News - Notebookcheck News

OnePlus 3 flagship killer receives OxygenOS 3.2.8 software update

OnePlus 3 gets OxygenOS 3.2.8

Although this update comes just in time to offer Nougat, OnePlus decided to use Android Marshmallow as foundation for a new firmware once again. The highlight of OxygenOS 3.2.8 is the 1080p@60 fps video recording capability.

Codrut Nistor, 25 Nov 2016 14:25

BLU Vivo 6 Android handset with 5.5-inch full HD display and 64-bit MediaTek Helio P10 processor

BLU Vivo 6 hits the UK

The 5.5-inch Vivo 6 handset was announced last month, and now this unibody Android device made using aircraft grade aluminum goes on sale in the UK. As a Black Friday deal, those interested can get it today for £184.99 GBP - £55 GBP off its regular price.

Codrut Nistor, 25 Nov 2016 11:45

HTC Desire 650 Android smartphone with 5-inch 720p display and Qualcomm Snapdragon processor

HTC unveils Desire 650 smartphone in Taiwan

This new Android smartphone comes with low-end specs and features mostly, but also includes BoomSound speakers and a 13 MP main camera. Powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor (model not specified yet), it uses a 2,200 mAh battery.

Codrut Nistor, 25 Nov 2016 10:30

Huawei now most profitable Android brand

While Apple continues to dominate the market with a record 91 percent share of all smartphone profits worldwide, Huawei grabs the second place but ranks as the most effective Android brand as well.

Codrut Nistor, 25 Nov 2016 09:35

Lenovo smartphones may return to profit by 2017

The Chinese manufacturer is having high expectations for its smartphone division due in part to the company's superior international presence compared to Vivo, Oppo, and others.

Allen Ngo, 24 Nov 2016 21:29

Sprint-exclusive HTC Bolt Android smartphone gets free headphone adapter

HTC Bolt buyers can get a free headphone adapter

Owners of this Sprint-exclusive handsets can get a free headphone adapter, since it was not included in the retail box so far. Even more, future HTC Bolt batches will come with the USB Type-C to 3.5 mm jack adapter in the box.

Codrut Nistor, 24 Nov 2016 20:15

Samsung Chromebook Pro Chrome OS notebook, Lenovo to buy Samsung PC business

Samsung might sell its PC business to Lenovo

Not long after selling its printer business to HP for about $1 billion, it looks like Samsung is now in talks with Lenovo, a giant apparently interested in acquiring its PC business.

Codrut Nistor, 24 Nov 2016 18:55

Pebble firmware 4.3 now available

This update brings Kickstart as a new watch face for the Pebble 2 and Pebble Time, as well as the usual set of performance improvements and bug fixes. Last firmware released by Pebble was 4.0, which arrived back in August.

Codrut Nistor, 24 Nov 2016 15:55

Samsung Gear S3 Classic smartwatch gets new software November 2016

Samsung Gear Fit 2 and Gear S3 get minor software updates

The new software for Samsung's smart wearables only brings minor changes but succeeds in improving the user's experience. The list of new features includes auto pause and indoor set exercises support (Gear Fit 2), as well as speedometer support for the Gear S3 (not confirmed yet).

Codrut Nistor, 24 Nov 2016 15:20

Xiaomi Mi 5c Android smartphone to launch for about $145 USD

Xiaomi Mi 5c to cost around $145 USD

This handset, codenamed Meri, is expected to launch as the cheapest Mi handset by Xiaomi. According to the latest leak from China, the (probably) MediaTek Helio P20-powered smartphone would carry a price tag of less than $150 USD.

Codrut Nistor, 24 Nov 2016 14:35

Microsoft Solitaire Collection now for iOS and Android devices

Microsoft Solitaire Collection hits Android and iOS

Spider, Freecell, Klondike, Pyramid and Tripeaks Solitaire are now available via both Apple's App Store and Google's Play Store.

Codrut Nistor, 24 Nov 2016 11:50

Huawei Honor 8 Android smartphone gets Nougat Beta

Huawei Honor 8 gets Android Nougat Beta

Not long after the new Android version for the Huawei Mate 8 surfaced online, the Honor 8 owners who are part of the Nougat beta program receive the new firmware that integrates EMUI 5.0.

