Author: James Miller

Moto G7 range prices and renders leaked ahead of launch

The Moto G7 range is expected to be unvelied next month at an event in Brazil. Key sources indicate that Motorola plans to announce four different Moto G7 variants. These include the Moto G7, Moto G7 Plus, Moto G7 Play, and Moto G7 Power. Today, MySmartPrice has posted fresh renders of the next-generation G series phones from Motorola. In addition, they’ve also shared the European pricing of a few Moto G7 models.

According to the report, the Moto G7 Play will likely be the entry-level offering and will be priced at EUR 149 in several European markets. It’ll be offered in a choice of Gold and Blue color variants. The handset is expected to get powered by Snapdragon 632 processor.

Meanwhile, the Moto G7 Power will get a price tag of EUR 209 and will come in Lilac Purple and Black color variants. Besides, it’s expected to get powered by Snapdragon 625 processor and will feature a massive 5000mAh battery with fast charging.

Elsewhere, the report has also posted renders of the handset giving us an idea about the design. Going by the leaked renders, the Moto G7 and Moto G7 Plus sport a waterdrop-styled notch on top. Besides, both handsets can be seen sporting a rather thick chin which has the Motorola branding.

On the back, both handsets pack dual-rear cameras and the fingerprint sensor right below it. Meanwhile, the Moto G7 and Moto G7 Power can be seen sporting an iPhone X-style notch and thick bezels with the Motorola branding. In terms of specs, the report indicates that Moto G7 and Moto G7 Plus could run Snapdragon 660 processor. The report, however, has not revealed prices of the standard Moto G7 and Moto G7 Plus.

January 18, 2019
Galaxy S10+ leaked live photo tips at dual selfie cameras

Samsung will officially unveil the Galaxy S10 series at an Unpacked event in San Francisco on February 20. We’ve already come across multiple leaks about the upcoming flagship, giving us a fairly good idea about what to expect. Multiple reports suggest that Samsung will announce three different variants of the flagship. These include the Galaxy S10 Lite, Galaxy S10, and the top-end Galaxy S10+. Yesterday, the would be top-of-the-line model, the Galaxy S10+ was spotted on Geekbench with rather impressive scores. Today, the handset has allegedly appeared in a live photo thanks to a Reddit user.

Going by the leaked image, it appears the Galaxy S10+ will pack dual selfie cameras housed within the punch hole on the screen. The leak falls in line with earlier rumors, which also indicated two selfie cameras tucked in the upper right corner in a punch hole. Besides, the leaked image also suggests it’ll have extremely thin bezels, way thinner compared to the Galaxy S9+.

Key sources also indicate that the Galaxy S10+ will be lighter than the Galaxy Note 9, despite being the same size. Besides, the image suggests that fingerprint scanner is housed within the display, which is also in line with earlier leaks about the device.

Yesterday, the Galaxy S10+ was spotted on Geekbench with Snapdragon 855 chipset, 6GB of RAM, and Android 9 Pie. The listing showed that the handset the listing reveals that the handset racked up single and multi-core scores of 3413 and 10256 points.

Galaxy S10 release date and pricing rumors

A report via Korean publication ETNews also suggests that the Galaxy 10 range might go on sale on March 8. In addition, the report also suggests that the handset’s 5G variant would go on sale on March 29. As far as pricing goes, the report suggests that the entry-level Galaxy S10 could be priced between $700-$800, while the handset’s top-end variant could be priced as high as $1600.

More details about the Samsung Galaxy S10 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.

January 17, 2019
Galaxy S10+ with Snapdragon 855 and 6GB RAM spotted on Geekbench

Come February 20, Samsung will officially unveil the Galaxy S10 series at an Unpacked event in San Francisco. We’ve already come across multiple leaks about the upcoming handset, giving us a fairly good idea about what to expect. Multiple reports suggest that Samsung will announce three different variants of the flagship. Today, the top-end Galaxy S10+ model has made an appearance on benchmarking database Geekbench with rather impressive scores.

The Galaxy S10+ (SMG975U) was spotted on Geekbench with Snapdragon 855 chipset, 6GB of RAM, and Android 9 Pie. Elsewhere, the listing reveals that the handset racked up single and multi-core scores of 3413 and 10256 respectively.

While multi-core scores see a slight improvement in performance compared to Snapdragon 845, we can for sure see a surge in single-core scores. That said, the listing shows the Galaxy S10+ with 6GB of RAM, which is contrary to earlier rumors which tipped at 8GB of RAM.

