The Latest Android News

HTC's 'Perfume' rumored to offer Quad-HD AMOLED display, 12MP UltraPixel camera and more

http://www.neowin.net/news/htcs-per...moled-display-12mp-ultrapixel-camera-and-more

Although HTC started as an ODM, they quickly blossomed in the early 2000's offering their well-designed products as an OEM. While they gained popularity designing handsets running Windows Mobile, HTC didn't really penetrate the market until they started pursuing Google's Android OS.

It was during this time that HTC would become the poster child for Android, offering a wide range of handsets and even producing the first 'Nexus' device for Google. But the moment was short-lived, asSamsung and others began to encroach on the Taiwanese manufacturer, ultimately overtaking them in sales and popularity. HTC has struggled over the past several years, offering uninspired handsetsand flagships that do not perform to their expected levels.

As we set foot into 2016, it's time for another year of new releases from the likes of Samsung, LG and others. In February, Mobile World Congress (MWC) will undoubtedly become the world stage where most companies will announce their upcoming handsets for the year. While we have already seensnippets of information via several leaks, news about HTC's upcoming handset has been scarce. While we do know that it is code-named 'Perfume', none of the really juicy details have been revealed - until today.

VentureBeat's Evan Blass was able to tap a source that had some fairly detailed news about HTC's upcoming flagship being dubbed the 'One M10'. Blass is reporting that the handset will offer a 5.1-inch Quad-HD AMOLED display, a Snapdragon 820 processor with 4GB and will run Android 6.0.1. The handset will also offer a fingerprint scanner that will be embedded into the home button, and an a new 12MP UltraPixel sensor.

Those hoping for a reveal next month will also be a bit disappointed, as it is being tipped that HTC will forego a showing at MWC and instead hold a private event at a later date.

Source: VentureBeat

This could be LG's first step into mobile payments
Seems like everyone is going to do Mobile Pay.

http://www.neowin.net/news/this-could-be-lgs-first-step-into-mobile-payments

While mobile payments systems have been around for quite some time, some will credit 'Apple Pay' with bringing mobile payments to the forefront. Although it was introduced a little over a year ago, other companies like Samsung have quickly followed suit, producing their own iterations. While it has been rumored for some time that LG would throw its hat into the ring, the end result may not be quite what some had expected.

What you see above is LG's 'White Card' and it could be the company's first leap into mobile payments. Unlike offerings from Apple or Samsung, the White Card is an actual physical all-in-one connected card. While the approach is different to those of its mobile hardware rivals, it isn't the first time something like this has popped up; the card bears obvious similarities to products such as Coin, Stratos, Plastc and others. Although it isn't the first of its kind, it will be the first to be backed by a major brand.

The card functions like any other credit card, but offers a twist in that it can be loaded with multiple credit cards at once. The LCD in the front allows for organization and the arrow buttons should allow users to select one of their preloaded credit cards to make a payment. While you'd still have a physical card with you, the single card can take the place of all the others you carried with you previously.

LG is speculated to announce the 'White Card' at Mobile World Congress next month.

Source: ET News via Engadget | image via ET News

Samsung finally begins Marshmallow rollout with Android 6.0.1 for Galaxy S6 and S6 edge

http://www.neowin.net/news/samsung-...ut-with-android-601-for-galaxy-s6-and-s6-edge

Google originally released its first Android 'M' preview last May, before formally announcing the launch of Android 6.0 Marshmallow at the end of September. But until this past weekend - almost four months after Marshmallow began rolling out to other phones and tablets - Samsung hadn't released the upgrade to a single one of its Android devices.

Indeed, the closest it had come to doing so was launching a limited beta test in South Korea and the United Kingdom, which began in December. But at long last, as SamMobile reports, Samsung has finally begun its Marshmallow rollout.
Android 6.0.1 is now making its way to the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge - but so far, it's only available for those handsets in South Korea.

Unfortunately, the company hasn't yet announced when it will release the update for other devices in its range, or in other markets - but now that the process has begun, availability will no doubt expand to other parts of the world in the coming days and weeks.

