B&H Photo lists unlocked US variant of LG G5 going up for sale on April 1

B&H is a huge online retailer running straight out of Manhattan, their brick and mortar store is like Disneyland for tech enthusiasts including myself.

Anyway, the retailer has posted both the silver and titan colored LG G5 on its site with an availability date of April 1st. If this turns out to be an April fool’s joke (which I really don’t think it will) it really wouldn’t be a good one.

The site lists the LG G5 as unlocked and identifies the unit as a North American variant. Strangely the description says the unit is compatible with CDMA or GSM networks, but does not list Sprint or Verizon in the list of compatible US networks. Perhaps they aren’t CDMA compatible, or they are CDMA compatible but managed to miss the two largest CDMA networks in the list.

The listing also shows the model number as LGRS988.AUSASV, though this number doesn’t really correspond with the other models H840 or H850. We’ve reached out to B&H to find out if the phone is indeed compatible on Sprint or Verizon networks in the US.

The LG G5 features a Snapdragon 820 processor paired with 4GB of RAM, a 5.3 inch, QHD IPS LCD display, 32GB of internal storage with optional expandable memory, as well as a 2,800mAh removable battery. Of course LG also has its own modular accessories or “Friends” specially made for the LG G5.

Verizon's Nokia Lumia Icon is being considered for Windows 10 Mobile update

Yesterday Microsoft finally commenced the rollout of updates to Windows 10 Mobile for older Lumia branded smartphones, after many months of testing through the Windows Insider program. On that occasion, the company released the list of handsets that are going to be receiving the update, but did not at the time clarify whether the list was final or not.

In the meantime, the company's representatives have said that, essentially, no more phones will be added to the list in the future. And yet there could be an exception after all: Verizon's Nokia Lumia Icon from 2014.

This one is "still under consideration" for the update, according to Gabriel Aul, the guy in charge of the Windows Insider program, who was responding to a question on the matter.

That unfortunately doesn't give us any idea of when the rollout for the Icon would start, if it ever is going to be blessed with the Windows 10 Mobile update. But if you own one of these handsets, perhaps it would be wise not to lose all hope just yet. On the other hand, if you have a Lumia with 512MB of RAM, it's time to give up - the official update to Windows 10 Mobile will never reach your device.

9.7-inch iPad Pro will start at $599, rumor says

For many weeks now Apple has been rumored to introduce a new 9.7-inch iPad at its spring event which is taking place on March 21 (this coming Monday). Recently we've heard that it won't be called iPad Air 3, but will instead go with iPad Pro branding just like the 12.9-inch tablet which is already available.

That makes sense considering that most of its rumored specs are effectively 'borrowed' from its bigger sibling, so why not ape the name as well? Anyway, today a new rumor claims to shed light on the 9.7" iPad Pro's pricing.

It will start at $599, which is $100 more than the base model iPad Air 2. However, there is a caveat here. Whereas the $499 iPad Air 2 comes with Wi-Fi and 16GB of storage, the $599 iPad Pro will get 32GB of space. On the other hand, for $599 you can now buy an iPad Air 2 with 64GB. So while an exact 1:1 price comparison isn't possible, it's safe to say that the cheapest 9.7" iPad Pro will be more expensive than the entry-level Air 2 and will offer less storage than the identically priced device from 2014.

The new iPad Pro will also get an iteration with 128GB of space, as well as LTE connectivity. Interestingly, the unnamed sources behind this info say the iPad Air 2 will remain on sale even after the 9.7-inch iPad Pro becomes official. However the original iPad Air, which is still up for grabs right now, will probably be discontinued.

The new, smaller iPad Pro will come with four speakers, a brighter display that supports the Apple Pencil stylus, a Smart Connector for a new Smart Keyboard accessory, and the A9X chipset. The main camera will apparently be a 12 MP unit with 4K video recording support, and maybe even a LED flash.

Microsoft's last month's $150-discount deal on Surface 3 is back

If you recall, last month, Microsoft was offering a discount of up to $150 on its Surface 3 tablet. In case you missed that deal, here is some good news: the same promo is back again.

The maximum discount of $150 is available on Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + LTE models with 4GB/128GB memory configuration. This means that you can currently purchase these models for $449 and $549, respectively. On the other hand, the variants with 2GB RAM and 16GB storage have received $100 price cut, and can be purchased for $399 and $499, respectively.

Although the deal is valid through April 2, those making a purchase this month will also get $30 off a Surface 3 Docking Station, which usually costs $199.99.

Sony Xperia Z5 Compact gets $100 price cut in US

Sony's Xperia Z5 Compact has received a price cut in the United States, where Amazon is now selling the device for $399.99, down $100 from its usual price of $499.99. Both black and white color options are available at the discounted rate.

