Galaxy Note 7 ships with Marshmallow, not Nougat — but maybe that’s not a huge deal

The Note 7 runs Android 6.0.1 out of the box — which, for the time being, is still the latest stable version of the OS. But even without Nougat, Note owners aren’t missing out on that much.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 lands at a precarious time on the Android calendar. We’re just reaching the end of the Marshmallow era, with final Android 7.0 Nougat code likely to be released in a matter of weeks. By the time the Note 7 hits store shelves in some countries, it could already be running an “old” version of the OS. That’s sure to provide ammunition for Samsung’s rivals (like a certain Cupertino-based company with a phone launch coming up in September). But are regular consumers really missing out on all that much? Well, yes and no.

First, let’s look at the major user-facing features. Multi-window is a big deal, but something Samsung has offered on its phones since 2012’s Note 2. Granted, Samsung’s implementation works with far fewer apps, but on the flip side you also benefit from pop-up mode, Samsung’s freeform window feature.

Multi-window, display scaling, Vulkan graphics and VR are already supported by Samsung on Marshmallow.

Display scaling, also coming natively in Nougat, allowing you to fit more on screen for improved display density. But this is something Samsung has already offered since shortly after the Galaxy S7 launch.

Android 7.0 brings support for the new Vulkan graphics APIs for faster, more battery-friendly gaming performance, but Samsung already offers this on Marshmallow. And when it comes to VR, the Note will miss out on support for Google’s Daydream platform, but with a new Gear VR accompanying the device, and Samsung already having built out its own VR ecosystem with Oculus, it’s not like Note owners don’t have lots of great VR experiences to choose from.

Nor should the Note 7 be any less secure on Marshmallow, with Android security patches being offered on a monthly basis for all current version of the OS. Samsung, for its part, has done a good job of keeping the GS6 and GS7 up to date with the latest fixes, even within the U.S. carrier system. We’d expect them to do the same with the Note.

Granted, there are plenty of important system-level changes that aren’t present, like support for Java 8 features, seamless over-the-air updates, and … updated emoji! And there are other user-facing tricks like data saver mode and bundled notifications with direct replies for which Note 7 owners will need to wait on a system update. But Samsung has a surprising number of bases already covered in its Marshmallow-based firmware.

Samsung’s rivals are preparing to ship Nougat.

Nevertheless, many of Samsung’s competitors will be launching with Nougat — most notably LG, which has confirmed its V20 will ship with the new version, HTC, which is widely rumored to be making this year’s Nexuses, and Huawei, whose Nougat-based EMUI 5 is likely to break cover on a future “Mate” device. Next to its Android-based competition, Samsung’s next big thing could very soon start to look dated.

Short of delaying the Note’s launch later into September, there’s not a lot Samsung could’ve done to avoid this predicament. But it’ll be really interesting to see how quickly it follows up with a Nougat update for the Note 7.

Samsung Galaxy Note 7

• Samsung Galaxy Note 7 hands-on preview
• The latest Galaxy Note 7 news!
• Here are all four Note 7 colors
• Complete Galaxy Note 7 specs
• The Galaxy Note 7 uses USB-C
• Join the Note 7 discussion in the forums!

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Android Nougat

Android N (currently in Developer Preview status) is now Android Nougat! It’s the 12th nicknamed version of Android and will be released to the public in the fall of 2016. Here’s everything you need to know so far!

• What’s new in Android Nougat
• All Android Nougat news
• Should you use the Android N Dev Preview?
• About the Android Beta Program
• Join the Discussion

Gamescom 2016: All the launches, games and consoles to expect

There are many that think E3 is the biggest videogames show in the world, but that’s because they’ve never experienced Gamescom.

The German games convention is massive. And it’s open to the public, which adds an all-new dynamic to the event. E3 is a strictly trade-only affair, but you’re just as likely to bump into a fan dressed as Pikachu as a journalist or industry type at Gamescom.

Its closer proximity to the holiday season also makes the show a better place to get hands-on with the triple-A titles coming out for Christmas. They have been in development longer, so those that you could only observe at E3 have a better chance of being playable in Cologne.

So here’s our guide to those games and others that you can expect to be at this year’s show, plus any press conferences and other tidbits you should keep an look out for.

• Best games coming in 2016: All the latest PS4, Xbox One, Wii U, PC and PS VR trailers
• Xbox One S review: Best console and 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray player out there
• 37 best PS4 games every gamer should own
• 37 best Xbox One games every gamer should own

What is Gamescom?

