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Author: James Miller

  • Lenovo Z5 Pro GT with Snapdragon 855, 12GB RAM goes official

    Lenovo Z5 Pro GT with Snapdragon 855, 12GB RAM goes official

    The Lenovo Z5 Pro GT has been officially unveiled. It’s the first flagship to feature Snapdragon 855 and a whopping 12GB of RAM. For now, the handset is only expected to launch in the Chinese market some time next year at a price tag of 4389 yuan ($638). Pricing and availabilty details for other markets haven’t been revealed so far.

    Lenovo is also offering other RAM and storage configurations for the Z5 Pro. The base model comes with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of on-board storage, which gets a price tag of 2698 yuan ($390 approx.) Besides, Lenovo will even sell a more affordable version of the handset, featuring Snapdragon 710 processor paired with 6GB of RAM and 64GB of storage.

    As with most modern day flagships, the Lenovo Z5 Pro sports an all-screen design, however, does not sport a notch unlike most 2018 Android flagships. The reason being that Lenovo has opted for a motorized camera mechanism which houses the 16MP selfie cam and the 8MP infrared camera. On the back, the smartphone packs a 24MP and 16MP dual-lens camera.

    As far as OS goes, the handset runs Android 9 Pie out-of-the-box with Lenovo’s UI on top.

    Other notable features include a 6.39-inch OLED screen, Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi, dual-SIM support, and a 3350 mAh battery. It also comes with a fifth-gen fingerprint scanner. However, there’s no suport for wireless charging. Also, the Lenovo Z5 Pro misses the classic 3.5mm headphone jack, neither does it get support for wireless charging. It comes with a USB Type-C port for charging and listening to audio.

  • Apple plans to release iOS update to evade iPhone ban in China

    Apple plans to release iOS update to evade iPhone ban in China

    Apple plans to roll out an iOS update specifically to evade the ban imposed on iPhone sales in China. The Cupertino giant announced that the update directly addresses patent violations claim made by Qualcomm.

    Earlier this week, a Chinese court issued a ban on sale of all iPhone models in the country, since the iPhone 6s. The court found Apple to be infringing upon two separate Qualcomm patents.

    However, Apple says it won’t stop selling iPhones in China despite the alleged patent violation. The Cupertino giant claims that such patent-infringement claims are only limited to older versions of iOS, and the latest iOS update no longer breaches these patent claims.

    Apple is now reporteldy planning to roll out a software update next week, and it appears iPhones running older versions of iOS may be specifically targeted by the new update.

    “Based on the iPhone models we offer today in China, we believe we are in compliance. Early next week we will deliver a software update for iPhone users in China addressing the minor functionality of the two patents at issue in the case,” Apple said in a statement to Reuters.

    Specific details about the update remain slim for now, however, Apple is likley to reveal more information by next week when it rolls out the update.

    As per the ruling by Chinese court, iPhone models that breach Qualcomm patents include the iPhone X, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, and the iPhone 6s. That said, Qualcomm suggests it’s looking into more such patent infringement claims on the new iPhone Xs and iPhone Xr.

    The legal spat between Apple and Qualcomm goes on. And from the looks of it, we aren’t going to see the two tech giants come to a mutual agreement.

  • Apple Music subscribers can get the HomePod at a lower price

    Apple Music subscribers can get the HomePod at a lower price

    Apple is now offering promo codes to Apple Music subscribers that gives them a chance to buy HomePod at a discounted price. That said, it’s a holiday-themed promotion and is available for a limited period of time only.

    As of now, customers in the UK have received codes worth £50, which brings down the price of the HomePod to £269. Apple is sending emails to users who’ve tried Apple Music. These emails contain a button style link which includes the promo code, and users redirected to the official Apple website with the promotional offer applied.

    Preliminary reports indicate that only customers in the UK have received such promo codes. These codes are valid only until December 16, so you only have a couple of days to take advantage of the deal.

    Besides, even if you get the promo code from a friend of yours, the code will most likely be accepted during checkout at the Apple Store. Not to mention, users shouldn’t worry about a phishing attack if they receive an email from Apple asking to ‘Get Your Promo Code’, as it’s a legitimate email.

    However, at the time of wriitng, it’s still unclear whether similar offers will be available in other regions across th globe. We’ll update this article as soon as we hear anything new. Until then, keep checking back for more.

  • OnePlus 6T McLaren Edition announced with 10GB RAM, Warp Charge

    OnePlus 6T McLaren Edition announced with 10GB RAM, Warp Charge

    OnePlus has finally unveiled the much-anticipated McLaren Edition of its latest OnePlus 6T flagship. The Chinese manufacturer unwrapped the OnePlus 6T McLaren Edition at a special event in London. Priced at $699, the limited edition variant of the flagship is set to go on sale starting December 13.

