Only $8 billion profit in three months? How disappointing...
Once upon a time, it may have been enough for a tech company to announce record estimated quarterly profits of $8.33 billion (UK£5.54, AUD$9.10) without financial types predicting doom and gloom.
Well, that's what Samsung has just done for the three month period spanning April, May and June, and all the money men can talk about is how the company's smartphone sales momentum is slowing, not growing.
Compared to Q2 of 2012, one year ago, the company stashed $5.86 billion (UK£3.90, AUD$6.40), so the trend is very much in Samsung's favour.
Worse than expected, huh?
However, as Apple found out earlier this year, if you don't grow as fast as those who decide these things (in our experience they're about as accurate as weathermen) then you should be disappointed with yourself.
Indeed, according to one analyst the slowdown, which will become official when Samsung posts its real financial results on July 26, is actually "worse than expected."
Lee Sei-chul, an analyst at Meritz Securities, told Reuters: "The slowdown in its handset business appears to be worse than expected and the disappointing result simply reindorses the market view that Samsung's smartphone growth momentum is slowing."
"But it's got the component side of the business, which is showing solid improvements, and new handset product lineups for the third quarter, so (overall) earnings are likely to grow again in the current quarter."
Whether Samsung has cause for concern, amid the trend towards cheaper handsets in emerging markets, remains to be seen, but that all sounds a little bit like smashing your GCSE's and getting A* in every subject, only to be told by the school janitor that you're probably not going to do very well in your A-Levels next year.
LG's new Optimus looks like it'll be every inch a superphone
The forthcoming launch of the LG Optimus G2 may be a little more newsworthy than previously expected judging by recent rumours and speculation.
Last week we heard the device may feature volume buttons on the back and today reports claimed the new Optimus will be the first smartphone from the company to boast a full HD screen larger than 5-inches.
Up until now, speculation had suggested the device would be rocking a 5-inch 1080p screen, but TechBlog brings word that the Korean company plans to stretch it out another two-tenths of an inch.
That would officially make it the largest 1080p smartphone phone from a major manufacturer, something that LG would be wise to trumped when the device eventually launches.
Say cheese
Other new information from the TechBlog report claims the device will also have a 13-megapixel camera, bringing it in line with most of the other top-line handsets on the market.
Previous leaks have shown an edge-to-edge display, while its highly likely the device will arrive packing Android 4.2 Jelly Bean.
The Moto X handset may be able to out-sprint its rivals in a mobile data race thanks to the inclusion of not one, but two LTE antennas, according to rumours on Wednesday.
The device, which Motorola has been touting heavily over the July 4 holiday, will boast dual LTE MIMO (Multiple-Input, Multiple-Output) antennas, so says Taylor Wimberley, founder of Android and me.
The tech, more commonly associated with high-speed Wi-Fi, means there'd be two antennas pulling in and spitting out downloads and uploads at the same time, increasing speeds for owners of the device.
Of course, this is all a rumour at present, but Wimblerley's previous leaks info surrounding customisation of the Moto X phone, suggests that he may be onto something.
Moto's amped
Motorola is yet to officially reveal the Moto X Phone, the first high-profile handset since it became a Google-owned company, but has been amping up the anticipation this week.
Both communications touted the device as the first smartphone to be 'designed by you,' hinting at unprecedented customisation for users, which reports have since suggested will involve colour and engraving options.
The ads and webpage also boasted that the device would be designed, built and assembled in the United States, perhaps working in a little dig at Apple's recent 'Designed by Apple in California' PR blitz.
The Motorola X phone - is it nearly upon us? (credit: Tinhte)
Google acquired Motorola Mobility a year ago but we're still yet to see a handset slide out bearing the search giant's brand and Moto's design.
Google and Motorola finally confirmed the existence of the Moto X in early July, promising that you - yes, you - may be able to design certain elements of the phone yourself.
Rumours surrounding the handset we previously knew as the Motorola X Phone have been around since December 2012 and, until the joint announcement, speculation and leaks were rife.
It would make sense for Google to use Motorola as the manufacturer of its next Nexus-branded smartphone, as this would give the firm greater control at every stage of production but it doesn't look as though the Moto X will be a Nexus handset after all.
The advert that revealed the first official details described Motorola as a 'a Google company' but made no mention of the Google-owned Nexus brand.
