LG’s latest flagship launches in South Korea for $689
It has only been a week since LG took the wraps off its latest flagship smartphone, the V10, and now it’s available to purchase in South Korea. The handset comes in Space Black, Luxe White, Modern Beige, Ocean Blue and Opal Blue colorways, and has a price tag of 799,700 Korean Won ($689) attached.
Just in case you need a refresher on its specifications, the V10 packs a 5.7-inch qHD and a 2.1-inch IPS display, a 1.8GHz Snapdragon 808 hexa-core processor, an Adreno 418 GPU, 4GB of RAM, 64GB of internal storage (expandable up to 2TB via microSD) , a 16MP rear-facing camera, a 5MP selfie shooter and a 3,000mAh battery.
If you’re based in South Korea, like the sound of the LG V10 and want to pick one up — hit the source link below.
Source: LG
Come comment on this article: LG’s latest flagship launches in South Korea for $689
This is the coolest classic game console – oak body, Android device and insane amounts of tinkering
It’s one thing to play around with a smartphone, install emulators and know your way around rooting, but what Reddit user dafu has done is a whole new level of geek, and we are all falling in love with it!
The DIY extraordinaire made a custom-built classic game console with an Android smartphone. But it’s no average gadget; it’s made of gorgeous oak wood and has a full set of buttons to suit all your gaming needs. These controls were assembled from a taken apart Bluetooth controller, which the creator then built into the body.
Inside the wooden shell there is an LG Optimus Vu 2, which is a rather old phone, but its internals are good enough to run all your classics. Just in case you forgot, this handset comes with a 5-inch 1024×768 display, a Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Plus processor, 2 GB of RAM and a 2150 mAh battery. It was probably just an older phone laying around, which makes this one of the best ways to recycle a used handset.
After working through the hardware, dafu went on to play around with the software, which really seems like the most complicated process. We thought it would just be a matter of installing some emulators, but what fun would that be?
Instead, he went on to root the handset in order to customize the whole experience to his will (except for the LG logo during boot and a log during power down). Things get more complicated once we realize the user wrote his very own launcher for this Android-based console, which does come with a bevy of customization.
You can read all about the software in his detailed explanation, where he went as far as sharing the custom launcher. He also has some photos and a full description on how to build the machine over at imgur. Just in case you are feeling like taking on this adventure and making your own console.
Surely, it’s no easy feat, so be ready to to plenty of research and hard work. This specific one took about 2 months to make, but the results are simply amazing. The maker also claims the machine works like a charm after extended use from him and his son.
What do you guys think? Are you up for the challenge?
What could have improved the Nexus 5X?
The Nexus 5X is manufactured by LG and acts as the successor to the Nexus 5. The device comes with a lot of improved specifications and new features.
Even though it may not have flashiest specifications of any phone, the Nexus 5X packs mostly premium components and a design that impresses at the $379 starting price. And who doesn’t want that? With stock Android and rapid updates coming directly from Google, you can’t go wrong. Here are features that Google and LG should have considered to make the Nexus 5X even better.
Wireless charging
A multitude of Nexus devices — the Nexus 4, Nexus 5, Nexus 6, and Nexus 7 (2013) — included support for wireless charging. Even though wireless charging is yet to become the norm, it would still be appreciated by many considering lots of Android competitors have it built directly into their flagship phones. The new included USB Type-C port is likely the culprit here. Since USB Type-C is reversible, Google may have found it a worthy replacement for wireless charging. It may also be a factor that keeps the price down low.
Optical Image Stabilization (OIS)
Optical image stabilization (OIS) is used to stabilize your device when taking pictures or recording video to avoid blur and movement while holding the phone. Rather than including OIS, Google decided to increase the camera sensor size on the Nexus 5X to 1.55 μm-sized pixels. According to Google’s, this will make up for the lack of OIS and work just as well if not better. But we’ll have to wait for samples to be sure.
Gorilla Glass 4
Most presumably, in order to keep the price low, Google decided to use Gorilla Glass 3 rather than the new and more durable Gorilla Glass 4. If you like to throw your device around a lot, you might want to consider the Nexus 5X’s larger sibling, the Nexus 6P, for its increased durability. If you are fine with using protective accessories, this should be nothing to worry about. As far as I’m concerned, the difference between Gorilla Glass 3 and Gorilla Glass 4 is barely noticeable and won’t make much of a difference when your device goes face first onto the concrete.
Expandable storage
Okay, you didn’t think Google was going to actually include expandable storage right? Recent Nexus devices have hinted that Google has strong feelings against expandable storage mainly due to the cloud services it provides. Google Drive supplies 10GB of space for free to everyone and more is available to purchase at a very low cost. If you’re lucky, Google often runs promotions giving away additional Drive space for free. If 16GB or 32GB isn’t enough for you, consider those options.
