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Honor launches its new Honor View 20 flagship for the global market - A OnePlus 6T alternative?

Honor, today at an event in Paris, launched its new flagship. The Honor View 20 comes equipped with ample memory and storage, a Kirin 980, a 48 MP sensor with impressive photographic performance, and a brilliant design.

Ricci Rox, 22 Jan 2019 20:57

Mobvoi TicWatch S2 and TicWatch E2 now available for purchase (Source: Mobvoi)

Mobvoi TicWatch S2 and TicWatch E2 now available for purchase, first customers get an extra charging dock

Mobvoi's latest second-generation fitness wearables come similar specs, as both use the Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 2100 SoC, and only the design sets them apart. Powered by Google's Wear OS, the TicWatch S2 and E2 can be acquired by US-based customers directly from Mobvoi or via Amazon for US$179.99 and US$159.99.

Codrut Nistor, 22 Jan 2019 19:55

Android Q may allow for increased carrier restrictions. (Source: MobileSyrup)

Android Q may improve carrier control over locked phones

Android Q is the hotly-anticipated next generation of the widely-distributed mobile device platform. Tech correspondents have found a potentially unwelcome piece of code in this new OS. It would allow the SIMs of one carrier to block those of a specific counterpart from operating on a locked phone.

Deirdre O Donnell, 22 Jan 2019 19:29

New images of the Sony Xperia XZ4 reveal an ultra-long display that discourages one-handed usage

Images of the Sony Xperia XZ4 have been revealed, showing the device with an incredibly long 21:9 display ratio that ensures that users with smaller hands will have a hard time using the phone one-handed. The XZ4 will also run on Android Pie out of the box.

Ricci Rox, 22 Jan 2019 13:07

Purported Galaxy S10 Plus renders. (Source: OnLeaks)

Pricing details of the Samsung Galaxy S10 phones revealed, fully-loaded model could cost almost US$1500

Samsung is set to unveil its Galaxy S10 phones on February 20. For the first time yet, information on the pricing of the phones has surfaced, revealing massive increases in prices across the board, with the fully-specced S10 Plus set to ship with an MSRP in the region of US$1500.

Ricci Rox, 22 Jan 2019 13:06

The Galaxy M phones will be unveiled on January 28. (Source: Sammobile)

Prices and images of the Galaxy M10 and M20 surface

Samsung is billed to release its new Galaxy M phones on January 28. Images and more concrete details of the device have now been revealed, with touted pricing information giving the impression of devices offering excellent value for money.

Ricci Rox, 22 Jan 2019 13:04

The rumoured RAZR phone could cost up to US$1,500 according to the WSJ. (Image source: EUIPO)

Motorola may have given us a look at the design of the new RAZR phone

Patent filings have revealed what the rumoured Motorola RAZR 2019 may look like. Filed by Motorola Mobility at the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) in December last year, the patents show a flip phone with a foldable display that resembles the RAZR V3, which Motorola released in 2004.

Alex Alderson, 22 Jan 2019 12:36

Some of the Honor Play 8A's color SKUs. (Source: Honor)

Honor Play 8A may make it to India soon: new rumor

The Honor Play 8A is a budget smartphone that resembles the Xiaomi Mi Play in numerous ways. However, at an approximate price of US$124, the 8A may be the cheaper of the two, although this may make it the more attractive option for some. A new report alleges that this phone will be launched in India soon.

Deirdre O Donnell, 21 Jan 2019 18:34

All signs point to the Galaxy S10 having an in-screen fingerprint sensor. (Image source: XDA)

Samsung seemingly confirms that the Galaxy S10 will have an in-screen fingerprint sensor

An update for the Samsung Pay app contains code that explicitly refers to the "Beyond", which is the codename for the Galaxy S10 series, as having an in-screen fingerprint sensor. The new technology will reportedly not feature on the Galaxy S10 Lite, also known as the S10E, as this will have a side-mounted fingerprint sensor instead.

