Topics

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

The legendary Motorola Razr to get a modern smart/foldable successor on Verizon in 2019

The foldable Motorola Razr could hit Verizon later this year carrying a US$1,500 price tag

The Moto Razr 2019 seems to be ready to take on the mobile world by storm with its foldable display and other new technologies. The only problem could be the value this handset can provide, as it is expected to hit Verizon with a price tag that reads no less than US$1,500.

Codrut Nistor, 16 Jan 2019 21:35

Pandora gets in-app voice assistant Voice Mode (Source: Android Community)

Pandora launches in-app voice assistant for iOS and Android

Pandora users — including those using the free version of the streaming service — can enjoy the new capabilities provided by the in-app Voice Mode. This voice assistant can be used to accomplish multiple music-related tasks by using various phrases and is activated using the "Hey Pandora" command.

Codrut Nistor, 16 Jan 2019 20:28

The SD 855 has gone up against its competitors already. (Source: GizChina)

Snapdragon 855 benchmarks and comparisons with A12 Bionic & Kirin 980 surface online

The first benchmarks using a Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 reference device have started to roll in. This new processor has done impressively well compared to its predecessor in two separate tests. It has also outdone devices with the Kirin 980 and A12 Bionic chipsets, albeit mostly in terms of graphics performance

Deirdre O Donnell, 16 Jan 2019 19:19

Many Netflix customers will see price hikes over the next quarter. (Source: Netflix)

Netflix will increase its prices to customers paying in USD over the next few months

Netflix has announced plans to inflate its prices by up to 18%. However, this will only affect new and existing customers who use US dollars to pay for their subscriptions. This move resulted in a 6.5% increase in its stock price yesterday (January 15, 2019).

Deirdre O Donnell, 16 Jan 2019 16:20

Samsung Galaxy A40 (SM-A405FN) listing with Exynos 7885 and Android Pie in tow (Source: Geekbench Browser)

Samsung Galaxy A40 spotted on Geekbench with Android Pie onboard, Exynos 7885 and 4 GB RAM in tow

Some recent rumors claim that Samsung could launch quite a few Galaxy A handsets this by the end of the year, and the Galaxy A40 is one of them. The device with the model number SM-A405FN has recently surfaced on Geekbench and its specs include the Exynos 7885 processor, 4 GB RAM, and Android 9.0 Pie-based software.

Codrut Nistor, 16 Jan 2019 15:56

A new toggle to impose a traditional, temporal timeline view is being rolled out to Twitter users. (Source: YouTube)

Twitter is finally switching back to a fully chronological timeline

Recently, Twitter revamped its platform with the 'Interesting Tweets' feature. However, some users have asserted that the tweets chosen by its algorithm persisted in timelines regardless of whether they turned it off in Settings or not. Now, a new option to return to a completely chronological order of tweets is being rolled out.

Deirdre O Donnell, 16 Jan 2019 15:49

Realme 2 Pro users can now unlock their bootloaders, but there are caveats

Realme (OPPO's increasingly popular sub-brand) has decided to release a tool enabling owners of its 2 Pro device to unlock their bootloaders. However, it involves rather more steps than the average adb-command process for many Android phones. Realme also claims that bootloader-unlocking in this case increases the risks to user personal data and security.

Deirdre O Donnell, 16 Jan 2019 15:04

These 2017 Samsung flagships now have stock Pie betas. (Source: Android Central)

One UI/Android 9 betas for the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 and S8 line now available in certain countries

Some users of the Samsung Galaxy S8, 8+ and Note 8 have seen a new stock beta OS for their phones. This ROM, which is installed by way of joining the OEM's Beta Program, updates the 2017 devices to Android 9.0 (Pie) and the new One UI. This may be an important milestone to official stable Pie on this generation of flagships.

Deirdre O Donnell, 16 Jan 2019 14:33

Huawei MediaPad M5 Pro Android tablet with HiSilicon Kirin 960 processor surfaces with Pie and EMUI 9.0 January 2019

Huawei MediaPad M5 Pro Android Pie tablet surfaces on Geekbench

Powered by a HiSilicon Kirin 960 processor, the Huawei MediaPad M5 Pro also comes with an active stylus and features 4 GB of memory and up to 128 GB of internal storage space. Thanks to these attributes, this slate remains a worthy choice for content creators about one year after its release. This week, it has also been spotted running Android Pie, so a major firmware update should arrive shortly.

