One of this year's new iPhones might have dual-SIM capabilities

The countdown continues to the iPhone XI, or the iPhone 9, or whatever Apple is calling this year's devices, and the latest rumor to reach us involves the technical configuration of one or more of the new handsets: specifically, that a dual-SIM might be involved.

That's according to sources speaking to the 21st Century Business Herald in China. Apparently models for some countries will use a standard dual-SIM tray, while others will incorporate a standard SIM and the bespoke Apple SIM you can already find in some iPad Pro models. At this point it's not clear which of the three 2018 iPhones will get the tech.

The Herald doesn't have any previous form in predicting Apple's hardware moves, so take this report with several grains of salt. That said, respected Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has previously hinted that dual-SIM technology could arrive in this year's iPhones.

One SIM good, two SIMs better

Being able to manage two numbers from one phone is a feature a lot of users in developing nations rely on – and that's part of the reason why the iPhone lags behind Android outside the US. The global appeal of the iPhone would certainly get a boost.

At the same time, we know that Western carriers aren't keen on dual-SIM technology, because of the money they make on international plans. With recent changes in roaming charges, there might be some flexibility on that front now, though we'd still be surprised if dual-SIM models arrived in the US and UK.

In September, we should find out for sure – in the meantime, file this in the "possible" column. You can also expect the usual speed bumps in terms of performance, an iPhone X-esque notch design across all the models, and of course iOS 12.

• Apple AirPods 2 charging case might also charge your iPhone

Via Apple Insider

from TechRadar: Phone and communications news http://www.techradar.com/news/one-of-this-years-new-iphones-might-have-dual-sim-capabilities

Sony Xperia XZ3: what we want to see

More details leak out about Microsoft's new "pocketable" Surface

Just what is Microsoft planning next for its Surface line of hardware? We've had numerous hints in recent weeks and months that a Surface Phone or something like it might be on the cards, and now a leaked email is pointing to a "pocketable" Surface device that's been two years in the works.

In an internal email obtained by The Verge, the device is described as part of the Andromeda project – Microsoft's plan to roll out different versions of WIndows suited to different devices. Including, maybe, a phone.

But it sounds like this new Surface device isn't exactly like a conventional smartphone. It's intended to create a "new and disruptive" device category, as per the leaked email, and will combine "innovative new hardware and software experiences to create a truly personal and versatile computing experience".

Phone meets computer

In other words, it's sounds very much like a phone-laptop hybrid in the same way that the Surface Pro is a tablet-laptop hybrid: not a direct iPhone or Pixel competitor but something that gets close to the full Windows 10 experience on a smaller screen while also letting you make phone calls too.

As for what it'll look like, the concepts made by designer David Breyer (one of which you can see at the top of this page) are rumored to be pretty on the mark. As well as being pocketable, it's also going to be foldable – something Microsoft has been thinking about for a long, long time.

We've also heard speculation that the imminent Snapdragon 1000 chipset is going to be powering everything, and that the device will support stylus input like the Galaxy Note. The newly leaked email doesn't add to many pieces to the puzzle, unfortunately, but Microsoft's next Surface device is slowly coming into view.

• These are the very best smartphones you can buy in 2018

from TechRadar: Phone and communications news http://www.techradar.com/news/more-details-leak-out-about-microsofts-new-pocketable-surface

The pop-up camera may save us from the notch

Would you rather have a smartphone with a notch or a truly bezel-less smartphone with a pop-up camera?

The post The pop-up camera may save us from the notch appeared first on Pocketnow.

from Pocketnow http://pocketnow.com/2018/06/30/pop-up-camera-saves-us-from-the-notch

RED Hydrogen One still has Snapdragon 835, benchmark says

That Snapdragon 835 that RED founder Jim Jannard said would be on the Hydrogen One? Yeah, according to this benchmark, it's still there.

The post RED Hydrogen One still has Snapdragon 835, benchmark says appeared first on Pocketnow.

from Pocketnow http://pocketnow.com/2018/06/29/red-hydrogen-one-benchmark

Apple Maps is still terrible, but Apple is doing something about it

Apple Maps doesn’t exactly have a sparkling history, and even Apple has admitted that it was embarrassed by its launch back in 2012. Thankfully,  the company is completely rebuilding Apple Maps from the ground up.

Starting in the iOS 12 beta and starting with Cupertino, this reinvention of Apple Maps isn’t just going to be from Apple updating the existing app with new city records and third-party map data – Apple has invested in its own mapping tech to rival Google Maps, according to TechCrunch.

Apple’s fleet of advanced mapping vans, similar to Google Street View cars that gather data and photos at a street level, is finally going to put its data to use this year. The new Apple vans are strapped with LiDAR arrays and eight overlapping cameras along with the standard measuring tools. 

The most interesting map-curation tool at Apple’s disposal, however, is your iPhone. Apple already gathers location data from iPhones, but it will be doing this even more from here on out in an effort to change the map real-time. 

It doesn’t end at the iPhone and street level, either. Apple has deployed satellites to gather even more data and satellite imagery. It will then be cross-referenced with the street level data so that the maps are as accurate as possible.

Mapping out the future 

For the longest time, Google has reigned supreme when it came to Google Maps, but now Apple wants a shot at giving it some serious competition.  Apple Senior Vice President of Internet Software and Services Eddie Cue even goes as far as to say he hopes Apple will have “the best map app in the world”.

