Thursday, January 3, 2013

Jelly Bean distribution increases, doubles over past month

The latest Android distribution have been released and things seem to be moving in the right direction. For starters, the Jelly Bean figures have nearly doubled since same time last month, from 6.7 percent to 10.1 percent this month. Unfortunately, it still remains a fairly small number.



Meanwhile, the now outdated Ice Cream Sandwich grew from 27.5 percent to 29.1 percent whereas the now thoroughly outdated Gingerbread dropped from 50.8 percent to 47.6 percent, which is still a massive number whichever way you look at it.

Hopefully, with more and more devices getting the latest update and new devices coming this year, we would see a greater drop in the pre-ICS versions of Android.

Source


Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/jelly_bean_distribution_increases_doubles_over_past_month-news-5285.php

Man uses online dating site to lure thief and recover stolen iPhone

Definitely a creative way to recover lost or stolen property, a Brooklyn man was able to get his lost iPhone back by using a fake OkCupid profile for bait.

Described in detail on his personal blog as well as a couple Reddit posts, musician Nadav Nirenberg accidentally left his iPhone in a taxi on New Year’s Eve on the way to a gig. After discovering that the smartphone was missing, Nirenberg attempted to repeatedly call his phone to connect with any person that may have found the Apple device. He also sent emails as well as left messages promising a reward if the phone was returned to him. After half a day of waiting for a response, Nirenberg came to the conclusion that the smartphone wasn’t going to be returned.

okcupid correspondence iPhone thiefOn the following day, Nirenberg discovered that the person using the smartphone was sending messages to local women though Nirenberg’s personal OkCupid account. It’s likely that the OkCupid online dating application installed on the iPhone was setup to be accessible without requiring a password each time to log into the service.

At this point, Nirenberg created a new email address and started a fake OkCupid profile under the name “Jennifer Rodriguez.” Posing as a young woman that recently relocated to Brooklyn, Nirenberg initiated a conversation with the person that was using his iPhone and was able to convince the thief to visit ”Jennifer Rodriguez” at his apartment building. After giving the thief the address in addition to an apartment number on a floor above his own, Nirenberg waited for the thief to arrive at his building. 

okcupid profile iphone ownerWhen the thief arrived at the apartment building with a bottle of wine, Nirenberg approached the man from behind as he was walking up the stairs.

Spotting his iPhone in the thief’s hand, Nirenberg asked for the phone back, offered the man $20 for his trouble and informed the thief that the police were on the way. Nirenberg offered the money in order to disarm the thief with a “peace offering,” however Nirenberg was also carrying a hammer in one of his hands for personal protection. 

The thief immediately returned the iPhone and quickly left the apartment building. According to Nirenberg, the thief only used the OkCupid online dating application and avoided other iOS applications like email, Facebook or his banking software. Mentioned within comments on Reddit, Nirenberg believes that the thief was likely his cab driver the night of New Year’s Eve, but he doesn’t want the man to lose his job over the incident. In addition, Nirenberg is looking into installing anti-theft software on his smartphone to avoid future mishaps. 

Anti-theft applications that provide the current GPS location of stolen mobile electronics can often lead to larger arrests for additional crimes. For instance, the Find My iPhone application recently led Florida police to a suspect that was linked to a variety of car burglaries in the area based off the stolen items recovered at the suspect’s home.

During mid-September 2012, the same tracking application led police to a TSA agent at the Orlando International airport that stole an iPad from an employee of ABC News during a sting operation. The agent in question was fired immediately by the Transportation Security Administration and video of the theft aired on ABC News.


Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/man-uses-okcupid-to-lure-iphone-thief/

Drift Innovation releases mobile app for remote operation of HD Ghost action cam

The Drift App lets users control their HD Ghost action camera remotely from iOS and Android smart devices, including camera angle setups and video playback.

Recently we introduced you to Drift Innovation and its new HD Ghost action camera. Today the company announced an enhancement to the camera via the free downloadable Drift App for iOS devices and coming soon for Android. The app syncs with the camera’s Drift Datalink system for remote operation via the app. Users can set up camera angles, stream video playback, and share content through social media sites, giving users greater flexibility without having to go through the camera.

The Drift App connects directly through the camera’s built-in Wi-Fi. In addition to the aforementioned functions, users can also monitor battery life. Drift Innovation has posted a video on how the app works with the camera.

“Whenever you have the Drift HD Ghost mounted to a helmet or positioned somewhere out of reach, the mobile app is essential to frame your angle and ensure you get the best shot,” said Drift’s managing director John Rounds in a release. “The Drift App features extremely low latency so you can see exactly what the camera is looking at on your mobile device and line up shots instantaneously. The Drift HD Ghost also comes equipped with its own Wi-Fi network enabling users to stream and download pictures and videos on the spot, using their phones to upload content instantly to their favorite social media channels.” 

The 1080p-capable HD Ghost is part of the growing segment of sports/action cameras. Drift Innovation is differentiating itself from the competition by implementing into the HD Ghost a two-way remote control for easier access, Wi-Fi connectivity, continuous loop recording, and a tough Gorilla glass LCD. The Drift App is another solution they are adding to make the product more accessible.

Check out our interview with Drift Innovation’s head of R&D, Billy Bacon.


Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/drift-innovationreleases-mobile-app-for-remote-operation-of-hd-ghost-action-cam/

Get ready for ultra scratch resistant Gorilla Glass 3

Get ready for ultra scratch resistant Gorilla Glass 3
Tough but adorable

"Primitive" Gorilla Glass isn't and if an announcement Thursday about what its maker Corning has in store for CES 2013 is any indication, we should see some highly evolved products coming from the company.

The company plans to unveil Gorilla Glass 3 next week, a new glass composition that, according to an Engadget report, is markedly stronger than Gorilla Glass 1 and 2.

A Corning-made feature known as Native Damage Resistance is said to help stymy flaws and scratches and uphold the overall retained strength of the glass even after knicks and dings.

What that means for the scratch-prone phone owners out there is a glass that's three times more scratch resistant, shows 40 percent less visible scratches and commands a 50 percent overall retained strength increase after the glass is damaged.

Fiber time

Also coming to CES are Optical Cables by Corning, fiber-based, device-to-device connectors for Thunderbolt.

The cables are long, strong and take the transmission range of copper-based cables to school, Corning said in a press release.

Corning promised to reveal more on both products Jan. 7, so we'll bring you all the monkey business the company has planned for CES and beyond.


Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/portable-devices/get-ready-for-ultra-scratch-resistant-gorilla-glass-3-1122485

Optimus G2 teased by LG for possible CES debut

Optimus G2 teased by LG for possible CES debut
Will the Optimus G's successor show up at CES?

LG is putting its pre-CES hype machine in full gear at the last minute, launching a video teaser with hints of what it will show in Las Vegas.

The highlight of the teaser video is a very brief glimpse of a smartphone, which shows the sleek corner of a device with a thin bezel around the screen.

The smartphone shown is believed to be the LG Optimus G2, a rumored 5-inch follow up to the Optimus G.

The rumored handset is said to pack a 1920 x 1080 resolution display with 440 ppi, putting the 5-inch display to good use for a full HD smartphone.

