Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Facebook testing Photo Sync feature on iOS 6 users

Facebook testing Photo Sync feature on iOS 6 users
Photo Sync stores pictures in a private folder

Facebook has begun testing its new automatic photo upload service on a small sample of iOS app users.

The Photo Sync feature, which was tested on some Android app users in September, will upload all photos taken with the device's camera to the social network as soon as the picture is taken.

While that may be a terrifying prospect for those snapping more than just beautiful landscapes, cats and cheesecake, Photo Sync will not post photos directly to the user's Timeline without approval.

Instead all photos will be stored in a private folder within the Facebook user's photo albums, where the decision can be made on whether to make them public or share with pals via direct message.

Less fiddly

The idea is to simplify the process of uploading photos to the social network and takes its lead from the Google+ Instant Upload feature.

"Only you can see the photos you've synced from your phone. Your photos are saved privately in a section of your Facebook Photos that only you can see. When you view your synced photos, you can choose shots to share or send in a private message," said a post on the Facebook help pages.

Photo Sync works over both Wi-Fi and mobile internet, but the data-conscious user can also configure the service to sync only using Wi-Fi.

To check if you're one of the few users currently able to test the feature, open the Facebook app, load the left-sided list menu, scroll down to Apps and select Photos. If you see 'Sync' at the bottom of the page, it can be enabled.


Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/software/applications/facebook-testing-photo-sync-feature-on-ios-6-users-1114107

Oprah praises Microsoft’s Surface tablet from an iPad

Oprah appears to be a fan of Microsoft's new Surface tablet, but she was caught using its biggest rival to share the message.

While some holiday shoppers may be pondering which tablet to snag this season, Microsoft’s Surface has gained one colossal supporter: Oprah Winfrey. Well, sort of.

“Gotta say love that SURFACE! Have bought 12 already for Christmas gifts. #FavoriteThings,” she tweeted on Nov. 18.

However, there is a subtle hint of irony embedded in the renowned television show host’s tweet that careful observers were sure to note. Oprah praised Microsoft’s first self-branded tablet from an iPad.

Zagg was one of the first to make this observation on Monday, and Oprah’s social media post has since garnered attention from The Los Angeles Times, CNET, TIME, and Tech Crunch among other media outlets. Oprah’s pro-Surface tweet has spawned 418 retweets to her legion of more than 14 million followers since then.

This isn’t the first time a celebrity has publicly endorsed one of Microsoft’s mobile products. During the company’s Windows Phone 8 event at the end of October, CEO Steve Ballmer introduced silver screen superstar Jessica Alba as an avid supporter of the new mobile operating system. Soon after, No Doubt front woman Gwen Stefani also appeared in an ad for Windows Phone 8. It remains unclear if this attention from Hollywood will do much to bolster Windows Phone 8 or Surface sales this holiday season, but it certainly has sparked some attention.   

Microsoft has yet to reveal any specific sales numbers for the Surface, but Ballmer previously told a French newspaper that Microsoft’s tablet is off to a “modest” start. (We look forward to hearing the updated sales now that Oprah has bought 12 of them.)

The Redmond, Wash.-based company later issued a statement regarding Ballmer’s words, saying that Microsoft’s approach to selling the Surface has been modest, while “reception to the device has been fantastic.” 


Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/oprah-uses-ipad-to-praise-surface/

Nexus 7 shipments projected to reach 5 million by the end of 2012

Shipments of Google's Nexus 7 tablet could reach five million by the year's end, according to component suppliers.

Shipments of the Nexus 7 tablet for 2012 could be higher than the Google had originally expected – in fact, it may even double Google’s initial predictions.

At the end of this year’s second quarter, the search engine giant expected to ship 2.5 million Nexus 7 units for 2012 in total. Now, however, Taiwan players in Google’s supply chain are saying that the shipment volume could reach 5 million units based on the number of orders released, according to DigiTimes.

Shipments typically peak around October or November to meet end-of-the-year demand, but sources have told DigiTimes that Nexus 7 shipments are expected to stay strong throughout November and December. To be exact, these unnamed sources in Google’s Taiwanese supply chain expect Nexus 7 shipments to remain in the range of seven hundred thousand and one million units throughout these two months.

Following the success of its 16GB Nexus 7 ($200) and its 32GB Nexus 7 ($250), Google released another version of its seven-inch tablet just one week ago. On Nov. 13, alongside its brand new Nexus 4 and Nexus 10 devices, Google announced that a 3G-enabled edition of its 32GB Nexus 7 will be available for $300. AT&T has already sold out of this new Nexus 7 model following its launch, though no sales numbers were revealed.

The 7-inch slate has been gaining momentum since it was released back in July. Google has been relatively tight-lipped about the tablet’s sales, but its hardware partner ASUS spilled some sales secrets to the Wall Street Journal at the end of October. The Nexus 7 is reportedly coming close to selling one million units per month, which is just about double the rate of its sales at launch.

However, while Google may be seeing unexpected growth in the sales of its Nexus 7, the tablet will be facing impeding competition this holiday season. Apple’s iPad Mini and fourth generation iPad, which launched last month, reached three million in sales in their first few days of availability. While Google is projected to hit five million, Apple tablets have likely already surpassed this.


Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/nexus-7-shipments-reach-5-million-2012/

Galaxy S4 rumors point to quad-core A15 chip, 13MP camera

Galaxy S4 rumors point to quad-core A15 chip, 13MP camera
Samsung will be looking to repeat the Galaxy S3's success

Given the success of Samsung's Galaxy S3, a Galaxy S4 must be on its way, right?

Samsung isn't about to admit as much, though, meaning we've got to rely on rumors until official word makes its way down the pipeline.

Rumors like, say, Tuesday's report that Samsung's Galaxy S4 will sport the device maker's Exynos 5450 chipset with a powerful Cortex A15 quad-core processor and an equally impressive 13-megapixel camera.

In addition, one report on Tuesday claimed that the Galaxy S4 launch will go down in February, though the exact source of that prediction is unclear.

Galaxy S4 release date

The Samsung Galaxy S4's release date has been the subject of much speculation since whispers flitted about in September claimed that the Android smartphone would be unveiled at the 2013 Mobile World Congress in late February.

Samsung quickly refuted that rumor, though.

More recently, a report from last Friday claimed that Samsung will unveil a new device with a gorgeous 5-inch 1080p Super AMOLED display at January's CES 2013 conference, and speculation points to that device being the Galaxy S4.

That's yet to be confirmed, though, and SlashGear reported Tuesday that the February launch at Mobile World Congress may still happen, despite Samsung's claims otherwise.

A long road to the Galaxy S4

With Samsung's Galaxy S3 mini only recently revealed, it may still be some time before the Galaxy S4 surfaces in any official capacity.

And a Samsung Galaxy S2 Plus may even appear before then.

But until the S4 is announced by Samsung, the rumor mill will doubtless keep chugging.

TechRadar has kept abreast of all S4 rumors and news, so check out our complete what we'd like to see round up for all the latest (plus some wish-list items).


Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/galaxy-s4-rumors-point-to-quad-core-a15-chip-13mp-camera-1114046

Galaxy S4 rumors out quad-core A15 chip, 13MP camera

Galaxy S4 rumors out quad-core A15 chip, 13MP camera
Samsung will be looking to repeat the Galaxy S3's success

Given the success of Samsung's Galaxy S3, a Galaxy S4 must be on its way, right?

Samsung isn't about to admit as much, though, meaning we've got to rely on rumors until official word makes its way down the pipeline.

Rumors like, say, Tuesday's report that Samsung's Galaxy S4 will sport the device maker's Exynos 5450 chipset with a powerful Cortex A15 quad-core processor and an equally impressive 13-megapixel camera.

In addition, one report on Tuesday claimed that the Galaxy S4 launch will go down in February, though the exact source of that prediction is unclear.

Galaxy S4 release date

The Samsung Galaxy S4's release date has been the subject of much speculation since rumors in September claimed that the Android smartphone would be unveiled at the 2013 Mobile World Congress in late February.

Samsung quickly refuted that rumor, though.

More recently, a report on Friday claimed that Samsung will unveil a new device with a gorgeous 5-inch 1080p Super AMOLED display at January's CES 2013 conference, and speculation points to that device being the Galaxy S4.

That's yet to be confirmed, though, and Slashgear reported on Tuesday that the February launch at Mobile World Congress may still happen, despite Samsung's claims otherwise.

A long road to the Galaxy S4

With Samsung's Galaxy S3 mini only recently revealed, it may still be some time before the Galaxy S4 surfaces in any official capacity.

And a Samsung Galaxy S2 Plus may even appear before then.

But until the S4 is announced by Samsung, the rumor mill will doubtless keep chugging.

TechRadar isn't immune to that process, having previously speculated on exactly what we'd like to see in Samsung's new Galaxy S4.


Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/galaxy-s4-rumors-out-quad-core-a15-chip-13mp-camera-1114046

Samsung Galaxy S2 Plus coming in 2013?

Samsung Galaxy S2 Plus coming in 2013?
Beefed-up Galaxy S2 to return to the limelight?

Samsung is reportedly planning to squeeze more life out of its breakthrough Galaxy S2 smartphone with a new and improved version slated for next year.

SamMobile is reporting that a Samsung Galaxy S2 Plus handset is being prepped for a Q1 2013 release.

According to the site, the phone would come with Android 4.1 Jelly Bean out of the box and the latest version of the TouchWiz UI, along with 8GB of storage and a choice of two colours - white or blue.

The report does not speculate on whether there'll be improvements in the engine room through the addition of a quad-core processor or improved memory.

Strange timing

The speculation comes six months after Samsung succeeded the Galaxy S2 with the all-conquering Galaxy S3, so it would be an interesting move if the predecessor was pushed back into the limelight.

Samsung also launched the downsized Galaxy S3 mini in the last month, while recent tech gossip has been trained on a potential Galaxy S4 launch at CES 2013.

The original S2 is still selling well with some mobile carriers and is clinging to the top ten in TechRadar's 20 best mobile phones in the world today chart, over 18 months after it launched.

If Samsung does launch an Galaxy S2 Plus it may risks blurring its brand clarity, an issue which HTC has admitted caused confusion among customers and saw the start of its fall from grace in 2011.


Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/samsung-galaxy-s2-plus-coming-in-2013-1113997

Hands on with the Evernote Smart Notebook by Moleskine, a digital compromise for pen-and-paper purists

evernote notes

While Evernote has evolved into a platform for organizing, remembering, and digitally storing everything, those of us that can't quite put down the pen haven't entirely gotten on board. Now the Smart Notebook by Moleskine could possibly change that.

