Samsung may debut 4.99-inch, 1080p touchscreen at CES 2013

A new report indicates Samsung may debut a full high definition display suitable for smartphones during CES 2013. Could it be destined for the Galaxy S3's successor, or a new device entirely?

Samsung could be preparing to debut its own smartphone-sized 1080p display during CES 2013, hot on the heels of HTC’s Droid DNA. Full high definition displays are all set to be next year’s must-have new smartphone feature, although their size will see them used on hardware that tips over into smartphone/tablet hybrid territory.

A Korean newspaper claims Samsung has developed a 4.99-inch touchscreen with a 1080p resolution and a pixel density of 441ppi. While the resolution is the same as the Droid DNA’s, the pixel density beats it by one point.

It’s unlikely we’ll see the hardware related to Samsung’s new screen at the show though, as it’s not expected to go into production until later in the first quarter of 2013, which means Samsung could follow LG’s example and only show off the panel itself.

There are two logical, future homes for Samsung’s Full HD screen: The successors to the Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 2. The slightly odd 4.99-inch screen size could mean it’s destined for the Galaxy S4, as by keeping it under 5-inches — even if it is by a ridiculous 0.01 of an inch — it could still (just) be classed as a true smartphone.

There’s also a chance Samsung could introduce a new device which neatly fits in-between the 4.8-inch Galaxy S3 and the 5.5-inch Galaxy Note 2. An earlier rumor put the Galaxy S4’s announcement for sometime in March, which seemed a little too soon into the S3’s life, however maybe Samsung is planning an event for that time, but it’s for our mystery 1080p phone and not for the S4.

We won’t find out until closer to the time, but provided the talk of a Samsung 1080p screen is correct, we should get to see it in action during CES 2013, which begins on January 8.

Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/samsung-talks-5-inch-1080p-smartphones-for-ces-2013/

Read More

Verizon considering adding free Windows Phone 8 device to its line-up

Verizon could be planning to introduce a free Windows Phone 8 device to its line-up of smartphones, potentially made by Samsung, as it continues to put its weight behind Microsoft's new operating system.

Verizon never really took to Windows Phone 7 and last year offered just one phone with Microsoft’s operating system onboard. This has changed with the introduction of Windows Phone 8 though, as the carrier has already announced two devices — the exclusive Nokia Lumia 822 and the HTC 8X — and according to a new report, a third is on the way.

Rather than add another high-end Windows Phone, Verizon may be looking in the opposite direction, and could introduce a free Windows Phone 8 device soon. This comes from Verizon’s marketing officer Tami Erwin, who spoke to TheVerge.com this week, saying “there will be a $99 and a $199 option, and ultimately before the end of the year we will have a device that comes in at the free price point.

We already know the Lumia 822 is the $99 option, and the HTC 8X costs $199, so what device will Verizon choose as its entry-level handset? The Samsung Ativ Odyssey is the obvious choice, as it has already been partially confirmed for the network after making an appearance during the Windows Phone 8 launch event.

The Odyssey is rumored to be a re-branded Samsung Ativ S, but as this is far from a basic phone, it’s unlikely to be made available for free. So, either the spec will be completely different, or another phone will take its place.

Samsung Marco

There could also have been a change of plan at Samsung. Back before Windows Phone 8 was fully revealed, there were two Samsung Windows Phone 8 devices rumored — the Odyssey and the Marco. The names of which became known as part of the documents released during the Apple/Samsung legal battle taking place at the time.

The specs put the Odyssey with a 4.65-inch screen and an 8-megapixel camera, and the Marco with a more modest 4-inch screen and a 5-megapixel camera, although both featured Qualcomm’s 1.5GHz dual-core processor. A tweet from @evleaks, the account responsible for the leaked Odyssey image, states the phone may be the Marco after all.

If so, this puts it in the same category as the HTC 8S. As HTC’s second Windows Phone has yet to appear on any US or UK networks, it’s difficult to compare prices, but the SIM-free cost is half that of the 8X.

There’s also a chance Verizon may chose Huawei’s Windows Phone 8 device, which has yet to be announced but will almost certainly be cheap when it does eventually surface. Although Verizon hasn’t really worked with Huawei yet, the Chinese manufacturer indicated a deal with Verizon was “happening” during an interview in October.

A free Windows Phone 8 device could be quite a big deal, not only for Verizon, but for Microsoft too. At the moment, neither AT&T nor T-Mobile list a free WP8 device, and Microsoft needs a cheap option if it’s to effectively combat Android.

Earlier this year, Verizon’s CFO Fran Shammo said the network viewed Windows Phone 8 as a “differentiator,” and planned to help the OS become a “strong” third software competitor to iOS and Android. Offering its customers a free phone (with a contract, of course) would certainly be an important step in that direction.

Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/verizon-considering-adding-free-windows-phone-8-device-to-its-line-up/

Read More

Man develops iPhone case that shoots pepper spray

Potentially a useful way to stop an attacker from hurting someone, a new iPhone case includes a blast of pepper spray for personal protection.