What's more, you'll be able to have a name or quote or whatever engraved on the back of the handset, just as you can do with Apple iPods and the like.
So far so not that exciting, and the only other choice that ABC's sources say we'll get is when it comes to storage options.
It doesn't sound abundantly as though the handset is "a real breakthrough, a game changer that will put pressure on Samsung and Apple" as one Australian network promised of the X Phone.
However, we've pulled together all the rest of the internet chatter surrounding the Moto X and stuffed it into one manageable article, just for you.
Motorola X phone release date and price
Original reports surrounding the Motorola X Phone release date seemed to point towards the annual Google IO conference which took place in mid-May - although no such product was announced.
This means that initial reports suggesting the X Phone would arrive in stores in either June or July are way off, and word that it's been delayed until August or later look more likely.
When the X Phone actually does launch consumers may still have a lengthy wait before the handset lands in their sweaty palms - especially if the Nexus 4 is anything to go by which sold out in minutes when the first stock was made available, leaving many waiting for more units to turn up.
Update: The latest on the X Phone release date hunt is word from Motorola's CEO Dennis Woodside, who spilled the beans to reveal the firm's next hero device would be called the Moto X while hinting that it could see an October launch.
If the Motorola X does carry Google's name, we could also see some rather competitive pricing as the search giant looks to undercut the top phones of the moment - such as the Samsung Galaxy S4 and HTC One.
Pie or Beans
Google-branded handsets usually usher in a new version of the Android operating system, so if the Motorola X Phone does eventually end up adopting the search giant's name you can expect it to arrive running the latest Android platform.
Update: We've seen reports saying that Key Lime Pie has been delayed, with an updated version of Jelly Bean, known as Android 4.3 possibly gracing the Moto X.
The X Phone might build on the 4.7-inch display found on the Nexus 4 and rock up with a 5-inch screen with almost no bezel.
Another "tipster" doesn't agree though, claiming the Motorola X will stick with the 4.7-inch format and instead up the resolution to Full HD, for a truly eye-popping display - something which has also been "confirmed" by a separate source.
We're not done there though, with 4.65-inch also being bandied about as the potential screen size for the X Phone, although the unconvincing renders this information arrived with makes us question it.
Update: The 4.6-inch argument has been given more fuel after an image leaked apparently showing the Moto X, claiming it had a 720p screen around the 4.5 to 4.6-inch mark.
Specs
In terms of power the Motorola X phone is hotly tipped to pack a 1.7GHz quad-core processor - various sources say the same thing - along with 2GB of RAM.
That's not the only processor which has been linked to the X though, with Android World claiming it's been told it could carry a powerful 2.3GHz Nvidia 4i chip.
The same leak also points towards the Motorola X packing a punchy 16MP camera which would put the handset head and shoulders above the current crop of flagship smartphones, plus it could measure a pocket friendly 131.2 x 66.7 x 7.9mm.
Another rumour claims that the new UI that will feature on the X phone will integrate a host of new features to rival Samsung's S-Beam, S-Voice and the like.
In terms of storage we could well see the Motorola X offered in a 32GB guise, which will be music to some people's ears after being left frustrated that the Nexus 4 was only available in 8GB and 16GB variants.
Update: The 2GB of RAM looks like it's pretty much nailed on to be inside the X Phone after another source revealed the RAM for the handset, and it was also mentioned in a report in mid-June which also highlighted a 1.7GHz dual-core chip, 16GB of internal storage and 10MP and 2MP back and front cameras.
Real or render?
In terms of what the Motorola X Phone could potentially look like we've had a few leaks claiming to show the handset.
First up are a set of images picked up by Vietnamese site Tinhte and while the handset in question looks pretty impressive in terms of style, they appear to be renders instead of photos of the actual device.
Credit: Tinhte Credit: Tinhte Credit: Tinhte
The next set of images come courtesy of @evleaks and apparently show the X phone with a prototype chassis in order to protect its identity.
Comparisons can be drawn between the handset in these images and the renders above - with the front facing Motorola logo sitting in the same place.
Credit: Tinhte
The latest image appears to show a handset which bares far more of a resemblance to previous Motorola handsets such as the Razr HD and Razr i - and we hope this isn't the design as we're rather fond of the curvaceous render above.