For someone who is on top of app releases, I’ve been slow to the digital productivity game. Not that I haven’t tried them all. I’ve gone hands on with more organization, to-do, and productivity apps than I know what to do with, but I’ve never ever found anything that stuck – the problem is that for all my digital dependence, I’m still a pen-and-paper purist.

Even in college, when I would lug my iBook (remember those?) from class to class, I would still pull out an actual notebook. The simple act of putting pen to paper kept me from getting distracted, and there have been countless studies that suggest people who take physical notes retain more information and are able to brainstorm during the act. It’s certainly not a foolproof method, but it’s always worked for me.

And it’s a big part of why I could never go whole hog with productivity, note-taking apps. My diligent, physical notes couldn’t be accounted for, and in the gap between my smartphone and sheets of paper, things would get lost. I spent more time trying to figure out which list something was on, and if it’d been completed.

All this explains my interest in the Evernote Smart Notebook from Moleskine. The brand name notebook-maker partnered with Evernote to create a tangible way to use the app that integrates with the Evernote iOS app to connect our virtual and physical note-taking. So has it made a convert out of me? Let’s dive in.

Pros

Everyone likes a good Moleskine notebook. Personally, these are the ones I skim over, tell myself I’ll buy someday, and then skip right along to the cheap options. But the Evernote-branded notebook is quality stuff, with an embossed leather face, green brand to keep it closed, and a book-build in favor of those terrible metal rings that ruin every notebook they touch. It’s nicely sized and the pages are thick enough you use them front to back. Basically, you’ve got a nice, professional notebook on your hands here.

evernote smart notebook coverAside from aesthetics, using the notebook with the app is very cool. Evernote upgraded its hand-writing reading technology with its Penultimate acquisition, and the pay off can be seen here. Within the app, there’s an option to capture a document. Hit this, and your camera is ready to record whatever is in your notebook. You might think that your iPhone’s camera on its own would do a comparable job, but you’re wrong: There’s a really big difference in the clarity and contrast added by using Evernote’s dedicated feature. (It comes out a little blurry and pixelated int he screen shots at right, but in reality it reads really nicely on my screen). 

stickers evernoteI’m a little divided on the use of the stickers included with the Smart Notebook. There are a few sheets of stickers that you can use to label your notes that the app can read and then organize  that come with the notebook, and it’s pretty impressive how the app is able to use and diagnose your notes from them. The hurdle here, of course, is training yourself to put tiny stickers next to your copious notes.  

sticker categoriesStill, when you jump into the app and see your sticker-made tags organized by Evernote, the incredibly minimal effort seems well worth it. Thankfully, you can use multiple categorical stickers on one page and Evernote will recognize the different tags.

And if you’ve been eyeing Evernote for awhile and are in the market for a new notebook, it comes with a month free trial of Evernote Premium – a pretty big bonus.

Cons

Really, the only issue I had with the Evernote Smart Notebook is my own damn brain. It’s a mess in there: Receipts overlap with to do lists, to do lists overlap with random notes, random notes overlap with weekend schedules. The way I sort these things out is by scribbling them onto paper – and I can’t blame an app for not being able to totally make sense of it all.

While the stickers actually do help quite a bit, I need about 10 more types of qualifiers and some really refined natural language processing engine in order to digitally organize my notes. I ended up living within the Tags section of the app because that’s what the stickers were able to fill in; anything I had to do myself I found I grew weary of pretty quickly.

evernote notebook stickersNow when it comes to the Web version of Evernote, I was easier to convince – however, I don’t own a Mac, so I don’t get to use that nice new Mac app the platform released. That’s a bit of a bummer because I’d prefer to see a familiar UI when I open the browser version of Evernote, but it’s quite different than what I see on my iPhone.

I definitely limited myself to a very basic Evernote experience, using the Smart Notebook for documenting things entirely and allowing the stickers to do any and all organizing – meaning there’s a ton of Evernote app features I’m ignoring entirely.

Verdict

Despite the fact that the Smart Notebook hasn’t quite gotten me to up my Evernote game yet, it’s definitely helping me inch that way. And it’s definitely brought me to the point of admitting my current system of half-filled notepads, scraps of paper, and random Google Docs really isn’t going to cut it.

The human brain – at least my human brain – is a messy place, and I know I need to do something about it. I also acknowledge that digitalizing all this is in my interest: I’m constantly on my smartphone, and I spend my day at the computer. But I can’t bring myself to put down the pen – and thankfully, now I don’t have to.

$25 for a notebook might be a little rich for your blood, but there’s a wide market of people this should appeal to: Evernote addicts are quickly becoming a dime a dozen, and while they might be attached to the app like it’s a limb, I’m sure more than a few of them still carry pen and paper. And for anyone out there that needs a little push to get on board with digital productivity, the Smart Notebook is a clean, convenient compromise. 


Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/hands-on-with-the-evernote-smart-notebook-by-moleskine/

Samsung to show an 8-core big.LITTLE chipset next year

Samsung is rumored to put a quad Cortex-A15 CPU inside the Galaxy S IV with the Exynos 5450 chipset, but EETimes is reporting that the Korean company has a more interesting chipset in the works - the first one to use ARM's big.LITTLE technology.