Designed as a personal protection device, an Arizona man has created a case for the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S that includes a built-in pepper spray canister. Located in Scottsdale, Spraytect founder Scott McPherson thought up the idea when he was concerned about this daughter’s safety after she left for college. On the back of the Spraytect iPhone case, a user slides the custom pepper spray canister canister along a rail positioned horizontally when looking at the phone in a vertical position. Since the pepper spray canister significantly protrudes from the case, it may be difficult to store in a pocket. However, the canister does act as a “kickstand” when the phone is positioned vertically or horizontally and can help the iPhone user view the screen.

After the canister has been installed and locked into place, the user must pull a safety clip off the canister to start the activation process. The safety clip is designed to keep the canister locked and unable to fire. After the clip is removed, the user rotates the actuator knob into the down position.

When the bright yellow color is completely visible, the canister is ready to be fired. If the user needs to spray an assailant, they rotate the case horizontally and spray the attacker as if they were taking their picture with the iPhone camera.

Spraytect recommends using short bursts lasting approximately half a second and spraying from ear to ear across the face. Similar to other types of pepper spray, Spraytect also recommends moving in the opposite direction after releasing the spray. The spray takes a few seconds to kick in and disable an attacker.

In order to help the user feel more comfortable with using pepper spray, Spraytect includes a test cartridge without any active pepper spray to practice installing, activating and firing the spray from the canister. According to Spraytect, the pepper spray mixture includes habanero pepper. Usually the hottest pepper at your local grocery store, habaneros typically rate between 200,000 and 300,000 Scoville units. The blend is similar to what’s used by police officers, members of the U.S. military, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Homeland Security.  

Since the canister is detachable, the user can choose the right time to utilize the protection. For instance, a college student likely wouldn’t need it during class, but it could be useful when going out with friends at night.

Users also have the option of rotating the actuator knob back into the locked position once they feel safe. The canister would have to be removed before passing through airport security, but the TSA does allow one 4-ounce container of mace or pepper spray included in checked baggage. 

Split into two pieces, the simple iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S case doesn’t obstruct the smartphone’s built-in, rear camera. The case comes in four different colors including black, white, aqua blue and pink. McPherson is currently selling the pepper spray iPhone case for a price of approximately $40 on the Spraytect site. Besides the case, the Spraytect case owner will also get one pepper spray cartridge and one test cartridge. Replacement pepper spray cartridges cost approximately $18 each and they can be color matched to the case.

Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/company-develops-iphone-case-that-shoots-pepper-spray/

Read More

Foxconn chairman admits it is ‘falling short’ of iPhone 5 demand

iPhone 5 manufacturer Foxconn admitted Wednesday that assembling the lighter, thinner device is "not easy" and as a result the company is having a serious problem keeping up with demand.

With the holiday season fast approaching, we can safely assume that demand for the new iPhone 5 will surge to some degree, though even now it appears that Foxconn, the company charged with assembling the device, is feeling the pressure.

Speaking to reporters after a business forum on Wednesday, Foxconn boss Terry Gou said, “It’s not easy to make the iPhones. We are falling short of meeting the huge demand.”

Gou’s comments appear to back up a number of recent reports regarding the production of the latest iteration of Apple’s popular smartphone. Last month an official at the Taiwan-based manufacturer told the Wall Street Journal that the handset was “the most difficult device that Foxconn has ever assembled,” largely because its lighter, thinner design called for more precision from factory workers when putting it together. “It takes time to learn how to make this new device. Practice makes perfect. Our productivity has been improving day by day,” the official added.

Another issue facing the production line is the phone’s susceptibility to damage, with its relatively soft aluminum casing more prone to scuffs and scratches compared to the glass back found on the iPhone 4S. Shortly after the phone launched in September, a number of disgruntled customers took to forums to complain that their new handset had arrived damaged. Following this, reports emerged that Apple executives had ordered a quality-control crackdown at Foxconn in an effort to reduce the number of less-than-perfect handsets leaving plants.

No doubt Apple CEO Tim Cook will be more than a little perturbed by the fact that more than six weeks after the iPhone 5 launched, shipping time on its online store is still showing at between three and four weeks. Demand for the new phone may be healthy, but Cook will want Foxconn to find a way of cranking them out at a faster rate – a solution which could involve the Taiwan-based company outsourcing some of the orders to other manufacturers to help cope with demand.

[via Reuters]

Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/foxconn-chairman-admits-it-is-falling-short-of-iphone-5-demand/

Read More

Microsoft reportedly building 7-inch Xbox Surface tablet

According to reports, Microsoft is moving forward with an Xbox Surface tablet. The 7-inch device will place a firm focus on gaming with a custom-built processor and modified version Windows OS. We're likely to see the tablet before we see an actual new Xbox.

According to a report from The Verge, Microsoft is entering into the hardware business with a 7-inch gaming tablet. We’ve known for a while that Microsoft has had interest in building hardware for devices running its new Windows 8 operating system, but this tablet project appears to be an entirely new beast — though it’s been rumored since June.

The sources used in the report states the 7-inch gaming focused tablet would run on a modified version of Windows, similar to the Windows RT tablets, and would include “a custom ARM processor and high-bandwidth RAM.” While gaming will be the focus of this device, it may not be its explicit purpose as some other tablet functionality may remain in place. 

