Tuesday, October 31, 2017

BlackBerry Motion to launch November 10th in Canada

The latest handset from BlackBerry Mobile, the BlackBerry Motion, is expected to make its way stateside to Verizon, AT&T and Sprint. Thus far though, there has been no official word about U.S. availability for the "all touch" model. Thanks to an announcement made today by BlackBerry Mobile, we do know that the device will be available in Canada starting on November 10th. On that date, the phone will be available from Koodo and in select Bell, TELUS and SaskTel stores priced at $99 CAD (equivalent to $77 USD at current exchange rates) with a signed two-year pact. The regular retail price is ...

Sprint launches the Nougat-powered LG G Pad F2 8.0 tablet, priced to sell for $149.99

Sprint has just announced the immediate availability of the inexpensive LG G Pad F2 8.0, a tablet that can be connected with pogo pins to the Plus Pack in order to expand its battery life.The slate is available for purchase right now for just $149.99, or $6.25 per month for two years. The Plus Pack comes separately and you must pay $79.99 to get one. It will allow you to connect an additional 4,400 mAh battery to the tablet, as well as a USB port and 2x2W speakers.Plus Pack aside, the LG G Pad F2 8.0 is powered by a 3,000 mAh battery and packs a 1.5GHz ...

Deal: BLU S1 is available for free with Sprint's BYOD promotion, or for $50 off at Amazon

The BLU S1 was released in the United States two weeks ago, as Blu Product's first smartphone to work on Sprint and Boost Mobile networks. The low-end smartphone was available for purchase at Amazon for $179.99 in its unlocked variant.Today, Blu Products announced that its BLU S1 smartphone is up for grabs for free when you switch to Sprint after $200 rebate. This is a limited time offer available with Sprint's BYOD (bring your own device) promotion.So, how is this going to work? Since the BLU S1 will be part of Sprint's postpaid BYOD promotion, customers ...

Sam's Club prepares for Black Friday with a one-day sale event, here are all the deals

If you're anxious to go on a shopping spree and can't wait for Black Friday, which is just one month away, Sam's Club might have you covered. The US retailer plans a one-day sale before Black Friday hits.Although Sam's Club hasn't yet revealed too many details about the sale, we know it will take place on November 11 at 12:01 ET online and 7:00 AM ET in stores. We also have information on some of the best deals the retailer has to offer during the sale.If you're an Apple fan, you'll be pleased to know that most iPad Pro models will be discounted by up to ...

Razer Phone's full list of leaked specs confirms dual-camera setup, 8GB RAM, IGZO display

We're just one day away from the official reveal of the Razer Phone, a device aimed at “hardcore gamers.” The smartphone is expected to be officially unveiled on November 1 and judging by what's been leaked until now, it will be a beast.A listing found at graphics benchmark developer GFXBench two weeks ago revealed some of the handset's hardware such as a powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor, 8GB RAM and 64GB internal memory.We now have another source that confirms some of the specs that we're reported about earlier this month. An independent mobile ...

LG uses artist's kinetic art to highlight LG V30's rich multimedia capabilities

LG's new flagship smartphone, the V30 is shaping up to be a great device and the South Korean company is trying to better handle this new found success. There's so much good stuff about the V30 that LG wants everyone to know what it can do.In that regard, LG and artist Michael Murphy have teamed up to highlight the rich multimedia capabilities of the new LG V30 smartphone using kinetic art. But what is kinetic art?Well, it's no shame in not knowing that kinetic art relies on motion to create an effect. Still, the art doesn’t actually move, only the viewer does, so when viewed ...

Monday, October 30, 2017

Apple shares hit an all-time high as analysts say that iPhone X pre-orders are ahead of expectations

Apple's market capitalization hit an all-time high today when the company's shares hit $168.07 during the NASDAQ trading day. And while the stock closed trading on Monday at $166.72, up $3.67 for the day, Apple's current valuation of  $861 billion brings it closer to being the first company to be worth $1 trillion. To hit that mark, Apple would have to rise 16% to $193.64. The catalyst for the rally is the strong showing made by the Apple iPhone X once pre-orders were opened up Friday morning. Apple said that orders for the tenth anniversary model were "off the charts," and that the ...

T-Mobile inadvertently lists all HTC U11 Life's specs before launch

HTC is expected to announce not one, but two Android smartphones on November 2. The U11 flagship is likely to pack similar specs as the HTC U11, but a better battery and larger display.A second mid-range smartphone, the HTC U11 Life is likely to be unveiled too. We've been reporting on this particular handset before, but we've never had a source as official as this one until now.It appears that T-Mobile inadvertently listed all HTC U11 Life's specs a few days before the official announcement. The phone's support page has been pulled in the meantime, but ...

HMD confirms the camera app on Nokia smartphones will be updated

You might remember that HMD got its hands on the Lumia Camera UI design patent some months ago. At that time we hoped the Finnish company will bring it to some or all Nokia smartphones, and it looks like we weren't wrong.HMD's Global Chief Product Manager Juho Sarvikas confirmed that his company plans to update the Camera app on all its Nokia smartphones in the near future. He also hinted that the update will include many of the features (if not all) that made the Lumia Camera UI so reliable.Well, considering the current Camera app on HMD's Nokia smartphones ...

OnePlus 5T shows off its slimmer bezels in new leaked render

Last year's OnePlus 3T was an unusual device: in essence, it was a slightly upgraded version of the OnePlus 3, seemingly built to take advantage of the then-new Snapdragon 821 SoC. But unlike last year, late 2017 never brought us an upgrade to the OnePlus 5's Snapdragon 835. So it's only natural to think OnePlus doesn't have a reason to release a mid-cycle upgrade to its current flagship.And yet, this doesn't appear to be the case — a OnePlus 5T has all been confirmed as real, both via leaked information and OnePlus' own guerrilla marketing strategies. ...

Sony releases Xperia Assist app in the Google Play Store

Following the same update model adopted by Google, HTC and OnePlus, Japanese company Sony Mobile has decided to release one of the apps that come pre-loaded on its smartphones in the Google Play Store – Xperia Assist.Obviously, the application is not meant to be downloaded by owners of other smartphone brands, so if you don't own a compatible Xperia handset you won't be able to install it. On the bright side, it will make it easier for Sony to update Xperia Assist without having to push another firmware to its Xperia phones.The Xperia Assist application ...

Time for leaks: Here's the HTC U11 Life in Brilliant Black

Android One devices are somewhat having a renaissance right now, with multiple high-profile phone manufacturers either releasing or heavily-rumored to invest in Google's low cost program. Xiaomi was the most recent biggest phone maker to release an Android One device (the Mi A1), and if rumors are correct, HTC is about to do the same. In three days or so, the HTC U11 Life could become the newest member of the Android One initiative.And guess what, a fresh new press render of the device in dazzling Brilliant Black has been unearthed by leakster Roland Quandt, giving ...