Gamescom started in 2009 and is held annually at the Koelnmesse convention centre in Cologne, Germany. It generally runs in mid-August.

The first day is for trade and media only, which will be held on Wednesday 17 August this year. The show then opens to the public too on Thursday 18 August and runs until Sunday 21 August.

Some companies have press conferences and events on the Tuesday ahead of the show opening, although these have shrunk in number over the years.

Microsoft

Gamescom 2016 press conferences to look out for

Although it traditionally holds a Gamescom press conference each year, Microsoft has announced that it will not be hosting a streamed Xbox Media Briefing in Cologne in 2016. Instead, it will be hosting an Xbox FanFest, which will run throughout the show.

Sony pulled out of hosting a press conference last year and is highly unlikely to reinstate it for 2016. It could once again favour a European Media Briefing for Paris Games Week, as it did in 2015. PGW will be held in France from 27 October.

Another company that also usually hosts a press conference at Gamescom is Electronic Arts, although it too has decided to do something different. Like at E3, it is holding a “Grand Opening” on the day preceding the show – Tuesday 16 August in this case. It kicks off at 6pm CET (5pm GMT) although there’s currently no word on whether there will be a short keynote beforehand.

We’ve not heard of any other major press conferences yet, but will update as we do.

Gamescom 2016 security

Because of multiple shocking events around Europe security will be tighter at Gamescom than usual. Visitors are being requested to leave bags and rucksacks at home. Bag checks will be held at all entrances, so there will be delays getting into the Koelnmesse.

In addition, cosplayers are being told not to bring imitation weapons, no matter how soft or outrageous they might look. They will not be allowed into the building.

Gamescom 2016: Exhibitors

There are 100s of exhibitors booked into Gamescom. Here are some of the bigger names that will have games available to play at the show.

• 1C Company
• 505 games
• Activision
• Amazon
• Anki
• Bandai Namco
• Bethesda
• Blizzard
• Capcom
• CD Projekt
• Crytek
• Deep Silver
• Electronic Arts
• Facebook
• Focus Home Interactive
• Frontier
• Gameloft
• Gigabyte
• GOG
• Google
• Harmonix
• Kalypso
• Konami
• Logitech
• Microsoft
• Nintendo
• Nordic Games
• Nvidia
• Oculus VR
• Plantronics
• Razer
• Rebellion
• Sega
• Sennheiser
• Sony Computer Entertainment
• Square Enix
• Take-Two
• Team 17
• Turtle Beach
• Ubisoft
• Wargaming
• Warner

Sony Computer Entertainment

Gamescom 2016: Games

There will, of course, be plenty of games to play and see at Gamescom. Here are a few of the highlights we expect to be there. Some have already been officially confirmed, others we’ve taken an educated guess about.

One or two of them are even out soon after the show finishes.

• Batman: Arkham VR (PS VR)
• Battlefield 1 (Xbox One, PS4, PC)
• Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare (Xbox One, PS4, PC)
• Civilization VI (PC)
• Destiny: Rise of Iron (Xbox One, PS4)
• Dead Rising 4 (Xbox One, PS4, PC)
• Deus Ex: Mankind Divided (Xbox One, PS4, PC)
• Dishonored 2 (Xbox One, PS4, PC)
• Cuphead (Xbox One, PC)
• Far Point (PS VR)
• FIFA 17 (Xbox One, PS4)
• Final Fantasy XV (Xbox One, PS4)
• Forza Horizon 3 (Xbox One, PC)
• Gears of War 4 (Xbox One, PC)
• God of War (PS4)
• Gran Turismo Sport (PS4)
• Gwent: The Witcher Card Game (Xbox One, PC)
• Halo Wars 2 (Xbox One, PC)
• Horizon Zero Dawn (PS4)
• Mafia III (Xbox One, PS4, PC)
• PES 2017 (Xbox One, PS4, PC)
• Planet Coaster (PC)
• Pokemon Sun and Moon (3DS)
• ReCore (Xbox One, PC)
• Rock Band: Rivals (Xbox One, PS4)
• Sea of Thieves (Xbox One)
• Skylanders Imaginators (Xbox One, PS4, PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U)
• South Park: The Fractured But Whole (Xbox One, PS4, PC)
• Star Trek: Bridge Crew (PS VR, Oculus Rift, HTC Vive)
• Steep (Xbox One, PS4, PC) 
• Titanfall 2 (Xbox One, PS4, PC)
• The Elder Scrolls: Legends (PC, iOS, Android)
• The Elder Scrolls: Skyrim Special Edition (Xbox One, PS4, PC)
• The Last Guardian (PS4)
• Watch Dogs 2 (Xbox One, PS4, PC)
• Worms W.M.D. (Xbox One, PS4, PC)
• WWE 2K17 (Xbox One, PS4)

We’ll add to this list as we find out more.