Credit: HotHardware
Update: Another day, another Moto X phone leak, and by looks of it another design too. The image appears to mirror the earlier renders we saw - sporting a more rounded finish.
How much flexibility do you want in a tablet-phone hybrid?
With the Padfone 2 and the FonePad, Taiwanese manufacturer Asus has established itself as the master of the Android hybrid.
While Android smartphones continue to thrive and Android tablets - but for a few exceptions - continue to flounder, Asus has come up with a novel way to capitalise on the former and circumvent the latter.
Mash them both together.
However, Asus doesn't quite seem to have decided on a definitive format. Both the Asus Padfone 2 and the Asus FonePad combine key elements of the smartphone and tablet form factors, but they go about it in very different ways.
The Asus Padfone 2 takes the mash-up idea quite literally, presenting you with a decent upper-mid-range smartphone that slots into a 10-inch tablet dock when you want to go large. The FonePad, meanwhile, is an altogether subtler blend, offering a sleek 7-inch tablet that happens to accept a smartphone SIM for 3G calling.
Join us as we take a look at how these two Android phone-tablet hybrids compare, and ultimately try to establish which you should buy.
Padfone 2 vs FonePad: Contacts
Both the Asus Padfone 2 and the Asus FonePad use Google's stock People app for managing your contacts, so navigating through to make calls is a pretty similar experience across the two devices.
However, when it comes to the experience of placing calls, the difference is pronounced.
The Padfone 2, when in its default phone state, is a thoroughly pleasant device to make and receive calls on. Its 4.7-inch display and relatively slim 10.4mm body make navigating its interface easy even while out and about, and lifting it up to your ear looks and feels normal. The odd circular groove pattern on the back even makes it quite comfortable to grip.
The FonePad, by contrast, is unavoidably a 7-inch tablet rather than a phone, so holding it up to your face feels faintly ridiculous. In fact, scratch that - it's hugely ridiculous.
Bear in mind that many people scoff at the idea of holding the 5.5-inch Samsung Galaxy Note 2 up to their noggins, and hopefully you'll see where we're coming from here.
Of course, there's always that Bluetooth headset or those mic-equipped earbuds you've been holding onto, but still...
As a pure phone for making and taking calls, the Padfone 2's flexibility and fit-for-purpose design makes it the clear winner.
Padfone 2 vs FonePad: Messaging
Again, the messaging experience is nigh-on identical from a software perspective between these two devices. Both feature the same default Android messaging app, and the same native email application too.
We've got mixed feelings about Asus's custom keyboard, but regardless of your preference there are plenty of fine alternatives on the Google Play Store. It's also another thing the Padfone 2 and the FonePad share, so it's hardly a deciding factor between the two.
We're left, then, with the differences between the actual physical process of messaging on each phablet device. It's undoubtedly the toughest area to call.
On the one hand, the Asus Padfone 2 offers the two extremes of messaging on the go - the potential for one-handed typing with the phone element and the potential for a full-sized two-handed typing option with the tablet peripheral engaged.
However, the Asus FonePad's 7-inch display appears to strike a fine balance between the two. Held in portrait view in one hand and typing with the other, we found messaging on the FonePad to be an error-free process. It's just got that extra bit of breathing space that makes texting and emailing a solid experience.
Padfone 2 vs FonePad: Gaming
After a slow start, gaming has become an increasingly prominent part of Android devices, and with Google's planned social and achievement integration it's only going to get bigger.
Beyond that, comparing the gaming performance of the Padfone 2 and the Asus FonePad acts as a fine barometer for their relative hardware merits. After all, nothing puts a phone's innards to the test like a modern 3D game.
A performance comparison is especially interesting because the Asus Padfone 2 and the Asus FonePad, despite being produced by the same company at around the same time, could scarcely be more different internally.
While the Padfone 2 is built on a fairly typical - though also very capable - quad-core Qualcomm CPU and Adreno 320 GPU combo with 2GB of RAM, the FonePad takes a very different approach.
It's built on an Intel Atom Z2420 processor, which uses PC-like Hyper-Threading rather than multiple cores. It's backed by the slightly creaky PowerVR SGX540 GPU and a relatively meagre 1GB of RAM.
