64-bit chip is no gimmick for Qualcomm as it introduces the Snapdragon 410

A new dragon joins the Qualcomm force

We thought it be in for a CES 2014 unveiling, but Qualcomm has up and announced its own 64-bit mobile processor.

The Snapdragon 410 may lead to a few puzzled looks as its number is lower than Qualcomm's top-notch chips (Snapdragon 600, 800, 805, etc.), but the 28nm silicon is actually aimed at an entirely different handset tier.

The chipset, which features integrated 4G LTE World Mode, is destined for phones in emerging markets, namely the burgeoning Chinese scene.

It's an interesting angle on the 64-bit space, especially since Apple's A7 mobile processor lives in a much higher handset stratosphere. But it's likely a very shrew move, too.

Snapdragon 410 specs and targets

Crammed with an Adreno 306 GPU, the 410 will support 1080p video playback and up to a 13MP camera.

Qualcomm noted the chip integrates 4G LTE and 3G cellular connectivity for all major modes and frequency bands, essentially bringing 4G LTE capabilities to every corner of the globe.

Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, FM and NFC are all supported by the Snapdragon 410, and it will also bolster GPS, GLONASS and China's BeiDou.

As part of today's announcement, Qualcomm revealed its plan to make 4G LTE available in all Snapdragon families, therefore giving emerging regions a shot at being better prepared for the global growth of the technology.

Workable on all major operating systems, including Android, Windows Phone and Firefox, the chip is expected to launch in commercial devices in the second half of 2014 in phones that cost $150 or less.

• Apparently 64-bit chips aren't a marketing gimmick after all...

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/64-bit-chip-is-no-gimmick-for-qualcomm-as-it-introduces-the-snapdragon-410-1206378

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Alleged Galaxy S5 benchmarked again, comes in third

Samsung has more than just the Galaxy S5 on the horizon

An unknown Samsung phone that may be the Galaxy S5 has popped up in another benchmark test after doing the same just last week.

It comes with a slightly different model number; last week it was the SM-G900S, while this time it's the SM-G900F.

Those could well be two different versions of the same phone on separate carriers, so don't discount this rumor on account of a single letter's variation.

Interestingly, though, the Galaxy S5, which should be Samsung's most epic flagship yet if and when it launches next year, lost to the iPhone 5S and the Galaxy Note 3 in Rightware's Browsermark test.

Second place is first loser

The Browsermark test flexes various aspects of a device's web-browsing capabilities and assigns it a score and ranking based on its prowess.

The Samsung SM-G900F, which may or may not be a version of the Galaxy S5, scored a 3303.88, lower than the Note 3's 3353.07 and the 5S's 3669.91.

But another version of the Note 3 with a slightly different model number came in just below the Samsung device, and Sony's Xperia Z1 was under that.

But Rightware, the administrators of the Browsermark benchmark, noted that the Samsung device in question was running a slightly outdated version of the Chrome browser at the time the test was conducted, and that may have affected the results.

Galaxy S5 specs

When a similarly-numbered Samsung device appeared in a different benchmark test last week it had some interesting specs.

Those included a a 2560 x 1440 display, a 2.5GHz quad-core Snapdragon 800 processor, an Adreno 330 GPU, and Android 4.4 KitKat.

There was also speculation that given the resolution the phone could have a 5.25-inch screen with pixel density at 560ppi, as rumors last month said of the Galaxy S5.

If it's not the Galaxy S5 we're looking at in these tests, it could actually be any number of handsets - Samsung has a total of four or five new phones planned for early 2014 already.

• The holidays approach! Check out TechRadar's holiday gift guide, with tech and games galore.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/alleged-galaxy-s5-benchmarked-again-comes-in-third-1206373

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Nokia's new BH-121 is a Bluetooth stereo headset that looks like an iPod shuffle

NFC-enabled BH-121 goes on sale at the end of the month

Nokia's heavily rumoured 'iPod rival' has officially landed, in the form of a NFC-enabled, Bluetooth stereo headset dubbed the BH-121.

Following months of speculation and leaks, the BH-121 (formerly known as 'Guru') arrives packing a pair of noise-blocking headphones, an iPod shuffle-like clip-on body and a reasonable 39 Euros price tag.

Launching at the end of this month, the headset promises easy tap-to-pair functionality for NFC handsets, but will also hook up via the Bluetooth settings on other smartphones.

It comes in four colours - and will enable users to control their music and phonecalls with the help of the built-in Play button and track and volume controls. It can also be charged via the microUSB port.

Live Tile support

The BH-121 also features a 3.5mm jack so users will be able to deploy whichever headphones they wish when using the diminutive device.