Front-facing speakers
Unlike its big brother the Nexus 6P, the Nexus 5X only has one front-facing speaker. Sound quality of recent Nexus handsets hasn’t disappointed, though, but many would still love to have two front-facing speakers blasting sound out of the device. The only time you would notice a significant difference is when watching movies or video clips. Other than that, it shouldn’t be that big of a deal-breaker.
Additional, faster RAM
Those obsessed with specs will be very disappointed to know that the Nexus 5X only includes 2GB of DDR3 RAM. An increase in RAM allows for better performance and enables the device to keep multiple apps running in the background without having to reload them. Most Android flagships are currently backed with 3GB or even 4GB of RAM, so the Nexus 5X’s 2GB can be seen as a disappointment. On the good side, Google has made significant improvements to RAM management in Marshmallow. So maybe, just maybe, the Nexus 5X won’t need it.
Closing
The Nexus 5X has some room for improvement but not every smartphone is perfect. It really depends on your personal needs and wants for a device. The Nexus 5X definitely improves upon the original Nexus 5 but it’s up to you to upgrade.
Come comment on this article: What could have improved the Nexus 5X?
Verizon bumps the LG G3 up to Android 5.1.1
Right now, owners of the LG G3 on Verizon’s network are noticing a software update that raises the handset’s version to Android 5.1.1, build VS98535B. The update is sized at 353MB and Verizon has not yet detailed other items, if any, that are included.
Via: Droid Life
Come comment on this article: Verizon bumps the LG G3 up to Android 5.1.1
Is the Nexus 5X a good deal?
Google’s Nexus line-up has always been an interesting part of the Android story. We never know what to expect. This year, Google has changed things up again by releasing, not one smartphone, but two. The Nexus 5X is the long-awaited successor to the popular Nexus 5, while the Nexus 6P follows on from last year’s less loved Nexus 6.
If you felt the Nexus 6 was too expensive, and it looks as though many people did, then you might be excited by the pricing on the Nexus 5X. It starts at $379 for the 16GB version and it has a pretty enticing set of specs. But does it compare to the value for money that the original Nexus 5 represented two years ago? The market has moved on since then, prices have fallen, and the Nexus 5 was originally offered at $349. Is the Nexus 5X a good deal?
The high points
The first stand-out feature on the Nexus 5X, both figuratively and literally, is the 12.3MP main camera. Google knew it had work to do on this front. One of the biggest disappointments about the Nexus 5 was the performance of the 8MP camera. It looks as though the 5X is going to be capable of capturing quality shots, and it needs to be. The front-facing camera has also been overhauled in the wake of selfie-mania, and it’s rated at 5MP, undoubtedly a massive improvement over the old 1.3MP effort in its predecessor.
Nexus Imprint is the other thing that immediately jumps out about the 5X. A conveniently placed fingerprint sensor on the back of the phone, under the camera, is a smart move, and less awkward to use one-handed than a traditional home button placement. It only requires a single touch and it looks lightning fast.
If these two features are as good as they look, then they definitely make the Nexus 5X a tempting prospect at this price.
Middle of the road
The rest of the specs are less impressive. The screen is 5.2-inches with a standard 1080p resolution, it’s actually slightly less sharp than the Nexus 5, which was 4.95-inches and 1080p. The hexa-core Snapdragon 808 backed by 2GB of RAM looks a little lightweight compared to current flagships.
| LG Nexus 5X | |
|---|---|
| Display | 5.2-inch LCD display 1920 x 1080 resolution, 424ppi Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Processor | 2.0GHz hexa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 MSM8992 processor |
| GPU | Adreno 418 |
| RAM | 2GB |
| Storage | 16, 32GB |
| MicroSD | No |
| Networks | GSM 850/1900 W-CDMA 2/4/5 CDMA 0/1/10 LTE Band 2/4/5/7/12/13/17/25/26/41 |
| Dual SIM | No |
| Software | Android 6.0 Marshmallow |
| Fingerprint scanner | Yes, rear-mounted |
| Camera | 12.3MP rear-facing camera, f/2.0 aperture, laser-assisted autofocus 5MP front-facing camera, f/2.2 aperture |
| Battery | 2700mAh, non-removable |
| Wireless charging | No |
| Dimensions | 147.0 x 72.6 x 7.9mm, 136g |
| Colors | Charcoal Black, Quartz White, Ice Blue |
Storage options are the same: 16GB or 32GB. For most people, 16GB isn’t going to be enough in the long term, but the extra 16GB costs $50 and there’s no Micro SD card slot. $429 is still relatively cheap, but it’s not a special price when you look at what’s out there. The battery is a respectable 2,700mAh, and it’s not removable.
