Friday, September 2, 2016

IFA 2016: Lenovo releases K6, K6 Power and K6 Note

Lenovo releases K6, K6 Power and K6 Note for  IFA 2016.



Seems coming in with metallic design aesthetics as we have seen on previous K series. They offer Full HD 1080p resolution for the 5 inch on K6 and K6 Power and 5.5 inch for K6 Note. At this screen resolution, I am confident they will be marketed with TheaterMax for Virtual reality.

Under the hood, the three is powered by Snapdragon 430 Octa-Core Processor. Lenovo K6 will have memory and storage setup at 2GB RAM / 16GB or 32GB; K6 Power 2GB/16GB or 3GB/32GB  Storage and Lenovo K6 Note.

As for camera, Lenovo K6 and K6 Power is equipped with 13MP while Lenovo K6 Note will have a 16MP. The Three will have 8MP for their front camera.

Regular Sets of Connectivity from WiFi, Bluetooth and GPS. LTE is supported. Like most of its devices will carry Dolby Atmos for enhanced audio experience. These are Dual Sim Dual Standby smartphones.

Battery 3000mAh for Lenovo K6 while 4000mAh for Lenovo K6 Power and  Lenovo K6 Note.

No word yet on pricing and availability... Will update asap.

Lenovo K6 Specs
Android Marshmallow
5 inch Full HD IPS Display
Snapdragon 430 Octa-Core Processor
Adreno 505
2GB RAM
16GB/32GB Internal Storage
Expandable via MicroSD slot
13MP Rear Camera
with LED Flash
8MP Front Camera
LTE / HSPA+ / 3G
Dual Sim
WiFi
Bluetooth
GPS, aGPS
Fingerprint Scanner
Dolby Atmos
3000mAh Non-removable Battery

Lenovo K6 Power Specs
Android Marshmallow
5 inch Full HD IPS Display
Snapdragon 430 Octa-Core Processor
Adreno 505
2GB RAM /16GB Internal Storage or
3GB / 32GB Internal Storage
Expandable via MicroSD slot
13MP Rear Camera
with LED Flash
8MP Front Camera
LTE / HSPA+ / 3G
Dual Sim
WiFi
Bluetooth
GPS, aGPS
Fingerprint Scanner
Dolby Atmos
4000mAh Non-removable Battery

Lenovo K6 Note Specs
Android Marshmallow
5.5 inch Full HD IPS Display
Snapdragon 430 Octa-Core Processor
Adreno 505
3GB/4GB RAM
32GB Internal Storage
Expandable via MicroSD slot
16MP Rear Camera
with LED Flash
8MP Front Camera
LTE / HSPA+ / 3G
Dual Sim 
WiFi 
Bluetooth 
GPS, aGPS
Fingerprint Scanner
Dolby Atmos
4000mAh Non-removable Battery

IFA 2016: Alcatel unviels new Shine Lite Smartphone

Alcatel unviels it new Shine Lite offering high-end design, top-quality materials, fingerprint scanner for an affordable price to meet needs of budget stylish consumers.



“Our aim was to develop a high-end product without a high-end price, and we’ve done just that,” says Nicolas Zibell, General Manager of International Business and President of TCL Communication. “SHINE LITE has flagship-product design and relevant features, tailored  to meet the needs of our Gen Z consumers who look for a combination of style and substance, without a hefty price-tag.”

Shine Lite comes in combination of glass and metal with 2.5D Glass on both front and back sandwiching its metal frame producing a grand and elegant as well as well built smartphone. Sports a 5 inch 720p HD IPS Display. It is powered by Mediatek MT6737 Processor with Mali-T720 GPU coupled with 2GB RAM and 16GB Internal Storage expandable via MicroSD.



As for it optics it features a 13MP Primary camera supported with Dual Tone Led Flash. Its front camera is at 5MP but it will come with front selfie flash.

Packs Fingerprint sensors for more personalize security as well as offers private Safebox, where users can store private photos, videos, music and documents.

Will have the regular sets of connectivity from WiFi, Bluetooth and GPS. I believe this one is Dual Sim as same with Alcatel X1. Internet connectivity via ultrafast LTE.

Carries a 2460mAh non-removable battery.