It’s interesting to note the Xbox 720 is rumored to be built on Windows, likely a custom kernel of the operating system. This is the same way the Xbox Surface tablet is said to operate. The report from the Verge also made mention of the fact that the Xbox Surface tablet is being developed in Microsoft’s Silicon Valley offices and the company recently locked down Xbox-related buildings on its campus. This news means we could see an Xbox tablet before we see a new console from Microsoft.

Microsoft has yet to comment on the speculation, but all signs are pointing to an Xbox Surface offering from the Redmond based company. After some rough reviews on the first Surface, it makes sense that Microsoft might go back into its stable and come out with another offering branded with its powerhouse product. The Xbox brand is only eleven years old but is one of the most notable names in gaming. The mobile market has proven itself as a true embracer of games and entertainment, so slapping a well-recognized name in those fields onto a tablet seems like a no-brainer for marketing. If the Xbox 720 is truly being built on Windows and Microsoft is working on some sort of OS integration between its tablet and its gaming system, the Xbox Surface may become a must-have accessory for console gamers who remain loyal to Microsoft.

Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/microsoft-building-xbox-surface-tablet/

Read More

Nokia Lumia 920 review

The Nokia Lumua 920 is the flagship handset from the Finnish firm, but it's no longer Microsoft's darling device, with the HTC 8X selected as the signature Windows Phone 8 handset.

That said the Lumia 920 is the most featured packed of the initial Windows Phone 8 line up, as Nokia looks to regain its dominance in the WP market and ride the new OS wave to success.

With its impressive spec sheet it's no surprise the Lumia 920 comes at a price, available exclusively for now on EE in the UK from £36 per month and £129.99 upfront, but you'll only get 500MB of data, SIM-free prices are expected to be around £450.

In the US AT&T is the exclusive carrier, offering the Lumia 920 for £149.99 upfront on a two year contract, while SIM-only prices are expected to settle around the $600 mark.

The handset itself follows on from the design of the Nokia Lumia 800 and Lumia 900, the latter of which is the natural predecessor of the Lumia 920, offering up the Finn's big-screen Windows Phone experience.

Front on you'll be hard pushed to tell the difference between the Lumia 920 and Lumia 900, however the newer handset has a smaller bezel above the screen, but a larger one below it.

It's a strange decision and if we're honest the additional space below the three touch buttons; back, Windows and search, seems a little unnecessary - reminiscent of the Motorola Razr.

The Lumia 920 is pretty big as far a smartphones go these days measuring 130.3 x 70.8 x 10.7 mm, with the unibodied polycarbonate chassis providing a sturdy, premium finish – however its weight is noticeable.

Tipping the scales at 185g the Nokia Lumia 920 is unmistakably heavy, especially if you're coming from the 112g iPhone 5 or 133g Samsung Galaxy S3.

And while the weight may be a shock to start with we did become accustomed to it, and after a few days use it was honestly no longer a real issue – however those with smaller palms may still find it a bit of a struggle.

The rounded sides of the Lumia 920 make for a smooth, comfortable hold, as long as your hand is big enough to wrap round the handset, and with the physical keys all located on the right hand side, they're relatively easy to hit.

On the right there's the volume rocker switch, followed by the power/lock in the centre and a physical camera shutter button towards the base – a rarity among smartphones these days, but something Windows Phone handsets tend to stick with.

The main feature on the front of the Nokia Lumia 920 is the 4.5-inch IPS TFT screen, which provides a crisp, bright display offering up an HD resolution of 768x1280.

It's not quite as large as the 4.7-inch display on the HTC One X+ or the 4.8-inch Galaxy S3, but it is the biggest Windows Phone 8 handset currently on offer, with the Windows Phone 8X clocking in at 4.3-inches.

On top there's a centralised 3.5mm jack, which Nokia claims makes it easier to slide into your pocket when you have headphones plugged in, next to a microSIM tray which requires a little tool included in the box to pop open.

The presence of the SIM slot reveals there's no access to the 2,000mAh battery housed inside the Lumia 920, plus there's no SD slot to expand on the 32GB of internal storage.

The left side of the Lumia 920 is an uninterrupted slice of polycarbonate allowing you to marvel and the beautifully curved edge.

On the bottom you have a microUSB port flanked by a couple of speaker grills and two exposed rivets, similar to the ones on the base of the Google Nexus 4 and down the sides of the Motorola Razr i.

Place the Lumia 920 face down and it becomes even more difficult to differentiate it from the Lumia 900, with the centralised 8MP camera lens, sliver plate surround and dual LED flash the only features on the back.

The only clue that this is a different handset is the word Nokia in large text on the sliver plate, instead of Carl Ziess on the previous model, which has now been relegated to a smaller font next to the firm's name.

The matte black finish on our review model completes the minimalist industrial design, however the Lumia 920 is also available in grey, white, red and yellow which sport a glossy finish which we reckon looks a bit cheap.

