Samsung Galaxy Round announced as the world's first curved smartphone

Bend me shape me any way you want me (credit: evleaks)

Update: Samsung official announced the Galaxy Round, straight-up declaring it to be the world's first smartphone with a curved display.

It's anything but straight, though. The concave phone has a unique 5.7-inch AMOLED screen, which makes it the same size as the recently launched flat Galaxy Note 3.

At 7.9mm thick and weighing 154g, the Galaxy Round is described as offering "a comfortable hand grip feeling to user, and exclusive experiences of curved display" by to the official Samsung Tomorrow blog.

Of course, even if you're due for a Galaxy handset upgrade, Samsung has thrown a bit of a curveball when it coming to buying the Galaxy Round. So far it's only going to be available in the company's home territory, South Korea, on Oct 10.

Until Samsung announces the Galaxy Round for other regions (if it ever does), the rest of the world can be memorized, or perplexed by this video of the phone's wobble effect.

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Samsung's curved smartphone may be around the bend, as new high-resolution promotional photos allegedly show what the rumored Galaxy Round smartphone looks like.

The unconfirmed handset we see here appears similar to company's Galaxy S4, judging from the two images from evleaks. The only (major) different is the display sports a noticeable inward curve on its vertical axis.

This backs up recent comments from Samsung executives that teased a curved smartphone set to be announced in October.

It also correlates to the SM-G910S mystery device that was discovered to have gone through testing a week ago.

What a curve could do for you

Nobody seems to be holding off on buying devices like the iPhone 5S and Galaxy S4 because of their flat high-definition screens. So what's the point of a curved display?

Well, Samsung could make a virtually unbreakable screen in a world where countless smartphone owners have had to replace or live with cracked screens.

T-Mobile even based its upgrade twice a year Jump plan advertisements around consumers getting stuck with broken devices for the duration of a two-year contract.

A curved screen, never touching the ground even if the handset falls face-down, could decrease the number of busted phones out there.

Samsung also has reason to make its curved phone concept a reality sooner rather than later. LG is producing curved OLEDs too and is rumored to be launching the LG Z1.

• Read our Galaxy Note 3 review. It's flat but built for Samsung power users.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/rumored-samsung-curved-smartphone-looks-like-a-broken-galaxy-s4-1187706

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Samsung Galaxy Round with curved display goes official

Shortly after we saw it in leaked press images, Samsung took the wraps off the Galaxy Round – the world’s first smartphone with curved display. The peculiarly designed handset will be available in Korea on October 10.

Undoubtedly, the biggest highlight of the Samsung Galaxy Round is its curved display. The latter is a 5.7” Super Flexible AMOLED unit with Full HD resolution (1920 x 1080 pixels).

Samsung Galaxy Round official photos

The rest of the Samsung Galaxy Round specs include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 SoC with quad-core Krait CPU clocked at 2.3GHz, 3GB of RAM, 32GB of built-in memory, and microSD card slot. There’s a 13MP camera on the back of the device, 2MP front-facing unit, as well as full connectivity suite on board.

The Samsung Galaxy Round measures are 151.1 ⅹ 79.6 ⅹ 7.9mm, while its weight tips the scale at 154g. The handset is powered by a 2,800mAh battery.

The Samsung Galaxy Round boots Android 4.3 Jelly Bean, dressed in Samsung’s latest TouchWIz UI. Samsung has naturally added a couple of tricks to utilize the curved screen of the device. They include Bounce UX for controlling the device’s music player by tapping on its sides, and Gravity Effect for interacting with the display by tilting it. You can check out the latter in action at the video below.

The Samsung Galaxy Round will be available in Luxury Brown for 1,089,000 won (approximately $1,014). More colors will be available soon.

Source 1 | Source 2 | Source 3

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_round_with_curved_display_goes_official-news-6940.php

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Images of a Samsung smartphone with curved display leak out

Alleged press images of the rumored Samsung smartphone with curved display leaked out, courtesy of @evleaks. The smartphone reportedly carries the model number SM-G910S and is said to be bound for its domestic market.

The handset surely doesn't look ordinary (click to enlarge)

The Samsung SM-G910S looks a lot like a Galaxy S4 which has been slightly curved. The back cover on the other hand, appears to have the same faux leather finish as the one found in the Samsung Galaxy Note 3.

There is no info on the specs of the Samsung SM-G910S.The smartphone is expected to launch at some point this month.