SHINE LITE is available in a range of colours – Pure White, Prime Black, Satin Gold, Gold Duo and Silver Duo. No Word Yet on its availability. Said to under USD $200. More of a value product of Alcatel's own X1 which also features glass and metal construction, fingerprint and near similar camera and battery.

Alcatel Shine Lite Specs
Android 6.0 Marshmallow
5 inch 720p IPS LCD Display
2.5 Dragontrail Glass
1.3GHz MediaTek MT6737 Quad-Core Processor
Mali-T720 GPU
2GB RAM
16GB Internal Storage
Expandable via microSD card
13MP AF Rear Camera
With Dual-Tone LED Flash
5MP Front Camera
With Selfie Flash
LTE / 4G / 3G / 2G
WiFi 802.11 b/g/n
Bluetooth 4.1
GPS A-GPS
Fingerprint scanner
2460mAh non-removable battery

IFA 2016: Alcatel Outs Pop 4 XL Smartphone and Tablets

Alcatel outs new Pop 4 series Smartphones and Tablets - Pop 4 XL 6 inch, Pop 4 7 inch, and Pop 4 10 inch.



"The new Alcatel POP 4 tablets and XL smartphone offer both style and substance, with a sleek profile and premium metallic design details,” says Vittorio Di Mauro, Alcatel’s Vice President & General Manager of Smart Connectivity Division. “They don’t skimp on performance, with a powerful chipset and 4G connectivity. The 6-inch version — our ‘extra-large smartphone’ — offers fingerprint recognition and a high-performance 13 Mpxl camera.”



These Pop tablets offers High Definition Display with 720p for Pop 4 7 inch and 1080p Full HD for Pop 4 6 inch and Pop 4 10 inch. More focus on entertainment and connectivity.

The Pop 10 inch is powered by Snapdragon 430 MSM8937 while the other two Mediatek, POP 4 7 inch with MT8735 Quad-core and POP 4 6 inch with MT6755 Octa-core Processor.

Alcatel teamed up with Waves to add MaxxAudio® optimize its audio quality. The Dual Front speakers of 10-inch tablet delivers the best multimedia experience for music, movies, games and more.

Pop 4 Series features LTE connectivity for faster internet connection on the go. They Run on Android (Marshmallow me thinks).

Focusing on Alcatel Pop 4 6 inch, it carries a 2.5D Curved Glass toprotect its 6 inch Full HD IPS Display. Mediatek Helio P10 will assure you of decent performance and efficiency. Features 13MP Primary Camera while 5MP on the front. Carries 3500mAh which should give you long lasting battery life.

These devices will initially be available in MEA and Europe, starting  from mid-October. No word yet on other countries. Will update once get full specs from Alcatel.

Samsung Official Statement on World Wide Recall of Galaxy Note7

Samsung latest and most popular, Galaxy Note7 is being recalled for explosive battery cell issue. For the safety of world wide consumers, Samsung decides to stop production, selling, releasing and recall units of Galaxy Note7 until they pinpoint the cause and rectify the issue.


Here is their Official Statement....

Official Samsung statement on the Galaxy Note7

“Samsung is committed to producing the highest quality products and we take every incident report from our valued customers very seriously. In response to recently reported cases of the new Galaxy Note7, we conducted a thorough investigation and found a battery cell issue.

“To date (as of September 1) there have been 35 cases that have been reported globally and we are currently conducting a thorough inspection with our suppliers to identify possible affected batteries in the market. However, because our customers’ safety is an absolute priority at Samsung, we have stopped sales of the Galaxy Note7.

“For customers who already have Galaxy Note7 devices, we will voluntarily replace their current device with a new one over the coming weeks. We will provide further details on the process and timing of replacement as soon as possible.

“We acknowledge the inconvenience this may cause in the market but this is to ensure that Samsung continues to deliver the highest quality products to our customers. We are working closely with our partners to ensure the replacement experience is as convenient and efficient as possible.”

