LG thinks the LG G5 is better than the Samsung Galaxy S7, but do you?

No company is going to say their smartphone isn’t the best thing to hit the planet since it was discovered bacon was edible, so it comes as no surprise that LG is sending out material to show why their phone — the LG G5 (hands-on) — is better than the Samsung Galaxy S7 / S7 Edge (both of which were announced this past Sunday).

The graphic you see above goes over some of the features the LG G5 has and compares them to the Samsung Galaxy S7 (check out our hands-on look). Anyone taking a quick look at the photo will immediately peg LG the winner, but we should always look to our own judgment to decide which phone is best.

Just for funsies, let’s run down the list and see if there’s merit to any of it:
Modular Design: Fair point. The LG G5 can do some very cool stuff. Modular accessories like the camera grip and hi-fidelity audio do add additional important features. Win.
Removable Battery: Another fair point, though this will be up to the user to decide whether it’s important. For yours truly, it isn’t.
16MP rear camera: This is where things get iffy. Megapixels alone don’t count. Yes, the LG G5’s 16 megapixels are more than Samsung, but there are many other important factors to camera quality.
Always-on display: Both devices have them, and LG wasn’t afraid to point it out. Good on them.
5.3-inch display: LG gave themselves the win on this one, but some people (again, yours truly) actually prefer small displays. Toss-up.
Daylight mode: A fancy way to say “auto-brightness.” LG’s display can go a fair bit brighter than most others’, though, so we’ll let them slide with this one.
IP68 and Water Resistance: LG had to throw Samsung a freebie to give off the illusion that they’re being fair.
MicroSD slot: Again, can’t knock Samsung for the lack of expandable storage this year.

Of course, LG left many other things out like wireless charging, Samsung Pay and a heart-rate sensor, all things which they can’t hold a candle to. They did also leave out the fact that the LG G5 has USB Type-C while the Galaxy S7 is still stuck on microUSB 2.0, so we’ll give them that.

At the end of the day, the “best” smartphone is whichever smartphone works best for you. We could make as many comparisons, lists and reviews as we want, but if there’s one aspect of an otherwise “perfect” phone breaking the experience for you, you should try to find the one that fits you best regardless of what anyone thinks. That in mind, would you agree with LG or do you think they’re stretching a bit here? Sound off in the comments below!

LG G5 is official (VIDEO)

We already knew that LG would announce the LG G5, and they just did, showing an incredibly cool modular device allows for a removable battery on a unibody design. But that’s just where it starts.

Some of what LG announced include:
LG CAM Plus
LG Hi-Fi Plus
LG 360 VR
LG 360 Cam
LG Rolling Bot

And it didn’t even end there. Catch it all in the press release below while we get hands-on photos and videos to bring you very soon!

Press release:

BARCELONA, Feb. 21, 2016 ― LG Electronics (LG) today unveiled its highly anticipated LG G5 smartphone, a brand new design with not only a sleek, metal uni-body featuring a Slide-outBattery and a Modular Type design that gives a greater smartphone experience. Complete with LG Friends, a collection of companion devices, the G5 can be transformed into a digital camera, Hi-Fi player and more.

Encased in a sleek metal aluminum body and Slide-out Battery to easily swap out a depleted battery for a fully charged one in seconds, the LG G5 surpasses the visual experience of its predecessor, the LG G4.

First, the G5’s 135-degree wide angle lens lets you choose between standard or wide angle lens to get more in the shot. Second, the Always-on Display makes notifications just a glance away with the time, date and more available anytime without waking the G5. Third, the 3D Arc Glass featured in the smartphone’s 5.3-inch display creates a gentle curve and a smooth colorful metal surfacethrough an advanced microdizing process which takes anodized aluminum to a whole new level.

Furthermore, the insulative antenna is invisibly integrated into the body without disrupting the seamless look of the metal uni-body. LG designers took the metal body concept one step further by adding a Shiny Cut edge for added contrast and a more comfortable grip.

LG’s First Modular Type Smartphone

LG’s innovative Modular Type design gives the LG G5 the ability to transform into a digital camera, Hi-Fi player and more all while keeping its traditional removable battery in a full metal uni-body design for the first time ever.

LG CAM Plus

The LG CAM Plus is a versatile camera module that can be attached through the battery slot to deliver a comfortable grip and convenient control of a standalone camera. The LG CAM Plus provides physical buttons for power, shutter, record, zoom, LED indicator and comfortable grip. It also offers intuitive auto focus and exposure lock, features usually found on standalone digital cameras. When attached to the LG G5, it provides an additional battery capacity of 1,200mAh to allow for longer shooting times for more fun and enjoyment.

LG Hi-Fi Plus with B&O PLAY

The LG Hi-Fi Plus with B&O PLAY is an innovative portable Hi-Fi DAC audio player developedin collaboration with B&O PLAY to meet the needs of those who seek to enjoy top-notch sounds that have traditionally only been available through high-end audio devices. LG Hi-Fi Plus with B&O PLAY stands out for its simple yet elegant Scandinavian design as well as premium sound technology. In addition to the 32-bit Hi-Fi DAC upsampling technology first introduced on the LGV10, LG Hi-Fi Plus with B&O PLAY also supports 32-bit 384KHz high-definition audio playback.LG Hi-Fi Plus with B&O PLAY can be used either as a module with the LG G5 or as a separate Hi-Fi DAC by connecting to any smartphone or PC.

