Nokia 6 (2018) appears on the certification website; Nokia 5 gets an Android Oreo beta. The handset has the model number TA-1054, but the list doesn’t mention it. However, an online report claims that the device on TENAA is the dual SIM variant of the Nokia 6 successor and will have a design similar to that of the Nokia 7. The rumored Nokia 6 (2018) would have a bezel-less 18:9. Screen is expected to have the Snapdragon 630 SoC, 4 GB RAM, 32 GB internal storage, and a dual camera setup on the back with HMD Global’s bothie feature.
Nokia 5 was also in the news today when it received the beta version of Android 8.0 Oreo. The rollout was announced by HMD Global Chief Product Officer Juho Sarvikas, who added that the Oreo beta version would soon be released for Nokia 6. If the company follows the timeline it did for Nokia 8, the public Oreo builds for Nokia 5 could be released next month. Those who want to give their device a taste of Oreo should sign up to become a beta tester.
Apple acquired the song recognition app ShazamShazam, which has more than a billion downloads worldwide, which Apple has developed in a deal, the financial terms of which have not been disclosed by the two parties. However, reports link the transaction to around $400 million (approximately Rs. 2,580 crores). Despite its huge install base, Shazam struggled to monetize and only recently announced it was profitable through advertising and redirecting users to services like Apple Music and Spotify. In a statement, the iPhone maker said, “Apple Music and Shazam are a perfect match,” while the Caller ID app said, “We couldn’t imagine a better home for Shazam.”
Google Pixel 2 XL is available up to Rs. 17,000 cheaper. The Google Pixel 2 XL receives a temporary price cut of Rs. 9,000 at offline stores across India. This promotion lowers the price of the device from Rs. 73,999 to Rs. 64,999; the offer ends on December 31. On top of this price cut, there is a Rs. 8,000 cashback on Pixel 2 XL and Pixel 2 on an HDFC Bank credit card EMI subscription. Airtel users get an extra 20 GB of data per month for six months with a prepaid top-up of Rs. 549 and postpaid plans of Rs. 649 and above.
In other Pixel news, the Pixel and Pixel 2 phones running on Android 8.1 Oreo will get Star Wars and Stranger Things Augmented Reality (AR) stickers.
Samsung improves iris scanner technology for Galaxy S9 Samsung is reportedly working on improving its iris scanner technology for the upcoming Galaxy S9 to recognize users’ eyes better. A report says it aims to achieve this improvement by increasing the sensor to 3 megapixels from the current 2 megapixels (on the Galaxy S8, Galaxy S8+, and Galaxy Note 8). This would increase the brightness of the iris scanner and provide better security, even when users are wearing glasses or in bright or dark environments. The iris scanner would be used to unlock the Samsung Galaxy S9 and for banking and other transactions.
Intex Elyt E6 with 3GB RAM, 4000mAh battery launched Intex has launched the Elyx E6 smartphone with 3GB RAM and 4000mAh battery capacity in the Indian market. The key specs of the latest Android 7.0 Nougat-based Intex smartphone include a 5-inch HD display, quad-core 1.25GHz MediaTek processor, 32GB internal storage, microSD card up to 128GB, dual SIM support, and 13- megapixel rear camera. Priced at Rs. 6,999, the new Elyt E6 also has an 8-megapixel front camera and will go on sale from December 15 via Flipkart.
Airtel launches 4G services in 130 cities and towns in Ladakh Airtel has announced the rollout of 4G services in more than 130 towns and villages in Ladakh, claiming to be the first operator to offer high-speed data in the region. With this rollout, Airtel subscribers – both residents and tourists – will be able to access 4G internet in popular spots like Kargil War Memorial, Magnetic Hill, Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace, Thiksey Monastery, Lamayuru Monastery, Moon Land Lamayuru, Sakti towards Pangong- lake, Stok Palace and Hall of Fame. This rollout is part of the company’s Project Leap initiative.
Android Oreo installs base hits 0.5 percent Google has revealed that Android Oreo is on 0.5 percent of all Android devices, up from 0.2 percent in last month’s report. Android Marshmallow has the largest share of the pie at 29.7 percent, followed by Lollipop at 26.3 percent, both down from the previous month. The 2016 Android build, Nougat, saw its share grow to 23.3 percent in the December report, up from 20.6 percent.
Samsung and Paytm sell Samsung, and Amazon India organized their Happy Hours sale in India today. As part of the Samsung Happy Hours sale, the Galaxy On5 Pro was available for Rs. 6,990, down from Rs. 9.190. Likewise, Galaxy On7 Pro was offered for Rs. 7,490 instead of the launch price of Rs. 11.190. As part of the sale, buyers who top up their Jio account with Rs. 309 will receive another 10 GB of data; for Rs. 509, she gets 15 GB extra data. The free data can be used for up to six charges.
Paytm also had the 12.12 Festival sale today, with cashbacks at various food, beverage, and fashion stores. There wasn’t much in the way of electronics in the 12.12 Festival sale, but gadget lovers can get Rs. 1,000 cashback on a minimum billing of Rs. 6,999 from Reliance Digital stores as part of the sale. More interestingly, Paytm will host another sale on December 13 called Grand Finale 2017. This sale will go up to Rs. 15,000 cashback on smartphones and up to Rs. 20,000 cashback on laptops, TVs, and cameras.
Disclosure: Paytm’s parent company, One97, is an investor in Gadgets 360.