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For the Philippines Market, Samsung has finally issued the mechanics of
Galaxy Note7 Replacement Program:

Samsung is committed to ensuring that consumers have the highest quality devices in their hands. Due to the battery cell issue in the 35 cases reported globally, we are voluntarily replacing all Galaxy Note7 devices in the Philippines despite no cases being reported in the country.
Samsung Galaxy Note7 Voluntary Replacement Program Mechanics

The Galaxy Note7 Voluntary Replacement Program will run from October 01 to December 31, 2016. All Galaxy Note7 devices bought from authorized stores and telco operators in the Philippines on or before September 07, 2016 are covered by the replacement program.

1. To avail of the replacement program, all Galaxy Note7 device owners should bring the device, the full box, proof of purchase, and one (1) valid ID to the store where it was purchased. For devices purchased through Globe and Smart, owners should contact their telco operators’ hotlines or visit the closest telco operator store (See Smart and Globe Details Below). For those who bought from Lazada, owners should contact them directly.

2. The owner should surrender the device and the full box to the store and they will receive a brand new Galaxy Note7 of the same color sealed in a box at no extra cost.

3. The warranty period of the new device will be adjusted to reflect the date of the replacement.

4. If Galaxy Note7 owners are unable to visit the store where they have bought the device from, they can bring their device instead to the closest Samsung authorized Customer Service Center.

5. For Galaxy Note7 owners who have purchased their device in the Philippines and are now located in another country, please contact the Samsung Customer Service center in that country. You can find out the contact numbers by visiting www.samsung.com and selecting the country where you are located in.

Galaxy Note7 device owners also have the option to exchange their device with a Galaxy S7 edge instead.

1. Galaxy Note7 device owners can have their device exchanged with an S7 edge from September 10 – December 31, 2016. All Galaxy Note7 devices bought from authorized stores and telco operators in the Philippines on or before September 07, 2016 are covered by the replacement program.
2. To avail of the exchange, all Galaxy Note7 device owners should bring the device, the full box, proof of purchase, and one (1) valid ID to the store where it was purchased.
3. The owner should surrender the device and the full box to the store and they will receive a brand new Galaxy S7 edge sealed in a box. The store will reimburse any difference between the SRP of the Galaxy S7 edge and the Galaxy Note7. Reimbursement amount will be against SRP of Php39,990.
4. For devices purchased through Globe and Smart, owners should contact their telco operators’ hotlines or visit the closest telco operator store to have their Galaxy Note7 device exchanged for a Galaxy S7 edge.
5. The warranty period of the new device will be adjusted to reflect the date of the replacement.
6. If Galaxy Note7 owners are unable to visit the store where they have bought the device from, they can bring their device instead to the closest Samsung authorized Customer Service Center.
7. For Galaxy Note7 owners who have purchased their device in the Philippines and are now located in another country, please contact the Samsung Customer Service center in that country. You can find out the contact numbers by visiting www.samsung.com and selecting the country where you are located in.

Vaild IDs: Any government issued ID, company ID, school ID, or residence ID (condominium, village, etc).

Replacement Other Concerns:
Can I choose a different color?
No, we do not allow a change of colors.

Do I need to return all my accessories that came in the box, including the box itself?
Yes, Bring along the full box and all accessories.

Pre-order bundled items? Can I keep them?
Yes, you may keep any pre-order bundled item.

Don’t have Official Receipt? will still be accommodated.
Yes it will be processed but you must visit the store where you purchased the unit to validate the device and give you your new unit.

Galaxy Note7 is damaged (e.g. screen is broken)?
Can still avail of the voluntary replacement program.

Source: www.samsung.com/ph/note7replacement

Samsung’s Customer Service hotlines are as follows:
02 422 2111
Toll Free Globe: 1 800 8 726 7864
Toll Free PLDT: 1 800 10 726 7864

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Smart Communications Inc., on the other hand issued their own advisory regarding the matter:

SMART ADVISORY on SAMSUNG GALAXY NOTE7
Smart is fully aware of the reports about some user concerns on the new Samsung Galaxy Note7. Rest assured that the safety of our subscribers is our foremost priority.
In the light of the global announcement made by Samsung, Smart is taking the following actions:
1. We have stopped selling and releasing the Samsung Galaxy Note7.
2. We are requesting all our subscribers who purchased the handset from us to proceed to any Smart Store so we can assist them.

