Foxconn factory at center of riot reopens, supply not affected

The Foxconn factory at the center of a large riot on Sunday night reopened on Tuesday, a company spokesperson said, adding that there has been no impact on supply.

The Foxconn factory at the center of a serious disturbance late Sunday involving thousands of rioting workers has reopened.

Company spokesperson Louis Woo told Reuters Tuesday that despite staying shut all through Monday, no impact on product supply is expected. “We have 79,000 people working in Taiyuan campus, and we always have spare inventory,” Woo said.

The trouble, which reportedly involved more than 2,000 workers causing widespread damage throughout the factory campus, was brought to a halt by around 5,000 police. About 40 people were injured, with countless arrests made.

China’s state-run news agency said the brawl started after a fight broke out between two workers in a factory dormitory. However, workers allege the incident erupted after a security guard manhandled an employee at the factory gates.

Foxconn, the world’s biggest component maker, is a major manufacturer for Apple, as well as other giants in the electronics industry. The Taiwan-based company has so far refused to say whether this particular facility, located in the northern Chinese city of Taiyuan, is involved in the production of Apple’s new iPhone 5 handset.

In an on-screen interview with the UK’s Channel 4 News program, one former Foxconn worker explained that new devices can cause great stress among workers, saying, “When a factory launches a new product, workers do overtime for long periods to test the production line until they are ready, which really puts pressure on the employees.”

He added, “A new generation of workers has higher demands. They know their rights and they’re more rebellious.”

Foxconn, which employs more than a million people across China, has been under the spotlight for the last few years following reports of employees suffering poor living and working conditions. More recently, the company has apparently been implementing changes in an attempt to improve the situation.

The Fair Labor Association said in August that Foxconn had been making good progress towards its goal of providing better living and working conditions, though if Sunday night’s disturbance can be attributed to a frustrated and beleaguered workforce cracking under the strain, it clearly still has some way to go until its job is complete.

Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/foxconn-factory-at-center-of-riot-reopens-supply-not-affected/

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Nokia announces Asha 308 and 309 budget touchscreen phones

Nokia has announced two new budget touchscreen phones called the Asha 308 and the Asha 309.

Both are 2G-enabled handsets with a 3.0-inch, WQVGA capacitive touchscreen display, 2 megapixel camera, multiple homescreens, stereo loudspeaker, FM radio and have up to 32GB microSD card support. The phones come with the usual social networking applications and YouTube as well as free 40 games from EA.

The difference between the two is that the Asha 308 is a dual SIM phone whereas the Asha 309 is a single SIM phone with built-in Wi-Fi.

No specific price has been mentioned but the phones are expected to cost around $99 and will start shipping some time in the fourth quarter of this year.

Source

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/nokia_announces_asha_308_and_309_budget_touchscreen_phones-news-4852.php

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Samsung seeks new trial in Apple patent dispute

Could Samsung get off the hook?

Samsung has asked for a new trial against rival Apple, a move that could nullify a $1.05 billion (£665) payment it's been ordered to make to the Cupertino firm.

In papers filed over the last few days, Samsung has laid out a host of arguments for why a new trial is the correct legal course to take.

One filing, made Monday, stands out in particular as it alleges jury misconduct as one of the company's legal arguments for a new trial.

The company also argues that "no reasonable jury" could rule in favor of Apple's claims Samsung copied designs and technology found in Apple's iPhones and iPads, and that neither side was allotted enough time to make their cases.

U.S. District judge Lucy Koh gave set aside 25 hours of total trial time apiece, with Samsung the more time-strapped of the two as the 4-week trial drew to a close.

Other than these positions, many of the South Korean company's legal arguments for a new trial are unknown as its legal team blacked out from public view a number of the papers it filed.

Jury problems

In Monday's filing, the company's lawyer asked that Koh bar "any further communication with jurors who served during the trial until matters by this motion have finally been resolved."

Just what those matters are isn't known as they were also blocked out.

Another part of the filing suggests that, when the arguments are brought forward, they will "subject all of the jurors to extra-judicial scrutiny and public criticism which they may find unwelcome and intrusive"

Part of the issue, CNET speculated, are post-trial interviews jurors gave to news outlets, including one in which Velvin Hogan, the jury's foreman and a video recording patent holder, said he explained particular patent nuances to his fellow jurors based on his work experience.

Hogan had told Koh he could set aside his understanding of the law based on his experiences and follow it "as instructed."

Hogan sent an email to the San Jose Mercury News Monday saying there was no jury misconduct during the course of the trial and defended the jury's verdict and integrity.

Apple made its own moves at the end of last week, filing for millions more in damages against Samsung as it alleged the company irreparably harmed "the iPhone's distinctive product identity."

Initial reports had pegged the new damages at $707 million (£435), however a report by the San Jose Mercury News places the sum Apple's seeking at $535 million (£329).

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/world-of-tech/samsung-seeks-new-trial-in-apple-patent-dispute-1099460

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Rumour: HTC 5-inch 'phablet' will be next Google Nexus phone

It's still unclear who'll make the next Nexus

In more Google Nexus speculation Monday, HTC's name has been thrown in the rumour mill as the next possible host of an upcoming Nexus handset.

An anonymous GSMArena with connections to "a very reliable source within HTC" says a rumoured 5-inch phablet, often referred to as the HTC One X 5 or Droid Incredible X, will be Google's latest "pure Android" handset.

According to the source, the device will run on Android Jelly Bean 4.1.2 and bring improvements to Project Butter (which makes Android more fluid), more lock screen options, and additional minor improvements.