    Key highlights of the limited edition include a whopping 10GB of RAM, as well as the new fast charging technology called Warp Charge 30. According to OnePlus, just 20 minutes of charge is enough to juice the handset for the entire day.

    Besides, the limited edition variant also sports McLaren’s signature Papaya Orange Color shade around the the edges. Even the in-screen fingerprint reader gets special orange accents, giving the handset that look and feel of a McLaren.

    OnePlus 6T McLaren Edition Specs

    The OnePlus 6T McLaren Edition remains similar to the standard edition as far as specs are concerned. It features the same 6.41-inch AMOLED teardrop-style notched display which boasts a resolution of 2340 x 1080 pixels and an aspect ratio of 19:5:9. It also gets Corning Gorilla Glass 6 protection, just like its regular version.

    Under the hood, the smartphone gets powered by Snapdragon 845 processor bundled with 10GB of RAM and 256GB of storage.

    oneplus 6t mclaren edition

    In the photography department, the device features 16MP+20MP dual rear cameras with OIS, EIS, and 4K video recording. For selfies, the handset packs a 16MP front-facing shooter with f/2.0 aperture and EIS. The selfie cam is also capable of shooting Full HD videos at 30fps. The OnePlus 6T McLaren Edition will go on sale in the US and Europe from December 13 for $699.

    What are your thoughts about the OnePlus 6T McLaren Edition? Let us know in the comments below!

  • iPhone users complain of a bug in iOS 12.1.1

    iPhone users complain of a bug in iOS 12.1.1

    The re-released iOS 12.1.1 update has a bug which adversely affects mobile data for a number of users. According to a report by Forbes, the iPhone-maker apparently knew about the bug before its commercial rollout. The report further adds that mobile data doesn’t work properly on iPhones after updating to iOS 12.1.1, and causes several other issues with their device.

    Some users suggest they can browse the web with Safari, however they can’t access the web while using other apps. Others suggest that a Wi-Fi connecton is required to access the web no matter whether they use the browser, or other apps installed on their iPhones. The issue affects all iPhone models irrespective of the country.

    For now, Apple hasn’t yet rolled out a fix for the bug. Users who are facing this issue are currently advised to get in touch with Apple Support.

    Interestingly, it appears Apple had knowledge about the bug before releasing the update. As several beta testers reported the issue on Twitter while iOS 12.1.1 update was undergoing beta testing. Besides, the official Apple account on Twitter also engaged in the discussion and asked affected users for further details.

    Now, this essentially suggests Apple knew iOS 12.1.1 update could affect cellular data connectivity before re-releasing the update for everyone. The company is yet to acknowledge the issue, so we’re not sure as to when a fix for the bug will roll out. There’s also a possibilty users might have to wait until the next iOS update for the fix to arrive.

    Are you facing data connectivity issues with your iPhone after updating to iOS 12.1.1. Let us know in the comments below.

  • Samsung Galaxy S10 benchmarks leaked

    Samsung Galaxy S10 benchmarks leaked

    Samsung is expected to announce its Galaxy S10 flagship series in February. We’ve already come across a barrage of leaks about the upcoming flagship in the second half of 2018. The upcoming Galaxy S10 will likely have two variants when it comes to processors, an Exynos 9820 model and a Snapdragon 855 variant. Qualcomm recently unveiled its next gen flagship mobile processor, the Snapdragon 855, and the Galaxy S10 with this processor will be launched in the United States.

    Today, an Antutu benchmark listing has revealed scores of both processors for the Galaxy S10. As expected, one of them is faster than the other, and it happens to be Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 855 processor. Now, this could be because Qualcomm’s latest chip is built using a 7nm process, while the new Exynos chip is built on an 8nm process.

    Going by the Antutu listing, the Galaxy S10 model with Snapdragon 855 scored 343051, while the one with Exynos 9820 pulled off a score of 325067. With that said, both these scores are significantly higher than last year’s Snapdragon 845 which scored 290455 in the same test. However, readers are reminded that these are preliminary tests, and results may get better as we near the Galaxy S10’s official release.

    galaxy s10

    As per earlier leaks, Samsung is expected to launch three to four variants of the Galaxy S10 flagship. A 5G version of the handset is also in the works, though that could arrive at a later date. Besides, the top-of-the-range model of the upcoming flagship could pack 12GB RAM and 1TB of storage.

    More leaks 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.

