Huawei exec: Full HD screens below 5-inches are pointless

1080p? Don't be silly.

The Huawei Ascend P2 won't be sporting the full HD display which has previously been reported, with the mid-range handset having to make do with a 720p offering.

Official word came via Huawei's Mobile Division head Richard Yu, who took to Sina Weibo (China's version of Twitter) to confirm the Ascend P2 will feature a 4.7-inch, 720p screen.

Yu added that a 1080p display under 5-inches in size would be pointless, as the human eye wouldn't be able to distinguish the difference between that an a 720p offering - take that HTC One.

On its way

Other rumours suggest the Huawei Ascend P2 will run a 1.5Ghz quad-core processor, 2GB of RAM, Android Jelly Bean and pack a 13MP camera and sizable 3,000mAh battery.

If the Ascend P2 does become reality it will slide in below the flagship Huawei Ascend D2 which sports a 5-inch, full HD IPS+ display.

We expect to see the Huawei Ascend P2 at MWC 2013 next week, so keep a look out for our hands on review.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/huawei-exec-full-hd-screens-below-5-inches-are-pointless-1133151

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Samsung Galaxy S4 could replace your doctor, but it's running late

Ready for your physical?

The Samsung Galaxy S4 will see you now, as reports suggest it will come equipped with a S Health app and accessory, but are processor woes forcing the Korean firm to delay the Galaxy S4 release?

S Health isn't a new invention with the Korean firm (quietly) launching the app and accompanying pad for use with the Galaxy S3, allowing users to monitor blood pressure, blood sugar, BMI, weight etc without a trip to the doctors.

Korean site Daum now reports the same set up will be heading to the upcoming Galaxy S4 and Samsung could make a bigger deal of it this time as the technology and been improved.

Snappy Dragon making S4 late

In other Galaxy S4 related news Barron's has spoken to an analyst (so take this with a sizable dosage of salt) who claims the flagship smartphone has been delayed due to problems with the Qualcomm made Snapdragon processor destined for the handset.

Apparently Samsung is lining up the ridiculously sized octo-core chipset for the Galaxy SIV, but power management issues has slowed down development.

Who are you trying to kid here? Credit: MobileFun

Rounding off this Samsung Galaxy S4 sandwich is a highly dubious report from Mobile Fun which claims to have received leaked shots of protective cases for the new handset from a Chinese accessory manufacturer.

We're hardly sold on these shots and we reckon Samsung may employ a more dramatic design overhaul for the Galaxy SIV than the cases suggest, so let's not get carried away. OK?

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/samsung-galaxy-s4-could-replace-your-doctor-but-its-running-late-1133144

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LG Optimus G finally touches down in Europe complete with Jelly Bean

Better late than never

The LG Optimus G has finally made its way to Europe, but it could be too late for this 4G smartphone to succeed.

LG launched the Optimus G in Korean and then the States last year, but has only just got round to bringing it to Europe now.

It does come with a Jelly Bean trump card though, with the same handset in other regions still running Ice Cream Sandwich.

The Optimus G also offers up a 4.7-inch HD IPS display, 1.5GHz quad-core processor, 2GB of RAM, 32GB of internal storage, 4G connectivity and a range of enhanced user interface features.

Slide to the right

They enhancements include QSlide which allows you to use multiple apps at the same time, much like Samsung's multi-window option, and you can also have a video playing or other set apps in a smaller window - much like the Pop-up Play feature found on the Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 2.

The timing seems all the more odd considering the firm has just announced its natural replacement in the LG Optimus G Pro, which we expect to see in more detail at MWC 2013.

LG has confirmed that the Optimus G will make its European debut in Sweden at the end of February, after which it will head to other markets including France, Germany and Italy.

TechRadar contacted LG about availability in the UK and a spokesperson for the company told us: "We don't yet have further information regarding the availability and ranging of the Optimus G in the UK."

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/lg-optimus-g-finally-touches-down-in-europe-complete-with-jelly-bean-1133134

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Samsung Galaxy S4 to debut new camera tech Samsung Orb?

I'm spinning around, get out of my way

The Samsung Galaxy S4 could be used to debut some new camera technology by the Korean firm, which is currently being dubbed as Samsung Orb.

According to AndroidGeeks Samsung is working on a camera feature which will be very similar to the Photo Sphere mode currently found in the stock Android 4.2 Jelly Bean application.

The information apparently comes via a Samsung engineer who is working on the Galaxy S4, although we're not able to confirm the authenticity of this claim.

It looks like there won't be too much difference between Samsung Orb and Photo Sphere, with the Korean firm's offering allowing you to take a 360 degree panorama to give you an almost 3D image.

360 and share

The slight difference seems to be with the sharing options, with Samsung apparently in talks with Facebook to allow Galaxy S4 users to easily share their 360 creations on the social network.

Unsurprisingly the engineer has talked up the Samsung Orb, saying it will offer a better result than Google's Photo Sphere, partly thanks to the superior camera the Galaxy S4 will sport - although we're not taking anything for granted just yet.

Rumours currently point towards the Samsung Galaxy S4 packing a 13MP snapper, putting it on par with the recently announced Sony Xperia Z.

