‘Stretched’ iPhone? New images suggest taller, slimmer handset, same width

With Apple set to unveil its latest iPhone on Wednesday, new images appear to confirm that the Cupertino company is about to introduce a taller, slimmer device, with a widescreen display – imagine a kind of 'stretched' iPhone.

We’re just hours away from Apple’s much-anticipated media event in San Francisco where it’s expected to reveal the latest iteration of its iPhone – but of course, until Tim Cook actually holds up the new device on stage at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts on Wednesday, the rumor mill will keep on turning.

Prior to the unveiling of a new iteration of a popular device, speculation understandably swirls around how its physical look might alter – will it be bigger, smaller, taller, shorter, thicker, thinner, heavier, lighter? Or, perhaps, pretty much the same?

With the iPhone 5 (or whatever Apple has decided to call it), the latest reports suggest the handset is about to undergo its most radical redesign since coming on the market five years ago.

More information is circulating pointing to a phone that will be both taller and slimmer. MacRumors reader Michael Rou posted a photo (below) on his site showing pre-production cases for Apple’s expected iPhone 5 and iPad Mini devices, made by case manufacturers based on leaked specifications from Foxconn factories in China, where the handset is being assembled. With the current iPhone placed inside the new case, it’s clear that the next version will be taller, though retaining its 2.31-inch width, giving the appearance of a ‘stretched’ iPhone with a widescreen display.

Different images from Know Your Mobile also show a set of cases that are markedly longer than what’s available for the existing iPhone. The photos (one shown below) were obtained from mobile accessories company Mobile Fun. “They’re genuine leather pouches – one of the images even shows the size difference compared to the iPhone 4,” Mobile Fun told KYM. “We’re highly confident that these cases show that the size of the iPhone 5 will be taller than the iPhone 4.”

With the iPhone’s 3.5-inch screen starting to look a little on the small side when compared to its competitors’ offerings, there’s little doubt the next version will sport a larger display – the main question has been whether Apple would opt to push the viewable screen to the edges of the current design, or introduce a taller model. Based on all these images, it appears to be the latter.

As for its thickness, iResQ (via tech2) used received parts to build the casing of the next phone, with one of its pictures (below) showing Apple’s next handset to be marginally slimmer than its predecessor, likely due to the incorporation of a new in-cell display, which is thinner than a conventional LCD touchscreen.

Soon the Apple rumor mill will once again rest. All will be revealed shortly. Deep breaths now, Apple fans, deep breaths….

Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/new-iphone-images-suggest-taller-slimmer-handseth/

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Apple ID leak traced back to app developer BlueToad, not FBI

Looks like the FBI may be off the hook

The two-week old mystery of where AntiSec obtained the 1million Apple device IDs it leaked to the Internet has been solved and it appears as if the FBI is off the hook. The real source of the unique device IDs, or UDIDs, is a Florida-based app company called BlueToad.

The hacker group claimed to have lifted the unique iOS device identifiers from an FBI laptop. However, the FBI quickly denied even possessing UDIDs, never mind being the target of a hack via a known Java vulnerability.

Still, this sparked conspiracy fears that made it seem as if the FBI was collecting and storing millions of Apple UDIDs for tracking purposes. AntiSec published more than 1 million of these device identifiers and said that it had 12 million more of them from the same FBI source.

When the FBI strongly rebuffed reports of its involvement, AntiSec said: "The fact that the FBI has no 'evidence' of a data breach on one of their notebooks, does not allow the conclusion that it never happened."

BlueToad, now speaking out, backs up the FBI's account, however.

Leak Source: BlueToad

BlueToad CEO Paul DeHart came forward, telling NBC News that his app publishing company's database was the source of the leaked UDIDs. Forensic analysis by the company shows that a breach occurred "in the past two weeks."

"That's 100 percent confidence level, it's our data," DeHart said after running tests that proved a near-perfect match. "As soon as we found out we were involved and victimized, we approached the appropriate law enforcement officials, and we began to take steps to come forward, clear the record and take responsibility for this."

On its website, BlueToad describes itself as a technology provider in the digital publishing industry and has more than 5,000 publisher with more than 10,000 titles. Specific clients were not revealed by DeHart, according to NBC News, but the apologetic CEO did say his business partners do include household names.