LG's CES lineup

The teaser doesn't reveal very much else of LG's CES lineup, though that may be because some of it is already known.

Last month LG prematurely announced that it will debut new GA6400 and GA7900 Google TV-equipped television sets at CES. The GA6400 will arrive in 42, 50, 55, and 60-inch models while the GA7900 will have a more premium low-bezel design in 47 and 55-inch varieties.

LG has yet to officially confirm the Optimus G2, though a benchmark leaked last month indicates that it could arrive quite soon.

The prevailing rumor is that the Optimus G2 could launch as early as May 2013, which would help it compete against 1080p handsets on the way from other manufacturers.

With 1080p smartphones already expected at CES from the likes of Samsung and Hauwei, all signs seem to point at the LG Optimus G2 sitting along with them on the show floor. We'll know for sure on Jan. 7 at 8am PST, when LG holds its CES press conference.


Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/optimus-g2-teased-by-lg-for-possible-ces-debut-1122489

Microsoft says Google ‘refuses’ YouTube app access to Windows Phone users

A Microsoft executive has said that Google executives are preventing the full version of YouTube's mobile app from being launched on Windows Phone.

We’ve previously heard that Google wasn’t planning on developing Gmail or any of its other apps for Microsoft’s Windows 8 platform. However, the search engine giant is also reportedly blocking a full-featured YouTube app from debuting on the Windows-themed OS as well.

Microsoft said on Wednesday that Google executives are preventing the Redmond, Washington-based company from offering “proper access to YouTube.”  Dave Heiner, Vice President and Deputy General Counsel for Microsoft, revealed this news through a blog post, acknowledging the importance of offering the video streaming app on mobile devices.

“This is an important issue because consumers value YouTube access on their phone,” Heiner wrote. “Yet Google still refuses to allow Windows Phone users to have the same access to YouTube and Android and Apple customers enjoy. Microsoft has continued to engage with YouTube personnel over the past two years to remedy this problem for consumers.”

This drama surrounding YouTube isn’t a new obstacle for Microsoft, as the executive revealed that the company has been struggling to resolve this issue for the past two years. As it stands, the YouTube app for Windows Phone is merely a limited version of the streaming service, considering Google doesn’t allow Microsoft access to YouTube’s full APIs.

The focus of Heiner’s argument in his recent blog post seems to be that Google executives are specifically responsible for this blockade; not the YouTube company as a whole.

“As you might expect, it appears that YouTube itself would like all customers – on Windows Phone as on any other device—to have a great YouTube experience,” he wrote. “But just last month we learned from YouTube that senior executives at Google told them not to enable a first-class YouTube experience on Windows Phones.”

Google responded to Microsoft’s accusations, issuing the following statement according to AllThingsD:

“Contrary to Microsoft’s claims, it’s easy for consumers to view YouTube videos on Windows Phones,” the statement read. “Windows phone users can access al the feature of YouTube through our HTML5-based mobile website, including viewing high-quality video streams, finding favorite videos, seeing video ratings, and searching for video categories. In fact, we’ve worked with Microsoft for several years to help build a great YouTube experience on Windows Phones.”

Oddly enough, a full-fledged YouTube app is present on one crucial Microsoft device: the Xbox 360. The app was released this past August and was part of YouTube’s new platform strategy to please fans when it comes to controlling the user experience.


Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/microsoft-google-refuses-youtube-app/

Facebook adds VoIP and voice messaging features to Messenger – for Canadians only (for now)

voip fb

Facebook Messenger has been updated with VoIP and voice messaging, predictably inspired by messaging competitors LINE, WeChat, and Nimbuzz.

Facebook introduced a groundbreaking new feature today to its mobile messaging app. Launching first to Canadian users, the social network’s update to its messaging app will include a brand new voice messaging function that allows users to record and send messages Facebook friends.

Users in Canada that update their apps today will notice a record button next to the photo and camera button. To send voice messages, you’ll just need to press, hold to record, and release the button once you’ve completed your message to send it. WeChat users will already be familiar with this concept. To delete the message, you can slide your fingers to “push” it off screen.

Messaging is a space that’s heating up and becoming contentious among developers. For now the top recognizable messaging apps competing for the global market are Nimbuzz, WeChat, Whatsapp, LINE, and KakaoTalk, and Facebook wants to edge itself into this elite top crop of contenders. With 1.1 billion Facebook users, it has more than enough potential. Now it’s just a matter of building out new features.

The social network, in December, rid a requirement to sign up with a Facebook account to use its mobile messenger app. Instead Facebook opted for new users to sign up with a name and phone number to tear down a barrier it imposed on itself. After all no other messaging apps required users to login with Facebook, so why should Facebook? Shortly after, Facebook’s Poke app was released, guns blazing without a care for the obvious mimicry that it was of the popular Snapchat app. Snapchat loyalists voiced their alarm, and retaliated with one-star reviews of Facebook Poke. There were also a handful of rumors that Facebook would acquire popular messaging app Whatsapp, although they haven’t come to fruition.

The trend, clearly, is that Facebook is hell bent on launching its own features following mobile trends. The strategy is built on popularity rather than innovation.

Announced alongside voice messaging, Facebook is releasing a calling feature that will enable “free” calls that won’t tap into your minutes, but use your data instead. We’ll have a hands on with the new app in the near future, which should launched stateside soon as well. 


Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/facebook-voice-in-ios-and-android-messenger-apps/

Facebook testing free VoIP calling through its Messenger app

Facebook testing free VoIP calling through its Messenger app
You don't get to 500 minutes without making a few phone calls

Facebook took another step towards total global domination on Thursday when the social network revealed it was testing a new feature for its Messenger app.

In an effort to appease its users, and potentially gain even more, Facebook is now trying out free voice calling over WiFi through Messenger.

Though it is currently limited to the iOS version of the app in Canada, Facebook hopes to roll out the feature to Android users, and other territories, soon enough.

For now, those of you outside of the Great White North, and not using iPhones, will have to make do with the limited ability to send short voice messages via the app.

Facebook's FaceTime

Even though this feature is only in the testing stages, and doesn't offer video conferencing, Facebook has an immense opportunity to capture a lot of users for voice over IP calling.

Services like Skype and Vonage already offer similar service, but don't have quite the customer base Facebook does with its hundreds of millions of users.

If this feature was ever to move out of the test phase, the potential for Facebook to change how its users communicate with each other is huge.

Facebook has run more than a few tests in various markets before, with severalstill currently ongoing for many users.

As interesting as Facebook's previous trials were, none had quite as much game changing potential as this free WiFi calling.

There's no telling when or where Facebook will be trying out this new venture next, but if the response is strong from this initial phase, it might not be long until phone bills are a thing of the past for Facebook users.


Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/software/applications/facebook-testing-free-voip-calling-through-its-messenger-app-1122472

Samsung confirms Tizen smartphones coming in 2013

Samsung confirms Tizen smartphones coming in 2013
Samsung looks to forge its own path in 2013 (credit: Tizen Talk)

While there have been numerous reports during the past year claiming Samsung was readying its own smartphone line-up using the Tizen operating system, the South Korean company hadn't made any official announcements.

On Thursday, Samsung revealed in a statement to Bloomberg that 2013 would indeed be the year the open-source OS phones would arrive.