Extreme Wide Angle Lens and Advanced UX

Reflecting LG’s longstanding reputation as a leader in smartphone cameras, the LG G5 has two cameras on the rear: one with a standard 78-degree lens and another with a 135-degree wide anglelens, the widest available in any smartphone. The 135-degree lens on the LG G5 offers a viewingangle that is approximately 1.7 times wider than those of existing smartphone cameras and 15degrees wider than the human eye’s field of view. The wide angle lens makes it easier for users to capture more landscape, taller buildings or larger groups without having to position oneself further from the subject.

The LG G5 features a collection of powerful photo effects including Pop-out Picture, Film Effect and Auto Shot. Pop-out Picture combines images taken by the standard and wide angle lens to create a picture-in-a-frame effect. Film Effect can apply nine different film emulators to an imagewhile Auto Shot is an enhanced camera UX which automatically captures the perfect selfie shotwhen a face is recognized.

Always-on Display for Enhanced Convenience

The 5.3-inch Quad HD IPS Quantum display on the LG G5 offers an Always-on feature, the first on a main smartphone display. The concept of the Always-on Display was first introduced in theLG V10 as the Second Screen and now that feature has evolved on to the main display to show thetime and date continuously even when the G5 is in sleep mode. This means that you can always see the time at a glance, even during important meetings or when your hands are full.

To minimize power consumption, LG redesigned the display driver IC memory and powermanagement function so that the display’s backlight only illuminates one small part of the overall display. Thanks to this technology, the Always-on Display requires only 0.8 percent of the battery’s full capacity per hour to operate. With consumers turning on their smartphones up to 150 times a day mostly to just check the time, the G5’s Always-on Display will make a notable difference in the life of the battery over the course of the day.

Another advanced display feature in the LG G5 is Daylight Mode, which gives the G5 exceptional outdoor visibility beyond that of current auto brightness technology. Daylight Mode detects surrounding light conditions and instantaneously increases or decreses the brightness of the display, up to 850 nits. Even before your eyes have adjusted to the different lighting conditions, the G5 will be ready.

Diverse Range of Companion Devices

With the G5, LG is introducing a paradigm-shifting smartphone ecosystem ― the LG Playground. With this, LG aims to strengthen the ties with its partners and introduce various devices andsupporting programs to fully maximize the LG Playground.

As part of the ecosystem, LG is introducing a wide range of companion devices, aptly called LG Friends, to deliver fun while providing a new mobile experience far beyond traditional smartphone boundaries.

LG 360 VR

The LG 360 VR is a VR goggle that can be connected with the G5 via a dedicated cable and works exclusively with the G5 to simulate a 130-inch TV viewed from two meters away. It has a stylish design that is foldable so that users can easily carry and watch VR content anytime, anywhere.Unlike other VR devices that require a smartphones to be inserted in the device, the LG 360 VR weighs only 118g (4.16 ounces) and is just one-third as heavy as competing VR goggles while delivering a resolution of 639 ppi. The device is compatible with 360-degree images and videos captured with LG 360 CAM as well as all Google Cardboard content.

LG 360 CAM

The LG 360 CAM is a compact 360-degree angle camera equipped with two 13MP 200-degreewide angle cameras, 1,200mAh battery and 4GB internal memory, which can be supplemented by a microSD card. The LG 360 CAM can be easily connected to the LG G5 allowing users to create 360-degree content. The LG 360 CAM provides 2K video and 5.1 surround channel recording on three microphones to help users effortlessly create high-quality 360-degree contents. Thanks to the partnership with Google, images taken with the 360 CAM can be uploaded to Google Street View and YouTube360, adding the fun of sharing creative contents with others. The images will also be available to view on the LG 360 VR or other smartphones or devices that are capable of 360-degree content.

LG Rolling Bot

The LG Rolling Bot is a companion device that rolls like a ball while capturing images and videos with its embedded 8MP camera. Not just a toy, the LG Rolling Bot can be used as a monitoring system for the home, pet care companion as well as a remote controller for compatible home appliances. With an IP camera connectable via Wi-Fi, users can remotely monitor the interior oftheir homes with the LG G5 via live streaming.

LG Tone PlatinumTM

The LG TONE PlatinumTM (model HBS-1100), the latest in the LG TONE Series, is a Bluetooth headset that has earned the Harman Kardon? Platinum grade for its superior sound quality. With aBalanced Armature design for minimum distortion, LG Tone PlatinumTM delivers exceptionally sharp and clean sound. What’s more, it is the world’s first Bluetooth headset equipped with aptX™HDcodec, delivering lossless 24-bit audio for sound that is unrivaled in a wireless device.

H3 by B&O PLAY

H3 by B&O PLAY is a set of high-end earphones that is compatible with the high-quality sound of the LG Hi-Fi Plus with B&O PLAY. Designed for audiophiles as well as anyone who considersaudio performance a top-priority in a smartphone, H3 by B&O PLAY works with all Androidsmartphones.