Alex Alderson, 21 Jan 2019 17:13

Smartwatches and smart bands are set to continue to enjoy market growth in the next decade. (Source: Fitt Insider)

The global wearables market could attain up to US$22 billion by 2025

A new report on the worldwide wearable device market by Allied Market Research indicates that its value could grow to US$31 billion in the next 6 years. This is likely to be driven by the increasing uptake of its products in the healthcare and educational sectors. Apple had the greatest share of the smartwatch-specific market in 2017

Deirdre O Donnell, 21 Jan 2019 16:37

Orange Pi 3 H6: An updated version of the Raspberry Pi competitor that starts at a bargain price. (Image source: Ali Express)

Orange Pi 3 H6: An updated version of the Raspberry Pi competitor that starts at US$29.90

The Orange Pi, an alternative to the Raspberry Pi, has received a RAM upgrade this week. There are four new versions of the single-board computer, which start at US$29.90 plus shipping.

Alex Alderson, 21 Jan 2019 16:06

Xiaomi retail store, Xiaomi coming to Africa in 2019

Xiaomi ready to launch a dedicated African department

Although Xiaomi is present in most African markets via third-party distributors, the Chinese brand is now ready to take a more direct approach by launching a dedicated department for this part of the world. Xiaomi's African Regional Department will bring official launches and after-sales support in the area, as well as better prices.

Codrut Nistor, 21 Jan 2019 15:59

Huawei may face greater challenges in the future, according to its CEO. (Source: Huawei)

Huawei corporate email about possible future downsizing circulated online

Ren Zhengfei, the CEO of Huawei, has written an email warning his colleagues of the possibility of "hard times" in the future. They may include reductions in the size of the company's various regional subsidiaries. These comments may be related to Huawei's recent loss of business in the 5G infrastructure area.

Deirdre O Donnell, 21 Jan 2019 14:32

Samsung Galaxy A30 (SM-A305F) specs listing (Source: Geekbench)

Exynos 7885-powered Samsung Galaxy A30 hits Geekbench

Samsung will use the Exynos 7885 processor to power quite a few upcoming devices, and the Galaxy A30 is one of them. This handset has recently surfaced on Geekbench with Android Pie onboard and 4 GB of memory, but there is still no official announcement regarding the launch date of the new Galaxy A lineup.

Codrut Nistor, 21 Jan 2019 10:02

Slide-out keyboard Android Pie handset layout (Source: F(x) Technology)

F(x) Technology is working on 6-inch handset with a slide-out keyboard design

What started one year ago as a (now canceled) slide-out keyboard mod for the Moto Z lineup turned into a smartphone with a QWERTY keyboard that is expected to hit the market in Q1 2019. The Android Pie-driven F(x) handset will come with curved sides and a 6-inch AMOLED display, but the other specs are not public yet.

Codrut Nistor, 21 Jan 2019 09:20

Android 9 Pie is coming, but who will get to enjoy the update?

The Android Pie list: Will my phone get the Android 9 update?

Some manufacturers are already distributing it, others have just announced it, and some have offered no update on the Android 9 Pie. Based on the current information available, we have summarized what it can do and who is missing what.

Daniel Puschina, 20 Jan 2019 19:21

A Bixby user can now ask it to open more Google apps than before. (Source: XDA)

Bixby 2.0 now supports more Google apps

Bixby is Samsung's own in-house virtual assistant, and is installed on all new flagships by default since the Galaxy S8 line's launch in 2017. Since then, Bixby (in its 1.0 iteration) lost compatibility with more and more Google apps. However, the latest update to Bixby 2.0 allows it to control YouTube, Google Maps and Gmail.

Deirdre O Donnell, 20 Jan 2019 16:07

Google is working on a dark mode for the Assistant. (Source: SmartThings)

Google Assistant to get dark mode soon

Assistant is an interface for the Google app that flashes helpful cards up throughout the UI at (ideallly) oppportune times. The latest Google Assistant beta brings marked changes to its design with a new dark mode. However, it is clear that this new option is still firnly in development.

