Tuesday, September 24, 2013

HTC One tipped for octa-core update, but it's all Greek to us

HTC One tipped for octa-core update, but it's all Greek to us
Octa-core HTC One incoming?

According to a report emanating from Greece, HTC is working on an octa-core variant of its flagship HTC One handset.

The TechCommunity.gr site is under the impression that a refresh is on the way, that a new version of the critically acclaimed handset also see the memory bumped up to 3GB RAM.

The report shows a purported screenshot from the phone's hardware settings, apparently showing the improved specifications, but it's hard to verify its authenticity.

According to the site, the updated version of the handset will bring 'Clear Audio' tech for improved call and music quality, but aside from that rest of the handset's features will remain the same.

Successor or update?

HTC is no stranger to updating its phones throughout the annual cycle, but to give the HTC One a processing bump at this stage would be a huge surprise.

If the company is indeed working on an octa-core device to rival the Samsung Galaxy S4 (in some regions) then it would appear more likely that HTC will save it up for the One's successor.

It would give HTC a top-line spec improvement to hang the new handset on and would avoid annoying owners of the current handset, who may wonder why an update arrived after just six months on sale.

Oh, and while we're on the subject of the One's successor, if it isn't called the HTC One-Two then its a missed opportunity.


Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/htc-one-tipped-for-octa-core-update-but-it-s-all-greek-to-us-1183692

Troublesome case causing HTC One mini supply shortage?

Troublesome case causing HTC One mini supply shortage?
The HTC One mini gets down and dirty

HTC may not be able to supply enough HTC One minis to meet consumer demand, according to one report.

Problems in HTC's supply chain, particularly with the HTC One mini's casing, will soon cause shortages, Reuters reported today.

The HTC One mini's chassis is reportedly in short supply thanks to "design difficulties," the exact nature of which are unknown.

Another source told the site that demand for HTC's miniaturized flagship can't currently be met, despite analysts' expectations that the company plans to ship just 200,000 of them per month.

Mini and max

In TechRadar's HTC One mini review we gave the smaller HTC One a well-earned 4.5 out of 5 stars, calling it "a cutting edge smartphone that takes all the great elements from the world's best handset and crams them into a smaller frame."

We reached out to HTC for comment about any supply chain difficulties, but like Reuters we haven't received a response.

The HTC One mini isn't the only HTC One spin-off up the company's sleeve, if all the recent HTC One Max rumors are any indication.

That enlarged version of the HTC One is said to be a phablet with a fingerprint scanner, but there's been no official reveal yet.


Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/troublesome-case-causing-htc-one-mini-supply-shortage--1183669

Nokia event set for Oct. 22 in Abu Dhabi, Lumia 1520 probably dropping

Nokia event set for Oct. 22 in Abu Dhabi, Lumia 1520 probably dropping
What will it be Nokia? 1520? Tablets? Both?

The sand dune teaser image above from a Tweet a few weeks ago has now been confirmed by Nokia as Abu Dhabi, the location for its Oct. 22 Nokia World event.

Aside from naming the city, details are sparse but it's likely the rumored 6-inch screened Lumia 1520 will be unveiled.

The phablet will be the first from the Finnish firm, along with the first to reportedly hold a full HD display and quad-core processor.

The 1520 would also be the first release under new Microsoft ownership which may be hinted at with the hashtag below stating "wayforward."

Nokia
Nokia goes to Abu Dhabi

Tablets also on the horizon?

A Nokia tablet codenamed "Sirius" is also making the rumor rounds with details claiming the tablet will boast a 10.1-inch Full HD IPS display, 2GB of RAM, up to 10 hours of battery life and will come with 32GB of native storage expandable via microSD.

Perhaps we'll see the Sirius join the Lumia 1520 in the world event announcements - it sounds like a long shot, but it would make sense to unveil a tablet since it's also a first from the company.

Via CNET


Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/nokia-event-set-for-oct-22-in-abu-dhabi-lumia-1520-probably-dropping-1183645

HTC announces Android 4.3 for One coming this week

President of HTC America Jason Mackenzie posted on Twitter that the Android 4.3 and the latest version of Sense will hit HTC One Developer Edition smartphones starting this week. This will be followed by Canadian HTC One owners by the end of the month.

