Sunday, September 8, 2013

Amazon smartphone not coming this year and not for free

Amazon smartphone not coming this year and not for free
Amazon tries on ambuigity: If this is real, it won't be free or out this year.

Late last week, former Wall Street Journal reporters Jessica Lessin and Amir Efrati wrote that according to people familiar with the matter, Amazon is looking into launching its phone for free.

Just two days after the initial report, according to Efrati on Lessin's blog, an Amazon.com Inc. spokesperson has said that the company would not launch an Amazon smartphone this year.

The report went on to say that "if it did launch one in the future, it 'would not be free'."

While this doesn't quite confirm the existence of an Amazon smartphone, the spokesperson doesn't outright deny that the retail giant may still be working on a handset either.

Not free, but still cheap?

Previous Amazon smartphone rumours have pegged the phone to retail at a very cheap $100-200 (around £60-120/AU$95-190).

The 7-inch Kindle Fire HD has shown that Amazon is capable of putting together smartphone-like hardware at below-$200 prices, and with the company set to launch the Kindle Fire HD 2, an Amazon smartphone for a low price isn't so far reaching.

Of course, as the spokesperson has seemingly squashed any hopes of seeing a handset this year, we'll have to take any news with grains of salt until Amazon comes out with an announcement of the smartphone's existence.

Via: The Next Web


Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/amazon-smartphone-not-coming-this-year-and-not-for-free-1179169

Nokia Lumia 1520 leaks out in a number of live photos

Barely a couple of days after it showed up in a press image, the unannounced Nokia Lumia 1520 made yet another appearance. This time around, the handset emerged in a slew live photos, showcasing its hardware, and getting sized up against a Sony Xperia Z.


Also known as Nokia Bandit, the Lumia 1520 allegedly packs a large 6" 1080p display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 SoC, 2GB of RAM, 32GB of built-in memory, and a microSD card slot. There is no information on the camera of the device, though, with its pronounced hump, it looks a lot like the snapper of the Nokia Lumia 925.

The Nokia Lumia 1520 will boot Windows Phone 8 with the highly awaited GDR3 update. We have already seen a screenshot of the latter's FullHD display layout.

Source


Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/nokia_lumia_1520_leaks_out_in_a_number_of_live_photos-news-6748.php

The 10 apps to supercharge your iPhone 5S

The 10 apps to supercharge your iPhone 5S
The only app list you'll ever need... for the first few days, that is.

At first glance some might dismiss the iPhone 5S as a clone of its predecessor, but look closer and you'll find a few subtle differences. There's an improved display, a faster processor, and a better camera, to name but three.

It's a little while before you can get your hands on the new device, but to whet your appetite we've put together our tailored guide to your first iPhone-5S-powered trip to the App Store, bringing you the best apps that will keep you gazing lovingly at your new toy when you feverishly rip it from the box.

Flipboard (Free)

Flipboard

Serving up fresh batches of filtered news in a stylish way, Flipboard is the ideal window onto the web. Sprinkle in sources you like, from the BBC, to Talk Sport, to Tech Radar; there are thousands of RSS feeds out there.

If you don't know where to start, then check out some of the popular curated magazines on offer. You can also fold in your social media accounts for a complete real-time picture of the stuff you care about most.

Private Photo Vault (Free)

Photo vault

We don't need to know why you have photos on your iPhone that you'd rather keep private; it's none of our business and Private Photo Vault keeps it that way.

You can safeguard private albums behind a password, PIN, or pattern. The app lets you view, edit, share, and transfer photos as normal, it just doesn't let anyone else in.

You can even set up a decoy password, and capture a photo and GPS location when there's an attempted break-in.

TurboScan (£1.49)

turbo

We've all got an old flatbed scanner gathering dust under the desk, but thanks to TurboScan it can be relegated to the car boot pile in the garage.

This app transforms your iPhone into a document scanner. You can capture letters, or sign contracts, and then convert them into PDF or JPG files to store or send by email. It's quick and easy to use, the scans are sharp and clear, and it supports AirPrint too.

TuneIn Radio (Free)

TuneIn radio

For a steady supply of music or chat, TuneIn Radio is all you need. We're talking about access to over 70,000 radio stations worldwide, and more than 2 million podcasts or shows, all wrapped up in an accessible package.

Everything is neatly divided into categories and genres, so you can let your mood guide you, search for something specific, or you can trust in the pack and check out the recommended and trending lists to discover something interesting.

Zeebox (Free)

Zeebox

If you want to make sure that you don't miss any episodes of your favourite TV programmes then zeebox can serve as a handy reminder service.

It provides listings for seven days in advance. You can also use the app as a remote control for your Sky+, Virgin Tivo, and some models of TV (provided they're connected to the same Wi-Fi network).