LG Smart Controller

The LG Smart Controller allows users to easily control certain drones. With the LG Smart Controller, users can check the video stream from the drone through the LG G5 in real time andcontrol the unmanned aircraft with the LG Smart Controller joystick.

LG Friends Manager

Only available in the LG G5, Friends Manager is the hub application that allows the G5 to connect with LG Friends with minimal fuss and effort. LG Friends Manager automatically detects nearbyLG Friends and connects quickly and easily in three simple steps, eliminating much of the hassle of pairing devices.

More Performance, More Efficiency

The LG G5 offers many other innovations designed to revolutionize today’s mobile lifestyle, such as:

Qualcomm? Snapdragon™ 820 Processor

The LG G5 is equipped with the powerful yet energy-efficient Snapdragon 820 processor whichoffers advanced features such as 64-bit performance, Adreno 530 graphics and lower-power Qualcomm? HexagonTM DSP as well as Qualcomm Spectra™ 14-bit dual image signal processors (ISPs) designed to deliver high resolution DSLR-quality images and additional power savings. The Snapdragon 820 processor also has an integrated X12 LTE modem that supports Category 12 download speeds of up to 600 Mbps and LTE Category 13 uplink speeds of up to 150 Mbps.

Compared to the previous generation Snapdragon processor, Qualcomm Technologies’ most advanced CPU architecture offers double the speed and power savings. Adreno 530 graphics demonstrate up to 40 percent faster graphics performance and up to 40 percent more power efficiency compared to the previous generation. The Snapdragon 820 processor also supports 4K capture and playback at four times more than the resolution of 1080p, enabling users to watch and capture their daily moments in stunning detail and clarity. The processor is also optimized for VR, generating quality pixels and life-like colors to deliver the ultimate VR experience to G5 users.

aptX™ HD: 24-bit Hi-Fi Wireless Audio

The LG G5 is equipped with aptX HD, an enhanced codec that supports 24-bit sound over Bluetooth, delivering rich and clear sound over wireless connections without any loss. When paired with the LG TONE Platinum, users can experience superb quality Hi-Fi audio that sounds amazingly close to the original source.

Qualcomm? Quick Charge™ 3.0

The LG G5 offers Quick Charge 3.0 for incredibly fast charging. By employing an intelligent algorithm, Quick Charge 3.0 is 27 percent faster and 45 percent more efficient than the previous generation.

Low Power Location Estimation (LPLE) Technology

The LG G5 has excellent battery life, thanks to the Low Power Location Estimation technology. This solution enhances the battery efficiency by as much as 41.9 percent by improving the power consumption related to location-based apps.

“The new LG G5 will encourage owners to rediscover the true joy of a mobile life,” said Juno Cho, president and CEO of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. “The G5 and LG Friends are the result of many experts inside LG asking themselves if it was still possible to be innovativeand unique in the smartphone space. I think once customers spend a little time with the LG G5, their answer will be a resounding yes.”

Key Specifications:*

• Chipset: Qualcomm?Snapdragon™ 820 Processor
• Display: 5.3-inch Quad HD IPS Quantum Display (2560 x 1440 / 554ppi)
• Memory: 4GB LPDDR4 RAM / 32GB UFS ROM / microSD (up to 2TB)
• Camera: Rear: Standard 16MP, Wide 8MP / Front: 8MP
• Battery: 2,800mAh (removable)
• OS: Android 6.0 Marshmallow
• Size: 149.4 x 73.9 x 7.7mm
• Weight: 159g
• Network: LTE / 3G / 2G
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a, b, g, n, ac / USB Type-C / NFC / Bluetooth 4.2
• Colors: Silver / Titan / Gold / Pink

Someone could get access to your LG V10 using their own fingerprint (and here’s how to prevent it) [VIDEO]

Well, here’s a very interesting way to bypass phone security. One YouTuber — going by Matt OnYourScreen — who happens to own an LG V10 has found a way to get into a fingerprint-protected LG V10 using their own fingerprint.

The video below explains the workaround in detail, but in case you can’t watch it involves using custom launchers like Nova Launcher to place an activity widget to LG’s fingerprint enrollment app on the home screen. Doing this will prompt a user to add a fingerprint to the device for future authentication.

Nothing immediately sounds fishy there, except the fact that the system would usually ask for your PIN or fingerprint authentication to add a new fingerprint — this method doesn’t ask you for anything. If you go through with adding a fingerprint, you’ll find that you can unlock the device with that fingerprint at a later date despite the fact that the original owner’s fingerprints are also on the device.

We should note that this method does require someone to already have access to the phone beyond the lock screen. That’s a bit more comforting, but that does nothing for someone who may be lending their phone to someone who needs to make a phone call or look something up

There are a couple of different obvious ways you can prevent this right now:
Don’t let anyone use your phone.
Don’t use a custom launcher.

Of course, those may not be desirable options for you. Thankfully we do know that the LG V10 allows a maximum of 4 fingerprints, so the best way to prevent this is to make sure you register all 4 slots to ensure none can be added (as the trick shown in the aforementioned video would then fail).

