Google Pixel 2 Surpasses Galaxy Note 8 and iPhone 8 Plus in DxOMark camera ranking

 By Vaibhav Jain on October 04, 2017       

Google's Pixel is back at the top of the DxOMark camera rankings. The sensor improvements and new features in the Pixel 2 gave it a score of 98.

In the breakdown, DxOMark said that the Google Pixel 2 now has the best performing camera they have ever tested for photography. It also has the joint-highest score for video quality, better than iPhone 8 Plus and Note 8.

The Google Pixel 2 is the top-performing mobile device camera we’ve tested, with a record-setting overall score of 98. Impressively, it manages this despite having “only” a single-camera design for its main camera. Its top scores in most of our traditional photo and video categories put it ahead of our previous (tied) leaders, the Apple iPhone 8 Plus and the Samsung Galaxy Note 8, despite the Pixel 2 coming in lower in the new Zoom and Bokehcategories. The Pixel 2 is also a major step forward from the Pixel (which was our top scorer when it was released a year ago), moving from 90 to 98.

The Google Pixel 2 not only takes the DxOMark Mobile scoring crown with a stunning Overall score of 98, but its video performance improves by 5 points over the original Pixel, putting it at 96 and at the top of our video ranking. The Pixel 2’s photo performance is really impressive at 99, and just one point short of the Samsung Galaxy Note 8, which scored an amazing 100 in our photo category.

Read full DxOMark Pixel 2 Camera Review Here 

Download: Pixel 2 Stock Wallpaper

 By Vaibhav Jain on October 04, 2017       

If you need to get your hands on the Pixel 2 or Pixel 2 XL wallpaper, you can grab them straight from the link below. There's only 1 exclusive wallpaper, more if you include previous 2016 Pixel Smartphone wallpapers.

Downloadable in 1440 × 2880, the wallpaper will look great on your Smartphones. To get it on your phone, you can simply save the image from below, or follow the link to a direct download (End of Article).

Today is the day in which Google reveals the Pixel 2 Smartphones and ahead of the launch, we’ve seen a ton of big leaks. Summing up everything, the HTC-made Pixel 2 with old 16:9 aspect ratio will be available in Kinda Blue, Just Black, and Clearly White. It will be available starting $649 for 64GB of storage while the 128GB variant would cost $749.

The LG-made Pixel 2 XL, on the other hand will feature a 5.99-inch display (18:9) with a 1440p OLED panel provided by LG, Snapdragon 835 processor coupled with 4GB RAM. It will be available with 64GB or 128GB storage. The 64GB model will cost $849, while the 128GB model will jump to $949.

Just a few minutes left for Google Pixel launch event, Watch it right here.

Direct Download

Google Pixel 2 leaks at last minute before event

 By Vaibhav Jain on October 04, 2017       

Today is the day in which Google reveals the Pixel 2 Smartphones and ahead of the launch, we’ve seen a ton of big leaks. Now according to latest leaks from Roland Quandt, we've the fresh look at Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL front.

The below render shows us the "Kinda Blue" variant of the Pixel 2 with the color peeking around the border of the phone from a front view.” Roland also states that there's not going to be a "Kinda Blue" variant of the Pixel 2 XL, which is quite disappointing. 

The HTC-made Pixel 2 with old 16:9 aspect ratio will be available in Kinda Blue, Just Black, and Clearly White. It will be available starting $649 for 64GB of storage while the 128GB variant would cost $749.

Here's another render revealing the Black Pixel 2 XL with 18:9 FullVision Display. The LG-made Pixel 2 XL will feature a 5.99-inch display (18:9) with a 1440p OLED panel provided by LG, Snapdragon 835 processor coupled with 4GB RAM. It will be available with 64GB or 128GB storage. The 64GB model will cost $849, while the 128GB model will jump to $949.

According to previous reports the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL will sport different launch dates, with the Pixel 2 being available on October 19th, and the Pixel 2 XL coming on November 15th.

Google is Announcing the Pixel 2 Today, Watch the Event Live Here!

 By Vaibhav Jain on October 04, 2017       

The Google Pixel 2 will be officially announced in San Francisco today during a live streamed event at 9AM Pacific (9:30 PM IST). Google will show off the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL along with Google Home Mini, Pixelbook and other devices, tell us the new features.

During this Livestream, we are sort of expecting to see the price of the new devices and Launch day offers. You can watch out the live event here-

Moto X Play finally gets Android 7.1.1 Nougat update in India

 By Vaibhav Jain on October 03, 2017       

After a long wait, the Moto X Play users are finally getting Android 7.1.1 Nougat update with the latest Security Patch.