As long as you can get over the size and weight of the Nokia Lumia 920 - we did after a few days - you'll find it's a robust device which certainly feels premium in the hand, with possibly only the iPhone 5 feeling classier.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/reviews/phones/mobile-phones/nokia-lumia-920-1094960/review

Read More

HTC DROID DNA photo leaks, brings HTC J's screen to the US

Remember the HTC J butterfly and it's 5-inch 1080p, 440ppi display? Well, the device isn't going to stay exclusive to Japan much longer, as evleaks has posted an image of the device's US brethren dubbed HTC DROID DNA.

As the DROID part of the name suggests, the device will hit Verizon's 4G LTE network. While a little late to the phablet party, HTC is entering it with a bang with its 5-inch 1080p HD Super LCD 3 display. In addition, the device will be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro quad-core processor bundled with 2GB of RAM.

This lethal combination is further enhanced with 16GB of on-board memory and a microSD card slot. The battery is reprotedly going to be 2,020mAh. Accordin to the leak, the HTC DROID DNA will run Android 4.1 Jelly Bean.

Source | Via

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/htc_droid_dna_photo_leaks_brings_htc_js_screen_to_the_us-news-5041.php

Read More

HTC Windows Phone 8X UK sales start

The HTC Windows Phone 8X signature device is up for sale in the UK on both Unlocked Mobiles and Clove. Off contract, it's priced £398.98 and £399.98 respectively, inclusive of VAT.

The device was on track to go on sale on November 2 so it's nice to see there weren't any delays.

The unlocked Windows Phone 8X's will work on all UK networks, except EE's LTE. As a refresher, it features a 4.3" 720p display with an impressive 342 ppi, an two wide-angle cameras, Windows Phone 8, dual-core Krait processor and more.

We've already had a taste of the WP 8X and you're welcome to check out our hands-on.

Source 1 | Source 2 | Via

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/htc_windows_phone_8x_uk_sales_start-news-5036.php

Read More

Huawei teases cheap quad-core Android thrills with the Honor 2

Huawei has announced the Honor 2 Android smartphone, a quad-core device that could cost between $300 and $370 if it makes it to US shores. Its predecessor did, so there's a good chance it will do too.

Huawei has recently had more headlines dedicated to it allegedly posing a threat to US national security than its cut price, great spec Android smartphones for which it was once best known. With the announcement of the Honor 2, it could turn this around, provided it sees an international release sometime soon.

News of the Honor 2 seems to have originated from Huawei’s Weibo account, where the phone is named the Glory, a name repeated on the Chinese version of the manufacturers own website, where just to confuse matters it also listed as the “Glory Quad-core Love Shared Exclusive Edition.” Now that’s a memorable name for a smartphone.

So why are we calling it the Honor 2? Well, the original Huawei Glory U8860 was renamed the Honor in the USA and other regions (as well as the Mercury if you grabbed it from Cricket, or the Honour if you live in the UK), and Huawei’s CEO has also referred to the phone under this name, when he hinted at its impending release late last week.

Hopefully that’s cleared up any confusion over the name, so on to the most interesting part — the specification. Inside the Honor 2 is a 1.4GHz, quad-core Hass K3V2 processor of Huawei’s own design, plus 2GB of RAM. The screen measures 4.5-inches and has a 1280 x 720 pixel resolution, providing an excellent 326ppi pixel density.

Android 4.0 is its operating system, and there is also an 8-megapixel camera with 1080p video, 8GB of internal memory and a 2230mAh battery that could offer 72 hours of standby. This does make it a little larger than its competitors, as it measures 10.5mm thick and weighs 145 grams. Some may consider this to be a small price to pay for the bigger battery though.

Talking of small prices, there’s confusion over the Honor 2′s possible cost, with Engadget.com saying it will come in at a little over $300 — a bargain if so — while pocketdroid.net says it will be around $370. Whichever turns out to be correct, the Honor 2 will go on sale early next month, and given that the original Glory/Honor made it out of China, there’s a good chance its sequel will do as well.

Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/huawei-teases-cheap-quad-core-thrills-with-the-honor-2/

Read More

Verizon welcomes Windows Phone back into the family with the Nokia Lumia 822

Verizon has welcomed Windows Phone back into the family with the announcement of the Nokia Lumia 822, an exclusive Windows Phone 8 device set to be released soon.

Verizon has announced the Nokia Lumia 822, a Windows Phone 8 handset exclusive to the network. The news comes a few hours ahead of Microsoft’s big Windows Phone 8 event, which will be held in San Francisco, where the last pieces of information regarding the new OS will be shared.

In the meantime, lets look at the Lumia 822. The screen measures 4.3-inches and hides behind a sheet of protective Gorilla Glass, and although no resolution is mentioned in the press release, it’s likely to be the same as the GSM Lumia 820, which stands at 480 x 800 pixels.

An 8-megapixel camera sits on the rear of the curvy device, complete with Carl Zeiss lens and 1080p video recording, while a 1.2-megapixel video call lens can be found above the screen around the front.

Nokia makes a point to emphasize all the applications it bundles with its Lumia phones, including Nokia Maps, Nokia Drive, City Lens and the recently launched Nokia Music. This music streaming service has been out in Europe for a while, and is particularly interesting due to there being no subscription charge and no streamed advertising either.