Source

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/alleged_images_of_a_samsung_smartphone_with_curved_display_emerge-news-6939.php

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Qualcomm backpedals on calling Apple's 64-bit chip a 'marketing gimmick'

Did I say bad? No, I meant it's bad... as in good.

Qualcomm looks as if it's calming its chief marketing officer, who dismissively called Apple's 64-bit iPhone 5S processor a gimmick in a recent interview.

"I think they are doing a marketing gimmick," said Anand Chandrasekher last week. "There's zero benefit a consumer gets from that."

Maybe not zero benefit now. The San Diego-based chipmaker issued a statement, backtracking from Chandrasekher's harsh criticism.

"The comments made by Anand Chandrasekher, Qualcomm CMO, about 64-bit computing were inaccurate," said Qualcomm to sites like CNET.

Going for the same 'gimmick'

Qualcomm's newfound stance on 64-bit processors could indicate that the company is likely going down the same path, as evidenced by its additional remarks today.

"The mobile hardware and software ecosystem is already moving in the direction of 64-bit" wrote the company.

"The evolution to 64-bit brings desktop class capabilities and user experiences to mobile, as well as enabling mobile processors and software to run new classes of computing devices."

Likewise, the semiconductor company probably doesn't want to become an enemy of Apple right now.

After all, the iPhone maker is looking for ways to ditch Samsung, which still manufacturers its A7 processor.

At least Qualcomm fessed up to Chandrasekher's comments being "inaccurate" instead of trying to explain them away by saying 64-bit isn't a "gimmick," but something it wants to "mimic."

• This, from the company that wants to give you the 'digital sixth sense'?

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/qualcomm-backpedals-on-calling-apple-s-64-bit-chip-a-marketing-gimmick--1187735

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Google Chromecast now shipping outside the US, via Amazon

Chrome goes global. Sort of...

Google's Chromecast streaming dongle can now be obtained by those outside of the United States, thanks to some newly-available international shipping options on Amazon.

The small HDMI dongle, which enables content to be streamed from a smartphone or tablet, directly to a hi-def television set, has previously only been available in the US.

Google is still holding off on an official international expansion for its $35 device, but Amazon's new shipping option will mean those desperate to obtain a Chromecast dongle can do so for some heightened shipping costs.

Brits hoping to buy the device will have to fork over £22.50 for the device, plus £5.79 for standard shipping. Android Central is also reporting the device can be shipped to addresses in Australia also.

Apple TV killer?

Chromecast arrived as a highly affordable competitor to the Apple TV platform. It is compatible with Android, iOS, Windows, Mac OS X and Google Chrome OS devices.

It uses cloud mirroring to pull down content from the web, rather than streaming it directly from the smartphone or tablet. Apps for the device are thin on the ground so far, but content providers are expressing an interest.

Still trying to decide which mobile-to-TV streaming device is right for you? Peruse the following: Apple TV vs Google Chrome: Which is better?

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/television/google-chromecast-now-shipping-outside-the-us-via-amazon-1187713

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AT&T exec hints at Voice over LTE smartphone coming this year

AT&T's LTE networks could gain VoLTE support soon

AT&T could launch a Voice over LTE-capable smartphone as early as this year, according to one AT&T executive.

AT&T Labs President Krish Prabhu said during a keynote at the PCIA wireless infrastructure conference in Florida that there "might be a VoLTE-compliant device for the holidays this year," Fierce Wireless reported today.

He added that AT&T is testing the network upgrade that will enable VoLTE "right now," although a full, commercial VoLTE launch won't occur until 2014.

In other words, change may be coming slowly - but it appears it really is coming.

A painless transition

There's no word yet on what AT&T's first VoLTE-compatible phone will be. We reached out to the carrier to find out if it has anything else to share, but we haven't heard back yet.

Voice over LTE will provide HD call quality, but only if both parties on the call are using VoLTE phones, Prabhu said.

The transition should be painless, as new phones will be released with VoLTE support built in and existing 4G LTE networks will be upgraded gradually.

The competition

Samsung announced in August that new Galaxy S3 handsets will come with VoLTE out of the box, starting in Korea.

Meanwhile Verizon is expected to roll out its own VoLTE service and handsets this year as well.

Verizon was testing VoLTE deployment as early as a year ago, when it was bragging about hitting its 400th LTE market.

According to Fierce Wireless, Verizon's first Voice over LTE phone will launch this year, with the service launching commercially in the first half of next year, much like AT&T.

