HTC will hold an event in New York City on November 13

HTC has sent out invitations for an event in New York City, which will take place next Tuesday, November 13. The Taiwanese manufacturer will show off its “latest collaboration” with Verizon Wireless.

Given the recent string of leaks, we can all but confirm that the device scheduled to break cover is the HTC DROID DNA. The upcoming smartphone appears to be a close relative of the Japan exclusive HTC J butterfly. It is bound to pack an eye-catching 5” Super LCD3 display with 1080p resolution and pixel density of 440ppi. Quad-core Snapdragon S4 Pro silicon, 16GB of built-in memory, microSD card, and Sense-d Android 4.1 Jelly Bean are also part of the device’s projected specs.

We are going to be live from the HTC event next week, so we’ll tell you all about the company’s latest creation.

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/htc_will_hold_an_event_in_new_york_city_on_november_13-news-5050.php

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Analysts: 1.2 billion smartphones, tablets to be sold in 2013

1.2 billion smart devices is enough for entire population of India

Analysts are predicting that it's wise to be in the smartphone and tablet business right now, with a forecast of 1.2 billion "smart devices" to be sold worldwide in 2013.

This figure is up from the 821 million devices that technology research firm Gartner is predicting for this year.

Crossing that billion-sold mark will be due in part to businesses and IT departments being influenced by their workers' demands.

"BYOD [is] becoming a part of the devices policy," said Gartner Research Vice President Carolina Milanesi in a press release.

"We have seen consumer preferences shaping not only the vendors' landscape but also the way IT departments need to think about devices in the enterprise."

Predictions into 2016

Gartner analysts predict that 70 percent of total devices sold in 2012 will be "smart devices," which is defined as smartphones and tablets.

"In 2016, two-thirds of the mobile workforce will own a smartphone, and 40 percent of the workforce will be mobile," said Milanesi.

Tablets will be the key accelerator to mobility, according to analysts who are meeting in at the Gartner Symposium/ITxpo 2012 in Barcelona this week.

The firm estimates that businesses will purchase 13 million tablets this year and more than triple that number by 2016, reaching 53 million units sold.

"For most businesses smartphones and tablets will not entirely replace PCs," explained Milanesi.

"But the ubiquity of smartphones and the increasing popularity of tablets are changing the way businesses look at their device strategies and the way consumers embrace devices."

The smart money Android smart devices

Google's Android operating system will be the biggest beneficiary of this ever-increasing smart device sales trend.

By 2016, Gartner estimates that the Android OS will account for 56 percent of smartphones sold to businesses in North America and Europe.

That is up from 34 percent in 2012 and virtually no penetration in 2010, says the firm.

"Today the wide range of brands and price points that the Android ecosystem is offering is winning over users," said Milanesi.

"While Apple remains the heartbeat by which the market moves, Google has rapidly become its archrival."

Windows 8 the third wheel as RIM loses ground

Gartner sees Windows 8 as a strong No. 3 tablet OS by 2016, with demand coming from businesses as opposed to consumers.

"Tablets and convertibles will be the way into businesses for Windows 8," predicted the firm.

Windows 8 tablets and ultramobiles in businesses will reach 39 percent in 2016, estimated Gartner.

Milanesi didn't lay out such a rosy forecast for RIM and its line of Blackberry devices.

"As businesses are looking for a multi-device strategy and a rich application portfolio it is clear that RIM has a huge challenge ahead in regaining its key presence in the enterprise."

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/analysts-1-2-billion-smartphones-tablets-to-be-sold-in-2013-1110631

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Windows Phone 8X vs. Galaxy S3 vs. iPhone 5: spec showdown

The biggest representatives of every operating system go head-to-head-.to head. The iPhone 5, Samsung Galaxy S3, and HTC Windows Phone 8X square off in a Spec Showdown. Which phone best meets your needs? Take a look at our comparison and make your call.

