The Latest Android News

[Poke]

In pictures: OnePlus X

http://www.androidcentral.com/pictures-oneplus-x

While it may not have every feature or spec in the book, the OnePlus X is at least easy on the eyes and refreshingly simple in its design. If you want to see what it has to offer in terms of external hardware, you're in the right place — we've rounded up dozens of our own pictures of the OnePlus X so you can get a great feel for it.

 

[Poke]

Samsung smartphones outsell the Apple iPhone almost 2 to 1 in the third quarter

http://www.phonearena.com/news/Sams...ne-almost-2-to-1-in-the-third-quarter_id75233

According to research firm Strategy Analytics, Samsung sold 83.8 million smartphones in the third quarter. That number is nearly twice the 48.4 million iPhones that Apple sold during the same period. In terms of market share, from July through September Samsung had 23.7% of the global market compared to Apple's 13.6% slice of the pie. Overall, the global smartphone market grew 9.5% year-over-year, amounting to 354.2 million phones sold for the period.

 

[Poke]

New Android update fixes two critical

http://www.theverge.com/2015/11/2/9658286/android-marshmallow-update-vulnerability-patch-deployment

Android is getting a new patch today, fixing a total of 23 vulnerabilities including two critical issues. The most serious of the vulnerabilities allows remote code execution through email, web browsing and MMS. The patch also fixes a newly discovered vulnerability in the Stagefright library, listed as high rather than critical because of the difficulty of remote execution.

 

[Poke]

Samsung trademarks BRITECELL, hinting at a new camera sensor for the Galaxy S7

http://www.phonearena.com/news/Sams...a-new-camera-sensor-for-the-Galaxy-S7_id75439

Samsung is hard at work on its next-gen phone cameras, it seems - just as we learned that it has developed a 20 MP sensor with a frugal 28nm package, now comes the news that it has patented the term BRITECELL. The patent application doesn't leave us guessing as to what it is about, saying “image sensor for mobile phones” right in the description.

 

[Poke]

7 rumored features of the Samsung Galaxy S7

http://www.phonearena.com/news/7-rumored-features-of-the-Samsung-Galaxy-S7_id75395

We've barely gotten accustomed to all novelties that the Galaxy S6 brought, especially in terms of the radical redesign, and it's already Galaxy S7 rumor mill time, indicating that Samsung might have indeed succeeded to shorten the development timeframe for its future flagship through a more robust project management techniques.
There is so much information trickling down from various places about Samsung's Project Lucky (seven is a lucky number in Samsung's homeland), that we felt the need to do a little roundup of everything that has been rumored about the Galaxy S7 so far.

 

[Poke]

Android 6.0 starts getting pushed out to the HTC One (M8) Google Play edition

http://www.phonearena.com/news/Andr...to-the-HTC-One-M8-Google-Play-edition_id75550

Android 6.0 starts getting pushed out to the HTC One (M8) Google Play edition
Read more at http://www.phonearena.com/news/Andr...ogle-Play-edition_id75550#mbfk50q9sdITeQUm.99

 

[Poke]

TAG Heuer officially unveils its Connected smartwatch; arriving in select stores today for $1,500

http://www.androidcentral.com/tag-heuer-officially-unveils-carrera-connected-smartwatch

TAG Heuer has officially unveiled the Connected, it's first Android Wear-powered smartwatch. The watch was developed in partnership between Intel and Google, and is constructed out of titanium.

Based off of the Carrera Calibre design, the Connected has a 46mm face with a sapphire crystal touchscreen. It also features an IP67 water resistance rating. Customers will be able to choose from seven colorful textured rubber watch straps. However, if you want to shop online, you'll only be able to purchase the black strap. The blue, red, white, yellow, green, and orange straps are only available in stores.

 

[Poke]

Half of the Galaxy S7 units may come with Snapdragon 820, as Samsung strives for Exynos 8890

http://www.phonearena.com/news/Half...Samsung-strives-for-Exynos-8890-yield_id75633

By now we've already heard from several sources that Samsung will be utilizing both its upcoming Exynos 8890 chipset, as well as Qualcomm's fastest Snapdragon 820 silicon in the future Galaxy S7. The company's engineers were even reportedly helping Qualcomm with the next-gen 14nm production and fine-tuning of the 820, specifically tailoring it for the Galaxy S7.

 

[Poke]

New Android exploit can hack any handset in one shot

Make sure to check your devices for updates they should be pushing out fixes.

http://www.engadget.com/2015/11/12/new-android-exploit-can-hack-any-handset-in-one-shot/

Hackers have discovered a critical exploit in Chrome for Android reportedly capable of compromising virtually every version of Android running the latest Chrome. Quihoo 360 researcher Guang Gong demonstrated the vulnerability to the PSN2OWN panel at the PacSec conference in Tokyo yesterday. While the inner workings of the exploit are still largely under wraps, we do know that it leverages JavaScript v8 to gain full administrative access to the victim's phone.

