Folding tablet featured at a tech event in China

The idea of folding tablets and smartphones is something that manufacturers have been playing with and teasing for some time now. The once quirky idea is now a reality, as one phone manufacturer recently showed off its folding tablet concept at an event in China.

The folding tablet dubbed “Lenovo Folio” was showcased at the recently concluded Lenovo Tech World 2017 in Shanghai, China, according to Business Insider.

The device, which features a 1,920 x 1,440 resolution and 7.8-inch display, folds in half to the size of a 5.5-inch smartphone with back-to-back screens.

Powered by a dated but still capable Snapdragon 800 processor, the slick new gadget also runs on the Android 7.0 Nougat operating system.

Finding older hardware on a supposed cutting edge-device should not be an issue, considering this folding tablet is still just a proof of concept. Since the device is still on the development stage, it will be a while before consumers can get their hands on one.

On the other hand, it was previously reported that Samsung and LG also created their own folding gadgets. Rumors at the time suggested that release dates are somewhere around the third or fourth quarter of 2017.

A video of the folding tablet in action is available below,  posted by a YouTuber who attended the tech event. Alfred Bayle/KI

source: technology.inquirer.net

Google could have three Pixel handsets in store for late 2017

Google could be working on three different versions of its next-generation Pixel smartphone, reports the Droid Life website, although there’s no word yet on what to expect from the spec sheets.

The upcoming Pixel line will apparently still include 5″ and 5.5″ models (codenamed “Walleye” and “Muskie”), but these could now be joined by a larger and even more ambitious version, codenamed “Taimen”.

This makes an interesting parallel with rumors surrounding the next-generation iPhone, which point to two “classic” 4.7″ and 5.5″ versions, plus a more show-stopping 5.8″ model with a slightly curved OLED screen.

Expected at the end of 2017, Google’s new Pixels are likely to be dust- and water-resistant. The firm is also reportedly working on boosting the camera’s low-light performances, although it’s unclear whether that will be achieved by hardware modifications to the sensor or through changes to the built-in software. The camera is already a major selling point for Google’s current Pixel handsets, billed as the “highest-rated smartphone camera ever.”

Google presented and launched its first range of Pixel smartphones in fall 2016, with two high-end handsets (5-inch and 5.5-inch models) boasting a stylish design, a super-fast latest-gen processor and a top-end camera, designed to get the best out of Android Nougat.

At launch, Pixel smartphones were positioned as direct rivals for the Samsung Galaxy S7 or Apple’s iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, although they only went on sale in selected countries.

Google’s Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones are currently available in the United States, Germany, Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom, and are coming to India soon. JB

source: technology.inquirer.net

Android Nougat update rolls out to Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge

Android Nougat is finally making its way to Samsung smartphones starting with the current flagship Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge.

The version number G935FXXU1DPLR, which also includes the January security patch, has been spotted in some S7 and S7 Edge devices, reports Tech Radar.

This initial wave of updates is likely to be a limited soak test, enabling devices that get the update later to have a different version number. However, with beta testing having been wrapped up in December, it also stands to reason that most users will be getting the Nougat update soon.


There is currently no specific data on what the features of the upgrade are but going by the beta tests, big changes are to be expected. This includes grouped notifications, being able to change the resolution, and a new interface design, to name a few. Alfred Bayle

source: technology.inquirer.net

Android 7.0 Nougat now out via over-the-air updates

Android 7.0 Nougat, the latest iteration for the popular smartphone OS, is finally being rolled out today via over-the-air updates for Nexus phones.

The devices that are expected to get the update first are as follow:

* Nexus 6
* Nexus 5X
* Nexus 6P
* Nexus 9
* Nexus Player
* Pixel C
* General Mobile 4G (Android One)

Earlier, Google announced that the LG V20 would be the first device to launch with Nougat, and it’s rather interesting that the new OS version is not being launched together with a new Nexus device, reports The Next Web.


As with the developer preview, Android Nougat will come with 72 new emojis and new Bluetooth quick setting controls. Apps will also behave differently based on location and be able to run side by side, thanks to the new multi-window support.

Android Nougat will also support Vulkan and Daydream for VR purposes. Do keep in mind that while the OS will be VR-ready, the device that it is installed on may not be.  Alfred Bayle

source: technology.inquirer.net

It’s official: Android N is Android Nougat

Tech giant Google announced on Friday that Android N, the company’s latest version of Android, will now go by the name “Android Nougat.” Nougat, a chewy dessert bar made of roasted nuts, fruits and honey, is on Android’s list of “luscious” dessert names for their operating systems.

Introducing #AndroidNougat. Thank you, world, for all your sweet name ideas! #AndroidNReveal pic.twitter.com/7lIfDBwyBE

— Android (@Android) June 30, 2016

That moment when… #AndroidNougat #AndroidNReveal pic.twitter.com/dzWYeiW0gk

— Android (@Android) June 30, 2016

We asked for your help to #NameAndroidN. Say hello to #AndroidNougat & watch the unveiling. #AndroidNReveal https://t.co/xVtEiy44FF

— Android (@Android) June 30, 2016

Last month, Google announced that the next version of Android would be named after a winning suggestion from the public. A few weeks ago, social media users speculated that Android N would be named Nutella due to “hidden clues” found in Senior Vice President for Android at Google Hiroshi Lockheimer’s tweets.

Android ‘Nutella’? Google exec’s tweet may have bared name

Drawing from previous reports from tech sites, the tech giant has already released 14 Android versions since 2008, with almost all of the versions’ names patterned after a dessert or sweets in alphabetical order, from Cupcake to Kitkat to Marshmallow, which was released last year.

source: technology.inquirer.net