Since Apple makes its own products, it’s latest product is the default market leader for iOS. For Android and Windows Phone handsets, however, the field is wide open. The market defines the front runners with their wallets, and there’s the media darlings that manage to snag the hearts of reviewers. The Samsung Galaxy S3 has become Android’s model phone, in part because of an aggressive and enjoyable ad campaign, and because it’s just a darn good handset. With Windows Phone 8 just becoming available, we can’t be certain what the mobile operating system’s chief representative will be. What we can say with confidence, though, is that HTC’s Windows Phone 8X can make quite a case for itself. How do these three heavyweights of the handset world stack up against one another? Take a look at the stat sheet and draw your own conclusions.

Read our full reviews for the iPhone 5, Samsung Galaxy S3, and HTC Windows Phone 8X for our extended take on each option. 

	iPhone 5	Galaxy S3	Windows Phone 8X
Size	123.8 x 58.6 x 7.6 (mm)	136.6 x 70.6 x 8.6 (mm)	132.3 x 66.2 x 10.1 (mm)
Weight	112g	133g	130g
Screen	4.0-inch LCD	4.8-inch Super AMOLED	4.3-inch Super LCD 2
Resolution	1136×640 pixels	1280×720 pixels	1280×720 pixels
OS	iOS 6.0.1	Android 4.0 with TouchWiz UI	Windows Phone 8
Storage	16/32/64GB	16/32GB	16GB
SD Card Slot	No	Yes	No
Processor	Dual-core A6X	Dual-core Snapdragon S4 (US)	Dual-core Snapdragon S4
RAM	1GB	2GB	1GB
Connectivity	Wi-Fi, 4G LTE, HSPA+	Wi-Fi, 4G LTE, HSPA+	Wi-Fi, 4G LTE, HSPA+
Camera	Front 1.2MP, Rear 8MP	Front 1.9MP, Rear 8MP	Front 2MP, Rear 8MP
Bluetooth	Yes, version 4.0	Yes, version 4.0	Yes, version 3.1
Battery	1440mAh	2100mAh	1800mAh
Charger	Lightning connector	Micro USB	Micro USB
Marketplace	Apple App Store	Google Play Store	Windows Phone Store
Price	$200+	$200+	$100+
Availability	AT&T, Sprint, Verizon	AT&T, Sprint, T-Mob, Verizon	AT&T, T-Mob, Verizon

What it means: You can sit and compare the processing power and pixel-per-inch count on each device and come to a conclusion about which phone is most technically sound. That said, the biggest and most glaring difference between these three handsets is in one category: the operating system. Apple’s iOS is streamlined and smooth, like everything Apple; Google’s Android OS is in a seemingly constant state of upgrade, but rarely are the changes met with complaints; Windows Phone 8 brings the complete implementation of Live Tiles, and we’ve already started to see that Microsoft may be on to something. The deciding factor may come down to your other devices and computer. If you own a Mac, sticking with the Apple theme may be best for the purposes of continuity. PC users that sprung for Windows 8 should consider snagging the Windows Phone 8X to get the full functionality of the OS. Android devices can work with Mac, Windows, or even Linux, and the NFC features like S Beam make the Galaxy S3 appealing if your friends of co-workers also own the device. Luckily, if you are making your choice from this group, it’s hard to pick wrong.

(Specs by Jeffrey Van Camp)

Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/spec-showdown-windows-phone-8x-vs-galaxy-s3-vs-iphone-5/

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Smartphone and tablet sales to top 1.2 billion devices in 2013

Gartner, a leading IT research and advisory company, has compiled estimates on the growth of smart devices and the effect they will have on the consumer electronics market. According to the report some 70 percent of total devices sold this year were either tablets or smartphones.

Android is expected to continue to dominate the mobile market even in the business sector, with 56% of devices expected to run on Google's OS by 2016 (up from 34 percent this year).

Tablets are expected to achieve a three-fold growth for business within the next four years, with 53 million units predicted to be sold in 2016.

Finally, Gartner predicts that Windows 8 tablets and smartphones will move to third place behind Apple and Android by 2016, with many businesses choosing smart devices rather than upgrading Windows on desktop PCs like in the past.

