Google gave the Nexus 4 a $100 price cut in the United States

In a truly surprising fashion, Google gave the LG-made Nexus 4 smartphone a massive discount. The device is currently priced in the Google Play Store at a sweet $199 for the 8GB version, and $249 for a handset with 16GB of on-board memory.

The abovementioned price tags will get you a brand new, contract-free Nexus 4. This is quite an aggressive move by Google, as most top-shelf smartphones in the United States are price in the $200 range with a contract.

Furthermore, the LG Nexus 4 has received at least a 25% discount in a handful of other markets. They include Australia, Canada, Germany, Spain, Korea, and the UK.

The Nexus 4 was already quite a bargain at its original $299 starring price. We suspect that the available quantities won't last long, so if you are on the market for a top-end Android smartphone on a budget, now is a good time to act.

Source 1 | Source 2

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/google_gave_the_nexus_4_a_100_price_cut_in_the_united_states-news-6660.php

Read More

Galaxy Note 3 display reportedly in full view ahead of Sept. 4 reveal

And that's why you always leave a note (credit: ETrade Supply)

The large Samsung Galaxy Note 3 display almost made it to its expected Sept. 4 announcement without being leaked in high-resolution photos, but the phablet seems to be too big to contain.

The super-sized handset, which may not be for the small-of-hand, purportedly leaked in photos provided by electronics parts seller ETradeSupply.

The photos depict a standalone Galaxy Note 3 screen with an approximately 5.68-inch display when measured diagonally, according to the parts supplier's measurements.

That's even bigger than the already massive Samsung Galaxy Note 2, which released almost a year ago.

What specs are left to reveal?

The Galaxy Note 3 display could very well be 5.68 inches give or take a few tenths of an inch, given ETradeSupply's unofficial measurements of the leaked standalone screen.

Samsung may still have surprises in store for its phablet, with rumors that it will be able to shoot 4K video and contain 3GB of RAM to handle the memory-intense video capturing process.

Questions that remain include whether the company will stick with the often critized plastic house found in its other smartphones like the Samsung Galaxy S4, and if this phone will indeed contain a Exynos 5 globally.

Take note of the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 launch date, as we should have all of the details about the phablet on Sept. 4.

• Read about the Samsung Galaxy Gear smartwatch, which is schedule to be announced at the same time.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/galaxy-note-3-display-reportedly-in-full-view-ahead-of-sept-4-announcement-1176126

Read More

HTC One Max specs leak as HTC One gets the blues

A wild blue HTC One appeared! (credit: Mobile01)

It seems HTC has yet to figure out how to stopper its many, many leaks, as three separate sources today provided insights into the Taiwanese company's upcoming plans.

First there's the HTC One Max, which rumor has it could drop by the end of the year.

The Chinese site RBMen published an alleged specs sheet for the One Max today, claiming that the phablet will launch with Android 4.3.

The HTC One Max specs sheet also alleges a 2.3GHz quad-core Snapdragon 800 chip, 5.9-inch 1080p display, 2GB of memory, and an Ultrapixel camera on the back (2.1 megapixels in front).

Pull my fingerprint scanner

Conspicuously absent from that list is the HTC One Max fingerprint scanner that was rumored earlier this month.

An alleged leaked photo of the One Max previously appeared to show a space on the back chassis where a fingerprint scanner would fit snugly, but no scanner is listed in the specs that leaked today.

Today's report is by no means confirmation that the One Max won't have a fingerprint scanner, and either way we may find out by IFA 2013 early next month.

Commenters on Android Community's story claimed that the Chinese-language specs sheet also illuminates external SD card support for the Max, but that could just be for the Chinese variant.

Blue clues

Elsewhere across the web new shots of a blue HTC One emerged, reportedly showing the HTC flagship's alternate hue both deconstructed and in the wild.

The shots come by way of Sina Weibo and Mobile01 (via Engadget).

The blue HTC One deconstructed (credit: Sina Weibo)

The blue HTC One was rumored back in May, and again at the beginning of August, but so far has yet to pop up officially.

Whether it will ever pop up in the west is a mystery, but that day could well be approaching.

• Stay up to date on HTC One Max rumors and leaks at TechRadar

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/htc-one-max-specs-leak-as-htc-one-gets-the-blues-1176120

Read More

Google's Waze app acquisition may hit red light as OFT pumps the brakes

The OFT will probe the fairness of Google's Waze buyout

Google's recent purchase of the community-sourced Waze traffic app faces an official probe from the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) on grounds the deal may be breaking competition laws.