Codrut Nistor, 24 Nov 2016 10:51

Lenovo Miix 520 Windows convertible with Intel Kaby Lake processor

Lenovo Miix 520 Windows convertible leaks online

The successor of the Miix 510 convertible uses a Kaby Lake processor and sports a fanless design, also featuring an augmented reality camera and a fingerprint scanner. It should be announced soon and is expected to carry a rather high price tag.

Codrut Nistor, 24 Nov 2016 09:35

Samsung Galaxy J3 (2017) render, handset now on GFXBench

Samsung Galaxy J3 (2017) surfaces on GFXBench

The next refresh of this affordable handset is expected to be unveiled in early December. Its specs include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 425 processor, 1.5 GB RAM, 16 GB internal storage, and Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow.

Codrut Nistor, 23 Nov 2016 19:35

The Android 7.0 update (coming this week) will make the Moto Z and Moto Z Force Daydream-ready. (Source: Motorola)

Moto Z will get Nougat update this week

The Lenovo made phone will get the promised update to Android 7.0 before the end of November. The upgrade to Nougat also brings along a new feature: Daydream.

Sam Medley, 23 Nov 2016 18:56

The video in question will cause iPhones to crash soon after viewing. (Source: Apple)

Five second video can crash iPhones

A short five second video that's able to cause iPhones and iPads to lock and freeze can be easily shared via a link.

Sam Medley, 23 Nov 2016 16:40

Google Play Services got updated dropping support for Android Gingerbread and Honeycomb

Android Gingerbread and Honeycomb to lose Google Play Services support

With the update to version 10.2.0, Google Play Services will get minimum API level 14, so it will require at least Android 4.0.1 Ice Cream Sandwich. Unfortunately, this means Gingerbread and Honeycomb will no longer be supported, but this is expected to happen in early 2017.

Codrut Nistor, 23 Nov 2016 16:05

Lenovo ZUK Edge Z2151 specs on AnTuTu - Qualcomm Snapdragon 821, 6 GB RAM, Android Nougat

Lenovo ZUK Edge hits AnTuTu

This unconfirmed Lenovo handset reached TENAA a few weeks ago, and now the time has come for AnTuTu to add it to the database. Its specs include a Snapdragon 821 processor, 6 GB RAM, 64 GB storage, as well as Android Nougat.

Codrut Nistor, 23 Nov 2016 14:15

LG V30 may be dropping the secondary display ticker

Popular tech leaker Evan Blass suggests that the LG V20 successor may be a more standard smartphone with a higher screen-to-body ratio.

Allen Ngo, 23 Nov 2016 09:34

Windows Holographic, Microsoft's own VR software, should run on fairly low-end system. (Source: The Verge)

Minimum requirements for Windows Holographic unveiled

Microsoft's foray into virtual reality should be much more accessible than other available options.

Sam Medley, 22 Nov 2016 22:14

HP Announces new HP EliteBook 705 G4 series of notebooks

The business oriented laptops are powered by AMD's 7th generation PRO APUs.

Sam Medley, 22 Nov 2016 19:59

Asus ZenFone 3 family, ZenFone 3 Max now available in the US

Asus ZenFone 3 Max now available in the US

This 5.2-inch handset is powered by a MediaTek MT6737M processor, next to 2 GB RAM, 16 GB internal storage, and a 13 MP main camera. It runs Android Marshmallow and can be acquired from Amazon for less than $150 USD.

Codrut Nistor, 22 Nov 2016 19:25

ZTE Axon 7 premium Android smartphone with 6 GB RAM debuts in the US

ZTE Axon 7 with 6 GB RAM hits the US

This limited edition ZTE Axon 7 model features 6 GB RAM, 128 GB internal storage, and Force Touch. The other specs are identical to those of the regular Axon 7 - Snapdragon 820, 20 MP main camera, 5.5-inch AMOLED display.

Codrut Nistor, 22 Nov 2016 18:55

Eve successfully started their crowdfunding campaign for the V 2-in-1.