Other features include NFC, Bluetooth and a choice of black, white or an online exclusive grey color scheme, plus the chance to swap the rear cover for one that enables wireless charging.

The Lumia 822 will connect to Verizon’s 4G LTE network, but aside from all this there is a lack of information on the device’s finer technical points. That won’t stop us hazarding a guess though, as the 822 will probably share the same dual-core, 1.5GHz Snapdragon processor, 1GB of RAM and 8GB of internal memory as the Lumia 820.

All this is identical to the Lumia 810 too, which is exclusive to T-Mobile USA, while the Lumia 820 can only be found with AT&T. As they share the same spec sheet, the 810, 822 and 820 should really be considered network-exclusive designs, as the differences are all cosmetic.

The Lumia 822 is the first Windows Phone to hit Verizon since last year, when it carried the affordable Lumia 710, and confirms rumors dating back to August of the network’s plans to once again carry handsets running Microsoft’s mobile operating system. Verizon and Nokia have so far committed only to the Lumia 822’s “upcoming availability,” so we’d expect to hear more following Microsoft’s final big reveal later today.

Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/nokia-lumia-822-coming-soon-to-verizon/

Read More

HTC reports dismal Q3 profits as Samsung beats out Apple in sales

Much rests on this HTC device

Rough and tumble HTC, the Taiwanese company banking on phones like the Windows Phone 8X and recently announced J Butterfly to push it forward, announced its third quarter financials Friday.

The company reports a net profit of about $133 million (£82.6, AUD$128.5), down 79 percent from $639 million (around UK£397, AUD$617) during the same period one year ago.

Revenue stood at $2.4 billion (UK£1.49, AUD$2.31) last quarter, down from $4.64 billion (UK£2.88, AUD$4.48) last year, or a 48 percent drop.

Moving into the fourth quarter, HTC expects revenue to fall to around $2.05 billion (UK£1.27, AUD$1.98) as it struggles with an operating margine of one percent.

That leaves the firm with a pre-tax income of slightly over $20 million (UK£1.24, AUD$19.3) for Q4.

Not in Nokia's shoes

Despite the tough figures coming out of Taiwan, HTC could at least pat itself on the back for earning an IDC rank as one of the top five smartphone vendors last quarter. IDC is a market intelligence firm.

HTC, along with Samsung (No.1), Apple, RIM and ZTE all made the cut as the largest smartphone manufacturers. Nokia, on the other hand, didn't.

The Finnish company fell from No. 3 during the second quarter to not even making the top five.

Samsung claimed 31.1 percent of the market, followed by Apple at 15 percent (up from 13.8 percent a year ago).

It beat out Apple by selling 56.3 million smartphones around the world, whereas Cupertino almost hit 27 million.

RIM took 4.3 percent, a drop from 9.6 percent during the same period last year, while ZTE nabbed 4.2 percent.

HTC squeaked by with 4 percent.

Nokia also has Windows Phone 8 devices dropping on the market soon, with most eyes centered on the Lumia 920 to lead the charge.

Microsoft has offered its support for both HTC and Nokia, including both firms on invites to its WP8 kickoff event Monday.

Though both are getting some strong Washington backing, the two firms seemed poised to fight for market scraps.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/htc-reports-dismal-q3-profits-as-samsung-beats-out-apple-in-sales-1107756

Read More

Google's upcoming Nexus 10 tablet leaks out in live images

Google's upcoming Nexus 10 slate has leaked out in live photos, confirming previous rumors for the Samsung made tablet. Set to be officially unveiled on Monday, the device packs impressive specifications, headed by a stunning 10.1" display with a iPad beating resolution of 2560x1600 pixels and a pixel density of 298.9ppi.

The Google Nexus 10 will feature a brand new dual-core Samsung Exynos 5250 chipset, whose Cortex-A15 cores run at 1.7GHz. The new silicon is reportedly faring better in benchmark scores than the quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro. The Mali -T604 GPU is also brand new - it should be able to handle the massive amount of pixels with ease. Two gigs of RAM, 16GB of non-expandable built-in memory (other options will likely be available), 5MP camera (you can check out its samples here) with front-facing companion, and full connectivity suite are also on board.

The back of the slate appears to be made of metal, while the dual-speakers at its front remind us of its Samsung roots. The tablet is said to be remarkably thin for its size.

The Google Nexus 10 will launch with Android 4.2 Jelly Bean, which will bring a number of improvements to the OS. They include improved camera UI, support for multiple user accounts, as well as quick settings bar.

The Google Nexus 10 will break cover at a Google event in New York City on Monday, October 10. We will be there live, so be sure to stick around for the full scoop on everything Android.

Source

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/googles_upcoming_nexus_10_tablet_leaks_out_in_live_images_-news-5004.php

Read More

HTC reports Q3 profit of $133M, says disappointing period ahead

Much rests on this HTC device

Rough and tumble HTC, the Taiwanese company banking on phones like the Windows Phone 8X and recently announced J Butterfly to push it forward, announced its third quarter financials Friday.