Since service providers need to give the final go-ahead for carrier branded units, specific dates have not been provided. Mackenzie sent out a second tweet regarding US carrier certification, although this one was even more vague in regards to anything other than "soon."

We're still working hard & optimistic for U.S. carrier certification – stay tuned to @HTCUSA for more news soon.

— Jason Mackenzie (@JasonMacHTC) September 23, 2013

Good news – the latest Sense experience & Android 4.3 will push to One Dev Edition owners this week & One customers in Canada by month end.

— Jason Mackenzie (@JasonMacHTC) September 23, 2013

Meanwhile, HTC One users in Taiwan are already reporting they are getting the Android 4.3 OTA notification.

HTC One in Taiwan just started getting Android 4.3 pic.twitter.com/N6Ef7CNgv4

— LlabTooFeR (@LlabTooFeR) September 24, 2013

Mackenzie also updated us on the state of the pending Droid DNA update. The US variant of the HTC Butterfly is slated to get the Sense 5-enabled version of Jelly Bean by year's end, although it will only be getting version 4.2.2.

Regarding Droid DNA. Update and clarification is that DNA customers will get new Sense experiences (w/ 4.2.2) before end of year.

— Jason Mackenzie (@JasonMacHTC) September 23, 2013

Here's hoping that European owners of the One won't be left high and dry among all the update goodness. We'll post any news on that front as soon as we get it.

Via


Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/htc_announces_android_43_for_one_coming_this_week-news-6854.php

Sony Xperia M dual to go on sale by the end of September

Sony announced the Xperia M and Xperia M dual more than three months ago, but until now only the single SIM version was available on the market.

Well, it looks like the wait for the dual-SIM variant, which is yet to make its first appearance is finally over as the Xperia M dual will be hitting the stores by the end of this month. According a tweet from Sony Mobile Russia, the dual-SIM option will cost RUR10,990 (about $345).



Sony Xperia M dual has the same hardware specifications as the Xperia M, but with an extra SIM card slot. The devices come with a 4-inch display of FWVGA resolution and is powered by a dual-core Snapdragon S4 Plus chipset clocked at 1 GHz. Other hardware features include 1 GB of RAM, 5 megapixel rear camera, VGA front shooter and a 1,750 mAh battery.

If you looking to know more about the features and the performance of the Xperia M, then do check our detailed review for a complete insight of the device.

Source | Via


Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/sony_xperia_m_dual_to_go_on_sale_by_the_end_of_september-news-6853.php

LG confirms its target to sell 10 million G2 units

Recent rumors suggested that LG was aiming to sell 10 million units of its new flagship smartphone, the LG G2. Now, LG Taiwan official has confirmed that the company has indeed set a target of moving at least 10 million G2 units across the globe.



LG's spokesperson also said that the South Korean smartphone manufacturer is looking to sell 20,000 G2 units per month in Taiwan. LG is aiming at a 5% market share in the overall smartphone market and 10% among the high end devices in that market alone.

LG's target does not look ambitious, especially considering how great the G2 is and the company's recent success in the smartphone market. However, LG might need to step up its game and run a few aggressive marketing campaigns to achieve its goal.

Here's hoping that LG manages to achieve some great sales number with its G2 and starts rubbing its shoulders with market leaders like Samsung and Apple to spur more fire, competition and innovation.

Source (Chinese) | Via


Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/lg_confirms_its_target_to_sell_10_million_g2_units-news-6852.php

Nokia's October 22 event gets a second teaser

Nokia has once again gone to Twitter to tease its upcoming October 22 event and this time we got to learn its location. The venue will be Nokia World and the place is Abu Dhabi with the date being October 22.



Nokia attached the hashtags #closr, #wayforward and #innovationreinvented to the message. The first teaser showed us skiers in warm outfits on desert dunes with the hashtags #blazing, #stories and again #innovationreinvented.

At #Nokia, we believe in technology that brings people closer. Join us on October 22 #innovationreinvented pic.twitter.com/Rc7w4FTAJ3

— Nokia (@nokia) September 24, 2013

The most obvious suspect to debut at the event is the Lumia 1520 that goes by the name of Bandit. It's supposed to bring two firsts for the Windows Phone realm - first 1080p smartphone and first phablet.


Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/nokias_october_22_event_to_be_held_in_abu_dhabi-news-6851.php