Eve V-Surface Killer on Indiegogo: First batch sold out after 3 hours!

Yesterday, Eve started their crowdfunding campaign for the V 2-in-1 Surface Pro competitor on Indiegogo. All 500 units available for the first batch were sold in under three hours, but you can still secure your device from the second batch that is due to be delivered in April/May of next year.

Alexander Fagot, 22 Nov 2016 16:57

OnePlus 3 Android flagship killer to get updates as long as OnePlus 3T

OnePlus 3 to get updated as long as OnePlus 3T

Although OnePlus 3T arrived six months after the original OnePlus 3, both handsets will get the same end of the update life cycle. This way, OnePlus 3 owners will not be left behind those using the more recent 3T handset.

Codrut Nistor, 22 Nov 2016 16:05

LG G5 Android flagship gets Android Nougat update on Sprint

LG G5 on Sprint gets Android Nougat

Not long after the unlocked variant received the update, Sprint unleashes Android Nougat for the LG G5 flagships on its network. The update has 1,275 MB in size and incorporates the November security update, as well as LG’s built-in DPI changer.

Codrut Nistor, 22 Nov 2016 14:35

Qwiklabs online learning platform joins Google Cloud

Google Cloud acquires Qwiklabs

This startup founded in 2012 that offers lab-learning environments joins Google to enhance user training across all products on Google Cloud, including Google Cloud Platform and G Suite.

Codrut Nistor, 22 Nov 2016 12:25

Chase Pay mobile payments system launches in the US November 2016

Chase Pay launches in the US

This new mobile payments service and the companion Android app only work in Starbucks and Best Buy retail locations in the US for now, but Chase Pay has plans to reach other retailers in the future, including Walmart, Shell gas stations, and more.

Codrut Nistor, 22 Nov 2016 10:55

Huawei Mate 9 "Lite" could be coming soon

The more affordable Lite version has quietly appeared on the official Huawei site complete with specifications and color options. Official prices and launch dates are still unknown.

Allen Ngo, 22 Nov 2016 08:09

Only Chinese smartphone manufacturers are seeing any substantial growth

Chinese smartphone manufacturers seeing substantial growth

Like IDC and TrendForce, Gartner's conclusions on the smartphone market show Samsung and Apple on the fall with Chinese manufacturers filling in the gaps with ease.

Allen Ngo, 22 Nov 2016 08:06

The Airport Extreme has been one of Apple's most popular routers. (Source: Apple)

Apple rumored to stop producing wireless routers

Users of Apple's WiFi routers hoping for a refresh may be out of luck.

Sam Medley, 21 Nov 2016 23:39

There might be a smartphone with this kind of foldable display next summer, Nikkei says.

Japan Display (JDI): Smartphone with foldable display next summer?

Nikkei Asian Review reported about a newly developed foldable display by Japan Display (JDI), that might arrive on a smartphone as early as next summer.

Alexander Fagot, 21 Nov 2016 22:29

LeEco and Coolpad will soon launch their next smartphone and simply name it "Cool".

LeEco and Coolpad will soon release another smartphone simply called "Cool"

The Cool1 was the first smartphone that came out of the collaboration between Chinese smartphone manufacturers LeEco and Coolpad. The second one will simply be called "Cool" and appears to be a high-end phone with Snapdragon 821 processor.

Alexander Fagot, 21 Nov 2016 22:07

Apple puts the Touch Bar on the MacBook Pro in line with a lot of other human inventions.

Apple Bulbs: MacBook Pro promo video puts Touch Bar in line with major innovations

Apple has released a new promo video for the MacBook Pro called Bulbs that follows a series of innovations from the invention of fire up to the Touch Bar on the MacBook Pro to highlight, that it's new ideas that push the world forward.

Alexander Fagot, 21 Nov 2016 21:50

Android 7.0 Beta for Samsung Galaxy phones breaks Gear VR

Volunteers that downloaded the Android 7.0 Beta are unable to user their Samsung Gear VRs, as the headset only works on Samsung phones.

