The first generation Moto E, released in 2014, has received its first builds of CyanogenMod 14. The bug list of the device includes issues with video recording and dual SIM RIL, but other features work as expected.
We certainly can't wait to get some more information — practically anything — of the upcoming Pixel devices. With not one, but two, top of the line phones, along with Google's renewed focus on hardware, the stage is all set to see what the future holds for Android, AOSP, Nexus, Pixel and all other connected environments. We're in for some important changes from the routine that was once Nexus, so we are excited to see what path is chosen.
The latest news that is coming in, comes in from XDA Recognized Contributor LlabTooFeR's Twitter handle. LlabTooFer has been a reliable source of leaks and information related to HTC devices, and now he also has some more information on the HTC-made Pixel.
For starters, he mentions that the launcher found on the upcoming Pixel devices will not be the Nexus Launcher that was leaked a while ago. Instead, it is renamed to Pixel Launcher, which in hindsight, makes a lot of sense.
Next up, he has posted a few screenshots of the launcher:
And if you thought you would have to end the day by being content with just a few screenshots, he does have a goodie in store. Shortly after the screenshots were posted, he did offer the installation apk of the Pixel Launcher. Unfortunately, even though we caught it early on, the server crashed before we could download the apk. We will update the post as soon as we have the apk from the official source and have it mirrored.
There's still around three more weeks to go for the Pixel to go official, but for now, the launcher should quench our thirst. We hope to lay our hands on to more stuff before the devices are released.
Have you tried the Pixel Launcher? How do you like it? Let us know in the comments below!
The ZTE Axon 7, albeit still absent from the Nougat party, is receiving its taste of stock Android courtesy of this unofficial CyanogenMod 13 build by XDA Recognized Developer Unjustified Dev. Head on over!
Barring the Google Pixel and Pixel XL, most of the major announcements from the mainstream players in the smartphone industry have been done and dusted. But Xiaomi does not seem like it wants to be left behind when it comes to specs and releases.
Cue the upcoming Xiaomi Mi Note 2 and the Mi 5S — both of these devices have seen few leaks, giving us a good picture of what to expect in the coming weeks from Xiaomi.
The Xiaomi Mi Note 2 merges the curved edge displays with the latest trend, dual cameras. A series of images of the device were leaked onto Weibo (unfortunately, the main source would not load for us), giving us a good look at the device and its curved display.
As is visible, the upcoming Xiaomi Mi Note 2 will bear a dual-curved edge display, much like the Galaxy S6 Edge, or the recent Note 7. The curved edge display is a 5.7″ display with QHD resolution, and will come bearing an implementation of 3D Touch aka a pressure sensitive display. As for the specifications, the device is rumored to be bearing the Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 SoC, along with options of 4GB or 6GB of RAM (in the higher variants). The device will also come in different internal storage capacities, giving users the option between 64GB/128GB/256GB. The device will also reportedly sport a USB Type C port, a beefy 4,000 mAh battery and Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0 support. The device will also run on Android 7.0 Nougat, but with Xiaomi's MIUI 8 skin on top.
The camera setup on the Mi Note 2 will also be interesting, as the device is rumored to bring the increasingly popular dual-camera setup. The rear camera will be two 16MP sensors placed side by side, along with an LED flash. The front will be a 5MP shooter for selfies.
The Mi 5S, as the name would imply, would be more of a refresh of the flagship that Xiaomi launched earlier in the year. The rumors certainly point towards that direction, and since the Mi 5S did feature some top-of-the-line specifications, it would come as no surprise. When the device got certified, a lot of these specs have been verified.
The Mi 5S will feature the same sized 5.15″ QHD display, but will now opt for pressure sensitivity just like the upcoming Mi Note 2. The SoC gets a bump up to Snapdragon 821, the RAM goes up to 6GB and the internal storage goes up to 256GB of UFS 2.0. The Mi 5S will also feature a battery of significant capacity, reportedly coming with 3,490 mAh of juice.
The spec refresh should strengthen Xiaomi's product offering by bringing them up to par with releases from other OEMs. Xiaomi's main market is China, so the dynamics that play out are different than the ones witnessed in USA or India.
Both of these devices are rumored to be launched either on 14th September, or on 24th September. Xiaomi often does bring to life hardware that sounds too good to be true, but we would still advise to take the information with a pinch of salt.
We will have to wait for the announcement of the devices to find out the real deal. Since Xiaomi is also improving on the time gap between the launches in China and India, we can expect these devices to land in India pretty soon after. Pricing for Xiaomi is a strong point, so we hope that the Mi Note 2 and the Mi 5S do not disappoint in that regard.
What are your thoughts on the leaks so far, on the Xiaomi Mi Note 2 and the Xiaomi Mi 5S? Let us know in the comments below!
The last week has not been easy on Apple and Samsung: the two largest smartphone companies have been under fire from their respective camps, with Samsung in particular currently facing a recall of unprecedented magnitude.