The search and mobile giant agreed a deal to acquire Israel-based start-up in June, for a reported $1.3 billion (around £0.83m), in order to boost its own Google Maps navigation app.

However, the OFT has expressed concern that Google's ownership of the app, which offers real time traffic updates, provides petrol price info and police traps, may give the company too large a slice of the pie.

If the OFT finds that Google's purchase gives it more than 25 per cent of the relevant UK market and/or a turnover of more than £70m, then it would have grounds to order divestments.

Lessening of competition

In its announcement, the OFT wrote: "The Office of Fair Trading is considering whether this agreement has resulted in the creation of a relevant merger situation under the merger provisions of the Enterprise Act 2002 and, if so, whether the creation of that situation has resulted, or may be expected to result, in a substantial lessening of competition within any market or markets in the United Kingdom for goods or services."

Google has yet to comment on the situation, while the OFT has given interested parties 40 days to weigh in on the debate and have their say.

The OFT's announcement follows a similar proclamation from its US counterpart, the Federal Trade Commission, which announced it'd be looking into the legalities of the deal, back in June.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/software/applications/google-s-waze-app-acquisition-may-hit-red-light-as-oft-pumps-the-brakes-1176107

Read More

Sony seeds new update for Xperia Z Ultra, brings X-Reality engine

Sony is definitely doing great with the firmware updates lately. The latest one is already heading to the Xperia Z Ultra phablet users around the globe and brings some key improvements.

Here is the unofficial changelog that early adopters have managed to compile so far:

• X-Reality for Mobile display engine included
• Superior Auto mode included in camera settings
• Enhancement of stock email
• Improved battery life
• Improved video playback
• One-hand keyboard operation possible now
• White background UI

All those features are sure to improve the user experience of early adopters of the phablet quite significantly. In case the update isn't available for you just yet, keep calm - these rollouts are gradual and you might have to wait a few days for it to reach your device. It's a good idea to check both over-the-air service and the Sony PC Companion software, though.

Thanks, Anurag, for the tip!

Source

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/sony_seeds_new_update_for_xperia_z_ultra_brings_xreality-news-6659.php

Read More

New HTC One Max details arrive, 2.1MP front cam confirmed

HTC One Max announcement should happen in September at IFA, around the same time Samsung is going to unveil the Galaxy Note III. It seems, though, that HTC is having some trouble keeping the device under wraps as yet another bit of info about it surfaced online today.

First we got to see some live pictures of the One Max, along with alleged specs. Then an unfinished official render popped up. We also saw the HTC One Max next to a Motorola XT882 as well as sized up next to an HTC One mini and a regular HTC One. The last of those also revealed that the One Max back might boast a fingerprint sensor.

Today, we get to learn some more specs of the HTC One Max. The new pieces of info details the front camera, which should be 2.1MP (same as HTC One). According to the leak though the One Max will run on the latest Android 4.3 Jelly Bean and Sense UI 5.5.

We also received confirmation of some of the previously rumored specs - a 5.9" 1080p display, Snapdragon 800 chipset (quad-core 2.3GHz Krait 400 CPU, Adreno 330 GPU, 2GB RAM), a 4MP UltraPixel camera and Wi-Fi a/ac/b/g/n.

There is no word on the fingerprint scanner though nor is there indication of the One Max will pack a stylus.

Robert Downey Jr. is already working hard to promote the One Max and we are hoping HTC will really deliver a device to live up to all the hype. September is close, so it won't take long before we find out.

In other news a guy using a blue HTC One was photographed in Taiwan. It's unclear if it's the real device or the guy just painted the panels by himself. We already know such version is coming, but if this is the real deal than its market release might be just around the corner.

Source 1 | Source 2 | Via

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/new_details_on_htc_one_max_emerge_android_43_and_sense_55_inside-news-6658.php

Read More

AT&T to offer Nokia Lumia 925 from September 13 for $99.99

After its premiere in the US on T-Mobile, the Nokia Lumia 925 will bring its Windows Phone prowess to AT&T customers. The smartphone's pre-orders campaign begins on August 28, with actual shipping starting on September 13. If you are interested you can book your unit for a price of $99.99 with a new two-year contract.

If a hundred bucks up front is too much for you you can opt for the $21 monthly fee with AT&T's Next tariff.

The Lumia 925 brings an optically-stabilized 8 MP snapper, 4.5" PureMotion HD+ AMOLED screen, dual-core Krait processor and an Amber-enchanced Windows Phone 8.