Samsung is the world's largest manufacturer of Android devices by some margin, but its notoriously tardy approach to updating its devices recently landed it in hot water in Europe. A leading Dutch consumer advocacy group filed a lawsuit against Samsung last month, citing the company's "poor software update policy for Android smartphones", and claiming that it is "therefore guilty of unfair trade practices".

Source: SamMobile

Samsung Galaxy S7 day is Feb. 21 in Barcelona

http://www.androidcentral.com/samsung-galaxy-s7-day-february-21-barcelona

It's official — Samsung has sent out invites to an "Unpacked" launch event on Sunday, Feb. 21 at 7:00 p.m. CET (that's 1 p.m. ET and 10 a.m. PT) in Barcelona, Spain. For the third year running, the company will unveil new flagship phones — the Galaxy S7 series — ahead of Mobile World Congress, which this year takes place in the Catalan capital from Feb. 22 to 25.

This time around we're expecting to see at least two, and possibly three Galaxy S7 models, including a regular flat S7 and a curvy S7 edge. There've also been rumors that a larger GS7 edge+ may break cover at the same time as its smaller cousins. Either way, it'll be a crucial launch for Samsung as it attempts to hold onto market share in the face of increasing competition from Chinese rivals.

But Samsung won't be alone in Barcelona. Local rival LG is holding its own event in the city on Feb. 21, where it's expected to unveil its new LG G5 handset.

Google to develop Nexus devices entirely in-house as Apple does with the iPhone

http://www.phonearena.com/news/Goog...n-house-as-Apple-does-with-the-iPhone_id77910

Google could be planning to alter the management of its much-vaunted Nexus line of smartphones and tablets. Celebrated throughout the consumer market for their running of stock Android, generally competitive price points and ease in which they can be modified, the Nexus brand has been the cornerstone of Android's continued growth since inception. Where the search giant has partnered with numerous OEMs over the years including Samsung, LG and Motorola, a new report suggests that the Big G may instead follow Apple's precedent and build its Nexus hardware and software in-house.
The fact that Apple's devices and software are all designed under one roof is considered pivotal to the generally smooth, harmonious user experience. While Android has gotten much slicker in recent years, the fragmented nature of the open-source OS means that the UX can shift dramatically from device to device -- an issue that Apple rarely encounters.

The Pixel C tablet is an example of Google's purported Nexus ambitions in action. The company made the slate itself, designed the software, and created the entire project in-house. The same can be said for the Chromebook Pixel notebook. But while Google hasn't produced a great deal in terms of mobile hardware thus far, there's no question that the company has the necessary resources to turn Nexus into its very own iPhone / iPad-esque venture.
Per a report from The Information, Google CEO Sundar Pichai has spoken internally of his company's intention to command more control over Nexus line from both a software and hardware aspect. Nexus products would likely benefit from this system, since Google could streamline the Android experience and deliver the software on its own terms. Subsequently, the belief is that the Android brand would command more respect, particularly at the higher end of the market. Reading between the lines, it would seem that Google is gunning for a chunk of the market in which rival Apple is heavily invested.
The notion of a high-end, Google-crafted Android handset does have a certain level of appeal. By the sound of it, though, those with lower budgets may have to look elsewhere -- perhaps Motorola -- for a near-stock experience without the heavy price tag as Google takes aim at an old adversary.
Would you like to see a straight-up iPhone rival made entirely by Google, running Android? Let us know down below.
source: The Information via Android Authority

Samsung Galaxy J7 (2016) will include all-new Exynos 7870 chipset

http://www.phonearena.com/news/Sams...l-include-all-new-Exynos-7870-chipset_id77906

Samsung churns out a constant supply of smartphones. So many devices have been released by the South Korean firm, in fact, that virtually every price point and tech. spec is now covered. Last year, as you may recall,Sammy dropped the Galaxy J7, a handset that sought to take advantage of the Selfie Generation with its tailored front-facing camera complete with flash. Although said smartphone didn't arrive all that long ago, the 2016 upgrade beckons, and according to a new report, one version of the Samsung J7 (2016) will be powered by a previously unseen processor.
The original Galaxy J7, like so many devices in and around the upper echelons of Samsung's product line, is available with Qualcomm's Snapdragon SoC or the Tizen maker's own Exynos chipset, dependent on region. The newer J7 appears to be following the same pattern, but while the octa-core Snapdragon 615 is a processor with which most are well versed, the less familiar Exynos 7870 will grace the alternate variant.