If you own a Moto X Play in the India you should have received the over-the-air update notification for Nougat. Android 7.1.1 Nougat for the Moto X Pure brings Latest Security patch, Duo video calling application, New Icons, and other Android 7.1.1 Nougat goodies.

The update costs in at around 763.2MB, it comes with build number 26.31.1.en.03.

Motorola’s instructions explain that for a successful installation, the battery in your phone should be at least 50% charged and your device should be connected to a Wi-Fi network or LTE.

If you haven't got the notification of this new software update yet, Just go to Settings - About Phone - Software updates, and It will automatically start downloading the latest update. The update will take around 10-15 minutes to get Installed on your device.

Recently Motorola announced the list of devices getting Android 8.0 Oreo and the Moto X Play is not eligible for the update.

Stay tuned to our Facebook and Twitter page to get the first News.

OxygenOS 4.5.11 roll-out begins for OnePlus 5 owners

 By Vaibhav Jain on October 03, 2017       

The OnePlus 5 is now receiving an incremental update to OxygenOS version 4.5.11, which brings mostly new features and bug fixes while remaining on Nougat.

OnePlus has added Support for custom notification ringtone. Other noteworthy changes include Improved launching app speed, Optimized adaptive brightness, and September Security Patch with Blueborne Fix.

The Company has fixed issue of YouTube video lagging behind audio, display issues of some UI elements, and issue of no 4G+ network in some regions.

The update is slowly rolling out in all the countries, but it will take some time to reach your smartphone. Also, you will receive the update only if you're using Stock Un-modified firmware.

OnePlus has already started working on the Android Oreo update for the OnePlus 5. The company plans to roll out Android Oreo update by the end of 2017.

Here's another look at Google Pixel 2 XL and Google Home Mini

 By Vaibhav Jain on October 03, 2017       

Google is hosting an event on October 4 at 9 a.m. Pacific to show off its new hardware to take us through 2017. We are expecting Google's 2017 flagship phones called Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL, Google Home Mini and Daydream.

Following a series of leaks that we shared with you earlier, here's another image of the $50 Google Home Mini Assistant along with the Pixel 2 XL (Via Walmart listing).

The listing also reveals the codename of Google Home Mini “joplin". There's still a lot that we don't know about Home Mini. However, it do tell us the size which is 4.53 x 4.53 x 4.72 inches. Surprisingly, Walmart’s listing also gives us another look at the Pixel 2 XL, this time with the screen on and the Google Home app open.

The LG-made Pixel 2 XL will feature a 5.99-inch display (18:9) with a 1440p OLED panel provided by LG, Snapdragon 835 processor coupled with 4GB RAM. It will be available with 64GB or 128GB storage.

Via 9to5Google

Moto X4 Unboxing and Camera Samples!

 By Vaibhav Jain on October 03, 2017       

The Motorola Moto X4 is now available with Snapdragon 630 Processor, 3/4GB RAM, 32/64GB ROM, and a 5.2-inch LTPS IPS LCD display. The device comes in two color variants i.e. Black and Blue.

In this YouTube Video, we’ll take you around the packaging of the phone, share some initial thoughts on the in-hand feel.

Let's Unbox the Moto X4! (Thanks to Baptiste)

Camera Samples (Open in new tab for Orignal Size)

More Samples will be uploaded soon, stay tuned!

Google Pixel 2 Leak Reveals Almost Everything

 By Vaibhav Jain on October 03, 2017       

2017 gave us few popular and innovative devices like the Galaxy S8, Galaxy Note 8, iPhone X, OnePlus 5, and the Nokia 8. From big screens to great performance, each phone has a lot to offer. Well, they aren't your only option, We've the Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL coming tomorrow (October 4).

Google is hosting an event on October 4 at 9 a.m. Pacific to show off its new hardware to take us through 2017. We are expecting Google's 2017 flagship phones called Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL, Google Home and Daydream.

Following a series of leaks that we shared with you earlier, Thanks to Evan Blass of VentureBeat, we now have the final high-quality photos and information of Google's stunning new Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL.

The LG-made Pixel 2 XL will feature a 5.99-inch display (18:9) with a 1440p OLED panel provided by LG, Snapdragon 835 processor coupled with 4GB RAM. It will be available with 64GB or 128GB storage. The 64GB model will cost $849, while the 128GB model will jump to $949. You'll also get financing option. The 64GB Pixel 2 XL will cost $35.38/mo over 24 months and the 128GB version will jump to $39.54/mo.

The HTC-made Pixel 2 with old 16:9 aspect ratio will be available in Kinda Blue, Just Black, and Clearly White. It will be available starting $649 for 64GB of storage while the 128GB variant would cost $749.