"The impressive thing about Guang's exploit is that it was one shot; most people these days have to exploit several vulnerabilities to get privileged access and load software without interaction," PacSec organiser Dragos Ruiu told Vulture South. "As soon as the phone accessed the website the JavaScript v8 vulnerability in Chrome was used to install an arbitrary application (in this case a BMX Bike game) without any user interaction to demonstrate complete control of the phone." Unfortunately, real-world applications would be far less benign. Google has already been alerted to the bug and is expected to pay out a sizeable bounty for the heads up.

 

[Poke]

Samsung's Android 6.0 / Marshmallow update roadmap leaked

http://www.neowin.net/news/samsungs-android-60--marshmallow-update-roadmap-leaked

An important component of owning an Android device is how quickly the device will receive updatesto the latest version. Naturally, at the top of the pile are Google's own Nexus devices, but other manufacturers have stepped up in the past few years to get updates to their handsets faster. Luckily for Samsung handset owners, there might be a little hope, as a leaked Android 6.0 update roadmap has hit the web.

 

[Bronxiniowa]

This is what I don't like about Android -- most manufacturers are two generations behind in OS upgrades.

 

[Poke]

This is what I don't like about Android -- most manufacturers are two generations behind in OS upgrades.

That is not the case! Most of your Top Manufacturers are only one behind at most some are current so it depends on how long you put off updating your hardware. Most of these top manufactures Samsung,Motorola,Nexus,LG,HTC which make up most of the market stay current. If your using a older phone then that is part of this issue for anyone but if you at least update your device every two years folks should be fine.

 

[Poke]

LG is getting ready to launch its own mobile payment platform to rival Samsung Pay

http://www.androidcentral.com/lg-ge...own-mobile-payment-platform-rival-samsung-pay

LG is set to launch its own mobile payment system, taking on Samsung Pay and Android Pay. The manufacturer has just partnered with Shinhan Card and KB Kookmin Card, two of the largest credit card companies in its home country.

There's no mention of when the service will go live in South Korea, although reports from yesterday suggested that it will be sometime next month.

It looks like LG will support MST (magnetic secure transmission) technology alongside NFC, with the manufacturer stating that it is targeting convenience and versatility with its payment service. The move will directly target Samsung Pay, currently the only mobile payment service to utilize MST. While NFC is gaining traction for contactless payments, going with MST ensures compatibility with older point-of-sale terminals.

 

[Bronxiniowa]

That is not the case! Most of your Top Manufacturers are only one behind at most some are current so it depends on how long you put off updating your hardware. Most of these top manufactures Samsung,Motorola,Nexus,LG,HTC which make up most of the market stay current. If your using a older phone then that is part of this issue for anyone but if you at least update your device every two years folks should be fine.

But there's no guarantee that when you update your device you get the latest version of Android.

 

[Poke]

But there's no guarantee that when you update your device you get the latest version of Android.

Like I said if you update your device every two years like most do since most our on a two contract with their phone provider their device will get their current version. Again if you keep your device longer than that let's say 5 years then yes there a chance you might not. But again this is nothing new it's simple just keep your device updated and you will get the latest version it's that simple.

 

[Bronxiniowa]

If I upgraded from my Galaxy S5 to an S6 with Verizon today I still wouldn't get Marshmallow. Samsung isn't scheduled to upgrade the OS on that phone till next year.

 

[Poke]

If I upgraded from my Galaxy S5 to an S6 with Verizon today I still wouldn't get Marshmallow. Samsung isn't scheduled to upgrade the OS on that phone till next year.

Point is S5 and S6 will still get the latest version of Android so as long as folks are device are not to old they will always get the latest version of Android.

 

[Poke]

Samsung said to be bringing back microSD storage on Galaxy S7

http://www.neowin.net/news/samsung-said-to-be-bringing-back-microsd-storage-on-galaxy-s7

When Samsung launched its Galaxy S6 and S6 edge earlier this year, a key (non-)feature that managed to leak out ahead of the official reveal was that neither device would support expandable storage options via a microSD card.

Opinions certainly varied regarding this limitation, but it did make consumers take note of which storage option to buy, with 32, 64 and 128GB models available at different price points. Now, it appears that Samsung may be offering the option of microSD expandable storage in the upcoming S7 variants, slated for release early next year.

According toHDBlog.it, Samsung will again release two devices, possibly at Mobile World Congress 2016, with the Galaxy S7 sporting a 5.2-inch flat display and the Galaxy S7 edge, like the S6 edge -- having a 5.7-inch curved screen. Back in August, a rumor surfaced that the two new handsets could feature the Snapdragon 820 chipset, marking a return to Qualcomm over Samsung's own Exynos chip.

However, the S7 is rumored to feature a top and bottom curved screen, as well as the aforementioned expandable storage option. It's not clear at this point if a removable battery will also return to the flagships, but at this point, a rumor is still just a rumor, so take it with a pinch of salt.