Sunday, October 29, 2017

Google originally planned on including premium ear buds with the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL

A gentleman by the name of Lucas Everett recently shelled out the necessary cash to purchase a Google Pixel 2 from Verizon. And guess what he found in the box. Yes, that's right. Inside the box was a Pixel 2, but that isn't the point. The box also contained a cut out for a pair of ear buds that never came with the phone. In addition, the "Inside the box" booklet that was included, uh, inside the box, made reference to the invisible earbuds, which did not actually come in the box.The earbuds were supposed to connect to the phone via a Type-C USB port and had the same adjustable loop as found ...

6 week-old Apple iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus are getting traded-in by iPhone X buyers

If you don't mind buying a previously used phone, it is definitely a buyers' market as far as the Apple iPhone 8 and Apple iPhone 8 Plus are concerned. Just a little over 6 weeks since they were launched, sellers have been dumping the phones on sites like Decluttr.com, trying to raise funds for the purchase of the more expensive Apple iPhone X. This has turned out to be a reaction that even the web site didn't expect. Decluttr.com's digital marketing manager James Bell, figured that it would be the 2016 Apple iPhone 7 and Apple iPhone 7 Plus getting traded in by iPhone X buyers needing some scratch. ...

Analyst says that Apple will not use cheaper parts or reduce accuracy for TrueDepth Camera on 2018 models

The Apple iPhone X hasn't even been launched yet, and already KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo is writing to clients about the 2018 Apple iPhone line up. Earlier this month, Kuo told clients that all 2018 iPhone models will feature a TrueDepth Camera and Face ID. Previously, we heard that next year's handsets will all feature an OLED panel. The goal for Apple next year is to bring some of the technology that was reserved for the iPhone X this year, into the less expensive models for next year. The analyst also sees Apple adding the TrueDepth Camera into the 2018 Apple iPad tablets.In ...

Photos show iPhone X boxes waiting to ship; video reveals what is under the lid of the box

So let's say that you pre-ordered your Apple iPhone X. What happens next? No, not to you, but to the boxes containing the iPhone X. Well luckily for everyone, tipster Benjamin Geskin's dad isn't an engineer at Apple, so no one will lose their job after we show you images of the Apple iPhone X retail box awaiting the long and winding journey to an Apple Store, or maybe to your front door at home.Another photo shows the silver version of the iPhone X being stared at by some one whose reflection can be seen bouncing off the back of the phone. Check out the vertically mounted dual rear-facing ...

Friends and family code drops the price of the Essential Phone to $299

About a week ago, we told you that the Essential Phone had received a $200 price cut, dropping the cost of the phone to $499. That 29% drop certainly made the device more affordable. But suppose we told you that there is a way for you to pick up the Essential Phone, Andy Rubin's pride and joy, for only $299. While our math skills aren't what they used to be, that is less than half the original $699 price for the handset.To score an Essential Phone for $299, you are going to need the friends & family discount code. To receive that code you will have had to pay full price, or know someone ...

Saturday, October 28, 2017

Apple fires engineer after daughter's iPhone X hands on video goes viral

According to a tweet disseminated today, Apple has fired an engineer after his daughter posted a hands-on video about the iPhone X on YouTube. While the engineer's full name is unknown, we do know that his daughter goes by the name of Brooke Peterson. Apple requested that Brooke take down the video, and while she did comply immediately with the company's desires, it was removed from the site well after the clip went viral.Keep in mind that this was more than just a leaked iPhone X. This was an iPhone X that belonged to an Apple employee and the video revealed special QR codes on ...

Google will now automatically search from your location regardless of domain used

Google's mobile app for iOS, its mobile web site, and the desktop version of Google and Maps are undergoing a small but important change. Previously, the results you received for an international search were based on the country code selected. For example, search results from google.co.uk would be focused on the United Kingdom. And using www.google.ca would return Canadian results. But those days are gone.Now, Google will base international search results on your location. For example, let's say that you're in New York and you use Google.co.uk to search. The results will be related to your ...

AT&T doesn't believe the iPhone X needs any aggressive promotion support, so it doesn't offer any

The iPhone X is the hottest device of the moment and Apple is doing everything it can to keep up the hype. In an attempt to lure as many customers as possible, many carriers in the United States announced earlier this week they will run various promotions on the iPhone X.Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon carefully set their iPhone X deals in place before the smartphone went on pre-order on October 27, but not AT&T. Apparently, the carrier has decided against launching an aggressive promotion in support of Apple's iPhone X.With regard to the competitive ...

Apple moves up the shipping date of some iPhone X pre-orders by two weeks to November 3rd

If you originally were told by Apple that your new iPhone X was going to arrive in the middle of next month, you might want to check your email again. Apple has upgraded some of these pre-orders to a November 3rd arrival. And while this might amount to a difference of only one to two weeks, it still means that your handset could arrive earlier than you expected it to. For example, one deliriously happy T-Mobile subscriber originally received notice that the 256GB iPhone X he pre-ordered would arrive between November10th and November 17th. But this order was pushed up by two weeks and is now scheduled ...

Magazine signed by Steve Jobs fetches more than $50K at auction

Last month, we told you about a copy of Newsweek magazine that was going to be auctioned off. Dated October 24th, 1988, the cover featured the picture of a 33-year old Steve Jobs. The headline, "Mr. Chips. Steve Jobs Puts The 'Wow' Back In Computers," was related to the magazine's cover story, which was all about Jobs' unveiling of the first NeXT Computer. Besides the picture of Jobs on the cover, this particular copy of the magazine included something very rare and valuable: Steve Jobs' autograph.Putting the magazine up for an initial bid of $1,000 was Denise Williams, a former senior ...

Think you pre-ordered an iPhone X from Apple? Don't let this tale happen to you

Those who pre-ordered an Apple iPhone X through Apple on Friday morning may not actually have an iPhone X reserved for them, even though they received an email from Apple that featured a reservation number. A loyal PhoneArena reader got up at 3am EDT in order to place a pre-order for the 256GB Apple iPhone X.in Space Gray. About a half hour later, he received an email with a reservation number, telling him that an iPhone X had been held aside for him, and to await an email with further instructions.Thinking that he successfully pre-ordered the device, this person (let's call him Michael) ...