This means you can expect more consistent Apple Maps updates outside of year-to-year iOS refreshes. Apple says it will use location data to “change the map real-time and often”, which means you should be notified to sudden changes to your route. 

If Apple is able to build an infrastructure that uses this its own van and iPhone data to create a constantly updated map, the third-party Google Maps might not be everyone’s default app choice anymore when they’re looking for directions.

For anyone worried about their data anonymity, Apple says you don’t need to worry – the company promises it will collect data from its users in a privacy-first manner in order to update map data on the fly with new street and heavy traffic changes. It will only collect data in bits and pieces and never know a person traveled from point A to point B. 

The new Apple Maps will launch in San Francisco and the Bay Area in a future iOS 12 beta update and should cover Northern California around the time we expect an iPhone XI and iPhone 9.  

from TechRadar: Phone and communications news http://www.techradar.com/news/apple-maps-is-still-terrible-but-apple-is-doing-something-about-it

iPhone natives upgrade to iPhone X, Android switchers go with cheaper iPhones

For those familiar with Apple and iOS, they're more willing to splash cash on an expensive iPhone. Switchers, meanwhile, dip their toes into the pool.

The post iPhone natives upgrade to iPhone X, Android switchers go with cheaper iPhones appeared first on Pocketnow.

from Pocketnow http://pocketnow.com/2018/06/29/iphone-natives-upgrade-to-iphone-x-android-switchers-go-with-cheaper-iphones

The best Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL deals in June 2018

Well we've got some good news and bad news on the Google Pixel 2. The bad news first of all, is that deals on the smaller version of the search giant's phone just won't budge. They were sensationally low around the sales season (we're talking sub-"0 per month low), but now you'll struggle to find Pixel 2 deals for less than £800 over the two year contract.

The good news - and it really is very, very good news - is that Pixel 2 XL prices just crashed! You can now get the 6-inch QHD+ version for less than £25 per month without having a ridiculous upfront charge to contend with. It's way cheaper to buy a big-screened Pixel 2 deal right now.

Whichever handset you covet, you can use our comparison chart below to identify the best Pixel 2 deal for you. Google's quest to build a smartphone as popular as the latest iPhone and Samsung Galaxy flagship mobiles took a massive step forward when the original Google Pixel launched last year. And its successor - the aptly named Google Pixel 2 - has continued the stellar work.

Need some more convincing? Our exclusive 10OFF voucher code with Mobiles.co.uk knocks a tenner off the upfront cost of any deal. And there's a summary of our expert review at the bottom of the page.

More options: Samsung Galaxy S9 deals | Samsung Galaxy Note 8 deals | iPhone 8 deals | Google Pixel and Pixel XL deals | SIM only deals | Best mobile phone deals 

The best Google Pixel 2 deals in the UK today:

We've scoured the UK's networks and retailers to home in on the best Pixel 2 deals. You can get the new Google smartphone on O2, Vodafone or EE - the choice is yours...

The best Google Pixel 2 XL deals in the UK today:

Want that bigger QHD+ screen? Go for the Pixel 2 XL instead if you plan to use your phone to stream films and TV. But you'd better be prepared to pay for the privilege - the price really shoots up, as there are fewer retailers competing on price.

Google Pixel 2 deals for SIM-free: how much does the phone cost?

When the Pixel 2 hit the market, we were urging people to buy the handset outright and combine it with a cheap SIM only deal. The Pixel 2 costs £629 and the Pixel 2 XL will be £799 to buy SIM-free and adding in a SIM plan for a fiver a month made financial sense. But now that contract plans have shot down in price, they are now the more cost-effective way to go.

There's no doubt that the Pixel 2 is one of the very finest Android phones out there, but the Pixel's successor is a familiar story of incremental improvements rather than whole-scale change. The feature that might just get you buying are the top-of the-line cameras for photos and video. While the delightful screen, great-sounding speakers and slick Android operating system will all appeal to a range of smartphone users.

Read TechRadar's full Google Pixel 2 review
Read TechRadar's full Google Pixel 2 XL review

from TechRadar: Phone and communications news http://www.techradar.com/news/google-pixel-2-deals

Refurbed 64GB iPhone 8 Plus available for $100 off

The iPhone 8 Plus hasn't been on discount too often for those who have avoided carrier deals for one reason or another.

The post Refurbed 64GB iPhone 8 Plus available for $100 off appeared first on Pocketnow.

from Pocketnow http://pocketnow.com/2018/06/29/refurbed-64gb-iphone-8-plus-available-for-100-off

Samsung Galaxy A6 launches with some Galaxy S9 features at a lower price

The best iPhone 7 deals in June 2018

The best iPhone 6S deals in June 2018

The best Samsung Galaxy Note 8 deals in June 2018

The Samsung Galaxy Note 8 became the most expensive smartphone from the Korean tech giants when it was unveiled last August. But prices bottomed out around the January sales period (quelle surprise), went up rather a lot and have now fallen again - probably something to do with the arrival of a certain Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus. Galaxy Note 8 deals are a much cheaper alternative to the new big-screened Samsung flagship phone.

The Note 8 is still never going to be your go-to option if you're on a tight budget, however. It's a Goliath of a smartphone, both in terms of sheer size and internal power. It's got the screen size and specification smarts to be a competitor to the much lauded iPhone X and that doesn't come cheap. But there are now some excellent Note 8 deals floating around. Check out our comparison chart and handpicked favourite Note 8 deals below.