"We plan to release new, competitive Tizen devices within this year and will keep expanding the lineup depending on market conditions," Samsung stated.

The news comes just days after the Daily Yomiuri reported anonymous sources told the paper the Samsung would unveil the first Tizen phone in Japan through NTT Docomo.

Samsung still hasn't even shown off a proper model of its Tizen smartphone, so it comes as no surprise the company still didn't reveal an exact date or even a time frame for its release.

Go your own way

Though Samsung has seen some incredible success in 2012 running Google's Android OS on phones like the Galaxy S3, the company is clearly looking to become a bit more self-reliant in 2013.

Samsung sold 55 million smartphones during the third quarter of 2012, leading all its competitors like Apple and Nokia by a wide margin.

Tizen will be faced with plenty of challenges in the coming year, particularly considering Android dominated the market with a 72.4 percent stake.

While it's true Samsung was the number one selling Android device maker, there's no telling if consumers will follow the manufacturer when it strikes off on its own.

Even if Samsung helped contributed to a large portion of that number, there are no guarantees the new OS will be able to make waves amongst the likes of iOS, Windows Phone 8, and BlackBerry 10, each of which is vying for a much smaller piece of the pie.


Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/samsung-confirms-tizen-smartphones-coming-in-2013-1122460

Google dodges FTC antitrust lawsuit with changes to search, patents, ads

Google and the U.S. Federal Trade Commission have reached an agreement that brings to end a two-year antitrust investigation of the Internet search giant. Both Google and the FTC are calling the settlement a win.

Google has agreed to change a number of its search and advertising business practices as part of a settlement with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission. The agreement brings to close the agency’s years-long antitrust investigations of the search giant. The unsurprising settlement means Google will not be sued for antitrust violations, and is widely considered a “win” for the Internet company.

“The evidence the FTC uncovered through this intensive investigation prompted us to require significant changes in Google’s business practices. However, regarding the specific allegations that the company biased its search results to hurt competition, the evidence collected to date did not justify legal action by the Commission,” said Beth Wilkinson, outside counsel to the Commission, in a statement. “Undoubtedly, Google took aggressive actions to gain advantage over rival search providers. However, the FTC’s mission is to protect competition, and not individual competitors. The evidence did not demonstrate that Google’s actions in this area stifled competition in violation of U.S. law.”

Google’s FTC settlement, summed up

Patents: As part of the settlement, Google has agreed to allow competitors to use patents pertaining to smartphone, tablet, and computer technology that Google acquired in its acquisition of Motorola Mobility (PDF). Google has also agreed to drop all applicable patent lawsuits in U.S. federal courts and the International Trade Commission, and will attempt to settle future disputes over the use of its patents through out-of-court, third-party negotiations.

Ads: In separate letter of commitment to the FTC (PDF), Google agreed to make changes to its AdWords platform that will allow advertisers to more freely use competing advertising services. “Advertisers can already export their ad campaigns from Google AdWords,” wrote David Drummond, Google Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Officer, on the company blog. “They will now be able to mix and copy ad campaign data within third-party services that use our AdWords API.”

Search: Finally, Google has agreed to allow websites to remove their content from Google commerce services, like Flights, Shopping, or Hotels, that may compete with their own businesses. Google promises to honor the requested opt-out within 30 days of receiving notice. Websites that choose to remove their content from Google’s aggregating services will still appear in Google’s standard search results, and those websites’ Page Ranks will not be affected by the opt-out, Google says.

In a statement, FTC Chairman Jon Leibowitz said that the “changes Google has agreed to make will ensure that consumers continue to reap the benefits of competition in the online marketplace and in the market for innovative wireless devices they enjoy.”

What Google’s changes mean for you

So, what does this all mean for us, the consumers and users? Well, not too much. Google services will probably become a bit less useful, with companies like Yelp, TripAdvisor, and Expedia expected to pull the opt-out card. We’ll also likely see more smartphones and tablets that include technology controlled by Google (though many of us likely won’t even know it). And that’s about it.

In other words, this is a much bigger deal for Google (e.g. it avoided an antitrust lawsuit) and the FTC (it was able to say it did something to knock Google’s dominance down a notch).


Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/google-settles-with-ftc-over-antitrust-claims/

Nokia's Lumia 920 successor rumored to be thinner and lighter

Nokia's Lumia 920 successor rumored to be thinner and lighter
The Lumia 920's polycarbonate body is (arguably) quite attractive

A report on Thursday claimed that Nokia is planning a high-end successor to the Lumia 920 with a thinner and lighter form thanks to a new aluminum body.

The existing Nokia Lumia devices all use polycarbonate, making them thicker and heavier than they could be with aluminum instead.

The new aluminum Lumia smartphone, which will reportedly be similar in specs to the 920, is currently known only by the code name "Catwalk," possibly because of its attention-grabbing body.

An aluminum frame could make the Lumia 920 successor thinner and lighter, yes, but it could also come with some drawbacks.

Aluminum vs. polycarbonate

Several other high profile devices, including Lumia 920 competitor HTC Windows Phone 8X and Samsung's Galaxy S3, use polycarbonate for their shells as well.

Others, including the iPhone 5 and HTC One S, sport aluminum on their chassis.

Polycarbonate is considered quite well-suited for mobile devices, being relatively lightweight and scratch-resistant. Nevertheless, aluminum could be a step up.

On the other hand, let's not forget that it was the iPhone 5's scratch-prone aluminum back that caused so many problems back in October around the smartphone's launch.

Three new Lumias total

The Verge also claimed on Thursday that Nokia has two other new Lumia handsets planned to debut this year as well.

The site's sourcing was minimal, though, so it's not clear where this information comes from.

Little more is known about any of the new Lumia devices, besides that The Verge expects them all to be introduced in 2013.

TechRadar has reached out to Nokia to find out whether it would like to share any more information, but the Finnish company has yet to respond.


Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/nokias-lumia-920-successor-rumored-to-be-thinner-and-lighter-1122443

Smart TV game company takes on Ouya with tiny Android console GameStick

Ouya

Ouya won't be the only Google Android based video game console vying for people's attention in 2013. Smart TV game company PlayJam has announced its own cheaper alternative, the GameStick.

The headline making, Google Android-based video game console Ouya is due out before the end of 2013 but it won’t be alone in the market. Just in time for the Consumer Electronics Show, a number of new consoles have been announced. Ouya won’t just be competing with Nintendo Wii U, Microsoft’s next Xbox, and Sony’s next-generation PlayStation but other Android-based consoles as well. Chief among them: GameStick.

The social and casual game platform maker PlayJam opened a Kickstarter campaign on Wednesday looking to raise $100,000 to fund the development of GameStick. PlayJam describes GameStick as “the most affordable, open, and portable TV games console ever created.”

The proposed Android game console is little more than a controller and a small dongle roughly the size of a USB flash drive that plugs into a television’s HDMI port. (The prototype controller and console are pictured above. The company claims that around 200 existing Android games will work with the GameStick and its controller, while developers like Disney and Dead Trigger makers Madfinger are planning to support the platform. At $79, the console undercuts the $99 Ouya. PlayJam is aiming to have the device out to customers by April.