  • Google retiring its chat app Allo for good

    Google retiring its chat app Allo for good

    Google has officially announced plans to shut down its chat app, Allo. That said, the news shouldn’t come as a surprise given the fact that Google stopped investing in the app since April. Back then, Google revealed that Allo couldn’t garner the level of popularity the company thought it would.

    Google has always struggled to create a chat app to rival the likes of WhatsApp or Messenger, despite owning Android, the world’s most adopted smartphone OS.
    Allo was launched nearly two years ago with much fanfare. Though, Google has now announced plans to retire the chat app, adding that Allo will continue to work only till March next year, and users will be able to download or export their conversations until then.

    Google will now put its focus on creating ‘Messages’, another chat app the company is prepping for Android phones. The company announced earlier this year that it has joined hands with mobile carriers on the new RCS (Rich Communication Services) standard. It’s essentially an upgrade to old-school SMS texting, which according to Google, should make messaging and group chats more seamless across Android devices.

    The company has also announced its plans to kill off ‘Hangouts Classic, which will be replaced by two enterprise-focussed apps, Hangouts Chat and Meet. Both of them will launch for all consumers next year, as right now, Chat and Meet are only available to G Suite users.

    Well, this isn’t the first time we’ve heard Google deciding to shut down its chat apps. The serach engine giant has become rather infamous for killing off several chat apps and social networks. In the past, the company has axed multiple apps such as the original GChat, Google Plus, Buzz, as well as Wave.

  • Microsoft reportedly prepping a Chromium-powered web browser

    Microsoft reportedly prepping a Chromium-powered web browser

    Microsoft is reportedly working to replace its Edge browser in Windows 10 with a new Chrome-based browser. The Windows-maker could announce its replacement as early as this week. The new broswer might be released to Insiders in the next few Windows 10 builds. However, it is likey to see its final release in the next 19H1 update for the OS expected to arrive in Spring next year.

    Sources indicate that Microsoft has approached Google to offer assistance with the new broswer. The next-gen browser will feature a rending engine from Chromium, replacing Edge’s EdgeHTML engine. Going by reports, the new browser will essentially be based on the same engine that powers Google Chrome.

    Hence, the upcoming browser would be more or less be Microsoft’s very own version of Chrome. The Chromium-powered browser would hopefully fix stabilty and comaptibilty issues that have led to Edge’s potential demise. Besides, it also has the potential to work seamlessly on ARM-based Windows PCs.

    Google’s Chrome browser reportedly commands more than half of the global market share. The reason being that it gets updated regularly, offers plethora of extensions, and uses an advanced engine that correctly renders most of the websites out there.

    Microsoft originally promised to make all Google Chrome extensions compatible with its Edge browser. However, it turned out to be quite an uphill task for the company given that both browsers are based on different engines. It’s pretty evident Microsoft needs to spruce things up in the browser department if it has any chance of competing with the likes of Chrome.

  • Apple Music set to arrive on Amazon Echo on December 17

    Apple Music set to arrive on Amazon Echo on December 17

    Apple Music is slated to arrive on Amazon Echo and Alexa-powered smart speakers starting Decemebr 17, confirmed Amazon in a blog post. The announcement comes shortly after Amazon said it has joined hands with Apple to sell its latest products via its online store. Besides, the move appears mutually beneficial for both parties as music services from both companies aren’t doing particularly well.

    Starting December 17, subscribers of Apple Music will be able to play music on demand via Amazon Echo smart devices. The iPhone-maker’s streaming service now joins the likes of Spotify, Pandora, iHeartRadio, as well as Amazon’s own music service on Alexa devices.

    “Music is one of the most popular features on Alexa—since we launched Alexa four years ago, customers are listening to more music in their homes than ever before. We are committed to offering great music providers to our customers and since launching the Music Skill API to developers just last month, we’ve expanded the music selection on Alexa to include even more top tier services. We’re thrilled to bring Apple Music – one of the most popular music services in the US – to Echo customers this holiday,” said Dave Limp, senior vice president, Amazon Devices.

    Amazon recently opened up Alexa to more third party music services when it rolled out its Music Skill API in November. This essentially allows third party services to utilize a host of Alexa capabilties across a range of smart devices. These include multi-room audio, using music as Alarms, and more.

    To recall , Amazon recently signed a new deal with Apple to sell Cupertino’s latest products such as iPhone XS and iPhone XR via its online store. However, Amazon will not sell Apple’s HomePod speaker through its ecommerce store, as it directly competes with Amazon’s own smart speakers. Not to metnion, Amazon also doesn’t sell Google’s Home devices on its platform.