This tech pairs a number of powerful Cortex-A15 cores with the same number of low-power Cortex-A7 cores (similar to NVIDIA's fifth core in Tegra 3). The chipset seamlessly switches between the high and low power cores depending on the load (but it can't run all at the same time).

The chipset in particular will pack four A15s clocked at 1.8GHz and four A7s clocked at 1.2GHz. The A7s will reportedly match a quad-core Cortex-A8 CPU (not that such exist), while the four A15s should offer a big increase over the already powerful A15 duo that powers the Nexus 10. The chip will be built on a 28nm process and pack 2MB of cache.

We're sure that there will be plenty of rumors that this will be the chipset in the Galaxy S IV, but it's more likely to see it in a tablet first.

Source | Via


Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_to_show_an_8core_biglittle_chipset_next_year-news-5103.php

Leaked videos show Microsoft knew the Kin was terrible

Leaked videos show Microsoft knew the Kin was terrible
Even the fundraising foam party couldn't save the Kin from being sent to the farm

Focus group videos filmed ahead of the launch of the Microsoft Kin show that the company knew the handsets struggled to do basically everything.

If you don't remember the Kin range, let us refresh your memory: it was a short-lived line-up of semi-smartphones launched by Microsoft in 2010.

It's fair to say they did not do well, and were pulled from shop shelves after just a few weeks on sale, despite natty adverts featuring hip young youths. The handsets did not even make it across to the UK before the project was killed.

Wired has got its hands on some internal focus testing videos that prove that Microsoft knew the Kin handsets were lacking in basic usability, but pushed ahead with the launch anyway.

'Kin hell

"Annoying", "frustrating" and "useless" are three adjectives used to describe simple scrolling on the phone, with one tester saying, "This phone would have gone back if I'd paid for it."

Even making a call using any of the Kin phones was a disaster as the testers struggled to even enter a phone number adequately. It makes for frustrating viewing; we can't imagine how annoying it must have been to actually do.

Microsoft's mobile strategy pre-Windows Phone was questionable at best but to knowingly launch and let people buy sub-standard hardware? Madness.

At least the company seems to have improved on its hardware strategy with the Windows RT-running Microsoft Surface tablet; just as well, given the rumours of a Surface Phone in the works.


Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/leaked-videos-show-microsoft-knew-the-kin-was-terrible-1113929

Is Apple running its own eBay store? Signs point to ‘Yes’

An Apple store on eBay?

A recently launched eBay store that only sells refurbished Apple products appears to be a thinly disguised outlet run by Apple itself. And thanks to some sales tax loophole, buying through the eBay store may actually be a better deal than the online Apple Store offers.

Searching for a deal on Apple gadgets for your holiday shopping? Then look no further than this curious eBay store, which specializes in refurbished Apple goods, and just might be run by Apple itself.

First noticed by 9to5Mac a few weeks ago, the eBay store is run by seller “refurbished_outlet,” who has received a 99.6 percent positive rating since first joining eBay at the beginning of October. Neither Apple nor eBay have said a peep about whether the online market is the work of someone in Cupertino, or simply a savvy re-seller. However, some telling clues point to this being the case. For instance, all products come with a one-year warranty, and are priced exactly the same as refurbished products on Apple’s official store. Furthermore, every product sold through the eBay store receives a “final quality inspection by Apple.”.

As mentioned, the deals are the same as what you’ll find on Apple.com. A refurbished third-generation, Wi-Fi-only iPad with 32GB of storage, for example, will run you $469 on both eBay and Apple’s site. A 13-inch MacBook Pro with a 2.8GHz processor, 4GB of RAM, and 750GB of storage costs the same $1,149 as it does on Apple’s website. The eBay store currently lists 25 products, while Apple has many more available. This is mostly due to the fact that the eBay store does not include any iPhones or iPads that require users to sign up for wireless service.

There is only one unsubstantial sign that this store is not actually Apple’s store (thought 9to5Mac says they know it is): The amount of money the eBay store says you’ll save on each item is different than what Apple lists. (e.g. The aforementioned iPad is said to be $130 off on eBay, but only $80 off on Apple’s website.)

Regardless, 9to5Mac points out that buying through the eBay store could be a better deal for some customers, as only residents of California, Washington DC, Indiana, Nevada, New Jersey, and Texas must pay sales tax when buying through the eBay store, while Apple charges tax no matter where you live.


Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/apple-ebay-store/

Apple allegedly planning iPhone 5 successor and next-gen iPad for mid-2013

iPhone 5 vs Galaxy S3 angle side by side apple samsung

Recent reports from Asia have sparked rumor that both Apple and Samsung are already planning their next-gen product launches.

While shoppers may be gearing up to purchase the iPhone 5 or one of Apple’s recently released iPads this holiday season, the Cupertino, Calif.-based company is already planning for its next major electronics release.

Apple is allegedly expected to unveil its iPhone 5 successor and next-generation iPad around the middle of 2013, according to DigiTimes. This rumor is based on predictions from analysts watching Apple’s supply chain. Suppliers such as contract chipmaker Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) and packager Advanced Semiconductor Engineering (ASE) are projected to deliver strong results for the first quarter of 2013, according to the report.

DigiTimes, a Taiwanese publication known for closely covering Apple’s supply chain, has not named its sources but says this news comes from “market observers.” It’s important to remember that this information can only be considered heavy rumor at this point, since Apple has not made any official announcements.