Gamescom 2016: Consoles and hardware

As you will see below, we do not expect any next generation consoles to appear at Gamescom, from Microsoft, Sony or Nintendo. Instead, we suspect all hardware stories to centre around virtual reality and gaming PCs.

Here are the products we’ll be hoping to check out while we’re there.

Pocket-lint

PlayStation VR

With the official release date getting close, we fully expect the PlayStation VR headset to have a strong presence at Gamescom this year – much like it did at E3 in June.

Oculus Touch

We know for sure that Oculus will be focusing on its new games and specifically the ones with Oculus Touch support. The motion controllers that work with the Rift headset will be released before the end of 2016, so it will be good to use them with some of the forthcoming titles, rather than just a tech demo as before.

Xbox One S

Even though the 2TB launch edition is now available, we’re still to find out release dates for the 500GB and 1TB variants. Maybe they will both be at Gamescom and Microsoft will reveal availability.

HP gaming and VR PCs

HP will show its all-new gaming portfolio at this year’s Gamescom, including the Omen X VR PC that comes in a backpack.

Logitech G range

Logitech is planning some exciting new launches as part of its G range of accessories.

Gamescom 2016: What we won’t see

Sadly, although there will be plenty to see at the show, it is unlikely that some things will be launched during Gamescom this year. Here are some of the things we’d love to see but are very unlikely to appear.

Project Scorpio

Microsoft has already said that it will be launching its next generation console – one that’s far superior to the existing Xbox One, even the Xbox One S – in 2017, so you won’t get even a whiff of it at Gamescom 2016.

PlayStation Neo

Although PlayStation boss Andrew House confirmed ahead of E3 that a new, 4K capable console was coming, it wouldn’t make an appearance during the June show. It is also highly unlikely to be at Gamescom either, especially considering Sony has no press conference scheduled.

Nintendo NX

Nintendo always has a reduced presence at Gamescom in comparison to E3 and this year will likely be the same. It has also previously revealed that while it will give details of its next generation console at some point this year, it is almost certainly going to do so in a pre-recorded Nintendo Direct video online on another date.

The Roomba 960 is iRobot’s cheaper app-driven robot vacuum

The $900 WiFi-connected Roomba 980 is pretty exorbitant for many folks, nice as it is, so Robot has launched the $700 Roomba 960. The new model has a less powerful motor and battery, but retains the WiFi connectivity, floor mapping and app control of the high-end model. The price is the same as Neato’s BotVac Connected, so it could sway techy users who really want the extra control a smartphone brings. By contrast, the cheapest, non-connected Roomba 650 is $375.

The new model includes room mapping, adaptive navigation that lets you vacuum multiple rooms and sensors that find particularly dirty areas to focus on. It can run up to 75 minutes, compared to two hours for the Roomba 980 and three for the BotVac Connected, according to the manufacturers. Cleaning-wise, it has brushes and debris extractors to get hard-to-reach dust and has up to five times the air performance of the low-end models, iRobot says.

The WiFi and Bluetooth connected iRobot app lets you schedule and customize cleaning, start and stop the vacuum and install updates. In the connected robot vacuum arena, It also competes with the more powerful, but much more expensive $1,000 Dyson 360 Eye. The Roomba 360 now available in the US and Canada for $700, and will come to Japan and Europe in the third quarter of 2016.

Via: Bizjournals

Source: iRobot

Photos Show First Functional, Powered On iPhone 7

While several photos depicting what is believed to be the iPhone 7 have surfaced in recent months, most if not all of the components have been early prototypes, design molds, or well-designed Chinese counterfeits. A new series of photos have leaked, however, that quite possibly could be the real deal.

The first photos of what is claimed to be a real, fully assembled iPhone 7, shared by GeekBar on Chinese microblogging service Weibo, show the smartphone in a powered on state running Apple’s internal testing software called SwitchBoard. The photos were first spotted and vetted by French website NWE.

