Following the Lumia 550 pre-order, Microsoft’s latest budget Windows 10 phone is finally on sale.

Microsoft Lumia 550

The Microsoft Lumia 550 is available in a variety of colors for its detachable polycarbonate back cover, a staple of the lower end Lumias. Battery capacity is listed at 2,100mAh, and the whole package measures 136.1 x 67.8 x 9.9mm.

With a 4.7″ 720p LCD, the Lumia 550 is based on the Snapdragon 210 chipset and comes with 1GB of RAM and 8GB of expandable storage.

In Germany, Amazon is selling the Microsoft Lumia 550 for €139, while in the UK the price of the phone is £89.99. The US asking price should be $139 before taxes.

Source • (2) •…

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The Lumia 1020 is one of those legendary signature devices that remains as a veritable milestone within the industry even if it wasn’t exactly a market hit. It is more or less the holy grail of Nokia and Windows Phone fans, but also a sad reminder of the Finnish giant’s Microsoft fate. If all this rings a bell, then you will undoubtedly remember the RM-1052 as well – an elusive flagship that was allegedly going to follow in the footsteps of the Lumia 1020 but never made it to production.

Now, in light of recent developments, like Nokia’s planned return to the smartphone realm and the leaked Android-powered Nokia C1, fan interest around the topic of smartphones has exploded once again. And if the C1 wasn’t enough to fan the flames, the aforementioned RM-1052, codenamed “McLaren” has resurfaced yet again in a new batch of leaked photos.

The stills depict a clearly-marked prototype unit alongside other Nokia smartphones of old, like the Lumia 1020. Comparing said shots with the last know appearance of the alleged Lumia, back in 2014 reveals a perfect match. The large PureView camera definitely can’t be mistaken, so we can say with confidence that it is the same device, although obviously a different unit, since the one from 2014 was silver.

The legendary camera always going to be one of the main features of the successor. Another quite interesting rumor hinted at Kinect-like air gestures to control the unit. The feature would have allegedly been called 3D Touch or Real Motion. And although the former is likely off the table at this point, there might still be hope that the Xbox-inspired technology is not entirely scrapped.

Now, logic dictates that the Lumia McLaren’s lifecycle was abruptly interrupted in its very infancy around the time of the Microsoft acquisition and it seems unlikely for the project to be revived a year later. This is probably just a case of some office cleanup or intentional rehashing of an old prototype, simply laying around.

Source (in Chinese) |…

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The BLU Life 8 XL has received a price cut in US, where e-commerce giant Amazon is now selling it for $99.99, $30 lower than its usual price. Other retailers such as Best Buy and Newegg have the device listed at higher rates.

Specs-wise, the handset is powered a MT6592M SoC with octa-core Cortex-A7 processor, and sports a 5.5-inch 720p IPS display. It comes with 1GB RAM and 8GB expandable internal memory, and packs in a 2,920 mAh battery. In terms of camera, the smartphone features an 8MP rear unit and a 2MP front shooter.

Although the Life 8 XL runs Android KitKat out-of-the-box, BLU had announced that the Android Lollipop update for the device will be rolled out before the end of the…

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Looks like Samsung has started rolling out the Marshmallow update to its Galaxy Note 4 smartphone. According to a report from Napidroid, one of their editors’ handset has received the update in Hungary.

That’s quite strange given the fact that some of the South Korean company’s newest flagships haven’t received the update yet. Also, previous reports had suggested that the device would receive the Android 6.0 update in February 2016, after the Galaxy Note5, S6 edge+, S6, and S6 edge.

As for the update, it brings along some new features. Chief among them is the Screen off memo function that allows you to start taking notes using the S Pen as soon as it’s taken out from its slot. In addition, the update also includes a new Air Command menu that debuted on the Note 5 and S6 edge+. Other changes include new icons, faster UI, and smoother animations.

It’ll be interesting to see if and when the Note 4 Marshmallow update rolls out on a larger scale worldwide.

Via…

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Google has added some useful new features in the beta version of the upcoming Chrome 48.