Comparing the two using the Antutu benchmarking tool, which provides a number of graphics-intensive (both 2D and 3D) tasks for Android devices to run through, there's a clear winner. With an average score of 21,607, the Padfone 2 more than doubled the 9,208 average score of the FonePad.
This apparent doubling in performance is understandable. While the Qualcomm chip is a premium component, the Intel processor is intended for relatively low-cost devices. Sure enough the FonePad can be had for about a third of the price of the Padfone 2.
If you're after something that will be able to run high-end games both now and into the future, the Padfone 2 is a better bet - if you can spare the £600/US$720/AU$750 it will take to obtain it.
Otherwise, the FonePad will run pretty much anything currently available reasonably well - even advanced 3D games such as Real Racing 3 - and you'll pay just £180/AU$315 (around US$275) for the privilege.
The first thing to note is that both devices name the Google Play Store as the main source for their media. Through this increasingly impressive online media library you can get access to thousands of cheap video rentals and the comprehensive Google Books.
We'd prefer to watch a video and read a book on the Asus FonePad than on the Padfone 2, though. It's down to the difference in screen dimensions.
The FonePad's 7-inch 1280 x 800 display simply makes for a clearer and more engaging experience than Padfone 2's 4.7-inch equivalent.
The latter may be a little brighter and sharper, but the extra two inches of screen real estate more than makes up for that when watching a widescreen blockbuster or settling down to read a sprawling novel.
Obviously the Padfone 2 also has that 10.1-inch tablet adaptor, but with no increase in resolution and an inferior picture, both video and text can look a little grainy and washed out when blown up to such a size. It really offers little advantage.
Storage is another issue here. While the FonePad is only available with 8 or 16GB of internal storage compared to the Padfone 2's 16, 32, or 64GB, the former has the massive advantage of a microSD card slot. Not only does this open up the possibility for an extra 64GB of cheap memory expansion, it also offers another way to get media onto your tablet from other devices.
Padfone 2 vs FonePad: Internet
Once again, Google provides the default arrangements for internet software here in the shape of Chrome. It's a brilliant mobile browser, with its minimalistic interface, intuitive use of multiple tabs and ability to sync bookmarks with the desktop equivalent.
The respective screens play a big part in deciding which internet experience is preferable here. Once again, the Padfone 2's sub-par tablet component lets it down somewhat, compromising the full-size internet experience with its fuzzy, dim picture.
However, the phone's vibrant 4.7-inch display really shows off the increasingly mobile-optimised web nicely, and the phone's speedy CPU and GPU loads content up just as fast as its internet connection will allow it.
There's the sense with 7-inch tablets such as the FonePad that you're getting an internet browsing experience that's caught somewhere betwixt and between - neither small enough to make the stripped-back mobile-optimised versions of websites feel natural, nor big enough to display full web pages comfortably like, say, an iPad can. Not without some vigorous zooming and panning, at least.
There's not much in it, but browsing the web feels a little less forced on the Padfone 2 - and there is something to be said for a full-sized tablet web browser, no matter how low-res.
Listening to music is pretty much identical on both devices. Both have access to the marvellous Google Music service, which enables you to upload 20,000 tracks to the cloud for free, as well as to listen to your music through a stylish UI and to shop from Google's reasonably priced music store.
It's also about to go full-on Spotify on us, so watch out for an extra subscription-based incentive to opt for an Android smartphone or tablet (or both) in the near future.
It's considerably more wieldy listening to music on the go with the Padfone 2 thanks to its more pocket-friendly size, but then the FonePad has the benefit of that microSD slot for loading up even more music locally.
Back in the Padfone 2's favour, however, is the fact that it comes with a half-decent set of earbuds (the proper in-ear variety) packed in, while the FonePad has none.
Yes, any music fan should really be investing in a decent set of third-party earphones, but the fact remains that only one of these devices enables you to listen to music out of the box - at least without relying on a tinny speaker.
Padfone 2 vs FonePad: Battery
Both of these Asus phone-tablet hybrids impress when it comes to battery life. The Padfone 2 has a slightly larger than average 2,140mAh battery, which is technically removable if you don't mind performing minor surgery on your phone (that's what it feels like, at least).
Combined with the famously power-efficient Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 CPU, we were easily getting through a full day of moderate to heavy usage without running out of juice.