Not until Key Lime Pie?

However, this would be a surprise. In the past we've only seen Google-branded handsets like the Galaxy Nexus, Nexus S, and Nexus 7 arrive alongside landmark Android updates.

Armed with that knowledge, we'd expected the next Nexus phone to go hand-in-hand with the launch of Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie, rather than a Jelly Bean tweak.

In terms of specs, the tipster says the first Nexus phablet will have a 1080p screen, a Snapdragon S4 chipset, and 12-megapixel and 2-megapixel cameras.

The report also mentions a large 2,500mAh battery, which the device would surely need if the holy grail of a 1080p screen did turn out to be the headline feature.

All for one or one for all?

Up until now reports have hopped between the major Android manufacturers - Samsung, Motorola, LG and HTC - as potential partners for Google's next Nexus phone.

In addition, there's also been speculation that multiple Google-branded devices will welcome Key Lime Pie into the fold. Monday's reports, although interesting, do little to clarify the situation.

HTC handsets pioneered the early versions of Android. The beloved T-Mobile G1 was the first ever Android phone, while the ill-fated Google Nexus One, which introduced Android 2.0, was also built by the Taiwanese company.

Will Google, which has cosied up to Samsung for its Nexus phones in the last couple of years, go back to its oldest Android hermano for the next big hardware launch?

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/rumour-htc-5-inch-phablet-will-be-next-google-nexus-phone-1099448

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Apple and Swiss Federal Railways to meet over clock design dispute

Swiss Federal Railways says it's "proud" Apple has used its iconic design for its new iOS 6 clock app, but nevertheless wants to talk with the company about its "unauthorized use."

The latest version of Apple’s iOS mobile operating system, rolled out to users last week, comes with more than 200 new features, the Cupertino company says.

It includes updates to Mail, Safari and Photos, as well as brand new features including Panorama, Passbook and Maps, though the less said about that, the better.

iPad users who’ve upgraded to iOS 6 will also have noticed a new clock app on their device. The new feature also caught the attention of Swiss Federal Railways (SBB), who couldn’t help noticing how similar the app’s clock face looked to the iconic design of its own clock used at train stations across the country – a decades-old design that happens to be trademarked. In fact, “similar” is hardly an appropriate word here – it’s difficult to see any differences at all.

SBB evidently hadn’t been consulted about the design of Apple’s new time-telling app, and is seeking to resolve the issue with the tech giant.

“We enjoy the fact that the Swiss railway clock is being used by Apple,” SBB spokesperson Christian Ginsig said. “It once again proves that it’s a real piece of design. This act, however, is an unauthorized use [of the clock’s design] by Apple.”

Another SBB spokesperson, Patricia Claivaz, confirmed that a meeting has been requested with Apple’s legal team, though she dismissed reports that the state-owned train service was intent on securing a financial settlement, telling AFP that SBB did not want to “upset them by asking for money.”

She event went as far as to say that SBB was “proud” that its station clock face design – created by Swiss engineer Hans Hilfiker in 1944 – had been chosen “for 80 million iPads.”

Claivaz added, “There are a lot of brands that use the SBB logo, though nothing like Apple. It’s not just about exchanging money, rather drawing up a contract stating where the logo can be used, under what conditions and for how long.”

It’ll be interesting to see what kind of agreement or deal Apple makes with SBB, or whether they end up dumping the design for a completely different look. For its part, SBB seems pretty laid back about the affair, though one can’t help wondering if Apple would approach the matter in quite the same relaxed fashion if the situation was the other way around.

[Source: Cnet, Ars Technica] [Image: Apple/Mondaine]

Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/apple-and-swiss-railway-to-meet-over-clock-design-dispute/

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Report: Apple's Lightning connector won't work without unique chip

Little chip causing third-party adapters lots of problems (credit: Gizmodo)

If you're looking to save cash after dropping some change on the new iPhone 5, third-party Lightning adapters aren't the way to go.

Thanks to the dissecting handiwork of Peter - owner of Double Helix Cables, a cable speciality website - we now know Apple's new Lightning cables come with what he called a "mystery chip," something he said looks like an authentication system.

Though he doesn't know what the chip does exactly, he said the cable won't work properly without it.

This means any unauthorized third-party charging accessories are currently useless.

The chip is nestled between the adapter's USB contact and the power pin in the cord. Peter, who, citing privacy concerns, declined to give his last name, said the chip might be used for something other than authentication, such as to regulate power.

Magical mystery chip

The chip is pretty fancy, though, with a mirror-shined metal exterior and laser-etched numbering.

"At this point the chips could do just about everything, [but] what we do know is that the chips are only interacting with the V+ USB line [USB being data+, data-, V+, V- (ground)]," Peter told TechRadar in an email.

"The other three wires of USB go directly to the end of the Lightning plug," he continued. "The one thing that is almost certain is that they're proprietary [and] custom designed by Apple, and the cable won't work without them."

Authentication chips are nothing new, but most of the time we see them in higher end accessories. This marks one of the first times a chip of this kind has appeared on a basic connector cable.

Enter the Lightning-dome

Apple made quiet a stir when it announced it was changing its long-used 30-pin connector port for the iPhone 5. With the new Lightning connector costing about $29 (£18) each, iPhone 5 users are no doubt looking for something a little cheaper.

Even before the iPhone 5 launched, we were seeing third-party adapters being offered on Amazon by companies such as Nanotch and iTronz. Those companies were selling adapters from $9.99 (about £6) to $17.95 (about £11).