The Samsung Galaxy S4 is expected to be unveiled towards the end of March, with the handset landing in stores in April/May this year.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/samsung-galaxy-s4-to-debut-new-camera-tech-samsung-orb-1133117

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Sony Xperia SP appears again reinforcing mid-range credentials

The Xperia Z may be getting a new baby brother

Details on the Sony Xperia SP have popped up again on the world wide web, with a new source seemingly confirming various mid-range specifications.

The details were sent to XperiaBlog by a 'trusted source', who was apparently able to confirm features such as screen size, case materials and camera on the Xperia SP.

According to the source, the Sony Xperia SP will sport a 4.6-inch 720p display, 8GB of internal storage, 8MP Exmor RS camera and feature an aluminium frame surrounding a plastic rear and glass-covered front.

Xperia Z a-like

Previous rumours suggest that the Xperia SP will also feature a 1.7GHz dual-core processor and run Android Jelly Bean 4.1.2.

We've also seen leaked photos claiming to show the Xperia SP sporting a similar design to the flagship Sony Xperia Z, which was launched at CES 2013.

The Sony Xperia SP is expected to be announced at MWC 2013 next week, and TechRadar will be out in force in Barcelona to bring you all the latest from the Japanese firm.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/sony-xperia-sp-appears-again-reinforcing-mid-range-credentials-1133106

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Slimmed-down Xenon flash means super cameraphones incoming

Small enough for a regular phone, bright enough to light up the room

A new Xenon flash that is compact enough to fit into some of the smallest phones may provide a brighter future for their owners who just can't seem to properly light their dim-looking photos.

The slim-phone-friendly capacitor that's still able to store enough energy for a Xenon flash was developed by scientists from Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and being produced by Xenon Technologies.

"This project will yield a breakthrough solution for the digital imaging industry, which will be the world's smallest Xenon flash," said Xenon Technologies CEO Jack Tuen in a press release.

"Our customers and consumers at large constantly demand for a proper Xenon flash which can fit into increasingly smaller and beautiful form factor mobile devices. This is the answer which fulfils that need."

Examining the Xenon technology

With the goal of lighting the way to better-looking photos, this Xenon flash on a diet is made from polymers layered together and it contains a capacitor that is at least four times smaller than current electrolytic capacitors.

"The multi-layered polymer capacitor is also able to deliver the same electricity charge needed to power high-intensity Xenon flash light matching those found in digital cameras," said the school in a press release.

This advancement is thanks to the two and a half years of work of the inventor and Associate Professor Lee Pooi See and her team of researchers at NTU's School of Materials Science and Engineering.

"With XT's expertise in developing successful commercial products, we are confident that this collaboration will result in a disruptive innovation," she said in a statement.

"Not just in the area of flash technology, but also in the world of consumer electronics, as all computers and devices requires the use of capacitors in one way or another."

Slim Xenon flash timetable

With funding from Singapore's National Research Foundation Proof-of-Concept grant, the NTU-Xenon team expects to have a commercial prototype ready by September of this year.

But don't put away your Xenon-flash-boasting Nokia 808 PureView just yet.

Tuen told CNET that he was confident that mobile phone manufacturers will take to the new slim Xenon flash - but it won't be in a flash. Instead, look for the new technology in devices sometime in the end of 2014.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/slimmed-down-xenon-flash-means-super-cameraphones-incoming-1133016

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Slim downed Xenon flash means super cameraphones incoming

Small enough for a regular phone, bright enough to light up the room

A new Xenon flash that is compact enough to fit into some of the smallest phones may provide a brighter future for their owners who just can't seem to properly light their dim-looking photos.

The slim-phone-friendly capacitor that's still able to store enough energy for a Xenon flash was developed by scientists from Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and being produced by Xenon Technologies.

"This project will yield a breakthrough solution for the digital imaging industry, which will be the world's smallest Xenon flash," said Xenon Technologies CEO Jack Tuen in a press release.

"Our customers and consumers at large constantly demand for a proper Xenon flash which can fit into increasingly smaller and beautiful form factor mobile devices. This is the answer which fulfils that need."

Examining the Xenon technology

With the goal of lighting the way to better-looking photos, this Xenon flash on a diet is made from polymers layered together and it contains a capacitor that is at least four times smaller than current electrolytic capacitors.

"The multi-layered polymer capacitor is also able to deliver the same electricity charge needed to power high-intensity Xenon flash light matching those found in digital cameras," said the school in a press release.

This advancement is thanks to the two and a half years of work of the inventor and Associate Professor Lee Pooi See and her team of researchers at NTU's School of Materials Science and Engineering.

"With XT's expertise in developing successful commercial products, we are confident that this collaboration will result in a disruptive innovation," she said in a statement.

"Not just in the area of flash technology, but also in the world of consumer electronics, as all computers and devices requires the use of capacitors in one way or another."

Slim Xenon flash timetable

With funding from Singapore's National Research Foundation Proof-of-Concept grant, the NTU-Xenon team expects to have a commercial prototype ready by September of this year.

But don't put away your Xenon-flash-boasting Nokia 808 PureView just yet.

Tuen told CNET that he was confident that mobile phone manufacturers will take to the new slim Xenon flash - but it won't be in a flash. Instead, look for the new technology in devices sometime in the end of 2014.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/slim-downed-xenon-flash-means-super-cameraphones-incoming-1133016

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