GameStick uses the Jelly Bean version of Android and uses dual-core CPU and GPUs developed by ARM with 1GB of memory. Storage memory is somewhat limited, with just 4GB of flash storage inside the stick and 8GB of micro-SD card memory.

There’s definitely interest in GameStick. PlayJam passed its $100,000 goal just over 24 hours after opening the Kickstarter campaign, funds from more than 1,000 backers. That’s hardly the $8.5 million raised by Ouya last summer, but it’s still a market. What’s really working in PlayJam’s favor is its background in the Smart TV industry. Its platform is used for games on a number of manufacturer’s televisions, including LG, Samsung, and Sony. It’s also got a decent pedigree in the games industry. Criterion (Need For Speed: Most Wanted) co-founder Adam Billyard is the company’s current chief technology officer.

Ouya is also scheduled to come out in April, and with a lot more press behind it, PlayJam’s GameStick has some catching up to do. With CES just days away, it’s likely these two won’t be the only Android consoles gunning for audiences this year.


Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/smart-tv-game-company-takes-on-ouya-with-tiny-android-console-gamestick/

Welcome our robot overlords: U.S. has more internet-enabled devices than people

Is it possible to be too connected? The U.S. says no, as internet-enabled devices now outnumber people in the country. Smartphones and tablets are leading the way in what is clearly the biggest sign of the singularity we've seen yet.

We had a good run, humans, but it’s pretty clear at this point our demise is inevitable. According to the Chinese calendar, 2013 is the year of the snake, but it’s looks like it’s more likely to be the year of the robot. The United States officially has a larger population of Internet-connected devices than it has people, according to an NPD report shared by BetaBeat.

The U.S. has a population of around 315 million people, but a staggering 425 million devices connected to the Internet. This statistic likely makes us the most connected society in the world, or possibly anywhere else, aside from maybe some alien race that has advanced beyond the need for physical forms of communication. Only they could surpass our waning interest in actual face-to-face interaction.

Leading the way in the internet-connected revolution are, not surprisingly, desktops and laptops with 183.8 million units accessing the world wide web. Smartphones account for 133 million, and tablets trail gaming consoles (39 million) to come in fourth at 31.8 million. Aside from the increasingly easier access to internet options, even in rural areas, the growing prominence of portable devices has played a huge factor in the sizable increase in items accessing the internet.

No matter how you slice up the numbers, the majority of us probably have more than one device connected to the internet right now. If you’re fearful of the inevitable robot uprising that will occur because of this, fear not: The robots will likely get distracted trying to figure out why the Internet has more cat .gifs than useful information on it. We will strike as they ponder and process our collective ridiculousness.


Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/welcome-our-robot-overlords-us-has-more-internet-enabled-devices-than-people/

Samsung ups the ante with Intel, plans for Tizen smartphones

Tizen, the magical cross-platform, open-source OS, hopes to reign as king in the world of Linux, and Samsung has just upped the ante for the OS with plans for smartphones in 2013.

While we’ve known and loved Linux flavors of all shapes and sizes for years, there has yet to be a truly multi-platform and open-ended platform quite like Tizen. The multi-platform Linux experience, backed by both Intel and the Linux Foundation, is now also getting the green light from South Korean manufacturer Samsung, and promises to be the one Linux distro to rule them all. Samsung is planning to release several Tizen devices this year.

“We plan to release new, competitive Tizen devices within this year and will keep expanding the lineup depending on market conditions,” a representative of Samsung told Bloomberg today.

While Google’s Android continues to be a favorite among smartphone owners everywhere, Tizen promises to be like nothing you’ve seen yet by offering a 100% open-source platform for anything from smartphones to GPSes, TVs and computers. The entire platform will be seamless across the dozens of devices you own, and now with the support of hardware heavyweights like Intel and Samsung, it’s sure to be something worth seeing once it hits high gear in late 2013. The project is the culmination of years of partnership among the many companies that make up the Linux alliance, and may very well change how we look at consumer electronics forever.

Tizen doesn’t debut on the consumer shelf for probably another few months, and will make its way to Japan before stopping off in America. Between Android’s Jelly Bean, Canonical’s Ubuntu OS, and Tizen, it looks like Linux is getting more love than ever in the world of consumer electronics – but which one will truly reign as king in the coming months? 

Oh, and did we mention Tizen can run Andoid apps?


Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/samsung-ups-the-ante-with-intel-announces-plans-for-tizen-smartphone/

Aluminum Nokia Catwalk rumored to be Lumia 920's successor

In an attempt to make its next flagship lighter and thinner, Nokia is planning on using aluminum for the Lumia 920 successor. The device, according to The Verge's sources is codenamed Catwalk and will debut some time this year.

According to the people familiar with Nokia's plans, the Catwalk is going to feature similar hardware specifications as the Lumia 920.

Switching from polycarbonate body to aluminum-clad construction would be more than welcome news for Nokia N8 fans, who never really approved of the Finn's sudden love of polycarbonate.

In addition, there are two more Lumia smartphones that will join the lineup this year, but no further information has been provided.

Source


Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/aluminum_nokia_catwalk_rumored_to_be_lumia_920s_successor-news-5284.php

Huawei Ascend G330 review

Huawei Ascend G330 review

Huawei had a big winner on its hands in the form of the Ascend G300, a phone launched back in the spring of 2012 exclusively through Vodafone in the UK.

Arriving at just under £100 when bought alongside a PAYG SIM card, it offered a surprisingly well made phone with a decent 4" display.

It quickly gained a huge following among those looking for decent Android performance on a budget, replacing the Orange San Francisco as the top choice for those looking for a great combination of power, style and a price tag substantially less than today's high-end models.

Huawei Ascend G330 review

Now Huawei's looking to repeat the trick with the Ascend G330. It's not an entirely new phone, but you get a faster, dual-core processor and a slight external redesign that dumps the G300's silvery style for a more traditional all black approach.

It's still a nice, weighty little phone, with Huawei doing a good job of making a 4" display fit the hand well. It's not what you'd call stylish, though, with Huawei seemingly intent on cloning the cheaper Samsung models of a couple of years ago.

Huawei Ascend G330 review

The display's a high point, though. It's bright and sharp and offers the same 480x800 resolution as the old Ascend G300. Icon text is pretty clean and crisp, plus it's perfectly usable outdoors if you stick the brightness up to full whack.

Huawei's also beefed up the camera spec by a factor of two, adding a front-facing camera along the top edge of the G330. That's the telltale sensor there beside the Huawei logo.

Huawei Ascend G330 review

The G330 also comes with a proximity sensor in the front to deactivate the display when you're on a call, plus a sensor to adjust the display's brightness automatically.

Button and hole location is unchanged on the Ascend G330, so you won't require lengthy rehabilitation should you be upgrading. The 3.5mm jack and a nice, chunky, easily locatable power button are on the top edge with the USB connector on the bottom, plus the volume up/down toggles on the left.

Huawei Ascend G330 review

Android fans will be pleased to see a normal SIM slot and a micro-SD card hole beneath the G330's back cover, which is a relatively flimsy and bendy plastic affair.

At least it's easy to lever off, though, with even the most chewed of finger nails able to fit under the slot on the top edge and pop the case open.