Peter warned that any kind of third-party Lightning adapter without the chip probably won't perform.

"There is basically no way those are functional cables," Peter told AppleInsider. "You can't just build a Lightning cable by making something with the same shape and connectivity, and my teardown proves that. The chip has to be there, and it is directly in the signal path of the V+ wire."

The new chips, then, will give a headache to anyone who's trying to sell knock off Lightning adapters without Apple's permission.

However, it may only be a matter of time before someone cracks the connector, Peter said, and he wouldn't count out unauthorized manufacturers from being successful at duplicating Lightning just yet.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/report-apples-lightning-connector-wont-work-without-unique-chip-1099441

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Apple launching Personal Pickup for iPhone 5 orders

How convenient

Consumers can do it for sandwiches and pizza, so why not order an iPhone 5 online and pick it up at an Apple Store when it's ready?

Apple launched a new "Personal Pickup" service Monday, letting customers put in an order for whichever flavor of iPhone 5 they prefer (black/white, 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB) starting at 10 p.m. EDT.

The service isn't just limited to the newest iOS handset - all Apple products, including all iPhones, iPads, and iPods appear to be up for order, according to Apple's website.

From Monday night on, orders can be placed nightly from 10 p.m. until 4 a.m. through the Apple Online Store or, for iPhones and iPod touches, through the Apple Store app.

The perks of Personal Pickup

Apple touts its new ordering service as letting customers check availability before they trek down to an Apple retail store, saving precious time and patience.

For in-stock items, some orders can be filled in as little as one hour. Customers can choose which Apple Store they visit and in some cases can have a family member or friend pickup the item for them.

Apple's also offering "Personal Setup" with the service, giving one-on-one intros with devices upon pickup. Personal engraving for new iPad and iPod orders and custom gift wrap are also Personal Pickup perks.

Best of all for iPhone 5 customers, because they are actually paying for the phone, get first-dibs on phones coming into the store, just as a reservation system allows. They'll then have up to two picks to get down to the store to pickup the device.

Last but not least, should a Personal Pickup customer want to return an item purchased through the service, they can do so by mail or at any Apple Store location.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/apple-launching-personal-pickup-for-iphone-5-orders-1099436

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Photos possibly taken with Samsung Galaxy Nexus II surface

Clandestine camera shots (credit: SlashGear)

The original Samsung Galaxy Nexus came out close to a year ago, and it appears the South Korean manufacturer is about to unveil a successor.

New leaked photos supposedly taken by something called the GT-i9260 have surfaced, indicating Samsung might just be readying the next iteration of the Nexus family.

Of course, this isn't the first time rumors of a new Nexus device have surfaced.

Just last month, leaked specifications for a device codenamed the GT-i9260 appeared online, and revealed a potential Galaxy Nexus/Galaxy S3 hybrid smartphone was in development.

The GT-I9260 resurfaces

The purported Nexus 2 made an appearance again Monday after images taken with the smartphone's camera mysteriously appeared on Picasa.

A graph outlining camera performance specifications, like focal length and exposure, for a device named the GT-i9260 was also part of the leaks.

The current Galaxy Nexus was referred to by its model number - GT-i9250 - instead of a codename. The Galaxy S, SII, and SIII were all named i9000, i9100, and i9300, respectively, making GT-i9260 fit right in with Samsung's sequential naming scheme.

The information page doesn't display what kind of camera the pictures were taken with, but earlier reports indicated the GT-i9260 would come with the same 1.9MP/8MP front/rear cameras as the Galaxy S3.

Nexus 2 to come with Key Lime Pie?

Whether or not this rumored Samsung device will actually be called the Galaxy Nexus 2 is just one of a few questions that has risen from these rumors.

Neither leak revealed which Android operating system the GT-i9260 would have as its default OS.

Though the Nexus and Nexus S 4G just got Android 4.1: Jelly Bean (the Galaxy S3 will get it in October), there's a chance this new device could come with Android 5.0: Key Lime Pie.

Each of its predecessors came with the latest version of the Android OS, so it wouldn't be out of the question for this rumored phone to follow suit.

Until the GT-i9260 is revealed in a more official capacity, it's just a guessing game as to what Samsung's plans are for the Nexus 2...or whatever it's called.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/photos-possibly-taken-with-samsung-galaxy-nexus-ii-surface-1099421

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Underwhelming LG Optimus Vu 2 specs leak

LG Intuition/Optimus Vu may already be getting a successor

LG's Optimus Vu only started traveling outside Asia this month, heading to Verizon in the U.S. as the LG Intuition.

But based on a recent report, it appears LG already has a successor to the Optimus Vu in the works.

A leaked image supposedly showing the LG Optimus Vu 2's specs sheet, and despite a minor upgrade in RAM, as a sequel it's rather underwhelming.

What's cooking with the LG Optimus Vu 2

According to this purported leak, the LG Optimus Vu 2 will come equipped with an MSM 8960 dual-core 1.5GHz chip, 2GB of memory (up from the Optimus Vu/Intuition's 1GB), up to 32GB of microSD storage, and LTE connectivity.

The Vu 2 will also sport 8- and 1.3-megapixel cameras on the back and front, respectively, a 2150mAh battery, and Android 4.0: Ice Cream Sandwich out of the box.

Other than the upgraded memory, the Vu 2 is practically identical to the US version of its predecessor. They share the same screen resolution (1,024 x 768) and oddball shape, with a square-ish 4:3 ratio.

And of course, the "phablet" (as it's affectionately been dubbed) retains that massive 5-inch form, a divisive size that some claim is too big while others swear by it.

