Galaxy A5 (2016) is the first Samsung to receive the December security update

Galaxy A5 (2016) is the first Samsung to receive the December security update

Google has just started for the Nexus and Pixel devices that it supports directly, but Samsung wants to quickly get in on that action too. Perhaps surprisingly, the Korean company's first handset to receive the latest patches isn't the or the . Instead, for the third time in a row, Samsung has chosen the mid-range (and quite old by mobile world standards) for that role. The December update is already out for this device in the Netherlands if you bought yours unlocked and unbranded. It should make its way to additional countries within the next few days. Hopefully that's also the timeline for this release arriving on the company's flagships. If you have an A5 (2016) and got the update notification, expect a 196MB download. After installing the new software, you'll be on build A510FXXU4CQL1 and the December 1 security patch level. Samsung says you're going to see improved charging stability too, as well as better overall performance. There's apparently been an issue with Wi-Fi connections on this model ever since the October security update. If you're affected your phone often won't want to connect to a Wi-Fi network due to a verification error. Unfortunately it's still unclear if this bug has finally been addressed with the December update. (in Dutch) |

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Google launches Google Go in India and Indonesia

Google launches Google Go in India and Indonesia

Google has launched Google Go, a streamlined version of the Google Search app designed primarily for Android Go Edition devices. The app has currently released only in India and Indonesia. Google Go is designed to make searching simpler and easier for those on slow connections or new to the internet. Opening the app shows you options to search, do a voice search, search for images, search for GIFs, videos, translation and more. You can also place shortcuts for your favorite services here and you can choose from a massive list. If you have an app for that service tapping its icon will just launch the app or otherwise it will take you to its website. The app is also designed to search in two languages at once and with a one tap you can swap the search results between the two languages. Apart from that, Google also announced for the JioPhone. Launched earlier this year, JioPhone is a basic feature phone launched by Reliance in India that's meant to bring fast 4G internet connectivity to the masses. Being a feature phone, there aren't a lot of apps on it but you can now get Google Assistant on it in English and Hindi, making it easy to do searches or use other phone functions like calling, texting, playing music and videos using just your voice.

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SIM-free iPhone X now available from Apple in the US

SIM-free iPhone X now available from Apple in the US

Apple had troubles delivering the new after its launch on November 3. The delivery dates are already fixed to 5 business days (from 5 weeks ), and now Cupertino also offers the phone completely SIM-free. The unlocked iPhone X will work with any carrier, including support for all CDMA and GSM networks. Offered in Silver or Space Gray, the bezel-less Apple phone costs $999 for the 64GB version and $1,149 for the 256 GB one. If you cant wait for a December 12 shipment, there is always the pick-up option where you get it straight from an Apple Store.

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Samsung Galaxy A5 (2018) will actually be called A8 (2018), Bluetooth filing reveals

Samsung Galaxy A5 (2018) will actually be called A8 (2018), Bluetooth filing reveals

For whatever reason, it looks like Samsung is ready to change the branding for its A series smartphones. The successors to the and will not be called and , as you'd expect. A few days ago we found out that the latter of those two is actually going to , and now it's time to see what its sibling will be named. It turns out that the device we've so far been referring to as the Galaxy A5 (2018) will be sold by Samsung as the Galaxy A8 (2018). It has the model number SM-A530, which means it's definitely supposed to be next in line from the A5 (2017), which is SM-A520. The reasons for Samsung's change of strategy in this regard are not known yet, but perhaps it has something to do with making sure that the A series handsets are in line in terms of naming with the flagship S line so you have the and , and now the A8 and A8+ to complement those in the mid-range. Both the A8 (2018) and the A8+ (2018) are expected to , employing the very popular 'tall' 18:9 screen aspect ratio with 1,080 x 2,160 resolution. A rear placed fingerprint scanner will be found on both. The A8 should be powered by an Exynos 7885 SoC or Snapdragon 660 (depending on market) paired with 4GB of RAM, and its display size will be 5.5. |

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Xiaomi is looking for Mi A1 Android 8.0 Oreo update beta testers

Xiaomi is looking for Mi A1 Android 8.0 Oreo update beta testers

Xiaomi launched the running stock Android 7.1.2 Nougat (and the stock part makes perfect sense considering that it's part of the Android One program). It's received since, but it still hasn't tasted Oreo. That's about to change real soon, however. Xiaomi has announced that it's currently looking for eager Mi A1 owners to beta test its upcoming Android 8.0 Oreo software release. You have until December 11 at 11:59 PM Beijing time to enter, which you do by following the steps outlined at the Source linked below. Long story short: you need to use the MIUI Global Forum app on your device, and then fill in some info (including the phone's IMEI numbers in the Comments box of the application form). Note however that to participate in the beta you will be required to use QQ for communicating with other members. You should also have been active on the MIUI global forum, and that's where you'll receive a PM if you're selected. The good news is that you can join regardless of where you're located, and the language of all communication will be English. Obviously, you should also be able to tolerate bugs an inherent part of any beta software release. For now it's unclear when to expect the first build to roll out to testers, or when Xiaomi will feel confident enough about the software to send it out to all Mi A1 owners. |

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Buy an Honor 7X soon, get a price reduction or free stuff

Buy an Honor 7X soon, get a price reduction or free stuff

Today Honor made the , and it's already available in many countries (the main exception at the moment seems to be , where it's only up for pre-order). The Huawei owned online-only brand has prepared some interesting launch promotions, which see you either saving some cash compared to the handset's official price, or net you freebies but in every case you need to act fast. Don't put off purchasing the Honor 7X if you want in on these. Until stocks last, if you buy the 7X you will receive a free Honor Band 3 fitness tracker. That's a 69.99 value. Note that at the moment Honor's online store doesn't ship this bundle to Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland, but that will change soon. If you get your Honor 7X before January 15, you will then receive a 50 mail-in rebate. This effectively makes the phone cost only 249.90. That's much more palatable than the usual price of 299.90 when compared to how much the 7X costs in the US, namely $199.99 (which at the current exchange rates is about 169). Simply clicking on the obvious discount code link in Honor's online store means you will have a code that takes a cool 50 off the price of the phone. Note however that this is available today only, until midnight Italy time. The same promo code scheme applies here as in Italy, except in this case only the first 200 people to request the code will actually get one. So even if you try right now, you may unfortunately be too late. Over here you get a free 13,000 mAh Huawei power bank as well as a pair of Honor Sport Bluetooth earbuds which you can have in blue, black, or red. There are no specific details as to how long this deal will last, though.

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Today only deal: Free Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8-inch with Galaxy Note8

Today only deal: Free Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8-inch with Galaxy Note8

If you are planning to purchase Samsung's latest smartphone, here's a deal for you: for a limited time, the South Korean company is offering a free with each purchase of the flagship phone. The deal is on the unlocked Note8 (costing $950), and the tablet which is currently going for somewhere between $170 and $200, depending on your choice of retailer is in the smoky blue color option. Also, as already mentioned, it's a limited time deal, ending today only. So those interested in availing it may have to act really fast.

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