It might seem a tad unfair, but we can't not mention the Galaxy Note 7 debacle when talking about its successor. Samsung's 2016 aborted project due to overheating and fire risks means that we've had to wait two years for a fully functioning Note-branded phablet from the South Korean tech behemoth. But we can now move forward from that chapter in tech history - the Note 8 is well and truly here!

See also: Galaxy S8 deals | iPhone X deals | Best mobile phone deals | Galaxy Note 8 SIM free / Unlocked | SIM only deals | Samsung Galaxy Note 8 review

The best Galaxy Note 8 deals in the UK today:

Should I get the Galaxy Note 8 SIM free?

You must be somebody after our own heart. Always looking to see how you can trim a few pounds off your new favourite gadget. As you probably know, you can now pick up cheap SIM only deals for as little as £4 a month, which could make it worth buying a SIM and handset separately.

Well the Galaxy Note 8's RRP is £869. Even if you get the cheapest SIM card (usually around £4 a month for 500MB data), that would still cost almost £1,000 over the two years. You're probably better cranking up the upfront cost in our price comparison chart above, imposing a low maximum for monthlies and finding a cheaper deal in the long run.

To get the best price on your new SIM free Galaxy, you can head to our cheapest unlocked Note 8 deals page.

Wondering what all the fuss is about? Well the fervour for the Note 8 is probably doubled due to the fact that the Note 7 was pulled from shelves soon after release. But it doesn't take more than one look at the Note 8 to see that it justifies the hype.

The huge 6.3-inch ‘Infinity Display,’ is gorgeous to look at, the 6GB RAM innards go like a train and there are two best-in-class rear cameras. It's expensive, but we think the Note 8 is worth it. 

Read TechRadar's full Samsung Galaxy Note 8 review

Now let's break down the best Samsung Galaxy Note 8 deals by network...

Best Galaxy Note 8 deal on EE this month

Best Galaxy Note 8 deal on O2 this month

Best Galaxy Note 8 deals on Vodafone this month

Best Galaxy Note 8 deals on Three this month

from TechRadar: Phone and communications news http://www.techradar.com/news/samsung-galaxy-note-8-deals

Tesco stores might soon let you pay using an app rather than a till

Paying for your supermarket shopping at a till can take time, especially if there’s a queue, and for manned tills it’s also an expense for the store, but Tesco might soon solve all those problems, as it’s trialling shops without tills.

Instead, you’d use a smartphone app to scan the barcodes of the products you want and then pay for them in-app. According to the BBC, Tesco is currently trying this out in a store at its headquarters, but for now it’s unsure whether the technology will be viable.

That’s because it’s likely to lead to more theft, and Tesco operates on small enough margins that this could be a real issue for it, potentially outweighing any savings it makes by no longer needing checkouts. So it’s unknown if or when the technology will actually be rolled out.

A likely future

But it’s perhaps inevitable that stores head in this direction, and as the BBC notes, Tesco isn’t the only store testing out this kind of thing.

The Co-op is also trying an app-based alternative to tills at a store in Manchester, with plans to expand the tests over the summer.

And an Amazon shop in Seattle has been using an even more high-tech system for months now, one where you don’t need to scan products or manually pay at all, as cameras will identify the items that you leave the store with and automatically charge you.

So we might not see widespread adoption of these systems for a while, but many stores might start offering them sooner or later, especially if big names like Amazon and Tesco lead the way.

• How to use Google Pay: our guide to making payments on your Android phone

from TechRadar: Phone and communications news http://www.techradar.com/news/tesco-stores-might-soon-let-you-pay-using-an-app-rather-than-a-till

OPPO O-Free headphones go well with Find X handset while packing new Qualcomm SoC

Priced at the equivalent of $105 in China, the "truly wireless" OPPO O-Free Blueooth earbuds are powered by a brand-new QCC3026 chip.

The post OPPO O-Free headphones go well with Find X handset while packing new Qualcomm SoC appeared first on Pocketnow.

from Pocketnow http://pocketnow.com/2018/06/29/oppo-o-free-wireless-headphones-find-x-qualcomm-soc

OnePlus 6 in red may be coming soon

A few months after the launch of the OnePlus 5T, the company revealed a new red color edition of the phone (shown above) and it looks like the same is set to happen for 2018's OnePlus 6.

If you've been holding out for the Lava Red edition rather than buying the black or white versions of the OnePlus 6, you may soon be in luck.

We haven't heard any official word from OnePlus yet, but popular tech YouTuber Marques Brownlee has tweeted a picture of the rear of a black OnePlus 6 with a red color phone just peeking out from the rear.

It may be all a big elaborate joke, but to us it looks like a teaser for a hands on video with the new phone, and it may be we see the channel known as MKBHD releasing a video to unveil the phone.

We've asked OnePlus if there's any official news on a red edition of the phone, but we've yet to get a response. We'll be sure to update this story if we hear back from OnePlus or spot anymore information coming from Brownlee's official channel.

If you're looking to buy the OnePlus 6 and you like the Lava Red variant of the OnePlus 5T, it may be worth holding off buying the phone to see if it happens. That said, the Lava Red OnePlus 5T sold out quickly so you may have to act fast when it's official.