One of the features exclusive to the Android version is Present to Cast, which takes advantage of the Presentation API and Cast SDK to allow mobile sites to present to Google Cast devices, which can then be controlled through the browser on the phone. So if the mobile site has some sort of presentation facility, you can cast it to a screen and use the phone as a remote to go through the presentation.

The other addition is custom buttons in notifications. Chrome added custom notifications from websites since version 42 but now sites can also add custom buttons within those notifications for added functionality.

The other main feature is that websites can now detect your maximum bandwidth using NetworkInformation.downlinkMax and NetworkInformation.onChange APIs to detect and change the download speed, respectively. They can then serve content accordingly.

For other changes, check out the link…

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Google Cardboard Camera

Google has released a new camera app for those who have the Google Cardboard or similar apparatus with them for viewing VR content. The app captures 3D 360 degree panoramas along with sound, which can then be viewed through the Google Cardboard. The app differs from the photosphere functionality in the camera app since the images are 3D, not to mention the ambient sound it captures for more immersion. The app is only available on Android for now.

Price: Free

Download: Android

Adobe Premiere Clip

Adobe Premiere Clip is a mini version of Premiere Pro CC for your iOS and Android devices. The app can automatically combine photos and videos on your phone or tablet, add a soundtrack, and make a video out of it or you can do it manually if you wish. Once done, you can share it from within the app or even export it to Adobe Creative Cloud so you can then import it to Premiere Pro and edit it further over there.

Price: Free

Download: iOS • Android

Yahoo Messenger

Yahoo has released a completely redesigned version of its Messenger app on both, iOS and Android. The redesign brings a fresh new look to the app, along with new features such as ability to send multiple full-resolution photos and GIFs, ability to Like messages and photos, and unsending messages. There is a carousel for displaying shared photos and the built-in GIF search means you don’t have to go anywhere else to find the perfect GIF to send.

Price: Free

Download: iOS • Android

Mad Aces

Mad Aces is an endless runner of sorts, where you are flying sideways and have to ram into obstacles and avoid or shoot the spikes. The fast paced gameplay, split second decision making, and simple controls make it addictive and it looks good too. Besides, it’s also free.

Price: Free

Download: iOS • Android

Orph

Orph is a simple arcade game, where you have blue and red balls placed in red and blue sections respectively and you have to make sure they pass through the narrow gap separating the two sections by moving the gap around. The less time you take to move all the balls to the right section, the more points you get for that level. It sounds quite simple but around the second level itself you will recognize it is anything but simple. As a bonus, the game looks great, too.

Price: Free

Download: iOS • Android

Rayman Adventures

There is not much to say here that isn’t already covered in our full review. Quibbles with the controls aside, this is still a fun game and worth playing, especially since it doesn’t cost anything. The iOS version looks and runs better and is the one to play if you own devices on both platforms.

Price: Free

Download: iOS •…

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Here are this week’s most looked-at phones. Samsung’s Galaxy J lineup continues to soak in massive amounts of consumer interest. Samsung unveiled the new Galaxy A lineup for 2016 this week, but it will probably be months before they can challenge the Js. The limited launch won’t help either.

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 is the only injection of fresh blood among the entrenched phones that draw in the most attention. It did decline in the ranks though, last week it held the #1 position. The Redmi Note 2, its predecessor, is still in the chart here too, currently in 9th.

Speaking of predecessors, the Samsung Galaxy A5 (the old one) also made the Top 10, though it doesn’t enjoy as much popularity as its alphabet cousin, the J5. The A8 is much further down the ranks.

The Apple iPhone 6s rounds off the Top 10, with the 5s and 6 not far behind it. The Plus versions are nowhere to be seen though. Samsung’s efforts are more balanced, with both the small Galaxy S6 and big Galaxy Note5 making the ranks.