Source

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/smartphone_and_tablet_sales_to_top_12_billion_devices_in_2013-news-5049.php

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Analyst: 1.2 billion smartphones, tablets to be sold in 2013

1.2 billion smart devices is enough for entire population of India

Analysts are predicting that it's wise to be in the smartphone and tablet business right now, with a forecast of 1.2 billion "smart devices" to be sold worldwide in 2013.

This figure is up from the 821 million devices that technology research firm Gartner is predicting for this year.

Crossing that billion-sold mark will be due in part to businesses and IT departments being influenced by their workers' demands.

"BYOD [is] becoming a part of the devices policy," said Gartner Research Vice President Carolina Milanesi in a press release.

"We have seen consumer preferences shaping not only the vendors' landscape but also the way IT departments need to think about devices in the enterprise."

Smartphone, tablet sales predictions into 2016

Gartner analysts predict that 70 percent of total devices sold in 2012 will be "smart devices," which is defined as smartphones and tablets.

"In 2016, two-thirds of the mobile workforce will own a smartphone, and 40 percent of the workforce will be mobile," said Milanesi.

Tablets will be the key accelerator to mobility, according to the analysts who are meeting in at the the Gartner Symposium/ITxpo 2012 in Barcelona this week.

The firm estimates that businesses will purchase 13 million tablets this year and more than triple that number by 2016, reaching 53 million units sold.

"For most businesses smartphones and tablets will not entirely replace PCs," explained Milanesi.

"But the ubiquity of smartphones and the increasing popularity of tablets are changing the way businesses look at their device strategies and the way consumers embrace devices."

The smart money Android smart devices

Google's Android operating system will be the biggest beneficiary of this ever-increasing smart device sales trend.

By 2016, Gartner estimates that the Android OS will account for 56 percent of smartphones sold to businesses in North America and Europe.

That is up from 34 percent in 2012 and virtually no penetration in 2010, says the firm.

"Today the wide range of brands and price points that the Android ecosystem is offering is winning over users," said Milanesi.

"While Apple remains the heartbeat by which the market moves, Google has rapidly become its archrival."

Windows 8 plays the third wheel, as RIM loses ground

Gartner sees Windows 8 as a strong No. 3 tablet OS by 2016, with demand coming from businesses as opposed to consumers.

"Tablets and convertibles will be the way into businesses for Windows 8," predicted the firm.

Windows 8 tablets and ultramobiles in businesses will reach 39 percent in 2016, estimated Gartner.

Milanesi didn't lay out such a rosy forecast for RIM and its line of Blackberry devices.

"As businesses are looking for a multi-device strategy and a rich application portfolio it is clear that RIM has a huge challenge ahead in regaining its key presence in the enterprise."

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/analyst-1-2-billion-smartphones-tablets-to-be-sold-in-2013-1110631

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Our favorite iPad Mini accessories

Take a look at some of the best iPad Mini accessories on the market. We round up the stylish, the portable, the wireless, and the useful, for iPad accessory hunters on the prowl.

The iPad mini is likely to be a popular purchase over the next few months. Whether you’ve treated yourself to one or you know someone who has one, you may be on the lookout for some iPad mini accessories. You can extend the functionality of your new tablet and make it easier to use. You’ll also find that iPad Mini accessories make great gifts, much like the $330 iPad Mini itself.

If you’re looking for a decent set of speakers, a way to stream content to your TV, a stylus for sketching, or a sturdy stand. Whatever iPad Mini accessory you are hunting for there should be an option here to catch your eye.

If you haven’t got protection for your new Apple tablet yet then make sure to check out our iPad Mini cases and covers roundup for ten great suggestions. 

Breffo Spiderpodium iPad Mini stand ($20)

It can be a chore finding the right angle for your iPad mini and most of the stands on the market have a number of preset angles. The Spiderpodium is different. This stand is extremely lightweight and flexible and it allows you to get exactly the right angle for whatever you are doing on your iPad Mini. It feels like soft rubber which also provides good grip, but the skeleton inside is surprisingly strong. It’s a versatile option that you can use in a number of scenarios and it folds flat for when you’re traveling. It comes in a range of colors – there’s even a glow in the dark option.