• Want to know what we think of the OnePlus 6? Here's our full review

from TechRadar: Phone and communications news http://www.techradar.com/news/oneplus-6-in-red-may-be-coming-soon

ZTE moves another step closer to actual US ban reversal with appointment of new chairman

ZTE's devastating US ban has technically not been lifted yet, but with a new chairman and board of directors, the Chinese company is getting closer.

The post ZTE moves another step closer to actual US ban reversal with appointment of new chairman appeared first on Pocketnow.

from Pocketnow http://pocketnow.com/2018/06/29/zte-new-chairman-appointed-us-ban-reversal-closer

Excessive Galaxy S10 vs. excessive LG V40 | #PNWeekly 311 (LIVE at 12p ET)

Three phones with up to three cameras versus one phone with five cameras? Also, is Apple flittering off like a butterfly on its MacBook keyboard?

The post Excessive Galaxy S10 vs. excessive LG V40 | #PNWeekly 311 (LIVE at 12p ET) appeared first on Pocketnow.

from Pocketnow http://pocketnow.com/2018/06/29/galaxy-s10-lg-v40-pnweekly-311

Huawei promises bi-monthly software updates for a bunch of new and old phones

Huawei's new software update schedule is not as specific as the one recently announced by OnePlus, but it's clearly better than nothing.

The post Huawei promises bi-monthly software updates for a bunch of new and old phones appeared first on Pocketnow.

from Pocketnow http://pocketnow.com/2018/06/29/huawei-bi-monthly-software-updates-many-phones

Futuristic OPPO Find X gets domestic commercial release date and pricing structure

After an international launch event in Paris, the revolutionary OPPO Find X phone has been officially unveiled for China, where it starts at around $755.

The post Futuristic OPPO Find X gets domestic commercial release date and pricing structure appeared first on Pocketnow.

from Pocketnow http://pocketnow.com/2018/06/29/oppo-find-x-china-release-date-price-variants

The HTC U12+ is in stock and shipping fast from the OEM and Amazon stateside

Formally unveiled a little over a month ago, the HTC U12+ is now up for grabs and shipping from the OEM's official US e-store, as well as Amazon.

The post The HTC U12+ is in stock and shipping fast from the OEM and Amazon stateside appeared first on Pocketnow.

from Pocketnow http://pocketnow.com/2018/06/29/htc-u12-plus-us-availability-amazon

Huawei P21: what we want to see

LG G8: what we want to see

Huawei has everything from 5G products to gaming-centric and foldable phones in the works

A gaming-focused Huawei smartphone is apparently right around the corner, followed by a 5G-enabled handset and a foldable product of some sort.

The post Huawei has everything from 5G products to gaming-centric and foldable phones in the works appeared first on Pocketnow.

from Pocketnow http://pocketnow.com/2018/06/29/huawei-5g-products-gaming-foldable-smartphones-coming

Google wants to smarten up the world's feature phones

Google has revealed a major investment into feature phones as it looks to bring mobile connectivity to the world.

The tech giant has invested $22m (£16.7m / AU $29.7m) into KaiOS, the Linux-based operating system that powers millions of devices around the world.

The deal will see Google and Android services integrated into KaiOS, with the likes of search, Maps and even YouTube and the Google Assistant coming to more phones than ever before.

KaiOS gets smarter

“We’re excited to work with Google to deliver its services on more mobile devices,” said KaiOS CEO Sebastien Codeville. “Having an intelligent voice assistant on an affordable mobile phone is truly revolutionary as it helps overcome some of the limitations a keypad brings.”

“This funding will help us fast-track development and global deployment of KaiOS-enabled smart feature phones, allowing us to connect the vast population that still cannot access the internet, especially in emerging markets."

The deal follows an earlier agreement this year which saw Google apps appear on low-end Nokia devices powered by KaiOS. 

First launched in 2017, and based on an open-source fan version of Firefox OS, Hong Kong-based KaiOS works with a number of major phone makers, including HMD, Alacatel and Doro. 

The company says it has shipped more than 40 million devices powered by its software so far, and recently overtook iOS to become the second-most popular devices after Android in the hugely important Indian market.

• The best mobile plans for business in June 2018

from TechRadar: Phone and communications news http://www.techradar.com/news/google-wants-to-smarten-up-the-worlds-feature-phones

OnePlus 7 could support 5G and be sold by US carriers

We’re probably going to see the OnePlus 6T before the end of the year, but OnePlus is already looking further ahead and claiming that in 2019 it will launch one of the world’s first 5G phones.

That claim was made by the company’s CEO and founder Pete Lau at Mobile World Congress Shanghai, according to PC Mag, with Lau - who's likely talking about the OnePlus 7 - adding that this is possible thanks to his company’s relationship with Qualcomm.

Of course, there aren’t any 5G networks yet, but we will start seeing them in some countries from next year.

The US is one of those countries, which brings us to the other thing Lau said: apparently the company aims to start selling phones on monthly plans through one or more US carriers.

That would mean US customers won’t have to buy OnePlus handsets outright anymore and will also have more opportunity to try before they buy, though Lau didn’t specify which carrier or carriers he’s in talks with.

The speed you need could take a while to arrive

We wouldn’t get too excited about the possibility of 5G capabilities on the OnePlus 7 though, as initially 5G coverage is likely to be very limited and not all countries will even have it by 2019, but it will be one more area where the OnePlus 7 can match or better other flagships, despite probably still costing less than most.