You'll find the app provides loads of extra info and real-time social network commentary on whatever you're watching.

Evernote (Free)

Evernote

An elephant never forgets and Evernote is your very own iPhone-based elephant. Write down shopping lists, record voice notes, take photos and annotate them; whatever you need to note down, this app serves as your notebook in the cloud.

It can sync across all your devices, and you can share notes easily via email and social networks. Spend some time getting to grips with Evernote's impressive feature set and you'll find it's the only note and to-do list app you'll ever need.

Camera+ (£1.49)

Camera

You'll find a bucket load of extra camera-related features in Camera+. You can select from various modes that will help you fine-tune your camera settings to capture the very best shots possible.

There are also effects and filters you can apply, and a range of editing tools for cropping and applying borders or captions.

It's so intuitive to use that you don't need to have any real photography skills to feel the benefit. You'll be sharing your creations in no time.

Change4Life Meal Mixer (Free)

Change4Life

There's a whole series of Change4Life apps from the NHS. They're designed to help us all get a bit healthier. The Meal Mixer is focussed on healthy recipes and it's especially useful for busy families.

You'll find over 100 calorie-counted recipes within, you can search by ingredient to generate ideas for using whatever's in the cupboard, and there's an option to add recipes directly to your shopping list.

This is all about budget-conscious, tasty and healthy options for everyday use.

LogMeIn (Free)

LogMeIn

Of all the remote desktop apps on the market this is probably the easiest to use. LogMeIn lets you remotely control your PC or Mac on your iPhone via Wi-Fi or your mobile network connection.

That means you can grab, or even edit, files that are on your desktop at home, wherever you happen to be. You have full access to remotely run software.

This is also a great remote control solution if you have an HTPC setup or media server.

Snapguide (Free)

Snapguide

Seizing on the wholly-positive potential of the Internet to enable us to do just about anything for ourselves by following someone else's step-by-step instructions, Snapguide is a truly great idea.

For the most part you'll find easy to follow recipes with insider tips that elevate your results, but there are loads of categories within and how-to guides for just about anything you can think of.

You can even earn yourself some karma by creating a guide for others.


Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/the-10-apps-to-supercharge-your-iphone-5s-1179129

Want an unlocked Galaxy Note 3 and Galaxy Gear combo? It'll cost you £848

Want an unlocked Galaxy Note 3 and Galaxy Gear combo? It'll cost you £848
Samsung offering £100 off when you buy Note and Gear

Samsung has stuck an official price tag on its unlocked Galaxy Note 3 smartphone, ahead of its release in the UK later this month.

On its UK website, the company has priced the SIM-free version at a lofty £649 with interested parties able to pre-order the device in black or white ahead of the September 25 on-sale date.

Pre-orders are also open for the Galaxy Gear smartwatch, also announced at the IFA tech show in Berlin last week, for £299.

If both devices are bought together, Samsung will knock £100 off, for a total cost of £848. How kind.

Trade-in option

Samsung is also offering the first 500 customers who pre-order to pick up from the fancy Samsung store at the Westfield shopping centre in Stratford, London £50 off when they trade in an old smartphone.

The Galaxy Note 3 packs a 5.7-inch screen, Android 4.3 Jelly Bean and a Full HD Super AMOLED screen with a 1920 x 1080 resolution.

Check our hands on video below


Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/want-an-unlocked-galaxy-note-3-and-galaxy-gear-combo-it-ll-cost-you-848-1179057

New Windows Phone 8 features leaked, multitasking gets an upgrade

New Windows Phone 8 features leaked, multitasking gets an upgrade
Driving Mode and screen orientation changes coming

The next update to Windows Phone 8 - known commonly as GDR3 - will incorporate a host of new features, including the ability to close apps within the multi-tasking view, it has been revealed.

The word comes from a WPCentral message board user who claims to have purchased a device from Craigslist running the as-yet-unreleased update that's scheduled to land later this year.

The heavily-requested multitasking boost will make it easier for Windows Phone users to manage open apps on their device.

Also part of the update, there'll also be a new Driving Mode, which will mute calls and texts when paired with a bluetooth headset, either automatically, or manually through the phone's options.

Textual orientation

More tidbits from GDR3 (General Distribution Release 3) include the option to control screen orientation, as well as create custom alerts for emails, messages, social networking notifications etc.

The update will also enable backups to be restored to phones over Wi-Fi, rather than USB, during the phone's initial set-up.

The software bump is likely to arrive alongside the rumoured Nokia 1520 (codenamed 'Bandit') 6-inch phablet, which is set to arrive before 2013 is out.


Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/new-windows-phone-8-features-leaked-multitasking-gets-an-upgrade-1179045

Purported iPhone 5S retail box leak shows silver ring around Home button

Purported iPhone 5S retail box leak shows silver ring around Home button
Is this what Apple fans will be holding aloft later this month? (credit: CTech)

The new iPhone won't be revealed for another 48 hours or so, but if you need a fix in the meantime, here are some alleged pictures of the retail box it'll arrive in.

Chinese site C Tech posted the photos this weekend, sent by an unnamed tipster, claiming to showing the iPhone 5S name and the device in all its glory, running the new iOS 7 software.

If the pics are real - and we have our doubts - it would confirm the expected iPhone 5S as the naming convention for the new handset.

However, perhaps more interesting is the depiction of a silver ring around the iPhone's classic Home button, which has been rumoured in recent weeks.

Integral

It has long been speculated that the iPhone 5S' Home button will have an integrated fingerprint sensor, allowing users to unlock the device by placing a digit on the button rather than using a passcode.

Previous reports have suggested the silver ring is simply there to distinguish those iPhones with the security tech and those without.

However, an AppleInsider report this weekend speculated that the ring's addition is integral to the workings of the fingerprint sensor rather than an aesthetic choice.

All will be revealed at the iPhone 5S launch event on Tuesday at Apple's Cupertino campus. In the meantime, do you reckon those photos are legit? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.


Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/purported-iphone-5s-retail-box-leak-shows-silver-ring-around-home-button-1179024

Who's giving Android's KitKat the finger?

Who's giving Android's KitKat the finger?
Give us a break, Android

The carefully laid SEO plans of thousands of tech sites were shredded by Google and Nestle this week, as the Android creator and the chocolate company formed an unlikely alliance to change the name of the next version of Android from 'Key Lime Pie' to 'KitKat'.

When it was announced, amazement turned into... more amazement. Feelings then stayed as amazement. Everyone is still amazed. It's amazing. It's also completely ludicrous, as Google has now turned its world-beating mobile OS and covert advert delivery mechanism into one huge, very obvious ad for an admittedly quite nice chocolate bar.

Apparently no money changed hands, although both will be expecting some serious returns thanks to the vast amount of marketing cash that'll be blown on promoting the name change, the competitions, the future phone updates and more.

But did the internet give the shock Android name change one big chunky thumbs up, or did the commenters of the world hold up some slightly smaller fingers in response?

Class action

Opinion has not been mixed on the matter. Virtually everyone is aghast. Google may as well have announced that the 'S' iteration of Android will be known as Sarin. Even on AdWeek, a site devoted to the marketing world, commenters were baffled. Michael Barnathan echoed the thoughts of many, saying: "I kept refreshing the page expecting the date to change to April 1."

But it remains September. We've just, for the tenth time, refreshed it to make sure. And if you're planning on criticising the plan, make sure you keep the confectionery experts out there happy as well as the phone nerds, as Al Shaw on AdWeek complains that the site's report was an: "Awful bit of US centric reporting given that Kit-Kat is owned by Nestle and only produced under license in the US by Hershey. Do your research!" And you do yours as well, Al, as you have incorrectly hyphenated KitKat there.

Wave the finger

Over on Wired, which rather led its readers down a certain path by having "WTF?" in its own headline, reader The Gnome wasn't happy with the new corporate dream team either, saying: "Good to see Google innovating on things like... er... more stupid Android names and even more fragmentation. I guess the fat chocolate eating nerds that buy their phones will eat this up though."

A comment which was rightfully pulled up as being a bit dumb by ElyasM, who responded with: "As opposed to the gullible, elitist hipsters that buy iPhones? I'm not sure which stereotype is worse..."

Eh? to Z

It also didn't take more than 30 seconds after the announcement for the history of Nestle to be called into question, a company which, alongside its joyous range of sugary snacks and convenience foods, has battled complaints about darker ethical dilemmas faced by some of its practises.

But for fear of lawyers, they won't be repeated here. But there was on of the more baffling comment made by TechCrunch reader ElleryFamili who complained thusly: "I hate Google's decision to formally name their Android OS versions. How am I supposed to remember if eclair came before cupcake when dealing with QA issues."

You'd think a QA person would be a bit more on the ball than that, as user KunalBhat politely and gently pointed out that: "It's alphabetical... 'e' comes after 'c'."

Totally broken

Some people found it funny, though. In the minefield of YouTube comments, where no opinion is left unhad no matter how wrong or embarrassing, user Michael Atia revealed he enjoyed it and totally got the references in KitKat's satirical video, saying: "LOL... this is like the Apple keynote when the English guy (John Ive) is talking, similar music too!" to which Eric Santos responded with the classic "Thank you, Captain Obvious."


Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/who-s-giving-android-s-kitkat-the-finger--1178777