Friday, October 27, 2017

Business customers rate T-Mobile the number one U.S. wireless carrier according to J.D. Power

You might think that it is mostly younger consumers who flock to T-Mobile, attracted by its brash president and CEO John Legere. In addition, the carrier's in your face ads and attitude would seem to be more suited toward those not old enough to remember a world without smartphones. Today, the J.D. Power 2017 U.S. Business Wireless Satisfaction Study was released, and surprisingly it showed that large, medium and small businesses ranked T-Mobile the highest in wireless customer satisfaction.According to the survey, employees working for a company that offers its workers unlimited data are ...

iPhone X will be available at Boost and Virgin Mobile on November 10

Available to pre-order starting today, October 27, the iPhone X will be officially launched on November 3. However, only Apple and major carriers (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint) will actually release the handset on that day. Customers wanting to get the iPhone X on Boost Mobile or Virgin Mobile will have to wait an extra week for it.   Both Boost and Virgin Mobile (which are prepaid brands of Sprint) announced that they're going to launch the iPhone X on November 10. At Virgin Mobile, Inner Circle members can pre-order the new Apple phone starting November 3. At Boost Mobile, orders ...

Stranger Things come to Minecraft in the form of skin packs

While Netflix has taken the wraps off the season 2 of Stranger Things, Minecraft fans will be given a taste of the TV show in the form of skin packs. If you haven't seen the series yet, I can't recommend it enough. But if you did, then you know that you can't have too much Stranger Things in your life.The team behind Minecraft has just released a set of Stranger Things skin packs, which might contain spoilers for the season 2, so if you haven't seen it yet, then you might want to hold your horses for the time being and not download the skins.The skin packs ...

Samsung patents in-display finger scanner, but may save it for the Note 9

The "will they, won't they" saga with the notorious case of the disappearing in-display fingerprint reader seems poised to continue, as Samsung has recently been granted a patent for such a contraption, building on the notch-y scanner patent we saw not long ago. Not that we will see the under-glass thingy in time for the Galaxy S9, as Samsung's marketing manager is on record tweeting that the "tech probably won't be ready for retail by then." That could leave it for the Galaxy Note 9, but in any case it is a device with Infinity Display ...

How much will an iPhone X screen repair cost? Apple now has the answer

If you're planning to buy an iPhone X (now that it's available to pre-order), perhaps you should first know that repairing its 5.8-inch Super Retina screen will be a pricey affair. Of course, the new smartphone itself is expensive, being offered for $999 (64 GB) or $1,149 (256 GB), so we're not surprised to find out that repairing it will be anything but cheap.    According to Apple, a single iPhone X screen repair costs $279, while repairs for "other damage" will cost users a whopping $549. To be clear, these are prices for screen and overall damages that are not covered by Apple's standard ...

60+ Awesome high-res wallpapers, perfect for your Galaxy Note 8, Galaxy S8/S8+, LG V30, Pixel 2 XL, HTC U11, Nokia 8, and others

After a short hiatus, we're back with yet another collection of beautiful, high-resolution wallpapers for your smartphone and tablet! All of the images that made our list have been hand-picked to ensure that they are both good-looking, as well as large and detailed enough to look sharp on even the most pixel-dense displays out there!If you're not really into theming, icon packs, custom launchers and all that, sometimes a simple wallpaper switch will help breathe some fresh air into your smartphone. It's pretty much universally simple to get the deed done, and a ...

Thursday, October 26, 2017

Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL now have a 2-year warranty

Less than two weeks after releasing the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL, Google announced that both smartphones now come with a 2-year warranty worldwide. The announcement was made today by Mario Queiroz, Vice President of Product Management at Google, and is of particular interest to US consumers.   While in other regions, including the European Union, most phones already come with a 2-year manufacturer warranty, this is almost never the case in the US (that's why LG is taking pride in offering 1 extra year of warranty for free).   According to Mario Queiroz, Google decided to offer a ...

LG continues to lose money selling smartphones

LG has reported its third quarter earnings, and for the three month period that covers July through September, the mobile division took a loss of $331.17 million. With red ink staring it in the face, the manufacturer focused on the 8% gain year-over-year in mobile revenue, and the 4% revenue gain from this year's second quarter. The loss was actually 13% smaller than last year's red ink. In South Korea, third quarter smartphone shipments were up 44% from the 2016 total. In the states, shipments of intelligent handsets rose 9% year-over-year.Make no mistake about it though; times are tough ...

PSA: iPhone X and iPhone 8 are more expensive at Best Buy when you pay the full price upfront

If you're planning to buy any of Apple's new smartphones (iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, or iPhone X) by paying the full price upfront, you should probably avoid going to Best Buy for this. That's because the retailer is charging an extra $100 for each of the three new iPhones, regardless of storage space and carrier. We don't know exactly why this happens, but Best Buy actually has a history of asking more money for smartphones purchased outright, including previous iPhone models.   Here are the full prices that Best Buy is currently listing next to Apple's new iPhones (versus the full prices ...

Flagship on the cheap: LG G6 now available at discount from Amazon Prime

This year, the Amazon Prime program stirred a bit of controversy as it slowly gained popularity and came to the public eye. Basically, it goes like this — you can get a brand-new smartphone for a pretty good discount, but the device's lock screen will feed you Amazon Prime ads every time you light it up. A lot of people despised the idea of "selling out" their lockscreen for a discount, but plenty enjoy the opportunity. And, to clear things up, you can pay an extra $50 down the line and have the ads removed from your phone.Thus far, the Prime program only had midrangers ...

Android 8 Oreo for Galaxy S8: beta program allegedly coming soon for US residents

Samsung is well at work on its Android 8 update for its Galaxy S8 and S8 flagships and it seems the company might be preparing a US beta program for interested fans. The news comes from a leakster who allegedly got a heads-up email from Samsung.A quick rundown of how this will reportedly work — there are only 7,500 spots for the entire USA. Participants would have to have a Galaxy S8 that's on T-Mobile or Sprint. Signup is done via the Samsung or Samsung Members app and the beta will open up next Tuesday, the 31st of October.As far as new features go, we expect some goodies like ...

Pixel 2 XL screen blue tint likely caused by poorly applied polarizer

Here is why the Google Pixel 2 XL has that very noticeable blue tint whenever you tilt the phone just slightly: it uses a polarizer that seems to be applied so poorly that it causes this weird screen coloration.Screen polarizers are generally a great thing: they allow you to see your phone display when you look at it with sunglasses on.Google even bragged about this as an important feature of the Google Pixel 2 XL display during the official launch event:"We've integrated a circular polarizer, ...

Wednesday, October 25, 2017

The "Muskie," HTC's original version of the Pixel 2 XL, surfaces on the AOSP

HTC was the manufacturer of the original Pixel and Pixel XL. When rumors first broke about a pair of sequels, it was assumed that HTC would once again be behind both phones. In fact, the original Pixel 2 XL sported a code name of  "Muskie." In June, this model was dropped by Google, and replaced by a larger screened unit code named "Taimen." There is some indication that HTC was behind the "Muskie." The "Taimen" was produced by LG, and it would seem that the latter made a late (albeit successful) bid to replace HTC as manufacturer of the Pixel 2 XL.There are some interesting differences ...

