WSJ: Samsung won’t launch the Galaxy Note 5 at IFA
According to a report published by The Wall Street Journal earlier today, Samsung will not be taking the wraps off its upcoming flagship phablet, the Galaxy Note 5, at Berlin’s IFA trade show in September this year. It will, instead, move its announcement forward a few weeks in order to avoid competing for attention with the unveiling of the latest iPhone, which usually takes place just after IFA.
This isn’t the first time Samsung has released a smartphone in an uncustomary month, though. Back in August, 2014, it launched the Galaxy Alpha, which did extremely well during its first couple of months on the market. The fact that the Asia-based manufacturer has done this before adds credibility to the report as it makes sense for it to follow in the same footsteps for its fifth-generation phablet.
If recent leaks, rumors and speculation are anything to go by, the upcoming Galaxy Note 5 is expected to pack a 5.67-inch Super-AMOLED display with a resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels, an Exynos 7422 processor, 4GB of RAM, 32GB of internal storage, a 16-megapixel rear-facing camera and a 5-megapixel front-facing shooter.
Source: WSJ
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Xiaomi ‘Libra’ shows up in benchmarks with a Snapdragon 808 processor
A leaked GeekBench report has surfaced online for a smartphone codenamed ‘Libra’, which we believe to be Xiaomi’s latest budget-friendly offering. The benchmark reveals that the handset is set to have a 1.4GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 processor and 2GB of RAM on board, indicating that this may not be a high-end device.
Unfortunately, that’s the only details the written account disclosed. However, rumors coming out of China suggest that this could be a scaled-down variant of the company’s flagship Mi 4i, which means it could also pack a 13-megapixel rear-facing camera, a 5-megapixel front-facing shooter and a 3,120mAh battery.
What do you think the Libra is? Could it be a standalone device or is it an addition to an existing lineup? Be sure to let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
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Rumour: BlackBerry is developing multiple Android handsets with Taiwanese ODMs
By working with Google to make Android more business-friendly and allegedly developing an Android handset with the codename Venice, it would seem that BlackBerry is ramping up its foray into the wonderful world of Android. Today we have news that the Canadian company is reportedly planning on releasing multiple handsets using the Android operating system.
This report comes from Taiwan news outlet, DigiTimes, who says that BlackBerry plan on releasing numerous Android smartphones in the second half of 2015. BlackBerry has apparently contacted various Taiwan-based ODM’s (Original Device Manufacturers) such as Foxconn, Compal Electronics and Wistron to act as production partners. The ODM’s will be responsible for R&D, marketing, and channel distribution costs. It sounds like a similar situation to Nokia’s N1 Android tablet that was produced by Foxconn, where Nokia licensed its brand name to the manufacturer.
While the handsets will run on the Android operating system, they will naturally feature BlackBerry specific applications, design and software functions such as BES12, BBM, and BlackBerry Blend.
If you are wondering why companies such as Foxconn would enter into such arrangement with BlackBerry, you should remember that BlackBerry is still highly regarded in some markets. The production of an Android-powered BlackBerry handset could boost the value of the Canadian company and ease its legacy users over to Android. You have to commend BlackBerry for recognizing that it needs to try something different it is to survive.
Source: DigiTimes
Via: AndroidAuthority
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Samsung rolling out Android 5.1.1 for the S6 Edge in Algeria, Austria, Brazil, Croatia, Egypt and Germany
Samsung has now started rolling out the Android 5.1.1 update to all unlocked variants of the Galaxy S6 Edge located in Algeria, Austria, Brazil, Croatia Egypt and Germany. As for as added functionality goes, this upgrade transports the latest build of the Android operating system to the handset, in addition to a truckload of bug fixes and stability improvements.
All the changes you’d expect to find in the Lollipop software are bundled into this upgrade, including support for multiple accounts, improved notifications, stronger 256-bit encryption, a smoother multitasking experience and the recently-announced Material Design guidelines.
As usual, the upgrade is being rolled out in stages, but if you don’t feel like waiting for a notification confirming that it’s ready for your device to hit your unit, you could always search for the update manually.
To do so simply open the Settings app, scroll to the bottom and tap on “About Device”, hit “System Updates”, then select “Check for updates”. Once done, the upgrade will start downloading from Samsung’s servers.