The model on offer comes with a US warranty, but is only compatible with GSM carriers such as AT&T and T-Mobile. This means that if you are on a CDMA carrier's network, you are currently out of luck. Aside from Amazon, Best Buy is also offering the same discount, but only on the black colored variant.

The discount comes over a month after the Xperia Z5 Compact received a $50 price cut on Amazon. In case you missed, the device recently started receiving its Android 6.0 Marshmallow update.

Spigen Super5tar program puts a case in your hands in exchange for an honest review

Spigen is a phone maker based out of the US and they have started a new initiative in order to get customer feedback as quickly as possible. The program is called Super5tar Review Program and what it means is that anyone can sign up to be a member for free and if approved, you could be selected to review a Spigen case of your choice.

Right now, they are offering cases for the iPhone 6(S), Galaxy S6 (edge and edge+ too), Galaxy Note 3, Note 4, and Note 5, as well as some screen protectors for the Galaxy S7(edge), LG G5, and iPhones 5S/5C/5.

Strangely, you even have the option of choosing from many models of cases for the iPhone SE. Actually, the entire first page of cases are all for the unannounced iPhone.

Here’s how it works, head over to Spigen’s Super5tar Review Program page and select a case that you’d like to review. Next, fill out the form with your email, birthdate, name, country of residence, and you’ll also need to provide your Amazon account profile link.

To find your Amazon profile link:

• Log into your Amazon account
• Click on “Your Account” (Where you would check for your recent orders)
• Under “Personalization” click on “Your Public Profile”
• Copy the link in your browser’s address bar and paste it back into Spigen’s form
• Your Profile link should look like this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/profile/XXXXXXXXXXXXX

Then, if your application is approved, you will be sent the case you chose at signup and you’ll be expected to write an honest review on the cases’ respective Amazon product page. Of course, you must be over 18 years of age to participate in the review program and you must also agree to a possible minimum processing fee in order to get your case.

The page says approval is based on your Amazon Review Profile, country of residence, and validity of the email address provided. New products will rotate periodically so be sure to check back to the program page every once in a while.

Google Maps lets you label your favorite places with cute stickers

Google maps is introducing a new feature, not particularly useful, but more for those who wish to personalize their Google Maps experience as they wish. Google introduces these location stickers which let you tag your favorite and most commonly visited locations with different stickers like a tree house, an apartment building, a teepee, or even a castle. There is another selection of stickers for your work location such as an office building, a boutique, a gym or a school.

Google’s intention is to let people label their favorite places that they visit regularly in order to quickly tap on the location’s sticker, then check the bus or train routes, traffic, or (just introduced this month) car service fares. Google also says you will receive notifications showing you the best way to get to your potential next destination.

Not that Google hasn’t been doing this already, Google has been able to predict where you might be heading on a weekday night or whenever I had class at the University, Google would always be a step ahead and warned me about any traffic jams before heading out.

While you COULD already do this with stars, a bunch of stars on a map becomes boring after a while, stickers let you easily spot a favorite location in you maps app. Of course, make sure you are signed into your Gmail account in order to choose your stickers.

Sony is rumored to unveil upgraded PlayStation 4 with 4K support

According to a new report coming from some unnamed "developer sources", Sony has started working on an upgraded version of its PlayStation 4 gaming console. This new iteration won't be a totally revamped offering like a PS5.

Instead, it will have more GPU power than the PS4, in order to be able to support 4K gaming. Sony has already started briefing developers about it, the report goes on to say. They are calling the new product PS4.5, but that may just be a joke and not the actual commercial name of it.

The improved GPU in the new console will also help it enhance the games supported by thePlayStation VR headset which is launching in the fall. And this move should help Sony's VR efforts compete better with the more expensive Oculus Rift and HTC Vive headsets, both of which rely on powerful PCs for processing.

The PS4 can output 4K resolution for videos and photos, but maxes out at 1080p in terms of resolutions supported for actual gameplay. Aside from the bump in resolution, the rumored PS4.5 would let developers use more effects to make their games look better, thanks to the better GPU.

While Sony has understandably chosen not to comment on this rumor, it has apparently been confirmed by multiple sources. However, one of those sources said the device was more like an exploration of possibilities, and that it may not actually launch in 2016. If it ever does see the light of day, it's possible that it will be priced at $400.

Samsung Galaxy S7 edge takes the crown for best mobile camera according to DxOMark

Now that the Samsung Galaxy S7 edge is available for purchase, the folks over at DxO Labs have thoroughly tested its camera for inclusion in the DxOMark mobile camera category. The result? Well, move over Galaxy S6 edge+ and Sony Xperia Z5, the S7 edge is the new cameraphone champion according to DxOMark.