For an extra $10 a month, Verizon will allow unlimited plan subscribers to stream video at 4K

When Verizon introduced its Unlimited plan back in February, it originally offered streaming video at 720p. But back in August, Verizon split its unlimited plan into three parts. The lower priced tier called Go Unlimited is priced at $75 a month for one line, and video is streamed at 480p (DVD quality) on smartphones. On tablets, video can be viewed at 720p. For $85 a month for one line, the Beyond Unlimited plan streams video at 720p HD on handsets and 1080p FHD on tablets.If you want full resolution for your streaming videos on Verizon, pay an extra $10 a month to the nation's largest ...

Apple buys wireless charging firm PowerbyProxi; Samsung profits on the transaction?

Apple, which has included support for wireless charging with the 2017 iPhone models for the first time ever, announced today that it is acquiring New Zealand based wireless charging firm PowerbyProxi. The latter designs wireless power products for consumers and the enterprise. Neither company would reveal the exact terms of the transaction. Apple has been slow to jump on the wireless charging bandwagon, but made sure this year that the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X had glass backs. This is required because the wireless charging signal is not conducted by metal.So why the interest ...

LG V30 review: 10 key takeaways

Our LG V30 review is finally out and after spending quite a while with the phone, we came up mostly impressed with what feels like the best phone LG has ever made.But there are some issues that you should know about before buying the LG V30, some peculiarities in the interface and a few clarifications around the camera and battery life.10 things you should know about the V30So if you do not have the time to read through our whole review, you can take a look at the 10 key takeaways right below. These ...

Best budget Android phones 2017

With a $300 phone, you can do 90% of the things you can do with a $600 phone, they say, and the best budget Android phones we've picked for you below certainly prove that urban legend. In the "year of the $1000 phone" when the Galaxy S8 came $100 more expensive than its predecessor, the Note 8 is pegged at $930, the Pixel 2 XL 128 GB is $949, and the iPhone X blasts off at $999, finding the best value-for-money ratio when choosing a phone has become even more important. We are here to help, and tell you which ones of the Androids available ...

How to change the Galaxy S8, S8+, Note 8 ringtone and set a custom one

Okay, we already explored 5 different ways to change the ringtone on your iPhone 8, 8 Plus, or pretty much any iOS 11-running device, and boy, that was a somewhat-challenging ordeal. During the creation of that guide, a sneaky thought emerged - how much easier is to set a custom ringtone on the iPhones' most serious competitors, the Galaxy S8, S8 , and the Note 8?As you might imagine, Android is not a walled-garden and changing the ringtone of your Galaxy flagship is literally a child's play.Here's how to do it:

Tuesday, October 24, 2017

Amazon releases new Kindle app for Android and iOS, here is what's new

If you don't own an eReader but want to read ebooks, your best bet is a mobile app that can turn just about any smartphone into a book. In case you're already using the mobile app, then you'll be pleased to know that one of the most popular reading apps, Amazon Kindle has just received a major update.In fact, the new Amazon Kindle app has been completely redesigned and gives lots of new features. For example, you will now be able to choose from either light or dark theme. There's also Goodreads integration so you can follow your friends' list of books ...

Unlocked LG V30 goes on pre-order in the US, but it won't arrive until December

After the LG G6 fiasco, the new LG V30 is definitely a nice surprise for Android fans. The smartphone is available for purchase in the United States for quite some time now, but the unlocked model hasn't been introduced yet.Currently, LG's flagship can be bought from AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon for various prices. But if you favor unlocked handsets over locked ones, you'll be happy to know the LG V30 (unlocked variant) is now available for pre-order at B&H.In order to get one, you'll have to come up with $830 upfront. Unfortunately, you'll have ...

Instagram now allows you to add a pal to your live broadcast

Remember when Instagram's main purpose in life was to share a photographic account of what you had for lunch or dinner? But now there is so much more to the social media app than pictures and videos of open faced turkey sandwiches and sushi. In fact, Instagram today announced a new way for users to broadcast live along with a friend. The whole process is rather easy and it all starts while you are doing a live feed. To start, tap the camera icon in the top left of the screen, or if in "Feed," swipe to the right. Tap on "Live" at the bottom left of the screen, and start your live Instagram broadcast.To ...

Bummer, the U11 Plus may not be present at HTC's November 2 event

Next week looked like an exciting week in smartphone land, as we would be eagerly awaiting on both the iPhone X release, and the November 2 event before it that HTC sent out invitations for. The iPhone launch we've known and prepped about for a while now, but the HTC event was no less thrilling as we know there is a new and exciting flagship on the horizon - the U11 Plus - which is supposed to usher HTC into the "bezel-less" era, and then pile a bunch of exciting new features on top. Sadly, the November 2 event seems ...

Huawei breaking records in 2017, over 100 million smartphones shipped so far

Chinese manufacturer Huawei has managed to ship over 100 million smartphones for the first three quarters of 2017. This translates to a year-over-year increase of 19%, which means that the company has a very high chance of surpassing the 140 million units it shipped in 2016.Yu Chengdong, CEO of Huawei's consumer business group, said that this exponential growth has managed to increase the firm's operating revenues by more than 30% from January to September. The executive also mentioned that Huawei will seek further expansion by introducing ...

What's the best iPhone to buy right now? (2017 holiday season)

Alright, so the new iPhones are out and holidays are fast approaching. If you've got your mind set on getting an Apple handset for yourself or a loved one, there's probably no better time in the year to do so.But which one do you buy? With a total of 9 models being up for sale, the selection of iPhones has never been so diverse. It's safe to say you may feel a bit hesitant in your decision. Well, worry not, we are here to offer our expertise and try and provide you with an answer. Let's dive right in!Cheapest: iPhone SE or iPhone 6s?Yes, the iPhone SE is clearly, without a doubt, ...

Monday, October 23, 2017

Save up to $300 when you buy the iPhone X and trade in your old iPhone at T-Mobile

T-Mobile revealed last month its $300 off iPhone launch promotion, but if you missed it, here are a couple of details that will help you choose the best deal on the upcoming iPhone X.First off, you'll be able to pre-order the iPhone X from T-Mobile beginning 12:01 a.m. PT Friday, October 27th online and at participating stores the following morning. Keep in mind that the iPhone X will be available in stores starting on November 3, but there won't be too many units available.The iPhone X will be available for purchase at T-Mobile for $279.99 down and $30 ...

T-Mobile, Sprint cancel post-earnings report conference calls; is merger imminent or delayed?

The four major U.S. carriers usually hold a conference call on the phone with analysts and financial reporters immediately following the release of their latest quarterly earnings report. This morning, when T-Mobile announced its Q3 numbers, it cancelled the conference call. Wells Fargo said that the nation's third largest carrier wanted to "let the 3Q results speak for themselves." But that might not be the real reason for the cancellation.A little bit after T-Mobile cancelled its conference call, the wireless operator's rumored merger partner Sprint revealed that it will report its third ...