But that's not the biggest plus point in its battery life box. That comes from the unique tablet dock, which doubles as a back-up charger.
If you carry this around with you, the tablet portion's 5,000mAh battery can be used to completely recharge the phone section three times over. When you're away from a power point for a prolonged period, this could be a massive plus.
The FonePad, for its part, has no such gimmicks to rely on, but that's not to say its 4,270mAh battery doesn't sport impressive stamina.
We clocked around eight and a half hours of continuous usage - which involved whacking the screen brightness up to full and repeatedly looping an HD video - before the battery died. Impressive stuff.
Whichever Asus device you opt for, you won't have a problem with battery life.
As we've hopefully made clear, the Asus Padfone 2 and Asus FonePad are far more different than their shared heritage and similar names would suggest.
This means that when it comes to deciding which is the right Android phone/tablet hybrid for you, your mileage may vary.
If you're after a capable smartphone first and foremost, with a competent tablet experience considerably lower down on your list of priorities, then the Asus Padfone 2 is the device for you. It's nicely proportioned and very powerful, while its 4.7-inch display is very impressive.
Sure, its tablet dock provides a sub-par full-sized tablet experience, but it does the job. This component also acts as a portable recharger for the phone, which could prove very useful for the frequent traveller.
If the tablet side of things is more - or even equally - important to you, then the Asus FonePad is probably the better buy. It's a superbly well balanced device with a sharp display, exemplary build quality and an irresistibly low price tag.
Indeed, it's the Asus FonePad's sheer value for money that nudges it over the line for us when weighing the two against each other. At a third of the price of the Asus Padfone 2, this competent all-rounder is firmly in impulse-buy territory - and few will be disappointed with such a snap decision.
The controversial Russian blogger Eldar Murtazin posted a tweet claiming the Tizen OS is almost dead. He also suggests Samsung won't release more than one device running on Tizen.
Tizen is almost dead. It isn't delay. That's cancel of the whole project. I doubt that samsung will launch more than one device for 2014
Two days ago a Korean media reported Samsung is postponing the release of the first Tizen phones by two months. Previously the I8800 Melius and I8805 Redwood were expected to launch in August, although that never was officially confirmed.
Now, if we are to trust with Murtazin's info, the whole project is going down the drain and Samsung may release just one device before it shuts down everything.
Mr. Murtazin's reports have been more of a miss than hit recently and we recommend to take his claims with a healthy pinch of salt. The Tizen app challenge is still going with $4 million prize. You can learn more about the competition here.
And if the app challenge is not enough for you, yesterday the Tizen team launched Tizen 2.2 Beta SDK. It seems the team behind Tizen is still working and pushing the project ahead.
We doubt Samsung will drop such a huge project so easily especially with all of those man hours put into expanding its application store prior launch, but who knows. Only time will tell, though.
Instead of jumping ahead a full version number from 4.0 to 5.0 with Android this year, Google has wisely decided to slow down the new feature freight train just a little, instead expanding upon the solid foundation introduced with Android 4.0: Ice Cream Sandwich last year.
We saw the first version of Jelly Bean (Android 4.1) in the middle of 2012, and we've now updated our review to cover the latest incarnation of the sugary treat - Android 4.2 - so feast your eyes on what the latest version of Google's OS has to offer.
Although this decision may have more to do with slow adoption of ICS, the iterative release allows Google to catch its breath while hopefully allowing carriers, developers and users alike the chance to play catch-up.
Of course, that doesn't mean Google abandoned its traditional sugary confection-themed naming scheme: The name's Bean… Jelly Bean… and its mission is to hone Android into a leaner, meaner mobile operating system.
Where Android 3.0: Honeycomb was exclusive to tablets and Ice Cream Sandwich attempted to port the slicker UI over to smartphones as well, Jelly Bean is intended to smooth out the platform's remaining rough edges – while hopefully having more success at widespread adoption than its predecessor did.
In the meantime, Google is seizing this opportunity to not only show OEMs how Android tablets should be done but also swat away unwelcome rivals forking its older mobile OS as their own.
Built in conjunction with Asus, Samsung and LG, Google is shipping its own 7-inch Nexus 7 tablet, 10-inch Nexus 10 tablet and powerful Nexus 4 smartphone - all of which have been treated to Android 4.2.