Source: HDBlog.it via SamMobile

 

[Poke]

When is my phone getting Android Marshmallow? Here's what we know so far (November 2015)

http://www.phonearena.com/news/When...res-what-we-know-so-far-November-2015_id69806

Samsung
Samsung has been keeping mum for the most part when it comes to Marshmallow, so we don't really have an official list with devices planned for update. Instead, we have to make do with leaked information, most of which is unverifiable, so don't be disappointed if these don't pan out.
Samsung devices to get Android 6.0 Marshmallow according to what intel is available include:

• Galaxy Note 5 (December 2015)
• Galaxy S6 edge+ (January 2016)
• Galaxy S6 (January 2016)
• Galaxy S6 edge (January 2016)
• Galaxy Note 4 (February 2016)
• Galaxy Note Edge (February 2016)
• Galaxy A5 (March 2016)
• Galaxy S5 (April 2016)
• Galaxy Tab S 10.5 (April 2016)

If this leaked roadmap is true, we can assume that other models from the Galaxy A and Tab S series will also get a spot at the campfire.


LG
LG was actually the first maker to push Android 6.0 Marshmallow out, as previously mentioned, with G4 owners in Poland (and South Korea, subsequently) enjoying an early taste. Unfortunately, we don't really have information on when the update will roll out globally. LG's last year's flagship, the G3, is expected to get the same treatment in Poland, supposedly starting sometime between the 16th and 18th of December.
HTC
image: http://i-cdn.phonearena.com/images/articles/218680-thumb/htc.jpg

HTC didn't waste time publicizing its intention of pushing Marshmallow to its devices as quickly as possible, and has provided us all with a handy list. And though the One A9 came out of the gate with Marshmallow, no other One series devices have followed, though that's about to change shortly, as you can tell from the above (official) image.

Motorola
Motorola sure surprised the world last year with a speedy update to Android 5.0 Lollipop in November, but is now stalling, and about to miss that same window it managed last year (November). The US-based, Lenovo-owned company hasn't committed to any specific timeline just yet, but has revealed the list of devices it's working on.

• Moto X Pure Edition (3rd gen)
• Moto X Style (3rd gen)
• Moto X Play
• Moto G (3rd gen)
• Moto X Pure Edition (2nd gen, US only)
• Moto X (2nd gen, Latin America, Europe, Asia
• Moto G and Moto G LTE (2nd gen)
• DROID Turbo
• Moto MAXX (2014)
• Moto Turbo (2014)

Obviously, we expect that the Motorola DROID Turbo 2 and DROID MAXX 2 will also get the Marshmallow treatment.
Sony
While there's no word on when exactly various Sony Xperia device will get Android 6.0 Marshmallow, we do know that the company is making steady progress — there's a concept (beta) build already available and being tested for the Xperia Z3 and Z3 Compact. While Sony hasn't committed to a schedule, it has confirmed that the following devices will get the update to Marshmallow at some point:

• Xperia Z5
• Xperia Z5 Compact
• Xperia Premium
• Xperia Z3+
• Xperia Z3
• Xperia Z3 Compact
• Xperia Z2
• Xperia M5
• Xperia C5 Ultra
• Xperia M4 Aqua
• Xperia C4
• Xperia Z4 Tablet
• Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact
• Xperia Z2 Tablet

OnePlus
Startup OnePlus also hasn't committed to an exact date, but has confirmed that all (three) of its devices will get their CyanogenMod/Oxygen software updated to the Android 6.0 Marshmallow base by the end of Q1 of 2016. That means anywhere between January and March. In case you're curious, the list includes:

• OnePlus Two
• OnePlus X
• OnePlus One

Huawei
Chinese Huawei also has a pretty ambitious list of devices it'd like to get up to speed with Marshmallow. It includes the follow phones:

• P8
• Mate 7
• Mate S
• P8 Youth
• P8 Max
• G7 Plus
• honor 7
• honor 7i
• honor 6 Plus
• honor 6
• honor X2
• honor 4X
• honor Play 4C

Of course, when those software update prompts will light up the screens of Huawei owners' devices is unclear.


Asus
Asus has officially confirmed that the following score of devices will get updated to Android 6.0 Marshmallow:

• ZenFone 2
• ZenFone 2 Deluxe/Special Edition
• ZenFone 2 Laser
• ZenFone Selfie
• PadFone S

Exact time frames have, once again, been omitted from Asus' official statement (which gave us the above breakdown).

 

[Poke]

OnePlus 2 and X will be available to buy without an invite from Nov. 27-30

http://www.androidcentral.com/oneplus-2-will-be-available-buy-without-invite-nov-27-30

If you have wanted to get your hands on the OnePlus 2 or the just-announced OnePlus X, but were still waiting on an invite, you won't need one in a few days. As part of its Black Friday 2015 sales event, the OnePlus 2 and X will be sold, without the need for an invite, from Friday, November 27 to Monday, November 30.

The teaser for the sale on the company's social pages also indicates there will be some "holiday deals" during that four day period as well, but details have yet to be revealed. There's no indication yet if there will be any discounts for the OnePlus 2 or X beyond just opening up sales.