We may never know the names of BlueToad's clients. DeHart said that this company won't be informing its app downloaders of the UDID data breach. It's up to the individual clients to inform their readers.

How important are UDIDs?

The only mystery that remains is how important UDIDs are to privacy. DeHart downplayed the potential risk of exposing this information, yet it's enough of a privacy concern that the newest versions of BlueToad's software do not collect this personal information and has been rejecting apps that collect UDIDs since March.

Oddly enough, rallying against UDIDs appears to be AntiSec's objective in all of this. It said in an earlier statement: "We never liked the concept of UDIDs since the beginning indeed. Really bad decision from Apple. Fishy thingie."

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/apple-id-leak-traced-back-to-app-developer-bluetoad-not-fbi-1096163

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LG Escape Android smartphone for AT&T gets announced

AT&T added another appealing mid-ranger to its 4G LTE smartphone lineup with the LG Escape. The previously leaked handset will hit the retail shelves on September 16, priced at $49.99 with a two-year contract.

The LG escape features a 1.2 GHz dual-core processor. There's 4GB of built-in memory on board, which can be further expanded via microSD card slot. The display is a 4.3” qHD true-color IPS unit with qHD resolution, covered by Corning Gorilla Glass. There a 5MP snapper on the smartphone's back and a 1.3MP front-facing unit for video calls. Full connectivity suite including NFC is present. The handset is powered by a beefy 2150mAh battery.

Software wise, the LG Escape features Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, dressed in LG's latest UI. The handset will come with a number of software enhancements for its camera, as well as a Browser Bar extension for accessing social media pages.

Like every new AT&T smartphone offering, the LG Escape comes with the usual Mobile Minute promo video. Check it out below.

Source

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/lg_escape_android_smartphone_for_at_t_gets_announced_-news-4783.php

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Reports: iPhone 5 to raise US GDP, take Apple's stock to stratosphere

Could this boost the U.S. economy?

The world is T-Minus two days away from the probable unveiling of Apple’s iPhone 5 and though we’ve seen the leaks and know it'll be a hot commodity, the new iOS device’s impact may reach beyond Apple’s coffers.

According to a new report, the iPhone 5 may significantly boost the U.S.’s gross domestic product (GDP), helping it grow between a quarter and half percent in the fourth quarter of 2012.

The news comes from a report by Michael Feroli, chief U.S. economist for J.P. Morgan, to J.P. Morgan clients.

In the note, titled “Can one little phone impact GDP?” Feroli outlines just how Apple could grow the nation’s GDP by 0.33 percent.

If Apple sells eight million units at $600 a pop in three months, he explained, the government’s measure of the GDP will grow by $400 per phone ($200 would go towards import costs).

That comes out to $3.2 billion during the last part of the year, or an annual rate of $12.8 billion.

Though these estimates are “fairly large,” Feroli said they are more than plausible. The iPhone 4S was wildly successful when it launched last October and there’s reason to believe the iPhone 5 launch will be even bigger.

iPhone 5 launch will be ginormous

Another analyst has weighed in on just how big the iPhone 5’s launch will be.

Brian White of Topeka Capital said he expects Apple’s stock price to soar to $1,111, up from its record setting $680, after “the biggest upgrade in consumer electronics history.”

The phone should sell between 1.3 and 1.5 billion pre-orders in 24 hours, White said, trouncing the iPhone 4S’s figure of 1 million.

Between 5 million and 5.5 million iPhone 5’s will get sold in the first three days it’s available in stores, White also predicted, a theory that could validate AT&T and Verizon’s decision to blackout employee vacation days following the rumored Sept. 21 sale date.

Lastly, White said Apple will sell between 10 and 12 million iPhone 5’s this month alone.

White’s predictions extend beyond the iPhone 5’s sales figures, too.

According to him, the world will see a phone that’s 15 percent thinner than the current iteration, has a “modern unibody casing” and a faster processor.

Throw in a larger screen (4 inches versus 3.5 for the iPhone 4S), faster 4G LTE capability and a “better experience to showcase iOS 6” and consumers will be scrambling to pick up the new iPhone, White said.