Huawei Ascend G330 review

The G330 is a nice phone to hold. The rubberised back is grippier than the slippery silvery finish of the G300, making it feel a little more glued to your fingers. Build quality is mixed.

The display's solid, smooth and responsive, as are the three capacitive buttons, but it tends to creak a bit when you're pressing the power and volume buttons.

It's a little bit bland and there's nothing to love or get excited about, but for £10 a month you can't really expect glassy backs and spangles and a chassis built by robots on the International Space Station. It's all about what it can do internally.


Source : http://www.techradar.com/reviews/phones/mobile-phones/huawei-ascend-g330-1114783/review

RIM announces new BlackBerry Curve for January 23

Just a week before the anticipated announcement of BlackBerry 10, RIM is outing yet another smartphone running on its archaic BlackBerry 7.1 OS.



The upcoming BlackBerry Curve 9315 will be available from T-Mobile, and is set targeted at the entry-level crowd, featuring a 3.2 MP camera, microSD card slot, and, of course, a full QWERTY keyboard.

This is an odd move by RIM, who is essentially trying to get the last morsel of profit from a dead OS, while hurriedly assuring everyone that BlackBerry 10 will be the best BlackBerry version ever made.

The BlackBerry Curve 9315 will be available on January 23 from T-Mobile for $49.99 with a two year contract, plus a $10 monthly fee.

Source


Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/rim_announces_new_blackberry_curve_for_january_23-news-5283.php

The 10-inch tablet takedown: iPad vs. Surface RT vs. Nexus 10

iPad vs Nexus vs Surface tablets

If you’re struggling to decide which large tablet to buy, then this iPad vs Nexus 10 vs Surface RT comparison can lend a helping hand.

The tablet market has gotten so much more interesting, as of late. The market-leading iPad finally has some competition that’s worthy of the name, and both Google and Microsoft have launched large, eye-catching tablets with their sights set on Apple. If you’re shopping for a tablet now, the choice is no longer so obvious. Join us as we run through the highs and lows of the fourth-generation Apple iPad, the Google Nexus 10, and the Microsoft Surface RT.

(For in-depth info on each of these devices, read our review of the Apple iPad, Microsoft Surface RT, and Google Nexus 10.)

Display

Whether you’re reading, watching movies, surfing the web, or gaming, you’ll be staring at that touchscreen for hours.

The fourth-generation iPad has a 9.7-inch screen with a 2048 x 1536 pixel resolution, which translates to 264ppi (pixels per inch). It looks amazing. While Apple’s “Retina Display” used to be streets ahead of its rivals, that’s no longer the case. The Nexus 10 boasts a 10-inch screen with a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels, which is a whopping 300ppi. Microsoft obviously missed the memo on better screens because the Surface lags way behind with a 10.6-inch screen that has a 1366 x 768 pixel resolution, which is a disappointing 148ppi. Still, compare its screen to anything but an iPad or Nexus 10 and it looks pretty good. You’ll just notice a few pixels here and there.

Both the Nexus 10 and the iPad displays look sharp, colorful, vibrant and generally awesome. The Surface is clearly the weak link. The Nexus 10 edges the win over the iPad in sheer numbers, but we’re calling it a draw between Apple and Google in this category.

Design

Surprisingly, the Nexus 10, which is 10.4 x 7 inches, is also a relatively light and thin tablet. It weighs 1.33 pounds and is only 0.35 inches thick, comparable weight and thickness to any tablet, including Samsung’s Galaxy devices. The Nexus is plastic and it has the most rounded curves of the three. It’s probably the most comfortable to hold, but it’s also the least durable and only comes in black.

Google Nexus 10 review front android tabletThe iPad is 9.5 x 7.31 x 0.37 inches and it weighs 1.44 pounds. It has that solid aluminum unibody and it feels reassuringly expensive. You can get the iPad in white and silver or black and silver. One of Apple’s greatest strengths is design and fabrication. The iPad still feels like the best-built tablet on the market, just not by as big a margin as it did before.

Tall and slim, the Surface measures 10.81 x 6.77 x 0.37 inches and weighs in at 1.5 pounds, making it the heavyweight of the group. It has straight edges and a more industrial design. The magnesium chassis and built-in kickstand give it a different, more precise feel. The covers slot on easily thanks to the magnetic connector. The Surface only comes in black, but the covers add a splash of color.

Ecosystem and content

The chances are good that you’re buying a tablet for entertainment purposes, so you want to know what kind of content you can access and how easy it is to use. We’ll take a look at the three key areas for this.

Apps and games

The iPad wins this category not only for sheer variety, but also because it has more polished games and apps that were specifically designed for its 9.7-inch screen. Android tablets have access to a lot of apps, but most of them are only designed for smaller phone interfaces. Apple was wise to require custom apps for the iPad. If you’re into gaming, particularly, then the iPad is the way to go.

Google’s Nexus 10 can run a huge variety of apps and games accessible via Google Play. Google’s content offering has improved a great deal in the last year and you will find more free apps there than in the App Store. There are some high-quality options too, but as a general rule the premium apps and games still come to iOS first and get ported to Android later. Android is still catching up when it comes to tablet apps.

Microsoft has a real challenge on its hands to convince developers to create apps and games for Windows RT. This version of the OS will only run apps from the new Windows Store, which only launched in October 2011. Whatever way you slice it there are far, far fewer apps and games for the Surface.

Movies, TV, and music

Google Play and iTunes offer a good selection of content. There are more movies and TV shows on Google Play and more music on iTunes, but most people will look beyond these destinations for their content. You can get apps for Netflix, HBO Go, Hulu Plus, and Amazon to access more movies. You can also use services like Pandora and Spotify, or find music through an app like TuneIn Radio. The Nexus 10 and iPad both offer a wide variety of popular services for watching TV, movies, and listening to music. Microsoft lags behind.

There are versions of some, but not all, of these apps and services for Windows RT. The ones that have been ported are not generally as polished as their iOS or Android counterparts. One advantage that the Surface could have here is its tie-in with the Xbox 360. If you use your Xbox as an entertainment hub in the living room, the SmartGlass app allows you to enjoy a true second-screen experience on your tablet and remotely control the console. However, you can get the app for Android and iOS as well.

Books and magazines

There is no shortage of books and magazines on offer for all three tablets. The iPad has iBooks, but it can also access Google Play Books, whereas the Nexus 10 can’t access iBooks. You can also get the Kindle or the Nook app for each one and they are your best bet for choice.

Magazines are best on the iPad as the layout tends to be perfect. Both the iPad and Nexus 10 have good magazine options, but the Surface lags behind and tends to have more wasted space on screen. Readability is noticeably better on the sharper Nexus 10 and iPad.

Productivity

If you intend to use your tablet for work, you’ll find all three are suitable for checking email, organizing calendars and notes, and editing documents (with the right apps). But the Surface does gain an edge here. Even ignoring the keyboard covers, (it’s worth remembering you can get similar accessories for the iPad or Nexus 10, although they won’t be as well integrated), the Surface has a few extras up its sleeve. You can map network drives and access your HomeGroup computers, you can plug in a second screen, and Remote Desktop comes as standard. All Windows RT devices also come with a version of Microsoft Office with basics like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and One Note. iPad would earn a second place in this category, but its apps aren’t built in and its keyboard solutions aren’t as elegant.