New info seen through Geekbench 3 pits the forthcoming J7, model number SM-J710FN, running the Exynos 7870. A jump up from the Exynos 7580, the octa-core 7870 clocks in at 1.7 GHz, which would place it at a similar performance level as the Snapdragon 615.

Interestingly enough, the Exynos model shown through Geekbench only has 2 gigs of RAM, where the Snapdragon edition recently glimpsed through GFXBench had 3 GB. Encouragingly, the new benchmarks portray a device running Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow, meaning that prospective J7 owners can expect the latest installment of Google's software off the bat.

The single and multi-core scores point to an incremental upgrade over the 7580. In short, the device still be a mid-ranger, but just a better mid-ranger than the original Galaxy J7.
Nevertheless, with two strong cameras, a sizable 3000 mAh battery, a full-HD display and hopefully enough Marshmallow to go around, the refreshed Samsung J7 will continue to entice a market fixated with the selfie stick.
source: Primate Labs via SamMobile

Samsung releases Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow beta for Galaxy Note 5 to first testers in US

http://www.neowin.net/news/samsung-...beta-for-galaxy-note-5-to-first-testers-in-us

Samsung has seeded an Android 6.0 Marshmallow beta for its Galaxy Note 5 to a limited group of US testers, as the company continues to make slow progress towards a wider release of the newest version of the OS.

Google released Marshmallow in early October, but until recent days, Samsung hadn't upgrade a single one of its devices, beyond limited beta testing on its Galaxy S6 and S6 edge in South Korea andthe UK. Earlier this week, Samsung finally began its official upgrade program, rolling out Android 6.0.1 for those two handsets in South Korea - but over in the US, it's just getting started with its first beta release.

Samsung began accepting sign-ups for its US beta program last month, for owners of a limited range of devices. Now, as Phone Probe reports, the company has seeded its Android 6.0.1 beta to a small number of users - believed to be around 200 - with a Galaxy Note 5 on AT&T. The new build (MMB29K.N920AUCU2BPB1) weighs in at 1355.94MB.

While the beta has only been made available to a lucky few so far, it's still welcome progress for owners of Samsung's Android devices in the United States. However, given that the company is still only at the beta testing stage, most of those in the US will clearly have to keep waiting a while longerfor Marshmallow to trickle down to their devices.

Source: Phone Probe via SamMobile

Supposed leaked shot of the Galaxy S7 shows curved glass back and nearly-flush camera

http://www.androidcentral.com/could-be-our-first-glimpse-samsung-galaxy-s7

The Samsung Galaxy S7 has yet to be announced by Samsung - and that should be kept in mind when looking at initial renders and live photos - but already we may have our first glimpse at what could be the next flagship smartphone from the company. If this image is indeed accurate, we're looking at a design that takes the familiar left-and-right-side curves of the Note 5 and adds a bit of top-and-bottom curve as well. In addition, the camera module appears to be nearly flush with the back; certainly much closer than on its predecessor.

We previously asked what you all wanted to see in Samsung's next phone, with the highest priority being improved battery life. The Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 edge have already made it through FCC certification. Samsung is expected to announce the next flagship smartphone later this month at the company's Unpacked event at MWC 2016

As noted already, this shouldn't be taken as final until Samsung officially reveals the next Galaxy smartphone. We'll put the question to you: what do you make of the handset shown in this leaked photo? Sound off in the comments below!

Source: Reviewdao; Via: SamMobile

Samsung Galaxy S7 announcement event is on February 21, watch the livestream video here

http://www.phonearena.com/news/Sams...ry-21-watch-the-livestream-video-here_id78119

You know what's fun? Teasers. Teasers that get us excited. Teasers that get us excited about a great new piece of tech coming our way. You know, like the one that Samsungposted a few days ago on Twitter, confirming that The Next Galaxy is to be announced on February 21 in Barcelona, just in time for MWC 2016.
While little else was given in terms of clues, we're pretty sure that the highly anticipated Samsung Galaxy S7 will be unveiled on stage, along with a curvier, larger sibling, the Galaxy S7 edge+, and who knows what else. And the good news is that anyone can be part of the show, at least virtually. Samsung confirmed that its next Unpacked event will be livestreamed. In other words, folks from all over the world will be able to tune in and witness the event as it happens.