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Report: BlackBerry working on multiple Android devices with Taiwanese ODMs
Just scant few weeks ago, the idea of BlackBerry doing anything substantial with Android was still confined to a partnership with Samsung or its BBM app. Things changed when an alleged leak emerged of the so-called “Venice“, an Android slider with – arguably – the same display as the Galaxy S6 Edge. Just hours ago news broke of a partnership with Google. It now seems that Waterloo’s plans might be more pronounced than many might have thought, at least provided a new report is accurate.
Digitimes is claiming that BlackBerry may release several models of Android smartphones in the second half of the year. Several Taiwanese ODM (Original Device Manufacturers) are cited as partners, including “Foxconn Electronics, Compal Electronics and Wistron serving as production partners, according to sources at Taiwan’s handset supply chain.”
A partnership with Google was just announced.
The same sources have indicated that, despite the switch to Android, these new devices will include “software functions of BlackBerry OS and application services such as BES12, BBM and BlackBerry Blend.” This will inevitably help those legacy users who are unfamiliar with Android ease their way in as it will serve to provide a type of value-added-service for the Android handsets in an attempt to set them apart from the venerable cornucopia of competition.
As far as costs are involved, the report states that BlackBerry will be handing over “R&D, marketing and channel distribution expenses” thus absolving it from taking on what would otherwise be a rather large financial burden for a company already in critical condition. The move itself is not unlike that which Nokia used when it released an Android tablet earlier this year: the Swedish company’s brand name was licensed, however all other duties were handled locally in Asia.
Just who might be making the BlackBerry Venice if this new report proves true?
Provided this information pans out, it would raise the issue of just how much sway BlackBerry would have in the design of the devices, and to an extent, the ability of consumers around the world to inherently trust the security of the products themselves. Could each ODM produce an original device made to their own specifications? Would this serve to help the BlackBerry brand, or could it do just the opposite and damage the very strong image that many attach to it? Just who will produce the BlackBerry Venice – assuming the leak is legitimate – and what of the seemingly Samsung supplied screen? Only time will tell.
Oppo Find 7 and 7a heavily discounted in the US until July 14
The Oppo Find 7 and Find 7a have undergone a big price cut in the US through the OppoStyle website, with costs falling to just $329 and $289 respectively. However, the deal is only running until July 14th.
The Find 7 has been reduced from $620, while the Find 7a originally cost $549. We’re looking at close to a 50 percent discount here. To sweeten the deal, the handsets also ship with a free black iLike Bluetooth Headset, a clear screen protector and an Easy Cover case in Navy blue.
The Oppo Find 7 and Find 7a may be over a year old at this point, but they’re still competitive high-end smartphones, especially at this price. Both handsets feature a Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 SoC, a 13 megapixel rear camera, 5 MP front camera, and a 5.5-inch display. However, the Find 7’s screen has a QHD resolution while the 7a is 1080p. There’s also 1GB of RAM difference between them (3GB vs 2GB), more storage on the Find 7 (32GB vs 16GB) and a slightly larger battery (3,000mAh vs 2,800mAh).
The website also stocks both the international and US versions of the two handsets, allowing customers to pick and choose their preferred network bands. You’ll probably want the US option, unless you travel a lot, but here’s a comparison just in case:
- 3G International Version: UMTS/HSDPA/HSUPA/HSPA+/HSPA+42 (WCDMA 850, 900, 1900, 2100MHz)
- 3G US Version: UMTS/HSDPA/HSUPA/HSPA+/HSPA+42 (WCDMA 850, 900, 1700, 1900, 2100MHz)
- 4G/LTE International Version: FDD-LTE Bands B1/3/7/20, TD-LTE Band B40
- 4G/LTE US Version: FDD-LTE Bands B1/4/17
Oppo Find 7 in video:
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If you are still undecided about either of the two smartphones, be sure to check out our in-depth reviews, here and here.
The two smartphones are also available in your choice of black or white. They come with free shipping directly from Oppo’s US warehouse, so you won’t have to wait around for any length import delays. Hurry, the discounted price will end after July 14th.
WSJ: Samsung to launch Galaxy Note 5 in mid-August, in order to avoid iPhone overlap
Here’s an interesting report from the highly-respectable Wall Street Journal: Samsung is reportedly moving up the release date of the Note 5 to August, in order to avoid competing for attention with Apple’s iPhone.
According to a person familiar with the matter consulted by WSJ, Samsung is going to launch the Note 5 around mid-August, in order to give the phablet “some breathing room” ahead of what’s expected to be heated competition with the new generation of the iPhone.
The launch event could take place in a major US city, according to the source, and not the usual venue, Berlin’s IFA trade show, where the first four generations of the Galaxy Note were introduced. Exactly which city will host the event is yet to be decided.