Source

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/at_t_gets_nokia_lumia_925_from_september_13_for_100-news-6657.php

Read More

iPhone 5S photo avalanche shows off Apple's champagne jacket

Apple's got its Moët and Chandon in a pretty cabinet (credit: Sonny Dickson)

Feast your eyes on this gallery of photos of the iPhone 5S casing in the colour that all the kids are calling "Champagne".

It's really awfully nice of the internet to go with champagne instead of cava, say, or that other yellow-ish-gold-ish substance, urine.

Anyway, these pictures come from relatively new tipster on the block Sonny Dickson who claims to have nabbed the extensively photographed rear-housing from a source in Apple's Asian supply chain.

Throwing a Veuve ball

There's not much more to say beyond "here are the pictures", so here are the pictures:

We're expecting to see the iPhone 5S launch date land at some point in September - September 10 looks like a good bet if you're the gambling type.

• In the meantime, here's everything we know about the iPhone 5S so far - and the lesser-spotted cheapo iPhone 5C which may launch at the same time.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/iphone-5s-photo-avalanche-shows-off-apple-s-champagne-jacket-1176016

Read More

Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 Kids attempts to lure money from parents

Why, why, why?

Kids these days, what are they like? According to Samsung they're looking to get their grubby little mitts on your latest tech purchase, but thankfully the Galaxy Tab 3 Kids is here to distract them from your new gadget.

Coming in a lurid yellow hue the Galaxy Tab 3 Kids has exactly the same specs as, yep you've guessed it, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 3.

That means it sports a 1.2GHz dual-core processor, 1GB of RAM, 8GB internal storage, 7-inch 1024 x 600 display, 3MP rear camera, 1.3MP front camera, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and a micro SD slot.

Android 4.1 Jelly Bean is running the show, but as this is the "Kids" version it has been heavily modified with a child-friendly interface, pre-loaded content such as games, entertainment and ebooks as well as a dedicated app store for your little treasures.

Kids only?

There's a parent control system where passwords can be set up and a time management tool means that little Jimmy will only be able to play on his Tab 3 Kids for 30 minutes before it locks him out.

It's not clear if the child-friendly interface can be switched off to allow parents to use the tablet themselves and the spec sheet suggests the Tab 3 Kids does come with the likes of Gmail, Google Maps and the Play Store installed - things some parents won't want their kids using.

So aside from the average specs and an interface which doesn't - at first glance - lend itself to adult use, surely Samsung has done some work on the chassis to make it "child-proof", right? Wrong!

Money please

That lovely chunky rubber border you see hugging the slate in the photo above is actually a case which you can pick up, wait for it, at an extra cost to you.

And if you haven't finished parting with your cash there's also an "easy-to-grip C Pen" which, between you and me, is a chunky stylus. Once again, a paid-for optional extra.

There's no word on a Galaxy Tab 3 Kids price just yet, but considering it's basically the stock Galaxy Tab 3 with a different software overlay we're not overly hopeful of a pocket-money-friendly price.

The tablet will go on sale in Korea early next month, followed closely by China, Europe, the US, Africa, South America and South East Asia.

It looks like it will be coming to the UK, but Samsung has told us, "UK availability will be announced in due course."

• Samsung isn't the only one to be looking to make money off the kids, check out our Archos ChildPad review.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/samsung-galaxy-tab-3-kids-attempts-to-lure-money-from-parents-1175983

Read More

Nokia Bandit 6" phablet to be called Lumia 1520

Prolific source of insider info @evleaks posted that the Nokia Bandit will bear the retail name Nokia Lumia 1520. The Bandit is one of several leaked codenames and is most likely the 6" 1080p Windows Phone phablet we saw on a few occasions before.

Nokia Bandit = Lumia 1520

— @evleaks (@evleaks) August 27, 2013

We've stumbled upon its front panel before, but the interesting bit is the software update called GDR3, which will enable 1080p resolution support in Windows Phone 8 along with support for quad-core processors.

Which is where the Nokia RM-940 comes in – it received a Bluetooth certification recently and attached to that certification was a separate certification for Snapdragon 800, Snapdragon 400 and Snapdragon 200 chipsets. That combined with an earlier rumor points to Snapdragon 800 power in the Nokia Lumia 1520.

