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Author: James Miller

  • New Snapdragon 215 CPU designed for budget handsets goes official

    New Snapdragon 215 CPU designed for budget handsets goes official

    Qualcomm has announced its newest chip in the Snapdragon 200 series, the Snapdragon 215. The latest chipset is the successor to the Snapdragon 212 and is specifically designed for budget smartphones. Qualcomm said that Snapdragon 215 is targeted at budget smartphones priced in the range of $75-$120.

    According to Qualcomm, the Snapdragon 215 is the only chispet in its range to feature a 64-bit CPU and support for dual cameras. It also comes equipped with the Snapdragon X5 LTE modem to support Dual VoLTE.

    “We’re raising the bar for mass market devices and enabling experiences that were never before possible in the 2-series,” said Kedar Kondap, Vice President of Product Management, Qualcomm Technologies, in a statement.

    The Snapdragon 215 is based on the new 64-bit architecture featuring four ARM Cortex-A53 cores clocked at a maximum speed of 1.3GHz. Qualcomm claims it offers up to 50 percent faster performance over its predecessor.

    Besides, it also comes with Adreno 308 GPU that is rated to deliver up to 25 percent improvement in gaming performance compared to previous iteration. The new chipset also supports LPDDR3 RAM of up to 672 MHz and 3GB capacity. In addition, it comes with support for eMMC 4.5 and SD3.0 (UHS-I) storage.

    Elsewhere, the Snapdragon 215 supports a display of 720×1560 pixels having an aspect ratio of 19:5:9. It also features dual 12-bit image signal processors (ISPs) that allow suppport for dual rear cameras. For selfies, the chipset features a single front camera module with up to 13MP sensor. It’s also capable of recording videos up to 1080p and supports EVS (Ultra HD) voice calls.

    As far as connectivity goies, the new chipset comes with Snapdragon XT LTE modem alongside support for LTE Cat 4. It also supports Wi-Fi 802.11 ac with MU-MIMO, Bluetooth v4.2, GPS/A-GPS, OTDOA, GLONASS, and Beidou.

  • Google rolls out July 2019 Android security patch to fix multiple flaws

    Google rolls out July 2019 Android security patch to fix multiple flaws

    Google today released July 2019’s Android security patch for all supported Pixel devices. The latest patch address several security isssues, bug fixes, and multiple improvements. The Android security patch for July 2019 includes 2019-07-01 and 2019-07-05 security patch levels.

    The latest security patch addresses a total of 33 security vulenrabilties affecting Android devices. These issues were found in the Android systrem, framework, library, media framework, along with Qualcomm componnets. According to Google, the most critical flaw was discovered in Android Media framework.

    “The most severe of these issues is a critical security vulnerability in Media framework that could enable a remote attacker using a specially crafted file to execute arbitrary code within the context of a privileged process. The severity assessment is based on the effect that exploiting the vulnerability would possibly have on an affected device,” explained Google in the security bulletin.

    Apart from multiple security fixes, July 2019’s Android security patch also fixes sveral bugs for supported Pixel handsets. For instance, it improves ‘OK Google’ and music detection on the Pixel 2, Pixel 2XL, Pixel 3, Pixel 3XL, Pixel 3a, and Pixel 3a XL. Besides, it also fixes an issue for some Pixel 3 and Pixel 3XL devices that get stuck while a reboot is performed.

    Elsewhere, Google has also fixed an issue on the Pixel 3, Pixel 3 XL, Pixel 3a, and Pixel 3a XL handsets that get stuck in the ELD mode. Besides, the latest security patch also improves Unicode language support for Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel 2, Pixel 2XL, Pixel 3, Pixel 3 XL, Pixel 3a, and Pixel 3a XL.

    The July 2019 Android security patch is now rollong out on all supported Pixel handsets. These include the Pixel 2, Pixel 2 XL, Pixel 3, Pixel 3XL, Pixel 3a, and Pixel 3a XL devices. The rollout is taking places in phases, and is likely to arrive in a few days for all users. The patch should also arrive soon for other Android devices such as the likes of Essential, HTC, Sony, and more.