  • Instagram rolls out a new feature called Close Friends

    Instagram rolls out a new feature called Close Friends

    Instagram has announced a new feature called Close Friends, designed to give users a little more privacy on its social network. As the name suggests, the new feature allows users to share stories which they might consider private to just a select group of friends.

    “Starting today, you can make a close friends list on Stories and share with just the people you’ve added. Instagram Stories has become the place to express yourself and share everyday moments, but our community has grown and sometimes what you want to share isn’t for everyone. With Close Friends, you have the flexibility to share more personal moments with a smaller group that you choose,” the company said in a press release.

    Using the feature is relatively simple. To add friends you want in the list, just go to your profile and tap on “Close Friends” in the side menu. When you share Stories, you’ll get the option to share with just the people you’ve added on your Close Friends list.

    Besides, you’ll have absolute control over the list, as no one can request you to add them. To know if you’re on someone’s Close Friends list, you’ll see a green circle around their photos in the Stories tray, or a green colored badge when you view their Stories.

    That said, it appears the feature is only available for Stories, and not regular posts. Nevertheless, it’s a new feature that gives you more control over who can see your Stories on Instagram. Close Friends has started rolling out today globally on the latest version of the Instagram app on Android and iOS.

    Instagram has been working on several changes to its platform. The company has already announced its plans to introduce a redesigned user profile page. Besides, the Facebook-owned social network has finally stepped up to crack down fake followers and likes.

  • Apple slashes iPhone XR prices with one Japanese carrier

    Apple slashes iPhone XR prices with one Japanese carrier

    An earlier report indicated that Apple plans to slash iPhone XR prices in Japan by offering subsidies to carriers. The reason behind this alleged move was said to be low-demand for new iPhones in the market. Now, it appears the report turns out to be true.

    As Japanese carrier NTTDocomo is offering the iPhone XR with a price drop of nearly $100 when purchased with a 24-month contract. The 64GB variant of the handset can be purchased with payment of 7000 Yen ($62) per month through NTTDocomo in the country. Sources also suggest that more carriers in Japan will likley follow suit in the next few days.

    That said, it’s also worth noting that this price cut doesn’t apply if the iPhone XR is bought unlocked from a different carrier or retailer. As the price of the handset remains the same, unless one gets it with a 24-month contract.

    Besides, it’s still unclear whether Apple plans to offer similar price cuts in other markets across the globe, apart from Japan. Though with all reports pointing to slowing down of 2018 iPhone sales, we won’t be surprised if something like this happens in other global markets as well.

    Earlier reports also indicated that Apple plans to resurrect the iPhone X. The company reportedly plans to relaunch the iPhone X at lower prices, possibly to compensate for low sales of its new iPhone lineup. However, it shouldn’t come as a surprise as this won’t be the first time Apple will produce old iPhone models for markets which have sufficient demand for cheaper handsets.

    The latest price cut comes shortly after a report earlier this week which claimed that Apple has slashed production orders for its latest iPhone XS and iPhone XR models, due to lower than anticipated demand.

  • Galaxy Note 9 users complain of an annoying camera freeze bug

    Galaxy Note 9 users complain of an annoying camera freeze bug

    Samsung Galaxy Note 9 is hit by a bug that freezes the handset’s camera while clicking pictures or shooting videos. According to reports, it appears only models running Snapdrgaon 845 processor are affected by this bug, as Exynos variants of the Note 9 are reportedly free of this glitch.

    Several Galaxy Note 9 users in the US have reported the issue on Samsung’s support forums, adding that even software updates in the past few months haven’t resolved the issue. The camera freeze happens while using both the stock app as well third party apps. Besides, users also see a warning notification on the display which says that the ‘camera failed’. Both unlocked and carrier variants of the handset are reportedly hit by the issue.

    Users did manage to find a temporary workaround to fix the issue by clearing the system partition cache. However, it appears the freezing re-occurs soon enough.

    “Recently purchased the HK version of Note 9 (Snapdragon 512GB), encountered this issue within 2 weeks of purchase. Build number M1AJQ.N9600ZHU1ARJ6 with no updates available. For now only regular rebooting avoids the issue,” one user explained.

    Sources also indicate that Samsung is working on an update to fix the camera freeze issue with the Galaxy Note 9. That said, an exact timeline as to when the fix will arrive remains a mystery. Besides, some reports also claim that the latest camera update rolled out in October fixed the issue.  However, it’s pretty evident that users are still facing the issue, even after getting in touch with Samsung support.