Samsung will be broadcasting the Samsung Galaxy S7 livestream on February 21 via its website, samsung.com. Until then, feel free to catch up on all the latest buzz by checking out our Samsung Galaxy S7 rumor review.

Galaxy S7 and S7 edge official accessories and wallpapers leak, 2700mAh 'Backpack Case' inbound

http://www.androidcentral.com/galax...wallpapers-leak-2700mah-backpack-case-inbound

It looks like Samsung's official list of accessories for the Galaxy S7 and the Galaxy S7 edge will be similar to what the vendor offered with earlier flagships, with a few interesting additions, such as a "Backpack Case" for €89, which will feature a 2700mAh battery along with a wireless charging kit. You'll be able to choose from several flip cover cases as well as standard clear and leather-backed cases, as well as a keyboard cover that will likely be along the same lines as what we've seen on offer with the Galaxy Note 5.

Here's the entire list of accessories that will be on offer, as detailed by WinFuture:

• Samsung S View Cover Black EF-CG930PB – 49,99 Euro
• Samsung S View Cover Gold EF CG930PF – 49,99 Euro
• Samsung S View Cover Silver EF CG930PS – 49,99 Euro
• Samsung S View Cover White EF-CG930PW – 49,99 Euro
• Samsung LED View Flip Cover Black EF-NG930PB – 69,99 Euro
• Samsung LED View Flip Cover Gold EF NG930PF – 69,99 Euro
• Samsung LED View Flip Cover Silver EF NG930PS – 69,99 Euro
• Samsung Clear Cover Black EF-QG930CB – 29,99 Euro
• Samsung ClearCover Gold EF QG930CF – 29,99 Euro
• Samsung ClearCover silver EF QG930CS – 29,99 Euro
• Samsung Wallet flip cover with space for credit card Black EF-WG930PB – 29,99 Euro
• Samsung Wallet flip cover with space for credit card Gold EF WG930PF – 29,99 Euro
• Samsung Clearview Case black EF-ZG930CB – 59,99 Euro
• Samsung Clearview Case Gold EF ZG930CF – 59,99 Euro
• Samsung Clearview Case Silver EF ZG930CS – 59,99 Euro
• Samsung Guard Cover (ruggedized) Black EF-PG930CB – 59,99 Euro
• Samsung Leather Cover Black EF-VG930LB – 49,99 Euro
• Samsung Leather Cover Brown EF VG930LD – 49,99 Euro
• Samsung Keyboard Case Black EJ CG930UB – 69,99 Euro
• Samsung Backpack Case with 2700mAh auxiliary battery including Wireless Charging Kit Black EP-TG930BB -. 89,99 Euro
• Samsung AFC Wireless Charging Stand Black EP-NG930BB – 59,99 Euro
• Samsung AFC Wireless Charging Stand Weiss EP NG930BW – 59,99 Euro
• Samsung Glitter Cover Gold EF XG930CF

Along with the official accessories list, a few wallpapers have also leaked:

Samsung trademark application supports rumor that Galaxy S7 will have 'Always On Display'

http://www.neowin.net/news/samsung-...or-that-galaxy-s7-will-have-always-on-display

At this rate, there may not be much left for Samsung to reveal when it officially unveils its new Android flagships later this month. The first photos of both the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge have appeared in recent days, following weeks of rumors and leaks about the new handsets.

One detail that emerged in a leak last month - in which many of the handsets' key specs were apparently revealed - described the inclusion of an 'always on display', capable of continuously showing select content on-screen with minimal battery drain.

Further evidence has emerged to support the notion that Samsung is planning to introduce that feature on the S7 and S7 edge. Last week, the company filed an application with the US Patent and Trademark Office to protect its use of 'Always On Display' as a registered trademark.

While this isn't explicit confirmation that the feature will be included in Samsung's new devices, when combined with the recent leak claiming that the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge would have an 'always on display', it certainly makes the inclusion of such a feature appear likely.

It's not exactly an original idea to show key information on a handset's display even while the screen is 'off' though. Nokia, for example, displayed the time (and later, introduced notification data) on the displays of some of its high-end handsets a few years ago with its Glance Screen feature, and that seems pretty close to what Samsung reportedly has in mind for its new devices.