  • CAD renders of Apple’s 2019 iPhone range allegedly leaked

    CAD renders of Apple’s 2019 iPhone range allegedly leaked

    A bunch of CAD renders claiming to be of Apple’s next-gen iPhone models slated for a launch in September have been spotted on the web. These CAD renders give us an early idea as to what Apple’s next gen iPhones could look like.

    The latest CAD renders show all three iPhone models slated for a release in 2019. These include the iPhone XI, iPhone XI Max, and iPhone XIR. The leak nicely falls in line with earlier rumors about Apple’s next iPhone. For instance, all three iPhone models are said to sport a square camera bump on the rear. The iPhone XI and iPhone XI Max are said to feature three rear rear cameras, up from dual lens cameras found on current-gen iPhone XS and XS Max. Meanwhile, the iPhone XIR is expected to boast dual-rear cameras, as opposed to a single-lens primary camera found on the current iPhone XR.

    Moving on to the front, the latest renders show a similar notch found on the iPhone X and iPhone XS, so there aren’t many changes on the handset’s front. Apart from the sqaure camera bump on the back, the next-gen iPhone range will look much like their predecessors, a design inspired by the iPhone X.

    Rumor also has it that Apple might ditch Ligtning for USB-C, however, these CAD renders do not offer any information about the connector Apple will use in next-generation iPhones. Both USB-C and Lightning connectors are similar in size, and the angles shown in these CAD renders do not reveal whether Apple has made the switch to USB-C.

    Key sources also indicate that Apple’s 2019 iPhone-lineup will be the last generation to include an LCD model, as Apple plans to switch to OLED screens entirely from 2020 onwards.

    More leaks about Apple’s 2019 iPhone -lineup are likely to surface as we near the official release. We’ll update you as soon as we hear anything new. Until then, keep checking back for more.

  • Google starts rolling out the latest version of Android Auto

    Google starts rolling out the latest version of Android Auto

    Back at I/O 2019, Google announced that refreshed Android Auto would start rolling out in summer. Now, it appears Google has lived up to that promise as the rollout of the new version has begun. The latest update is a part of Android Auto version 4.4. That said, not everyone is getting the redesigned version just by installing v4.4.

    Besides, it’ also important to note that not everyone’s getting the new version, as the rollout appears to be taking place in phases. However, users who did receive the overhauled Android Auto were prompted to unplug and reconnect the phone to the car, following which the new UI showed up on their screens. A posting on Reddit suggests that the redesigned version is now available for some users in the United Kingdom.

    The latest version of Android Auto brings a completely new design to make driving simpler, less cluttered, and more personal. Google has promised that the new version remembers your settings and apps, so it’ll just start playing songs and load navigation apps that you mostly use.

    The overhaul also brings a redesigned navigation bar that shows turn-by-turn directions, while also providing easy access to apps and phone controls.

    “With the new navigation bar, you’ll be able to easily control your apps with one tap. Get turn-by-turn directions, rewind your podcast or take incoming call all on the same screen,” said Google.

    Apart from the redesigned navigation bar, the refreshed version also gets a notification center that displays recent calls, messges, as well as alerts.

    The new Android Auto update is expected to roll out in the next few days. In the meantime, make sure to watch out for an OTA alert or head over to the PlayStore to check if the latest update is available for download.

  • Google Pixel 4 leak shows off the phone in three color shades

    Google Pixel 4 leak shows off the phone in three color shades

    Leaks about the upcoming Pixel 4 flagship are flying thick and fast. Besides, Google has already given us a taste of what’s in store by revealing a teaser image of its upcoming handset. Now, we have another alleged leaked render of the flagship thanks to IndiaShopps.

    To begin with, the handset shown in the latest render appears to be the smaller of the two Pixel 4 models, i.e. the non-XL variant. Besides, the leak shows handset in three different color variants. These inlcude Black, White, along with a new subtle mint-green shade.

    Additionally, the renders also show-off the typical contrasting power buttons. These are white for the black color variant, blue for the white one, and sort of acidic yellow for the mint-green model.

    It’s also worth noting that these renders fall in line with previous leaks. We can see a large top bezel on the handset and no physical fingerprint scanner on the back. Now, this essentially implies the Pixel 4 might feature an in-display fingerprint scanner or a facial recognition, similar to Apple’s Face ID.

    Not to mention, the leak also shows the much talked about square camera bump on the rear.