Jawbone Jambox ($200)

Although the iPad Mini does have stereo speakers, you’ll need to splash out for a decent speaker to enjoy really good sound. Since this is the most portable iPad yet, it makes sense to get a portable speaker and nothing else on the market packs the same quality sound into such a small form as the Jawbone Jambox. It is wireless, with support for Bluetooth, so there’s no need to carry a lot of cables around with you. You can also choose from a wide range of grills and colors to suit you.

Beyerdynamic DTX 101 iE In-Ear Headphones ($100)

If you prefer the compact in-ear style headphones, but you don’t want to sacrifice on quality, then this set from Beyerdynamic is worth considering. You’ll enjoy crystal clear sound with some real power, thanks to the Neodymium acoustic drivers. The headphones come with three different pairs of ear-pieces and a handy soft case for when you’re on the move.

IOGEAR Multi-Link Bluetooth Mini Keyboard for Tablets and Smartphones ($50)

You can actually control six different devices at the touch of a button using this mini Bluetooth keyboard. It’s an ideal wireless keyboard for the iPad Mini because it’s compact, has a number of hotkeys for easy media control, and is very quiet to use. It comes with a nice carry pouch so you can throw it in your bag on trips, as well. It will also work with most smartphones and it only needs two AAA batteries to operate. However, if you prefer to stick with the Apple aesthetic then the Apple Wireless Keyboard might be for you. It is also Bluetooth, it runs on two AA batteries, and it costs $70.

Arkon Deluxe Universal Tablet Headrest Mount ($35)

If you have passengers in the back or you’re taking the kids on a road trip then you can make the most of your iPad Mini with this clever headrest mount. It clamps onto the two poles of the headrest and extends the iPad Mini to sit in between the two front seats so everyone on the back seat can get a great view. It also has a 360 degree swivel ball so that you can switch it from landscape if portrait if you want to. You iPad Mini will fit in this mount even with a case on.

HAND Stylus ($35)

This started out as a Kickstarter project and it surpassed its goal thanks to an excellent design that circumvents the problems typically found in styluses. Namely that there is no way for this stylus to scratch your tablet’s screen because every edge is rounded and smoothed. The 4mm tip is retractable, rotatable, and replaceable. Overall, it’s a responsive and easy-to-use stylus that is ideal for people who prefer to hand write notes and sketch on their iPad Mini. It comes in various colors and that $35 price includes shipping. You can $10 for a bag of six extra tips.

Apple TV ($100)

You’ve likely heard of Apple TV before. It’s no new. It’s a $100 device that lets you buy movies and TV shows from iTunes and you can access a handful of other services like Netflix, Hulu Plus, and YouTube on your big screen television. The real attraction for iPad Mini owners is the wireless streaming via AirPlay. You can choose content from your tablet, including your own videos and photos, and see it on your big TV. You can even mirror your iPad Mini’s screen which allows you to blow up games and apps or surf the web in style. There’s also an app that can turn your iPad Mini into a remote control.

If you don’t want Apple TV simply to play content from your iPad Mini you could consider the Lightning Digital AV Adapter, but it does cost $50 and you’ll still need an HDMI cable.

Suggestions? Let us know

You’ll find more and more iPad Mini accessories hitting the market over the next few weeks and there’s already quite a large selection at the Apple Store. If you find anything that’s so good you simply have to recommend it then please post a comment and let us know.

Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/best-ipad-mini-accessories/

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Apple's FRAND lawsuit against Motorola dismissed in US

The federal judge Barbara Crabb, of the Western District of Wisconsin, has dismissed with prejudice the Apple’s FRAND lawsuit against Motorola. This means Apple cannot fill a similar lawsuit in another US court, unless it successfully appeals against the decision first.