Predictions aside, we’ll have to wait until Wednesday to see.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/reports-iphone-5-to-raise-us-gdp-take-apples-stock-to-stratosphere-1096151

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Judge says HTC patents probably valid, could stifle iPhone 5 in US

HTC's LTE patent suit could prove to be bad news for the iPhone 5

HTC's chairperson Cher Wang wasn't kidding around when she said her company had "no intentions" of settling with Apple after Samsung was handed a defeat in their patent lawsuit against the iPhone maker.

The Taiwanese manufacturer is continuing to pursue legal action, as HTC believes Apple is violating two of their patents regarding LTE technology.

Despite having been down a similar road with HTC before, this time around Apple may have a more difficult time earning a victory.

Apple will have to prove the HTC patents are invalid, which an ITC judge believes will be hard to prove.

Regarding the idea that a patent shouldn't have been issued, Judge Thomas Pender said, "Clear and convincing means something to me. I have to be pretty darn certain a U.S. patent is invalid."

A victory for HTC could mean trouble for the iPhone 5

If HTC's patents for LTE technology prove to be valid, Apple could find themselves in a bit of trouble in regards to its use in any of their devices.

With both the iPhone 5 and iPad Mini set to possibly use the 4G wireless technology, it's entirely possible the importing of said devices could be banned in the U.S.

The court filings reveal HTC purchased the patents from ADC Telecommunications Inc for $75 million "to protect itself and its customers from these aggressive tactics and to preserve its ability to compete in the United States."

Despite the path to ownership, Judge Pender believes HTC still has a healthy claim to the patents.

Speaking to Apple's lawyer Michael McKeon, of Fish & Richardson in Washington, Judge Pender said, "I don't care if they bought these patents to sue you or not. They are a property right."

The patent battles continue

This isn't the first time HTC and Apple have tussled over patents, and it certainly isn't the first time Apple has been involved in a patent infringement lawsuit.

However, this outcome of this decision could have a major impact on Apple's success throughout the rest of this year and into 2013.

Additionally, major carriers like Verizon and AT&T, who are anticipating a large push for the rumored upcoming Apple products, could be affected adversely as well.

If previous events are any indication, it's unlikely the issue will be resolved any time soon.

We'll be following the case closely, and will continue to keep you updated on the latest developments.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/judge-says-htc-patents-probably-valid-could-stifle-iphone-5-in-us-1096118

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AT&T announces LG Escape as a budget-sensitive smartphone

AT&T and LG come together to offer consumers a smartphone that won't break the bank. The LG Escape will be available for $50 on September 16, 2012.

LG continues its resurgence in the smartphone field. Its latest offering, the LG Escape, will make its way into AT&T’s fall lineup. Starting September 16, the 4G LTE handset will be available online and through AT&T retail dealers for $50 with a two-year contract.

For a $50 price tag, the LG Escape looks like it will aim to keep even the budget-conscious equipped with a functional smartphone.  The handset will operate off Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, with 4GB of onboard memory — expandable with a microSD card — and a 1.2GHz dual-core processor. The phone also comes equipped with a 5-megapixel rear camera capable of 1080p video and a 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera. The display is a 4.3-inch qHD true-color IPS screen.

AT&T will also roll out a new feature on the Escape: the Skyfire Horizon. This is a browser toolbar extension and promises to allow users easier access to their social media pages while browsing the Web. It adds quick links to Facebook, Twitter, and other utilities on the screen, making it possible to update your friends on how awesome the Skyfire Horizon toolbar is from the Skyfire Horizon toolbar while sharing a link about the features of the Skyfire Horizon toolbar. The toolbar will be available on future Android handsets as well.

From the looks of everything that is promised in this $50 package, the LG Escape could offer a legitimate option to consumers looking for mid-range features for a entry level price. The handset will be available next week, so keep your eyes out for more information on the handset.

Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/att-announces-lg-escape-as-a-budget-sensitive-smartphone/

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Intel confirms leaked details on ultra low-watt Haswell chips

Intel could have its sights set on the mobile/tablet marketplace

Sources are reporting that information about Intel's upcoming Ivy Bridge successor, the energy-efficient (codename) Haswell microarchitecture, has leaked ahead of Tuesday's Intel Developer's Forum (IDF).