Performance

With Nvidia’s 1.3Ghz Tegra 3 quad-core processor and 2GB of RAM, the Surface is no slouch. The Nexus 10 offers a dual-core, 1.7Ghz Exynos 5 processor also backed by 2GB of RAM. The iPad has Apple’s A6X processor clocked at 1.4 GHz and just 1GB of RAM.

In benchmark tests, the Nexus 10 is the clear winner, although the iPad is best at processing graphics. The iPad and the Nexus 10 are very responsive. In hands-on comparisons here at DT though, we’ve found that the iPad still feels most responsive and works the best for users. 

Storage

The Surface comes with either 32GB or 64GB of storage, and it is the only device to have a microSD card slot so you can boost that by another 64GB. However, it comes with a catch: 13GBof its onboard memory is hogged up by the operating system, making its claims of 32GB of storage a little disingenuous. The Nexus 10 comes in 16GB or 32GB varieties. The iPad comes in 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB varieties.

You also get 7GB of cloud storage for free thanks to Microsoft’s SkyDrive with the Surface. With the iPad you’ll get 5GB via iCloud. Google Drive will also give you 5GB for the Nexus 10, but Google Music also allows you to store up to 40,000 songs, Gmail offers 10GB, and you can store as many photos as you like in Google+. Interestingly, you can also get SkyDrive for Android or iOS, and all of Google’s services are available on iOS or Windows RT.

Surface tablet storage microsoft surface windows rt

With all that said, no matter which tablet you choose, if you want to store media or files on your tablet, you’re going to be extremely limited. We’ve repeatedly ran out of space on our iPads and other devices when we try to load up content for, say, a long flight. Put a few Amazon videos on a 16GB tablet or some songs, and space gets sparse fast.

Cameras

The iPad and the Nexus 10 both have 5-megapixel rear-facing cameras that can record 1080p video. The Nexus 10 also has a 1.9-megapixel front-facing camera for video calls while the iPad’s is 1.2-megapixel.

The clear loser again is the Surface, which has front and rear 1-megapixel cameras that can record in 720p. However, we must note that both the front and rear camera are angled – they only point straight when you have the Surface kickstand out. If you are holding the tablet, you’ll have to angle it in your hands to get a straight shot. The Surface camera is obviously only really intended for video calls. It does feel odd using a tablet to take photos, so this probably won’t be a big deal for most people.

Connectivity

The Lightning connector in the iPad 4 renders old accessories useless without an expensive adapter. The Nexus 10 is more standard with Micro USB and Micro HDMI ports. The Surface uses a proprietary AC adapter for charging and a proprietary HD video out adapter, but it does have a USB port which can be used to charge mobile devices.

All three have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Only the Nexus 10 has NFC. Only the iPad offers cellular network support for 3G or 4G LTE, but it will cost you. Overall, when it comes to connectivity, Microsoft’s full-size USB port takes the cake, and Windows is still better equipped to connect up to smaller devices like cameras and MP3 players. However, Google’s use of Micro USB makes it easy to charge the Nexus no matter where you are. With the iPad, be prepared to pay extra for fancy dongles. 

Battery life

There isn’t a huge difference when it comes to battery life. The iPad wins with 10 hours to the Nexus 10’s 9 hours and the Surface is last with 8 hours. Actual battery life depends on how you use the device.

Price

The prices get quite complicated when you add in all the various possible permutations. What we can say is that the Nexus 10 is the cheapest at $400 for the 16GB, or $500 for the 32GB. The iPad starts at $500 for the 16GB model and goes up to $830 for the 64GB version with cellular network support. The Surface RT starts at $500 for the 32GB model, and you’ll pay $700 for a 64GB version with a Touch Cover. Touch Covers cost around $100, which is steep.

The competition is so fierce that price drops are very likely to be on the horizon. We hope.

Your choice

For a solid tablet at a reasonable price, the Nexus 10 makes the most sense. If you want the best content, you like to play games, and price is no object then it has to be the iPad (or check out the iPad Mini). If you’re looking for a laptop replacement that can go to work with you and act as a second screen at night then you might consider the Surface. Still, we’ve found Microsoft’s first tablet entry to have some growing pains. The hardware is good, but Windows RT is currently limited and the software selection is similarly stunted. Apple is still king of the hill. At least, for now.

What are your thoughts? Let us know which one you picked up and whether you were pleased with your purchase or not.


Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/ipad-vs-nexus-10-vs-surface/

HTC DROID DNA for Verizon gets price cut, now costs $120

Judging by the way things are shaping up, 2013 will be the year of Android flagships with 5" 1080p screens. HTC's phone is already out - for US carrier Verizon it's called the DROID DNA and has already seen its first price cuts.

The best deal we've seen so far comes from LetsTalk.com, which asks $120 for the LTE-enabled phone if you sign a two-year contract with Verizon starting from $80/month. The HTC DROID DNA is $200 from Verizon's site.

Amazon Wireless also sells the DNA cheaper than Verizon's own site, it's asking $150 for it (plans start at $80/month again).

You can read our review of the HTC DROID DNA for an in-depth look of the phone and its impressive 440ppi screen.

Via


Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/htc_droid_dna_for_verizon_gets_price_cut_now_costs_120-news-5282.php

Be still my beating heart, the BlackBerry Curve 9315 is coming to T-Mobile soon

BlackBerry Curve 9310

T-Mobile has announced it will be offering the BlackBerry Curve 9315 for sale at the end of January, just in time for it to be completely superseded by BlackBerry 10.

If the excitement surrounding BlackBerry 10’s impending release is a complete turn-off, and you instead long for the days when a BlackBerry phone was all about a QWERTY keyboard and a fiddly menu system, don’t despair, as T-Mobile has exactly what you need. The network has announced it’ll begin stocking the BlackBerry Curve 9315 at the end of this month, just in time for it to become even more obsolete.

Those of you keen to own such a device will be pleased to know the specification is far below that of many budget smartphones using the Android operating system, and the phone’s timeless design means it’s almost indistinguishable from those models introduced in 2008.

The Curve 9315 is a variation of the Curve 9310, and therefore boasts a 2.44-inch screen with a resolution of 320 x 240, a single-core 800MHz processor and a 3.2-megapixel camera. The press release says it has a microSD card slot, GPS and a 1450mAh battery, plus an FM radio, Wi-Fi and pre-installed apps for Twitter and Facebook. BlackBerry 7.1 is its operating system and the phone has a 3G radio inside.

So, how much does this little beauty cost? It’s yours for $50 and a two-year contract, plus a $10 per month payment for 20 months for T-Mobile’s Equipment Installation Plan. Alternatively, you can also buy the Curve 9315 for $50 with a $50 mail-in rebate and not have to pay the $10 monthly charge, but you’ll still have to sign up for a two-year plan. Two years with the Curve 9315, a phone that was out of date when it was announced as the 9310 in mid-2012; now isn’t that a tempting proposition.

T-Mobile is optimistically holding a “business customer pre-sale” for the Curve 9315 from January 16, while mere mortals will have to wait until January 23 to buy the phone online or in a retail store. The queues outside will be enormous, we’re sure.


Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/be-still-my-beating-heart-the-blackberry-curve-9315-is-out-now-for-t-mobile/

Samsung to release multiple Tizen devices in 2013

Samsung has issued a press statement that it will be releasing several devices running the Tizen mobile OS this year. Unfortunately, there are no specifics as to hardware specifications, when they will be heading to market, or at what price.



The Tizen foundation, which was formed by Samsung and Intel, among others, to support the open-source alternative to Android, is a type of backup plan for Samsung, should Android's dominance of the mobile market begin to wane in the following years. Tizen is also a way for Samsung to reduce its reliance on Google, especially in light of the web giant's buyout of Motorola Mobility.

Reports that Japanese wireless carrier NTT Docomo, another Tizen Foundation partner, will be releasing a Tizen-powered device in Japan have also surfaced, which bodes well for European markets, as British carrier Vodafone is also part of the Tizen group.

Source


Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_to_sell_multiple_tizen_devices_in_2013-news-5281.php

HTC codename leak shows M7, the Opera Facebook phone and many more

A huge list of HTC device codenames has been leaked and while many have been seen before, or linked to already released phones, there are several exciting names too, including the M7 and the legendary Facebook phone.

A leak has exposed a huge list of potential new HTC device codenames, including some relating to already released phones, references to several we’ve heard of before, plus a selection of new ones too. Let’s take a look at the list before examining it further.

  • Apollo_TD
  • Deluxe_R
  • Deluxe_UL
  • Deluxe_TW
  • DLXP_WL
  • Era_U
  • Evita_UTL
  • Impression_J
  • Jet
  • Knight
  • M7_U
  • M7_WL
  • M7_WLJ
  • M7_WLV
  • M7DCG
  • M7DTG
  • M7DUG
  • M7C_DTU
  • Monaco_TDU
  • Monaco_U
  • Monaco_UL
  • Opera_UL
  • Primominiu
  • Pulse_TDPUE_TD
  • Quattrof
  • Quatrou
  • Venus_CL
  • Verdi_LTE
  • CP3DCG
  • CP3DTG
  • CP3DUG
  • PDLU
  • K2_CL
  • K2_WL
  • K2_PLC_CL

The one name which really stands out is the M7, a device about which we’ve heard plenty recently, as it’s believed to be HTC’s new flagship phone for 2013 and it may be seen at either CES or more likely, Mobile World Congress. There are a dizzying eight variations of the M7 listed, all representing different radio configurations.

The Deluxe will be another familiar name, as it’s known to be the codename of the HTC Butterfly, the third variation of the HTC J Butterfly/Droid DNA family to be released. Now to really test your knowledge. How about the Quattro, presented here as the Quattro F and the Quattro U? This was linked to an HTC tablet some time ago, a project which could have been resurrected to prove to Microsoft it was a worthy Windows RT partner. The Verdi is also a tablet last rumored way back in early 2011, when it was said to have a 10-inch screen and run Android 3.0 Honeycomb.

Another particularly interesting name is the Opera, which has been attached to the now almost legendary Facebook phone after it was spotted in a benchmark test late last year. At the time it was shown to be using a 1.4GHz processor, boast a screen with a 1280 x 720 pixel resolution and run Android 4.1.1 Jelly Bean. Despite denials by Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, it appears the Facebook phone is still being worked on at HTC.

As for the others, the HTC Jet was a codename used for the device which eventually became the One X, while the One X+ was referred to as the Era 42 by some sources, and the One XL has worn the Evita codename too. Moving on to the HTC Knight, this name could be being recycled, as it was last used in connection with the Evo Shift 4G for Sprint, a phone released more than two years ago. The Pulse is another one which HTC has perhaps decided to reuse, as it launched a budget Android phone named the Pulse in India during 2011.

The K2 became the HTC One SV, while the HTC One V was known as the HTC Primo prior to its release, so the Primominiu – or Primo Mini U – could be its successor. So, the Primominiu joins the DLXP, the Impression, the Monaco, the PDLU and the CP3 range as names we’ve not heard before.

With CES and MWC just around the corner, we could learn more about some of these new devices in the very near future.


Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/htc-codename-leak-shows-m7-deluxe-and-many-more/

Sony Xperia Z pricing and new official photo emerge

Following yesterday's leaked official photo of the Xperia Z (formerly residing under the Yuga moniker), we now have the purported price tag that the device will carry.

According to Thai blog SonyXP, the SIM-free version of the Xperia Z will be selling in Thailand for as much as 19,900 Thai Baht off-contract. This converts roughly to an price of $655. The price will definitely vary from market to market, but this information certainly sets the tone for the Xperia Z' pricing.

Naturally, the information isn't anything close to official just yet, but we believe there's some authenticity to it, considering we haven't seen this particular Xperia Z photo before.

The Sony Xperia Z will enter the arena with other phones with 5” 1080p screens this year but it also puts Sony into the quad-core race with its Qualcomm APQ8064 Snapdragon S4 Pro chipset. The Z will come out with Android 4.1 Jelly Bean at launch.

The phone is rumored to become available some time in March. However, expect more official information on the Z once CES 2013 kicks off.

Source | Via


Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/sony_xperia_z_pricing_and_new_official_photo_emerge-news-5280.php

HTC One SV 4G available SIM-free now

HTC One SV 4G available SIM-free now
Mid-range 4G handset at the ready

The HTC One SV is now in stock on a number of websites offering the 4G handset SIM-free for under £350.

You can fill your 4G boots with the HTC One SV at Unlocked-Mobiles where the handset will set you back £329.98, while over at Expansys it's £349.99.

Unveiled in December the One SV is a mid-range 4G handset bringing the 3G-enabled HTC One S up to speed on the fastest mobile network.

4G v 3G

However the HTC One SV doesn't quite match its 3G brother when it comes to tech specs, with a 4.3-inch LCD-2 display, 1.2GHz dual-core processor, 5MP rear camera, 1.6MP front camera, 8GB of internal storage and Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich.

TechRadar has spoken to EE, currently the UK's only 4G network, which already confirmed it would be carrying the device but a spokesperson told us the One SV had not arrived yet – meaning you'll need to plump for an EE SIM-only plan for now.

We hope to have a unit in very soon so keep an eye out for out HTC One SV review to find out if it's a worthy contender to the Huawei Ascend P1 LTE and Nokia Lumia 820.


Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/htc-one-sv-4g-available-sim-free-now-1122366

Has your Galaxy S3 randomly died? A fix is on its way

Has your Galaxy S3 randomly died? A fix is on its way
It lives... again!

If your Samsung Galaxy S3 has randomly died without warning fear not, as a firmware update is on its way to cure your poorly smartphone.

Before Christmas some Galaxy S3 owners reported that their shiny new handsets were dying after just a few months, with the 16GB model later singled out as the at risk version.

The issue appeared to be with the main circuit board, but Dutch site Tweakers believes new hardware isn't required with Samsung confirming it will release a firmware update to resolve the problem soon.

Limited impact

Instead of the main circuit board being faulty the cause of the issue is actually a bug in the firmware which is used to control the board.