• TechRadar has everything you need to know about 4G and LTE.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/at-t-exec-hints-at-voice-over-lte-smartphone-coming-this-year-1187661

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Screenshots of HTC Sense 5.5 surface, show its new features

HTC's Sense 5.0 was introduced seven months ago and we all knew that the new version was just around the corner. Well, the screenshots of the upcoming version 5.5 of Sense UI have been leaked, showing us the changes and the tweaks that are coming with the new version.

HTC introduced the Blinkfeed with the Sense 5.0 and the user never had an option to turn of this feature. However, it looks like the newest release of Sense will allow you to disable or enable the Blinkfeed as you please.

Furthermore, with Sense 5.5, HTC will be adding a couple of new topics to the Blinkfeed and the update will also give you the ability to add your own custom topics to the feed.

HTC will be bringing the quick settings panel to all its smartphones with Sense 5.5. Furthermore, will be able to re-arrange all the quick settings as per your requirements.

The various tweaks in the Sense 5.5 (click to enlarge)

The Sense 5.5 will also come with an improved keyboard that features more emoticons. The camera is said to be improved with new options like dual capture and panorama+. The updates will include minor changes to alarm clock, storage and recent app panel, too.

Unfortunately, there is no word on when the new Sense 5.5 update will begin to roll out, but we should know more shortly.

Source

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/screenshots_of_htc_sense_55_surface_shows_its_new_abilities-news-6938.php

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Google Hangouts SMS and MMS rumor 'all but confirmed,' says site

Alleged leaked screenshots show Google Hangouts SMS in action (credit: Android Police)

It's been rumored for months that Google Hangouts will get SMS and MMS message support, and a report from yesterday made that seem even more likely.

Android Police rated its confidence in the SMS for Google Hangouts rumor "a 9 out of 10," saying "it's almost a sure thing."

According to the Android blog, Google Hangouts' version 1.3 update will add SMS message functionality, possibly merging the mobile OS's existing SMS messaging app with Hangouts just like the last update did with Google Talk.

The Hangouts update will reportedly add video sharing as well.

It's all in the details

And the site produced alleged leaked screenshots, seen above, to prove it.

SMS messages sent via Hangouts will reportedly sport a "via SMS" tag so users know exactly what the app is doing.

MMS multimedia messages will also be supported, though the site could not confirm with its sources whether that includes MMS video or just MMS images.

And the leaked screenshot shows settings toggles that include wireless alerts, auto-retrieval of SMS messages while roaming and otherwise, delivery reports, and a toggle for SMS in Hangouts itself.

The one thing this rumor lacks is an expected release date for the Google Hangouts 1.3 update, but if the screenshot is legit then SMS in Hangouts is probably being tested and could arrive soon.

• Here's everything we've heard about the next version of Google's mobile operating system, Android 4.4: KitKat.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/google-hangouts-sms-and-mms-rumor-all-but-confirmed-says-site-1187657

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Patent-infringing Samsung phones get an import ban in the US

President Obama's administration (well the part of it that's working anyway) has decided to uphold ITC's import ban on several Samsung devices found to infringe on Apple patents. As a result, the Samsung Galaxy S II, Samsung Continuum and Transform have been restricted from being imported into the US.

Currently, all of these phones are discontinued, so the Korean company isn't really going to be troubled too much by the decision, we guess. However, this marks as a small victory for Apple in its long-lasting battle against Samsung.

It must be noted though that Obama decided to veto ITC's ban on imports of older Apple devices in August, but chose not to do so for Samsung.

Samsung's more current products have been designed to work around the infringing technology and as a result can be freely imported in the US, meaning customers won't suffer because of this decision.

Source | Via

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/patentinfringing_samsung_phones_get_an_import_ban_in_the_us-news-6936.php

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Office for iPad on the way, but not before 'touch first' for Windows

Touch first, Windows first

There is indeed an iPad version of Microsoft Office coming down the pike, but the company is initially saving that touch-friendly experience for its own Windows devices.

The Verge today reported that Microsoft Chief Executive Officer Steve Ballmer has confirmed the existence of Office for iPad - but it's no closer to landing on Apple's market-leading tablet.

Speaking at the Gartner Symposium ITXPO in Orlando on Tuesday, the outgoing Microsoft CEO revealed the company's "in progress" plans for a "touch first interface," but has no plans to make it available first on a competing platform.

"iPad will be picked up when there's a touch first user interface," Ballmer remarked to conference attendees, suggesting that Office for Windows will be where the new version makes its premiere.