Please refer to the press release issued by Samsung: https://news.samsung.com/global/statement-on-galaxy-note7

Thank you very much.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Globe Telecoms also issues advisory for the recall of Galaxy Note7:

You may have heard of Samsung's official announcement to voluntarily replace the Galaxy Note 7 of its customers. We're now working closely with them on the replacement process. So if you got a Note 7 from us, we'll take care of getting you a replacement as soon as Samsung provides the units.

You can also choose to replace your Note 7 with another device as long as it's available. We'll send you a text and call you directly within the next 3 days to know your preference.

If you want to keep using your Note 7, please keep safe by taking proper precautions, like using only the original battery charger that came with the unit.

If you have questions or clarifications, please get in touch with us via talk@globe.com.ph. To view Samsung’s official statement, visit http://news.samsung.com/global/statement-on-galaxy-note7.

Thank you!


Thursday, September 1, 2016

IFA 2016: Huawei Announces Nova and Nova Plus Midrange Phones

Huawei renews it midrange line up with Nova and Nova Plus announced for IFA 2016.



Upfront it makes use of 2.5D Curved glass unto a contoured frame, curves and runs around the back looks elegant and sexy. Major difference lies at the back for Nova follows tat of Huawei P9 but with round fingerprint sensor and Nova Plus on the other hand follows the Mate series but with squarish Fingerprint sensor. Guess Huawei is playing with design but Nova and Nova Plus really look so good.



Under the hood, both are powered by Snapdragon 625 Octa-Core Processor with Adreno 506 GPU, 3GB RAM and 32GB Internal Storage. You can expand if you need via MicroSD slot for up to 128GB.

Major difference is also found on their optics, as Nova will carry only 12MP while Nova Plus has 16MP Primary Rear Camera. Hybrid AF is supported for both but OIS is only found on Nova Plus. The Two will have front camera set at 8MP.



These are Dual Sim Dual Standby Smartphones and carries the regular sets of connectivity from WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS. Huawei implements USB Type-C for its next generation devices. Guess thsi is to prepare for the future. This should enable support for USB-OTG and other functions.

Fingerprint security is available for both devices for more personalized security.



Huawei Nova packs a 3020mAh battery while Nova Plus has 3340mAh.

Availability for the Huawei Nova is said to be in October in over 50 countries and regions. The Huawei Nova Plus will initially be available in October in over 50 markets. No Word Yet on Pricing.

Huawei Nova Specs
Android 6.0 Marshmallow
Huawei EMUI 4.1
5 inch FHD 1080p Display
Snapdragon 625 Octa-Core Processor
Adreno 506 GPU
3GB LPDDR3 RAM
32GB Internal Storage
Expandable via microSD up to 128GB
12MP Primary Rear Camera
1.25μm pixel size, F2.2 Wide-Aperture lens
Hybrid AF
With LED Flash
8MP Front Camera
DTS Headphone: X
2 Microphones
1 Speaker
LTE/ 4G / 3G / 2G
Dual Sim / Dual Standby
WiFi b/g/n
Bluetooth 4.1
GPS, aGPS, GLONASS, BDS
USB-Type C Port
Sensors:
Fingerprint
G-Sensor
Gyroscope
Compass
Ambient Light
Proximity
Hall Effect
3020mAh Battery
Dimensions: 141.2mm x 69.1mm x 7.1mm
Weight: approximately 146g

Huawei Nova Plus Specs
Android 6.0 Marshmallow
Huawei EMUI 4.1
5.5 inch FHD 1080p Display
Snapdragon 625 Octa-Core Processor
Adreno 506 GPU
3GB LPDDR3 RAM
32GB Internal Storage
Expandable via microSD up to 128GB
16MP Primary Rear Camera
Hybrid AF
With LED Flash
8MP Front Camera
DTS SOUND
2 Microphones
1 Speaker
LTE/ 4G / 3G / 2G
Dual Sim / Dual Standby
WiFi b/g/n
Bluetooth 4.1
GPS, aGPS, GLONASS, BDS
USB-Type C Port
Sensors:
Fingerprint
G-Sensor
Gyroscope
Compass
Ambient Light
Proximity
Hall Effect
3340mAh Battery
Dimensions: 151.8mm x 75.7mm x 7.3mm
Weight: approximately 160g

IFA 2016: Samsung reveals Gear S3 Classic and Frontier

Samsung reveals their newest smartwatch Gear S3. Actually there are two - Gear S3 Frontier rugged yet executive and Gear S3 classic “real watch” value, both offering timeless watches with expanded functionality with technology.