We don’t know much else about the OnePlus 7 so far but based on past form it’s likely to land sometime in mid-2019, so you’ve got a while to wait yet.

• See what we thought of the OnePlus 6

Via Phone Arena

from TechRadar: Phone and communications news http://www.techradar.com/news/oneplus-7-could-support-5g-and-be-sold-by-us-carriers

Soon you'll finally be to able to edit your Spotify playlists on Android

Spotify for mobile is an accomplished app that gives you access to one of the most popular and high-end music streaming services on the market, but the features aren't exactly the same between the iOS and Android apps.

One of the missing features Android users have been calling out for is the ability to rearrange playlists within the app. You can't currently rearrange the order of songs within the Android app, so you aren't able to fully edit playlists when on the move.

It may sound like a basic feature, and it is – it's already available on iPhone – and now Spotify has confirmed it's coming to Android soon.

When will it land?

Posted on the Spotify Community, a spokesperson for the company said, "We’re really excited to announce that the right folks are now working on this idea. An upcoming version of Android will see this feature initially released to a small number of users."

That doesn't sound like it's going to be coming immediately though, so it may still be a few months until Spotify deems the feature ready for inclusion in your Android app.

It may be a very minor feature, but it means we're one step closer to having iOS and Android Spotify apps that offer the same functionality.

• Read our full Spotify review

Via 9To5Google

from TechRadar: Phone and communications news http://www.techradar.com/news/this-missing-spotify-on-android-feature-is-finally-coming-soon

Sprint and Boost Mobile quietly release affordable Galaxy J7 Refine and J3 Achieve

Priced at $230 and up, the 5.5-inch Samsung Galaxy J7 Refine supports Bixby Vision assistance, while the lower-cost 5-inch J3 Achieve does not.

The post Sprint and Boost Mobile quietly release affordable Galaxy J7 Refine and J3 Achieve appeared first on Pocketnow.

from Pocketnow http://pocketnow.com/2018/06/29/sprint-boost-mobile-samsung-galaxy-j7-refine-j3-achieve

OnePlus guarantees software updates for two years, and security for three years

There's good news for OnePlus owners as the Chinese firm has confirmed that it will offer Android version software updates for two years from the release of a handset, and Android security updates for three years.

Details of the new OnePlus Software Maintenance Schedule were posted on the firm's forum, which guarantees the service for the OnePlus 3, 3T, OnePlus 5, 5T and OnePlus 6.

Updates will arrive every two months on eligible handsets via an OTA (over-the-air) update, and during the first two years they will include new features and security patches alongside the latest version of the Android operating system.

When the two years are up, you still receive the latest security patches every two months for a further year.

Sound familiar?

If this sounds familiar, it's because the OnePlus Software Maintenance Schedule is similar in its offering to Google's Android One program.

Android One also guarantees that your phone will receive at least two years of OS upgrades to the latest version of Android, as well as at least three years of security patches.

However, the Android One program also requires manufacturers to run a relatively stock version of Google's OS. 

This is why OnePlus isn't part of the Android One project at the moment, as it applies its own Oxygen OS interface over the top of Android.

The news is good for upcoming handsets too, and we can expect that the rumored OnePlus 7 will also benefit from these updates when it launches.

• Everything we know so far about the OnePlus 7

Via Android Authority

from TechRadar: Phone and communications news http://www.techradar.com/news/oneplus-guarantees-software-updates-for-two-years-and-security-for-three-years

Samsung Galaxy Note 9 hands on reveals its specifications ahead of launch

Samsung’s flagship phablet, the Galaxy Note 9 is scheduled to launch at the second Galaxy Unpacked event scheduled for August 9. The company recently sent out the media invites for the launch event to be held at the Barclays Center in New York, USA.

Ahead of the launch, the specifications of the Note 9 have leaked after Russian Tipster Eldar Murtazin revealed them in a hands-on post of the device. Eldar has claimed that he has spent some time with the pre-production unit of the Note 9, which he claims to be very similar to the Note 8 in terms of design.

The Note 9 is expected to feature a similar curved Super AMOLED Infinity display as the Note 8 and will look similar to its predecessor at the front. Eldar has claimed that the Note 9’s display will offer improved sunlight visibility compared to its predecessor. While the prototype had an always on display, it is expected to be available only after the Galaxy S10 launch as it might not be ready for the Note 9.

At the back, the Note 9 will have a horizontal dual camera setup instead of the vertical setup on the Note 8. Another change in the cameras is that the front camera will have variable aperture like the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9 Plus. Samsung is also expected to use improved ISOCELL technology and optical image stabilization for a better photography experience.

In terms of performance, the Samsung Note 9 will be powered by the Snapdragon 845 SoC in Korea and US and an Exynos SoC in other markets including India. In terms of memory, the Note 9 is expected to be available in three variants – 6GB RAM + 128GB internal storage, 8GB RAM + 256GB internal storage and 8GB RAM + 512GB internal storage.

Another upgrade that the Note 9 will receive is a bigger 4,000mAh battery, compared to the Note 8’s 3,300mAh battery. Apart from this, not much is known about the device yet and we expect to get more information in the coming days.

• Samsung Galaxy Note 9 launch date confirmed as August 9

from TechRadar: Phone and communications news http://www.techradar.com/news/samsung-galaxy-note-9-hands-on-reveals-its-specifications-ahead-of-launch

Official Android Oreo updates start rolling out for Huawei Mate 10 Lite and P10 Lite

Massive software updates combining Android 8.0 Oreo enhancements and EMUI 8.0 optimizations are on their way to the Huawei Mate 10 Lite and P10 Lite.