Codrut Nistor, 16 Jan 2019 14:23

Samsung Galaxy S10+ (SM-G975U) listing (Source: Geekbench Browser)

The Samsung Galaxy S10+ unlocked shows up on Geekbench with Snapdragon 855 onboard

Expected to be unveiled at the Unpacked event that will take place in less than a week in San Francisco, the Samsung Galaxy S10+ has recently surfaced on Geekbench. The model spotted in the popular benchmark database is labeled SM-G975U and sports a Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 processor, 6 GB of memory, as well as Android 9.0 Pie-based firmware.

Codrut Nistor, 16 Jan 2019 12:14

The Redmi Note 7 reportedly sold out 9 minutes into its first day on sale

The Redmi Note 7 was released for sale today (January 15, 2019) in its home country, China. The Snapdragon 660 phone with the 48MP camera sensor reportedly took only 9 minutes to sell out completely. Redmi sources are quoted as claiming that "hundreds of thousands" of units were sold in this time.

Deirdre O Donnell, 15 Jan 2019 19:44

The latest Open Beta for the OnePlus 6T (and 6) is now available. (Source: OnePlus)

New Open Beta for the OnePlus 6 and 6T has been released

OnePlus has released the latest Android Pie-based Open Beta (OB) ROM for its latest flagship series. It is known as the OB3 and OB11 for the 6T and 6 respectively. These OBs claim to bring increased detail to the stock weather app, as well as the January 2019 security patch. Finally, it may improve on Google Duo integration on these phones.

Deirdre O Donnell, 15 Jan 2019 18:32

iPhone sales saw a 7% YoY decline in H2 2018. (Source: Gadgetsnow)

TrendForce: Apple expected to decline even further in 2019

Analytics platform has revealed its projected shipment figures for the big players in the smartphone market this year. Samsung and Apple are expected to see declines in sales, while Huawei and Xiaomi could see even more growth.

Ricci Rox, 15 Jan 2019 16:28

Details and renders of Samsung's upcoming Galaxy M phones revealed

Samsung is set to unveil its new line of devices, the Galaxy M series. The company is expected to kick off the series with three devices, and specifications and official renders of the devices have surfaced.

Ricci Rox, 15 Jan 2019 16:25

The Redmi Note 5 Pro. (Source: XDA-Developers

The Redmi Note 5 is set to get Android Pie soon

The Redmi Note 5 was launched a year ago and received the update to Oreo in some parts of the world. The device has now been confirmed to also be set to receive the Android Pie update, with a Q1 rollout on the cards.

Ricci Rox, 15 Jan 2019 16:23

Honor 10 Lite Android phablet with HiSilicon Kirin 710 processor

Honor 10 Lite finally hits India

Silently introduced in China back in November 2018, the HiSilicon Kirin 710-driven Honor 10 Lite is now finally ready to conquer the Indian market. Sales will start on January 20 via Flipkart and hihonor.in. The prices are equivalent with US$210 for the 4/64 GB variant and US$253 for the 6/64 GB model.

Codrut Nistor, 15 Jan 2019 15:05

The Beyond X may launch as a Verizon exclusive at Samsung's Galaxy UNPACKED event next month in San Francisco. (Image source: chip.de)

The 5G version of the Galaxy S10 will launch as a Verizon exclusive

The 5G version of the upcoming Galaxy S10, also known as the BeyondX, will reportedly launch as a Verizon exclusive in the US. The new leak comes after the carrier announced that it would partner with Samsung to release a 5G enabled smartphone in the US during the first half of 2019.

Alex Alderson, 14 Jan 2019 20:21

The Z5 Pro GT joined a very short list of 2018 slider phones on its debut. (Source: Lenovo)

The Lenovo Z5 Pro GT has had its general release delayed

The Lenovo Z5 Pro GT is a long name to say (or type out), but for the Snapdragon 855, a triple camera and as much as 12GB of RAM it may be worth it. It had been launched in December 2018, with a general release planned for January 24. However, this date has now been put back by 5 days.

Deirdre O Donnell, 14 Jan 2019 18:32

The Pixel 3 XL Lite is looking more and more real by the day. (Source: GSMArena)

Probable Pixel 3 XL Lite has popped up on Geekbench - with 6GB of RAM

The possibility of mid-range counterparts for the Pixel 3 and 3 XL is the subject of much rumor and speculation at present. It is thought that these new Google phones may be powered by the Snapdragon 670 and 710 respectively. A new listing on Geekbench may have confirmed this in part.