Will the changes in Jelly Bean be enough to finally make the ambitious goals of Google's Mobile Handset Alliance a reality? Or will handset makers and carriers continue to bog down Android with their own skins, bloatware and other encumbrances?
We may not have the answers to those questions, but there's no denying that Android Jelly Bean is the best version yet – assuming your device is capable of installing it in the first place.
The Nokia EOS has a rich history of leaks on its record, including a mini preview not too long ago. The trend seems to be changing to official photos now and after yesterday's display and front panel of the device for AT&T, @evleaks has now outed a render of the cameraphone's back.
The photo shows the partypiece of the Nokia Lumia 1020, its 41MP camera with Xenon and LED flash unit. We've already seen the design of the back in a series of live photos, but this is the first time an official image has popped up.
However, it doesn't stop there, as @evleaks has also unveiled the smartphone's name for AT&T. It's going to be called the Nokia Elvis, but not much details were leaked regarding pricing and launch dates.
The Nokia Lumia 1020 will break cover next week, on July 11 in New York City. We will be covering the event live for you, so be sure to tune in for all the details surrounding the device when the time comes.
With the Samsung Galaxy S4 now out of the way the door has been thrown open for the Korean firm's other high-end smartphone to get a reboot in the form of the Samsung Galaxy Note 3.
Rumours are circulating about Samsung's next super-sized handset, suggesting it's going to get even bigger - even though the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 raised eyebrows with its larger size.
Samsung executive J.K. Shin has confirmed the existence of the Galaxy Note 3, revealing it will feature a non-flexible 5.9-inch OLED display.
Samsung Kazakhstan has also slipped up, accidentally revealing the Galaxy Note 3 on its official website alongside the Galaxy Z4 Zoom and Galaxy Tab 3 10.1.
We're constantly on the look out for Galaxy Note 3 news and you'll be able to find all the latest right here. You lucky things.
Announcement and release date
In terms of a Samsung Galaxy Note 3 release date the trail is pretty cold at the moment with "later this year" all we have to go on for now.
If previous iterations of the handset are anything to go by we can expect Samsung to uncover the third generation Galaxy Note smartphone towards the end of August, in the run up to IFA 2013 in Berlin.
Samsung executive J.K. Shin has said the Note 3 will arrive at IFA in September, although we're still waiting on an official comment from Samsung itself.
This would mean that the Galaxy Note 3 would probably hit stores around October if previous cycles are maintained - but given the Samsung Galaxy S4 emerged earlier this year, could the same trick be repeated for the Note 3?
A separate report suggests something rather different however, tipping the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 release date for July or August - although we'd be surprised if the Korean firm didn't wait for IFA in September.
Update: We now have a tentative Samsung Galaxy Note 3 release date of September 4 - two days before the IFA conference in Berlin opens. This falls on one of the media days before the event, so seems to make sense as a potential launch date.
More than a pretty penny in price
You can expect the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 to carry a hefty price tag, probably in line with the Galaxy S4 - making it more expensive than its Chinese rivals the ZTE Grand Memo and the Huawei Ascend Mate.
The Note 3 will probably set you back at least £550 (around $800/AU$770) give or take, plus there will be regional variances too.
Does the screen need to get bigger?
Although exact specs are still unknown the general consensus seems to suggest that the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 will sport an even bigger screen than its 5.5-inch predecessor.
Early reports pointed towards a whopping 6.3-inch display, which would see the handset dwarf the 6.1-inch Ascend Mate and 5.7-inch Grand Memo.
Other sources have claimed that the Galaxy Note 3 could actually pack a slightly more modest 5.9-inch AMOLED screen.
We thought Samsung may have let the cat out of the bag on its own website after listing a smartphone accessory compatible with screens from "4- to 6.3-inches", potentially hinting at a massive display bump for the Note 3 - although with the announcement of the Galaxy Mega 5.8 and Galaxy Mega 6.3 this is now less likely.
Screen size, then, remains a mystery but that's not the only quandary we have regarding the display on the Galaxy Note 3. Oh no, there are now reports suggesting it will be the first phone to sport a flexible OLED display.
Samsung did show off such a display at CES 2013 - although it wasn't part of a phone at the time and we reckon there's still some way to go before it's ready to hit our handsets, but it certainly gives us food for thought - especially now there are reports that Samsung is mulling three designs, one of which includes a flexible option.