For what it’s worth, we tried this method on a couple of other Android phones with fingerprint scanners, and their fingerprint enrollment activities failed to launch when we tried it, so it’s likely to be something that LG overlooked in their own firmware.

It’s something we’re sure LG will be looking to fix in the very near future. It’s a very serious vulnerability that only needs a tiny bit of social engineering to pull off, and those often prove to be the most devastating kind. Be sure to prevent this from happening to you while we wait for word from LG.

3D renders of the LG G5 give us a good idea of what to expect [VIDEO]

All the leaks and rumors to date have painted a very vivid picture of what to expect from the LG G5, but if stationary imagery isn’t enough to jog your imagination then perhaps a video of a 3D render will.
The video comes from TechConfigurations, who put the render together based on specifications and leaks (which means this model is not based on official information obtained by the publication).


Still, it does a nice job to paint an accurate picture of what’s to come. LG is likely to use metal for the LG G5, and they’ll be ditching the rear-facing volume buttons to place a fingerprint scanner on the rear. We’re also expecting dual cameras, a secondary display and a slide-out battery.

The video is sitting  bellow if you’re curious to see how this thing might look in motion, so take a look by hitting the play button.

LG trolls Samsung about removable batteries, so the LG G5 better have one

Don’t you just love it when two big companies start taking jabs at each other? That’s what LG did when Samsung started touting their devices’ fast charging capabilities on Twitter. Samsung talked up the ability to go from 0% to 100% in just 90 minutes.

LG’s rebuttal?

And that says it all. As fun as a quick ribbing like this is, though, we’re hoping that LG’s bold banter is a sign to us that they’re not going to waver on their commitment to deliver flexibility in their smartphones. We’d be absolutely shocked if the LG G5 were to launch without a removable battery after this stunt. Then again, there’s solid evidence that LG is looking to stick with removable batteries for future smartphones, so there shouldn’t be much to worry about.

Here are the first cases for the LG G5

MobileFun has revealed the first cases they’ll be offering for the LG G5. These are some of the first cases we’re seeing period, and with LG said to be making their big splash at Mobile World Congress this year we wouldn’t be surprised if more flooded in from here on out.

This particular case is by Olixar, and features a 2-piece rugged design that should absorb a lot of shock in the event of a fall. There’s also the addition of a kickstand which will be nice for those who like to prop their devices up on their desk.

As always, it’s worth noting that case manufacturers might be using renders and leaks to put their early photos together, so the design of the phone in the product photos might not be totally accurate. This case in particular doesn’t make much room for imagination, though, so there’s nothing to take from it anyway. MobileFun will sell this particular case for $14.95 if you’re interested, so place an order for oneif you want to ensure you’ll get it by the time your device makes its way to your doorstep.

These photos might be our first real look at the LG G5 (JPG)

We have a general idea of what the LG G5 is supposed to look like by now, but we haven’t yet gotten many full looks at the thing in the flesh. We sort of still don’t with the latest leak, but it’s the most we’ll get for now.




The device — which you can see in the photo above draped in a case designed to protect its identity (clearly not working) — sports a lot of the design traits we’ve heard and seen to date. There are dual REAR cameras with a flash in between, and a rear-facing fingerprint scanner below those. The front shows a slot for the same



The front shows a slot for the same secondary display we saw on the LG V10. The speakers on the underside (sitting next to a beautiful USB Type-C port) indicate LG is looking to stick to the new industry trend. That doesn’t mean the LG G5 won’t be plenty loud, of course. We even see the slit on the side of the device which exposes the volume buttons which now exist on the left edge of the device (compared to rear placement on the previous 2 devices in the lineup).

We have to remember that this could be a prototype from any stage of development, so something might end up completely different by the time it hits retail. How are you feeling about this thing?

New leak suggests LG G5 will feature dual rear camera setup

LG's upcoming G5 flagship smartphone, which has been the subject of some rumors and leaks until now, will come with a dual camera set-up (16MP + 8MP) at the back.
This was revealed in a new leak, which came courtesy of a Reddit user who also shared the following image that apparently shows the device's body partially obscured by a black box.

A number of other specs were also revealed, including 5.3-inch Quad HD display, SD820 SoC with 3GB RAM, 8MP front camera, as well as a SIM and microSD slot. In addition, the leakster said that the device will also have a color spectrum and a heart rate sensor fitted in the camera assembly, as well as a fingerprint sensor embedded in the power button.

Other features that were revealed include a USB-C port, bottom firing speaker, as well as IR blaster on top. There was no word on the launch time frame though - recent reports have suggested that will happen in February.

ASUS, LG make fun of iPhone’s new smart battery case and its ridiculous hump

So, instead of sacrificing a bit of thinness for a bigger battery pack, Apple has opted to go for an unsightly hump for users to attach to their iPhones. The hump — which comes in at a whopping $99 — adds additional battery power over the internal unit.

If self-admission that their batteries aren’t large enough to satiate most power users’ need isn’t enough embarrassment, ASUS and LG want to drive that home with some funny marketing. The two companies used the opportunity to ridicule Apple on Twitter, noting that their devices provide more battery life without having that ridiculous hump to show for it.