The post Official Android Oreo updates start rolling out for Huawei Mate 10 Lite and P10 Lite appeared first on Pocketnow.

from Pocketnow http://pocketnow.com/2018/06/29/huawei-mate-10-lite-p10-lite-official-oreo-updates

YouTube picture-in-picture mode to be available on all US Android Oreo devices

The feature has gotten out of its YouTube Red premium range and is spreading to all Android Oreo devices in the United States.

The post YouTube picture-in-picture mode to be available on all US Android Oreo devices appeared first on Pocketnow.

from Pocketnow http://pocketnow.com/2018/06/28/youtube-picture-in-picture-mode-to-be-available-on-all-us-android-oreo-devices

LG Stylo 4 lands at Cricket Wireless with 3GB RAM for $230

Essentially identical to the international Q Stylus, the LG Stylo 4 appears to be packing more memory on Cricket than MetroPCS at a higher price point.

The post LG Stylo 4 lands at Cricket Wireless with 3GB RAM for $230 appeared first on Pocketnow.

from Pocketnow http://pocketnow.com/2018/06/28/lg-stylo-4-cricket-wireless-specs-features-price

Amazon has a new Fire HD 10 Kids Edition and two Show Mode docks up for pre-order

The name of Amazon's Fire HD 10 Kids Edition tells you everything about the tablet, while Show Mode docks basically aim to turn your slate into an Echo Show

The post Amazon has a new Fire HD 10 Kids Edition and two Show Mode docks up for pre-order appeared first on Pocketnow.

from Pocketnow http://pocketnow.com/2018/06/28/amazon-fire-hd-10-kids-edition-show-mode-docks

Xiaomi boasts of 5 million Redmi Note 5 and over 1 million Mi Band 3 sales

Significantly more popular than the Redmi Note 4, Xiaomi's mid-range Redmi Note 5 and Note 5 Pro phones only took four months to reach five million sales.

The post Xiaomi boasts of 5 million Redmi Note 5 and over 1 million Mi Band 3 sales appeared first on Pocketnow.

from Pocketnow http://pocketnow.com/2018/06/28/xiaomi-redmi-note-5-mi-band-3-sales-milestones

LG reportedly secures 2 to 4 million ‘initial’ orders for 2018 OLED iPhone screens

Apple is expected to split display production between Samsung and LG for one of this year's two OLED iPhone models.

The post LG reportedly secures 2 to 4 million ‘initial’ orders for 2018 OLED iPhone screens appeared first on Pocketnow.

from Pocketnow http://pocketnow.com/2018/06/28/lg-2-4-million-2018-oled-iphone-screens-order

Virgin Media Business targets SMBs with new mobile deals

 Britain’s small businesses will now be able to benefit from a better deal on their mobile and broadband deals following a new launch from Virgin Media Business (VMB).

The company has revealed it will be offering mobile device deals to the services it provides small businesses across the UK.

VMB is already well-known for its business broadband offerings, but from now will look to combine this with handset deals on some of the latest releases from the likes of Apple and Samsung.

Virgin Media Business SMB deals

As part of the new offering SMBs will also be able to benefit from significant savings when it comes to their combined mobile and broadband deals.

For example, customers teaming up VMB's Voom Fibre 350Mbs business broadband service with an Apple iPhone 8 or a Samsung S9+ can save up to £25 a month.

Handsets will also be offered stand-alone on either 24 or 36 month contracts, with a choice of data allowances and no upfront costs.

“This is fantastic news for our customers; leveraging the Virgin Mobile network puts us in control of defining the new mobile offerings and bundles we want to offer our customers, rather than having to accept ‘me-too’ offers for our customers," said Rob Orr, executive director - commercial & marketing, Virgin Media Business. 

“By challenging the status quo and providing mobile connectivity and services in a more Virgin way, we will be able to give our customers new mobile offers which respond to the rapidly changing needs of their businesses.”

The launch comes soon after VMB signed a five-year MVNO agreement with BT, allowing it to have more control over data and service offerings.

• The best mobile plans for business in June 2018

from TechRadar: Phone and communications news http://www.techradar.com/news/virgin-media-business-targets-smbs-with-new-mobile-deals

Low-cost LG X2 goes official in Korea with outdated design, software and hardware specs

The newly unveiled LG X2 is an even humbler Android 7.1 smartphone than the X4 and X4+, fetching a $175 price in Korea that doesn't feel low enough.

The post Low-cost LG X2 goes official in Korea with outdated design, software and hardware specs appeared first on Pocketnow.

from Pocketnow http://pocketnow.com/2018/06/28/lg-x2-official-korea-pricing-specs-features

Tiny Instagram Lite app surfaces on Google Play with absolutely no fanfare

According to a company spokesperson, the storage space-saving Instagram Lite Android app is still undergoing (public) testing in just one global market.

The post Tiny Instagram Lite app surfaces on Google Play with absolutely no fanfare appeared first on Pocketnow.

from Pocketnow http://pocketnow.com/2018/06/28/instagram-lite-android-app-google-play-debut

Honor 10 will be a better gaming phone from July 30

The Honor 10 is already a powerful phone, but a new feature is set to make the gaming experience even better.