These alleged sources have also said that component orders placed by Apple, which reached a high point just before the official iPhone 5 announcement, are expected to spike again between March and April of 2013.

This isn’t the first time rumors concerning the production of a next-generation iPhone have hit the Web recently. A report from last week indicated that Apple will begin trial production of its iPhone 5 successor next month. Chinese publication Commercial Times reported that between 50,000 and 100,000 units of the so-called “iPhone 5S” will be produced.

Although the existence of these new Apple products cannot be proven, the idea of next-generation iPhones and iPads is a foregone conclusion. Rumors of a Samsung Galaxy S3 successor, presumably called the Galaxy S4, have also begun to spike recently. Technical specifications for what is believed to be Samsung’s next handset had appeared on Korean news website Digital Daily, sparking speculation that the device could be in production. However, Samsung has offered no comment on its plans for a Galaxy S3 successor, which means that this also must be classified as rumor.

While these reports from Asia provide little information as to when these devices will be released (or if they even exist), a mid-2013 launch would align with the seemingly declining life cycle of mobile products. Apple waited less than eight months to announce a follow up to its iPad 3, and Samsung unveiled its Galaxy Note 2 approximately six months after the original Galaxy Note debuted in February. March would mark six months since the iPhone 5 was officially released and about five months since its current generation iPads launched.  


Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/rumor-apple-allegedly-planning-iphone-5-successor-and-next-gen-ipad-for-mid-2013/

Android 4.1.2 test firmware for Samsung Galaxy Note II surfaces

A test ROM, carrying a version number N7100XXDLJ2 for the Galaxy Note II has just surfaced, giving everyone brave enough to try manual flashing a chance to experience the latest goodies from the Samsung R&D center.

The leaked release bring a cool new ink effect for the lockscreen, which you can check out in the following video:

Other new features of the leaked ROM include:

  • New Group Cast application
  • Updated notification toggles
  • Customizable notification panel
  • Swype-like continuous input for Samsung Keyboard

Follow our source link for info on how to get the update running on your Note II. As always, be careful when installing pre-release firmware updates and know that this will void your warranty.

Source


Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/android_412_leaked_firmware_for_note_ii_surfaces-news-5101.php

Android 5.0 benchmark suggests Sony Nexus handset exists

Android 5.0 benchmark suggests Sony Nexus handset exists
The pie might be ready to come out of the oven

Android 5.0 has popped up on a benchmarking website, apparently running on a Sony-made smartphone.

Dubbed Key Lime Pie, the next iteration of Android is expected to be a big one, taking a significant leap forward from Jelly Bean and Google will want a shiny new handset to show off its latest platform.

Now a benchmark result has appeared on the Nenamark site, claiming to show stats from a Sony LT30i – a relation to the Sony Xperia T – running Android 5.0.0.

In the running

In the run up to the launch of the LG-made Google Nexus 4 announcement, there were rumours that the search giant was in talks with various manufacturers and Sony was one of the names bandied about as a possible provider of the next Nexus smartphone.

So the suggestion that Sony could be trialing a new version of the Android mobile OS isn't that far-fetched - but these results are by no means a sure thing.

Benchmark results should always be taken with a heavy dosage of salt, so we aren't getting carried away over here at TechRadar. The Key Lime Pie is not necessarily about to come out of the oven.


Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/android-5-0-benchmark-suggests-sony-nexus-handset-exists-1113884

Nokia’s HERE Maps app arrives on iOS to fill the hole left by Google Maps

HERE Maps iOS

Nokia has released its new HERE Maps app for iOS, where it brings the popular Nokia Maps service to iPhones and iPads everywhere, along with several features missing from Apple Maps, including public transportation routes.

Nokia revealed its HERE Maps app and associated HTML5 website at an event in San Francisco last week, where it made a big deal of its compatibility with the forthcoming Firefox OS, plus its impending release in the iTunes App Store, Google Play and the Windows Phone Store.

Today it has arrived in the first of those stores and unsurprisingly, it’s the iTunes App Store. It’s not hard to figure out why either, as Nokia already has a presence on — in its mind — the only Windows Phone handsets that count, plus Google Maps has Android all sewn up too.

Apple however, has had a bad year when it comes to mapping software, following the release of its almost universally hated Apple Maps, and the more recent departure of Scott Forstall, one of the men responsible for creating it. Nokia knows now is the time to capitalize on Apple’s misfortune, and has released the app for free.

It’s universal too, so it’s at home on both your iPhone and your iPad, plus Nokia has ensured it has been designed with the iPhone 5’s 4-inch screen too. One can switch between the traditional map view to using a satellite view, or one showing public transport routes and live traffic information.

The traffic information depends on your location, as it’s not available everywhere, and the points-of-interest data is also a little patchy for the same reason. We’d expect Nokia to be updating the app regularly too.

Voice guidance

While driving and public transport routes can be calculated and followed, only walking gets you voice guidance. A helpful addition is the chance to download sections of map for offline use, something that can be done with a user-definable level of detail too.

Nokia’s HERE Maps covers almost 200 countries, and has the option of switching to open source maps rather than using the NAVTEQ maps the app is based upon.

When Apple Maps was released with iOS 6, it wasn’t quite ready for public use and while it has been steadily improving, HERE Maps has several key features — most notably the public transport routes — that should make it a welcome alternative for those frustrated by Apple Maps’ shortcomings. Nokia’s HERE Maps are also available online, and you can read our early impressions on the site here.