The company reports a net profit of about $133 million (£82.6, AUD$128.5), down 79 percent from $639 million (around UK£397, AUD$617) during the same period one year ago.

Revenue stood at $2.4 billion (UK£1.49, AUD$2.31) last quarter, down from $4.64 billion (UK£2.88, AUD$4.48) last year, or a 48 percent drop.

Moving into the fourth quarter, HTC expects revenue to fall to around $2.05 billion (UK£1.27, AUD$1.98) as it struggles with an operating margine of one percent.

That leaves the firm with a pre-tax income of slightly over $20 million (UK£1.24, AUD$19.3) for Q4.

Not in Nokia's shoes

Despite the tough figures coming out of Taiwan, HTC could at least pat itself on the back for earning an IDC rank as one of the top five smartphone vendors last quarter. IDC is a market intelligence firm.

HTC, along with Samsung (No.1), Apple, RIM and ZTE all made the cut as the largest smartphone manufacturers. Nokia, on the other hand, didn't.

The Finnish company fell from No. 3 during the second quarter to not even making the top five.

Samsung claimed 31.1 percent of the market, followed by Apple at 15 percent (up from 13.8 percent a year ago). RIM took 4.3 percent, a drop from 9.6 percent during the same period last year, while ZTE nabbed 4.2 percent.

HTC squeaked by with 4 percent.

Nokia also has Windows Phone 8 devices dropping on the market soon, with most eyes centered on the Lumia 920 to lead the charge.

Microsoft has offered its support for both HTC and Nokia, including both firms on invites to its WP8 kickoff event Monday.

Though both are getting some strong Washington backing, the two firms seemed poised to fight for market scraps.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/htc-reports-q3-profit-of-133m-says-disappointing-period-ahead-1107756

Read More

Samsung I9260 Galaxy Premier images leak

We have seen some images of the Samsung I9260 Galaxy Premier in the past but they have mostly showed the front of the device. But these latest pictures show us some of the other sides of the device, including the back.

The Galaxy Premier looks very similar to the Galaxy S III from the front, but has a prominent chrome strip around the bezel. The sides use glossy plastic and the back looks like it is matte, just like on the Galaxy Nexus.

From the previous leaks we know that the Galaxy Premier has a 4.65-inch, 1280 x 720 resolution display, 8 megapixel camera, dual-core 1.5GHz processor (we're guessing the TI OMAP4470), 1GB RAM, 8 megapixel camera, 16GB internal memory and microSD card slot.

One would assume why Samsung would be releasing a phone with specs so close to the Galaxy S III, but they could just be trying to fill the hole that would be left in their line-up once the Galaxy Nexus gets replaced by the LG Nexus 4 next week.

Source

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_i9260_galaxy_premier_images_leak-news-5001.php

Read More

Jelly Bean update start seeding to the US Galaxy S III

Sprint is releasing the Android 4.1.1 Jelly Bean update to its Galaxy S III as we speak. The update is carried out over the air to consumers and each device that receives it will download it automatically.

Users will get Project Butter for a buttery-smooth UI, Google Now, expandable and actionable notifications in the Notification Area, the improved widget placing on any icon-ridden homescreen and lots of improvement and tweaks.

Galaxy S III owners in Europe have already received their Jelly Bean updates and now it's time for those in US to get the same treatment. Updates for the other carriers should come in the following weeks, or dare we say, days.

We've got a dedicated review of Jelly Bean on the Galaxy S III, which you should totally check out.

Source | Via

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/sprint_releases_jelly_bean_update_for_galaxy_s_iii-news-4997.php

Read More

Another photo, new details on LG Nexus 4 emerge

Not the best image, but at least we get some info (credit: @evleaks)

Considering the device isn't even officially acknowledged yet, there's a surprising amount of information available about the LG Nexus 4.

What's likely the new flagship Android device first popped up in early October, when it was rumored that the LG Nexus 4 (then known as the LG Optimus G Nexus) would appear alongside Google's Android 4.2 update in November.

Since then, multiple sources have suggested that the device will go by LG Nexus 4, and supposed photos of the LG Nexus phone (here's some more) and hands-on reports have emerged as well.

On Friday, new details, along with another photo, emerged once again.

@evleaks at it again

The Twitter handle @evleaks has shed light on devices ranging from the Nokia Lumia 920 and Lumia 820 to, more recently, the HTC One X+.

So it was no surprise that the latest LG Nexus 4 leak came by way of the @evleaks Twitter account as well.

The photo appears to show a simple view of the back of the LG Nexus 4, and it looks to match earlier images.

A wealth of information (Credit: @evleaks)

More importantly, the details in the tweet reveal some previously unknown data about the device's measurements: it reportedly weighs in at 139 grams and measures 9.1 millimeters, with a 4.7-inch screen.

LG Nexus 4 specs: what we think we know

Those details, as well as the 1.5GHz APQ8064 quad-core processor, 1280x768 resolution, 2GB of memory, 8-megapixel camera and 8GB-16GB of storage mentioned in the tweet, support previous rumors about the LG Nexus 4.

The @evleaks tweet also mentions a 2,100mAh battery and a 1.3-megapixel front camera.