The device itself lines up with previous photos, showing no headphone jack, dual speakers, a larger rear-facing iSight camera, repositioned antenna bands, and a slightly longer earpiece cutout. The device still has a home button, but whether it is touch sensitive as rumored cannot be clearly distinguished.

Apple is widely expected to introduce the tentatively named iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus next month, with noted leaker Evan Blass pointing towards U.S. retail availability on Friday, September 16. If true, Apple could begin pre-orders in first-wave launch countries one week earlier on Friday, September 9.

Related Roundup: iPhone 7
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Nexus Marlin vs Nexus 6P: What’s the rumoured difference?

Google’s next Nexus devices are set to arrive in the next couple of months. They have been codenamed Marlin and Sailfish and there have been numerous leaks regarding their specs appear already.

In light of this, we have put the rumoured specs for the Nexus Marlin up against the current Nexus 6P to see how they compare and what the differences are based on the speculation.

Nexus Marlin vs Nexus 6P: Design

The Nexus Marlin is claimed to be the larger of the two Nexus devices and rumours suggest it will be based on the HTC 10. It has been suggested there will be a fingerprint sensor on the rear like the HTC flagship, along with speakers at the bottom.

Another rumour has also claimed there will be no camera bump. Measurements and weight have yet to be suggested, but if the Marlin does take from the HTC 10, a metal build is likely.

The Nexus 6P, made by Huawei, features an all metal build and measures 159.3 x 77.8 x 7.3mm with a weight of 178g.

It has dual front-facing stereo speakers and there is a circular fingerprint sensor on the rear.

A black strip runs across the top of the back housing the camera lens and flash.

Nexus Marlin vs Nexus 6P: Display

The Nexus Marlin is rumoured to be coming with a 5.5-inch AMOLED display with a pixel resolution of 2560 x 1440. If this is the case, the Marlin will have a pixel density of 534ppi.

The Nexus 6P has a display that’s slightly larger at 5.7-inches. It is also AMOLED technology and it too has a Quad HD resolution for a slighty lower pixel density of 518ppi. It is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 4.

The size difference in the two devices being compared here means the Nexus Marlin will theoretically offer sharper and crisper images compared to the Nexus 6P, assuming the rumours are accurate. That said, the difference isn’t likely to be noticeable to the human eye.

We’d also expect the Marlin to feature Gorilla Glass 4 too.

Nexus Marlin vs Nexus 6P: Camera

Rumours suggest the Nexus Marlin will come with a 12-megapixel rear snapper, coupled with an 8-megapixel front camera.

The HTC 10 also features a 12-megapixel rear camera with an aperture of f/1.8 so perhaps the same sensor will be on board the Marlin if HTC is the manufacturer.

The Nexus 6P has a 12.3-megapixel rear camera with an aperture of f/2.0. The front camera is 8-megapixels with an aperture of f/2.4. There is a dual-flash on the rear of the Nexus 6P and IR laser-assisted autofocus.

Nexus Marlin vs Nexus 6P: Hardware

The Nexus Marlin is said to be coming with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 chipset, supported by 4GB of RAM and either 32GB or 128GB of internal memory. We wouldn’t be surprised to see a 64GB model too though.

The leaks also suggest there will be a 3450mAh battery capacity on board the Marlin, along with USB Type-C.

The Nexus 6P has the Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 processor with 3GB of RAM. It is available in 32GB, 64GB and 128GB model, none of which have microSD support. Nexus devices don’t do microSD so don’t expect that on the Marlin either.

A 3450mAh battery is on board the Nexus 6P and it was one of the first devices to arrive with USB Type-C.

Nexus Marlin vs Nexus 6P: Software

The Nexus Marlin will arrive with Android Nougat and everything the new software brings. It sticks to the material design of Marshmallow but introduces more information in places like settings so users will have to dig around less.

The Nexus 6P launched on Android Marshmallow but it will be updated to Nougat so the software experience between these two devices should be almost identical.

Nexus Marlin vs Nexus 6P: Conclusion

Based on the rumours, the Nexus Marlin will be slightly smaller than the Nexus 6P but still offer a premium design and improvements in hardware, including a faster processor, more RAM and a bigger battery capacity.

It looks like the camera resolutions of the Nexus Marlin could be very similar to that of the Nexus 6P though and the display resolution and technology also seems to be the same.

This is of course all based on speculation for now but we will update this feature and our Next Nexus rumour round up as more leaks appear.

• Next Nexus: Release date, rumours and everything you need to know
• Nexus Marlin vs Nexus Sailfish: What’s the rumoured difference?