The report is short on details, but if it’s accurate it would be a major departure from Samsung’s established routine. Moving up the Note 5’s release could be perceived as a sign of insecurity in the face of Apple’s onslaught, though a bigger reason could be a desire to accelerate the release of the Note 5 in order to make up for the underwhelming performance of the Galaxy S6.
Samsung is also reportedly working on an oversized version of the Galaxy S6 Edge, that was rumored to launch sooner than the Note 5. It could be that Samsung has decided to launch the Note 5-S6 Edge Plus duo early, though there’s no mention of the former in WSJ’s report.
Google uses AI to rid your Gmail inbox of more spam
Spam is always annoying, but it can often be disastrous. Google has now deployed its artificial neural network to stop more of it from arriving in your Gmail inbox, something it hinted at earlier. It’s designed to “detect and block the especially sneaky spam — the kind that could actually pass for wanted mail,” according to the company. The system also uses machine learning to track your usage patterns and figure out if you want certain kinds of mail, like newsletters or promos. Most critically, Google said that Gmail is now better at catching impersonation — when emails appear to be from a known contact, but were sent by someone who is definitely not your friend.
Google is also working the other side of the spam equation with its new Postmaster Tools, aimed at high-volume senders. Qualified companies who meet Google’s reputation requirement will get access to services that show how Gmail handles their emails. For instance, a company that sends out tons of legitimate mail — like order or flight confirmations — will see how often users mark it as spam. They can then tweak it so that customers treat it more seriously. From an end-user perspective, Google said the new tools will make it less likely you’ll need to go “dumpster diving” in spam to find important messages.
Filed under: Internet, Software, Google
Source: Google
Music releases move from Monday to Friday in the UK
The weekend is often the perfect time to listen to new music. Maybe you’re getting ready for a night on the town, or sitting in the garden soaking up some rare summer sunshine. Whatever your plans, wouldn’t it make the most sense if new music was released on Friday? Well, until today most albums and singles were released on Monday in the UK. Which was always a little confusing, given the date fluctuated depending on where you were in the world. Australia? Friday. The US? Tuesday. Thankfully, the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) has pulled the record labels, artists and retailers together to settle on a new, global release date: Friday. So now, when the next big album drops, there shouldn’t be a scenario where it’s available in the US version of iTunes and not the UK. To coincide with the shift, the UK is also moving its official charts (including the popular charts show on BBC Radio 1) to Friday, rather than Sunday. So say hello to “New Music Fridays” and wave goodbye to “Not Very Convenient Music Mondays.”
[Image Credit: stevecoleimages/Getty Images]
Filed under: Home Entertainment
Source: New Music Fridays
HTC’s share price falls again – hits ten year low
We’ve run a variety of stories about HTC in 2015. A few of them have been about the Taiwanese handset maker’s new devices, but it seems that we’ve mostly been covering stories about the company’s share price sliding into oblivion, and having to cut orders for components. Sadly, that trend is continuing today, with the news that HTC’s share price dropped yet again, this time to NT$68.50 ($2.21) at the close, another new record low.
As you can see from the chart above, HTC’s share price fell 5.91% on Thursday thanks to over 17 million shares changing hands. The current NT$68.50 ($2.21) share price is a long way from when HTC was known as the ‘King of Android‘ back in 2011 when its share price reached a value of NT$1300 ($42).
This latest drop is down to HTC’s recent announcement that its preliminary earnings reports shows the company will make a loss of NT$8.03 billion ($256 million) before taxes in the second quarter off a revenue of NT$33.01 billion ($1.07 billion). In basic terms, HTC is losing $24 dollars out of every $100 it brings in. It should be noted that these numbers are unaudited, things could improve once the final figures are in.
Why is HTC struggling like this? Well, there are a number of factors. Firstly, its One M9 flagship smartphone is struggling for sales, and while China’s economy is slowing somewhat, its indigenous handset makers are providing stronger competition. After its share price fell to a record low last month, HTC was left fending off rumours that its local rival, ASUS, were about to take it over. HTC’s Chairwoman, Cher Wang, also ended up apologizing to shareholders for the slump in performance.
Hopefully, HTC’s management can pull the company away from the imminent iceberg that awaits the company if it carries on this path. The release of a new ‘Hero’ handset in October could well be the device to save the company, at least, we hope it will. Or, if you are a pessimist, it could be the one to finish them off.
Source: ChinaPost
Via: PhoneArena
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