The phablet market's getting crowded

Given how large phones like the LG Optimus Vu and Samsung Galaxy Note 2 are, it's unsurprising that the market for phablets is already getting crowded.

Their massive size is off-putting to some customers, and as a relatively new form, it's unknown just how many varieties of phone/tablet hybrid devices the market can sustain.

But although Android 4.1: Jelly Bean would be preferable to Ice Cream Sandwich, the older OS may indicate that the Optimus Vu 2 is coming sooner rather than later.

LG has yet to respond to TechRadar's inquiries into whether these leaked specs are accurate, or whether the Optimus Vu 2 is really happening, as it hasn't been confirmed yet in any official capacity.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/underwhelming-lg-optimus-vu-2-specs-leak-1099404

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As if all things iOS weren’t expensive enough, Apple jacks up iPhone 5 replacement charger price by $9

A replacement charger setup for the iPhone 5, which uses the new Lightning dock connector, will cost you 24 percent more than a 30-pin charger setup.

The iPhone 5 may cost the same as the iPhone 4S did when it was first released last year, but as for a replacement charger for the hot new Apple handset, well, you’re going to have to cough up some more cash.

The USB power adapter plus a 30-pin USB cable — the full charger setup for an iPhone 4S or older, iPad, or iPod — costs $29 through Apple’s website, just as it always has. However, Apple does not sell the USB power adapter and the new Lightning dock connector cable for the iPhone 5 together — you have to buy those separately, at a cost of $19 apiece.

That means iPhone 5 customers are forced to pay $9 more — an increase of roughly 24 percent — for a replacement or spare charger setup than customers with the iPhone 4S or older.

This does not make much sense, at least on the surface. Like the standard 30-pin to USB cable, a new Lightning cable will cost you $19. So theoretically, Apple should offer iPhone 5 customers the package deal (USB adapter plus Lightning cable) at a cost of $29.

We’ve reached out to Apple to see if they have a $29 Lightning charger package in the works, but have not yet heard back. We will update this space as soon as we do.

The 24 percent price hike follows complaints about the new Lightning-to-30-pin adapter, which comes with every iPhone 5, due to its relatively high cost: A replacement for that will cost you $29 (or $39) through Apple.

All said, we would be highly surprised if this jump in price is permanent; the company didn’t officially raise the price of the full charger setup, after all. It simply failed to offer that option, meaning we have to piece it together ourselves, at a cost. Further, we doubt the $9 difference will have much impact on sales of the iPhone 5, which have already topped 5 million in just a matter of days. Still, forcing iPhone 5 customers to lay out an extra nine bucks for a replacement charger seems to us an unhelpful oversight, at best. 

Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/apple-jacks-up-iphone-5-replacement-charger-price/

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Hacker brings Google Maps app to iOS 6

Something's off about Las Vegas (credit: theamazingios6maps.tumblr.com)

Apple's misfiring Maps app has prompted one hacker to conjure a way to restore the banished Google Maps app to iOS 6.

Ryan Petrich, who specialises in jailbreaking iPhones, has figured out a way to bypass Maps and install the tried-and-tested Google Maps app from iOS 5.1 on an iOS 6-updated iPhone 3GS.

The hack, which requires a jailbroken iPhone, is "still crashy and cannot be distributed to the public yet, but it mostly works" according to Petrich, who posted the video below on Sunday.

iPhone 5 patience

Apple has pleaded for patience regarding its Maps app and said it will improve as more smartphone and tablet owners make use of the service.

Multiple reports, including TechRadar's iOS 6 review, has shown that Maps currently suffers from inaccurate location data, a distinct lack of detail compared to Google Maps, and sometimes displays poorly rendered maps.

Reports on Monday claimed that Apple is even attempting to poach Google Maps staff in order to accelerate the necessary improvements, although that remains unconfirmed by the company.

Whether looking for a publicly available jailbreak or practicing the patience needed to weather Apple's current Maps debacle, iPhone 5 owners may want to hang onto their paper maps for a little while longer.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/software/applications/hacker-brings-google-maps-app-to-ios-6-1099379

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Apple iPhone 5 case roundup

Keep your new Apple iPhone 5 pristine with one of the cases from our case roundup.

If you want to keep that shiny new iPhone 5 looking pristine and sexy, then you need to grab yourself some decent protection. Whether you want something to match Apple’s stylish flagship design, something to safeguard it from accidents, or something to show off your personality, we’ve got you covered in this iPhone 5 case roundup.

When it comes to accessories, the iPhone line has always inspired some imaginative entries, and the latest release is no exception. Even before the queues start to form at Apple stores across the country, the market is already flooded with iPhone 5 cases.

We’ve got unbreakable iPhone cases, gorgeous iPhone cases, retro iPhone cases – in short, we have an iPhone 5 case to suit everyone.

If you haven’t upgraded yet then check out our best iPhone 4 and 4S cases.

OtterBox iPhone 5 Defender Series Case ($49.95)

This could be the perfect iPhone 5 case for anyone with butterfingers. The OtterBox Defender offers an inner polycarbonate shell, a screen protector, and an impact-absorbing rubber outer layer. There are also rubber plugs to protect the ports and a holster for wearing the phone on your belt. It comes in a range of two-tone color designs. It may be a bit bulky, but it will keep your iPhone looking as good as the day it was born.

Cygnett Vector 3D Tough Case for iPhone 5 ($18.99)

A stylish, textured case available in purple or black – the reasonably priced Vector by Cygnett is a good option. It’s impact resistant, it’s easy to grip, and it has raised edges and a screen protector to keep that touchscreen in perfect condition. The 3D textured material is tough and the case offers full access to functions and ports.

