snapdragon equipped Cellular PCs if they recompile them for ARM64.

Alexander Fagot, 12 Dec 2016 22:51

12 VR-Pods are available in the MK2 Bibliotheque in Paris to test-drive virtual reality headsets.

Virtual Reality: You can test-drive Virtual Reality headsets in Paris for $25

Last week, a french cinema chain opened a virtual reality venue in the MK2 Bibliotheque in Paris where you can test-drive a HTC Vive, an Oculus Rift, a Playstation VR and a Birdly motion simulator for $25.

Alexander Fagot, 12 Dec 2016 22:18

Bridge, the first Mixed Reality Headset for iPhones will be available for sale in March 2017.

Occipital Bridge: Mixed Reality Headset for iPhones

Occipital will start selling the Bridge, a Mixed Reality Headset for iPhone 6 or higher in march of next year for $399. A limited explorer edition for developers is available now.

Alexander Fagot, 12 Dec 2016 21:51

Odin2 mini tablet/projector coming in June 2017

This mini tablet/projector hybrid surfaced on Indiegogo, where its campaign already reached the goal. Now, the 5-inch Android Marshmallow-driven device is almost ready to hit the market, but shipments are expected to start in June.

Codrut Nistor, 12 Dec 2016 19:15

Bluboo Dual will be one of the cheapest smartphones with dual rear cameras

Other than its dual rear camera advantages, the 5.5-inch FHD smartphone will have 2 GB RAM, a quad-core MediaTek SoC, dual-SIM capabilities, and MicroSD support for just under $150 USD.

Allen Ngo, 12 Dec 2016 19:06

LG V5 Android smartphone renders leak online

LG V5 renders leak online

The upcoming V5 Android smartphone is expected to target the mid-range area of the market. The images that surfaced show what appears to be a plastic body with a removable back panel, as well as a fingerprint reader.

Codrut Nistor, 12 Dec 2016 18:25

Action Launcher 3.12.0 Android launcher app update now available

Action Launcher 3 gets updated

The latest version of this launcher app for Android now features a home screen with support for widgets accessible via a swipe from the right edge, scrolling dock pages, and more.

Codrut Nistor, 12 Dec 2016 15:20

Popcorn Time gives the victim 7 days to either pay up or infect others. (Source: Bleeping Computer)

Ransomware allows you to decrypt your files by spreading it

New ransomware, called "Popcorn Time", allows the victim to get their files back by spreading the malware instead of paying.

Douglas Black, 12 Dec 2016 08:57

Android 7.1.1 Nougat now available on the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge

Android 7.1.1 Nougat coming to the Samsung Galaxy S7 series

Samsung will preview Android 7.1.1 on its latest flagship smartphones before any other manufacturer outside of Google.

Allen Ngo, 12 Dec 2016 06:42

Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 benchmarks spotted

Leaked benchmarks on GFXBench show the supposed SoC to be well above the flagship Kirin 960 in graphics performance.

Allen Ngo, 12 Dec 2016 05:20

Veniamin Geskin created a possible design for the Samsung Galaxy S8.

Bloomberg: Samsung is going for an All-Screen Design in the Galaxy S8

Like many other sites, Bloomberg recently reported about the future of the Galaxy S8 and predicted an all-screen design with a much higher display area. However, due to extensive testing, sales are expected to be delayed until April 2017.

Alexander Fagot, 11 Dec 2016 19:58

The Huawei Mate 9 will go on sale in the US on January 6th, according to Evan Blass.

Huawei: Mate 9 is said to go on sale January 6th

Huawei has unveiled the Mate 9 in Germany back in November but so far did not officially release the phone in the US. According to leaker Evan Blass, Huawei will start selling it in the US on January 6th.

Alexander Fagot, 11 Dec 2016 19:29

Qualcomm's Snapdragon ARM CPUs have become ubiquitous in the smartphone market. (Source: Qualcomm)

Qualcomm takes aim at Intel's Xeon with new 48-core server chip

Qualcomm has announced the 48-core Centriq 2400 ARMv8 processor; the first server-grade cpu to be built using a 10-nm manufacturing process.

Douglas Black, 11 Dec 2016 12:24

Nubia Z11, Z11 Mini, Z11 Max, and N1 smartphones now available

The ZTE Nubia smartphones are retailing for as low as 220 Euros for the N1 to as high as 600 Euros for the flagship and almost borderless Z11.

Allen Ngo, 11 Dec 2016 05:33

OnePlus photo contest will net the winner a OnePlus 3T

OnePlus photo contest will net one winner a OnePlus 3T

Snap, tag, and win for a chance to receive a OnePlus 3T smartphone worth about 440 Euros. Users must be using an existing OnePlus device to enter the competition.

Allen Ngo, 11 Dec 2016 05:02

Wearables market up 3.1 percent while Apple Watch slips

Fitbit, Xiaomi, and Garmin collectively command 45 percent of the current market in terms of worldwide shipments.

Allen Ngo, 11 Dec 2016 04:56

Samsung will soon announce the 2017 edition of the Galaxy A3, A5 and A7.

Samsung Galaxy A-Series (A3, A5, A7) 2017 pictures, specs and render-videos leak

After leaking pictures and a video for the Samsung Galaxy A3 (2017) last week, the rest of the A-series for next year received a similar treatment and reveal Samsung's midrange lineup with a surprisingly waterproof Galaxy A7-phone.

Alexander Fagot, 10 Dec 2016 23:37

Technical problems may have led to the long delay of the Apple AirPods.

Apple AirPods: Delays seem to be caused by technical problems

In an article, that was released today, the Wall Street Journal revealed information explaining why Apple's wireless ear buds missed the holiday shopping season.

Alexander Fagot, 10 Dec 2016 23:16

Oppo may soon add smartphones to its portfolio of devices available in the US.