Meanwhile last week, the entry-level model of the flagship, referred to as the Galaxy S10 Lite also surfaced on Geekbench. It also appeared with Snapdragon 855 processor, 6GB of RAM, and Android 9 Pie. That said, the listing revealed rather unimpressive single and multi-core scores of 1986 and 6266 points.

In other related news, a report via Korean publication ETNews also suggests that the Galaxy 10 range might go on sale on March 8. Besides, the report also suggests that the handset’s 5G variant would go on sale on March 29. As far as pricing goes, the report suggests that the entry-level Galaxy S10 could be priced between $700-$800, while the handset’s top-end variant could be priced as high as $1600.

More details about the Galaxy S10 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.

January 16, 2019
Samsung Galaxy S10 will reportedly go on sale on March 8

Samsung will officially unveil the Galaxy S10 series on February 20 at an Unpacked Event in San Francisco. That said, we haven’t heard anything concrete as to when the smartphone will actually go on sale. However, a new report from Korean publication ETNews suggests that the flagship might go on sale starting March 8. Besides, the report also suggests that the Galaxy S10’s 5G variant would go on sale on March 29. That said, it’s still unknown whether Samsung will adopt the same approach as it did last year, by shipping the device earlier to customers who pre-ordered the handset.

As far as pricing goes, the report suggests that the entry-level Galaxy S10 could be priced between $700-$800, while the handset’s top-end variant could be priced as high as $1600.

Samsung expected to launch three different Galaxy S10 models

As per earlier reports, Samsung is expected to launch three different variants of the Galaxy S10. These include the Galaxy S10 Lite, the Galaxy S10, and the Galaxy S10+. the Galaxy S10 Lite would feature 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. On the other hand, the standard Galaxy S10 will have 6GB of RAM, and will come in a choice of 128GB or 256GB storage options.

Finally, the top-end S10 Plus will be offered in configurations with 6GB or 8GB of RAM, as well as 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB of built-in storage. Besides, the 5G variant of the flagship will come in configurations with 8GB/12GB of RAM, and 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB of storage.

Elsewhere, both S10 and S10 Plus will feature an in-screen ultrasonic fingerprint scanner. However, the S10 Lite will reportedly get the standard rear-mounted fingerprint sensor. Besides, all three Galaxy S10 variants will feature Bright Night and portrait lighting. Key sources also indicate that all models will have a dual NPU (Neural Processing Unit).

However, readers are advised to take this information with a pinch of salt as nothing is official at the moment. We’ll know everything when Samsung officially unveils the Galaxy S10 on February 20.

January 15, 2019
OnePlus 7 leak hints at notchless bezel-free display, pop-up selfie camera

OnePlus 7 is expected to be the successor to the current OnePlus 6T. The company received immense backlash from users over the notch with the current flagship. However, a new leak suggests that the Chinese manufacturer might ditch the notch altogether with the upcoming OnePlus 7.

The leak was spotted by a contibutor on Slashleaks. The image allegedly shows the OnePlus 7 alongside the OnePlus 6T. The phone on the left, is seemingly the OnePlus 7, while the one on the right is the current OnePlus 6T flagship, sporting the waterdrop-styled notch. In addition, we can barely see any bezels on either sides of the handset, indicating that OnePlus plans to remove all possible bezels from its upcoming flagship.

Credits: CoolAPK/SlashLeaks

Besides, we can’t see the front-facing camera on the next-gen OnePlus flagship going by the leaked image. We’re still not sure where the company plans to house the front-facing camera, but it appears the handset might sport a motorized, pop-up camera mechanism like the Vivo Nex.

OnePlus 7 expected launch in May

The OnePlus 7 will likely release in May this year if the company sticks with its existing launch cycle. Rumor also has it that OnePlus to release two new smartphones in the first half of 2019, which’ll inlcude a 5G handset. CEO Pete Lau, also indicated that the 5G-enabled phone will be completely different device than the OnePlus 7 with a different branding. He also indicated the 5G smartrphone will cost nearly $200-$300 more than the current OnePlus 6T.

Besdies, Lau also confirmed that the next OnePlus flagship will run the latest Snapdragon 855 processor. Apart from this, no other details about the upcoming flagship are known at this point. Key sources, however, suggest that the handset might feature an in-screen fingerprint scanner, as well as a triple rear camera setup.

More details about the OnePlus 7 are likley to surface in the near future. We’ll update you as soon as we hear anyhting new. Until then, keep checking back for more.

January 14, 2019
Apple to launch three new iPhone models in 2019: Report

Apple reportedly plans to release three new iPhone models in 2019. These will include the successor to the iPhone XR, while the other two will also be direct successors to the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max.