HERE Maps may be the map app of the moment, but its time in the limelight may be short lived, as rumors continue to spread regarding Google Maps’ imminent arrival inside the iTunes App Store. While these have been around ever since its removal from iOS 6, talk of early versions being circulated outside of Google came along last week, although Google still hasn’t admitted such an app is being developed.


Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/nokias-here-maps-app-released-for-the-iphone-and-ipad/

Nokia Here maps app hits iOS

Nokia Here maps app hits iOS
Can Apple Maps do *this*? No.

Nokia hopes to beat Apple at its own shaky mapping game with the Nokia Here maps app hitting iOS today.

You'll be able to get the free Here app on iPhones, iPads and iPod touches running iOS 4.3 and above.

Approving Nokia's app may have been a hard pill for Apple to swallow, given that it has had a few, er, teething problems with its own iOS Maps App.

Here, there, everywhere

The headline features of Nokia Here are offline map caching, a pretty darn good sat-nav option and integrated reviews from tourist guides like Time Out and Lonely Planet.

You'll also be able to save places of particular interest to you and restore them on Nokia Here on other devices and platforms, provided you're logged in.

For now, that means you'll need a Windows Phone device or to use the maps in-browser; however Nokia Here will be hitting Android in the months to come.

Nokia has bragged of its long and illustrious history of cartographical prowess and we're certainly impressed with Here when compared to There – and by There we mean Apple's iOS Maps.

But Nokia will have a bigger challenge on its hands when the more powerful Google Maps for iOS finally hits the App Store – that's expected to land at some point in the next few months.


Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/nokia-here-maps-app-hits-ios-1113880

UK's first 4G SIM-only plans finally appear

UK's first 4G SIM-only plans finally appear
SIM-only, but still costly

EE, the UK's first network to offer 4G has finally launched its SIM-only tariffs, almost a month after the superfast network strode onto the scene in Britain.

Plans start at £21 per month on a 12-month contract – no rolling 30-day deals here – which gives you unlimited texts and calls but just 500MB of data.

If you need more data each month, EE offers 1GB, 3GB and 5GB tariffs, priced at £26, £31 and £36 respectively.

Worth it?

While EE will argue that you'll be getting superfast speeds, allowing you to download apps and videos in a flash while you stroll down the street, it's hard to ignore offers elsewhere for the data hungry among us.

Over at giffgaff, for example, you can pick up 250 minutes, unlimited texts and unlimited internet for £12 a month – there's no 4G, but at almost half the price of EE's cheapest offering it's well worth considering.

The good news is EE does provide nano-SIMs if you fancy picking up a new iPhone 5 SIM-free and then going down the 4G SIM-only route for a year.

Plus you can use your handset to tether your web connection to other devices - although this will likely see you chomp through your allowance in double quick time.


Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/uks-first-4g-sim-only-plans-finally-appear-1113846

HTC says Apple settlement estimates are “outrageous,” while Samsung wants all the juicy details

samsung apple torn header patent war court case

HTC's Peter Chou has called financial estimates on its recent deal with Apple "outrageous," but hasn't provided any further details. Samsung however, is more interested in those patents being licensed, as they may prove crucial in its upcoming courtroom battle with Apple.

Last week, HTC inked a licensing deal with Apple, putting an end to two years of patent litigation between the two companies. Neither released any official details regarding the 10-year package, but that didn’t stop analysts from giving their opinion.

Estimations put HTC as having to pay Apple between $6 and $8 per Android phone it will sell, giving a grand total of up to $280 million per year, depending on HTC’s sales performance.

HTC’s CEO Peter Chou has now spoken out about the settlement with Apple, and while he hasn’t revealed any actual figures, he’s quoted as saying “I think that these estimates are baseless and very, very wrong. It is an outrageous number.” However, he did say he is “very, very happy” with the settlement, and added that it was a “good ending” to the legal battle.

Samsung wants all the details

While speculation on HTC’s end of the deal has been rife, little attention has been paid to the fact the settlement was a joint affair, covering patents for both companies. Samsung, however, has been paying attention.

Following news of the deal, Samsung’s lawyers have asked a U.S. court to force Apple to reveal the contents of its deal with HTC, as it’s “almost certain” some of the patents it has been battling over with Apple have been included — ones that Apple has previous said it would not license.

These prized patents all refer to what Apple calls its unique user experience, something you’d expect it to want to keep all to itself. Except court documents have shown Apple has licensed at least one of these patents to both Nokia and IBM, and now possibly HTC too.

Ammunition against Apple

So why exclude Samsung? When commenting on the Apple/HTC deal, an analyst for RBS told the Wall Street Journal Apple “no longer considers HTC a threat, but Samsung is a major competitor.” Apple probably doesn’t see much of a threat from Nokia either, and IBM won’t be using the patents for smartphones at all, so it could be happier to sign a financial settlement with these companies.

It’s goal with Samsung though, is to persuade the courts to ban the offending devices from sale. If the contents of the HTC deal can help Samsung avoid such a ban, it needs to move quickly, as Apple’s hearing is scheduled for December 6, where it will ask for eight Samsung smartphones to be withdrawn from sale.