As was previously reported, the LG Nexus 4 sticks closely to the LG Optimus G's innards, while apparently bearing a striking external resemblance to the Samsung Galaxy Nexus.

With a Google Android hardware announcement scheduled for Oct. 29, an official unveiling of the LG Nexus 4 seems just around the corner, so all may soon be revealed.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/another-photo-new-details-on-lg-nexus-4-emerge-1105772

Read More

New Surface ad launches, this time more than just dancing (and clicking)

Microsoft has launched a second ad for its Surface tablet, which launches next week. The new ad highlights some of the device's features and contains no dancing.

The first ad for Microsoft’s new Surface tablet may have been an all-clicking all-dancing affair, but its second has a little more substance. For a start, there’s a voiceover telling us a few things about the device, and look, occasional text appears on the screen too – words like “sleek”, “light”, and “durable”.

Most of the ad’s participants seem to be aged around 20 to 40. There are no kissing senior citizens in the 97-second promo, nor any dancing schoolgirls – both of which featured in the first ad, in case you thought I was just mentioning some odd, random scenarios.

The Redmond-based company is still going big-time with the Touch Cover and and kickstand, two features which it believes help make it stand apart from competing tablets. According to a report yesterday, however, it seems most people pre-ordering the device are going for the lowest-priced $499 Surface, which comes without the Touch Cover.

The new ad takes time to mention some of the features of the new tablet, which launches on October 26, including its HD video-out port, USB 2.0 port and microSD card slot.

“From touch to type, office to living room, from your screen to the big screen, you can see more, share more and do more with Surface,” the voiceover tells us at the close of the ad.

If you thought Microsoft’s first ad for the Surface was a bit light on information (like, there wasn’t any information), you’ll definitely prefer this one.

And if gradually increasing the amount of information while decreasing the amount of fluff is going to be a trend with these Surface ads, perhaps the next one will feature Steve Ballmer in a sparsely furnished room sitting at a desk staring straight down the barrel of the camera explaining in no uncertain terms exactly what’s so darn great about Microsoft’s new tablet. Without that clicking sound.

[Image: Imagemaker / Shutterstock]

Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/new-surface-ad-launches-this-time-more-than-just-dancing-and-clicking/

Read More

Asus PadFone 2 hands on: A phone and tablet merger that actually works

A hands-on preview of the Asus PadFone 2, an innovative device that combines a smartphone with a tablet, and somehow does appear to give us the best of both worlds.

There can’t be all that many people who don’t think that, in principle, the idea of the PadFone 2 is a good one. After all, it combines the two most popular — and fastest growing — consumer electronics markets into one handy device. At the PadFone 2’s launch event today, I had the chance to spend some time playing with Asus’s unusual device, and while it’s still not exactly clear at whom it’s aimed, it’s a clever machine with considerable potential for the future. Asus’s tagline for the tablet is “It’s intuitive.” I have to agree.

The first thing you notice about the smartphone is how light it is, feeling lighter in the hand than both the Galaxy S3 and iPhone 4, despite them all being within a couple of grams of each other. The phone is made of plastic, as is the brushed metal-look band around the edge, and since the rear panel is non-removable, the battery won’t be able to be swapped out for a new one.

Installed on the PadFone 2 at the event was Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich), but an upgrade to Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) should be coming in December. This means the European PadFone 2, which should arrive early next year, will most likely come with the latest version of Android already installed.

Quad-core power

The Snapdragon S4 Pro quad-core processor gives the smartphone incredible performance. Even without Jelly Bean’s “Project Butter,” scrolling was smooth and precise, and video was expertly handled. Scrolling could still be “sticky” in the browser though. A 1.5GB HD video file could be scrubbed back and forth with no delays in playback, and when the Adreno 320 GPU was put to work on a Need for Speed game, it looked stunning.

Grasping the tapered body of the PadFone 2’s phone section, it’s simple to slot it into the tablet and in fact, you don’t even need to look at what you’re doing. This makes perfect sense when you consider the sharing aspect of the PadFone 2, as you can be looking at a photo on the phone, which then appears on the tablet’s screen almost instantly when you dock them together. Fiddling around on the back of the tablet would spoil this experience completely.

Slotting the phone into the tablet station is precise and satisfying, and ends with a positive push to lock it into place, feeling not unlike docking an iPhone into a well-made audio dock. It’s not going anywhere either, as even turning it upside down and shaking it about failed to see the phone slip out and clatter onto the floor.

Instant sharing, with a catch

Using the tablet is a very similar experience to using the phone as it’s the same OS, but with this comes a slight drawback — the browser wants to open mobile websites. Visiting DigitalTrends.com, the BBC and YouTube on the tablet resulted in exactly that happening, but a better YouTube experience could be had using the standalone app. This is a problem on most Android tablets.

The instant sharing is also flawed at the moment, as it only works with certain applications. Say you’re reading a website using Chrome on the smartphone, but decide you want to read it on the larger screen, so you plug it into the tablet station. Sadly, it doesn’t just appear and you need to open Chrome as usual. Sure, your content is there straight away, but it adds a step or two to the process. The answer is to use the standard browser instead, which does instantly start when you dock the two devices, as does the gallery, the camera app, Google Play and the standard email app too. But generally, if you’re doing something on your phone before you plug it in, prepare to have to re-open that task.