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Samsung Galaxy J7
RANK: 1WAS: 2

specs review

Samsung Galaxy J5
RANK: 2WAS: 3

specs review

Samsung Galaxy J2
RANK: 3WAS: 5

specs gallery

Xiaomi Redmi Note 3
RANK: 4WAS: 1

specs gallery

Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime
RANK: 5WAS: 6

specs review

Samsung Galaxy S6
RANK: 6WAS: 7

specs review

Samsung Galaxy Note5
RANK: 7WAS: 8

specs review

Samsung Galaxy A5
RANK: 8WAS: 10

specs review

Xiaomi Redmi Note 2
RANK: 9WAS: 4

specs review

Apple iPhone 6s
RANK: 10NEW IN

specs…

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Nokia was No. 1 in the mobile world for a couple of decades, and it’s being sadly missed today by loyal fans of the brand. It’s then not a surprise that when alleged renders of a Nokia C1 surfaced this week, the Internet exploded.

The company’s reentry into the smartphone business can’t come before 2016, as dictated by the Microsoft acquisition agreement. But we’re nearly there, and the Nokia C1 might very well be the real thing.

Moving from future to present, Samsung announced the successors to three of its Galaxy A-series smartphones this week. The Galaxy A3 (2016), Galaxy A5 (2016), and Galaxy A7 (2016) come with updated glass and metal styling, upgraded specs and fingerprint readers in all but the smallest model. We’re now only left to see what the Galaxy A9 will have to offer.

Another piece of news with a tangible outcome, the Asus Zenfone Zoom with a 3x optical zoom lens is finally out. Well, not yet, but in a few weeks’ time. And not globally, but just in Taiwan. Oh, well.

In other news, the one-generation-away Snapdragon 830 may come with support for up to 8GB of RAM, Samsung’s Marshmallow build for the Galaxy S6 leaked in screenshots and Vivo announced the X6 and X6 Plus. Read these and more in the links below.

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Nokia C1 leaks again with alleged specs and a new render
Sources hint at the possibility of a revamped better specs sheet for the handset.

Samsung Galaxy A7, A5 and A3 (2016) announced with metal and glass bodies
The new Galaxy A phones keep their Super AMOLED screens, but lose their bezels.

Screenshots of Samsung Galaxy S6 with Android 6.0 Marshmallow leak
The screenshots reveal a more minimalist TouchWiz with dashes of “flat” design.

Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 830 SoC could support up to 8GB of RAM
Industry sources claim that this will be necessary to facilitate the next wave of smartphones.

Windows 10 Mobile for Xiaomi Mi 4 officially launching this week
According to a new teaser posted by Xiaomi’s Lin Bin on Weibo, the OS will be released on December 3.

Yu Yutopia announcement date set for December 7
The company has sent out invitations for the launch event, which is scheduled for December 7.

Asus Zenfone Zoom finally launching in mid-December
There’s no word on an international version, but the pink color option is a steal.

Meet the vivo X6 and X6Plus – a melding of metal and AMOLED
Both have slender aluminum-magnesium bodies and 4GB of RAM.

Samsung Galaxy S4, S5, and S6 now available at 50% discount in US
If you’re in the US, and are planning to purchase the Samsung Galaxy S4, S5, or S6, here is some good news: AT&T’s no-contract subsidiary Cricket Wireless is running a Cyber Monday promotion wherein t…

Microsoft announces the Lumia 950 and 950 XL in India
Windows 10, Continuum, Cortana, and Microsoft Display Dock part of standard package.

Sony sets date for CES 2016 press conference
In Las Vegas, the company will show new and existing tech in the world of consumer electronics.

Samsung Galaxy Note 5 and S6 edge+ getting another software update
The devices received their first software update back in October this…

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By popular demand we are now giving you the full battery life breakdowns of the anticipated Microsoft flagship duo – the Lumia 950 and the Lumia 950 XL. We already published the Lumia 950 review and we found it to be a great way to restart the Windows mobile series. And while the Lumia 950 XL review is still in the pipeline you are getting a sneak peek of what’s coming next week.

Both flagships utilize high-resolution Quad HD AMOLED panels – the Lumia 950 has it in 5.2″ size, while its XL sibling stretches it to 5.7″. The chipsets are quite different though – the regular 950 model has the Snapdragon 808 with a hexa-core processor, while the 950 XL runs on the Snapdragon 810 with an octa-core processor and liquid cooling.

Windows 10 Mobile turned out a real surprise, offering great new features and long awaited optimizations, plus universal apps across other devices. The PureView camera turned out one of the best in business. But what about the battery? The Lumia 950 is powered by a 3,000 mAh unit, while the XL has 10% more power supply at 3,340 mAh.

