OPPO F7 with 6.23-inch FHD+ 19:9 display, 25MP front camera, Android 8.1 launched in India starting at Rs. 21990

OPPO just launched the F7, the company's latest selfie-focused smartphone at an event in Mumbai. It has a 6.23-inch Full HD+19:9 aspect ratio display with a notch and 88% screen-to-body ratio, which it calls Super Full Screen and has a 25-megapixel front camera with support for real-time High Dynamic Range (HDR) sensor and AI Beauty 2.0 for an improved age and gender beautification effects and facial recognition capability by scanning 296 facial recognition points, a 20% improvement from the first-generation technology. AI learning identifies your beautification preferences, based on the most common edits made to photo album images, and automatically creates similar adjustments to new photos. It also has AR (Augmented Reality) Stickers for selfies. It is powered by MediaTek Helio P20 12nm SoC with up to 6GB RAM, runs new ColorOS 5.0 based on Android 8.1 (Oreo). It has a 16-megapixel rear camera with LED flash, AI Scene recognition and comes with dedicated dual SIM and microSD slots, and the company also says that both the SIM slots support VoLTE. There is a special edition 128GB with 6GB RAM model in Sunrise Red – using a unique glass body that shimmers like gemstones, reflecting different colors with each glance from the use.  Also, inspired by its namesake gemstone, ...

Google to block GApps on uncertified devices, but lets custom ROM users be whitelisted

Google's Android OS is an open source and gives developers a lot of freedom to customize the software as they please. Google apps and services mandate that device makers follow a specific set of rules under the Compatibility Definition Document (CDD). Device maker needs to follow the Compatibility Test Suite (CTS) for them to pre-load their devices with Google apps and services. Previously it was possible for uncertified devices to pre-load the Google apps. However, it now appears that Google is blocking GApps on uncertified devices, but still lets custom ROM users whitelist. According to an industry source who claims to be worked for an OEM/ODM, Google has started entirely locking out newly built firmware from accessing Gapps. This change apparently has gone into effect from March 16th and will affect any software builds made after this date. Digging a little deeper revealed that people have started facing the issue for at least a year, but could easily solve it by clearing Google Play Service’s data. However, with the new change, this clearing Google Play Service’s data workaround will no longer work. Google’s A/B restriction will now be enforced more widely. Google will disallow from signing in to their Google account on any device that is uncertified. However, you have a few options here, depending on if you ...

Apple said to introduce new iPhone X color option to restore sales; updated iPad expected in Q3

According to a report of  Macotakara, Apple is said to be planning to launch a new iPhone X color option to restore sales. However, there aren't any details about the launch timeline or the color option. The report simply says that “for the purpose of restoring sales of iPhone X, Apple plans to release a new color.” The new report falls in line with Benjamin Geskin report, who said Apple had started production of a “blush gold” iPhone X. On the flip side, we have also heard that Apple is preparing (PRODUCT)RED version of the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X. Though the information came from an unverified source, we should take it with a grain of salt. iPhone X is currently available in Space Gray and Silver. Furthermore, Apple is said to be planning on launching the sixth-generation iPad refresh for the Q3 of 2018. The fifth-gen iPad was introduced last March as the $329 budget iPad. According to the report, the updated model is said to feature similar screen size as the current iPad, and might not feature a bezel-less design. However, where exactly will Apple place the latest iPad in its line-up is unclear. Source | Via

Apple’s low-cost 9.7-inch iPad could support Apple Pencil: KGI

Apple is expected to launch the new low-cost 9.7-inch iPad at the 'Creative Education' event tomorrow, i.e. March 27th. The company is also expected to bring in a new Apple pencil at the event, and now we hear that the new low-cost iPad will likely support the new Apple pencil. According to KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple Pencil shipments will rise to 9 to 10 million units in 2018 give the fact that the new low-cost iPad may support Apple Pencil. He further adds that the new Apple Pencil support is to differentiate the low-cost iPad from competing low-cost Android tablets. Though there are no previous rumors regarding the Apple Pencil support, there were speculations that it could be based on the design of the event invite image. However, it is unclear if Apple will offer the existing Apple Pencil or introduce a new, more affordable version. If at all the new low-cost iPad does get Apple Pencil support, there is also the possibility that it might get some kind of keyboard support as well. Kuo believes 9.7-inch iPad shipments will account for more than 70 percent of all iPad shipments in 2018 and the new low-cost is said to be priced as low as $259. Kuo further ...

Google app v7.24 beta hints at ‘pinned’ floating sports scores, custom Assistant Routines and more

Google app is receiving a new beta update features hinting at ‘pinned’ floating sports scores, custom Assistant Routines, and more. The new pinned floating features lets users pin summaries for sport and follow scores while using other apps like Maps or YouTube.  The 'Pinned matches' will look like a bubble that notes team scores and time remaining/overlapped. However, users will need first to permit the Google app to draw over other apps. Custom Routines started rolling out earlier this month; the new Google app adds strings that gives the ability to create custom Routine from scratch with an updated description of Routines. In the Google app V7.24, there are hints of more aspects of the merged search field and toolbar for Search. More categories such as Images and News are located as a dropdown to the very left, while specific tools like duration and time now take up that unoccupied space. With V7.23, new gestures and features for Pixel Buds and possibly other Google Assistant headphones were revealed, and now it looks like users will be able to set double tap to perform actions. Google also confirmed that Pixel Buds would soon turn on/off depending on whether the right earbud is being worn as part in-ear detection and a triple tap gesture will ...