Sam Medley, 21 Nov 2016 20:09

iPhone 6S units having battery problems get them replaced by Apple

Apple replacing faulty iPhone 6S batteries

Not long after taking care of the "touch disease" problem that affected particular iPhone 6 Plus handsets, Apple has to face another issue with the iPhone 6 lineup. The Cupertino-based company begins a battery replacement program for iPhone 6S owners affected by unexpected shutdowns.

Codrut Nistor, 21 Nov 2016 19:26

Samsung Galaxy S7 lineup not having battery problems

Samsung says the Galaxy S7 lineup is safe

A few incidents involving Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge handset made Samsung step forward with a statement that reassures its customers this lineup of handsets is not affected by the same battery issues that plagued the ill-fated Galaxy Note 7.

Codrut Nistor, 21 Nov 2016 15:55

TAG Heuer Connected luxury smartwatch, Intel does not leave the wearables market

Intel lays off most staff, but keeps the wearables business

Not long after insiders familiar with the matter unveiled that Intel is laying off a large number of its New Devices Group employees, the IT giant issued a statement that highlights the company "is in no way stepping back from the wearables business."

Codrut Nistor, 21 Nov 2016 14:40

Samsung Galaxy A7 Android handset launched back in 2015

Samsung Galaxy A7 (2017) gets its Bluetooth certification

The new Galaxy A7 has been in the rumor mill for a while, but now its launch is closer than ever. The 5.5-inch handset has just received its Bluetooth certification, so it should arrive just in time for the holiday shopping season.

Codrut Nistor, 21 Nov 2016 11:55

Sony Xperia Ear wireless earbuds coming to the US December 13 2016

Sony Xperia Ear coming to the US next month

Although the waterproof Xperia Ear wireless earbuds are already available in European stores, those interested in this accessory who are located in the US should wait a few weeks. The US market is scheduled to get this product on December 13.

Codrut Nistor, 21 Nov 2016 10:55

Symantec acquires LifeLock

This corporate purchase is worth $2.3 billion and, according to the two companies involved, its target is "to form world’s largest digital safety platform for consumers and families."

Codrut Nistor, 21 Nov 2016 09:45

Intel Coffee Lake: Hexacore Notebook CPUs available in 2018

For Intel, the step from Single-Core CPUs to Dual-Core based chips was a major step forward in the mainstream area, which also coincided with the end of Netburst. For 2018, Intel plans another big step: The first Hexacore CPUs for laptops.

Benjamin Herzig, 21 Nov 2016 01:01

The grey bar at the top of an iPhone 6 (Plus) indicates a problem with the touch controllers.

iFixit criticizes Apple's iPhone 6 Plus multi-touch repair program

Apple started their worldwide repair program for iPhone 6 Plus users who suffer from the dreaded Touch disease but iFixit calls it too little, too late and states that Apple is not acknowledging issues with the structural stability of the case.

Alexander Fagot, 20 Nov 2016 22:16

Nokia will be back in the smartphone business next year.

Nokia confirms that there will be smartphones again in 2017

It will still take a while but 2017 will be the year when Nokia will return to the smartphone market, according to information detected in a presentation found on the Nokia website.

Alexander Fagot, 20 Nov 2016 21:32

An early concept render of a possible iPhone 8. This is how the iPhone 8 with OLED display may look like next year.

Apple iPhone 8: Wrap-around OLED display and two regular models?

A new report from KGI suggests that Apple may add a third iPhone to the lineup in 2017. This third model will be the most interesting one containing an OLED-display that apparently wraps around the edges of the iPhone.

Alexander Fagot, 20 Nov 2016 21:16

$299 for the Apple Book, a catalog of past and present Apple designs inspired comedy and ironic tweets.

The $299 Apple Book: The #AppleBook-Community makes fun of it

Apple released a catalog of past and present Apple product designs, called it Apple Book and sells it for $299. Inspiration for ironic or sarcastic comments on Twitter and for Stephen Colbert to do a short parody for the Late Show.

Alexander Fagot, 20 Nov 2016 20:50

Qualcomm: Quick Charge 4.0 will be compatible with USB-C Power Delivery

Qualcomm announced Quick Charge 4.0 last week together with the latest Snapdragon 835 processor. The new version of Quick Charge promises to deliver 5 hours of usage in just 5 minutes of charging, improves on security and will be compatible with USB-C standards like Power Delivery.

