Top 10 Android Stories and Weekly News Round-up

This week we checked out the new OnePlus 3, talked about smartphones with 8GB of RAM, and took Android N Preview 4 for a spin. Here’s the news of the week! These are the 10 Android stories we handpicked for you, covering the most significant updates in the mobile world.

OnePlus 3 Review and Hardware Details

OnePlus 3 review: Refined & updated, yet still a compromise. Is the third time a charm? We weigh in on the OnePlus 3 in our close-up review. Here is everything you need to know about the third installment in the controversial OnePlus franchise, including the OnePlus 3 specs, price, release date and everything else you should know. Interestingly, the OnePlus 3 doesn’t take advantage of all its RAM, but why? In terms of display technology, the OnePlus 3’s Optic AMOLED is just a SAMOLED with color and temperature modifications.

Smartphone Reviews: Sony and Samsung

Sony Xperia X review: The Xperia X is here. Is it a worthy successor to the Xperia Z line? Does it stand on its own? Details are in our full review. Regarding the latest from Samsung, the Samsung Galaxy S7 Active review highlights that if the Galaxy S7 is a sports car, the Galaxy S7 Active is more like a tank. Read our impressions for the full scope. Additionally, check out some glorious 4K footage shot with the Galaxy S7.

Android N and Developer Insights

Android N Developer Preview 4 is now available. Google released the latest version of Android N and here’s what’s new. For those interested in the creation process, we look at the top 10 frustrations for every Android developer. If you’re interesting in developing for Android, these issues are likely to come up early and come up often.

Mobile Trends and Future Rumors

A new rumor says 8GB RAM smartphones are coming. We barely made the jump to 6GB of RAM and manufacturers are already pushing for more. Regarding future hardware, a leaked pic indicates Samsung Galaxy Note 7 will launch August 2nd, and a report suggests the Galaxy Note 7 to have an Iris scanner.

As for modularity and wireless connectivity:

  • Modularity: What exactly is modularity and is the Moto Z really modular? Modularity is the latest buzzword in the mobile industry.
  • WiGig: A new wireless standard is rolling out to smartphones, promising big speed improvements over short distances. Here’s what you need to know about WiGig.

Software Features and Updates

Facebook Messenger now lets you send SMS text messages from Android smartphones. Furthermore, you can discover how to play the hidden football game in Facebook Messenger. Blast from the past: ADW Launcher 2.0 is here with tons of new features. If you are curious about platform availability, wondering why there’s no iMessage for Android? Here are some clues.

Device Feature Summary

  • OnePlus 3: Features Optic AMOLED and 6GB of RAM.
  • Xiaomi Redmi 3s: Launches complete with fingerprint reader.
  • LG X Power: Comes with a massive 4,100-mAh battery.
  • Samsung Galaxy Note 7: Rumored to launch with an Iris scanner.