Owning productivity

According to Microsoft insiders, that sentiment appears to be echoed by Chief Operating Officer B. Kevin Turner, who recently proclaimed the company's intention to "own the productivity experience across all devices."

That's certainly not the case just yet, with Office restricted to an iPhone-only app that requires an annual subscription to use - despite persistent leaks and rumors that an iPad version actually does exist.

Microsoft Executive Vice President, Applications and Services Qi Lu also recently confirmed "touch-first versions of our core apps in the Office suite" during a recent meeting with analysts.

For now, "touch-first" appears to also mean "Windows first," but Microsoft isn't giving any indication of how soon that initiative might land in the waiting hands (and fingers) of users.

• Check out our full review of Apple's latest iOS 7 operating system!

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/software/applications/office-for-ipad-on-the-way-but-not-before-touch-first-for-windows-1187630

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Nexus 5 release date and price leaked out of Japan

The upcoming Google Nexus 5 has been leaked several times already, showing off what is expected to be the first Android 4.4 KitKat-running device.

Now, new information out of Japanese retailer redstar reveals that the Nexus 5 will be hitting retail on November 14, for the price of 44,600 yen (~$460) for the 16GB model, and 49,800 yen (~$513) for the 32GB model.

Keep in mind that this is a Japanese retailer, and Japan could begin selling the Nexus 5 sooner (unlikely) or later than other markets. The price through a third-party retailer is also likely higher than the official Google price, so look at this as the highest possible price of the smartphone.

The Nexus 5 is expected to sport a 5-inch 1080p display with quad-core 2.3GHz Krait 400 CPU, 2GB of RAM, and an 8MP shooter with 1.3MP front-facer. The internal storage is expected to again be non-expandable.

Be sure to check back with us later this month for the expected Android 4.4 KitKat announcement, which could shed more light on the upcoming Nexus 5.

Thanks to our anonymous tipster!

Via

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/nexus_5_release_date_and_price_leaked_out_of_japan-news-6935.php

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Unofficial changelog reveals some new WP8 GDR3 features

Some new changes to the upcoming Windows Phone 8 General Distribution Release 3 have surfaced along with information on Nokia's Bittersweet shimmer firmware.

Aside from support for 1080p displays and more advanced chipsets, GDR 3 brings support for 3 medium or 6 small tiles on one row for devices with WXGA (1280 x 768) or higher resolutions. That means the Lumia's 920, 925, 928 and 1020 will receive the alleged tile support along with the HTC Windows Phone 8X.

As we've seen before the app switching interface has an X for closing apps (no swiping here).

There are custom tones for text, email, reminders, IM and voicemail. A new feature is attaching Office files to emails, which will certainly be much appreciated by the WP loyals.

Screen orientation lock is also incoming along with a new Driving mode, which stops all notifications except texts and phone calls while you're driving.

Nokia's Bittersweet shimmer firmware will bring 20 new accent colors for Glance Screen's night mode (currently just Red in Amber). Glance screen will also have notifications, like the lockscreen. There will also reportedly be new apps - Nokia Camera and Storyteller.

Source (closed Facebook group) | Via

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/nonofficial_changelog_reveals_some_new_wp8_gdr3_features-news-6933.php

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Samsung import ban goes ahead as Obama refuses to step in

'Sorry Sammy, it's bad news'

President Barack Obama has refused to veto a ban on Samsung products in the US.

Back in August the International Trade Commissions ruled a ban on the import of certain Samsung smartphones and tablets for infringing Apple patents.

The devices in the list include the Galaxy S 4G, Galaxy Tab, Galaxy Tab 10.1, Fascinate and Captivate among others.

The White House was given 60 days in which it could veto the devision, but it seems Obama has given the no-no.

Playing politics

"After carefully weighing policy considerations, including the impact on consumers and competition, advice from agencies, and information from interested parties, I have decided to allow [the ban to go ahead]," said US Trade Representative Michael Froman in a statement.

Apple found itself in the same situation in August but in a rare move Obama chose to veto the ban, arguing that it risked damaging competition in the US.

It's unlikely that this prove too damning for Samsung, given that its successful newer products, such as the Galaxy S4, aren't affected.

However it could still take the case to a US appeals court if it so wishes, so it might not be game over just yet.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/samsung-import-ban-goes-ahead-as-obama-refuses-to-step-in-1187598

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Nexus 5 price leak also points to bigger battery

It's almost in touching distance

We've got more rumoured info on the Nexus 5 – which means that now you should wonder what don't we know about the forthcoming Google superphone.