VentureBeat also reports that the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL will sport different launch dates, with the Pixel 2 being available on October 19th, and the Pixel 2 XL coming on November 15th.

Source: VentureBeat

You can now Install Android 8.0 Oreo on Moto Z Play via Lineage OS 15

 By Vaibhav Jain on October 03, 2017       

You can now Install Android 8.0 Oreo on Moto Z Play, Thanks to LineageOS 15

Now that Google has released the next version of Android, Android 8.0 Oreo, the wait for the devices to get the update first has already started. Motorola has already updated it's software support page with the list of its devices that will officially get the update and yes the Moto Z Play is one of them.

However, it may take some time for Motorola to roll the Official Android Oreo update. But you can  Install it right now via LineageOS 15. Developer "Alberto97 and Vache" has successfully ported Android 8.0 Oreo Lineage OS 15 for the Moto Z Play. Additionally, most major aspects of the phone are working as expected (such as RIL, WiFi, Bluetooth, etc.), but its still not usable for daily use.

With Android 8.0 Oreo, you'll get new Settings and Notification panel UI, latest features including Picture in Picture (PIP), Adaptive icons, Autofill, Notification timeout, and new emojis.

You'll need to Unlock Bootloader and Install TWRP Custom Recovery in-order to Install the Lineage OS 15 Android 8.0 Oreo Rom on Moto Z Play Addison. You can grab the Custom Rom ZIP file from below.

Stay tuned to our Facebook and Twitter page to get the first News.
Download Moto Z Play Addison

Direct Download: Lineage OS 15 (// XDA)

Android 8.0 Oreo Gapps

October Factory Images and OTA files are now Available for Nexus and Pixel Devices

 By Vaibhav Jain on October 02, 2017       

Every month, Google posts a new security update for the Nexus and Pixel line of devices. The Android security update for October 2017 are already live for a number of devices.

Google has posted both the OTA’s and the factory images for the selected Nexus or Pixel devices. The supported devices includes Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Nexus 6, Nexus 9, Pixel C, Pixel and Pixel XL.

For now, we have October Security Firmware files based on Android 8.0.0 Oreo for the Pixel and Pixel XL (OPR1.170623.027, OPR3.170623.008), Pixel C (OPR1.170623.027), Nexus 6P (OPR5.170623.007), Nexus 5X (OPR4.170623.009).

Nexus 6 (N6F27M, NGI77B) and Nexus 9 (N4F27P, N9F27M) gets October security patch based on Android 7.1.1.

Note that for the Google Pixel, OPR1.170623.027 is for Project Fi and Canad, while OPR3.170623.008 is for everyone else.

You can grab Factory Image or OTA file at the links below.

Links: Factory Image | OTA File

New render give us our best look yet at Pixel 2 XL

 By Vaibhav Jain on October 02, 2017       

As you all know, Google is hosting an event on October 4 to show off its new hardware to take us through 2017. We are expecting Google's 2017 flagship phones called Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL, Google Home and Daydream.

Following a series of leaks that we shared with you earlier, Thanks to Evan Blass, we now have new high-quality photos of Google's stunning new Pixel 2 XL smartphone.

The LG-made Pixel 2 XL will come in a Black White and Just Black color options. It will be available with 64GB or 128GB storage. The 64GB model will cost $849, while the 128GB model will jump to $949. You'll also get financing option. The 64GB Pixel 2 XL will cost $35.38/mo over 24 months and the 128GB version will jump to $39.54/mo.

Pixel XL will feature a 5.99-inch display (18:9) with a 1440p OLED panel provided by LG, Snapdragon 835 processor coupled with 4GB RAM. There's going to be a 12MP Rear shooter with f1.8 (OIS/EIS) and 8MP Shooter to the front. Read full Pixel 2 XL Specs

Source: Evan Blass

Nokia 9 New Color Leaks!!!

 By Vaibhav Jain on October 02, 2017       

Nokia is all set to reveal its trump card, the Nokia 9 with almost Bezel-less display, dual camera, and other 2017 flagship features. We have already seen the Sketch Renders of the Nokia 9 in Orange Gold Color, but today we have another Color leak of the Nokia 9.

As you can see in the above Sketch (Sort of), the Nokia 9 looks gorgeous in Stunning Blue with bent display just like what we've seen in the Galaxy Note Edge. The device looks promising with tiny top and bottom chin.

One thing that is worth noticing is that the Nokia 9 will be having rear fingerprint sensor instead of front fingerprint+home buttons, which can be found in previous Nokia Smartphones including the Nokia 3, Nokia 5, Nokia 6 and Nokia 8.