Deirdre O Donnell, 20 Jan 2019 15:32

LG backtracks on its stance, promises Pie for the ignored LG V20

A short while ago, it was revealed that LG had ended future software support for the V20, ensuring that the flagship would be stuck on the only major OS update it received: Oreo. It would appear that LG has made a U-turn on that decision, and the V20 could receive Pie after all.

Ricci Rox, 20 Jan 2019 10:58

The LG G7 ThinQ is now receiving the stable Android Pie update

The LG G7 ThinQ was launched back in May and now has the honor of being the first LG device to receive the stable Pie update. The update download weighs in at 1.35 GB, and a global rollout is expected soon.

Ricci Rox, 20 Jan 2019 10:57

2018's MWC delivered, and we can't wait for this year's iteration.

Smartphone releases we are looking forward to in 2019

In a world where some believe innovation in the smartphone industry to have plateaued, 2018 managed to give us a number of brilliant smartphones. Here we take a close look at the devices we just cannot wait to see in 2019, with a focus on what makes them so interesting.

Ricci Rox, 20 Jan 2019 10:55

The Galaxy S10 Exynos 9820 has landed on Geekbench ahead of its February 20 launch. (Source: GSM Arena)

Exynos-powered S10 also lags A12-powered iPhone Xs on Geekbench

The Samsung Exynos 9820-powered version of the forthcoming Galaxy S10 has landed on Geekbench. Unsurprisingly, it continues to lag Apple in terms of single-core performance but looks to be able to outrun the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 Galaxy S10 variant in this key metric.

Sanjiv Sathiah, 20 Jan 2019 09:02

The Verily Study Watch has received FDA approval for its ECG monitor. (Source: Verily)

FDA ECG approval for Alphabet Watch and Google's recent Fossil deal hint at smartwatch plans

Alphabet-owned company Verily has received FDA certification for its Study Watch. As one of Alphabet's many companies, which includes Google, it gives us a pretty good idea of the capabilities of Google's rumored Pixel Watch.

Sanjiv Sathiah, 20 Jan 2019 07:52

Xiaomi Redmi 6 and 6A update brings December 2018 security patch

Chinese manufacturer Xiaomi has a new update in store for its customers holding Redmi 6 and Redmi 6A smartphones. This new update fixes countless bugs and contains the December 2018 Google Safety Patch

Daniel Puschina, 20 Jan 2019 01:42

The Galaxy J4 Core was Samsung's last Android Go-powered release. (Source: Samsung)

Samsung makes trademark applications for Galaxy J2 Shine device

Trademark applications made by Samsung for “Galaxy J2 Shine” have been spotted by LetsGoDigital. The South Korean manufacturer recently released the Galaxy J2 Core, a budget-friendly smartphone operating on Google’s streamlined Android Go. It seems likely that a Galaxy J2 Shine device would also run on the optimized platform.

Daniel R Deakin, 19 Jan 2019 22:13

Antutu has examined the Snapdragon 855 for itself. (Source: Twitter)

Antutu tweets its own official Snapdragon 855 benchmarks

It's the season of new Qualcomm flagship benchmarks, ahead of the processor's official release in the form of 2019 premium mobile devices. Some of them have claimed that it does better than the A12 Bionic found in the most recent iPhones. However, Antutu has released what may be the definitive benchmark for the new chipset.

Deirdre O Donnell, 19 Jan 2019 13:59

Microsoft has suggested that any remaining Windows Mobile users switch to another platform. (Source: The Windows Club)

Microsoft is putting an end to Windows Mobile support this year

The Windows Mobile platform is all but dead at this point. Microsoft will finally let it rest forever this year. The company will withdrawing support for the latest version of its OS, as well as the second-latest, by December 2019. It is recommended that their remaining users switch to another ecosystem that will have continual support, like iOS or Android.

Deirdre O Donnell, 19 Jan 2019 13:09

DxOMark: The Mate 20 Pro's cameras aren't better than those of the P20 Pro

The Mate 20 Pro was hyped to the high heavens at launch, with rumors claiming it would be by far the highest rated device on DxOMark. The device was benchmarked yesterday, however, and only managed to match the P20 Pro, with the older flagship having the advantage in several departments.