Haswell chips will reportedly clock in at only 10 watts, cutting the power usage of the most efficient Ivy Bridge processors nearly in half.

TechRadar reached out to Intel for more information, and a representative from the Santa Clara, Calif. company confirmed that "the new line will be about 10 watts."

Intel sets the record straight

Intel has promised more information on the Haswell chips at this week's IDF conference.

"Last year when we set out to reinvigorate the industry around Ultrabooks, we said we'd cut the mainstream mobile processor design power in half to enable this new category of laptops," Intel's rep told TechRadar.

"We've been really pleased with these initial systems, which are getting great reviews."

But Haswell will be the first chip "built from the ground up with the Ultrabook in mind," Intel said, "and tomorrow, we're saying that it's going better than expected."

The Intel spokesperson said the new chips will be "targeted to operate at about 10 watts initially, while continuing to preserve many of the other benefits of Intel Core processor including leading performance, low idle power, single-chip packaging, and new graphics & security capabilities."

Haswell's energy-efficient, but Intel's power-hungry

It's long been reported that Intel's Haswell architecture will focus on cutting power usage.

In August 2011, TechRadar reported that Intel would be investing heavily in Ultrabooks, saying that the eventual Haswell processor could consume half the power of current chips.

Now sources are speculating that the energy-efficient Haswell processors, made all the more impressive by integrated GPUs that could put many discrete graphics processors to shame, could indicate Intel's growing desire to enter the mobile and tablet arenas.

New markets in which to compete could prove a major boon for Intel, whose lowered Q3 2012 estimates and gradually falling stocks have recently had analysts worried.

Now all eyes and ears turn to IDF on Tuesday to learn what Intel's going to be up to for the next few years.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/computing-components/processors/intel-confirms-leaked-details-on-ultra-low-watt-haswell-chips-1096093

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Instagram is officially coming to Windows Phone

Instagram has confirmed that it will make its Windows Phone debut in the Windows Marketplace later this year.

The number of apps available in Microsoft’s Windows Phone Marketplace dwarfs the number of apps available on the Apple App Store and Google Play. But soon, those of you who took a risk with a Windows phone won’t have to fret that the world’s favorite photo app isn’t available: Instagram is coming to Windows Phones.

The Verge was initially tipped off about the app’s existence when a reader thought he noticed Instagram featured in the Nokia promo video featuring its PureMotion technology. This wouldn’t be the first time Nokia inadvertently unveiled a big new app in a promo video; Nokia’s promo video demonstrating a Lumia charging on a wireless charging dock “accidentally” unveiled Skype’s Windows Phone app in action.

We re-watched the video and could make out what might be the Instagram app during the PureMotion demo, but we couldn’t be sure. The tile in question is displayed toward the end of the promo clip and displays the words “Walk Up,” and is accompanied by a comment and “Like” button that’s uncanny to the silhouette of the talk balloon and heart button that you would find on Instagram. But a secondary explanation could be that the app is actually Vimeo.

Whatever the case may be, The Verge has confirmed that Instagram will be making its way onto Windows Phones.

ZDNet theorized that Facebook’s purchase of Instagram would result in the app coming to Windows Phones, and it looks like they were right. Facebook has a tight-knit relationship with Microsoft, which purchased a stake in Facebook back in 2007. Further, the Federal Trade Commission finally approved the Instagram and Facebook deal after conducting an investigation due to antitrust concerns. Had the deal been blocked by the FTC, Instagram would have walked away with $200 million from Facebook for its troubles.

A consumer’s decision on purchasing a smartphone these days has a lot to do with what the complimenting app store has to offer. Microsoft’s Marketplace has cracked the 100,000 app mark, while Apple has broken 700,000 apps. The Google Play store is hot on Apple’s tail with more than 500,000 apps. That said, the number of apps isn’t everything; a large number of apps go unused simply by getting lost in the mix. In other words, it’s a matter of quality over quantity — how many of the main app titles an app store can get from existing popular apps like Skype, Instagram, and Angry Birds. Of course getting apps like Skype, Instagram, and even Angry Birds onto the Marketplace came courtesy of existing Microsoft relationships. 