This leaked design is very likely going to be the real deal, as it came from trusted Nokia leaker Nokibar. That said, Nokia is expected to reveal the Nokia 9 along with the Nokia 2 later this year.

Recently Nokia announced the Nokia 8 with Outdated 5.3-inch QHD IPS display with huge chin and top bezels. It is powered by the Snapdragon 835 SoC, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of internal storage. The phone comes dual rear cameras with Zeiss Optics, Splashproof (IP54), OZO 360-degree Audio, and includes USB Type-C port, Bluetooth 5.0, and NFC. The phone runs Android 7.1.1 Nougat.

Nokia 9 is going to be the same as the Nokia 8 in terms of Specs. However, the devices will differ in terms of design. Yes, the Nokia 9 is going to be much more expensive than the Nokia 8. Thoughts?

Source: Baidu

Huawei Announces Nova 2i with FullView Display

 By Vaibhav Jain on October 02, 2017       

Huawei today announced the Nova 2i with 5.9-inch FullView (18:9) display and 1080 x 2160 Full HD+ resolution. It is powered by HiSilicon’s Kirin 659 octa-core processor, 4GB RAM, and 64GB Internal Storage which can be expended up to 128GB with a microSD card.

Talking about the Camera, the Nova 2i  features dual rear and dual front facing shooters. The rear dual-camera setup features a 16MP sensor and a 2MP  sensor for capturing depth of field information so you can adjust the focus after shooting and also add a variety of bokeh effects. You'll find 13MP + 2MP to the front.

Design wise the device looks identical to many other Smartphones. There's nothing special about this device apart from the 18:9 Screen Ratio which Huawei calls FullView Display. The fingerprint sensor can be found below the camera.

Powered with a 3340mAh battery, the device do not support fast charging. It comes with the Android 7.0 Nougat operating system with the company’s EMUI 5.1 custom UI layer running on top. It will be available in Black, Blue, and Gold colors. Thoughts?

[Update] Custom Moto Z Style Shell and Battery Mod now Officially available in China

 By Vaibhav Jain on October 02, 2017       

Motorola's Modular smartphones were a huge hit and are still going good in markets such as the Europe, UK, and the US. Motorola has opened the Moto Mods building concept to third-party developers, and various Kickstarter Moto Mods arrived last year with unique capabilities.

Motorola has now launched its wide-range of Custom Moto Style Mod for the Moto Z family in China. That said, if you're not satisfied with the current Motorola Style Mods, you can get these Custom ones starting at ¥ 129.

The price may seem to be steep for a Style Mod, but these are worth checking out. The Custom Mods will change the entire look of your Moto Z/Moto Z Force/Moto Z Play.

Having said that, you can customize these Style Shells with tons of available design. Right now, there are five styles available- Artists, Exotic, Moto, Pop Art, and Simple. Out of the five, the Simple and Exotic looks slick.

If you're a resident of China, you can purchase the Mods by visiting here.

Update: It looks like that Motorola is also offering Custom Battery Mod which adds additional Power to your Moto Z Smartphone. You can grab the Custom Power pack at ¥ 499 from Motorola China.

Cheers Stuart

Forget Nougat, You can now Install Android 8.0 Oreo on Moto X Play via Lineage OS 15

 By Vaibhav Jain on October 01, 2017       

Waiting for Android 7.0 Nougat Update for your Moto X Play? Well you can now Install Android 8.0 Oreo on your Moto X Play!

Now that Google has released the next version of Android, Android 8.0 Oreo, the wait for the devices to get the update first has already started. Motorola has already updated it's software support page with the list of its devices that will officially get the update.

We all know that Motorola is still due to update the Moto X Play to Android Nougat and Moto X Play won't be getting Android Oreo Update Officially. But you can now Install the latest Android 8.0 Oreo Unofficially via Custom ROM. Developer "Innfinite4evr" has successfully ported Android 8.0 Oreo Lineage OS 15 for the Moto X Play. Additionally, most major aspects of the phone are working as expected (such as RIL, WiFi, Bluetooth, etc.), but its still not usable for daily use.

With Android 8.0 Oreo, you'll get new Settings and Notification panel UI, latest features including Picture in Picture (PIP), Adaptive icons, Autofill, Notification timeout, and new emojis.

You'll need to Unlock Bootloader and Install TWRP Custom Recovery in-order to Install the Lineage OS 15 Android 8.0 Oreo Rom on Moto X Play Lux. You can grab the Custom Rom ZIP file from below.

Stay tuned to our Facebook and Twitter page to get the first News.