Asus says that many apps are undergoing a certification process, so by the time the PadFone 2 goes on sale, this could all change. Hopefully it will, as it’s one of the standout features of the device.

Intuitive and pleasantly surprising

Using the PadFone 2 for only a short time confirms that Asus is right to call it intuitive, primarily because of the instant sharing feature and the easy docking, but learning the ins-and-outs of the lightly skinned Android OS was a breeze too. This, along with the all-in-one nature of the PadFone 2, makes it a good choice for anyone new to smartphones and tablets.

Such simplicity, design innovation and power doesn’t come cheap though, with the 32GB model priced at 800 euros ($1,042) for the smartphone and the tablet station. Before you snort derisively at this figure, think about this: A 32GB iPhone 5 costs 790 euros on its own, and you’re stuck with that battery and that screen size. Add a 32GB Wi-Fi and Cellular iPad and you’ll need another 700 euros, giving a total of 1,488 euros ($1,940) for the pair. Pop over to Amazon for a SIM-free Galaxy S3 and a Galaxy Note 10.1 and you’ll still need the best part of 1,100 euros.

So, although the initial outlay sounds like a lot, that’s quite a savings when you consider how much buying two separate devices to emulate the PadFone 2’s abilities costs. It is, however, still a big price for a relative newcomer to ask for an quirky product. It could also be saved if U.S. wireless carriers decide to subsidize the phone and tablet combo deeply enough, it could be quite affordable. But with how badly the Motorola Atrix + Laptop Dock were priced, it’s difficult to be hopeful.

In the short time I had with the PadFone 2, it was certainly winning me over, and it’s impossible not to be impressed by the Snapdragon S4 Pro’s performance. I have the feeling a lot of people are going to be surprised by the PadFone 2, it just takes an open mind, a calculator and good, solid test run.

Video playing on the PadFone 2

The PadFone 2 camera

Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/asus-padfone-2-hands-on/

Read More

Pricing and availability of the ASUS Padfone 2 detailed

Now that the ASUS Padfone 2 is finally official, it's time to get a detailed idea of the device's pricing and availability. As we already told you, the smartphone is initially going to be available in 32GB and 64GB variations, with a 16GB coming out later (we assume by Christmas).

ASUS will launch the Padfone 2 and its tablet station first in Europe (Bulgaria, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, and Sweden) and Asia (Hong Kong, India, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and U.A.E). The smartphone/tablet should be available there in the beginning of December.

The US hasn't been mentioned in the official press release, but we got a word from an ASUS manager at the event, saying the Padfone 2 will debut in the US by the end of the year as well.

As for pricing, the 32GB Padfone 2 (including a the 10.1" tablet station) will retail in Europe for €799, while the 64GB model will be €899. We guess once the 16GB version comes arounds, it'll cost around the €699 mark.

In Asia, the Padfone 2 tablet station will be sold separately for NT$8,990 ($310). There, the unsubsidized Padfone 2 smartphone will retail for NT$17,990 ($620) and NT$21,901 ($750) for the 16GB and 32GB models, respectively. However, should customers purchase the Padfone 2 together with the tablet station, the latter will be sold at NT$6,000 (around $210).

Information on subsizided US versions isn't yet available, and we are yet to see which US carriers will pick the device up. We are also yet to see how the Padfone 2 will compete with the upcoming LG Optimus G in Europe too.

The Padfone 2 is powered by a beefy 1.5GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro (APQ8064) chipset with Adreno 320 GPU and 2GB of RAM. This awe-inspiring chip helps the Padfone 2 run Ice Cream Sandwich with absolute ease. Naturally, an update to Android 4.1 Jelly Bean is planned, too.

For more information and first impressions, check out our full ASUS Padfone 2 hands-on.

Source

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/pricing_and_availability_of_the_asus_padfone_2_detailed-news-4958.php

Read More

LG Nexus 4 name 'confirmed'

Nexus 4 or Optimus Nexus?

Details extracted from a photograph supposedly snapped on the next Nexus smartphone suggests the device will be known as the LG Nexus 4.

There have been numerousrumours surrounding Google's next smartphone collaboration, with LG seemingly winning the race to produce the fourth generation, but it looks like the name LG Optimus Nexus could be out the window.

Two images posted on photo sharing site Picasa may have spilled the beans, with the EXIF data attached to them noting the device model they were taken on as the Nexus 4.

Google backing

We know that EXIF details are not the be all and end all, and can be easily faked, but interestingly the photos in question were uploaded by Mehul Agarwal - "Who's he?" we hear you ask, well he just happens to be a Google software engineer.

Obviously this doesn't guarantee us that the information we see before us is correct, but it does add more weight to the argument that the phone will be called the LG Nexus 4.

There's been no official word from Google or LG on the status of the Nexus 4, but we're expecting an invitation to a launch event to turn up in the coming weeks, so stay tuned for more information.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/lg-nexus-4-name-confirmed-1104748

Read More