Deirdre O Donnell, 14 Jan 2019 18:01

Nokia 9 PureView unofficial render, unveil coming January 2019, early February 2019 launch

HMD Global could launch the Nokia 9 PureView flagship in less than a month

The Nokia 9 PureView was expected to arrive at MWC 2019 in late February, but a recent report claims that this upcoming handset with no less than five cameras on the back will be unveiled before the end of January and will become available for purchase in India on February 6 for a price of around US$820 (8/128 GB model).

Codrut Nistor, 14 Jan 2019 17:49

Galaxy Note 9 owners must wait a few more weeks before Samsung rolls out One UI to their devices. (Image source: Samsung)

Samsung pushes back its Note 9 Android Pie release to February

Sit tight Note 9 owners, because Samsung has seemingly backtracked on releasing its Android Pie update for the device on January 15. The company's official Turkish website now reports that One UI will be rolled out to the Note 9 on February 1 instead, which will come as a disappointment for those who were anticipating updating their device to Android Pie tomorrow.

Alex Alderson, 14 Jan 2019 17:29

Huawei EMUI 9.0 flyer, third-party launchers not supported in China (Source: Android Community)

Huawei now blocking third-party Android launchers in China

Huawei might be on its way to becoming the world's second-largest smartphone maker, but the latest move made by the Chinese brand might be a costly one in the long run. The EMUI 9.0 update will come without access to third-party launchers, although this limitation will only be applied in China in the beginning.

Codrut Nistor, 14 Jan 2019 17:13

Will Samsung reveal its Galaxy F at this year's Galaxy UNPACKED event? (Image source: Samsung)

Samsung hints at the announcement of the Galaxy F in a press release

Hot on the heels of briefly giving us a glimpse of the Galaxy S10, Samsung has included more teasers in another press release about what devices it will soon be unveiling. This time the company has heavily hinted at the prospect of announcing its foldable smartphone, the Galaxy F, at its Galaxy UNPACKED event next month. The company is expected to reveal its Galaxy S10 series at the event in San Francisco too.

Alex Alderson, 14 Jan 2019 15:46

Realme 2 Pro will soon get a successor, the Realme 3, 48 MP handset also in the cards

Realme 3 coming in Q1 2019, 48 MP handset also in the works

The Realme 3 will be announced in the first quarter of 2019 and will probably come without a punch-hole selfie shooter and/or a triple camera setup on the back. The handset should arrive with a dual camera setup and a notch in two variants — regular and Pro. A Realme phone with a 48 MP camera is also expected to hit the market this year.

Codrut Nistor, 14 Jan 2019 14:58

OPPO will reportedly introduce two smartphones with 10X optical zoom cameras on January 16 (Image source: @Universelce)

OPPO to introduce two smartphones with 10X optical zoom cameras on January 16 in Beijing

OPPO announced the first smartphone with a 5X optical zoom camera only last year, but the company is now taking one step further according to new leaks. The company has reportedly sent out press invitations to introduce its new smartphone with a dual rear-facing camera, which will include a 10X optical zoom lens.

Alex Alderson, 14 Jan 2019 13:55

Huawei Mate 20 Pro flagship, Huawei could beat Apple in 2019

Global production drop could help Huawei to become the world's second largest smartphone maker

Although it might struggle in some markets like India — where it lost the crown to Xiaomi — Samsung remains the leader of the global smartphone market. On the other hand, the smartphone production drop of 3.3 percent expected for 2019 could help Chinese brand Huawei to finally beat Apple and to become the world's second smartphone maker.

Codrut Nistor, 14 Jan 2019 13:28

Samsung Galaxy M10 leaked image, launch coming late January 2019

Samsung's upcoming Galaxy M series will debut in India at the end of January

Samsung India's online store and Amazon India will be the first to sell the lower-priced Galaxy M handsets, which will debut locally before becoming available worldwide. The Galaxy M lineup will consist of three handsets at launch, namely the Galaxy M10, Galaxy M20, and Galaxy M30.

Codrut Nistor, 14 Jan 2019 10:20

The new version of MIUI should be available soon. (Source: Xiaomi)

MIUI 11 is already in development

The new version of MIUI, Xiaomi's skin for Android, is officially open for development, according to an OEM executive. This announcement was made recently at the Xiaomi MIUI Core Experience Annual Meeting. Therefore, this new OS, MIUI 11, is likely to be installed on new Xiaomi flagships when they are released later this year.