Samsung has recently vowed to continue fighting Apple in court, and won’t be signing any HTC-like deals — not that any seem forthcoming — in the near future either, as according to Samsung’s head of telecoms “we don’t intend to negotiate at all.”


Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/htc-dispute-apple-settlement-claims-while-samsung-wants-more-details/

HTC: Apple settlement estimates 'very, very wrong'

HTC: Apple settlement estimates 'very, very wrong'
HTC: We ain't no fools.

HTC's CEO got upset at media reports that it was being forced to pay Apple top dollar in a settlement.

Peter Chou (the man who regularly hangs out with the likes of Dr Dre) was speaking at a Japanese product launch when he was asked about the mooted $6 - $8 (£3.50 - £5, AUS$5.5-7.5) figure HTC was paying Apple for each Android phone it sold.

"I think that these estimates are baseless and very, very wrong. It is a outrageous number, but I'm not going to comment anything on a specific number," said Chou.

"I believe we have a very, very happy settlement and a good ending,"

Thankfully not a 'happy ending'

The settlement revolves around a number of patents regarding the user interface and key standards within the use of a mobile phone from Apple or HTC, which even saw the Taiwanese firm's products banned on US shores for a short while.

However, HTC also asserted it held a number of patents which Apple was infringing upon during the same period.

The two brands haven't disclosed which patents have been shared or whether any cross licensing has gone on, but HTC hasn't changed its financial predictions for the fourth quarter after the deal was struck.


Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/htc-apple-settlement-estimates-very-very-wrong-1113828

Rumors: Galaxy S IV to have 13MP camera, quad-core A15 CPU

The Samsung Galaxy S IV rumors are heating up - the 4.99" 1080p Super AMOLED screen was brought up again as was the Exynos 5450 chipset rumors (with quad-core Cortex-A15 CPU). The camera has also caught the attention of the rumor mill and apparently it will be a 13MP shooter.

That sounds plausible - we've heard that the Galaxy Note II was supposed to have a 13MP shooter, but in the end Samsung went with the old 8MP because Sony couldn’t make enough sensors (and it had already made a deal with LG for the Optimus G). Plus, Samsung can't have three consecutive generations of Galaxy S phones using the same camera, can it?

A new Korean source talked about the new 4.99" 1080p Super AMOLED screens that Samsung is supposed to show off at CES in January (and that are already in production). The same rumor coming from a second source seemingly confirms it, but unfortunately this new rumor is still light on details.

Since the "Plus" keyword is missing from the "Super AMOLED" name, it suggests that we're talking about a PenTile display. It probably won't make a big difference at 441ppi pixel density, though.

Anyway, the other rumor that was reiterated was about the Exynos 5450 chipset - the quad-core version of the 5250 chipset that powers the Nexus 10 tablet. We're still very skeptical of that - four Cortex-A15 cores at 2GHz will make minced meat of current mobile chipsets, but will probably also suck a battery dry in record time.

Well, we look forward to CES to see if Samsung really will break out the 1080p Super AMOLED displays, but we guess it won't be before Q2 that we see the Galaxy S IV for real.

Thanks to Shubham Jain for sending this in!

Source 1Source 2


Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/rumors_galaxy_s_iv_to_have_13mp_camera_499_1080p_display-news-5100.php

Smartphone holiday gift guide

Smartphone holiday gift guide

It's that time of year. All of the new devices are hitting shelves in hopes of making it under a Christmas tree and into your hands. From the iPhone to the Razr M, check out our favorite phones this holiday season.

2012 Holiday Gift Guide

The last three months of the year are always packed with new smartphone releases. It’s when manufacturers roll out the biggest and best devices they’ve got (and we put the emphasis squarely on “biggest” this year) and people like you and I groan that our wireless contracts ended in the summer. For the last couple years, we’ve been able to point to a couple devices that are “must haves” and stand above the crowd, but this year is different. For the first time, nearly every major phone manufacturer – Apple, HTC, LG, Motorola, and Samsung – have a flagship phone worth talking about, and every major operating system – Android, iOS, and Windows Phone – is accounted for. In fact, there are a number of great devices we haven’t included here. Unless you’re hoping to get a free phone, it’s almost hard to go wrong this holiday season. 

And so, without further adieu, here is our smartphone gift guide for the 2012 holidays.

galaxy s3

Samsung Galaxy S3, $200 w/2-yr contract

AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon, U.S. Cellular, Ting

For five years, the iPhone has been the undisputed champion of the smartphone game. Phones like the Motorola Droid and HTC EVO have come and gone, but with the Galaxy S3, Samsung took its game to a new level. The S3 is the first phone to rival the iPhone in sales and buzz. After nearly half a year on the market, the S3 is still one of the top phones to have.

We still wouldn’t say that the design and user interface of the Galaxy S3 are able to match the fluidity of the iPhone 5, but Samsung’s phone has many technical advantages over the new iPhone 5, including near-field communication sharing, a larger screen, expandable memory, better maps (Google Maps), a removable (replaceable) battery, and Android itself, which boasts some technical prowess over Apple’s OS in the area of communication and notifications.