Dubbed ‘GPU Turbo’, it’s a new graphics processing acceleration technology which was announced a few weeks ago. 

At the time there was little information on it or on when it would land, but we now know it will arrive for the Honor 10 as a software update on July 30 (following a closed beta on July 15), with other Honor handsets getting it later.

We also now know that GPU Turbo apparently increases the efficiency of graphic processing by 60% and reduces the energy consumption of the SoC (system on a chip) by 30%.

Better graphics for longer

This combines to apparently dramatically improve the overall user experience when gaming, with Honor devices able to achieve ‘outstanding graphics quality’ when using GPU Turbo. The feature could also apparently benefit VR and AR applications.

Given its energy-saving credentials it presumably also extends your phone’s battery life while gaming, but that hasn’t been confirmed.

Following the Honor 10, GPU Turbo will apparently land on other handsets such as the Honor View 10 and Honor 9 Lite, however no time frame has yet been given for them. Moving forwards, it sounds like this will become a standard feature on many Honor phones.

• We don't expect the super-cheap Honor 7S will get this feature

from TechRadar: Phone and communications news http://www.techradar.com/news/honor-10-will-be-a-better-gaming-phone-from-july-30

Get 3-year access to the most highly rated VPN on the market for less than $100

Keep your family safe while browsing the internet with NordVPN. Get a 3-year subscription for just $99. That's 76% off the original price.

The post Get 3-year access to the most highly rated VPN on the market for less than $100 appeared first on Pocketnow.

from Pocketnow http://pocketnow.com/2018/06/28/nordvpn-3-year-subscription

Instagram Lite quietly arrives on the Google Play Store

Instagram has quietly launched a streamlined Lite version of its Android app, designed for low-powered phones and locations with poor data connectivity. The app only supports photo sharing at the moment, with videos and messaging planned for a future update.

Instagram Lite is just 574KB compared to the full Instagram app's 32MB, making it far more accessible if you can't rely on a stable connection.

The new app is currently only available in Mexico, but it is described as "a simple way to capture and share the world’s moments", so we expect it to be rolled out to more territories in the coming months.

“We are testing a new version of Instagram for Android that takes up less space on your device, uses less data, and starts faster," an Instagram spokesperson told TechCrunch.

Insta for all

The launch comes just days after the arrival of Instagram's new long-form video app, IGTV. The new platform lets regular users post videos up to 10 minutes in length, while celeb users can keep their cameras rolling for up to an hour.

IGTV will chew through mobile data like an Instagram influencer through avocado toast, so it's good to see that the company hasn't lost sight of users who don't have that luxury.

Instagram's parent company, Facebook, launched a pared-back Android app back in 2015. Facebook Lite was initially restricted to countries known for patchy mobile mobile data coverage, but is now available worldwide. 

• How to upload photos to Instagram from your PC

from TechRadar: Phone and communications news http://www.techradar.com/news/instagram-lite-quietly-arrives-on-the-google-play-store

Nokia 9 release date, price, news and leaks

Honor 7S brings its trendy 2:1 ‘FullView’ screen and ultra-low price to the UK

The Honor 7S is even more affordable than the 7X, 7C and 7A on British soil, lacking both fingerprint and facial recognition, but sporting a 2:1 screen.

The post Honor 7S brings its trendy 2:1 ‘FullView’ screen and ultra-low price to the UK appeared first on Pocketnow.

from Pocketnow http://pocketnow.com/2018/06/28/honor-7s-full-view-screen-low-price-uk-release

Google Pixel 3: what we want to see

A Nokia flagship could be coming with an in-screen fingerprint scanner

Just yesterday we heard that a new high-end Nokia-branded phone might be on the way and now we have more details about it, including the claim that it could have an in-screen fingerprint scanner.

That’s presumably the feature pioneered by Chinese brands that was teased yesterday, but it’s not the only new information on the phone.

WinFuture has acquired documents relating to the handset and revealed that it will also apparently have an OLED screen, Android P and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 chipset clocked at up to 2.8GHz.

That’s the top-end Qualcomm chipset at the moment and should make the phone – which might launch as the Nokia 9 – more of a true flagship than the Snapdragon 835-packing Nokia 8 Sirocco.

Taking risks

The new handset will also apparently have a ‘high risk’ camera, which had to overcome various hurdles during development. It’s not clear exactly what’s high risk about it though. Perhaps it’s a pop-up one or uses several lenses. Or maybe it’s something we’ve not seen from any phone maker.

We don’t know any of the other specs or features, but the phone, which is referred to internally as the ‘A1P’, could be similar in a lot of ways to the Nokia 8 Sirocco, as that phone was known as the ‘A1N.’

We might find out more soon though, as the phone is apparently likely to launch in August or September, making a launch at IFA 2018 (which takes place from August 31 – September 5) possible.

• The Samsung Galaxy S10 could also have an in-screen scanner

Via MSPowerUser

from TechRadar: Phone and communications news http://www.techradar.com/news/a-nokia-flagship-could-be-coming-with-an-in-screen-fingerprint-scanner

Google wants to help KaiOS ‘connect the next billion users’ with $22 million investment

The 2016-founded KaiOS Technologies has managed to secure a high-profile Google investment to accelerate the growth of the "smart feature phone" OS.