Belkin View Case for iPhone 5 ($19.99)

When you have a gorgeous piece of design like the iPhone 5 you could be forgiven for not wanting to cover it up with a case. The View Case from Belkin offers basic protection without compromising that stylish look. It features a fully transparent polycarbonate back with a polyurethane band around the outside. You can choose from a variety of color highlights for the impact-resistant edging.

Griffin KaZoo Case for iPhone 5 ($24.99)

Whether you’ve splashed out cash on an iPhone 5 for your child, or you just love cartoon animals, the KaZoo case from Griffin might just tempt you. These basic, soft silicone cases offer full access to controls, ports and the display. Why not wrap your iPhone in a colorful animal character? You have a choice of a monkey or an elephant.

Seidio Surface with Metal Kickstand ($34.95)

This slim case comes with a handy magnetic kickstand for propping up your phone, which snaps easily away when you aren’t using it. The case is very slim and the durable plastic has a soft-touch coating for comfortable handling. It comes in a variety of colors. 

Grove bamboo case for iPhone 5 ($79)

The most expensive case in our lineup justifies its high price tag with a intricate, hand-finished design made in the U.S. Unlike cheap plastic cases that look worse as they collect scratches and scuffs, the all-natural bamboo shell takes on an attractive patina in time, and is surprisingly tough. You can also get your case laser-engraved with a number of patterns right from the factory, or even a custom design.

Case-Mate Barely There Case for iPhone 5 ($30)

This slim case combines a hard outer shell with a silicone liner, which cushions your device. It will give you basic protection without adding much bulk. It’s a classic, minimalist design with a comfortable soft-touch finish. It comes in a wide range of matte colors with a subtle inlaid logo.

iLuv Diary Premium Leather Book Case for iPhone 5 ($34.99)

Here’s a clever combination case that offers premium leather on the outside and a tough polycarbonate shell on the inside. It’s a book-style case and when you open it up you’ll also find a sleeve with a couple of slots for credit cards. The advantage here is full 360 degree protection when the case is closed and easy access when you open it.

Sena Hampton Flip iPhone 5 Case ($54.95)

If you want premium leather, but prefer a vertical, flip-open design, the high quality Sena Hampton Flip case could be the one for you. Crafted from luxurious full-grain leather, this is a classy option that offers good all-round protection. It comes in black or brown and it also features a couple of credit-card slots.

Incipio Kicksnap iPhone 5 Case ($34.99)

Here’s another option for anyone looking to do some hands-free movie viewing on their iPhone 5. The Kicksnap case from Incipio has a built-in kickstand that flips out easily. It’s crafted from a rigid plextonium frame with an NGP soft-shell core. Like many iPhone 5 cases on the market, it is tough on the outside and soft on the inside for shock absorption.

STM Opera Protective Case for iPhone 5 ($29.99)

This TPU case hugs your iPhone 5 tightly and it will guard against damage and give you extra grip. It is extremely thin and light with all the cutouts you need and a nice textured backing. It comes in a range of colors including blue, gray, pink, white, and black.

Found an iPhone 5 case that you’ve fallen in love with? Post a comment and tell us why you’d recommend it.

Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/best-iphone-5-cases/

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Apple iPhone 5 case roundup

Keep your new Apple iPhone 5 pristine with one of the cases from our case roundup.

If you want to keep that shiny new iPhone 5 looking pristine and sexy, then you need to grab yourself some decent protection. Whether you want something to match Apple’s stylish flagship design, something to safeguard it from accidents, or something to show off your personality, we’ve got you covered in this iPhone 5 case roundup.

When it comes to accessories, the iPhone line has always inspired some imaginative entries, and the latest release is no exception. Even before the queues start to form at Apple stores across the country, the market is already flooded with iPhone 5 cases.

We’ve got unbreakable iPhone cases, gorgeous iPhone cases, retro iPhone cases – in short, we have an iPhone 5 case to suit everyone.

If you haven’t upgraded yet then check out our best iPhone 4 and 4S cases.

OtterBox iPhone 5 Defender Series Case ($49.95)

This could be the perfect iPhone 5 case for anyone with butterfingers. The OtterBox Defender offers an inner polycarbonate shell, a screen protector, and an impact-absorbing rubber outer layer. There are also rubber plugs to protect the ports and a holster for wearing the phone on your belt. It comes in a range of two-tone color designs. It may be a bit bulky, but it will keep your iPhone looking as good as the day it was born.

Cygnett Vector 3D Tough Case for iPhone 5 ($18.99)

A stylish, textured case available in purple or black – the reasonably priced Vector by Cygnett is a good option. It’s impact resistant, it’s easy to grip, and it has raised edges and a screen protector to keep that touchscreen in perfect condition. The 3D textured material is tough and the case offers full access to functions and ports.

Belkin View Case for iPhone 5 ($19.99)

When you have a gorgeous piece of design like the iPhone 5 you could be forgiven for not wanting to cover it up with a case. The View Case from Belkin offers basic protection without compromising that stylish look. It features a fully transparent polycarbonate back with a polyurethane band around the outside. You can choose from a variety of color highlights for the impact-resistant edging.

Griffin KaZoo Case for iPhone 5 ($24.99)

Whether you’ve splashed out cash on an iPhone 5 for your child, or you just love cartoon animals, the KaZoo case from Griffin might just tempt you. These basic, soft silicone cases offer full access to controls, ports and the display. Why not wrap your iPhone in a colorful animal character? You have a choice of a monkey or an elephant.