Well, there are a couple of new tidbits of just-surfaced info which we weren't aware of, concerning the differences between the two versions of the handset.

According to a source speaking to PhoneArena, each variation will be powered by a different capacity battery.

The 16GB Nexus 5 will allegedly have a 2,300mAh battery while the 32GB will pack a 3,000mAh variant. Oddly however, the leaked LG Nexus 5 manual we spotted the other day claimed the 32GB model has a 2,300mAh battery - the opposite of what we're hearing now.

The price is right

The same source also reports the prices of the models. Apparently the 16GB will be priced at $299 (around £186, AU$315) and the 32GB will cost $349 (around £217, AU £368).

A 3,000mAh 32GB model will certainly go down better with buyers, but it's just a shame that we won't be getting that 64GB variant we so wanted. Then again, this could be nonsense, so remain open-minded for now.

The Nexus 5 is expected to touch down this month and be the first device running Android 4.4 KitKat, which is going to excite those looking for the best vanilla Google experience.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/nexus-5-price-leak-also-points-to-bigger-battery-1187543

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Samsung Galaxy S4 mini and Galaxy Mega to get Android 4.4

An internal Samsung KNOX document has revealed the company's update plans for some of its smartphones. The document in question shows a list of devices that are bound to get Samsung's security app pre-installed on them and the Galaxy S4 mini and Galaxy Mega are to do so once they get updated to Android 4.4 KitKat.

The document doesn't specify which Galaxy Mega (the Mega 5.8 or Mega 6.3) will get the update, so we assume both will do so.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 also has the KNOX software preinstalled, but it's undoubtedly going to get Android 4.4 KitKat update in the future. It's also logical for the Galaxy S4 to be treated to the latest Android update, too. Samsung hasn't outed any official information regarding its update plans for the Galaxy Note 2 and Galaxy S III.

According to an internal source who came in touch with SamMobile, Samsung KNOX will come pre-installed on all of the aforementioned devices after their upcoming updates. Chinese variants of said phones will have a KNOX installer leaving users the choice whether or not to download the files needed for the full installation.

Source

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s4_mini_and_galaxy_mega_to_get_android_44-news-6932.php

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HTC unveils limited editin gold One, charges £2,750 for it

HTC has decided to join on the smartphone golden rush by making a special batch of five 18 carat gold One smartphones. This is the company's way of celebrating the 18th anniversary of the MOBO awards, which prize the best of UK's urban music artists.

The gold HTC One is the most expensive product made by the Taiwanese company and is going to cost £2,750 ($4,400) apiece. It also features a laser engraved MOBO 18 logo at the back to make it even more special.

However, given the low number of official gold HTC One units to be made, you might consider settling for the HTC One Gold Genie edition. Not only is made of 24 carat gold, but it's also £855 cheaper.

Mind you, live images of the HTC One Mini in gold also surfaced not too long ago, so we expect that one to be available soon.

Via
Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/htc_makes_five_genuine_gold_one_phones_cost_2750_a_pop-news-6931.php

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Nokia Lumia 2520 tablet hinted at on firm's own site

Nokia tablet incoming?

There have long been rumours suggested that the Finnish smartphone manufacturer could be working on a tablet and now am intriguing link has been found on Nokia's website.

The tablet currently goes under the moniker Lumia 2520 and a search for this on Nokia's US site reportedly, until recently, offered up just one result - an FAQ defining what a tablet is.

While the FAQ itself didn't name check the Lumia 2520, there was clearly something linking the name to the page.

Adding more fuel to the fire is the fact Nokia has now "fixed" the peculiar search result, so if you go and try to generate the same thing you'll be out of luck.

From tablet to phablet

The Lumia 2520 tablet could well be announced at Nokia's Abu Dhabi event on October 22, where we expect to see the Nokia Lumia 1520 - which itself has seen more leaks.

Credit: Coolxap

A few new snaps claiming to show the 6-inch, quad-core powered Lumia 1520 in the wild via Chinese site Coolxap.

The leak didn't offer any further details as to the features of the smartphone, nor a Lumia 1520 release date, but TechRadar will be live at the Abu Dhabi event in a couple of weeks to bring you the news as it breaks.

