ZTE Axon 7
ZTE's 2016 Axon 7 Flagship Gains Android 8 Oreo In Beta
ZTE today said owners of the Axon 7 smartphone can take Android 8 Oreo for a beta test spin. People interested in testing the new system software will need to register with ZTE's Z-Community. The Axon 7 launched with Android 6 Marshmallow and has already been updated to Android 7 Nougat. ZTE says, based on customer requests, the build of Android 8 Oreo for the Axon 7 will be close to stock. The platform brings improved battery life to the Axon 7, as well as shorter boot times, picture-in-picture mode, notification dots, Google Play Protect, Android instant apps, and autofill for online forms. Android 8 Oreo should be available to Axon 7 owners starting February 14. ZTE did not say how long the OS will be tested by the public before Oreo is offered to all Axon 7 owners. The phone was originally sold unlocked for $400. It features a 5.5-inch quad HD screen, Snapdragon 820 processor, 4 GB of RAM, 20-megapixel camera, and a 3,140mAh battery.
ZTE's Axon 7 Gains a Security Patch
ZTE has pushed a maintenance release to its aging Axon 7 flagship handset device in order to patch up the phone's security. Primarily, the update applies Google's security fixes through the December 2017 patch. The security maintenance release also adds Hiya v6.3.3 for improved call blocking and protection, and installs a wide range of other performance tweaks and bug fixes. The release was made available over the weekend and should reach all Axon 7 devices in the weeks ahead. ZTE first debuted the Axon 7 during the summer of 2016. Though ZTE brought the foldable Axon M to market in 2017, the company did not release a follow-up flagship to replace the Axon 7. ZTE is expected to make some announcements at the Mobile World Congress trade show scheduled to take place next month in Barcelona.
ZTE's Axon 7 Scores Android 7.1.1
ZTE today began pushing Android 7.1.1 to its Axon 7 flagship smartphone. The Axon 7 is one of the first devices other than Google's own Pixel handsets to receive this update. Some of the features added in the system upgrade include support for T-Mobile WiFi Calling; a wider selection of gender-balanced emoji and GIFs; performance improvements to Google's Daydream VR; and the latest security patches. ZTE says it also fixes bugs and tweaked behaviors throughout the operating system. People who own the Axon 7 can download the update manually via the system settings tools on their phone or wait for it to arrive over the air.
Virtual Reality Comes to the Web Thanks to Chrome
Google today made it possible to view web-based virtual reality content through its Chrome browser. The latest version of Chrome for Android devices supports VR, and Google says a number of its partners have begun to add VR content to their web sites. For example, Sketchfab has more than one million 3D scenes available that range from video games to works of art. The Chrome-based VR content requires a Daydream-compatible smartphone and Daydream VR viewer. Daydream handsets are limited to Google's own Pixel and Pixel XL, the Nexus 6P, Moto Z, and ZTE Axon 7. People who don't have Daydream phones can use their mouse or finger to pan around 3D content directly in the browser. Google says it plans to bring web-based VR support to its Cardboard viewer in the months ahead.
ZTE's Axon 7 Updated with Nougat and Daydream
ZTE today made Android 7 Nougat and Google Daydream available to its Axon 7 flagship smartphone. The updated operating system allows Axon 7 owners to run two apps side by side, tweak and conserve battery use, access more emoji, and enjoy access to Google's Daydream virtual reality content. ZTE says the device also gains a new call-screening tool from Hiya, which the company is also making available to other handsets in its lineup. Hiya, built directly into the phone app, is able to integrate caller identification, spam detection and call blocking. The Axon 7 has been available since last year. The phone is sold unlocked and costs $400. It features a 5.5-inch quad HD screen, Snapdragon 820 processor, 4 GB of RAM, 20-megapixel camera, and a 3,140mAh battery.
ZTE Shows Off Enhanced Version of Axon 7
ZTE today announced the Axon 7 (6+128), a slightly improved version of its Axon 7 flagship handset. The new variant includes a Force Touch display, 6 GB of RAM, and 128 GB of storage. The hardware changes push the cost from $399 to $499. ZTE did not say what the Force Touch screen is able to do. All other specs and features of the Axon 7 (6+128) are unchanged from the standard version. It includes a 5.5-inch quad HD screen, Snapdragon 820 processor, 20-megapixel main camera, 8-megapixel selfie camera, 3,250mAh battery, and support for many U.S. LTE bands. The limited edition Axon 7 (6+128) is available unlocked online starting today.
ZTE Now Accepting Preorders for the Axon 7
ZTE today began taking preorders for the Axon 7, its flagship smartphone for 2016. Consumers interested in ordering the unlocked Android handset can do so via ZTEUSA.com, Amazon, B&H, Best Buy, and Newegg. ZTE announced the Axon 7 earlier this year. It features a 5.5-inch quad HD display with 2.5D curved glass, and it is powered by a 2.2 GHz Snapdragon 820 processor with 4 GB of RAM. The 3,140mAh battery supports Quick Charge 3.0 and can deliver a 50% charge in 30 minutes. The main camera includes a 20-megapixel sensor from Samsung with optical and electronic image stabilization, sapphire lens, and an aperture of f/1.8. The selfie camera has an 8-megapixel sensor. Other features include dual AKM HiFi audio chipsets, Dolby Atmos software, stereo speakers, support for Google's Daydream virtual reality platform, support for memory cards, and a quick fingerprint sensor. The Axon 7 ships with Android 6 Marshmallow and supports the majority of U.S. LTE bands. The Axon 7 is sold with Axon Passport 2.0, ZTE's two-year warranty plan that protects consumers from busted screens and other damage. The phone costs $399 and will ship starting July 17.
ZTE Taps BMW to Help Design the Axon 7 Flagship
ZTE today announced the Axon 7, its flagship smartphone for 2016. ZTE designed the phone with the help of BMW Group's Designworks studio. The Axon 7 has a unibody aluminum design and clean lines; it comes in gold and silver finishes. The device features a 5.5-inch quad HD display with 2.5D curved glass. The phone is powered by a 2.2 GHz Snapdragon 820 processor with either 4 GB or 6 GB of RAM. The processor and 3,140mAh battery together support Quick Charge 3.0 and can deliver a 50% charge in 30 minutes. The main camera includes a 20-megapixel sensor from Samsung with optical and electronic image stabilization, sapphire lens, and an aperture of f/1.8. The selfie camera has an 8-megapixel camera. The phone can capture video up to 4K. Other standout features include dual AKM HiFi audio chipsets with Dolby Atmos software and stereo speakers, support for Google's Daydream virtual reality platform, support for memory cards, and a quick fingerprint sensor located on the back. The device adopts a USB Type-C connector. The Axon 7 ships with Android 6 Marshmallow and MiFavor 4.0 user interface, portions of which BMW's Designworks helped configure. The phone supports all U.S. LTE bands. It will be compatible with AT&T and T-Mobile and launch, with Sprint and Verizon compatibility coming later in the year. The Axon 7 is sold with Axon Passport 2.0, ZTE's two-year warranty plan that protects consumers from busted screens and other damage. The Axon 7 goes on sale in China today, but will reach the U.S. soon. The phone is priced under $500 and will be sold directly to consumers via ZTEusa.com, Amazon, Best Buy, B&H, ebay, and Newegg.