The compromises
There are also a couple of disappointing compromises in the Nexus 5X. Wireless charging support has been dropped. Google has gone all-in with USB Type-C instead. It’s reversible, so it should be much easier to plug in, but for anyone used to wireless charging it’s still going to feel like a step backward.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but the Nexus 5X design certainly doesn’t stand out. The original Nexus 5 had the angular, monolith thing going for it, with curves top and bottom that gave it a unique, instantly recognizable profile. The 5X is a rectangle with rounded corners that would be tough to pick out of a line-up, though, it is at least slimmer.
See also: Nexus 5X hands-on: a look at Google’s new affordable phone
How does it compare?
When the Nexus 5 came out, it was the best value budget smartphone on the market. There really wasn’t another phone at the time that offered quite as much for $350. We can’t say the same about the 5X. If you’re thinking of dropping $379 on the Nexus 5X, there are actually quite a few other options that you could consider.
The Asus Zenfone 2 is only $300 and it manages to pack in a 5.5-inch display, with a 2.3GHz quad-core processor, and 4GB of RAM. The OnePlus 2 starts at $329 and has an octa-core processor, more RAM, a bigger battery, USB Type-C support, and a fingerprint sensor. You could pick up an LG G3 for around $330 now, with a 5.5-inch, 2560 x 1440 pixel display. Even the Moto X Style (Pure) is only $400 and it boasts a 5.7-inch display and a 21MP camera.
Moto X Style/Pure
The Nexus 5X may be better than some or all of these, it’s impossible to say for sure until we get some decent time with it, but it’s clearly launching into a much more competitive landscape than the Nexus 5 did. If you agree that you’ll need at least 32GB, which will cost you $429, then it’s only an extra $70 for the Nexus 6P, which starts at 32GB, but also has a bigger and sharper screen, a better processor, more RAM, and an 8MP front-facing camera, not to mention a metal body.
Good, but not great
If we rewind to the beginning of LG and Google’s Nexus partnership we can put the Nexus 5X into some perspective. The Nexus 4 was a phone that had a surprisingly premium design with good build quality, a set of specs that didn’t look out of place with the flagships of the day, and it started at just $299. If the Nexus 5X was being offered at $299 we’d be lauding it as an incredible bargain. Even if it landed at $350, like the Nexus 5, it would stand out in the budget field, but at $379… it’s not so clear.
There are lots of other little improvements in the Nexus 5X, and it’s impossible to judge properly without using it for a while. It will run Android 6.0 Marshmallow out of the box, and there’s no telling when some of the competition mentioned above will get that. For Android fans, the stock nature of the Nexus 5X can’t be underestimated. We also have high hopes for the camera and the fingerprint sensor, but there’s no hiding the fact that there are some disappointments here, too.
On paper, the Nexus 5X looks good for the money, but it doesn’t look great.
Android Authority this week – October 4, 2015
Android fans, this week brought us a ton of exciting stuff, starting of course with the new Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P. The general impression is great, but the new Nexuses are not without controversy. Moving on, Google also brought us the intriguing Pixel C, a revamped Chromecast, and the Chromecast Audio. In non-Google news, we went hands-on with the futuristic Wove band; HTC introduced a refreshed One M9+ and announced the launch event for the Aero; and LG introduced the durable V10 and LTE-enabled Watch Urbane 2nd edition.
Inside AA HQ
Nexus, Nexus, Nexus! We’re all true Android fans, but what’s the role of Nexus phones, besides fan service? There are a lot of theories. From taking Google’s words at face value (“a phone for developers,” “pushing the ecosystem forward”) to the more outlandish ideas (“Nexus phones are just ads”), people don’t seem to agree what the Nexus program’s role is today. That said, Nexus devices are, without doubt, important for the Android community, and that is why they hold a special place in our coverage. Check out Josh’s excellent hands-on and comparisons starring the Nexus 5X and 6P (and the Pixel C) and let us know what you think.
With the Nexus event over, it looks like the biggest releases of the year are behind us. HTC is still trying to save a bad year with the Aero, coming October 20. But as far as big phones come, we’re pretty much done. Keep an eye for our updated best smartphones ranking.
This week’s giveaway is special. We have three prizes up for grabs, and they are all extremely appealing: Galaxy Note 5, OnePlus 2, and Moto X Pure. Head over here to enter the contest and good luck!