According to a report by Wall Street Journal, Apple plans to stick with last year’s trend and launch three iPhone models this year as well. All three models will be direct successors to the current-gen iPhone lineup.

However, the report notes that top-end iPhone model will feature a triple rear camera setup, while the other will have dual rear cameras. The report further adds that the company will stick with LCD screens for the iPhone XR successor.

However, come 2020, the report notes that Apple plans to ditch LCD panels entirely. Apart from this, not much is known about Apple’s future plans, but they better be good as current iPhone models aren’t selling like hot cakes like past iPhone models. For one, we can blame the atrocious price tag. Besides, customers still prefer older iPhone models in several markets.

Over the past few months, key sources have also claimed that Apple has had to cut down production orders for its 2018 iPhone lineup due to sluggish demand. Sale of iPhone units falling short of expectations has always been rumored shortly after their official release in September 2018. Apple CEO, Tim Cook, also admitted they have had a severe blow because of weakening sales in China, which has traditionally been one of the biggest overseas market of Apple iPhone after the US.

January 11, 2019
Galaxy S10 Lite shows up on Geekbench with Snapdragon 855, 6GB RAM

The Galaxy S10 series is expected to go official sometime in February. And as expected, there’s been no shortage of leaks about the upcoming flagship from Samsung. The Korean giant is widely expected to launch three variants of the upcoming flaghsip. These are rumored to be the Galaxy S10, the Galaxy S10+, and the Galaxy S10 Lite. The latter, also referred to as the entry-level model, was recently spotted on benchmarking database Geekbench.

According to the listing, the Galaxy S10 Lite will be powerd by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 855 prcessor bundled with 6GB of RAM. The listing further reveals that the handset will run Android 9 Pie out-of-the-box. As far as scores as concerned, the listing suggests the handset pulled off single and multi core scores of 1986 and 6266 respectively.

Credits: Geekbench

Galaxy S10 Lite rumored Specs and Price

As per earlier leaks, the Galaxy S10 Lite is expected to feature a 5.8-inch Infinity-O display with a resolution of 2280×1080 pixels. Not to mention, key sources also indicate it’ll have a punch hole on the front that’ll house the selfie camera. Besides, credible Samsung insider IceUniverse also shared a concept render of the Galaxy S10 Lite, giving us a fairly good idea about the handset’s design.

Rumor also has it that the Galaxy S10 Lite will pack a 3100mAH battery. While another leak from a major tech retailer suggests that the Galaxy S10 Lite (128GB storage) will get a price tag of around $1020. On the other hand, the Galaxy S10 will be priced around $1275.

Samsung is expected to unveil the Galaxy S10 range during its Galaxy Unpacked event on February 20, just before MWC 2019, while sales are expected to begin on March 8, 2019. More details about the Galaxy S10 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 updates.

January 10, 2019
WhatsApp working on fingerprint authentication feature for Android

Facebook-owned instant messaging app WhatsApp is reportedly working on a fingerprint authentication feature for chats on Android. The feature is essentially designed to protect users’ chats from being seen by others. Once the authentication is enabled, users will be required to use their fingerprint to access chats.

“After working to implement Face ID and Touch ID features on iOS (that aren’t available yet for development reasons), WhatsApp has finally started to work on the Authentication feature on Android, using your Fingerprint!” said a report by WABetaInfo.

Once the fingerprint feature is activated, your chats will be completely secure from others. The fingerprint authentication feature on WhatsApp can be found under Settings>Account>Privacy.

Image Source: WABetaInfo

“The user will need to authenticate his identity in order to open WhatsApp (from the app icon, from the notification or from external pickers). It will protect the entire app, so it’s not used to lock specific conversations,” further added the report.

The feature is expected to arrive for both Android and iOS users in the near future. In other related news, WhatsApp has also started working on several new features for iOS. Sources indicate that the update would allow users to add stickers in images. Besides, the upcoming update should allow iPhone users to edit a sent image by adding a drawing or emoji.

January 9, 2019
WhatsApp starts testing new features for iOS

Popular IM app WhatsApp has reportedly started testing several new features for iOS. A recent beta build of the app gives us an idea of what new features are arriving for iPhones.

According to a report by WABetaInfo, these new features and improvements are a part of beta build 2.19.10.21. The build includes a new feature that allows users to add stickers in images, further adds the report.

The upcoming WhatsApp update should allow iPhone users to edit a sent image by adding a drawing or emoji. Besides, starting with this update, sticker support will arrive on iOS for additional customization options.

Another handy addtion is the private reply option in group chats, somethig similar we’ve seen in Android beta builds of the app. With this functionality, users can tap on a messsage from a particluar contact in a group and then choose to reply privately. A private chat window pops up and the message you chose is highlighted so users know from where the conversation started.