It's managed an overall score of 88, which is the best ever for a mobile camera, and one point ahead of the aforementioned two devices which both scored 87. Rounding up the top five are the Galaxy Note5 and the S6 edge, both having 86 points. Apple's iPhone 6s Plus follows with 84 points, the same amount as the Huawei Nexus 6P and the Motorola Droid Turbo 2.

Getting back to the Galaxy S7 edge, its lens helps it deliver very accurate exposures, even in tricky contrast scenes. It's also scored 88 points in the photo category, tied for stills with the S6 edge and the Xperia Z5. Its autofocus is fast and accurate, and it has a very good compromise between noise and detail in shots. Shooting with the flash also results in good detail preservation, accurate white balance, and color preservation.

Cons for pictures include a warm cast which is visible when snapping under tungsten lighting, the brightest tones getting clipped in very high dynamic scenes, as well as visible ringing.

The video sub-score of 88 is ahead of last year's S6 edge, which scored only 84. Videos capture nice exposures, pleasant colors, and the performance of the autofocus and stabilization features is excellent. Detail preservation is good in bright light, and noise levels remain low even in low-light conditions.

On the flip side, a jitter artifact is visible in low light, where loss of detail is also noticeable. Color shading is slightly noticeable in all light conditions, and is more pronounced in low light. For the full test results, make sure you visit the Source link below.

CEO Dorsey on Twitter's 140-character limit: "It's staying"

Over a couple of months after there were rumors that Twitter is doing away with its 140-character limit for tweets, CEO Jack Dorsey has cleared the air by saying that the limit isn't going anywhere.

"It's staying," Dorsey said today on the NBC Today Show. "It's a good constraint for us and it allows for of-the-moment brevity."

For those who aren't aware, reports from publications including the Wall Street Journal andRecode had suggested that the microblogging company is extending the 140-character limit to as many as 10,000 characters.

At that time, Dorsey also added further fuel to the fire by tweeting a screenshot of a large wall of text, and hinting at building additional functionality into the service if there is a need for it.

New leaked Meizu Pro 6 shots reveal a lot of design continuity from the Pro 5

The Meizu Pro 6 has been gathering a lot of attention lately with its frequent visits to the rumor mill. There might actually be quite a lot to be excited about, as rumors have hinted at things like 6GB of RAM and 3D Touch capabilities.

From the looks of things, the Meizu Pro 6 bears a striking resemblance to its own predecessor - the Pro 5 more than anything else.

In the photos we can clearly see the metal unibody design with the characteristic curved sides. Similarities extend even further to the beefy rear camera sensor and its design, as well as the quite distinctive Meizu Mtouch fingerprint scanner, which the manufacturer has apparently decided to stick with. The display on the Meizu Pro 6 also looks quite impressive, mainly because it appears to extend to the very edges of the front panel, hinting that the phone might be bezel-less or at least come close to the effect.

As for other alleged specs on the model, we currently expect a 5.5-inch FullHD display, 4GB of RAM in the base model (6GB being reserved for the very top tier) and 64GB of onboard storage, possibly going up to 128GB. The camera setup should consist of a 21MP main shooter and a 5MP selfie one on the front. Last, but definitely not least, we already know the chipset inside the Pro 6 will be the new MediaTek Helio X25. It was developed through a partnership of both parties and will apparently be a Meizu exclusive, at least or the first few months after its release. It is basically an enhanced version of the X20 and has a three cluster design - 2x Cortex A72 cores and two quartets of A53. The difference with the Helio X20, being the higher 2.5 GHz clock rate of the A72 cores and the 850 MHz speed of the GPU.

T-Mobile throws in free LG 360 Cam if you get the G5 before April 5

T-Mobile will start selling the LG G5 online on March 29, three full days before you'll be able to find it in stores (on April 1). If you purchase the phone before April 17, LG is throwing in a free battery bundle, consisting of a second battery and a battery charging cradle.

But if you act fast and are among the first people to snag a G5 from T-Mobile, the carrier will also give you an LG 360 Cam for free (while supplies last). The trick is that you need to purchase the device before April 5. The 360 Cam is a $200 value apparently, so this is quite a good deal.

You'll be able to pick up the G5 from T-Mobile for $0 down and then 23 monthly payments of $26.25 and a final 24th installment of $26.24. The full retail price of the handset is $629.99. You need to get wireless service too on top of that, of course, and as always with the magenta carrier, if you cancel it then the remaining phone payments become due.