The iPhone 7 is actually a solid-looking phone with hardware advancements that should put competitors on edge, but the internet hasn't taken the death – nay, assassination – of the 3.5mm jack very kindly, nor the company's justification. If you've browsed sites like YouTube or Reddit, or even Facebook, you probably came across a dozen memes, parody videos, and general criticism of Apple's decision. The days closely following the announcement, even Apple hubs like r/apple and various Apple-centric YouTubers had plenty of negative things to say about the new iPhone, especially given how messy the pre-order process was for many interested customers, especially those under the upgrade program.
Samsung's situation also brought plenty of internet memes and parody videos, but it's clear that it's a serious and dangerous situation in comparison. More Note 7 units are burning up every day, various airlines and administrations are warning travelers about carrying the device, people are having property damaged or outright destroyed, and now a child has been hurt. All of this means terrible press and even worse optics for Samsung, perhaps forever tarnishing the Note brand — don't be surprised if you see an "S8 Stylus" a year from now. I've personally been blasted by notifications from Samsung due to my various Note units (I am currently on my third, and that's before the recall): T-mobile, Amazon, and Samsung itself have sent me text messages and emails, the last batch explicitly requesting that I power down my device for good. This doesn't include the countless calls from worried or curious family members and friends, asking if i had any issues with my device, or urging me to stop using it. In short, this is a disaster that is costing Samsung billions of dollars in stock value.
The Nexus line might be no more, but the Pixel might be the phone we need at this moment in time. In fact, we have been saying this since April, long before we knew we'd actually be getting one. Google's upcoming Pixel device is said to include exclusive features, in a way further straying away from Stock Android as we knew it on Nexus devices. That being said, this isn't a bad thing, and it gives Google more flexibility as to which features it can incorporate regardless of what's built into AOSP. An in fact, the new functionality might be what lets Google push the Pixel as more than a reference device or a phone for purists, like the Nexus has traditionally been regarded as, and make it a much more appealing phone for the masses. This could work even better given we are hearing Google is working with US carriers for this release; sure, nobody likes a Verizon branded phone nor what that typically entails, but from a sales perspective this would give Google's phone even more traction among regular customers.
With a first generation release, Google will not be able to match the in-store presence of Apple nor Samsung (well, only if Note 7 shipments are delayed for too long!) but it will at least serve to get its foot out the door, and that alone is perfect for the current situation. With Samsung – the face of Android, even ahead of Google for casual consumers – being temporarily down-but-not-out, a Pixel release could gather a lot of curiosity and enthusiasm. This is amplified by the fact that those disappointed or upset at the new iPhone 7 now have another flagship smartphone from a big-name company to look forward to, and Google branding would definitely resonate with everyone who has ever used a browser. The degree of success the Pixel phones can attain with this release is unpredictable given the devices are a month away, even though we already know most of their specifications. But a key takeaway of its potential is that this is Google-branded hardware, allegedly advertised as such, to showcase an Android vision that Google is comfortable with.
Other companies like OnePlus have also been making good use of the situation: sassy tweets like this one regarding the OnePlus 3's headphone jack have gained a lot of attention on twitter and reddit. Lenovo took a jab at Samsung's battery defect when advertising their battery case.
Smartphone companies have typically exploited their competitors' shortcomings, such as the lack of microSD or removable battery in the Galaxy S6 and the like, but now every company with a safe device or a headphone jack can claim to have something over other top smartphones.
It's a great time for those looking to eat away at Samsung's and Apple's market share, particularly Android OEMs who have been under the shadow of the South Korean giant for years or newcomers with a lot of promise or big names. This is an achilles' heel that companies are quick to exploit by marketing and producing accordingly, and I believe Google is best situated to make the best out of it with a killer Pixel release. We said it then and we say it now: the time is right for a Pixel phone — with Samsung bleeding in stock and Apple getting dissed at this scale, this might be an opportunity for Android OEMs that'll never repeat itself. Make the best of it, Google, and show the world what Android is really about!
Think Google and others can take advantage of Samsung's and Apple's missteps? Sound off below!
The Moto E 3G, device codename otus, has received its share of Android 7.0 Nougat with this unofficial CyanogenMod 14 build. Head on over to check out the ROM!
The HTC 10, despite being a well built flagship and a worthy contender, could not capture the throne in the flagship wars. The competition was just ahead of the curve, and hence, the 10 had to be content with the few runner up positions.
But if HTC's latest teasers are any indication, the company wants to get ahead of the curve edge. HTC took to instagram to announce a phone event dated for the 20th of September.
The only hints that the teaser video gives is that the phone will come with a fingerprint sensor placed on the back. The design also vaguely resembles that of the upcoming Nexus Pixel, but that may be because we are itching to hear more about it. The Pixel phones are up for reveal on the 4th of October; and with Google being heavy in its influence on the hardware, HTC is unlikely to reveal a phone that would not even bear its branding on the hardware.
So what could it be? We're still in speculation territory, so we'll refrain from assumptions (however, let us know your theory). HTC's tagline sure has caught our attention, but it remains vague and open to interpretation. So for now, we wait for HTC to take off the wraps and surprise us.
What do you think HTC has in store for 20th September? Let us know in the comments below!