Samsung Gear S3 Classic


Samsung collaborated with Swiss watch designer Yvan Arpa in creation and refinement of their new smartwatch as well as tapped Prominent artist and industrial designer Arik Levy for watch face and band designs.

Mark Notton, Head of Product Management of Samsung Electronics Europe highlighted new features of the Gear S3 from Always On Display, standalone GPS and sensors, integration of  Samsung Pay and longer battery life.

Samsung Gear S3 Frontier


Changes were made with bezel, buttons and overall hardware of the Gear S3 were accentuated. Stainless steel 316L adds durability as well as aesthetics. Slight elevations around the face and fine tuning of the rotating bezel.

Sporting a 1.3 inch circular Super AMOLED display at 360x360 resolution protected with Corning Gorilla Glass SR+ gives you brilliant display that fulfills its purpose as a "real watch" with Always On Display.

Inside, it has a Dual-Core Processor and standalone sensors to track your activities. Alti/barometer and Speedometer allow users to track from altitude, atmospheric pressure, weather, distance traveled and speed. The built-in GPS functionality enables users to accurately monitor their location. Now supports LTE (Frontier). Along with a built-in speaker and microphone, the smartwatch can now receive and make calls.

Samsung pay is now supported (in select markets) to make a purchase almost anywhere they can swipe or tap a card with Samsung Pay for Gear S3 made possible with with Magnetic Secure Transmission (MST) and Near Field Communication (NFC). Users just need to register a credit or debit card and use it to make mobile payments.

Consumers can access a diverse range of apps from fitness, music, news and among others. Customizable watch faces available for download to personalize your smartwatch according to your liking.  Samsung also introduced the integration of BMW’s personal mobility companion. Samsung Knox Tizen Wearable SDK is now available to third-parties, enabling management capabilities and the development of customized applications for Samsung’s wearable ecosystem.



Carries a larger, longer-lasting battery (380mAh) now typical usage of three to four days.

Samsung Gear S3 Classic / Frontier Specs
Tizen OS 2.3.2 Wearable Platform
IP68 Water and Dust Resistant
1.3 inch Super AMOLED
360x360 Resolution
Full Color
Always On Display
Corning Gorilla Glass SR+
Dual Core 1.0GHz
768MB RAM
4GB Internal Storage
Microphone and Speaker
3G/LTE (Frontier)
WiFi b/g/n
Bluetooth 4.2
NFC, MST
GPS aGPS GLONASS
380mAh Li-On Battery
Wireless Charging
WPC Inductive
49mm x 46mm x 12.9mm
62g Frontier / 57g Classic

IFA 2016: Sony Launches Xperia X Compact and Xperia XZ

Sony officially announced their new Xperia X Compact and Xperia XZ.

Xperia X Compact Left and Xperia XZ Right


They come in a Unified Design with loop surface that comfortably sits on your hands. The loop surface is inspired by a monolithic form. ALKALEIDO™ metal enhance the Xperia XZ's premium design with shine and depth. As for Xperia X Compact’s design, it comes in high-gloss finish and solid feel as well as follows the new signature blue colour expression, Mist Blue together with classic Universe Black and stylish White.



Sony is also an expert in making water resistant phones as such you don't need to worry about water for Xperia XZ as it is IP68 Dust and Water Resistant.

The Xperia XZ will carry a 5.2 inch Full HD  while Xperia X Compact is at 4.6 HD.Both of which are with Sony TRILUMINOS Display, X-Reality engine and Dynamic Contrast Enhancement.



Power the devices is Qualcomm Snapdragon with Adreno Graphics. Snapragon 820 will give the Xperia XZ top class performance complimented with abundant storage at 32GB/64GB with 3GB RAM. Xperia X Compact won't be left out with its Snapdragon 650 processor also with 3GB RAM and 32GB Internal Storage. If storage is still not enough, you can add up to 256 GB via microSD card.