Of course, this probably won’t do much in the way of keeping Apple from selling more phones than the other two companies combined, but it sure does get a kick out of us internet folk.

LG V10 promo gets you a free 200GB micro SD card and extra battery w/ charging cradle

The LG V10 may not be flying off store shelves in Korea like LG may have hoped, but that doesn’t mean they’re not taking the necessary steps to add a little extra value to the device for its US launch. Like we saw with the LG G4 earlier this year, LG will be offering up a promo netting early adopters a handful of goodies you simply wont find offered by other manufacturers.


All you have to do is purchase the phone through Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile and LG will kick in a 200GB micro SD card (great for storing 4K video) along with a spare battery and charging cradle. To redeem, you’ll simply need to submit your proof of purchase to LG’s rebate site and wait in the mail for your goodies to arrive.

Keep in mind the deal is only good for a limited time, so if you were planning on picking one up, now’s as good a time as any. AT&T will have the phone available for sale on tomorrow, Oct. 27th, while T-Mobile will make it available online the very next day (Oct. 28th) and in-store October 30th.

11 things every Nexus 5X owner should do

The Nexus 5X is Google and LG’s long-overdue follow-up to the Nexus 5. Android fans loved the Nexus 5 (and still do), but it was time for an upgrade. The 5X is a worthy successor, especially with Android Marshmallow right out of the box. If you’ve never used Marshmallow before there are a few new things you’ll want to set up right away. Here are the first things you should do.

Sign into your account and use Tap & Go to restore all of your apps

One of the best recent additions to Android is one of the very first things you will see. After setting up your WiFi and signing into your Google account, you’ll be taken to the “Get your apps & data” page of the Setup Wizard. Select the “Restore from this backup” option and you’ll be presented with a list of every previously owned Android device that has been backed up to your account.

You’ll be able to see all the apps that were backed up to that device and choose the ones you wish to install on the Nexus 5X. All the apps you selected, along with your settings, will be restored to the phone. If you use the Google Now Launcher it will even restore apps to their proper place on the home screen.

Use the new USB Type-C cables, your old ones are now obsolete

The Nexus 5X comes with a shiny new USB Type-C charging cable. This is the first time we’ve seen a new connector on Android devices since the switch from mini to micro USB several years ago. There are a lot of advantages to this new standard. The cable is reversible, so it doesn’t matter how you plug it in. Charging speeds are also faster, but it’s not Quick Charge 2.0.

There are some downsides to being an early adopter to a new standard. The Nexus 5X doesn’t come with a Type-C to standard Type-A cable, which means you can’t even use your old AC adapters. You can only use the cable and adapter that comes in the box, or buy the adapter. The dozens of micro USB accessories you’ve accumulated over the years are now obsolete.

The good news is Amazon has tons of USB Type-C accessories available. Time to rebuild your stockpile.

Set up Google Now on Tap

The single most noticeable new feature of Android Marshmallow is Google Now on Tap. It’s a completely new way to interact with Google search. The Nexus 5X is one of the first devices to take advantage of this feature. Now on Tap allows Google to scan your screen and provide information based on what it finds. If your friend asks about seeing a movie in a text, Now on Tap can see the movie title and display show times.

Now on Tap is something you’ll want to use. Here’s how to set it up.

1.Open the Google app
2.Swipe in from the left and tap Settings
3.On the next page tap on Now cards
4.Make sure Now on Tap is enabled

To use Now on Tap, simply long-press the home button. You’ll see a white line trace the edge of the display, and then cards will slide up from the bottom.

Sign into your phone by scanning your finger

Another great new feature of Android Marshmallow is support for fingerprint scanners. On the back of the Nexus 5X you’ll notice a recessed circle underneath the camera lens. This is the fingerprint scanner. You can use it to quickly unlock your phone, pay for items with Android Pay, and even log into apps. It’s great. Here’s how to set it up.

1.Open Settings > Security
2.Tap on Nexus imprint > Add fingerprint
3.Create a backup PIN or password
4.Follow the on-screen instructions for scanning your finger
5.After you’ve added your first finger you can add more or be done

Set up Android Pay to make payments with your phone

As we mentioned above, one of the best uses for the fingerprint scanner is authenticating payments with Android Pay. When you use Android Pay at a terminal you’ll be able to simply scan your finger to approve the payment. It makes mobile payments a lot easier and faster. You’ll want to set up Android Pay so it’s ready to use.

1.Find Android Pay on your phone
2.Touch the (+) button in the bottom-right corner.
3.Touch Add a credit or debit card.
4.If you already have linked cards, choose one or touch Add another card.
5.Use the camera to capture your card info or enter it manually

Here’s the full list of accepted cards and banks. Look to use Android Pay anywhere you see the logo, online or in real life.

Manage permissions more easily

Why does the Twitter app need to know my location? Why does Facebook need to access my microphone? If these are questions you’ve asked you will love Android Marshmallow. Instead of seeing a long list of permissions when you install an app from the Play Store, you will be alerted when an app requests permission to do something. If Whatsapp wants to use your camera it will ask for your permission first.