The post Google wants to help KaiOS ‘connect the next billion users’ with $22 million investment appeared first on Pocketnow.

from Pocketnow http://pocketnow.com/2018/06/28/google-kaios-22-million-series-a-investment

Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL shown off in high-quality renders

We’ve only seen a few glimpses of the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL so far, but now we’ve had a much better look at both of them, or at least at renders which are supposedly based on factory CADs (computer-aided designs) of the phones.

Shared by reputable leaker @OnLeaks on behalf of MySmartPrice, the renders show that the Pixel 3 XL will have a notch, while the standard Pixel 3 seemingly won’t, which is in line with previous images we’ve seen.

Apparently the Pixel 3 will have a 5.4-inch screen, likely with an 18:9 aspect ratio, while the Pixel 3 XL is said to have a 6.2-inch one, which MySmartPrice theorizes has a 19:9 aspect ratio.

Similar sizes and looks

Dimensions meanwhile apparently come in at 145.6 x 68.2 x 7.9mm for the Pixel 3 and 158 x 76.6 x 7.9mm for the Pixel 3 XL, though in both cases they’re said to widen to 8.6mm where the camera sticks out. Neither set of dimensions is much different to their predecessors.

Indeed, the design in general looks similar in these images, other than the notch, though you’ll note that there appears to be a dual-lens camera on the front of both phones, as has been rumored before, while the rear camera on both phones looks to be single-lens.

Other details that can be made out include front-facing stereo speakers, a USB-C port on the bottom, and a fingerprint scanner and two-tone design on the back, which in the past was a mix of glass and metal, but according to a previous rumor it might all be glass this time.

There’s no way to know whether these renders are accurate, but they line up with what we’ve seen before and come from a reputable source, so they may well be. We’ll know for sure when the Pixel 3 range launches, likely in October.

• A cheaper Google Pixel may be in the works

from TechRadar: Phone and communications news http://www.techradar.com/news/pixel-3-and-pixel-3-xl-shown-off-in-high-quality-renders

Spice F311 Android Oreo Go Edition launched in India with 5.45-inch 18:9 display

Indian smartphone maker Spice Devices has announced a new budget device in India, dubbed as the F311. It is an Android Oreo Go Edition device and features an 18:9 display, making it the first Android Go device to feature an 18:9 display.

Just like other Android Go devices, the Spice F311 is also pre-installed with Android Go apps such as Files Go, Maps Go and other Go apps. The device has been priced at Rs. 5,599 and will be available from retail stores across the country.

Spice F311 Specifications

The Spice F311 runs on Android Oreo Go Edition, which is a toned-down version of Android Oreo designed for low-end devices with less RAM. It features a 5.34-inch FWVGA+ display with a resolution of 960 x 480 pixels and an aspect ratio of 18:9.

In terms of performance, the Spice F311 is powered by a quad core MediaTek MT6737M SoC coupled with Mali-T720 GPU. In terms of memory, the device has been launched with 1GB RAM and 16GB of internal storage which can be further expanded up to 32GB via a microSD card.

Coming to the camera department, the Spice F311 features a 5MP primary camera with f/2.0 aperture, 1.4μm pixel size and an LED flash. On the front, the device sports a 5MP selfie camera with an LED flash. The device sports a fingerprint sensor below the primary camera and a Social share key faster social sharing.

The Spice F311 is powered by a 2,400mAh battery and connectivity options on the device will include 4G VoLTE, WiFi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2, 3.5mm audio jack, GPS and a microUSB port.

from TechRadar: Phone and communications news http://www.techradar.com/news/spice-f311-android-oreo-go-edition-launched-in-india-with-545-inch-189-display

Vivo Nex S scheduled to launch in India on July 19

Chinese smartphone maker Vivo is scheduled to launch its latest flagship device, the Nex S in India on July 19. The company had launched the device earlier this month in China and India will be the second country for the device’s launch.

In China, Vivo had also launched the Nex A, a Snapdragon 710 variant of the device along with the Nex S, but there is no information whether the company will launch this device in India. At the moment, there is no information about the pricing of the two devices, but earlier reports had suggested that the pricing may start at Rs. 40,000.

Vivo Nex S Specifications

The Vivo Nex S runs on Android 8.1 Oreo with Funtouch OS 4.0 skinned on top and features a 6.59-inch full HD+ Super AMOLED notch-less display with a resolution of 2316 x 1080 pixels and an aspect ratio of 19.3:9.

In terms of performance, the Vivo Nex S is powered by an octa core Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 SoC coupled with Adreno 630 GPU. In terms of memory, the device was launched in China in two variants – 8GB RAM + 128GB internal storage and 8GB RAM + 256GB internal storage.

Coming to the camera department, the Vivo Nex S features a dual camera setup at the back consisting of a 12MP Sony IMX363 sensor with 4-axis OIS, f/1.8 aperture and a secondary 5MP camera with f/2.4 aperture. On the front, the device sports an 8MP pop-up selfie camera with f/2.0 aperture.

The Vivo Nex S is powered by a 4,000mAh battery with Fast Charge Support. It features an in-display fingerprint sensor unlike the Nex A that has a rear mounted fingerprint sensor. Connectivity options on the device include dual 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 ac, Bluetooth 5.0 LE, GPS, 3.5mm audio jack and a USB Type-C port.

from TechRadar: Phone and communications news http://www.techradar.com/news/vivo-nex-s-scheduled-to-launch-in-india-on-july-19