Source: USPTO via SamMobile

LG teaser confirms G5 will feature always-on display

http://www.androidcentral.com/lg-teaser-confirms-g5-will-feature-always-display

In a teaser posted on its official Facebook page, LG has confirmed that the upcoming LG G5 will feature an always-on display. The feature was teased in the form of a GIF that shows several smartphone screens slowly fading to black before an outline of the G5 appears, showing off the time and notifications in a manner akin to the ambient and active displays we've seen from Google and Motorola, respectively.


Never go asleep while others do.LG G5, Always ON.#LG #LGG5 #G5

Posted by LG Mobile on Tuesday, February 9, 2016
It will be interesting to see just how far LG has chosen to go with its definition of "always," particularly if the display on the G5 is similar to the secondary screen on the V10, which can be configured to always show the time and more. Regardless, the company has confirmed that it will unveil the G5 on February 21, a day ahead of the start of Mobile World Congress, so we should know much more soon.

Galaxy S7 edge: Latest leaked render reveals curvy design

http://www.androidcentral.com/latest-leaked-render-offers-another-look-galaxy-s7-edge

The latest leaked render of the Galaxy S7 edge gives us another look at the upcoming flagship in silver. From the image, posted by prolific leaker Evan Blass on Twitter, it looks like Samsung will retain a dual-curved screen for the S7 edge, with the screen size rumored to be 5.5 inches. Look closely and you can make out a slight curve at the top and bottom as well, in line with real-world snaps of the device.

The phone is also said to sport a massive 3600mAh battery, and Samsung may reintroducewater resistance.

With an official unveil slated for February 21, we don't have to wait long to find out more. Stay tuned to Android Central for all the coverage from Mobile World Congress 2016.

Source: Twitter (Evan Blass)

HTC One M10 rumored for May retail launch in the U.S.

http://www.androidcentral.com/htc-one-m10-rumored-may-retail-launch-us

Noted leaker @evleaks is reporting that the HTC One M10, thought to be the next flagship device from HTC, will launch in the U.S. the week of May 9. He also claims that HTC will release a watch before that time.

Small consolation, HTC fans: you'll be able to pick up the watch before the end of April.

— Evan Blass (@evleaks) February 11, 2016
The HTC One M10 is said to use similar design language to the One A9, including a metal frame, rounded edges, and a home button on the bottom of the phone. Previous reports have also alleged that the device will feature a QHD display and a fingerprint scanner.

HTC has also been rumored to be working on some sort of wearable for awhile now. The company announced a partnership with Under Armour for fitness wearables earlier this year.

While several smartphone manufacturers are set to reveal their latest phones in a couple of weeks at Mobile World Congress, it's currently thought that HTC will hold its own, separate event to show off its new products.

Galaxy Note 6 may ship with 5.8" display, 6 GB RAM and 12 MP camera

http://www.phonearena.com/news/Gala...5.8-display-6-GB-RAM-and-12-MP-camera_id78287

The ink from the Note 5's S Pen hasn't completely dried out yet, and we are already in for a rumor treat about its successor. That's not the first time we are hearing something about the phablet whose unveiling is many months away, and won't be the last, but the current speculation comes with a collection of specs that are pretty believable, with only one outlier.

From a leakster Weibo account from the untamed prairies of the Chinese tech blogosphere now comes a tip that the nextGalaxy Note 6 will arrive with a 5.8" Slim RGBAMOLED display with 1440 x 2560 resolution and 1024 pressure points. The "slim" part likely means the obvious - that Samsung may have managed to shrink the display package footprint, but does RGB mean it will do away with the PenTile "diamond pixel" matrix? This would be interesting to follow, as it would suggest a new production technology for Samsung's AMOLED displays will be in store with the Note 6. The new 5.8" screen size, if it is not rounded up from 5.7" and change, would also suggest something similar. Moreover, if Samsung indeed outs a 5.1" Galaxy S7 and 5.5" Galaxy S7 Edge next week, a slightly larger than 5.7 inches panel would help it differentiate the Note 6 even further in its portfolio, especially if it sports the stellar screen-to-body ratio of its predecessor.