The stuff you shouldn’t miss
- Comparison: Big phone comparison: Note 5 or Mate S – Gary weighs in
- Review: Smartwatches don’t have to be round to be cool. The ZenWatch 2 is proof
- Comparison: Mate S or Mate 7: two generations of the Mate series compared
- Video: Joe demoes Google Now on Tap, the biggest feature in Marshmallow
- Feature: The pricing of the Nexus got Europeans up in arms. Nirave looks for an explanation
- Tech talk: We’re already used to octa-core processors, but will the Snapdragon 820 end the madness?
- Review: Ash did a masterful review of the Moto X Play. Don’t miss it!
- How to: Is your battery charging too slowly? Here are some tips that might help
Top news of the week
Wove band: the future is flexible
- Video: Wove band puts a truly flexible e-ink display on your wrist
- Hands-on with the futuristic Wove Band
Nexus 5X: everything you need to know
- Nexus 5X officially announced: everything you need to know
- Nexus 5X vs Nexus 5 – quick look
- Nexus 6P vs Nexus 6 quick look
- Nexus 6P and 5X vs the competition
- Nexus 5X hands-on: a look at Google’s new affordable phone
Nexus 6P: everything you need to know
- Nexus 6P officially announced: everything you need to know
- Nexus 6P will cost just $500 in US, 650 Euros in Europe!
- Nexus 6P has the second best mobile camera (according to DxOMark)
- Googlers share impressive 240-fps slow-mo video and photos shot with Nexus 6P
Pixel C: out of the left field
- Google announces the Pixel C, a new 10.2-inch premium Android tablet aimed at productivity
- Google Pixel C hands-on and first look
HTC: a new hero is coming
- HTC announces One M9+ “Supreme Camera” Edition
- HTC launches the Butterfly 3 for international markets
- HTC says the One M9 and One M8 will see Android 6.0 Marshmallow by year’s end
- HTC’s next hero phone is launching October 20th, Marshmallow onboard
Chromecast: new and improved
- New Chromecast and Chromecast Audio: new features and design, for the same $35 price
- Chromecast support is finally making its way to Spotify
- Latest Chromecast app update brings content discovery, search functionality and more
LG V10: drop it like it’s hot
- LG V10 officially announced: everything you need to know
- LG V10 hands-on and first impressions
- LG V10 vs LG G4: quick look
- LG V10 durability drop test
Watch Urbane 2: Android Wear, now with LTE
- LG Watch Urbane 2 official: first Android Wear watch with cellular connectivity
- LG Watch Urbane 2nd Edition first look
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Here are the videos you don’t want to miss this week – October 3, 2015
If you consider yourself an Android fan, this was probably one of the most exciting weeks of the year for you.
Google finally unveiled the heavily-rumored Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X smartphones, and we even got a first hand look at the new Pixel C tablet. Just because Google took the wraps off two smartphones, though, doesn’t mean the rest of the Android world stopped for a breather. LG announced the brand new V10 smartphone, which actually seems to be getting some great feedback so far. We’ve also managed to bring you full reviews of the Moto X Play and ASUS ZenWatch 2, and pit the Huawei Mate S up against some fierce competition.
Our video team has been hard at work to bring you the best Android-related video coverage this week, so let’s take a quick look at some of the videos you may have missed.
Hands-on with Google’s newest devices
Nexus 6P first look
Want to see just what Google’s flagship Nexus device, the Nexus 6P, is all about? We go hands on with the brand new Huawei-made device.
Nexus 5X first look
Everyone loved 2013’s Nexus 5, so it’s no surprise that Google would want to bring it back in an even better iteration. Let’s take a quick look at the new Nexus 5X.
Nexus 6P vs Nexus 6 – quick look
The battle of the two giant Nexus phones – Josh takes a quick look at the newly-announced Nexus 6P and 2014’s Nexus 6.
Nexus 5X vs Nexus 5 – quick look
The Nexus 5 was arguably the most loved Nexus device Google has ever built. So how does the successor compare to 2013’s inexpensive Nexus smartphone? Josh goes hands-on to find out.
Pixel C first look
Google surprised us with the announcement of the Pixel C tablet. What does this new Android-powered tablet have to offer? Let’s find out in this quick hands-on video.
Everything you need to know about the latest from LG
LG V10 hands-on
LG’s latest flagship smartphone, the V10, is one hell of a smartphone. With its durable design, awesome video features and unique Second Screen, this may be LG’s best smartphone to date.
LG V10 vs LG G4 quick look
Wondering how the brand new LG V10 fares against the LG G4? Lanh goes hands-on to give you that answer.