Nokia has scheduled a "worldwide premiere" for tomorrow, August 28. Will the Lumia 1520 be there? What about that Windows RT tablet (also with Snapdragon 800)? The event is in Moscow, which isn't one of the traditional cities for major announcements so don't get your hopes up, but we'll be keeping an eye on things anyway.

Source | Via

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/nokia_bandit_a_6_phablet_to_be_called_lumia_1520-news-6656.php

Read More

Samsung Galaxy Note 3 to shoot in 4K?

Will the Note 3's camera be capable of ultra greatness?

With IFA 2013 approaching, rumours surrounding the upcoming Galaxy Note 3 are flying thick and fast and the latest suggests its camera will be capable of recording Ultra HD video.

An "industry official" told of the camera boost, claiming that the phone-cum-tablet will be capable of recording in 200 million pixel resolution.

The thinking is that being able to shoot home movies in 4K will encourage Note 3 owners to upgrade to an Ultra HD ready Samsung TV too.

Ultra unlikely

We're not convinced that the new class of smartphones about to be unleashed in Berlin will come toting 4K snappers simply because phone memories are not up to the task yet.

Video content of that quality will see your phone overburdened before you can say sharper-than-sharp picture quality.

But it's not the first word we've heard of a handset coming with UHD smarts: the oft-touted Sony Xperia Z1 (previously known as Honami and also potentially billed as the Xi) is said to boast a 20MP camera with video shooting resolution of 4000 x 2000.

Samsung is also said to be giving audio quality a bit of a boost on the Note 3, according to the leak, with 24-bit playback smarts coming aboard.

Given that the source of the Note 3 rumours is the dodgily Google Translated word of an "industry official", we're not exactly staking our lives on the device coming with a 4K snapper.

However, we should find out for sure next week - a Samsung official today confirmed that the Note 3 will be unveiled on September 4 alongside the Galaxy Gear smartwatch.

• What else are we expecting from the Samsung Galaxy Note 3? We've rounded all the rumours up for you here.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/samsung-galaxy-note-3-to-shoot-in-4k--1175951

Read More

Alleged front panel of upcoming Galaxy Note 3 surfaces

The latest leaked images of the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 show off what is allegedly the front panel of the devices. While no measurements were provided alongside the images, according to previous leaks the device is set to feature a 5.7-inch diagonal - up from the 5.5" on the Note II.

While the panel follows Samsung's design strategy, the corners are more defined than on the Note II as well, which lends itself to a more business-oriented marketing approach (think BYOD).

We'll find out more about the Note 3 at IFA in Berlin on September 4, where Samsung is expected to officially announce the device.

There's word that the phablet will be powered by either a Snapdragon 800 or Exynos 5 Octa chipset, feature 3GB of RAM and run on Android 4.3, so be sure to check back with us then for all the juicy details.

Source (Italian)

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/alleged_front_panel_of_upcoming_galaxy_note_3_surfaces-news-6655.php

Read More

Sony Xperia Z1 teaser video goes live, mockup confirms name

The first teaser video of Sony Xperia Z1 also known as Honami has just been published by the Japanese maker. Unfortunately the video is a combination of all teaser pictures we've seen so far and gives us no new details.

Sony has already showed us the power key, the water-proof panels, the G-lens at the back, as well the slim profile which also revealed the announcement date - September 4. Yes, it's the same day Samsung will premiere the Galaxy Note III.

Sony Xperia Z1 has already leaked in various pictures and it looks much like its Xperia Z sibling. The Z1 will supposedly feature a 5" 1080p display and run on a Snapdragon 800 chipset. At the back it will boast a 20.7MP camera 1/2.3" sensor capable of 4K video recording, and a 3000 mAh battery.

Meanwhile, an Xperia Z1 mockup showed its face and was sized up against an Xperia Z and Xpetia Z Ultra mockups. Not only did it help us get a better idea of the size of the smartphone, the dummy also let us learn the model name of the Xperia Z1 - L39.

The smartphone will be unveiled on September 4 and we'll be there to cover it, so make sure you stick around when the time comes.

Thank you, Colby Leong, for the tip!

Source 1 | Source 2

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/sony_xperia_z1_teaser_video_is_live_no_new_details_in_it-news-6654.php

Read More

Apple to let you trade-in your old iPhone for cheaper iPhone 5S?

Because everyone wants to buy from an Apple Store

It looks like Apple is about to jump on the trade-in bandwagon in its dedicated stores, with reports suggesting a program will be in place in time for the new iPhone launch next month.