Going through the rest of the specs sheet tipped here we see the Note 6 listed with 6 GB of RAM, which may sound overkill, but let's not forget that Samsung placed 3 GB of RAM in the Galaxy S6 last year, while the Note 5 has 4 GB. Furthermore, Samsung recently announced that it has started mass producing 12Gb LPDDR4 RAM chips using a 20nm process technology, being the first company on the globe to achieve the feat. As Samsung itself noted in the press release, this will allow the creation of smartphones with 6 GB of RAM. As there are 8 bits in a byte, a 12Gb chip can actually hold in 1.5GB of information. By pairing together four such chips in a dual channel config, Samsung can now make smartphones that come with a whopping 6 GB of RAM, so this part of the specs list here doesn't sound all that far off any more.
When it comes to chipsets, the leakster only claims that the Note 6 will arrive with "two SoC solutions," likely both Snapdragon and Exynos variations, just like the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge are supposed to be. The other very plausible tidbit is that the Note 6 will use a 12MP camera sensor with Super OIS Plus system, perhaps the same setup that is rumored to be in the S7 and S7 Edge, if history is any indication. The OIS Plus is said to mean a 5-axis image stabilization system, so there's plenty to look forward to from Samsung on the camera front. Finally, Note 6 is apparently equipped with an S Pen (duh) and may come in 64 GB/128 GB version, which could indicate the lack of a microSD slot. No info yet on battery capacity, or if there will be major design changes, but we are certain that there will be plenty of leaks to fill in the gaps between now and late summer. What do you think, do these specs sound enticing if they materialize like that in the Note 6?
source: HQ Vision (Weibo)

Samsung starts rolling out Marshmallow update to the Galaxy S6 and S6 edge

http://www.androidcentral.com/samsung-starts-rolling-out-marshmallow-update-galaxy-s6-and-s6-edge

Samsung has commenced rollout of the Marshmallow update to theGalaxy S6 and the Galaxy S6 edge. The update is now live in South Korea, and will be available in other regions shortly.

The update brings Doze, Now on Tap, simplified app permissions, and much more, and if you're using the Galaxy S6 edge, Samsung is addingmore functionality to the edge screen. First off, you'll be able to increase the panel width of the edge screen to 550 pixels (up from 260 pixels), allowing you to view more content. You can also customize up to nine quick access panels, with the People edge panel now displaying names below a contact's photo.

Apps edge — which gives you quick access to your frequently used apps — now lets you add ten apps, as well as the ability to add folders. The Tasks edge has also been updated with Quick tools, which includes a ruler, compass and customizable flashlight. Access to the edge panel has also been simplified, with the update bringing the ability to customize the place, size and transparency of the edge handle.

Finally, Samsung is collaborating with Yahoo to deliver the latest stock prices, sports news and headlines directly to the edge screen.

We'll share additional details on the update as it starts becoming available in other regions.

Source: Samsung

Leaked Galaxy S7 video shows off waterproofing and wireless charging

http://www.theverge.com/2016/2/16/11012706/galaxy-s7-leak-video-features

Samsung's Indonesian arm may have shown off the Galaxy S7 almost a week earlier than planned. An unlisted commercial marked #TheNextGalaxy and posted to the branch's official YouTube channel shows Indonesian archer Dellie Threesyadinda training while using an unnamed Samsung phone.

As rumored, the phone in the video appears to be very similar to last year's Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge, with a curved-screen Edge variant on show. The video doesn't name the model being used or even whether it is a new phone, but Threesyadinda seems comfortable enough using it in a downpour, suggesting the rumored return to waterproofing is a go. The phone is also seen being used with a wireless charging pad.


A teaser website also located in Indonesia confirmed the name Galaxy S7 (with a sentence since removed; see image below) and provides further hints: a page with bubbles and the caption "worry-less discovery" is further evidence for waterproofing, while a lock icon and "experience privacy at its finest" implies extra security, and "bring light to the night" alongside an image of a camera lens may mean better low-light photography.


Samsung is set to officially unveil the Galaxy S7 at 1PM ET this Sunday February 21st at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.

Update, 2.45AM: Added mention of the removed "Samsung Galaxy S7" sentence, along with an image.