Foxconn expected to ship only 25-30 million iPhone X units in 2017, down from 30-35 million

Apple will definitely have problems meeting iPhone X's high demand, especially if we are to believe the latest reports and estimates coming from various more or less reliable sources.Some of the data gathered by Taipei-based KGI Securities research company forecasts that Foxconn will only ship around 25-30 million iPhone X units in Q4 2017. Previously, the company's analyst Ming-chi Kuo said around 30-35 million handsets will be shipped by the end of 2017.On the bright side, iPhone X shipments are expected to reach a 50% on-quarter growth in Q1 2018 due ...

T-Mobile quarterly results: record profit, fastest-growing subscribers in US

T-Mobile quarterly profit once again beat Wall Street analysts' expectations and continued its industry leading performance with the most subscriber additions in the quarter. But don't expect to see John Legere do a conference call to discuss the results: with rumors about a potential merger between T-Mobile and Sprint, the T-Mobile CEO only issued a 7-minute video with remarks about the performance of the "un-carrier".T-Mobile CEO did not comment on the rumors of Sprint mergerT-Mobile recorded a quarterly profit of $550 million ...

Next Exynos may have neural engine co-processor for AI, similar to Apple's A11

"Apple A11 Bionic neural engine," "Google Pixel Visual Core" - those are all buzz phrases to mark a growing trend in today's latest smartphone chipsets, namely specialized co-processors for niche tasks that offload those from generic main processor cores. This way the job in question - processing sensory input and Face ID visual calculations in Apple's case, or aiding the HDR camera algorithms in Google's Pixels - gets done much faster, way better, and with less battery drain than if you task it to the stock processor.Needless to say, Samsung may soon be following ...

Is there any reason to buy the iPhone 8 instead of the iPhone X? Yeah, there are a few

This year's Apple iPhone event was marked by a very special appearance — the iPhone X. For the first time ever, Apple introduced a total of three handsets — the familiar-looking iPhone 8 and 8 Plus combo and the futuristic, nearly all-screen iPhone X.By now, you are probably well aware that the latter has a starting price set at $999. On one hand — that's quite costly. On the other — the phone certainly has enough of an allure factor to make you want to shell out.So, is there any reason to go for the “regular” iPhone 8, other than it being a full $300 cheaper ...

Sunday, October 22, 2017

HTC U11 expected to receive Android 8.0 Oreo as early as November

When Google launched Android 8.0 Oreo back in August, it also listed some of the smartphones and companies that will receive updates in the following months. HTC was mentioned in Google's announcement, although the search giant did not specify which smartphones will be updated and when.The only thing certain is the U11 will be the first HTC smartphone to receive the Android 8.0 Oreo update. Even though initial reports pointed that such an update will be rolled out before 2018 begins, we managed to narrow it down to a shorter timeframe.According to HTC leaker ...

Deal: Samsung Active InEar headphones are on sale for only $12 (60% off) on Amazon

Samsung's Active InEar headphones for smartphones are getting cheaper with each passing month. Three weeks ago, the earphones went on sale at Amazon for just $14.50, but if you missed that deal or decided that it's still a little bit too much to pay for them, you're in luck.Amazon is running another sale on the Samsung Active InEar headphones, but this time the retailer has slashed 60% off the MSRP. Basically, you'll be paying just $12 for the earphones, which usually cost around $30.There's a catch though: only the Black Sapphire variant is discounted ...

The Essential Phone gets a substantial price cut mere months after launch

Andy Rubin's Essential announced that its very first smartphone, the Essential Phone (PH-1), is now officially sold for $499. Released several months back, the Essential Phone was initially offered for $699, so we're talking about a significant price cut here - $200 off. Essential says it's cutting the price in order to "make it even easier" for consumers to try its device and experience its brand. Honestly, we're not sure why it didn't launch the phone for $499 to begin with.   If you're one of the (apparently not too many) people who've already bought an Essential Phone, the company ...

Nokia 6 is no longer exclusive to Amazon in the US

It's been more than three months since the Nokia 6 made its debut in the United States, but the mid-ranger could only be purchased at Amazon. HMD and the US major retailer inked an exclusivity agreement, which was supposed to come to an end at a later date.Apparently, that exclusivity deal is over now since another retailer in the country, namely B&H, is now selling the Nokia 6. The smartphone is available for the same price you would pay if would choose to get it from Amazon, $229.However, B&H throws in some freebies if you decide to go for its ...

Best LG V30 screen protector: here are your options

If you've recently bought an LG V30, you'll certainly want to keep it in good condition until the time comes to replace it with a better device. Purchasing a case is always a good first step in the mission to safeguard your V30, but keep in mind that its large 6-inch screen is going to need some protection too. Below, you'll find some of the best LG V30 screen protectors available on the market today. You won't need to allocate a big part of your monthly budget here, as they are all quite affordable, regardless of the material they're ...

Latest video of Apple iPhone X shows how the notch might interfere with some apps

With the launch of the Apple iPhone X less than two-weeks away, a new video of the tenth anniversary model in the wild has been disseminated. The clip reveals that not all apps appear to be optimized to perfectly fit the new 5.8-inch edge-to-edge OLED display. Even though the video is only 9-seconds in length, we do get to see how Instagram looks on the phone, and some are not going to be happy with what they see.The Instagram heading is too close to the dreaded notch at the top of the iPhone X screen, and appears not to be aligned correctly. The picture and video sharing app won't ...

Saturday, October 21, 2017

Some U.K. smartphone users continue to get charged for phones that were already paid off

Some U.K. smartphone users could be overpaying for their carrier's service according to Citizen's Advice. The latter is a network of 316 independent charities throughout the United Kingdom that advise people about money, legal and consumer issues. According to the agency, carriers like Vodafone, EE and Three are continuing to charge for the cost of a handset even after the expense of the phone has already been covered. U.K. consumers can pay a monthly rate for a 2-year fixed term contract. The monthly charge includes the cost of data and the price of a phone. After two-years go by, the ...

Verizon updates the Moto Z2 Force to support Gigabit Class LTE speeds

Owners of the Verizon version of the Moto Z2 Force should expect a notification about an update to come across the screen at any time. This is a pretty important update that will allow the device to support Big Red's upcoming Gigabit Class LTE service. A couple of months ago, Verizon tallied a 1.07 Gbps speed in a lab using Qualcomm's X20 LTE modem chip.  Don't expect such a high speed from the Moto Z2 Force since the latter employs the less powerful X16 modem. And the phone won't be used inside the perfect conditions found inside a lab.The software version of the update is NDX26.183-15 ...

Apple Upgrade Program subscribers get a head start on reserving the Apple iPhone X

Pre-orders for the Apple iPhone X begin next Friday, October 27th. But those who are subscribers to the Apple Upgrade Program are getting a head start when it comes to reserving an unit. Starting on Monday, members of the Upgrade Program can start setting up their paperwork. And beginning this year, members can send to Apple via mail, their old iPhone model being upgraded.Opening the Apple Store app and filling out the paperwork in advance will allow Upgrade Program members to zip through the pre-order checkout line faster than others on October 27th. But they will still have to wait for ...