Last year Motorola Mobility sought to receive 2.25% of all iOS products net sales as a licensing fee for some of the Motorola-owned patents they use. Apple refused to pay this amount and counter-sued Motorola for unfair licensing taxes.

A more recent turn of event saw Motorola ask Apple to agree to whatever fee the court declares fair, but once again Apple wasn't quite happy with the offer and said it will only adhere to the court fee if it isn't higher than $1 per iPhone.

So, now that Apple has just lost against Motorola it will either have to win in the appeal (which will almost certainly follow) or it will have to pay what the court orders. We are yet to see how this one develops, but Motorola seems to have won an important battle here.

Source | Via

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/apples_patent_lawsuit_against_motorola_dismissed_with_prejudice-news-5046.php

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Google and Microsoft showing 'extreme' interest in UK airwaves

Look at all the wasted space! (credit: Ofcom)

The technology heavyweights could be looking to nab spectrum to start offering new services.

Google and Motorola have expressed 'extreme interest' in acquiring currently unused UK airwaves, possibly in a bid to offer broadband in the UK or begin to connect remote devices together, according to The Telegraph.

The unused spectrum – known as 'White Space' by Ofcom, which is looking to license out the frequencies – is currently used to make sure high power TV signals don't interfere with one another.

No worries – we'll have it

However, this means that lower-power devices operating in a short range would be able to make use of the space, enabling Wi-Fi routers with wider ranges or allowing things like appliances or utility meters to be better-connected within the home and through thicker walls.

The Telegraph's senior government sources have claimed that the two companies see this technology as a chance to offer something very different to Apple, with the possibility being that Wi-Fi would be available as part of the bundle when buying a top-end smartphone, thus saving consumers money and increasing speeds.

The technology, which exists in the sub 1GHz frequencies rather than the faster but shorter range 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands Wi-FI traditionally operates in, may not be able to carry data as quickly as the home router but would be able to extend the range of the signal to benefit more users.

Ofcom is also looking to extend the scheme to do the same with the white spaces in between the FM frequencies which act as buffers for the UK's radio stations, although it will likely be looking into that scheme after the TV signal repurposing is complete in 2013.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/internet/broadband/google-and-microsoft-showing-extreme-interest-in-uk-airwaves-1110404

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Sharp Aquos Phone SH930W brings 5" 1080p display to Russia

Sharp is obviously keen to join the 1080p screen fun on as the company just announced its first smartphone with a 5" FullHD screen for Russia. The Aquos Phone SH930W uses a Sharp IGZO display, which offers improved image quality over regular LCDs along with better power efficiency. The pixel density stands at the retina-busting 440ppi.

The other specs of the phone aren’t quite that impressive with a Qualcomm 8260A chipset (2x Krait @ 1.5GHz, Adreno 225) powering the package. According to GLBenchmark 2.5, the GPU isn't powerful enough to run heavy 3D games at native resolution as it only manages 13.6fps.

On the upside, the SH930W runs Android 4.1 Jelly Bean and offers a microSD card slot. It comes with 2G/3G connectivity, but no LTE.

The Sharp Aquos Phone SH930W will launch in Russia on November 8 (though there's no info on the price just yet). Unlike most of Sharp's phones (and the HTC J Butterfly), this one has a good chance of getting a wider availability.

But Sharp isn't in a good financial position at the moment and HTC is already working on the DLX (or is it DROID DNA?), so Sharp better move fast if it wants to capitalize on its advantage.

Thanks to Dmitriy for the tip!

Source 1 (in Russian) • Source 2

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/sharp_aquos_phone_sh930w_brings_5_1080p_display_to_russia-news-5045.php

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64GB Samsung Galaxy S3 pre-orders open in UK

If you want it, you'll have to hope others do too.

The 64GB version of the Samsung Galaxy S3 has finally gone on pre-order in the UK, and at an eye watering price.

Online retailer Clove is the first to get its 64GB Galaxy S3 pre-order page up, and it's asking a staggering £600 for the top of the range handset.