Sony is gearing for a fight in terms of optics and since they practically control the sensors in the industry then Xperia line gets their best efforts. Sony’s original Exmor RS™ plus Predictive Hybrid AF and now Laser AF is brought into the mix for faster focusing on close objects. To get accurate true to life colors,  RGBC-IR sensor with colour sensing technology is added which adjusts the white balance based on the lighting conditions. Finally, at long last, Sony opens up its camera software with Manual Controls for ISO, Shutter Speed, Focus for greater creative control. For Xperia XZ, it is the first smartphone to carry 5-axis OIS for smoother video recording without the shakes and blur. Both phones will carry 23MP with Sony 24mm G-Lens and BIONZ image processor. Front camera differs as Xperia XZ has 13MP while Xperia X Compact is at 5MP.

As for connectivity, regular sets with WiFi, Bluetooth, NFC. Makes use of USB Type-C Port for faster charging and data. Fast internet connection  via LTE is supported and i am pretty sure it will support bands in whatever country you are. Single Sim variant for Xperia Compact while Xperia XZ will have Single Sim and Dual Sim Models.



Battery is at 2900mAh for Xperia XZ and 2700mAh for Xperia X Compact. Qnovo Adaptive Charging is supported.

As for pricing and release, Xperia XZ said to launch globally October 2016 and Xperia X Compact is said to be available this month of September.

Sony Xperia X Compact Specs:
Android Marshmallow
4.6 inch Full HD TRILUMINOS™ Display
X-Reality® for mobile picture engine
Dynamic Contrast Enhancement
Corning Gorilla Glass
Snapdragon 650, 64-bit Hexa-Core Processor
Adreno 510 GPU
3GB RAM
32GB Internal Storage
Expandable Via MicroSD Up to 256GB
23MP Primary rear Camera
Triple image sensing technology (Contrast, Phase and Laser AF)
Predictive Hybrid Autofocus
1/2.3” Exmor RS™ sensor
24mm Wide Sony G Lens
up to ISO 12800
BIONZ® mobile image-processing engine
SteadyShot™ with Intelligent Active Mode (5-axis stabilization)
Full HD video 1080 (60fps)
5MP Front camera
1/3.06” Exmor RS™ sensor
22mm Wide-Angle lens F2.0
up to ISO 6400
High-Resolution Audio (LPCM, FLAC, ALAC, DSD)
DSEE HX
LDAC
Digital Noise Cancellation
Clear Audio+
S-Force Front Surround
Stereo recording
3.5mm Audio Jack
Single Nano Sim
LTE / 4G / 3G / 2G
WiFi
Bluetooth 4.2
GPS A-GNSS GLONASS
NFC
USB-Type C Port
FingerPrint Sensor
2700mAh Battery
Qnovo Adaptive Charging

Sony Xperia XZ Specs:
Android Marshmallow
5.2 inch Full HD TRILUMINOS™ Display
X-Reality® for mobile picture engine
Dynamic Contrast Enhancement
Corning Gorilla Glass
Snapdragon 820, 64-bit Quad-Core Processor
Adreno 530 GPU
3GB RAM
32GB / 64GB Internal Storage
Expandable Via MicroSD Up to 256GB
23MP Primary rear Camera
Triple image sensing technology (Contrast, Phase and Laser AF)
Predictive Hybrid Autofocus
1/2.3” Exmor RS™ sensor
24mm Wide Sony G Lens
up to ISO 12800
BIONZ® mobile image-processing engine
SteadyShot™ with Intelligent Active Mode (5-axis stabilization)
Full HD video 1080 (60fps)
13MP Front camera
1/3.06” Exmor RS™ sensor
22mm Wide-Angle lens F2.0
up to ISO 6400
High-Resolution Audio (LPCM, FLAC, ALAC, DSD)
DSEE HX
LDAC
Digital Noise Cancellation
Clear Audio+
S-Force Front Surround
Stereo recording
3.5mm Audio Jack
Single Nano Sim
LTE / 4G / 3G / 2G
WiFi
Bluetooth 4.2
GPS A-GNSS GLONASS
NFC
USB-Type C Port
FingerPrint Sensor
2900mAh Battery
Qnovo Adaptive Charging
IP68 Water and Dust Resistant