Windows Phone users — are you excited for Instagram? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/instagram-on-windows-phone/

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Nokia asks ethics officer to investigate faked Lumia video

Video controversy has seriously marred the launch of the Lumia 920

Nokia has enlisted the services of an ethics officer to conduct a review into the controversial 'faked' promotional video for the new Lumia 920 handset.

The video, shown at the launch last week, was supposed to show off the capabilities of the built-in 8.7-megapixel PureView stills camera and video camera, fitted with advanced image stabilising capabilities.

However, The Verge examined the video in detail and found the reflection of a cameraman within the video.

As well as the video, Nokia admitted that the still shots were also not taken with the Lumia 920.

The revelation has caused huge embarrassment and further damage to the ailing smartphone giant's reputation as it battles against the odds to re-establish itself among the mobile elite.

No disclaimer

Business Week brings word from Nokia that the ethics and compliance officer will seek to "understand what happened," and the company will deal with the issue "quickly, fairly and privately."

The company did not go as far as to claim that the device was used to produce the video, but did not say otherwise, leaving viewers to assume that all of that gorgeous footage arose from the Lumia 920.

Nokia spokeswoman Susan Sheehan said: "What we understand to date is that it was nobody's intention to mislead, but there was poor judgment in the decision not to use a disclaimer."

With falling device sales, massive job cuts and a share price in free fall, this controversy was really the last thing Nokia needed

The launch of the Lumia 920, the company's first Windows Phone 8 handset, was supposed to be the Finns' ticket back to the big time. Now it has completely lost control of the story.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/nokia-asks-ethics-officer-to-investigate-faked-lumia-video-1096082

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Zeebox integrates Engage tech to bolster second screen app

Broadcasters will soon be able to send interactive content directly to zeebox

Broadcasters will now be able to use the zeebox to publish polls, promote Twitter battles and add calls-to-action directly within the popular second screen app.

A new partnership with the Chyron digital video service will see the integration of the Engage tech that allows content providers to publish directly within the application for users to interact with.

Adding Engage will allow users to act upon pop-up, on-screen graphics while watching live television, so, for example X-Factor voting could, one day, be done directly through the app.

Anthony Rose, the former iPlayer innovator and CTO of zeebox says this makes it easier for broadcasters to further embrace the social viewing trends through second screen applications.

Synchronised content

"Broadcasters are clamouring to embrace social TV and second-screen engagement, but the combination of fragmented market, myriad of consumer apps, and lack of integration with their existing workflow has - until now - made this a complex and expensive process," he said.

"By giving broadcasters the ability to publish directly into the zeebox platform using their existing tools and production workflow, we're making it as easy for a broadcaster to create a play-along, social TV or interactive experience delivered within zeebox as it is to pop up an on-screen graphic - and that's a huge game changer."

Jim Martinolich, vice president of integration technology at Chyron added: "The second screen applications running on tablets and other devices serve as an exciting new platform for publishing synchronised content that enhances the viewer's experience.

"zeebox is the leading second screen app and its integration with our ENGAGE platform aids broadcasters in creating and managing second screen content without introducing significant new production costs."

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/software/applications/zeebox-integrates-engage-tech-to-bolster-second-screen-app-1096062

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Nokia to investigate the Lumia 920 promo video fiasco

Nokia has announced it is launching an ethical review into the Lumia 920 presentation video.

In case you need a refresh, the Nokia’s Lumia 920 video promoting the smartphone’s camera turned out fake. The samples shown in the advertisement were shot with an expensive DSLR camera, instead of the Lumia 920.

Photo: Copyright johaee@gmail.com

Even though the video gives you the wrong impression, Nokia has never claimed this an actual Lumia 920 sample. This confusion could have been avoided with a proper disclaimer but there is none within the promo video.

Well, Nokia has launched an ethical inquiry to "to understand what happened". A report is to be completed by an independent ethics and compliance officer.