That’s only half of the new features. It’s also possible to choose which permission you’d like to deny. The new App Info page in the Settings has a section for permissions. You can simply unselect which things you don’t want an app to have permission to do. Here’s how to do it.

1.Go to Settings > Apps
2.Tap on any app
3.Tap on Permissions from the App Info page
4.Unselect any permission you wish

Note: Not all apps will behave correctly if you disable certain permissions.

Choose default apps once and for all

Anyone that has used Android knows how often you’re asked about the app you’d like to use to perform a task. It’s nice that we have that power, but it’s also a little annoying. A new feature called App links let you choose if you want an app to always open a certain type of link. For example, you can make Twitter links always open in the Twitter app without asking you every time. It just works.

1.Go to Settings > Apps
2.Tap the gear icon in the upper right
3.Tap on App links
4.Choose an app from the list

If the app can recognize certain links they will be listed under Supported links (the Phandroid app can open phandroid.com links). You can choose to have the supported links opened in the app, ask your permission every time, or never open in the app

Enable Google Fit to track your activity

The world of activity trackers is full of weird bracelets and dongles, but your phone is probably the best activity tracker you own. An app called Google Fit comes pre-installed on the Nexus 5X. With this app you can track your steps, activity, weight loss, and more. In order for the app to start tracking, you’ll have to first set it up.

1.Find the Google Fit app
2.Sign in with your Google account
3.Fill out your height, weight, gender, and set a personal fitness goal

That’s pretty much it. The app will run in the background and notify you when goals have been reached. All you have to do is remember to carry your phone.

Customize the Quick Toggles

Most non-Nexus devices allow you to customize the toggles found in the Quick Settings. It’s nice to be able to organize the toggles to match how you use them. Google finally added this ability in Android Marshmallow, but it can only be accessed if you know the secret method. We’ll let you in on the secret.

1.Pull down on the notification shade twice, or with two fingers
2.Long-press on the Settings gear icon in the top right for more than 5 seconds
3.Remove your finger and a toast notification will tell you System UI Tuner has been added
4.To customize the System UI go to Settings > System UI Tuner

From this screen, you’ll be able to customize the Quick Settings and choose which icons appear in the status bar. Once you successfully enable the UI Tuner you’ll notice a tiny wrench next to the gear icon in the Quick Settings. To remove the System UI Tuner from the Settings simply do the same process.

Double tap the power button to launch camera

Google and LG have talked a lot about the camera on the Nexus 5X. In the past, Nexus phones have been hampered with poor cameras in the past, but it seems they have finally caught up with everyone else in this generation. A good camera isn’t worth much if you can’t open it fast enough to take a picture. On the Nexus 5X you can double tap the power button to quickly launch the camera. Never miss a moment again!

Explore the Nexus 5X forums

If you’re already a lucky owner of the Nexus 5X, have one on the way, or plan to buy one soon, you can join the Nexus 5X forum over at Android Forums. You’ll find conversations about customization, troubleshooting problems, accessories, and much more. It’s the best place to go to ask questions and learn more about your new phone. Here are a few threads you may be interested in:

Is this phone a compromise?
A Couple Questions on Nexus 5x
Why I cancelled my order

Source

LG presented new UX4.0 + user interface for phone V10 (video)

LG announced its high-end V10 smartphone a couple of weeks ago and has just released a video showing off some of the features included in its new UX4.0+ user interface, which powers the company’s latest handset.

The video demos a number of new features packed into LG’s UX4.0+ software package, including the camera’s wide angle selfie mode and the huge range of manual camera options available in the app. The handset features a 16 megapixel rear camera with f/1.8 aperture and OIS, while there are two 5MP cameras on the front which allow for a 120 degree wide field of view.

If audio is more your thing, LG’s Hi-Fi Audio Experience software suite and support for higher resolution audio formats on its 32-bit DAC might catch your interest. Furthermore, busy people out there may find the software’s organization features and second screen, which can be used to house your most frequency tasks, rather convenient, according to the video.

(source)

Don’t plan on using your old chargers with the Nexus 5X, it only comes with Type-C to Type-C cable

We know, USB Type-C is the future and we’re happy to see Google going all gung-ho over making it the new standard. Both upcoming Nexus devices will have USB Type-C ports which allow you to insert the USB cable any which way you’d like. There’s only 1, small, teensy little problem: the Nexus 5X only comes with a USB Type-C to USB Type-C cable. Well, that sucks.
What does this mean for you?


Well, that means you wont be able to use the included cable in your existing USB chargers, car charger, or even plug it into your computer. That is, unless you’re sporting one of those fancy new MacBooks Apple recently released. On a related note, Huawei seems to have no problem shipping customers of the Nexus 6P an extra cable, one that connects to all the old devices you’ve been using all these years (Type-C to Type-A).
The $20 Solution

So, if you were planning on picking up the Nexus 5X (we can’t help but think there are better options), you may want to check out this 4-pack of Type-C to Type-A cables for $20 from Amazon.

Or if you’re all official like that you may want the $13 one cable option they’re trying to sell you on the Google Store.

LG officially announces the LG V10 with secondary display and dual front-facing cameras (VIDEO)

LG today officially revealed the LG V10, the dual-display smartphone they’ve been teasing for a little while now. The display is a small ticker-like implementation above the main display, which is a setup not at all unlike the Samsung Continuum from way back when.