Whether you’re a die-hard iPhone user, a renewer, or someone new to smartphones, we recommend you check out Samsung’s smartphone this holiday season.

iPhone 5

Apple iPhone 5, $200 w/2-yr contract

AT&T, Sprint, Verizon

It’s the new iPhone. What more is there to say? Actually, a lot. With the iPhone 5, Apple has taken its hardware design to a new level, outputting one of the thinnest, most durable smartphones on the market. It will take a ding, but in a number of drop tests against the Galaxy S3 and other rivals, the iPhone survived longer. The phone also sports a slightly longer 4-inch screen and an upgraded version of iOS (6.0.2). The overall design of iOS is beginning to look aged, but for smartphone users who just want things to work and don’t want to worry about managing things like background processes, the iPhone is still the champ.

This is the smartphone both you and your parents might use. With a heap of competent rivals hitting the market, the iPhone is losing its place as the supreme leader of all smartphones, but that doesn’t mean much. The iPhone is still arguably the best smartphone choice for the widest variety of users. If you’re debating between this and the GS3, check out our in-depth iPhone 5 vs. Galaxy S3 comparison.

HTC Windows Phone 8X

HTC Windows Phone 8X, $200 w/2-yr contract

AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon

The Galaxy S3 was the first non-iPhone smartphone to go multi-carrier, but it wasn’t the last. With the 8X, HTC has delivered the first flagship Windows Phone 8 device. If you are up for renewal and happen to use AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon (sorry Sprint subscribers), you should check out the 8X. We’ve been recommending you try out Windows Phone for years, but this time, we mean it. Microsoft’s mobile OS has a different look and feel to it than Android or iPhone, and with an upgraded homescreen that allows Live Tiles (widgets/icons) of different sizes and shapes, Windows Phone 8 is finally displaying the flexibility it promised when it debuted two years ago. There are a few big apps still missing from Microsoft’s app store, but most people should have few problems adapting to the world of Windows Phone, especially if you like music and podcasts. Windows Phone has decent built-in solutions for both.

LG Optimus G

LG Optimus G / Nexus 4, $200 w/2-yr contract

AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile (Nexus 4), Unlocked (Nexus 4)

LG was (and still is) one of the biggest names in basic phones (flip phones), but the transition to smartphones has been rough. However, with the Optimus G, LG has finally taken a strong step toward regaining its image, and maybe some market share. The G is one of the best smartphones on the market. And though LG wasn’t able to blanket the market with the G, it has done everything in it could to make the phone available, in some form, to almost everyone. Sprint owners can enjoy the Optimus G that we love most, with its refined design and detailed edging; AT&T users get the same basic phone, though made to blend in with the carrier’s phone lineup; and anyone on T-Mobile can purchase the Google Nexus 4, which may not bear the LG name, but is most definitely an Optimus G on the inside. The only downside of the Nexus 4 is its lack of 4G LTE connectivity, though that shouldn’t bother T-Mobile users.

We recommend you buy the Nexus 4 through the Google Play Store. There, you can pick it up for $300 with no contract. To give you an idea of how good a deal that is, most smartphones retail for $600 – $700 unless you lock yourself into a two-year contract with a carrier.

Motorola Photon Q

Motorola Photon Q, $200 w/2-yr contract

Sprint

Fans of physical keyboards, we feel your pain. Even fewer top phones come with a QWERTY slide-out keyboard than a year ago, and a year from now, we can’t guarantee there will be any at all. But for now, you can cling tight to the Photon Q. Sadly, the Q is only available on Sprint, but if you love keyboards, it’s worth the jump. The Q runs a relatively clean version of Android 4.0, is incredibly comfortable to hold, and has the same 5-row QWERTY keyboard that made the Droid 4 one of our favorite Verizon phones last year. The only downside to the Q is its battery life. If you happen to be in an area served by Sprint 4G LTE, that’s another good reason to consider the Q. Did we mention that each key on the phone is individually backlit? Yep.

Samsung Galaxy Note 2Samsung Galaxy Note 2, $300+ w/2-yr contract

AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon, U.S. Cellular

I stand by my review of the first Galaxy Note. To me, the Galaxy Note and Note 2 are just too large to make for effective phones. But the people have spoken, and big is in. Due to strong sales of the original, the Galaxy Note 2 is available on almost every major carrier, but it will cost you at least $300 with a two-year contract, making the Note 2 one of the most expensive devices on the market this year. If you really want a 5.3-inch super screen, crave a pop-out stylus, and really want to block half of your face when you make a phone call, the Galaxy Note 2 is the device for you. Outside of its size, this is a solid phone, with most of the benefits of the Galaxy S3 with Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) to boot. Our advice: hold an iPhone, then hold a Galaxy S3, then pick up the Galaxy Note 2. Whichever one fits your hands best, go for it.

Motorola Photon Q

Motorola Droid Razr M, $100 w/2-yr contract

Verizon

We have nothing bad to say about the Droid Razr HD and Razr Maxx HD. They are both great Verizon handsets (though the Maxx is your best bet due to battery life). So why the Razr M? We feel it might be the best-sized and most comfortable phone on the market. In a market dominated by phones made for giant hands, the Razr M, like the iPhone 5, is sized for all. Though it has roughly the same dimensions as Apple’s new iPhone, the Razr M packs in a more spacious 4.3-inch screen, which is just wide enough that you won’t continuously mistype all of your emails and texts (sorry iPhoners, you know it to be true). The placement of key buttons like the volume and power are also better than the iPhone. If you’re hesitant to move toward the giant 4.7- to 5-inch smartphone range, then the Razr M is a solid choice.


Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/smartphone-holiday-gift-guide/