    As is usually the case with leaks, readers are advised to take this information with a pinch of salt as nothing is official for now. Google is expected to unveil the Pixel 4 series towards the end of October, much like Pixel launches in the past.

    More leaks about the Pixel 4 are likely to surface as we near its official release. We’ll update you as soon as we hear anything new. Until then, keep checking back for more.

  • Apple Watch users can delete stock apps with watchOS 6

    Apple Watch users can delete stock apps with watchOS 6

    Apart from iOS 13, it appears Apple plans to bring significant changes to the upcoming watchOS 6. One of these major changes is said to be support for deleting first-party apps. Now, this essentially implies that users will be allowed to remove almost all stock apps if they wish to. These include the likes of apps such as Alarm, Timer, Stopwatch, Remote, Camera Remote, Radio, ECG, Breathe, Noise Cycle Tracking, and more.

    Removing an app from Apple Watch works largely similar to what you’d do an iPhone. Just long press on the grid to trigger the blurry effect and press the small X symbol to delete a specific app. That said, this method only works for third-party apps, as Apple restricts users to delete first-party apps that Apple Watch comes pre-installed with.

    However, this is all about to change when watchOS 6 starts rolling out. Users will be able to uninstall apps such as Radio, World Clock, Timer, Stopwtach, Walkie-Talkie, and several others. In case users want them back, they’ll just need to reinstall the apps from the App Store.

    However, nothing will change when it comes to removing third party apps. Deleting an app from Apple Watch will result in removal of the same app from the iPhone as well. That said, this behavior won’t apply to apps that come shipped with the Apple Watch. TechCrunch, however, notes that not all of the built-in iOS and watchOS can be removed, as the likes of Heart Rate and Messages will be there.

    Apple plans to release watchOS 6 in September. This is certainly good news for Apple Watch users who wouldn’t want to clutter up their screen with unused apps. The changes mentioned above are likely to make their way in the beta builds in the coming weeks.

  • Cellebrite claims its hacking tools can bypass any iPhone or iPad

    Cellebrite claims its hacking tools can bypass any iPhone or iPad

    Israeli forensics company Cellebrite claims its hacking tools can break into any iPhone or iPad. The company also adds that devices running the latest version of iOS can be broken into.

    Cellebrite recently announced that it has ability to perform a ‘full system extraction on any iOS device’, and notably, its services are for sale, though only to law enforcement agencies.

    In case you didn’t know, Cellebrite is a well-known Israeli security company whose expertise was used by the FBI in 2016 in order to crack into the iPhone 5c belonging to San Bernardino killer Syed Rizwan Farook. And the company’s latest product, called UEFD Premium, can nullify any and all passcodes on an iOS device to unlock them. The company also brags that its newest product can even unlock iPhones and iPads running latest iOS 12.3.

    However, the good news is that Cellebrite promised its hacking devices are specifically designed for law enforcement agencies. The company explains that agencies can use its tools to unlock devices belonging to a suspect who is unwilling to provide his passcode or biometric authentication.

    Besides, Celleibrite also stated that its tools require you to physically have possession of the iPhone or iPad, if you want to use its brute force methods to hack into smartphones and tablets. Additionally, the Israeli-company also claims it performs proper security checks to determine whether its hacking tools fall in the right hands.

    That said, despite all the security measures, there’s always a risk that these hacking tools could fall into the wrong hands. Not to mention, some of Cellebrite’s iPhone hacking tools have been found listed on eBay for as little as $100. Besides iOS devices, Cellebrite also claims its hacking tools can infiltrate Android devices from Samsung, Motorola, Huawei, and Xiaomi.

  • Samsung Galaxy Fit now available at $99.99

    Samsung Galaxy Fit now available at $99.99

    Samsung’s latest activity tracker, the Galaxy Fit, is now available for purchase via Samsung’s official website for $99.99. Key specifications on the Samsung Galaxy Fit include a 0.95-inch AMOLED display, Cortex M33F processor, 2MB of RAM, and 32MB of storage.

    It gets fuelled by a 120mAh battery which Samsung claims should last up to a week on a single charge. The Galaxy Fit also pairs up with your smartphone via Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity. Besides, it also gets water ressistant capabilties and comes with MIL-STD-810G ruggedness.