"Hey Google" will soon activate Google Assistant on Android handsets

Owners of the Google Home smart speaker use a simple phrase to call on Google Assistant to handle tasks. The virtual personal assistant can control smart appliances inside the house, confirm an airline flight, get sports scores, news or the weather, all by saying a simple "Hey Google." That is different that the "Ok Google" phrase used by Android smartphone owners to activate Google Assistant.Soon, though, the "Hey Google" command will call up the virtual assistant on handsets. Google is in the midst of sending out a notification to Android users telling them that Google Assistant can be ...

Friday, October 20, 2017

Google reportedly prepping version of Google Home with a screen

Google apparently plans on producing a new Google Home smart speaker with a screen so that users will be able to watch YouTube videos, get directions from Google Maps, browse the web, and more. The product is said to carry the code name of "Quartz," and was discovered during a teardown of the latest Google app (v.7.14.15). References were found that included YouTube, and the words video and browser.Currently, Amazon sells the Echo Show which features a 7-inch screen. Last month, Google pulled YouTube from the device because Amazon refused to allow users to select autoplay as an option. ...

Apple's retail chief says Apple Stores won't upsell the iPhone X to customers

Imagine this scenario. You walk into the Apple Store near you sometime in 2018 and the location has a number of Apple iPhone X units running on one of the tables. But you walk right past the premium tenth anniversary model and pick up the Apple iPhone 8 because that is the model you want. And just as you are ready to pay for the device, a member of the Apple Store team starts to upsell you on the iPhone X. It has an OLED screen, a larger battery, and of course it features Face ID. And that edge-to-edge display is gorgeous. Before you know it, your $699 purchase has turned into a budget busting ...

Google Home smart speaker just $86 with coupon code

Normally priced at $129 when purchased from the Google Store, the Google Home smart speaker is available for only $86 from online retailer Rakuten with the use of a coupon code. The device can answer your inquiries related to the weather, news, sports scores and more. Google Home can set timers and alarms, confirm your flight information and stream your favorite songs. It also can control your smart appliances inside your home including the thermostat, lighting, entertainment systems, and more.To take advantage of this deal, click on the sourcelink and you'll end up at Rakuten's online ...

How to sort of emulate the iPhone X interface on your Android device

Do you like what you see above? You might as well be digging that, we won't judge! Okay, we won't judge, but there are quite probably a lot of Android users that would love to emulate the interface looks of the top-notch iPhone X on their devices. Of course, thanks to the fact that Android is not a walled garden, such an exercise in customization is entirely possible, though it requires a bit of work on your time.Yes, there are some apps out there that allow you to do that, but almost all of them are low-quality ones that we ...

The best LG V30 cases and covers

Are you thinking of getting a nice case for your new LG V30? If that's the case (pardon the pun), you've come to the right place! There's a good number of V30 covers available on the market, and we understand that it might be a bit hard to filter out the ones that are truly worthy of attention.Thus, we’ve rounded up some of the finest cases money can buy. Of course, what's best for you will largely depend on your needs and preferences, so our picks are divided into several different categories. Whatever your tastes might be, we think you ...

Secret garden: how to hide apps on your iPhone

Apple's "walled garden" software ecosystem is getting more open to the world with each new iOS edition. First there were third-party keyboards, and now developers can get access to craft iMessage apps, or do silly things with the new Face ID virtual avatar animoji. When it comes to more mundane stuff, however, Apple is still running a tight ship, and doesn't allow much tinkering and customization for no apparent reason. Hiding apps from the homescreen(s) is one of these non-existent options in iOS, and it might be sorely missed by some with sensitive Snapchat or Facebook ...

Thursday, October 19, 2017

Sphero Star Wars BB-8, BB-9E, & R2D2 hands-on

Star Wars mania is in full swing! In anticipation for the upcoming new film that's being released in December, we're checking out some awesome Star Wars related droids from Sphero. And the best part about them? They mimic their movie counterparts in a very realistic manner, so if you're a diehard fan, these droids are sure to make you even more excited about the films. For this piece, we're going to be taking a look at three specific droids from Sphero's Star Wars line – BB-8, BB-9E, and R2D2. All of them are meticulously designed to match their ...

Report: Soon you'll watch DirecTV on your large screen set using the AT&T Mobile TV Cast Moto Mod

Just the other day, we told you that next month, Amazon's Alexa will be accessible through a new Moto Mod that will attach to the back of Moto Z and Moto Z2 handsets. Now, a report published today states that Motorola and AT&T have partnered to develop the AT&T Mobile TV Cast Moto Mod. With this accessory, you will be able connect to a compatible television set allowing you to watch DirecTV on a larger screen.Of course, for this to have any value, you have to be a subscriber to DirecTV Now. This is an app that features streaming video in the form of live TV channels and on-demand ...

Apple plans on selling lower priced models with iPhone X features in 2018?

According to a report published in China today, Apple will be using some of the technology found in this year's Apple iPhone X on next year's models that are rumored to have code names of Lisbon and Hangzhou. The report says that Apple is concerned about its market share in China, and believes that by offering many iPhone X features in a lower priced phone, it can help it recapture market share in the country.Another website in Japan, Macotakara, expects the lower-end model would get a 10,000 yen ($90 USD) hair cut from this year's pricing. Next year's phones are all expected to include ...

Deal: Buy an unlocked Essential Phone for $100 off

With its high-end specs and rare build materials (including ceramic and tough titanium), the Essential Phone is not a cheap device, being sold for $699.99 unlocked. If this rather high price is what stops you from getting the handset, we have good news - the Essential Phone can now be purchased for $599.99 ($100 off) via Best Buy.   Only the black version of the Essential Phone is offered for $599.99, so the newly-released white model still costs $699.99. Nevertheless, if you're interested in getting the smartphone, go ahead and visit Best Buy via the source link below.   The ...

Pixel 2 XL teardown reveals LG battery, heat pipe, and Google's first custom processor

The crafty folks from iFixit have gone through the trouble to take apart the new Google Pixel 2 XL, and it turned out that it wasn't much of a trouble, at least as far as today's sealed waterproof flagships are concerned, as we've seen recent phones much harder to repair. The Pixel 2 XL got a 6/10 score for repairability, and, despite that it is water-resistant with IP67 certification, it doesn't even need heating to open up, unlike the vast majority of today's glass-and-metal flagships.The phone is indeed LG inside, as given away by the branding of ...