Deirdre O Donnell, 13 Jan 2019 14:29

Regarded by some as the last great Android flagship, the V20 was marred by lackluster software updates.

After two years and just one major OS update, LG gives up on the LG V20

27 months after the LG V20 was released, LG appears to have finally ended all software support for it. The device ran on Android Nougat out of the box and only received the Oreo update almost a year after launch. This marks a sad end for a device widely regarded as the last truly great Android flagship.

Ricci Rox, 13 Jan 2019 10:07

Renders of the Xperia XZ4. (Source: TechConfigurations)

Xperia XZ4 news: Compact model ditched, 3.5mm headphone jack missing

The Sony Xperia XZ4 is set to be released at MWC next month. The company's Vice President of Marketing, however, has alluded to the fact that the company may not launch an XZ4 Compact. Also, new information claims the XZ4 will not feature a 3.5mm headphone jack after all.

Ricci Rox, 13 Jan 2019 10:05

Renders of the Samsung Galaxy S10. (Source: OnLeaks0

The Samsung Galaxy S10+ will be slimmer than the S9+ while also featuring a bigger battery

Samsung is set to unveil the Galaxy S10 phones next month. The biggest of the three, the S10+ will apparently be only 7.8mm thick, which would make it the slimmest phone ever with a 4000 mAh battery. In comparison, the S9+ with a 3500 mAh battery was 8.5mm thick.

Ricci Rox, 13 Jan 2019 10:02

Qualcomm's naming scheme has never been this complex. (Source: Qualcomm)

Qualcomm's new Snapdragon 675 makes a Geekbench appearance, outperforms the Snapdragon 710

The Snapdragon 675 will likely be the most popular sub-premium SoC this year, as it's one of the select few SoCs that support Sony's 48 MP IMX586 sensor. The chipset made its way over to Geekbench and AnTuTu and managed to outperform the Snapdragon 710, an SoC that logically should be more powerful.

Ricci Rox, 13 Jan 2019 10:00

Android

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

81% Wiko View 2 Plus Smartphone Review

The foldable Motorola Razr could hit Verizon later this year carrying a US$1,500 price tag

Pandora launches in-app voice assistant for iOS and Android

Snapdragon 855 benchmarks and comparisons with A12 Bionic & Kirin 980 surface online

Netflix will increase its prices to customers paying in USD over the next few months

Samsung Galaxy A40 spotted on Geekbench with Android Pie onboard, Exynos 7885 and 4 GB RAM in tow

Twitter is finally switching back to a fully chronological timeline

Realme 2 Pro users can now unlock their bootloaders, but there are caveats

One UI/Android 9 betas for the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 and S8 line now available in certain countries

Huawei MediaPad M5 Pro Android Pie tablet surfaces on Geekbench

The Samsung Galaxy S10+ unlocked shows up on Geekbench with Snapdragon 855 onboard

79% OUKITEL U23 Smartphone Review

The Redmi Note 7 reportedly sold out 9 minutes into its first day on sale

New Open Beta for the OnePlus 6 and 6T has been released

TrendForce: Apple expected to decline even further in 2019

Details and renders of Samsung's upcoming Galaxy M phones revealed

The Redmi Note 5 is set to get Android Pie soon

Honor 10 Lite finally hits India

The 5G version of the Galaxy S10 will launch as a Verizon exclusive

The Lenovo Z5 Pro GT has had its general release delayed

Probable Pixel 3 XL Lite has popped up on Geekbench - with 6GB of RAM

HMD Global could launch the Nokia 9 PureView flagship in less than a month

Samsung pushes back its Note 9 Android Pie release to February

Huawei now blocking third-party Android launchers in China

Samsung hints at the announcement of the Galaxy F in a press release

Realme 3 coming in Q1 2019, 48 MP handset also in the works

OPPO to introduce two smartphones with 10X optical zoom cameras on January 16 in Beijing

Global production drop could help Huawei to become the world's second largest smartphone maker

79% Ulefone Armor 3T Smartphone Review

Samsung's upcoming Galaxy M series will debut in India at the end of January

80% Alldocube X Tablet Review

MIUI 11 is already in development

After two years and just one major OS update, LG gives up on the LG V20

Xperia XZ4 news: Compact model ditched, 3.5mm headphone jack missing

The Samsung Galaxy S10+ will be slimmer than the S9+ while also featuring a bigger battery

Qualcomm's new Snapdragon 675 makes a Geekbench appearance, outperforms the Snapdragon 710

Tags