    The Galaxy Note 9 is now receiving the November security patch. Besides, a moderator Samsung’s US support page has also confirmed that a fix for the camera freeze issue will soon arrive on the Galaxy Note 9.

  • Samsung reportedly prepping a Galaxy S10 model with six cameras

    Samsung reportedly prepping a Galaxy S10 model with six cameras

    Past leaks suggest that Samsung plans to launch three different variants of its upcoming Galaxy S10 flagship. Now, we have a new report which indicates Samsung is also working on a fourth model that’ll boast top-of-the-line specifications.

    According to a report by WSJ, Samsung is prepping a top-seceret Galaxy S10 variant codenamed Beyond X, apart from the other three models. The report notes that the so called top-secret model will offer 5G support and boast a screen that’ll likely be larger than the Galaxy Note 9.  It’ll be equipped with a 6.7-inch Infinity ‘O’ display with the front-facing camera embedded within the display.

    Finally, the report also mentions that Samsung could deploy a total of six different cameras on this top-seceret model of the Galaxy S10. It could have four cameras on the back and two on the front, according to the report. Citing a source, the report suggests these cameras should offer ‘richer photos and better spatial perception’.

    It’s still unclear whether Samsung will offer 3D sensing cameras like Apple, but the Korean giant will likely focus on AR with this model.

    Eariler leaks have indicated that Samsung will launch a base Galaxy S10 variant along with two other high-end models. The largest of them is said to come with a 6.4-inch display and a dual camera setup. The Korean giant is expected to unveil these three models of the flagship in February 2019.

    Besides, past leaks have tipped the release of Galaxy S10’s 5G model a month later in March. It will initially arrive in markets such as US and South Korea. As for other international markets, its release will likely depend on the region’s 5G infrastructure.

    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.

  • Apple slashes production orders for iPhone XS and iPhone XR

    Apple slashes production orders for iPhone XS and iPhone XR

    In addition to cutting back production of the iPhone XR, Apple has reportedly decided to reduce production orders for its newly launched iPhone XS range as well. Reports indicate that production models for the iPhone XR have been massively reduced, by up to 30 percent. Although, the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max have not witnessed such reduced production orders, according to reports.

    Apple’s decison to cut down production orders comes as a result of lower than anticipated demand for new iPhone models, as well as overall shrinking of the smartphone-market. Reports further cite that weak demand in China is another reason for cutting down production of newly launched iPhone range.

    Apple’s stock reduced by 5 percent earlier this month, as the company was unable to forecast iPhone demand for the holiday season. Another reason for falling Wall Street numbers is that Apple told investors that it would no longer reveal iPhone unit sales, which has probably made them apprehensive.

    Besides, renowned Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo also suggests that Apple will see an year-over-year decline in iPhone shipments during the first quarter of 2019.

    Well, this isn’t the first time we’ve heard of prodution cuts for iPhone units. Last year, similar reports of the iPhone X popped up at this time of the year. Apple was overly optimistic about the debut of iPhone X, though reportedly decided to slash its production by 20 million units. However, it surpassed everyone’s expectations and turned out to be the most popular smartphone in the world.

  • Microsoft finally resumes Windows 10 October 2018 update rollout

    Microsoft finally resumes Windows 10 October 2018 update rollout

    Microsoft has finally resumed the roll out Windows 10 October 2018 update, after pulling the plug on the original release due to a bug which completely wiped out users data. Microsoft confirmed the re-release in an official blog post, and promised that it has “thoroughly investigated and resolved” any issues from the original launch. That said, it took the company nearly a month to fully test the update before re-releasing it for the general public.

    The initial Windows 10 October 2018 update was publicly launched without being tested by Windows Insiders. However, Microsoft now assures that it has tested the build for any bugs before making it available for everyone.

    “In addition to extensive internal validation, we have taken time to closely monitor feedback and diagnostic data from our Windows Insiders and from the millions of devices on the Windows 10 October Update, and we have no further evidence of data loss,” explains Microsoft’s John Cable, director of program management for Windows servicing and delivery.

    Windows 10 October 2018 Update will now be available for a small number of Windows 10 users starting today. Besides, you can manually check for the update by going to Windows 10 Update Assistant. That said, users will only get the update notification if their system is compatible. As in case any compatibility issues are detected, the update will not show up.

    “If we detect that your device may have an issue, such as an application incompatibility, we will not install the update until that issue is resolved, even if you ‘Check for updates,’ so you avoid encountering any related problems,” explained Microsoft.

    The Windows-maker also promised it’ll make sure such glitiches don’t happen again with forthcoming Windows 10 updates. The company says it’ll pay more attention to the quality of updates it offers to Windows 10 users in the future.