The upcoming WhatsApp update will also bring improved 3D Touch support for iPhones, making it possible for users to peek and pop messages in the Status section.

That said, there’s np specifc timeline as to when the update will be available for everyone. However, given that beta testing has already begun, it’s safe to assume that it wouldn’t take too long before the rollout begins.

January 7, 2019
Moto Z4 Play leak indicates waterdrop-styled notch, Moto Mods support

Leaks about the upcoming Moto Z4 Play have finally surfaced on the web. An alleged 360-degree render of the handset is doing rounds on the web, which shows off the handset from all sides. The leak comes via credible tipster OnLeaks, who has collaborated with CompareRaja to give us a good idea about the Moto Z4 Play’s design.

Going by the leaked render, the Moto Z4 Play will feature very slim bezels on all sides, along with a waterdrop-shaped notch on the front. Moving on to the back, we can see a ring shaped single-lens primary camera unit with the Motorola logo sitting right below it, which could also double-up as the fingerprint sensor.

On the right edge, we can see the volume rockers and the power button. While cutout for the speaker grille can be seen on the top edge. Besides, the device can be seen sporting a USB Type C port at the bottom edge, as well as the 3.5mm headphone jack.

Finally, the leaked render shows connecting pins for the Moto Mods at the bottom. Now, this essentially implies that the company isn’t ditching the concept of Moto Mods yet, given the fact Motorola launched only one Moto Mod this year – the Moto stereo speaker. The latest render suggests that new Mods could arrive this year. You can check out the render below:

For now, not much is known about the specifications of the Moto Z4 Play, but rumors indicate it could pack a 6.2-inch display. More details about the handset are likely to surface in the coming weeks. We’ll update you as soon as we hear anyhting new. Until then, keep checking back for more.

In case you missed, a leaked case render of the Moto G7 was also spotted on the web earlier this week.

January 3, 2019
New Moto G7 leak hints at waterdrop-notch, 3.5mm audio jack

Leaks about the upcoming Moto G7 series are coming thick and fast. Now, a new set of leaks have surfaced on the web that allegedly shows handset inside a transparent case. The images show-off the upcoming handset from all angles giving us a complete view of the device.Going by the alleged leak, the smartphone will sport a waterdrop-style notch on the front.

While the back of the handset will sport dual rear cameras as well the fingerprint sensor right below the camera. Moving on, the leak shows the volume rockers and power button housed on the right edge.

Besides, the bottom of the handset has cut-outs for the 3.5mm jack, speaker grill, and the USB-C port. Elsewhere, the leak suggests the device will feature a slight chin below the display.

As per earlier leaks, Motorola is expected to announce four variants of the upcoming Moto G7. These include the Moto G7, Moto G7 Plus, Moto G7 Play, and Moto G7 Power. In terms of specs, Key sources indicate that the handset might feature Snapdragon 660 processor bundled with 4GB of RAM and 32GB of storage.

Meanwhile, the Plus variant of the handset could come with Snapdragon 710 processor paired with either 4GB/6GB and 64GB of built-in storage. Rumor also has it that the handset might come with wireless charging.

Besides, the Moto G7 Power, as the name suggests, might feature a hefty battery capacity. Past reports indicate the device might come fitted a chunky 5000mAh battery.

As far as release goes, rumor has it that the company plans to launch the handset sometime in February. More details about the handset 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.

January 1, 2019
Google denies withdrawal of two-year updates for Android One phones

A Reddit user earlier spotted some missing text from the official Android One page that promised 2-year software updates for Android One phones. This led to worries that the tech giant isn’t going to live up to its promise to offer timley updates for devices sold under the program. However, Google has now responded with an official statement stating it has no intentions of doing so.

“We confirm that our promise to provide 2 years of updates on Android One devices still stands and our website design does not impact the promise of this program,” a Google spokesperson said in a statement.

A little bit of text from the official webpage which indicated that participating devices would be receive guaranteed OS updates for two years went missing. The text removal was pointed out by a Reddit user.

Though, with Google now denying the withdrawal of two-year software updates, it appears the removal of update-related text isn’t that big a deal as some of us thought to be.

That said, it’s worth pointing out that the original text that guaranteed two year updates is still missing from the official webpage. The reason, according to Google, is because they’re redesigning the website.

Android One is Google’s effort to offer timely updates

Google launched the program a few years ago in an effort to unite the fragmented Android market and offer timley software updates. With so many smartphone manufacturers, most companies choose to modify the stock Android OS, which eventually disrupts the update process.