Ricci Rox, 19 Jan 2019 11:55

The device is codenamed "Alpha". (Source: OnLeaks)

Purported LG G8 renders surface and are promptly debunked by LG

Popular tipster OnLeaks revealed renders of what was said to be the upcoming LG G8. LG has come out to deny those claims, however, and it's a lot more likely that those images are of another premium LG phone.

Ricci Rox, 19 Jan 2019 11:54

From left to right: the Samsung Galaxy S10E, the S10, and the S10+. (Source: Twitter/Evan Blass)

Samsung Galaxy S10 leaks: Image of the S10E, S10 and S10+ together; ceramic back for the latter

Two familiar names in the smartphone-leaking business have dropped some new information about Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S10 series. Evan Blass has uploaded a photo of three devices, labeled as “S10E,” “S10,” and “S10+,” which show the smartphones front and rear in protective cases. Meanwhile, Ice universe has tweeted that a version of the S10+ will come with a fancy ceramic back cover.

Daniel R Deakin, 19 Jan 2019 09:27

Some US users can now see a speed-limit icon in the bottom left corner of their directions view in Maps. (Source: Google)

Google Maps now display speed limits in certain areas

In 2017, Google tested out a new feature in Maps that showed speed limits in turn-by-turn navigation mode. This update, which was tested in 2 major cities, became less accurate over time, and was eventually axed over time. Now, it appears the app is trying this function out again. It is reportedly available to users in some parts of the US.

Deirdre O Donnell, 18 Jan 2019 18:02

Samsung's upcoming SM-T515 tablet makes an appearance on Geekbench, Exynos 7885 in tow

Samsung's upcoming SM-T515 tablet showed up on Geekbench earlier today with a score competitive with other mid-range Android devices. The tablet will use Samsung's Exynos 7885 SoC and 2 GB of RAM. The tablet will run Android 9.0 Pie out of the box, but other details (like size) are still unknown. The tablet is expected to make a debut at MWC 2019.

Sam Medley, 18 Jan 2019 15:10

The wireless charging market may experience decent growth over the next few years. (Source: Adafruit Industries)

Wireless charging market set to be worth approximately U$21 billion by 2023

The worldwide market for wireless charging products was worth just over US$2 billion in 2017. However, this figure is projected to grow by about $19 billion in the next 4 years. The market research group BIS Research concludes that this is due to the increased uptake of global standards (e.g. Qi) and the integration of wireless chargers into everyday objects such as cars.

Deirdre O Donnell, 18 Jan 2019 14:53

The Xperia XZ4 should still see the light of day. (Source: OnLeaks/MySmartPrice)

Could Sony Mobile's business spell doom for the Xperia XZ4? Probably not

It has been reported that Sony Mobile is considering departing several key markets in the Middle East and Southeast Asian regions. The telecommunications arm of the Japanese tech giant has struggled to keep up with rivals such as Samsung, Apple, and Huawei, and there has been speculation Sony would exit the smartphone market entirely. But Sony fans can relax, the Xperia XZ4 isn’t doomed.

Daniel R Deakin, 18 Jan 2019 10:17

Razer Phone 2 is only three months old; now it's $350 cheaper

The $800 Android phone is now $450 after the initial $100 off and $250 prepaid Mastercard. The deal is exclusive to Verizon users lasting only until the end of this upcoming Saturday.

Allen Ngo, 18 Jan 2019 07:01

Fossil's smartwatches featuring Wear OS also utilize Google Assistant. (Source: Fossil)

Google coughs up US$40 million to acquire some of Fossil's smartwatch technology

Fossil Group has issued a press release to announce a US$40 million deal with Google. The search engine giant will be purchasing intellectual property (IP) from the well-known American designer label in regard to smartwatch technology. There has been speculation that Google is preparing to mount a challenge to Apple’s current dominance of the smartwatch market.