Seidio Surface with Metal Kickstand ($34.95)

This slim case comes with a handy magnetic kickstand for propping up your phone, which snaps easily away when you aren’t using it. The case is very slim and the durable plastic has a soft-touch coating for comfortable handling. It comes in a variety of colors. 

Grove bamboo case for iPhone 5 ($79)

The most expensive case in our lineup justifies its high price tag with a intricate, hand-finished design made in the U.S. Unlike cheap plastic cases that look worse as they collect scratches and scuffs, the all-natural bamboo shell takes on an attractive patina in time, and is surprisingly tough. You can also get your case laser-engraved with a number of patterns right from the factory, or even a custom design.

Case-Mate Barely There Case for iPhone 5 ($30)

This slim case combines a hard outer shell with a silicone liner, which cushions your device. It will give you basic protection without adding much bulk. It’s a classic, minimalist design with a comfortable soft-touch finish. It comes in a wide range of matte colors with a subtle inlaid logo.

iLuv Diary Premium Leather Book Case for iPhone 5 ($34.99)

Here’s a clever combination case that offers premium leather on the outside and a tough polycarbonate shell on the inside. It’s a book-style case and when you open it up you’ll also find a sleeve with a couple of slots for credit cards. The advantage here is full 360 degree protection when the case is closed and easy access when you open it.

Sena Hampton Flip iPhone 5 Case ($54.95)

If you want premium leather, but prefer a vertical, flip-open design, the high quality Sena Hampton Flip case could be the one for you. Crafted from luxurious full-grain leather, this is a classy option that offers good all-round protection. It comes in black or brown and it also features a couple of credit-card slots.

Incipio Kicksnap iPhone 5 Case ($34.99)

Here’s another option for anyone looking to do some hands-free movie viewing on their iPhone 5. The Kicksnap case from Incipio has a built-in kickstand that flips out easily. It’s crafted from a rigid plextonium frame with an NGP soft-shell core. Like many iPhone 5 cases on the market, it is tough on the outside and soft on the inside for shock absorption.

STM Opera Protective Case for iPhone 5 ($29.99)

This TPU case hugs your iPhone 5 tightly and it will guard against damage and give you extra grip. It is extremely thin and light with all the cutouts you need and a nice textured backing. It comes in a range of colors including blue, gray, pink, white, and black.

Found an iPhone 5 case that you’ve fallen in love with? Post a comment and tell us why you’d recommend it.

Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/apple-iphone-5-case-roundup/

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Nokia Asha 309 leaks, to be launched tomorrow?

The Nokia Asha 306 was announced back in June and launched shortly after. It seems however, it still hasn't reached to China where it's just about to hit the market along with a surprising sibling... an unannounced Nokia Asha 309.

The differences between the Nokia Asha 306 and the new Asha 309 are subtle at best, but still they are obviously two different models. Our best guess is that these two are one and the same model on the inside, just targeted at different carriers.

Nokia Asha 309

These images appeared on the Chinese forums Baidu and were posted alongside images of the Chinese-bound Asha 306. The source claims both of these will launch tomorrow.

Thanks for the tip, Fakhre.

Source | Via

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/nokia_asha_309_leaks_to_be_launched_tomorrow-news-4851.php

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Apple sells 5 million iPhone 5's in the first three days alone

Flagship smartphones sell by the millions and that's a given. Some 2 million people pre-ordered the new iPhone 5 and the total number of sold devices in the three days since the launch on September 21 has reached and surpassed 5 million units.

Sales predictions were a bit higher (standing at around 8 million units), but as you know, market predictions are not what you would call an exact science.

Last year the iPhone 4S sold in over 4 million units over its first weekend of market availability, while the iPhone 4 sold just 1.7 million units in its debut weekend back in 2010.

Yet again however, the demand has exceeded the initially available supply and some of the people who made pre-orders will have to wait for their deliveries until October.

The iPhone 5 launched on September 21 in 9 countries - the US, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore and the UK.

Another 22 countries will get it come September 28. The list includes Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

The total number of markets where the iPhone 5 is available should reach 100 by the end of the year.

As usual, tempting carrier deals aside, the iPhone 5 remains one of the most expensive smartphones on the market with official SIM-free prices in Europe running around the €670 mark.

If you are interested whether you would be able to make use of the iPhone 5 high-speed LTE connectivity in your country, check out our list. If you are not among the lucky ones, you can still count on HSPA, of course.

Source

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/official_five_million_apple_iphone_5s_sold_so_far-news-4849.php

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LG Optimus Vu II specs leak, S4 chipset confirmed

Having just released its 5-inch Optimus Vu phablet globally, LG is hard working on its successor, as a specs leak reveals. The LG Optimus Vu II is a direct answer to Samsung's Galaxy Note II, though its specs sheet is hardly as impressive.

The LG Optimus Vu II will reportedly be powered by a 1.5GHz dual-core Snapdragon S4 MSM8960 processor and have 2GB of RAM. According to the leak, it'll be running Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich on the same 5-inch, 1024 x 768 pixel screen with a 4:3 aspect ratio.

The battery of the second generation Optimus Vu is slightly bumped and will be 2150mAh instead of 2080mAh. Other than that, the rest of the specifications seem to be left untouched. There's no information on the availability and pricing.

However, we've already seen the new universal remote app LG is readying, so the Optimus Vu II will surely have more surprises up its sleeve.