    In terms of fitness tracking features, the Galaxy Fit can track up to 90 exercies. Besides, it can automatically detect exercies such as walking, running, cycling, rowing, and elliptical. It can also track sleep as well as heart rate. Besides, the new activity tracker can also track other health goals through Samsung’s Health app. Overall, the Galaxy Fit comes equipped with all features you’re looking for in an all-round fitness tracker, in a lightweight package.

    Aside from the Galaxy Fit, Samsung also launched the Galaxy Fit e. It comes with all the fitness tracking capabilties of the regular fit, though at a more affordable price point. The only difference being that the Galaxy Fit e comes with a monochrome display and has a 70mAh battery.

    The Galaxy Fit is offered in a choice of black and silver colors while the Galaxy Fit e comes in black, white, and yellow. The Galaxy Fit gets a price tag of $99.99 in the US, while shipments start on June 18. However, the Galaxy Fit e is not yet listed on Samsung’s US site yet.

  • Google officially teases the Pixel 4

    Google officially teases the Pixel 4

    Google has officially posted an image of the upcoming Pixel 4 Android flagship on Twitter, putting an end to a set of leaks that surfaced on the web recently.

    The Pixel 4 is expected to release this fall, most probably sometime in October. Now, the company has teased the handset giving us a fairly good idea about the Pixel 4’s design. Going by the image posted on Twitter, we can see a square which houses dual rear cameras and the flash. Google’s Pixel phones are known for their camera prowess, and this will be the first time Google is using multiple camera lenses at the rear.

    Besides, the image shows that Google’s G logo is placed at at the bottom of the screen. However, the tech giant has only teased the back of the device for now.

    A tag line also accompanied the tweet which stated, ” Wait till you see what it can do”. Now, this suggests that the Pixel 4 will feature the latest mobile technologies. Hence, we can expect Pixel 4 to come with wireless charging, stereo speakers, USB Type C, face unlock, as well as in-display fingerprint sensor. Besides, the next-generation Google Assistant will also be included in the Pixel 4.

    As fas as Pixel 4 specifications are concerened, for now, we have no idea about what’s under the handset’s hood. However, rumor has it that the Pixel 4 will boast 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, at a minimum.

    Google is expected to launch two variants of the handset, the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL. More details about Google’s next flagship are likely to surface as we near its official release. We’ll update you as soon as we hear anything new. Until then, keep checking back for more.

  • Firefox 67.0.2 with several improvements and bug fixes rolls out

    Firefox 67.0.2 with several improvements and bug fixes rolls out

    Mozilla has released the new Firefox 67.0.2 update for all supported platforms. The new version addresses several bug fixes reported by users lately, such as compatibility issues with Apple’s upcoming macOS Catalina 10.15.

    Besides, Linux users can now easily install and use additional language packs using the built-in Preferences UI. Additionally, users can now start the web browser in safe mode.

    Elsewhere, the proxy authentication dialogue box has been fixed as well. It no longer pops up asking users to authenticate after upgrading their web browsers to the Firefox 67 release.

    Finally, Firefox 67.0.2 allows web developers to copy the href/src content from certain HTML tags. Users can download Firefox 67.0.2 for GNU/Linux/, macOS, and Windows operating systems via OTA (Over-the-Air) updates. You can find complete release notes here.

    To recall, Mozilla Firefox 67 was officially released back in May for Windows, Linux, Mac, and Android. The latest version offers numerous performance improvements as well as new features to enhance the overall browsing experience.

    The open-source web browser is now easier to use for everyone thanks to a toolbar menu for easy access and more transparency of your Firefox Account.

    Besides, Firefox 67 brings support for pinning tabs from the Page Actions menu in the address bar, along with the ability to highlight various features, such as Pin Tabs.

    Also, Firefox 67 makes it easier to access the list of your saved website credentials directly from the main menu, and allows users to quickly import web data from other web browsers directly from the File menu

    Firefox 67 also brings a new Firefox Search widget that features voice input in Android. Users can add the new widget from the Android Widget section directly to their home screen. In addition, Firefox 67 for Android removes the Guest Session feature in order to streamline the user experience.

  • Galaxy Note 10 release date tipped in August

    Galaxy Note 10 release date tipped in August

    Rumors about the upcoming Galaxy Note 10 flaghsip are flying thick and fast. We’ve already come across high defintion renders of the handset in several past leaks. Now, fresh reports have emerged which hint at the release date of the device.