When using the device with Nokia Lumia phones, the headset will also be treated to its very own Live Tile in Windows Phone, allowing users to check the battery and connectivity status, the company announced on the Nokia Conversations blog.

Will you be splashing out on a BH-121 to augment your mobile music experience? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/nokia-s-new-bh-121-is-a-bluetooth-stereo-headset-that-looks-like-an-ipod-shuffle-1206305

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Samsung Galaxy S4 Active gets a Snapdragon 800 version

Samsung Galaxy S4 Active version with Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 chipset joined the “regular” SHV-E330S Galaxy S4 in SK-Telecom’s smartphone lineup in Korea. As expected, the smartphone comes with support for LTE-A networks (up to 150 Mbps).

Alongside the updated SoC with 2.3GHz quad-core CPU and Adreno 330 GPU, the newcomer sports an updated, 13MP camera (up from 8MP on the regular Samsung Galaxy S4 Active) and a new color scheme. The LTE-A equipped device has also shed a few grams compared to the I9295 (147g compared to 151g). It will also be offered in a new, white color scheme.

The rest of the SK-Telecom’s Samsung Galaxy S4 Active specs are the same as those of the Snapdragon 600 version. Highlights include a 5” 1080p display, 2,600mAh battery, and IP67 certification.

There’s no word on international availability of the updated Samsung Galaxy S4 Active.

Source (in Russian)

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s4_active_gets_a_qualcomm_snapdragon_800_version-news-7336.php

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ZTE scores 2.5 million pre-orders for Nubia Z5S and Z5S mini

ZTE recently announced its latest flagship smartphone, the Nubia Z5S along with the Nubia Z5S mini. The company now claims to have recorded whopping 2.5 million pre-orders for the Z5S and Z5S mini smartphones through its JD.com retailing partner.

The sales of ZTE Nubia Z5S and Z5S mini have also managed to surpass a record that was previously held by Xiaomi, according to the Chinese manufacturer. The capable hardware combined with advanced imaging that also includes Optical Image Stabilization is what drives the sales of the ZTE smartphones according to the company.

To remind you, the ZTE Nubia Z5S comes with a 5-inch 1080p LCD display and features a 2.3 GHz Snapdragon 800 processor along with 2GB of RAM, 13 megapixel rear camera, 5 megapixel front shooter, Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean and a 2,300mAh battery.

On the other hand, the Z5S mini sports a compact 4.7-inch 720p IGZO display and is powered by a 1.7 GHz Snapdragon 600 processor. It offers a 13 megapixel rear shooter, 5 megapixel front facing camera, microSD card slot and a 2,000mAh battery.

ZTE Nubia Z5S is priced at RMB1,999 (about $330) and the Nubia Z5S mini costs you RMB1,499 (about $250). If you are planning to get your hands on one of these devices, then head on to the source link below to place your order.

Source | Via

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/zte_records_25_million_preorders_for_nubia_z5s_and_z5s_mini_-news-7335.php

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2K smartphone Vivo Xplay 3S to cost $740

Vivo is about to unveil the first smartphone in the world with a 2K display. The first of its kind device from Vivo is dubbed Xplay 3S and it has already been listed by China Mobile. This comes a bit early, three days before the actual official announcement of the smartphone.

Vivo Xplay 3S is rumored to sport a 2K display with a resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels. Under the hood, the smartphone will pack a Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor and 3 GB of RAM. The Xplay 3S will also support LTE and a wide range of latest connectivity options.

According to the listing from China Mobile, the Vivo Xplay 3S with 32 GB of memory will cost CNY4,498 (about $740) and the 64 GB variant should come to you with a price tag of CNY4,999 (about $823). Of course, the first 2K display smartphone will also be available on a lower price with a contract from the Chinese carrier.

If the rumors are to be trusted, the Xplay 3S will go on sale in China by the end of this month. However, there is no official word at the moment.

Source

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/vivos_first_2k_display_smartphone_to_cost_740-news-7334.php

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China Mobile will open iPhone pre-orders in three days

China Mobile is opening iPhone pre-orders this Thursday (that's three days from now) ahead of launching its LTE network on December 18. The information comes straight off a carrier representative, who spoke to the Wall Street Journal.

Customers will be able to pre-order Apple's devices along with LTE-capable Samsung and Sony smartphones from China Mobile's Shanghai website.

The deal was struck between Apple and China Mobile just days ago and we are seeing it go to fruition quite rapidly.

On its part China Mobile has been teasing its upcoming 4G network since October.

The biggest carrier in the world is also preparing a special pricing plan for new iPhones and a new brand for its 4G services. The latter will be unveiled at a Guangzhou-based global partner conference on December 18.

Source | Via

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/china_mobile_will_open_iphone_preorders_in_three_days-news-7333.php

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