With the initiative, Google wanted to bring more companies under the program so that system and security updates can land much quicker on all handsets. All smartphones under the program are free of any bloatware, which makes it the purest form of Android.

December 30, 2018
Google seemingly removes two-year OS updates for Android One devices

Google appears to have removed some text from its official Android One webpage which claimed that partcipating handsets would receive guranteed OS updates for two years. However, now there’s no mention of the OS updates on the official website. The original text on the website was as follows:

“With Android One, your phone will receive at least two years of OS upgrades to the latest version of Android. That means access to the latest innovations and a phone that always runs as smoothly as the day you bought it.”

The removal of text was spotted by a Reddit user, which already suggests that the community is slightly baffled with the text removal. It could either be a mistake or appears to have gone for some reason, but it suggests Google is no longer interested in living up to that promise. The only devices to receive regular OS updates would be Google’s Pixel range of devices. And for obvious reasons, users aren’t going to be happy if this turns out to be true.

It’s also unclear what will happen to these devices that are already listed on the website. There’s also a possibilty that the update poilcy could only apply for new devices. That said, nothing can be said for certain until Google clears the air about the issue.

To recall, Google launched the Android One program a few years ago in an effort to unite the fragmented Android market and offer timley OS updates. With so many smartphone manufacturers, most companies choose to modify the stock Android OS, which led to delay in OS and security updates.

All smartphones under the program are free of any bloatware, and are meant to receive timley software updates. With the Android One inititaive, Google wanted to bring more companies under the program, so that system and security updates can land much quicker on all handsets.

December 27, 2018
Android 9 Pie arrives on the OnePlus 5 and 5T
Android 9 Pie has finally started rolling out for the OnePlus 5 and OnePlus 5T. The latest version of Google’s mobile OS is now being distributed via an over-the-air update. According to OnePlus, OxygenOS 9.0.0 OTA update started rolling out this morning and should be available for all OnePlus 5 and 5T owners over the next few days.

The latest Android 9 Pie update comes shortly after OnePlus announced an open beta to test the update for the OnePlus 5 and OnePlus 5T. The changelog for the update is largely similar to what we saw with the open beta. You can find the complete changelog below:

System
- Updated system to Android 9 Pie
- Brand new UI for Android Pie
- Brand new navigation gestures (Available for OnePlus 5T only)
- Updated Android security patch to 2018.12
- Other new features and system improvements
New Gaming mode 3.0
- Added text notification mode
- Added notification for 3rd party calls
Do Not Disturb mode
- New Do Not Disturb (DND) mode with adjustable settings
Camera
- Integrated Google Lens mode
The OnePlus 5 and OnePlus 5T now joins the OnePlus 6 to get the latest Android 9 Pie update. That said, it’s still unclear whether the rest of the company’s lineup will be getting the upate in the near future. It’s a pretty significant update and users are advised to download it as soon as possible. Though as is usually the case with OTA updates, OxygenOS 9.0.0 for the OnePlus 5 and 5T is being rolloed out in phases. A small percentage of users will shortly get the update, while a broader rollout is expected to begin in the next few days. Users can also manually check for the update by heading over to Settings> System Updates.
December 26, 2018
After China, Apple could face iPhone sales ban in Germany

After China, a German court has now ruled that all iPhone models since the iPhone 5s are infringing upon a Qualcomm patent. A sales ban will be imposed on Apple if the company does not appeal the German court’s ruling.

According to a report by Reuetrs, Qualcomm is seeking a ban on iPhone models that run Intel chips. The court ruled that iPhones which feature a combination of chips from Intel and Apple supplier Qorvo infringe upon one of Qualcomm’s patents related to envelope tracking, a feature which essentially allows smartphones to save battery while sending and receiving wireless signals.

The judge ruled that Apple should stop selling all iPhones models that run Intel modems in Germany. In response to the court’s ruling, Apple, as expected, retaliated with a fierce reponse.

“Qualcomm’s campaign is a desperate attempt to distract from the real issues between our companies. Their tactics, in the courts and in their everyday business, are harming innovation and harming consumers. Qualcomm insists on charging exorbitant fees based on work they didn’t do, and they are being investigated by governments all around the world for their behavior. We are of course disappointed by this verdict, and we plan to appeal,” said Apple in a statement for CNBC.

Apple and Qualcomm are engaged in a similar legal battle in China. A Chinese court issued a ban on iPhone sales in the country for violating Qualcomm patents. Apple was found to be infringing upon two patents as per the Chinese court’s ruling. These include a patent for changing and reformatting the size and appearance of photographs, and one for managing apps when viewing, navigating and dismissing apps using a touchscreen.

December 20, 2018