Oppo may be planning to sell smartphones in the US

The most successful smartphone manufacturer in China may soon start selling smartphones in US as well. Mostly known for blu-ray players in the US, Oppo is apparently preparing to expand their smartphone business to the US.

Alexander Fagot, 10 Dec 2016 22:40

Oppo remains ahead of Huawei and Vivo in sales profits

Oppo remains ahead of Huawei and Vivo in quarterly profits

Smartphone operating profits are slightly higher for Oppo last quarter compared to immediate Chinese competitors like Huawei, Vivo, and Xiaomi.

Allen Ngo, 10 Dec 2016 22:32

Android backups are now manageable in Google Drive, sort of

Google released new versions of the Google Drive Android app and the Google Drive web interface, that allow you to take a glimpse into your Android device's backup with limited functionality.

Alexander Fagot, 10 Dec 2016 22:09

The next UMI flagship phone UMI Z will be the first to feature a Helio X27 processor.

UMi Z: First flagship phone with Helio X27 will be announced December 12th

The UMI Z will be the first flagship phone to be released with the new MediaTek Helio X27 processor. The phone will be announced early next week on December 12th and feature a dual-cam.

Alexander Fagot, 10 Dec 2016 21:56

A Chinese user has "leaked" some alleged designs for the next HTC flagship. Take with a grain of salt. (Source: C数码猫)

Don't count HTC out yet; still hard at work on future products: Exec

Despite being another rough year for HTC, they have clarified that they are still working on flagship phones and Vive devices.

Douglas Black, 10 Dec 2016 13:58

AMD's new Radeon Software Crimson driver brings gameplay capture and improved graphics performance. (Source: AMD)

AMD launches Radeon Software Crimson ReLive Edition 16.12.1

Live streamers, rejoice! AMD's new ReLive Edition driver rabrings better power management, improved graphical performance, and new gameplay capture and streaming software.

Sam Medley, 09 Dec 2016 21:14

Sony Xperia X Performance Android smartphone to get update 7.1.1 Nougat soon

Sony to bring the Android 7.1.1 Nougat update soon

Android 7.1.1 was recently unleashed by Google for its own devices, and now it looks like Sony aims to become the first brand from the crowd to get the update ready. According to a recent report, the developer team of the Japanese company has made this update its "number one priority."

Codrut Nistor, 09 Dec 2016 19:45

Samsung Galaxy C9 Pro Android phablet international variant gets WiFi certification

International variant of the Galaxy C9 Pro surfaces online

This unannounced variant of the 6-inch phablet already present in China has just received its WiFi certification. Aiming the international market, it has the same specs as its China-only counterpart - Qualcomm Snapdragon 653, 6 GB RAM, 16 MP main camera, and more.

Codrut Nistor, 09 Dec 2016 18:45

Latest Tech News

HP EliteBook 800 G4 series coming soon

OnePlus 3T gets another Marshmallow update

Google Home gets support for Netflix and Google Photos

Fitness bands good for health, terrible for privacy: Study

Asus refreshes the UX310 ultrabook with Kaby Lake

Samsung: Galaxy C5 Pro and C7 Pro pushed back to January 2017

Gionee M2017: High-End phone featuring 7,000 mAh battery launches on Boxing Day

HP unveils new security features for commercial PCs

Acer announces affordable TravelMate P4 series

Fossil Diesel and Kate Spade smartwatches coming soon

Apple pulls watchOS 3.1.1 update

EEVblog tears down world's first portable computer

Acer Predator 17 X with Core i7-7820HK Kaby Lake specifications leak

Nova Launcher 5.0 now available

AMD's new "Ryzen" CPU is a match for Intel's i7-6900K

Newest macOS preview build removes battery time remaining estimates

Apple's wireless AirPods now available for purchase

Samsung Pay Mini might not offer iOS support

Apple releases iOS 10.2

Google acquires Cronologics

New AMD drivers hint at more Polaris GPUs to come

Six months after iOS release, Gboard finally comes to Android

Microsoft Surface Hub shipping again; back in stock

Lenovo: ThinkPad X1 Carbon with Kaby Lake leaked

Microsoft will let developers recompile x86-apps for better performance on Snapdragon chips

Virtual Reality: You can test-drive Virtual Reality headsets in Paris for $25

Occipital Bridge: Mixed Reality Headset for iPhones

Odin2 mini tablet/projector coming in June 2017

Bluboo Dual will be one of the cheapest smartphones with dual rear cameras

LG V5 renders leak online

Action Launcher 3 gets updated

Ransomware allows you to decrypt your files by spreading it

Android 7.1.1 Nougat coming to the Samsung Galaxy S7 series

Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 benchmarks spotted

Bloomberg: Samsung is going for an All-Screen Design in the Galaxy S8

Huawei: Mate 9 is said to go on sale January 6th

Qualcomm takes aim at Intel's Xeon with new 48-core server chip

Nubia Z11, Z11 Mini, Z11 Max, and N1 smartphones now available

OnePlus photo contest will net one winner a OnePlus 3T

Wearables market up 3.1 percent while Apple Watch slips

Samsung Galaxy A-Series (A3, A5, A7) 2017 pictures, specs and render-videos leak

Apple AirPods: Delays seem to be caused by technical problems

Oppo may be planning to sell smartphones in the US

Oppo remains ahead of Huawei and Vivo in quarterly profits

Android backups are now manageable in Google Drive, sort of

UMi Z: First flagship phone with Helio X27 will be announced December 12th

Don't count HTC out yet; still hard at work on future products: Exec

AMD launches Radeon Software Crimson ReLive Edition 16.12.1

Sony to bring the Android 7.1.1 Nougat update soon

International variant of the Galaxy C9 Pro surfaces online

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