Source | Via

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/lg_optimus_vu_ii_specs_leak_packs_double_the_punch-news-4850.php

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Apple sold a disappointing 5 million iPhone 5 units in three days

Apple sold a record-breaking 5 million iPhone 5 units in three days — a million or so short of Wall Street's expectations.

Apple sold a record-breaking 5 million iPhone 5 units over the past three days, the company announced today. The number tops its previous record of 4 million units sold during opening weekend, which was set last year by the iPhone 4S.

“Demand for iPhone 5 has been incredible and we are working hard to get an iPhone 5 into the hands of every customer who wants one as quickly as possible,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, in a statement. “While we have sold out of our initial supply, stores continue to receive iPhone 5 shipments regularly and customers can continue to order online and receive an estimated delivery date. We appreciate everyone’s patience and are working hard to build enough iPhone 5s for everyone.”

Despite the self-congratulations, sales of the iPhone 5 have fell well short of lofty Wall Street estimates. Apple analyst extraordinaire Gene Munster of Piper Jaffray predicted that Apple would sell 6 million to 10 million iPhone 5 units in its opening weekend. He added that 6 million would count as a “worst-case scenario.”

Apple’s stock price had fallen more nine points, at the time of this writing, to $691.

The iPhone 5 broke the record for first-day sales, clocking in 2 million sales in 24 hours after the device became available for pre-order on September 14. The iPhone 4S set the previous record last year, with more than 1 million units sold in a single day.

The iPhone 5 is currently available in the U.S., Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, and the U.K. Apple also announced today that the handset would become available in 22 countries on Friday, September 28, and 100 countries total by the end of the year.

New features added to the iPhone 5 include a 4-inch display, 4G LTE connectivity, an improved FaceTime camera for video chat, and a thinner and lighter design.

Check out our in-depth review of the iPhone 5 here.

Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/apple-sold-5-million-iphone-5-units-in-first-weekend/

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iPhone 5 hits 5 million sales in three days

Hot cakes wish they could sell as fast as the iPhone 5

Apple has announced that it has already sold more than five million new iPhone 5 handsets, in just three days on sale.

The phenomenal sales of the iPhone 5 have underlined that the public were desperate to get their hands on the latest handset, with Apple looking to address the now widespread shortages of the device.

You can understand why the phone has proved so popular, with TechRadar's iPhone 5 review awarding the handset an impressive four and a half stars.

Demand five

"Demand for iPhone 5 has been incredible and we are working hard to get an iPhone 5 into the hands of every customer who wants one as quickly as possible," said Tim Cook, Apple's CEO, as the landmark was reached.

"While we have sold out of our initial supply, stores continue to receive iPhone 5 shipments regularly and customers can continue to order online and receive an estimated delivery date.

"We appreciate everyone's patience and are working hard to build enough iPhone 5s for everyone."

The iPhone 5 is being sold in nine countries presently, with another 22 nations getting the phone on September 22 and much of the rest of the world by the end of the year.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/iphone-5-hits-5-million-sales-in-three-days-1099319

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Camera samples shot with Galaxy Nexus 2 I9260 leak on Picasa

It's been nearly a full year since the last Google Nexus phone was announced (though we witnessed the launch of the Nexus 7 tablet in the meantime). We've already seen some leaked specs of an update for the Galaxy Nexus but now we have photos uploaded to Picasa to back those up as well.

The EXIF info in the photos labels the device "GT-I9260" - the expected model number of the successor of the current Galaxy Nexus (I9250). Unfortunately, the photos were not shot at full resolution, so they can't confirm the upgrade to 8MP that the camera of the next Galaxy Nexus is rumored to receive.

What the photos do reveal however, is a F/2.65 aperture and a 4mm focal length. The Galaxy S III has an aperture of F/2.6 and a focal length of 3.6mm, while the Galaxy S II has an aperture F/2.65 and a focal length of 3.97mm, so it might be theoretically possible that the new Nexus phone may have the same camera as the Galaxy SII.

The firmware versions listed in the EXIF info in the two photos is I9260XXALI5 and I9260XXALI6.

In one of the photos, there's a portion of an Excel window with a table listing Bluetooth specs for something, but there's nothing interesting that can be made out.

Besides the camera, the Samsung I9260 Galaxy Nexus "Premiere" is supposed to have a better CPU (Cortex-A9 dual-core at 1.5GHz instead of 1.2GHz), a microSD card slot and the same 4.65" Super AMOLED HD screen.

Would it be okay if the next Galaxy Nexus really isn't based on the Galaxy S III? The OS it will run is still not clear - typically, a Nexus device would come with the latest available iteration of Android, but Jelly Bean is still very fresh (barely powering a percent of all Androids), so it might be too early for Key Lime Pie.

Source | Via (in Chinese)

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/camera_samples_shot_with_galaxy_nexus_2_i9260_leak_on_picasa-news-4848.php

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Apple poaching Google Map makers to fix iOS 6 maptastrophe

Spot the difference (credit: The Amazing iOS6 Maps Tumblr)

Apple is apparently on the prowl for new recruits who've worked on Google Maps in the past.

We have an inkling that this targeted recruitment drive might have a little something to do with the teething problemsApple's been having with its Google Maps replacement in iOS 6.

A source "with connections on both teams" told TechCrunch that the fruit-flavoured company is using recruiters to nab lots of ex-Google cartographers.

Make hay

The map-happy techies who leave Google after their contracts end keep turning up at Apple after recruiters get in touch, and for handsome recompense by all accounts.