    In the last few years, the South Korean giant has launched its new Note models in the month of August. The reason being that Samsung wants to release its new Note devices a month before Apple unveils the new iPhone range. Besides, Samsung wants to make sure its devices receive the desired attention from consumers, as well as some time to mature in the market.

    According to a new report, Samsung plans to stick with the same approach, as the Galaxy Note 10 is expected to release in August. Korean publication ETNews suggests that the flagship could be unveiled on August 10, with sales to kick off later the same month. To recall, the Galaxy Note 9 was launched on August 9, just a day before the date speculated for this year’s model.

    Two Galaxy Note 10 models incoming

    Key sources indicate that Samsung plans to unveil two different Galaxy Note 10 models this year, a standard version and a Pro version. The standard Galaxy Note 10 model is expected to feature a 6.28-inch display while the Pro model could get a 6.75-inch display. Besides, the top-end model is expected to come with a quad-camera system and up to 12GB of RAM.

    Past reports also indicate that the fingerprint sensor will be integrated into the screen, just like the Galaxy S10. Elsewhere, the punch-hole selfie camera has been relocated in the center instead of the top-right corner found on the Galaxy S10. Also, the Note 10 will not have a 3.5mm headphone jack, so users will need wireless earphones or earphones with USB-C connector.

    More details about the Galaxy Note 10 are likely to surface as we near its official release. We’ll update you as soon as we hear anything new. Until then, keep checking back for more.

  • Galaxy Note 10 leaked renders spotted online

    Galaxy Note 10 leaked renders spotted online

    The Galaxy Note 10 is the next major release from Samsung, and we’re only a few months away before its official unveiling. Hence, rumors about the upcoming phablet are flying thick and fast.

    The latest leaks comes via 91Mobiles in collaboration with popular tipster @OnLeaks. High resolotion renders published online give us a closer look at Samsung’s upcoming flagship. Besides, the latest renders also confirm some of the earlier rumored features about the upcoming handset.

    To begin with, the biggest change on the handset’s front is the selfie camera which is housed in the centre. Samsung will likley adopt the same approach as it did with the Galaxy S10, with a punch hole which houses the selfie camera. However, the punch hole won’t be made on the right hand corner, instead it’ll be made precisely in the middle. This change is likley to make the camera less intrusive in the Galaxy Note 10 compared to the Galaxy S10.

    However, it apppears the fingerprint scanner would be embedded within the display in the Galaxy Note 10, just like S10 flgahsip. Being a top-end handset, the Galaxy Note 10 will certainly feature an ultrasonic fingerprint scanner.

    No headphone jack

    Elsewhere, the leaked renders suggest Galaxy Note 10 might feature vertically-aligned triple rear cameras, much like the iPhone X. The upcoming phablet is expected to feature a 12MP primary sensor, a 12MP secondary sensor with 2x telephoto zoom, along with a 16MP super-wide angle sensor.

    Key sources also suggest that the Galaxy Note 10 will sport a 6.3-inch curved AMOLED display. Other major changes would be the removal of the headphone jack, so users will need wireless earphones or earphones with USB-C connector. Not to mention, the top-end variant of the handset is expected to pack 12GB of RAM.

    The Galaxy Note 10 is rumored to launch in early August, while shipments should begin in early September. More details about the Galaxy Note 10 are likely to surface as we near its official release. We’ll update you as soon as we hear anything new. Until then, keep checking back for more.

  • Apple selling iPhone SE again via its clearance site

    Apple selling iPhone SE again via its clearance site

    The iPhone SE is available for purchase again via Apple’s clearance site for $249. This happens to be the second time in less than a week when the company has resumed selling 4-inch model.

    To recall, the iPhone SE showed up on Apple’s clearance site a few days back, starting at $249 for the 32GB variant, down from the original $349. Meanwhile, the 128GB model of the handset was selling at $229, down from $449.

    As expected, all units of the iPhone SE were sold out in a span of few days, which led many to believe they might’ve missed a golden chance to grab the 4-inch iPhone.