Alexander Fagot, 20 Nov 2016 20:10

Fujitsu unveils new U series notebooks with Kaby Lake

The new lightweight Lifebook U7x7 series spans 12.5-inch to 15.6-inch screen sizes designed for mobility without sacrificing full-size ports.

Allen Ngo, 20 Nov 2016 08:09

Blurry and too dark but this picture allegedly shows a nano version of the Xiaomi Mix.

Xiaomi: Will there be a smaller Mix Nano version as well?

Blurry pictures leaked on the internet reveal an allegedly smaller version of the Xiaomi Mix concept phone with almost borderless design and a smaller 5.5 inch screen.

Alexander Fagot, 19 Nov 2016 21:13

The Lenovo ZUK Edge will most likely not have curved edges like a Samsung Galaxy S7 edge.

Lenovo: New ZUK Edge flagship coming in December?

Lenovo might release a new ZUK phone later this year. It will be called the ZUK Edge but apparently won't be based on a curved screen design similar to the Galaxy S7 edge. Instead, it will have a traditional flat display with small but visible borders around the screen.

Alexander Fagot, 19 Nov 2016 20:26

Latest Tech News

OnePlus 3 gets OxygenOS 3.2.8

BLU Vivo 6 hits the UK

HTC unveils Desire 650 smartphone in Taiwan

Huawei now most profitable Android brand

Lenovo smartphones may return to profit by 2017

HTC Bolt buyers can get a free headphone adapter

Samsung might sell its PC business to Lenovo

Pebble firmware 4.3 now available

Samsung Gear Fit 2 and Gear S3 get minor software updates

Xiaomi Mi 5c to cost around $145 USD

Microsoft Solitaire Collection hits Android and iOS

Huawei Honor 8 gets Android Nougat Beta

Lenovo Miix 520 Windows convertible leaks online

Samsung Galaxy J3 (2017) surfaces on GFXBench

Moto Z will get Nougat update this week

Five second video can crash iPhones

Android Gingerbread and Honeycomb to lose Google Play Services support

Lenovo ZUK Edge hits AnTuTu

LG V30 may be dropping the secondary display ticker

Minimum requirements for Windows Holographic unveiled

HP Announces new HP EliteBook 705 G4 series of notebooks

Asus ZenFone 3 Max now available in the US

ZTE Axon 7 with 6 GB RAM hits the US

Eve V-Surface Killer on Indiegogo: First batch sold out after 3 hours!

OnePlus 3 to get updated as long as OnePlus 3T

LG G5 on Sprint gets Android Nougat

Google Cloud acquires Qwiklabs

Chase Pay launches in the US

Huawei Mate 9 "Lite" could be coming soon

Chinese smartphone manufacturers seeing substantial growth

Apple rumored to stop producing wireless routers

Japan Display (JDI): Smartphone with foldable display next summer?

LeEco and Coolpad will soon release another smartphone simply called "Cool"

Apple Bulbs: MacBook Pro promo video puts Touch Bar in line with major innovations

Android 7.0 Beta for Samsung Galaxy phones breaks Gear VR

Apple replacing faulty iPhone 6S batteries

Samsung says the Galaxy S7 lineup is safe

Intel lays off most staff, but keeps the wearables business

Samsung Galaxy A7 (2017) gets its Bluetooth certification

Sony Xperia Ear coming to the US next month

Symantec acquires LifeLock

Intel Coffee Lake: Hexacore Notebook CPUs available in 2018

iFixit criticizes Apple's iPhone 6 Plus multi-touch repair program

Nokia confirms that there will be smartphones again in 2017

Apple iPhone 8: Wrap-around OLED display and two regular models?

The $299 Apple Book: The #AppleBook-Community makes fun of it

Qualcomm: Quick Charge 4.0 will be compatible with USB-C Power Delivery

Fujitsu unveils new U series notebooks with Kaby Lake

Xiaomi: Will there be a smaller Mix Nano version as well?

Lenovo: New ZUK Edge flagship coming in December?

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