Hidden iPhone 8 Plus features and toggles that you should know about

So, the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus are out and with them came iOS 11 — Apple's latest rehash of its mobile operating system. And we've got quite a lot of new things — a reworked Control Center, a screen recording feature, and tons of smaller tweaks.If you've been an iPhone user for a while, you probably know your way around the device. But still, there may be some small tidbits here and there that you missed or forgot about. So, without further ado, let's take a look at all the little-known secrets that Apple's current most-powerful iPhone — the iPhone 8 Plus — ...

Wednesday, October 18, 2017

New BlackBerry Motion video promises "32+ hours of battery life" in a phone that's built to last

Not long after we saw the very first official BlackBerry Motion promo video, we're now treated with a second look at this interesting, yet to be released smartphone. As you can see above, BlackBerry Mobile says the Motion is a device that's built to last, as it's got a strong aluminum frame, a "premium" anti-scratch display, and a dust- and water-resistant design (IP67-certified). Equally important, BlackBerry promises "32 hours of battery life" from the 4000 mAh battery that's found inside the Motion - hopefully, this means that, on a single charge, the phone will keep its lights ...

Deal: Pre-order the Samsung Gear Sport smartwatch and get 6 months of Spotify Premium for free

Samsung Gear Sport is already available for pre-order in the United States, but that's not the only good thing about the smartwatch. It appears that Samsung if offers some freebies to those who pre-order its wearable device.First off, it's worth mentioning the Gear Sport is the first smartwatch to run Tizen 3.0 OS. In the United States, the smartwatch is available for pre-order for $300 or $50 per month with Samsung Financing (no interest if paid in full within 6 months).However, for a limited time, those who pre-order the Samsung Gear Sport will also receive ...

More evidence suggests Verizon will carry the HP Elite x3 flagship

There's much talk surrounding HP's old Windows Phone flagship, the Elite x3, which is supposed to be launched in the United States at Verizon. Apparently, discussions between the major carrier and HP began early this summer, but nothing concrete was decided.Last month, Verizon certified the HP Elite x3, but the smartphone is still MIA. Today, Microsoft revealed all the smartphones that are eligible for its new Windows 10 Fall Creators update and the HP Elite x3 (Verizon model) is listed among them.That's another reason that we believe Verizon will eventually ...

Google Pixel 2/XL Portrait Mode is unlike any other: here is how it works

The Google Pixel 2/XL looks just like any other smartphone out there, but hidden inside is something powerful and innovative: artificial intelligence (AI).Google publicly stated that it is moving from a mobile-first to an AI-first company last year, but this year it really doubled down on AI, machine learning and neural networks, and the best result of its effort are summed up in the Pixe 2/XL camera.First, let's state the obvious: the Pixel 2/XL - unlike many other phones - does not have two cameras on its back. ...

Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL Q&A: Ask us anything!

It's open season for Pixels as Google is already shipping pre-orders to many early adopters, but there are still tons of users that are on the fence whether they should buy one or wait for the third-generation of the Pixel.Our review is now out, giving you the full scope of what you should expect from Google's latest consumer-centric devices. Check it out in its full glory right here.As you might have a plethora of intricate questions that might have not been covered in our review of the two devices, we are giving you ...

It's (almost) all-screen: 2017's hottest bezel-less phones, ranked

2017 has undoubtedly turned into the year of the bezel-less smartphone, to the point where it's easy to forget that a year and a half ago most phones didn't look like they were taken straight out of an 80s sci-fi flick. Just for fun, take a look at this 2015 article of ours listing some of the highest screen-to-body ratio devices on the market — oh my, those bezels! The horror!But why not explore this space once more? After all, the competition will be considerably more fierce (and, admit it, better-looking) this time. Plus, there's ...

Tuesday, October 17, 2017

LG highlights V30's video capabilities in 6 original short films

Released in the US earlier this month, the LG V30 is one of this year's top extra-large Android smartphones, up there with the likes of Samsung Galaxy S8 and Galaxy Note 8, or the Google Pixel 2 XL. One of the main features of the LG V30 is its dual rear camera - thanks to a Cine Video mode and high-quality components, this camera is quite good at shooting video.      To illustrate what can be done with a V30, LG has partnered with six emerging filmmakers who used the smartphone to create short films. All the films were shot exclusively on the LG V30, being screened during ...

Google's pop-up stores in New York and L.A. to offer devices for sale including the new Pixel models

Google doesn't have a chain of permanent retail stores like Apple has where consumers can test out and purchase the latest Apple devices. Instead, Google relies on pop-up stores where visitors can test products before ordering them online. But that is going to change. According to a report published today, Google will start selling devices from its temporary stores in New York and Los Angeles when they both open for business this Thursday.Devices that will be available for purchase at Google's pop-up stores include the new Pixel 2, Pixel 2 XL and the Google Home Mini. Other new products ...

Save $50 on the BlackBerry KEYone during BlackBerry's 24 hour sale starting tomorrow

Looking to save $50 on the BlackBerry KEYone? Starting tomorrow, October 18th, BlackBerry Mobile is offering the silver colored KEYone for $499.99. That is indeed $50 (or 9%) off the usual price. The deal is available from Amazon and Best Buy, and we have links to both retailers below. The one major caveat is that the sale runs for 24-hours only, from 1 am EDT on October 18th, to 12:59 am EDT on October 19th.Keep in mind that this is not the Black Edition of the phone, which means that it will come with 3GB of RAM and 32GB of native storage. The Black Edition, which features 4GB of RAM ...

Political correctness strikes again: Experimental Google Maps feature ditched after user backlash

User backlash has forced Google to do away with an informative test feature of iOS' Google Maps. Said feature informed to give users a general estimation of how many calories got burned during walks, which is a rather standard feature of many a fitness-oriented apps like Samsung Health, MyFitnessPal, and Endomondo.Yet, what really fixated the sights straight onto Big G was its benevolent decision to compare said calorie expenditure with... mini cupcakes. By doing that, the otherwise vague and abstract calorie sum gets directly juxtaposed against something ...

How to hide apps on your Android phone

Every now and then, a man needs to hide their apps from the home screen or app drawer so as not to allow prying eyes or toddler's hands to hit on a Facebook or WhatsApp icon inadvertently to take a deep dive into your secret chats, or rack up a bill with in-game purchases in no time. That's where a few solutions to take your sensitive apps away from the home screen or app drawer come in handy.SamsungIf you own a Samsung, you are in luck, as its Secure Folder solution not only hides apps apps from plain sight, but actually creates ...

13 secret Galaxy Note 8 features that you need to know about

Samsung's phones have always been feature-rich, both in hardware and software. Especially when we are talking about the Note series — a niche device for the power users who always want the biggest, baddest, and best in mobile hardware. The Samsung Galaxy Note 8 is no exception, decked out to the brim with biometric scanners, curved Edge screen, and the Samsung Experience UI, which is so full of options that a newcomer can easily get dizzy. If this is you, do check out our tips and tricks for the Note 8, which cover all the basic key features of the phone here:Now, ...