Thankfully most Galaxy S3 owners won't need to worry about this, as it only effects a small number of handsets, but if you are one of the unlucky ones at least a fix is on its way.

We'll keep an eye on developments and let you know when the firmware update roll outs so you can breathe new life into your Galaxy S3.


Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/has-your-galaxy-s3-randomly-died-a-fix-is-on-its-way-1122356

Have only 400,000 Nexus 4 handsets been sold?

Have only 400,000 Nexus 4 handsets been sold?
Hard to get hold of

If you're struggling to get hold of a Google Nexus 4 this might be the reason – there are only around 400,000 of the devices at the moment.

According to a group of Android enthusiasts and lucky Nexus 4 owners very few handsets were made available in 2012 – leading to a frenzied rush when it went on sale.

The group calculated its figure by using the IMEI number on Nexus 4 handsets and an LG mobile site to roughly work out how many handsets were in circulation.

Sell out

The world went a bit crazy for the Nexus 4 when it went on sale in November, with the first batch selling out in less than half an hour.

A second load of stock in December took a little longer to shift, but 24 hours later and yep, you've guessed it, it was sold out AGAIN – and the Nexus 4 still remains unavailable on Google's site for now.

While this calculation would explain why the Nexus 4 is so darn tricky to get hold of, we can't be sure it's accurate and neither Google nor LG are willing to release any solid sales figures.


Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/have-only-400000-nexus-4-handsets-been-sold-1122321

Sony Xperia Z release date and price leaks

Sony Xperia Z release date and price leaks
Release date and price leaked (credit: SonyXP)

The Sony Xperia Z, previously known as the Xperia Yuga, has witnessed several leaks over the past couple of months and we now have another piece of the puzzle – its price and release date.

According to Taiwanese site SonyXP the Xperia Z will set you back 19,990 Thai Baht (around $655/£400/AU$625) – which would be pretty reasonable for the handset expected to pack a full HD 5-inch display, quad-core processor, Android Jelly Bean and 13MP camera, which the rumours have suggested.

The report goes on to say that the Sony Xperia Z will start shipping to some regions in early March, although it's not clear which territories will be first in line for this super phone.

Remain cautious

There's a relatively official looking press image included in the forum post, although the source of the information is completely unknown so we're staying cautious for now.

Sony hasn't dropped any clues as to what, if any, handsets it's planning to launch at either CES 2013 or MWC 2013, although the numerousrumours surround the Xperia Z leads us to believe the handset does exist in some form.

We'll be in attendance at both CES and MWC this year to bring you all the latest from the Japanese firm, so stay tuned.


Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/sony-xperia-z-release-date-and-price-leaks-1122310

Nokia outs performance update for the 808 PureView via PC Suite

It's been a while since Nokia last updated its 41MP 808 PureView, but today the Finns are making the cameraphone owners happy with a new firmware release.

Pushing the phone's software to version 113.010.1508, the update is 420MB in size and is available through PC Suite.

Despite its size, the update is described to only bring "improved performance and features". Some people might be disappointed, but the update still counts, as it would reportedly make the phone handle better in day to day use.

To check if your 808 PureView has the update waiting for it, hook it up to your PC, start PC Suite and check for updates.

Source | Via


Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/nokia_outs_performance_update_for_the_808_pureview_through_pc_suite-news-5279.php

High demand, low production issue still hurting Nexus 4 sales

The decoding of the Nexus 4 phone's serial number has given an insight into the approximate production figures associated with the popular, but usually out of stock, Android smartphone.

Tried to buy a Nexus 4 recently? Unless you’re happy to pay inflated eBay or carrier prices, you’ve probably been struggling, as Google’s latest Nexus phone is more-often-than-not out of stock through Google Play. This has been a problem since the very beginning, when the phone sold out within a few hours of being launched, and has only sporadically been available online since then.

So what’s the problem? Is it insanely popular, or is there a bottleneck somewhere in the manufacturing and distribution process which is slowing everything down? A discussion thread over at the XDA-Developers forum has produced some interesting information which shows there’s a chance it’s all this and something more.

It all began with a forum member decoding the serial number on his Nexus 4, which shows its date and country of manufacture, while the final four digits increases by one for each until produced. This has enabled those with a penchant for maths to work out how many Nexus 4 phones have been sent out by LG and when.

High demand, low production?

The figures show LG produced 70,000 Nexus 4 phones in October 2012, 90,000 in November and 210,000 in December, giving a grand total of 370,000 devices. Turn around in some cases is very fast, with a few days passing between the device being completed and it being received by the customer. Of course, none of this is the same as an official sales figure from LG, and the estimate doesn’t include all the phones sent to networks around the world.

While 370,000 of anything can normally be considered a lot, it’s rather low for a three month production run of a device which has proven extremely popular. In December, sources in China estimated Nokia was producing 600,000 Lumia 920 devices per month and it still couldn’t keep up with demand. Remember, the Lumia 920 costs twice that of the Nexus 4 too. The Nexus 4 figure also appears to be considerably less than estimates for the Nexus 7 tablet, as an initial production run of 600,000 was rumored for the tablet just prior to launch, sales of at least a million in December and a total of more than five million expected to have shipped after six months. Did nobody guess a cheap high-end smartphone would sell equally well?

So, demand for the Nexus 4 is high and apparently so is turnaround, but production seems low. Is this the fault of the number-crunchers working out LG’s production targets before launch – Nexus phones have never been massive sellers, after all – or is it lethargy on LG’s part due to an unwillingness to push a cheap device without its name printed on it? Whichever it is, frustrated customers will only hold on for so long, and all it could take is a similarly well-priced device to come along soon for Google and LG to lose its rapidly diminishing goodwill entirely.


Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/figures-suggest-nexus-4-production-is-hurting-sales/

Ofcom gives hope to those locked into unfair phone contracts

Ofcom gives hope to those locked into unfair phone contracts
The art of mobile bondage

Ofcom has announced some new proposals to let you out of your mobile and broadband contracts if the prices are increased midway through the term.

Ofcom wants to bring in the new 'exit without penalty' because a review found that consumers are disgruntled with the current situation that seems to be on the side of network, allowing them to up prices willy nilly.

The new proposals will also require networks and ISPs to be upfront about the potential for any price hikes when you sign up.

More more more

At the moment, if your phone network or ISP decides to hike up its fee at any point during your contract, there's not much you can do beyond sucking it up and paying the increased rate, or shelling out for hefty early termination fees.

Currently, the only exception is if a customer can persuade their provider that the price increase would cause 'material detriment' - so, yeah, good luck with that.

It's not a done deal though, with Ofcom now inviting 'stakeholders' to respond (that'll be the networks and ISPs) - there's a chance that one of its alternative options will prove more popular.

These include introducing variable price contracts which require you to 'opt-in' to the price changes at the start of the contract, or simply forcing providers to make it clear that prices may go up during the contract.

Why not just ban price rises? After all, when you sign up to a contract, you're agreeing terms that are laid out - it doesn't seem fair that companies can change these up at the drop of a hat while you're bound to abide by whatever they decide.

Ofcom considered an outright ban but "does not think this would be consistent with the European legal framework" so hasn't included it as an option.


Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/ofcom-gives-hope-to-those-locked-into-unfair-phone-contracts-1122298