Ticker Display Done Right?

Thankfully it doesn’t appear the LG V10 will fall victim to the same circumstances that doomed that phone (lackluster specs and lack of availability). The secondary display can be used for quick looks at weather, time, date and battery status while the display is off. While it’s on, it acts as a dedicated apps launcher, and during video playback or games it’ll notify you when a call or text comes in so as to not interrupt you with a popup notification on the main display.
Cameras Galore

Another neat feature we haven’t seen on my other phones in the past? Dual front-facing cameras. We’ve seen that on the rear of some phones, but not the front. The purpose of the two cameras (5 megapixels each) is to provide both the standard 80-degree view we used to have, as well as the 120-degree wide angle view that has become standard in most other phones. To achieve this, the software uses an algorithm that takes two separate images and stitches them together to help achieve whichever exact angle you want. Neato.

That said, there is still a lot to get excited for with the rear camera, which is a 16MP shooter similar to the one found in the LG G4. LG has included manual mode for video recording, which is another first for a smartphone. It allows you to change aspect ratios (16:9 or 21:9 cinematic), resolutions (HD, FHD or UHD) and more:
Steady Record: utilizes electronic image stabilization (EIS) optimized for recording video to neutralize shake, helping to capture sharper video footage when in motion
Snap Video: create one video by combining many shorter videos
15 Sec. Auto Edit: create a short video highlight clip by automatically eliminating blurred frames and static scenes
Quick Video Editor: easily trim or change the frame rate and add after-effects, such as colors and background music
Quick Share: when finished recording, a pop-up appears on the display showing options of popular social networks to make video sharing even easier and faster
Audio Monitor: adjust the sensitivity of the three microphones during video recording and directly monitor and control audio input, including directional recording capability to highlight sound from one particular location
Wind Noise Filter: eliminate external wind noise for high-quality sound when shooting video outdoors

LG V10 Specs

The rest of the device sounds quite solid. 4GB of RAM, Snapdragon 808, 64GB of storage, 3,000mAh battery. Even a microSD slot — it’s all there. Take a look at the full list:
Chipset: Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 808 Processor
Display: Main) 5.7-inch QHD IPS Quantum Display (2560 x 1440 / 513ppi)
Secondary) 2.1-inch IPS Quantum Display (160 x 1040 / 513ppi)
Memory: 4GB LPDDR3 RAM / 64GB eMMC ROM / microSD (up to 2TB)
Camera: Rear) 16MP with F1.8 Aperture / OIS 2.0
Front) 5MP Dual Lens (80o Standard Angle / 120o Wide Angle)
Battery: 3,000mAh (removable)
OS: Android 5.1.1 Lollipop
Size: 6 x 79.3 x 8.6mm
Weight: 192g
Network: LTE-A Cat. 6
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a, b, g, n, ac / Bluetooth 4.1 / NFC / USB 2.0
Colors: Space Black / Luxe White / Modern Beige / Ocean Blue / Opal Blue

Sounds like a flagship to us.

Availability

LG didn’t have much pricing info to dish out, but we do know where it’ll be headed. South Korea will get it first, naturally, but we’ll also see it in the United States, China and key countries in Asia, Latin America and the Middle East by year’s end. LG says more markets will be added to the list in due time, so we’ll have to wait for further announcements to see which other areas will get it.

Nexus 5X is now official with 5.2-inch display and Nexus Imprint (VIDEO)

After the countless leaks and rumors, the Nexus 5X is finally official. LG’s long-awaited successor to the Nexus 5 improves upon the fan favorite from two years ago. The 5X is slightly cheaper and less powerful compared to the Nexus 6P.

The Nexus 5X has a 5.2-inch 1080p display. It’s powered by the familiar Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 processor. On the back is a 12.3MP camera that Google says is especially good at indoor photos. The back is also home to a fingerprint sensor, which is used for a feature called “Nexus Imprint.” It’s basically the way you’d expect a fingerprint sensor to work, but Google says it gets better over time.

The Nexus 5X will be available for pre-order today from the Google Store. It will start at $379. You’ll be able to get your hands on it later in October, and it will work on all major US carriers (including Project Fi). It will also come with 90 days of Google Play Music All Access, a $50 Google Play credit, and optional Nexus Protect protection plan.

iPhone 6S plus still can't beat the Galaxy S6 edge plus or LG G4 in a camera shootout (VIDEO)

Camera shootout: iPhone 6S vs. Galaxy S6 vs. LG G4 - fantastic video


Unless you’ve been living under a rock (or consciously skip past any Apple related news), you’d know that today is iPhone Launch Day. With the Apple iPhone 6S and 6S Plus officially hitting stores today, you’ll be up to your ears in reviews, comparisons, and drop tests. The internet is full of them right now. Given that Apple made a big deal about the new camera tech inside the iPhone 6S (it now comes with a higher resolution 12MP camera among other improvements), sites are putting Apple’s claims to the test with head-to-head battles against some of Android’s greatest.