The company is obviously acknowledging that the case brought some bad publicity and that's hardly ideal, given its recent performances in the market. The good thing is, it will try to avoid such mishaps in the future.

Source

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/nokia_will_launch_ethical_inquiry_for_the_lumia_920_promo_video-news-4782.php

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Lenovo reveals the waterproof A660 Android smartphone

Lenovo's first waterproof device features an IP67 certification which translates to dust and water resistance of up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.

The Lenovo A660 also features two SIM slots with 3G connectivity, a 4-inch screen protected by Gorilla Glass, 5MP rear and VGA front-facing cameras, as well as a 1GHz dual-core processor. All of it powered by a 1500 mAh battery.

No word on pricing or availability as of yet, but it will most likely hit the Chinese market initially.

Source (Chinese) | Via

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/lenovo_reveals_its_first_waterproof_smartphone-news-4781.php

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Apple ditching Samsung memory chip in iPhone 5?

iPhone 5 to come with no Samsung inside?

Reports come from supply chain insiders suggest that Apple has reduced its orders for Samsung memory chips and that it will reduce the chips' usage in the iPhone 5.

Although Samsung is on the Apple supplier list for initial runs of the new iPhone, Reuters' source says that the company is trying to wean itself off the DRAM and NAND chips for later production runs.

"Samsung is still in the list of initial memory chip suppliers [for new iPhones]. But Apple orders have been trending down and Samsung is making up for the reduced order from others, notably Samsung's handset business," the Reuters source said.

Update: Bloomberg sources "familiar with the matter" have also claimed that the first batch of new iPhone handsets will not sport Samsung's memory chip, with the Cupertino-based firm opting for another one of its supplies as it was unable agree a price with its Korean rival.

Saucy

Another source, this time speaking anonymously to the Korea Economic Daily reckons that Apple has completely dropped Samsung from the memory chip suppliers even for the first batch of iPhone 5s.

But it's not down to the neverending patent battle between the two nemeses, with the source insisting that Apple was trying to widen its supplier pool anyway, no biggie.

Update: Another Bloomberg source revealed that the first batch of iPhone 5s will also snub Samsung's display – LG has already started producing screens for the next iPhone - but Apple will pop the South Korean firm's processor chip inside the device.

Samsung is said to be making up for the lost Apple business by upping supply to its own mobile handsets, including the Samsung Galaxy S3 which is selling great-guns.

We're sure both companies will be fine. The iPhone 5 is set to be unveiled at an event on September 12, with or without the Samsung hardware.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/apple-ditching-samsung-memory-chip-in-iphone-5-1095462

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Toys ‘R’ Us jumps in the tablet game: 7-inch Tabeo with Android 4.0

Toys "R" Us has debuted its own tablet for kids: the 7-inch Tabeo, which runs on Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich).

Toys “R” Us announced this weekend that it will begin selling its own branded tablet for kids. The 7-inch Tabeo tablet will cost $150, and goes on sale on October 1. Pre-orders for the device are available through ToysRUs.com now.

The Tabeo will run on a stripped-down version of Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, and come pre-loaded with 50 apps, including games, books, and educational apps. Other Tabeo technical specs include a 1.0 GHz processor (of unknown make), HDMI output, 4GB of internal storage, a front-facing camera, and Wi-Fi connectivity. The devices also comes with a “drop-safe” cover to keep it protected from children’s inevitable disregard for fragility.

While Toys “R” Us says that the Tabeo will give its young users the “full Internet experience” (including Flash support!), the Tabeo will be limited to Toys “R” Us’s Tabeo Store, which the company says currently has around 7,000 apps. Parental controls will also come pre-loaded to keep that “full Internet experience” kid-friendly.

The Tabeo is far from the only tablet available from Toys “R” Us. Other child-centric options include the LexiBook Junior Tablet, MEEP! Kids Tablet, and the Kurio Kids Tablet. Toys “R” Us also sells more grown-up devices, like the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 (10.1), and the Kindle Fire.

So, why is Toys “R” Us getting into the tablet game? According to the Wall Street Journal, it’s because the toy seller is struggling to make ends meet. As with other big box retailers, Toys “R” Us has seen a drop in in-store sales over the past year, due in part to its inability to compete with online retailers who offer lowers prices. Unlike general electronics retailers, like Best Buy and Radio Shack, Toys “R” Us continues to benefit from the fact that its customers (parents) still like to buy its products in person.

Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/toys-r-us-tabeo-android-tablet/

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Apple makes final perpetrations for iPhone 5 with cryptic banner

What does it all mean? (credit: Ekkapong T)

Apple is putting the final touches on the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco as it gears up for the new iPhone launch on Wednesday.

There's no mistaking that Apple is in the house, with the huge, fruit inspired logo adorning the front of the building surrounded by a vibrant Technicolor banner – which may include a hidden message.

The folks over at MacRumors have taken a closer look at that banner and reckon it's made up of stretched app icons, including Games Center, iTunes, iPod, Safari and possibly Stocks logos.

And stretch…

Now it could well be the Apple design team getting creative to produce an attractive backdrop, but of course people are looking for a deeper meaning – with the elongated icons perhaps suggesting the iPhone 5 will indeed sport that 4-inch display the whole world is talking about.

Thankfully there's not long left to wait, with Tim Cook due to take centre stage on Wednesday to unveil what we all expect to be the sixth generation of iPhone.

TechRadar will filling you in on all the iPhone related shenanigans as they happen, so keep it locked here for all the information on Apple's next smartphone offering.

• New iPhone 5 release date, news and rumours

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/apple-makes-final-perpetrations-for-iphone-5-with-cryptic-banner-1096008

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Firefox OS shown off on ZTE handset

Mozilla unveils its mobile operating system

Mozilla has finally taken the wraps off of Firefox OS, debuting the operating system in a YouTube video.

Last week saw a leak of Firefox OS Marketplace which gave a us a glimpse into just what to expect from the mobile operating system, but this new video, which has popped up on the Firefox channel, offers up much more in the way of detail.

The demo of the OS is on a unnamed ZTE phone and we get to see what dialling a person looks like, how games will feature on the system and also how the browser and camera will work.

The video has already garnered a number of comments on YouTube, with a few people picking up on the operating system's apparent lag. Given that this is a very early dev build Firefox OS, we don't think there should be a worry about a little bit of stutter.

Mozilla has built Firefox OS on HTML5, which it hopes will bring a lighter OS to the market with faster browsing capabilities and this early look certainly shows this off.

Firefox OS won't be available until 2013, with Brazil the first place to get a phone powered by the operating system.

Both ZTE and Alcatel have confirmed that they will be creating handsets with Firefox OS inside.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/firefox-os-shown-off-on-zte-handset-1095993

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Will new iPods join the iPhone at Apple’s September 12 event?

Apple may reveal a range of new iPods at its event on September 12, and given the amount if iPhone leaks, they could be the only surprise.

Apple’s talk about “doubling down” on secrecy appears to have been bluster, as a steady stream of leaks over the past few months have built an almost complete picture of what many believe to be the next iPhone.

There’s so much information out there, that its big reveal on September 12 could be less exciting than Apple events of old. Provided that is, the leaks really do relate to the new iPhone, and aren’t part of an elaborate smokescreen to obfuscate the true new device.

If that’s the case, then Tim Cook and his team will have done an impressive job of fooling us all, but if it’s not, then will the event hold any surprises at all?

Leaving aside the prospect of an iPad Mini, what about the iPod range? 9to5mac.com suggests a new Nano and Shuffle could join the new iPhone at the Yerba Buena Center this week, along with the possibility of a third — potentially new — iPod model too.

The report says the new Nano and Shuffle will come in various colors, and that one — presumably the Nano — will come with a choice of memory capacities, while the other will only have one option. Nothing is known about the mystery third device.

Apple’s last Nano refresh was in October 2011, but the current seventh-generation Nano is almost identical to the sixth-generation device, with the differences between them almost solely software-based and applicable to the older 2010 model too. Apple doesn’t even list the seventh-gen Nano as a device on its own site, preferring to stick with the sixth-generation Nano introduced in 2010.

The Nano is perfectly placed for an update then, and as Apple combined the iPhone and iPod launch for its October event last year, it’s not a stretch to see them doing the same this year.

