Samsung Galaxy J7(2016) is powered by 3GB RAM and Snapdragon 650 SoC

After updating its "A" line for 2016, Samsung appears to be moving on to its budget "J" family. The Galaxy J1 (2016) is already here, well, at least in Dubai, while the J5 (2016) and J7 (2016) are expected shortly.

The latter's existence now looks to be proven even further by some kernel sources, unearthed by one of our readers. The code was spotted alongside recently published kernel sources for the Galaxy A9 and talks of a device, codenamed "j7xlte".

Conveniently enough, the code also holds clues to most of the phone's specs. The Galaxy J7 (2016) will be equipped with a FullHD panel, probably a 5.5-inch one, judging by a previousGFXBench leak. Super AMOLED is naturally expected, but if you want, you can try and find more details for yourself using the model number - ss_dsi_panel_S6E3FA3_AMS549JR01_FHD.

The new J7 will be powered by a Snapdragon 650 SoC (previously known as the SD 618). There is no mention of memory in the code, but we expect 3GB of RAM. The main camera looks to be a 13MP model with the Samsung S5K3L2XX sensor. The front shooter is reported as a 5MP one with a Samsung S5K5E3YX sensor, 1.1µm pixels, paired with a 23mm f/2.2 lens.

Interestingly enough, there are hints of a fingerprint reader on the Galaxy J7 (2016), which would definitely be a wonderful upgrade to the budget line. The rest of the known specs include a microSD card slot and a 4,300 mAh battery.

Apple focusing to bring new wireless charging technology to iPhones, iPads

Wireless charging is being widely adopted by phone makers and may soon come to the iPhone too.

Citing people related to the matter, a Bloomberg report points out that Apple is working with partners in the US and Asia to develop a new wireless charging technology for the iPhone and iPad. The new wireless technology could be made available by 2017.

The company is exploring ‘cutting-edge technologies’ that will enable iPhones and iPads to be powered even when further away from the charging mats. The company is working at ‘technicals barriers’ such as ‘loss of power over a distance’.

“With iPhones and iPads generating more than three quarters of Apple’s revenue, new technologies can give its devices an edge and help the company sell products at a premium in a slowing market,” the report points out. Considering the recent earnings call, we couldn’t agree more.

This isn’t the first time, Apple is considering wireless charging. In the past, it has filed for patents around wireless charging technology. It had showcased a wireless charging concept using iMac.

India launch of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 was confirmed

Xiaomi India had promised "something wonderful" for Thursday, and the company has announced
India launch of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 via social channels. The company in a tweet said,
 "RT the awesome news that a new #RedmiNote3 is coming."

Unfortunately, the Chinese company as of now has not revealed any launch date for the new
Redmi Note 3. Additionally, Xiaomi is looking for 100 "explorers" for the Redmi Note 3 in India
- users who get to preview the smartphone before it launches. Interested consumers can
register at the company's official India website by January 31.

The company explained the 'Redmi Note 3 Explorer Challenge', saying, "Redmi Note 3
Explorers will be given a list of 100 missions to accomplish. Explorers will be ranked based
on the number of successful missions and support from other Mi fans. All Explorers are
required to return the phone after the challenge." The company also detailed that "Engineers"
 will be able to "Design extraordinary missions for Redmi Note 3 Explorers to complete.                                 You'll win a Mi Band for every approved mission."

To recall, Xiaomi unveiled the Redmi Note 3 back in November in China. The smartphone                       came in two variants: one with 2GB RAM and 16GB inbuilt storage variant which was priced                           at CNY 899 (approximately Rs. 9,500) and another with 3GB of RAM and 32GB storage at                       CNY 1,099 (approximately Rs. 11,500.The Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 features a 5.5-inch full-HD         (1080x1920 pixels) Sunlight Display and is touted be a "fully-laminated display". It runs MIUI 7              based on Android OS.

The company at the event highlighted that the Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 features an all-metal                   industrial design and stressed that it is now the "first Mi phone" to sport a full metal body and             fingerprint sensor. The handset also sports a fingerprint sensor at the back which the compa-                           -ny touted can unlock the device in just 0.3 seconds. Another notable feature is the                                 4000mAh battery with fast charging support that can charge up to 50 percent in 1 hour.

While the Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 is powered by a 64-bit octa-core MediaTek Helio X10                                 processor (Cortex-A53) in China, the company may not replace the chipset on the Redmi                               Note 3 for the Indian market. Xiaomi since December 2014 has not been selling phones                               powered by MediaTek chipsets in Indiafollowing a patent issue with Ericsson. However, a                               recent Qualcomm patent agreement may allow it to sell MediaTek-based smartphones in                                the country.

Other specifications of the Redmi Note 3 include a 13-megapixel rear camera with phase                     detection autofocus (PDAF) and two-tone flash. There is also a 5-megapixel front-camera                               on board. The smartphone was launched in Gold, Silver, and Dark Grey colours.