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LG explains why the G6 has a big 'FullVision' display
Even though LG has yet to fully take the wraps off of its next flagship smartphone, the latest teaser explains why you need the G6 and its "FullVision" display. Measuring 5.7-inches diagonally with a QuadHD+ resolution of 2,880 x 1,440, it has an unusual 18:9 aspect ratio that's taller than you're used to. Because of the extra space, however, it has plenty of room to fit two windows next to each other when held horizontally. LG's press release brags that the G6 is expected to kick off an "era" of similar phones, and its leaked design does seem like a sign of what's to come.
LG's G6 invite drops more hints about the 'Big Screen' phone
As usual, LG is continuing to slowly drop hints about its big product unveiling ahead of Mobile World Congress 2017 next month. Our official invite to the launch event for its next flagship mobile phone has arrived and positions the G6 as having a "Big Screen...That Fits." The words and diagram continue to hint at a device with minimal bezel, which backs up images previously leaked. LG itself already revealed the device's unique 18:9 ratio display -- branded "Full Vision" -- and promises it won't explode. Since Samsung's Galaxy S8 debut will be delayed, something has to grab the spotlight in Barcelona and maybe the G6 is that phone. We'll find out on February 26th.
Samsung will unveil something at MWC on February 26th
Samsung just sent out its invites for the Mobile World Congress 2017, however, unlike previous years, the big news is what won't be there. As a knock-on effect of the whole Galaxy Note 7 mess, its introduction of the flagship Galaxy S8 is delayed from its usual February reveal to (likely) March. Still, Samsung has a show to put on and sent out this curious image to pique our interest.
LG's Nexus-like Watch Style surfaces in photos
LG's Google-blessed smartwatches now exist as more than a set of specs. Well-known leaker Evan Blass has scored photos of the Watch Style, the budget model of the two that LG is expected to launch in early February. The Android Wear 2.0 device certainly lives up to its name -- it's designed to look good, with a subtle bezel (silver and rose gold are shown here) and matching, easily removed leather straps. They're even relatively thin, although that's partly a trick of the eye.
LG's G6 reportedly packs Google Assistant instead of Alexa
LG's G6 smartphone is a leaky flagship: CNET is reporting some good and bad points about the company's incoming G6 we've already heard. It will be water-resistant. Great! But it won't have a removable battery. Not so great. While phones with batteries that can be removed (and often swapped out by power-hungry power users), are increasingly rare, it's recently given LG a notable selling point.
BlackBerry will launch its 'Mercury' phone on February 25th
When BlackBerry and TCL unveiled their "Mercury" phone at CES, it was really more of a proof of life than anything. The two wouldn't shed light on the keyboard-toting Android device's core specs, let alone when you could buy one for yourself. You won't be left speculating for much longer, though: BlackBerry has confirmed that it'll formally unveil the device (presumably, including its final name) on February 25th, right before Mobile World Congress kicks off in Barcelona. Neither BlackBerry nor TCL is providing clues, although there have been some hints of what to expect.
LG G6 photo shows off some rounded corners
We've already learned a lot about LG's next mobile standard-bearer, but a picture posted by The Verge provides a look at the G6 -- well, half of it anyway. We can't tell much about its tall 2:1 (1,440 x 2,880) screen ratio without seeing the rest of the device, but its emphasis on minimal bezels and Mi Mix-ish rounded screen corners are apparent. The device will be officially unveiled during Mobile World Congress 2017 on February 26th, when we should be able to tell you all about it.
Samsung's Galaxy S8 won't appear at Mobile World Congress
Clearly, Samsung is still reeling from its Note 7 disaster. In an interview with Reuters, Samsung mobile chief Koh Dong-jin has confirmed that the Galaxy S8 won't be unveiled next month at Mobile World Congress. That's a big departure from the company's usual release schedule, which revolves around a big "S" launch in the Spring and a new "Note" in the fall. The delay isn't a shock, however. Back in November, the Wall Street Journal reported that Samsung's leadership team was considering a later reveal date. It could come "as late as April," the newspaper said at the time.
LG teases the G6's launch for February
Mobile World Congress is nearly upon us, allowing portions of the mobile world to show off the new devices that they've been working on. The smartphone world may be ossifying, but LG's undeterred, and is sending out teasers for the G6 that'll debut the day before the event kicks off. There's not much to be gleaned from the invitation, beyond that the unveiling will happen in Barcelona at lunchtime on February 26th.
Samsung might have bendable, foldable smartphones ready for 2017
Bloomberg sources say that Samsung is thinking of introducing phones with bendable screens. In fact, Samsung said that it would have that technology ready by 2017 itself, just a few years ago at its investors conference. However, this goes some way to proving that Samsung has developed the tech enough to bring it to consumer product. A pair of devices will have flexible OLED screens, with one folding like a cosmetic compact and another that transforms from a 5-inch smartphone-sized screen to a display roughly eight inches large; so... a tablet.