The good thing is, we’ve not seen or heard very much about any new iPods — bar a version of the Nano sporting a camera at the beginning of the year –  so even if the iPhone looks familiar when it makes its debut, at least they’ll be a surprise.

Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/will-new-ipods-be-the-surprise-at-apples-september-12-event/

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Xiaomi starts Mi-Two production on September 22

Xiaomi beat LG to the punch by announcing the first quad-core Krait-powered phone (though the Optimus G should have the distinction of shipping first). The Xiaomi Mi-Two will go into production on September 22, revealed the company's co-founder.

Also, the Mi-Two will be coming in a 32GB version along with the originally announced 16GB version (there's a microSD card slot too). The rest of the specs include a Qualcomm APQ8064 chipset, 2GB of RAM, 4.3" IPS LCD with 720p resolution (342ppi) and a 2000mAh standard battery (and optional 3000mAh).

The Xiaomi Mi-Two will start shipping in mid to late October at RMB 1,999 ($315, €225) for the 16GB version. It's still unclear how much the 32GB model will cost, though.

Considering the Mi-1S, a slight update of the original Xiaomi phone sold 200,000 units in 30 minutes, we're wondering if Xiaomi shouldn't have started production of the Mi-Two already.

Source (in Chinese)

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_starts_production_on_mitwo_on_september_22-news-4780.php

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Samsung Galaxy S3 Jelly Bean update on its way as 'near perfect' firmware leaked

Jelly Bean delivery is getting closer

A new version of the Android 4.1.1 Jelly Bean update for the Samsung Galaxy S3 has appeared online, raising hopes that the final version may be pushed to customers sooner rather than later.

Picked up by the Sam Mobile site, version I9300XXDLI5 of the Galaxy S3 Jelly Bean firmware is said to be the most stable of the leaked versions to date, and is apparently "very much near perfect".

If this is the case, then Samsung may be able to roll out the upgrade to all Galaxy S3 customers in the coming weeks, which will be a pleasingly short turnaround, especially when you consider how long it took manufacturers to sort out Ice Cream Sandwich.

Smoother, faster and fixes

Android 4.1 offers up a smoother, faster browsing experience thanks to 'Project Butter', and this is noticeable in I9300XXDLI5, with a slicker user interface appearing alongside a number of fixes including the maps compass and direction arrow.

The developer community are witnessing almost daily leaks of the Android Jelly Bean update for the Galaxy S3, as it's thought Samsung is letting versions slip out to aid its testing of the new platform.

There's still no official word from Samsung on a possible Galaxy S3 Android Jelly Bean release date, but with the latest firmware looking promising, fingers crossed we've not got too long to wait.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/samsung-galaxy-s3-jelly-bean-update-on-its-way-as-near-perfect-firmware-leaked-1095954

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Nokia Lumia 920 could arrive as 4G exclusive in UK

Lumia 920 could be 4G exclusive for EE

Network partnership Everything Everywhere is reportedly in talks with Nokia over the LTE enabled Lumia 920, with the view of ranging the handset exclusively in the UK.

According to Financial Times sources, the Orange and T-Mobile mother ship is currently negotiating a deal with the Finnish manufacturer, ahead of the launch of its 4G network later this year – the first to become available in Britain.

Nokia CEO Stephen Elop has confirmed that the Lumia 920 will be able to work on the 4G frequency Everything Everywhere plans to launch – although he didn't comment on any possible deal between the two.

Questions answered tomorrow?

Interestingly enough Everything Everywhere has organised a press conference tomorrow morning, Tuesday 11, in London, where TechRadar will be in attendance to see it announce "exciting information on our new brand and the latest innovation in network technology."

We pressed Everything Everywhere on information surrounding this event and the today's latest rumours, but the network promptly got back to us with a spokesperson telling us: "we're not commenting on rumours."

TechRadar managed to check out the Nokia Lumia 920 in New York last week, and you can find out what we thought of the flagship Windows Phone 8 handset in our hands on Nokia Lumia 920 review.

Technorati claim code: G2P3RQRFE3SY

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/nokia-lumia-920-could-arrive-as-4g-exclusive-in-uk-1095942

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