    That said, there still might be hope as Apple has resumed sales of the iPhone SE for the second time, at the same heavily discounted prices. Not to mention, all units of the iPhone SE are brand new and unlocked. However, the offer is only valid in the United States, as no other international market has received any more stocks.

    Apple might be testing the market for 4-inch models

    Apple stopped selling the iPhone SE in September 2018. It was the only 4-inch model in the iPhone range. Besides, it was the only iPhone model that came with a headphone jack. Now that Apple has resumed selling the 4-inch model again, many believe Apple could be testing the market for the popularity of 4-inch models. That said, it’s still a rumor for now, especially, given the fact that Apple ditched its plans to launch the second-generation iPhone SE.

    Industry experts regarded it as one of the best iPhone models ever, given the fact it packed the same A9 chip as the iPhone 6S, into a smaller body. Besides, it was also priced considerably cheaper at $349 than the rest of the Apple line up. The iPhone SE was launched in March 2016 in an effort to attract customers who still preferred the compact form factor and did not want to upgrade to the large screen models.

  • Samsung Galaxy S10 prices and variants revealed in a new leak

    Samsung Galaxy S10 prices and variants revealed in a new leak

    Samsung plans to announce the Galaxy S10 lineup during an Unpacked event in San Francisco on February 20. We’ve already come across multiple leaks about the upcoming flagship, giving us a solid idea about what to expect. Yesterday, Italian blog Tutto Android allegedly revealed the prices of the Galaxy foldable phone. Today, they have seemingly revealed the prices, storage variants, and color options of the entire Galaxy S10 lineup. Not to mention, they’ve also leaked the price of the rumored 5G version of the handset.

    Galaxy S10 rumored prices

    To begin with, the report suggests that the flagship’s base model will be called the Galaxy S10 Lite. The handset is expected to sport a flat 5.8-inch Infinity O display, dual rear cameras, as well as a side-mounted fingerprint scanner.

    The device will be offered in only one variant, which has 128GB storage and 6GB of RAM. The report adds that the S10 Lite will be priced around EUR 779 (roughly $890). It will come in Black, White, Yellow, and Green color options.

    The next model of the lineup will be called the Galaxy S10. It’s expected to sport a 6.1-inch Infinity O display with curved edges, and also boast triple rear cameras. This model will be offered in two variants. These include a 6GB RAM/128GB storage variant priced at EUR 929 (roughly $1049), and a 8GB RAM/512GB storage model priced at EUR 1179 (roughly $1349). The device is expected to come in Black, White, and Green color options.

    Finally, the top-end model of the lineup will be called the Galaxy S10+. It’ll sport a 6.4-inch display and will be offered two different RAM and storage configurations. These include a 6GB RAM/128GB storage model for EUR 1049 (roughly $1199), alongside an 8GB RAM/512GB storage model for EUR 1299 (roughly $1499). It’ll be offered in Black, Green, White, along with two other special color versions.

    Elsewhere, the report adds that the 5G variant of the flagship, likely to be called the Galaxy S10 X, will get a price tag of EUR 1599 (roughly $1799).

    More leaks about the Galaxy S10 lineup are likely to surface as we near its official release. We’ll update you as soon as we hear anyhting new. Until then, keep checking back for more.

  • iPhone SE now offered at a huge discount

    iPhone SE now offered at a huge discount

    If you’re still looking for an iPhone SE, then we have some good news. Apple has quietly resumed selling the iPhone SE via the clearance section of its website, starting at $249.

    The prices of silver, space grey, and rose gold color variants (32GB) of the handset start at $249, down from the original $349. Meanwhile, the 128GB model of the handset is selling at $229, down from $449.

    Not to mention, all units of the iPhone SE are brand new and unlocked. That said, it appears the offer is only valid in the United States, as Apple’s UK website hasn’t listed any such offer.

    To recall, Apple stopped selling the iPhone SE in September 2018. It was the only 4-inch model in the iPhone range. Besides, it was the only iPhone model that came with a headphone jack.

    Industry experts regarded it as one of the best iPhone models ever, given the fact it packed the same A9 chip as the iPhone 6S, into a smaller body. Besides, it was also priced considerably cheaper at $349 than the rest of the Apple line up.

    The iPhone SE was launched in March 2016 in an effort to attract customers who still preferred the compact form factor and did not want to upgrade to the large screen models.