Monday, October 16, 2017

Video tutorials show you some of the things you can do with the Samsung Gear IconX and Gear Sport

The wireless Samsung Gear IconX earbuds do more than just allow you to listen to content in private. Today, Samsung released a video tutorial for the device that shows you how to pair the earbuds to your Galaxy handset (in this case, the Galaxy Note 8). It's a simple matter of opening the Samsung Gear app, selecting the Gear IconX picture, agreeing to the terms and conditions, and tapping on "Finish." The earbuds also can carry up to 1,000 tunes for playback during those times when the device isn't paired to a phone. As seen on the video, transferring music from the phone to the Gear IconX ...

ION360 U is a portable 360-degree camera & battery case for your iPhone or Galaxy

It's tough to gather the penetration level of 360-degree cameras on consumers. For starters, they break down to two kinds of camps – dedicated ones, and ones that are attached as an accessory. We've seen plenty of solutions from both categories already, like the dedicated Samsung Gear 360 and the 360-degree MotoMod, but the ION360 U is specifically targeting iPhone 7, 7Plus, Samsung Galaxy S8and S8 users. That's because the ION360 U is particular to them, boasting a handy phone case that allows the 360-degree camera to attach properly to the phones in question. ...

Huawei Mate 10 Pro doesn't have a 3.5mm headset jack, but comes with adapter and USB Type-C earphones

Officially unveiled earlier today, the Huawei Mate 10 Pro and Mate 10 are both high-end, well-designed Android 8 Oreo handsets, but there are plenty of differences between them. One of these differences - likely important to some potential buyers - is the fact that the Mate 10 Pro does not feature a 3.5mm headset jack, while the Mate 10 is a more conventional device, thus it has a standard jack.   Fortunately, Huawei compensates for the lack of a 3.5mm jack with a pair of USB Type-C earphones, plus a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter - both are included in the retail box of the Mate 10 Pro. All ...

Here's 10 paid Android icon packs that have gone free for a limited time, grab them while you can

If you've been following our various columns on Android customization, then you should know by now that we have a soft sport for custom icon packs around here. And how couldn't we? Applying a custom icon set is like giving your home screen a fresh coat of paint and is among the basic rights of every Android user out there!There's no such thing as having too many icon packs and don't you believe anyone who tells you the opposite! Joking aside, this week we've got 10 Android icon packs that have gone free for a limited time!As usual, you can easily preview ...

Huawei Mate 10 and 10 Pro price and release date

Huawei just got off the stage where it announced the next big horses in the Mate line stable, namely the 10 Pro and its pretty offspring, the Mate 10. Packed to the gills with all that's modern and dandy, the phones are the culmination of Huawei's multiyear effort to sit next to Samsung and Apple when the jury gives out the market share awards, and it is currently sitting right behind them indeed, in profits included. Handsets like the Mate 10 are to blame for the high profile the Chinese company has received in the last two or three years, and ...

Huawei Mate 10 Pro vs Galaxy Note 8, iPhone X, Google Pixel 2 XL, and the best of the rest: size comparison

Out of the three Huawei smartphones unveiled today, the Mate 10 Pro is certainly the one that attracts the most attention. The Chinese company has clearly played to its strengths with its latest top-end handset, as it features a nearly bezel-less design, the powerful AI-enabled Kirin 970 chipset, and a very capable Leica-branded main dual-camera.Despite its strong sides, the new handset will have to face a veritable murderers' row in the high-end spectrum of the smartphone market. Other big names such as Apple, Samsung, Google, and LG have all released ...

Sunday, October 15, 2017

Sprint and T-Mobile aim to merge without giving up any assets

With Sprint majority owner SoftBank reportedly making the decision to move forward on a merger with T-Mobile, Reuters learned from confidential sources that both carriers plan on completing the transaction without selling any assets. That is important as far as the deal goes because part of the attraction for T-Mobile is combining its low-frequency spectrum in the 600MHz-700MHz band, with Sprint's huge inventory of high-frequency 2.5GHz spectrum. This combination could help the newly merged company when time comes to build out their 5G pipeline.Today's report also claims that both T-Mobile ...

Don't fall for fake iPhone giveaways or you might end up a victim of identity theft

It is tempting. You're checking out your favorite social media site and you see a contest giving away a number of free Apple iPhone X models. All you need to do to enter is fill in the blanks to type in your name, email address, street address and the city where you live. And even though every fiber of common sense in your body is telling you that this so-called contest must be a scam, well, it is an iPhone X after all. So you enter the contest and hope that you will win.The problem is that the information you provided can be used to open fraudulent accounts in your name. And by the way, ...

Pokemon Go leak reveals generation 3 pocket monsters that could be added during Halloween event

At the beginning of this month, we told you that Pokemon Go developer Niantic would once again be celebrating Halloween with a special event. Last year's Halloween celebration drove enough traffic back to the game to make it once again the number one grossing app for iOS. Last year, players were awarded twice the number of candies that they would normally receive for catching a Pokemon, hatching eggs, and transferring Pokemon to the Professor. In addition, certain pocket monsters like Zubat, Golbat, Gastly, Haunter, Gengar, Drowzee and Hypno could be found more often in the game.When members ...

How to get Galaxy Note 8's unique features on your Android phone

The Samsung Galaxy Note 8 is one of the best smartphones released in 2017. Its futuristic design and powerful hardware are certainly impressive, but they aren't exactly unique in the heavily-saturated mobile space. The things that make this towering handset truly stand out are a collection of intriguing pre-loaded features, apps, and, of course, the creativity-inducing S Pen stylus. Some of these functionalities are going to remain exclusive to Samsung's latest and greatest. However, there's a good amount of apps ...

Save $350 leasing the Apple iPhone 8 or Apple iPhone 8 Plus at Sprint with an eligible trade-in

How would you like to save some big bucks when leasing the Apple iPhone 8 or the Apple iPhone 8 Plus? Trade-in an eligible handset that has been paid off completely and is in good condition, and Sprint will deduct $350 off the price to lease one of Apple's latest handsets. The lease must be made with the Sprint Flex 18-month plan, and you will need to activate a new line. With this plan, you can upgrade to a new phone after 12-months. After 18-months you can buy the phone making one lump sum payment, or pay it off in six additional monthly installments.With the discount, you'll be paying ...

We could see Bixby 2.0 at Samsung's Developer Conference next week

This coming Wednesday, October 18th, Samsung will be holding its annual Developer Conference in San Francisco. During the event, we could see Bixby 2.0 unveiled. The virtual personal assistant made its debut on the Samsung Galaxy S8 and Samsung Galaxy S8 , and now Samsung wants to find third party products and non-smartphone devices that can benefit from having Bixby 2.0 on board.Unfortunately for Samsung, Bixby has not been warmly welcomed by the public. Problems getting the virtual assistant to understand English forced it to be delayed for about two months. In addition, there seems to ...