Daniel R Deakin, 18 Jan 2019 01:14

Armadillotek has already posted listings for its Samsung Galaxy S10 cases. Source Armadillotek

Casemaker claims the Galaxy S10 line's fingerprint sensor will not work with its screen protectors

Armadillotek, a company that makes heavy-duty mobile device accessories, claims to have a Samsung Galaxy S10 unit in-house in order to make a case from its Vanguard series for the phone. It asserts that the screen protector that comes built into this model is incompatible with the fingerprint scanner found on the upcoming flagship.

Deirdre O Donnell, 18 Jan 2019 00:11

Moto G7 device with Snapdragon SoC and 3 GB RAM turns up on Geekbench

One of the upcoming Motorola Moto G7 variants has been spotted on Geekbench. The listing for the device reports an msm8953 motherboard, which would usually point to a Snapdragon 625 SoC. However, MySmartPrice believes the processor identifier for the test device suggests the smartphone will actually come with a Snapdragon 660.

Daniel R Deakin, 17 Jan 2019 23:50

Could this be the Galaxy S10+? (Image source: Reddit)

Is this the real Galaxy S10+? Is this just fantasy?

An intentional leak or an unsuspecting guy caught on public transport? Call it what will, but someone may have been spotted on a bus in South Korea using what could be the Samsung Galaxy S10+. One Redditor user who elaborated on the likely origins of the photo too and some specifications for the upcoming device has since deleted their account too, adding to the speculation that this may actually be a look at the Galaxy S10+.

Alex Alderson, 17 Jan 2019 22:35

The new 10X lens array from OPPO will use a periscope-style prism approach. (Source: The Verge)

OPPO will showcase its 10X optical zoom smartphone cams at MWC 2019

Two years ago, at MWC, OPPO impressed everyone with its stabilized 5X optical zoom cameras, but the company never released any commercial versions. Meanwhile, a 10X optical zoom version is ready to be showcased at this year's MWC, and it looks like OPPO could actually integrate these lenses in some upcoming handhelds.

Bogdan Solca, 17 Jan 2019 21:31

Android fans can now get an idea of what awaits them with Android Q. (Image source: XDA Developers)

Android Q leak: What awaits us this year

Android Q has reared its head long before its release. The first Developer Preview is still a few months away, but that has not stopped XDA Developers from trying out an early test version of Android Q and giving us their first insights into the new features that the successor to Android Pie will bring.

Alex Alderson, 17 Jan 2019 20:52

JerryRigEverything has kicked off this year's durability tests with the Xiaomi Mi Mix 3. (Image source: Zack Nelson)

Xiaomi Mi Mix 3: First slider phone survives durability tests

Moving parts typically reduce a smartphone's structural integrity and its durability, which is something that Zack Nelson on his JerryRigEverything YouTube channel regularly puts to the test. The Xiaomi Mi Mix 3, with its magnetic sliding mechanism, has now been subjected to Zack's scratch, burn and bend tests.

Alex Alderson, 17 Jan 2019 17:34

Renders of the Samsung Galaxy S10+. (Source: OnLeaks)

The Samsung Galaxy S10 phones will feature Samsung's traditional slow fast-charge

A few weeks ago, a leak rumored that the S10 phones could feature new fast-charging technology. New information, however, indicates that the reality of the matter could be different, and S10 owner may have to put up with Samsung's good old 15W fast charge.

Ricci Rox, 17 Jan 2019 13:50

Redmi Note 7 Pro: 48 MP Sony IMX586, Snapdragon 675, US$200

Xiaomi is set to build on the success of the Redmi Note 7 with an improved, more powerful Pro version. The Redmi Note 7 Pro is said to feature Sony's 48 MP IMX586 sensor and the new Snapdragon 675. Prices could start at just over US$200.