• All the latest on the Nokia Lumia 1520

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/mobile-computing/tablets/nokia-lumia-2520-tablet-hinted-at-on-firm-s-own-site-1187430

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Nokia Lumia 1520 leaks in more live photos

The long rumored Nokia Lumia 1520 has leaked yet again via two new live shots. We already saw the phablet confirmed by various live pictures, a press image, even by an official Snapdragon tweet.

We already know most of the Lumia 1520 key specs - the phable is going to feature a 6.0" 1080p display and will be powered by a Snapdragon 800 chipset. At the back there's going to be a 20MP PureView camera sensor with a 6-element optically stabilized lens and an LED flash. The internal storage is reportedly 32GB, but there isn't going to be an expansion option.

Today we were treated to a couple of new images coming from China. Those let us see how the Nokia Lumia 1520 sizes up against the Apple iPhone 4S and one of its Lumia siblings.

Nokia Lumia 1520

Nokia Lumia 1520 is expected to go official on October 22, when Nokia World will kick off in Abu Dhabi. Along with it we expect to see five more new Nokia devices, including the company's first tablet - Lumia 2520.

Source

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/nokia_lumia_1520_leaks_in_more_live_photos-news-6930.php

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HTC sends out invites for Oct 16 event, One Max unveiling is close

The HTC One Max has refused to stay under wraps, leaking multiple times. The guessing game is almost over though as HTC has sent out invites to the announcement of the phablet. It seems HTC will hold multiple events on consecutive days to unveil the One Max (okay, the invite doesn’t call out the phablet by name, but what else could it be after a torrent of leaks).

The Hong Kong invite is for October 16 (next Wednesday), while the Taiwanese invite is for October 18 (next Friday). An earlier rumor from China had pinpointed October 17, so there might be yet another invite heading to tech journalists' mailboxes.

The invite reads:

One finger opens up a big view
You are invited to immerse in the sound with us

The first line is a clear reference to the fingerprint sensor below the 4MP UltraPixel camera and the large 5.9" 1080p screen, while the second line nods at the Beats Audio and front-facing stereo BoomSound speakers.

The HTC One Max will also have a Snapdragon 600 chipset, 3,300mAh battery, a dual-SIM option and a microSD card slot. Outside of East Asia, it seems that Verizon will be snagging the beast.

Source

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/htc_sends_out_invites_for_oct_16_event_one_max_unveiling_is_close-news-6927.php

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LG ties a knot with its new flexible smartphone batteries

LG's new batteries could give our phones a little more juice

LG Chem has announced that it now has curved batteries in mass production, which will fit in not only phones but also glasses and watches. The curved design makes them ideal for phones with the curved displays that LG and Samsung are currently working on.

But that's not all. The company has also developed a 'stepped battery', which it's already using to fill extra space in the LG G2. Essentially it adds a little hump, or 'step', to the battery which can fill empty space in the phone and give it a bit more capacity.

Twist and tie

Most exciting of all is its plans for a cable battery, which is exactly how it sounds, a battery in the form of a cable. It can be bent and even tied in a knot and it won't heat up during use. As intriguing as it sounds it's not here yet, as LG states that it will arrive in 'upcoming years'.

When it does arrive it could be a game changer, adaptable enough to fit in almost any device and perfect for flexible devices, such as smart watches, which could benefit from a battery that can bend during use.

Along with LG's curved displays it seems like the company really has a thing for products that bend, but if it means we can eke more life out of our smart devices then they can make a slinky battery for all we care.

• Want to get more out of your current phones battery? Check out these handy tips.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/lg-ties-a-knot-with-its-new-flexible-smartphone-batteries-1187380

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Limited edition Gold HTC One trumps iPhone 5S and Galaxy S4

You are Gold! (Gold!)

Meet the most expensive smartphone HTC has ever produced; the 18ct, £2,750 (around $4,400, AU$4,700), limited edition Gold HTC One.

If you've got a large wad of cash burning a hole in your pocket and fancy getting your mitts on one of these then you're out of luck as only five actually exist and one of those is already reserved for the winner of Best Newcomer at the MOBO Awards.

We've seen the iPhone 5S and Galaxy S4 turn up in gold hues recently, but HTC has taken things a step further with its gold plated One. We're sure the kids will agree this One is totes #swag. #YOLO.

More blips!

We've got our own limited edition offering here at TechRadar - our awesome (but sadly not gold-plated) blips.

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• Samsung Galaxy Gear ad is neat but doesn't have the iPhone impact

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/limited-edition-gold-htc-one-trumps-iphone-5s-and-galaxy-s4-1187377

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