We expected the more powerful Snapdragon 810 chip married to a bigger screen to perform worse than the 808 platform but turns out we were quite wrong.

The Lumia 950 XL posted great and very respectable 17 hours endurance on the 3G talk time test, doubling the Lumia 950 score.

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Talk time

Lenovo Vibe Z2 Pro
33:20h

Huawei Ascend Mate2 4G
33:19h

Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+
30:29h

OnePlus 2
30:29h

Motorola DROID Turbo
30:09h

Microsoft Lumia 640 XL LTE Dual SIM
29:46h

Microsoft Lumia 640 XL LTE
29:46h

Microsoft Lumia 640 XL Dual SIM
29:46h

Microsoft Lumia 640 XL
29:46h

Samsung Galaxy Note5
28:34h

HTC One (M8) for Windows
28:34h

Nokia Lumia 1520
28:34h

Samsung Galaxy Note 4
28:31h

Sony Xperia Z4 Tablet LTE
28:25h

Samsung Galaxy S5
27:37h

Sony Xperia Z1
26:53h

Samsung Galaxy S6 active
26:29h

Samsung P6800 Galaxy Tab 7.7
25:45h

LG G3
25:38h

LG G Pro 2
25:37h

LG G Flex
25:19h

Sony Xperia T2 Ultra
25:16h

LG G2
25:15h

Samsung Galaxy A7 Duos
25:12h

BlackBerry Passport
25:12h

Huawei Ascend Mate
25:12h

Motorola Nexus 6
25:03h

Alcatel Hero
25:02h

Oppo N1
25:01h

Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Neo
24:52h

Sony Xperia Z Ultra
24:23h

Apple iPhone 6 Plus
23:49h

LG AKA
23:20h

Sony Xperia Z3
23:13h

Microsoft Lumia 640 Dual SIM
23:09h

Microsoft Lumia 640 LTE
23:09h

Microsoft Lumia 640 LTE Dual SIM
23:09h

Oppo R7
22:58h

Samsung P6200 Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus
22:42h

Motorola Moto E (2nd gen)
22:36h

Sony Xperia Z2
22:13h

Sony Xperia C3 Dual
22:11h

Meizu MX4 Pro
22:09h

Yota YotaPhone 2
22:09h

Samsung ATIV SE
22:05h

Xiaomi Redmi Note
21:41h

Samsung Galaxy Note Edge
21:39h

ZTE Axon Pro
21:23h

Xiaomi Mi 4i
21:02h

Meizu m2 note
20:55h

LG Optimus G Pro E985
20:45h

HTC One M9
20:44h

Sony Xperia Z1 Compact
20:42h

Sony Xperia Z5 Premium
20:27h

Motorola DROID RAZR MAXX
20:24h

Motorola RAZR i XT890
20:07h

Huawei Ascend Mate7
20:06h

Samsung Galaxy A3
20:04h

Samsung Galaxy E7
20:04h

Samsung Galaxy A3 Duos
20:04h

Oppo Find 7
20:03h

Samsung Galaxy S5 Active
20:01h

BlackBerry Q10
20:00h

OnePlus One
19:56h
…

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There’s little dispute among you – the Xperia Z5 Premium is yet another Sony entry on the hot side of our imaginary Hot or Not wall. Stopping by for our customary poll, Sony’s latest top-shelf device left naysayers outnumbered 3 to 1, continuing a positive trend with Sony devices of late.

A lot has been said on the 4K display conundrum, and we’ve also contributed with a dedicated display test, on top of the usual review. And regardless of where you stand on the matter, having the sole UltraHD screen in a smartphone on the market does score the Premium points for exclusivity – always a factor when it comes to a handset’s appeal.

It’s not just flair, there’s plenty to like under the Z5 Premium’s mirror surface, and the majority of you seem to have picked up on that. Top-end specs are a given at its market position and the all-new 23MP camera and Snapdragon 810 chip are sure to entice, troubled as the fastest Qualcomm SoC might be.

Sure, you weren’t particularly excited about the battery life, and pricing could have been easier on the wallet, but who’s without their…

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