LG V10 durability drop test
The LG V10 is incredibly durable. Just how durable, you ask? Lanh puts it through a realistic drop and durability test to find out.
LG Watch Urbane 2nd Edition first look
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LG’s Watch Urbane has been one of our favorite Android Wear smartwatches so far. Can the cellular-connected Watch Urbane 2nd Edition do the same? Krystal goes hands-on to find out.
Reviews
Motorola Moto X Play review
The Moto X Play is Motorola’s most recent mid-range offering. Is this the budget-friendly handset we’ve all been waiting for? Check out Ash’s full review for more info.
ASUS ZenWatch 2 review
This could be the best entry-level Android Wear smartwatch ever. Check out Krystal’s full review of the ASUS ZenWatch 2.
Google Now on Tap quick look
We got the chance to go hands-on with Now on Tap at Google I/O 2015, but now the feature has finally rolled out to devices running the Android 6.0 Marshmallow preview. What can you expect from this new feature? Joe takes a quick look.
Apps, games and more!
Android Apps Weekly
GeForce NOW, Need for Speed: No Limits, Legend of the Brofist – you don’t want to miss Joe’s newest episode of Android Apps Weekly!
The very best Android apps – September 2015 edition
Wondering what new and notable applications and games you should try out? Check out Joe’s big app roundup for September 2015!
More videos you don’t want to miss!
- Huawei Mate S vs Samsung Galaxy Note 5
- Huawei Mate S vs Huawei Mate 7
- Wove Band flexible display wearable first look
- Wove Band flexible display wearable first details
- Someone bought Google.com?!
So that wraps up our video coverage for this week. Out of all the devices that were announced, which is your favorite? One of Google’s Nexus phones, or the new LG V10? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
Android Marshmallow update for the LG G3 and LG G4 are coming very soon
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When Android Lollipop was released late last year, LG was one of the first to release their software update to their then latest flagship, the LG G3. While that meant that the LG G3 wouldn’t get Android 5.1, it was still impressively fast for a manufacturer not called Google or Motorola. Although it remains unannounced, it looks like LG is about the repeat the feat with the Android Marshmallow update for the LG G3 and LG G4 as LG’s Korean support website has been updated already with instructions on how to update the device to Android 6.0 i.e. Android Marshmallow.
While that’s no real confirmation that the update is coming soon, the pages have since been taken down, which is a sure sign that they were prematurely posted. Naturally we’ll have to wait for the official announcement, but presumably it will be in the next week or two.
What do you think about the Android Marshmallow update for the LG G3 and LG G4? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Source: LG World via TalkAndroid
The post Android Marshmallow update for the LG G3 and LG G4 are coming very soon appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
LG will soon start rolling out the Marshmallow update for the G3 and G4
Earlier today, LG’s Korean division prematurely updated its support website with a step-by-step upgrade guide for Android 6.0. The aforementioned pages have since been removed, but not before we managed to discern that the G3, carrying model numbers F400S, F400K, and F400L, along with the G4 with the following model numbers attached: F500S, F500k and F500L, will be amongst the first to receive the Marshmallow software upgrade.
When Android 6.0 eventually does hit your handset, it will bring a more refined web browsing experience, standardised fingerprint recognition, Android Pay compatibility, improved cut, copy and paste commands, visual voicemail, reworked app permissions, and, finally an easily accessible RAM manager.
Unfortunately, no information was given regarding a timeframe for the update — so we’ll just have to be a little more patient, I suppose.
Source: LG World
Come comment on this article: LG will soon start rolling out the Marshmallow update for the G3 and G4
LG Nexus 5X won’t come with a cable that plugs into traditional USB ports
It looks like the only cable the LG-made Nexus 5X will be shipping with is a USB Type-C to USB Type-C cable instead of a USB Type-C to USB Type-A (the traditional USB port), the latter being the cable that lets you plug your USB Type-C smartphone into your USB Type-A computer.
It’s strange as to why Google is omitting this from the LG Nexus 5X package, considering that both cables ship with the Huawei Nexus 6P. USB Type-C isn’t very popular in the present. It’s a technology of the future, and as such, not many have adapted to the new port type.
This’ll be frustrating for those who want to plug their Nexus 5X into their computer for charging or other means. To do so, they’ll need to go out separetly and buy a USB-C to USB-A cable, which doesn’t cost much starting at around $12 from the Google Store, but is a serious hassle.
In other words, if you’re picking up a Nexus 5X and want to plug it into your computer, your going to need to buy a new cable.
Come comment on this article: LG Nexus 5X won’t come with a cable that plugs into traditional USB ports
AIVAnet 