Facebook clarifies Facebook Lite and Messenger call and text history logging is opt-in, can be deleted

Facebook Call and text history logging is part of an opt-in feature for people using Messenger or Facebook Lite on Android for quite some time now. However, reports started flowing in that the company has been logging people’s call and SMS (text) history without their permission. Today, the company clarified that it is an opt-in feature. Facebook says that call and text history logging is part of an opt-in feature and this helps users find and stay connected with new people and provides you with a better experience on Facebook. The company says that users need to agree to use this feature while logging in and they can turn off the feature in settings any time if they wish to share the details no longer. Facebook says that all previously shared call and text history shared via that app is deleted. This was first introduced back in 2015 for Android users and later offered as an option in Facebook Lite. The user will be given the option to opt-in option to continuously upload your contacts as well as your call and text history, and you can either turn it on, choose ‘learn more’ or ‘not now.’ If you chose to opt-in the feature, you can ...

Airtel VoLTE Beta program offers 30GB free data, here’s how to get it

Airtel offers VoLTE services in Mumbai, Maharashtra, Goa, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh & Telangana, Karnataka, Chennai & West Bengal circles. Now it has launched a new VoLTE Beta program in West Bengal, Orissa, Assam, Kerala, Bihar, Punjab and Andhra Pradesh to ask its users for feedback regarding the VoLTE services before expanding it to other circles . It is also offering 30GB free data for the users participating in the program. How to get 30GB free data with Airtel VoLTE Beta program To be eligible, you need to be in the circle where Airtel VoLTE Beta program  is live - West Bengal, Orissa, Assam, Kerala, Bihar, Punjab and Andhra Pradesh You need to have a Airtel VoLTE-compatible smartphone - List of Airtel VoLTE supported phones Go to Airtel VoLTE beta page and validate your mobile number If you are not eligible,it will show "Hi there! Airtel VoLTE is currently unavailable on your number " If you are eligible, you will get an OTP, which you need to enter on the website, confirming the participation in the beta program After confirmation, 10GB data will be credited to your number within 4 days, which is valid for 28 days You will be required to share feedback regularly regarding ...

Motorola expands retail footprint in India with 100 Moto Hub stores in Tamil Nadu

Motorola has been expanding its retail footprint across India rapidly. Earlier this year it opened 50 new Moto Hubs in New Delhi,  recently in opened 25 stores in Kolkata, 50 stores in Mumbai and it opened 100 Moto Hub stores in Karnataka earlier this week. Now the company has announced the opening of 100 new Moto Hubs in Tamil Nadu that includes 50 in Chennai, with a focus of strengthening retail store in the southern region. [HTML1] The Moto Hub store will house the entire portfolio of Motorola devices, including the online exclusives such as Moto X4 and Moto MODs as well as accessories like on-ear and in-ear headphones, moto shells and covers. Few months back Motorola announced a strategic partnership with Poorvika Mobiles across 43 cities in Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry and Karnataka and with Big C and Lot Mobile stores across 55 cities in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The company already said that it is planning to open 1000 new Moto Hubs in top 100 cities by the end of 2018, in the second phase of retail expansion. Commenting on the launch of new stores in the state, Sudhin Mathur, Managing Director, Motorola Mobility India said: We are highly focussed on sharing meaningful experiences and engage with our customers in a ...

Infinix Zero 5 Battery Life Test – #OneChargeRating

Infinix launched the Infinix Zero 5 smartphone recently. We already brought you the review of the phone, here we have the battery life test results of the phone. It packs a 4350mAh built-in battery with support for xCharge 18W fast charging, has a 5.98-inch 1080p display, is powered by Octa-Core MediaTek Helio P25 16nm SoC, has 6GB of RAM and runs on 7.0 (Nougat) with XOS 3.0. Check out the test results below. Talk Time It lasted for 33 hours and 34 minutes in our talk time test. 3G Browsing It lasted for 10 hours and 7 minutes in our 3G browsing test, topping the charts. WiFi Browsing It lasted 12 hours and 48 minutes in our WiFi Browsing test. Video Playback It lasted for 14 hours and 15 minutes in our video playback test. Charging Time It took 2 hours 22 mins for charging it from 0 to 100% since it has fast charging, and 0 to 50% takes 46 minutes. Standby Time It lasted for 57 days in our standby test. In achieved a One Charge Rating of 17 hours and 49 minutes, which is good for a phone with a 4350mAh battery.  Check out our battery life test procedure, to know more about our tests in detail.

SHARP AQUOS S3 with 6-inch FHD+ display with a notch, Dual rear cameras, Face unlock to be announced on March 28

SHARP AQUOS S3 got certified by Taiwanese telecommunications regulator and TENAA few months back, but it was not announced, however the AQUOS S3 mini was introduced in China earlier this week. Now SHARP has confirmed that it will introduce AQUOS S3 smartphone in Vietnam on March 28th. It has confirmed that is will feature a 6-inch FHD+ display with a notch,  12-megapixel primary rear camera with f/1.75 aperture, 1.4um pixel size, dual-tone LED flash, similar to the S2, but it will have a 13-megapixel secondary camera instead of 8-megapixel in the predecessor. It also has a 16-megapixel front camera with support for face unlock that scans 1024 facial points to unlock the phone in 0.1 seconds. It also has a fingerprint sensor on the back. [HTML1] SHARP AQUOS S3 rumored specifications 6-inch (2280×1080 pixels) Full HD+ LCD display with 2.5D Corning Gorilla Glass protection Octa-Core Snapdragon 660 14nm Mobile Platform (Quad 2.2GHz Kryo 260 + Quad 1.8GHz Kryo 260 CPUs) with Adreno 512 GPU 6GB LPDDR4x  RAM with 128GB storage, 4GB LPDDR4x  RAM with 64GB internal storage, expandable memory up to 256GB with microSD Hybrid Dual SIM (nano + nano/microSD) Android 8.0 (Oreo) 12MP rear camera with f/1.75 aperture, 1.4um pixel size, dual-tone LED Flash, PDAF, ...