Apple is apparently in final preparations to launch its iPhone trade-in program next month, or so say "sources with knowledge of the intuitive" over on 9to5Mac.

The program would allow owners of older versions of Apple's handsets - the iPhone 4 or 4S for example - to bring them into an Apple store and swap them for a shiny new iPhone at a discounted price.

Nothing new

While this concept has been around for years at various retailers, this is the first time Apple Stores would offer the deal.

It seems that Apple is keen for as many people to buy the new iPhone direct from its stores rather than going via a network or high street retailer.

Apparently 80% of all iPhones sold are outside the Cupertino firm's stores, so there's clear money to be made with this new scheme likely to aid home-grown sales.

We expect Apple to launch the iPhone 5S and possibly the cheaper iPhone 5C next month with September 10 being touted for the 5S launch date, where we may see official confirmation of the trade-in program too.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/apple-to-let-you-trade-in-your-old-iphone-for-cheaper-iphone-5s--1175918

Read More

New Jelly Bean firmware rolls out on Xperia S, SL, acro S

Just as promised Sony has now confirmed it is seeding a new 4.1 Jelly Bean firmware to the Xperia S, Xperia SL and Xperia acro S. It brings various improvements over the initial Jelly Bean release and is already available for download over-the-air and via the Sony PC Companion.

Here is the official changelog as provided by Sony:

For camera, we’ve…

• addressed an abnormality in the white balance
• improved the “Quick Launch” button functionality
• smoothed out (1080p) video recording, minimizing lag

For apps, services & data, we’ve…

• streamlined Exchange Active Sync, particularly when running an encrypted set-up
• boosted connection stability for 2G network data
• ensured preferences on 3rd party apps remain after reboot – not a common problem, but we understand it can be a frustrating one!

For battery, we’ve…

• economised power consumption, and heat dispersion for longer life
• corrected juice level notifications, especially when running low

And for hardware & UI, we’ve…

• introduced a home key long-press to launch Google Now, and a double-press to launch Recent Apps
• made sure the volume “up” button is fully responsive

As usual the update rollout is gradual and, depending on your region and carrier, it might take a few days before the new firmware reaches your device.

Source

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/new_jelly_bean_firmware_rolls_out_on_xperia_s_sl_acro_s-news-6653.php

Read More

iOS 7 September 10 release adds more evidence to iPhone 5S and 5C launch

Help us, we're trapped inside Jony Ive's colourful nightmare

September 10 is the date we're currently marking in the diaries for the iPhone 5S and 5C reveal, and that may have just been reinforced by n apparently slip that claims that we'll see the release of iOS 7 that that very same day.

According to an email sent to developers from Nuance, the company behind Siri, the general availability date for iOS 7 is set for September 10.

Traditionally, new iOS versions have been made available the day of a new iPhone launch so Nuance's bean-spilling is no huge shock to the system. But on the flip side, this seems to be more evidence that September 10 is going to be Apple's big day.

This also means we should actually have something to play with on the day, as we don't expect the new iPhones to be available until at least a week later.

iSpy an iOS release date

Of course, the beta version of iOS 7 has been available to developers since its WWDC 2013 unveiling in June and has been incrementally updated by Apple since.

But September 10 is looking like the date that we'll finally get Jony Ive's new OS overhaul in its final form, without any of the nagging bugs that owners of the developer version have been putting up with in the past few weeks.

The Gold Master version, usually set out to developers before the general release, is yet to be seen. But if September 10 is the golden date, we expect it to appear very soon.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/ios-7-september-10-release-adds-further-evidence-to-iphone-5s-and-5c-launch-1175890

Read More

Moto X hits Verizon online on August 29, retail stores later

AT&T is the first carrier to offer the Motorola's Moto X on August 23, but it won't take long before the handset pops up on Verizon's website.

Verizon has just announced it will start selling the Motorola Moto X online on August 29, while the retail stores will get it in the following weeks. The 16GB model is going to cost $199.99 with a two-year contract. Unfortunately the 32GB version and the Moto Maker customizations won't be available on the Big Red initially.

Ready to #MeetMotoX with Verizon #4G LTE? Available online 8/29 & in stores in the coming weeks. $199.99 on contract pic.twitter.com/LyFZjvYVYE

— Verizon Wireless (@VZWnews) August 26, 2013

In case you are still considering whether or not the Motorola Moto X is worth your cash, we strongly suggest you check out our review.

Source | Via

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/moto_x_hits_verizon_online_on_august_29_retail_stores_later-news-6650.php

Read More