Recent job postings also suggest Apple is currently hunting down more of these experienced mappists, with the source adding that Apple is "going out of its way to lure former and current Google Maps employees" to catch up with Google Maps.

The problems with iOS 6 Maps have been myriad since iOS 6 landed last week, the most insulting of which is that every town in Britain has been renamed Dudley (international readers: this is not a flattering reclassification).

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/software/applications/apple-poaching-google-map-makers-to-fix-ios-6-maptastrophe-1099283

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Intel smartphone processors currently don't support 4G

Intel is working hard to keep up

Intel has confirmed that its current Medfield processor found in the likes of the Orange San Diego and Motorola Razr i (Droid Razr M in the US) does not offer support for LTE.

However Intel is working on a solution, and Sumeet Syal, Intel's director of product marketing told Tech Crunch that it was planning on "shipping some LTE products later this year and ramping into 2013".

As 4G becomes more and more popular around the world, Intel needs to get a move on with its LTE-enabled handsets, otherwise it risks being left behind by the already well-established Nvidia, ARM and Texas Instruments.

Dual-core to rival quad-core

Alongside 4G-enabled processors, Intel is also reportedly working on a dual-core version of the Medfield chip – which could rival the quad-core chips found in the likes of the international versions of the HTC One X and Samsung Galaxy S3.

Syal said: "Our next gen product will be a dual-core but again that product will also have hyper threading so essentially… you will also have dual-core with four threads.

"So again just like we demoed that a single core hyper-threaded can outperform dual-core/quad-core I think we'll do it again when we introduce the dual-core product with four threads."

Currently there's no information regarding the 4G or dual-core handsets Intel has up its sleeve, but we'll keep our eyes and ears open for any more information.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/intel-smartphone-processors-currently-dont-support-4g-1099255

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Huawei’s Windows Phone 8 challengers could be announced later this week

Huawei could be ready to announce its first Windows Phone 8 devices later this week, currently known as the Ascend W1 and Ascend W2.

Later this week Huawei could launch its first Windows Phone 8 devices, currently known as the Ascend W1 and Ascend W2, joining offerings from three other top-name manufacturers to complete Microsoft’s Windows Phone release line-up.

Huawei didn’t join the Windows Phone 7 party, and was the single new name announced at the Windows Phone 8 unveiling in June, so it’s going to be interesting to see how its phones compare with Nokia, Samsung and HTC’s.

The company promised its “first smartphone running on the Windows Phone platform” would be part of the Ascend range, and that it would be out “at the end of the year” so it looks like this timescale will be about right.

Huawei’s CEO has taken to the Chinese social network Sina Weibo to talk about the first device, saying that the Ascend W1 will come in a variety of colors — black, blue, white and pink — and that it will go on sale in the USA, Asia and Europe. The phone could be announced as soon as September 25, and will go on sale in November or December.

The Ascend W1 is likely to be a mid-range phone along the same lines as the HTC 8S and Nokia’s Lumia 820, but it could be joined by a flagship model, the Ascend W2. There are no firm specs for either device, but they could repeat what we’ve seen on previous Ascend Android phones, meaning a 4.3-inch screen or larger, an 8 megapixel screen and a 1.5Ghz dual-core Snapdragon processor are all possible.

Where Huawei is likely to differ from its competitors though, is price, and the Ascend W1 has been rumored to sell for the equivalent of $317 when it goes on sale. An early pre-order price for the HTC 8S puts it at £225 in the UK, which is $365 at current exchange rates.

We hope to know more this Wednesday, September 25.

Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/huaweis-windows-phone-8-challengers-could-be-out-later-this-week/

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Samsung Galaxy S3 Jelly Bean update arrives… in Poland

W twoim świecie twarzy! - Polish for "in your face world!"

The Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update for the Samsung Galaxy S3 has begun rolling out to handsets in Eastern Europe, signalling a possible arrival to other regions very soon.

According to SamMobile, Galaxy S3 handsets in Poland can now get Jelly Bean via the Kies desktop software or through an over the air (OTA) update.

Apparently Android 4.1 will hit other countries later this month, which means we could see if before the week is out, as October starts on Monday.

Enhancements

SamMobile reports improved battery performance and a smoother operation thanks to Project Butter on its updated Samsung Galaxy S3, as well as a tweaked settings menu, new notifications bar, resizable pop-up-play window and the addition of Google Now.

Over at German site AllAboutSamsung, Galaxy S3 owners in Serbia, Croatia and Macedonia can also apparently take advantage of the Jelly Bean update.

There's yet to be any official word from Samsung on exact timings of its Jelly Bean roll-out plans. We've contacted Samsung about these latest reports and we'll update this article once we hear back.

In the meantime why not check out our Samsung Galaxy S3 review, where we put the firm's flagship, quad-core handset through our in-depth tests.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/samsung-galaxy-s3-jelly-bean-update-arrives-in-poland-1099245

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Galaxy S III Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update now seeding

The moment Samsung Galaxy S III owners have been waiting is upon us, as the rollout of the the Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update has begun. After many leaks, the software update has started its official march to your Galaxy S IIIs.

The first country to start receiving the update is Poland, but the rest of Europe should join the fun soon. The firmware can be obtained OTA or via KIES. Samsung recommends you are on a Wi-Fi connection with at least 50% battery when you apply the update.

Jelly Bean does a lot to improve the Galaxy S III user experience. While you are waiting for your smartphone to finish updating itself, make sure to check out our extensive preview of the Jelly Bean update and the new features it brings to the S III.

Via

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/galaxy_s_iii_android_41_jelly_bean_update_rollout_starts-news-4847.php

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