Screenshots (By Aditya2512)

Download Moto X Play Lux

Direct Download: Lineage OS 15

Android 8.0 Oreo Gapps

HMD confirms Android P update for all Nokia smartphones

 By Vaibhav Jain on October 01, 2017       

Now that Google has released the next version of Android, Android 8.0 Oreo, the wait for the devices to get the update first has already started. Recently Nokia confirmed that they will be updating all the Nokia Android Smartphones to Android 8.0 Oreo (Including Nokia 3, Nokia 5, Nokia 6, and Nokia 8).

Nokia has already started testing the Android 8.0 Oreo Beta update on the Nokia 8 and is expected to roll it out for all the Nokia 8 users by the end of October. The company plans to update all the Nokia Android Smartphones to Android Oreo by the end of 2017.

While the new Android update is on its way, HMD Global has now announced that the current batch Nokia smartphones will also be upgraded to Android P. The announcement came at a launch event in the Philippines, and it's interesting to see HMD promising an update for an unannounced Android version.

Also Read: Nokia 8 to get Android Oreo Soon, Beta Test Is Ongoing

That said, Android P still seems a long way off and don't get your hopes high as HMD can change its decision. However, Android 8.0 Oreo update is on its way and might be released soon for Nokia 8, Nokia 6, Nokia 5, and Nokia 3.

[Update: Fake] Google Ultra Pixel Could Be The Real Deal

 By Vaibhav Jain on September 30, 2017       

[Update: This is just a concept video]

The entire world is looking for next Google flagship smartphones the 2017 Pixel(s) to release at the earliest, but one has to wait until October 4 to get hands on it. And leaks about the phone are keeping you at bay.

Just a little few days ago YouTube Channel "MrWhoseTheBoss" leaked a device named "Ultra Pixel" claiming that it could be Google's upcoming Smartphone with 18:9 Display, Gesture Navigation, and an Integrated Fingerprint Sensor.

Supporting the previous leak, MrWhoseTheBoss on his twitter handle just uploaded a video showing off the Google Ultra Pixel's Gesture Navigation Controls.New Footage of the alleged Google Ultra Pixel Smartphone!

We still can't confirm it's genuine - but interesting nonetheless#ultrapixel pic.twitter.com/r2ddrxtd0d

— Arun Maini (@Mrwhosetheboss) September 30, 2017

Having said that, Google might actually reveal the Ultra Pixel along with the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL.

The Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL would feature Snapdragon 835 SoC. The HTC-made Pixel 2 will be available in Kinda Blue, Just Black, and Clearly White. It will be available starting $649 for 64GB of storage while the 128GB variant would cost $749 while the LG-made Pixel 2 XL will come in a Black White and Just Black color options. It will be available with 64GB or 128GB storage. The 64GB model will cost $849, while the 128GB model will jump to $949.

Full Specs: Pixel 2 | Pixel 2 XL

Google Pixel 2 XL Specs

 By Vaibhav Jain on September 30, 2017       

Pixel 2 XL Specification
OS And Hardware
OS	Android OS 8.1 Oreo
Processor	64-bit CPU
Chipset	Snapdragon 835
GPU	Adreno 540 GPU
Dust/Water Resistance	IP67
Body
Dimensions	157.6 x 76.3 x 7.9mm
Weight	-
Colors	Just Black, and Clearly White
Display
Screen Size	5.99
Resolution	QHD
Protection	Gorilla Glass 5
Memory
Internal	64/128 GB
RAM	-
Camera
Primary	12MP 1.4 micropixels at f1.8 (OIS/EIS)
Secondary	8
Battery and Power
Type	3520 mAh battery
Status
Announced	Not announced yet
Price
USD/td>	$849 (64GB)/$949 (128GB)

Polaroid Insta-Share Printer Moto Mod First Real Life Images!!!

 By Vaibhav Jain on September 30, 2017       

Modular phone was first introduced by LG back at the MWC 2016 with the LG G5. However, it was Lenovo who took the concept to a whole new level with their Moto Z range of phones. Motorola is betting big on the modular phones.

And today, here's our first real look at the upcoming Polaroid Insta-Share Printer Moto Mod, which instantly prints your photos just after capturing. Having said that, this module is being developed by Motorola and was first introduced few months back.

At this point of time, it is easy to take photos in your phone and share it with your family members or friends, but there is no way that the photo will come out in real time'. So, for solving this issue, Motorola is bringing in this mod.

This Moto Mod is made up of compact hardware from digital printers and applications and can be easily attachable to the smartphone with the help of magnetic pins at the back.

There's no information on when this product will go on sale. We'll notify you once we get more information.

Source: Technoblog