Although that's a lot to pay for a phone, it's still £99 cheaper than the equivalently sized iPhone 5, which is available SIM-free for £699.

No guarantee

However those who pre-order are not gaurenteed to receive a black 64GB Galaxy S3, as Clove states it will review orders in two weeks time and make a decision on whether or not to stock the device based on demand.

There's no word on the Samsung Galaxy S3 64GB release date, but the retailer estimates it will be at least eight weeks from now, so it's unlikely that we'll see the handset land in time for Christmas.

The Samsung Galaxy S3's saving grace is that it's a quality handset, racking up 4.5 out of 5 in our in-depth review and it currently sits proudly at the top of our 20 Best Mobiles in the World feature.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/64gb-samsung-galaxy-s3-pre-orders-open-in-uk-1110389

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Apple’s patent abuse lawsuit against Motorola has been dismissed

A case in which Apple accused Motorola of an abuse of the patent system, where it was charging Apple more for key patents than it was to other companies, has been dismissed. Apple has the chance to appeal, but Motorola wants to come to an agreement.

A lawsuit brought against Motorola by Apple has been dismissed by a court in Wisconsin, even before the trial had the chance to get underway. Instead, it took a week of pre-trial motions and a two-hour hearing on Monday morning, for Judge Barbara Crabb to cancel proceedings with prejudice. This gives Apple the chance to appeal, but only in the same court.

Apple was claiming that Motorola was abusing the patent system (oh, the irony) by asking unreasonably high license fees, and more than it charged other companies, for some key Wi-Fi and cellular patents used in the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad.

Motorola’s fee is 2.25-percent of the price of each Apple device sold that uses the technology. Apple, however, only wanted to pay a fraction of that amount, stating $1 per future device was its magic number.

Following the dismissal, Motorola issued a statement saying “We’re pleased that the court has dismissed Apple’s lawsuit with prejudice. Motorola has long offered licensing to our extensive patent portfolio at a reasonable and non-discriminatory rate in line with industry standards.” It also adds that it’s “interested in reaching an agreement with Apple.”

Google-owned Motorola needs to be careful though, as it’s parent company is in-line for an antitrust lawsuit, should be it discovered withholding patents to stifle competition. Apple, on the other hand, is back to square one, with an appeal likely on the way.

This is the second Apple vs. Motorola lawsuit to be thrown out this year. Last time out, Apple accused Motorola of copying the design of the iPhone for its Android handsets, however Judge Richard Posner dismissed it in June after deciding neither company adequately made its case. At the time, Motorola tried to get this dispute with Apple enjoined, but the Judge refused.

Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/apple-loses-patent-abuse-lawsuit-against-motorola/

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Apple – Motorola lawsuit dismissed by US judge

Apple's ongoing battle with Motorola over patent licensing has been thrown out of court.

Apple has been maintaining that the rate requested for Motorola (and therefore now Google's since the search giant bought out the handset developer) is too high and wanted a court to order a lower rate.

But District Judge Barbara Crabb of the Wisconsin federal court ruled that she does not have the legal authority to make the claims.

That said, Apple is still pursuing the case against Googorola in other US regions, with court dates set for next year to make sure it isn't liable to pay damages on devices with featuring Qualcomm technology, which uses Motorola patents in its designs.

No Crabb-Apples this Christmas

The case being dismissed in Wisconsin is a blow to Apple however, as it was looking to force down the price Motorola is asking to use its essential technology – the company previously said it wouldn't pay more than $1 per handset.

Google, unsurprisingly, issued a statement filled with understated legal glee at the dismissal, claiming that it has always offered what it considers to be a fair price to Apple for the patents.

The bad news for the consumer is that there's no notion of these constant patent wars being settled as the battles continue to play out over many territories and over a number of issues.

The upshot could be higher handset prices, especially in the Android camp, as the likes of Microsoft and Apple attack the OS – hence the reason Google is so intent on leveraging the core assets it has, many of which live within the newly-acquired Motorola stable.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/apple-motorola-lawsuit-dismissed-by-us-judge-1110381

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