In years past, this would have ended in a massacre, with the iPhone always winning top honors. But things have changed this year. Android OEMs have finally stepped up (with the exception of HTC, of course), creating a blend of camera software and hardware working together to deliver superior results than even Apple’s long standing iPhone line. With the new iPhone, you’re probably wondering if Apple was finally able to reclaim their crown, or will it continue fall short when compared against heavyweights like the Samsung Galaxy S6 and LG G4? In The Verge’s latest video, they took all 3 of these aforementioned phones out on the town, comparing photo quality in a dark room and discussing the results.

We know, typically The Verge’s blatant Apple bias creeps into reviews like this, but this one seemed a little more objective than most (despite them calling it a tie when it seemed to us the Galaxy S6 was the clear winner in most cases). Be all that as it may, their final ruling was that all of them are great in their own respects, it just comes down to personal preference on which output you prefer. Maybe they just didn’t want to believe that their $750 investment didn’t quite live up to Apple’s promises. We’ll let you decide for yourself in the video down below.

LG releases a video teaser for its upcoming V10 phablet

LG today released a new teaser video on its YouTube channel for its upcoming V10 phablet with a secondary ‘ticker’ display.

Unsurprisingly, the teaser focusses on the phablet’s secondary ticker display, giving us our first glimpse at it ‘in action’. The secondary display of the phablet could be used to display app shortcuts as well as notifications, as seen in the leaked render posted by leakster @evleaks yesterday. We’re guessing the secondary ticker display could function in the same way as the side edge on the Galaxy S6 Edge+ or the Galaxy Note Edge.

The V10 phablet is set to go official on October 1st at LG’s media event in New York City. Most of the phablet’s specs have been leaked already, thanks to the TENAA listing. It will feature a 5.7-inch 1440 x 2560 Quad HD display, Snapdragon 808 six-core SoC, 3GB RAM, 16MP rear camera, 64GB expandable memory, dual selfie cameras, and a fingerprint scanner embedded on the power key.

Rumors: LG G5 next year comes with a Snapdragon 820 and Sony 20 MP camera

The LG G4 was universally praised for its camera output and we were big fans of it ourselves. About 5 months after it was made official, we're beginning to hear its successor mentioned every now and then.


An anonymous source, who claims to have inside information, is now shedding light on two of the most important bits of the potential G5's hardware. The camera, for one, will use a new Sony-made 20MP sensor with a half-inch diagonal - one of the largest around.

For example the G4 has a 1/2.6" diagonal, this year's Samsung Galaxies (S6/S6 edge/S6 edge+/Note5) and the iPhone 6/6 Plus use a smaller 1/3" chip, and Sony's own Xperia Z5 series boast a 1/2.3" imager. All those are of course miniature compared to the 1/1.2" sensor of the Nokia PureView 808, but iconic or not, the 808 is ancient history. What's even more interesting though, is that the new sensor will only be provided to LG, and won't be used by other manufacturers.

The source also states that the upcoming LG flagship will be powered by the Snapdragon 820 chip. That's an easy assumption to make without insider information, but reports have been surfacing that LG is in development of its own top-end chipset. Apparently though, LG will stay in Qualcomm's camp for yet another generation.

The source has been deemed trustworthy, but even if the above is correct at the time of writing, there's no less than 6 months before we get to see the LG G5, so bear in mind that things may change.

LG's intriguing V10 smartphone (with two displays) shows up in a new photo

Remember the unannounced LG V10 that showed up earlier this month? Thanks to @evleaks, we can now see the handset in a new photo which seems to confirm the fact that it's got two screens: a regular one, and a ticker display above it, which shows shortcuts to various apps (Instagram, contacts, camera, etc).
Most likely, this secondary display is touch-sensitive, though for now we can't confirm this.

On the left side of the ticker display, we can see what appear to be two front-facing cameras. Overall, the LG V10 looks intriguing.

The main screen of the new handset is supposed to be a 5.7-inch one with 1440 x 2560 pixels (Quad HD). The V10 should also feature a six-core Snapdragon 808 processor, 3 GB of RAM, 64 GB of expandable storage space, and a 16 MP rear camera with laser auto focus. Like all other recently released LG handsets, the V10 has its power and volume buttons on the back.

The LG V10 could be announced next week, on October 1, during an event held in New York City.

Published new photographs LG Nexus 5 phone

The bulk of leaks we've been seeing recently has revolved around Google's upcoming device launches, the pair of them. The LG Nexus 5 and the Samsung Nexus 6 take turns appearing in the hands of insiders, and this time it's the former.

The angle here is that the smaller Nexus will be available in the third Mint color option, in addition to the already seen White and Black. The picture shows a very gentle tint and if it were not for the source to testify that it is indeed mint, they could have just assumed it's white, and the camera messed up the white balance.

Not much else gets revealed this time around and we're left with previously rumored specs, which point to a 5.2-inch FullHD display, Snapdragon 808 chipset, 3GB of RAM and a 12.3MP/5MP camera combo. Pioneering Android 6.0 Marshmallow, the LG Nexus 5 (2015), or maybe Nexus 5X, is rumored to be unveiled on September 29 alongside the higher-end Huawei Nexus 6 (2015, perhaps).