Ricci Rox, 17 Jan 2019 13:49

Google Pixel 3 Lite Android smartphone video review now live mid-January 2019 (Source: Andro News via YouTube)

Google Pixel 3 Lite video review surfaces online claiming Pixel 3-level photo quality

Although the upcoming Pixel 3 Lite will be a more affordable alternative to the Google Pixel 3 flagship, a video review that has just surfaced online claims that it will provide about the same photo quality. The specs of the Pixel 3 Lite are supposed to include a Snapdragon 670 processor and a notchless 5.56-inch display.

Codrut Nistor, 17 Jan 2019 13:05

Android

Asus ZenFone Max (M2) Smartphone — Hands-on Review and First Impressions

83% Lenovo Tab P10 Tablet Review

Honor launches its new Honor View 20 flagship for the global market - A OnePlus 6T alternative?

Mobvoi TicWatch S2 and TicWatch E2 now available for purchase, first customers get an extra charging dock

Android Q may improve carrier control over locked phones

New images of the Sony Xperia XZ4 reveal an ultra-long display that discourages one-handed usage

Pricing details of the Samsung Galaxy S10 phones revealed, fully-loaded model could cost almost US$1500

Prices and images of the Galaxy M10 and M20 surface

Motorola may have given us a look at the design of the new RAZR phone

Honor Play 8A may make it to India soon: new rumor

Samsung seemingly confirms that the Galaxy S10 will have an in-screen fingerprint sensor

The global wearables market could attain up to US$22 billion by 2025

Orange Pi 3 H6: An updated version of the Raspberry Pi competitor that starts at US$29.90

Xiaomi ready to launch a dedicated African department

Huawei corporate email about possible future downsizing circulated online

Exynos 7885-powered Samsung Galaxy A30 hits Geekbench

F(x) Technology is working on 6-inch handset with a slide-out keyboard design

The Android Pie list: Will my phone get the Android 9 update?

Bixby 2.0 now supports more Google apps

Google Assistant to get dark mode soon

LG backtracks on its stance, promises Pie for the ignored LG V20

The LG G7 ThinQ is now receiving the stable Android Pie update

Smartphone releases we are looking forward to in 2019

Exynos-powered S10 also lags A12-powered iPhone Xs on Geekbench

FDA ECG approval for Alphabet Watch and Google's recent Fossil deal hint at smartwatch plans

Xiaomi Redmi 6 and 6A update brings December 2018 security patch

87% Dell Inspiron 7486 Chromebook 14 2-in-1 Convertible Review

Samsung makes trademark applications for Galaxy J2 Shine device

Antutu tweets its own official Snapdragon 855 benchmarks

Microsoft is putting an end to Windows Mobile support this year

DxOMark: The Mate 20 Pro's cameras aren't better than those of the P20 Pro

Purported LG G8 renders surface and are promptly debunked by LG

Samsung Galaxy S10 leaks: Image of the S10E, S10 and S10+ together; ceramic back for the latter

80% Wiko View 2 Go Smartphone Review

Google Maps now display speed limits in certain areas

Samsung's upcoming SM-T515 tablet makes an appearance on Geekbench, Exynos 7885 in tow

Wireless charging market set to be worth approximately U$21 billion by 2023

Could Sony Mobile's business spell doom for the Xperia XZ4? Probably not

Razer Phone 2 is only three months old; now it's $350 cheaper

Google coughs up US$40 million to acquire some of Fossil's smartwatch technology

Casemaker claims the Galaxy S10 line's fingerprint sensor will not work with its screen protectors

Moto G7 device with Snapdragon SoC and 3 GB RAM turns up on Geekbench

Is this the real Galaxy S10+? Is this just fantasy?

OPPO will showcase its 10X optical zoom smartphone cams at MWC 2019

Android Q leak: What awaits us this year

Xiaomi Mi Mix 3: First slider phone survives durability tests

The Samsung Galaxy S10 phones will feature Samsung's traditional slow fast-charge

Redmi Note 7 Pro: 48 MP Sony IMX586, Snapdragon 675, US$200

Google Pixel 3 Lite video review surfaces online claiming Pixel 3-level photo quality

Three Way Shootout: iPad Pro 11, Galaxy Tab S4 and Surface Go

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