We're also hearing that the Galaxy Note 3 may actually pack a 5.99-inch, Full HD display - although this news has come from unknown "inside sources".
Could this be Samsung replacing the Note range, or adding more feathers to its super-sized cap?
With JK Shin "confirming" the existence of the Galaxy Note 3, the Samsung exec is also reported revealing the 5.9-inch OLED display the super sized handset will pack.
Update: The 6-inch screen size gets another shout out as part of an image leak on Twitter, with @punkpanda noting the screen was "accounting for 84%" of the front of the device.
The operating system conundrum
We can be pretty sure that the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 will roll up running Google's Android platform, but which particular version that will be is not so black and white.
Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie is expected to be announced at Google's IO event in May, potentially alongside the Nexus 5 - which would put the Note 3 in the running to also launch with the latest version of the software.
However if history has taught us anything it's that assuming is for fools - as we've seen numerous handsets launched with older versions of Android - but the Note 2 was one of the first handsets from Samsung to launch with Jelly Bean, so perhaps a Key Lime Pie device isn't so unlikely.
The latest reports now point towards the Note 3 running Android 4.3 - an updated version of Jelly Bean which may arrive at Google IO ahead of a delayed Key Lime Pie.
Specs
The big screen won't be the only feature Samsung will want to shout about though, as you can expect the Galaxy Note 3 to be packing some serious tech under the hood.
Check out Samsung's Your Mobile Life to discover loads more about the infinite possibilities of the GALAXY Note II
It could be another industry leading handset (the Note 2 was the most powerful smartphone when it launched) with reports suggesting it will follow in the footsteps of the Galaxy S4 with a ridiculous octo-core chip.
As this device will fall into Samsung's "Note" family you can expect the fabled S-Pen to make another appearance here as it looks to rub shoulders with the Galaxy Note 8.0 and Galaxy Note 10.1.
According to Android Geeks a software engineer has spilled the beans on the S Orb camera feature which is apparently destined to debut on the Galaxy Note 3, after reports earlier this year suggested it would arrive on the Galaxy S4.
The usually reliable SamMobile has also had its say on the Note 3, with its own "inside sources" claiming the handset will be the most powerful in the world with a octa-core processor, eight-core GPU, 3GB of RAM, 5.99-inch Full HD display and a 13MP rear camera.
There's been further leaks surrounding that 13MP camera, with news claiming the snapper will sport optical image stabilisation tech, which will apparently give traditional cameras a run for their money.
Update: The suggestion of 3GB of RAM has been given another boost by a second source "confirming" the memory of the Note 3.
Apparently the Galaxy Note 3 will measure 8mm in thickness and weigh in at 183g, so slimmer than the Galaxy Note 2, but pretty much the same weight.
Plastic or metal?
Many were hoping the Samsung Galaxy S4 would see the Korean firm change its way when it came to chassis construction - ditching the plastic for a fancier metallic finish, but alas this wasn't the case.
The whole plastic vs metal debate isn't over though and now rumours are suggesting the Galaxy Note 3 could well sport a hard alloy case.
SamMobile sources reckon the HTC One has "worried" Samsung, leading the manufacturer to consider a new material for the Note 3.
We've also seen an image slip out online claiming to show the metallic body of the Galaxy Note 3 and a completely new design language for Samsung - although we're not overly convinced by this.
Credit: @evleaks
Those hoping Samsung will pull out some premium materials for the Galaxy Note 3 may have their dreams dashed as inside sources claim the handset will follow in the footsteps of the Galaxy S4 and Galaxy S3 in terms of design.
More images of the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 have surface, this time showing off a rounder handset which bears more of a resemblance to the Galaxy Note 2 and Galaxy S4.
Ofcom will soon be looking for a partner to carry out research into the performance of 3G and 4G networks at the end of year.
A spokesman for the communications regulator told TRPro that it is looking to appoint an external company through a competitive tender in the coming months.
This follows the indication, included in Ofcom's annual report, that it wants to measure the performance of 3G and 4G operators to help businesses and consumers when buying services.
It is planning to look at who deploys the services in which areas and what speeds they achieve. The research is due to be carried out in December and Ofcom is aiming to deliver its report by the spring of 2014.
Metrics
The spokesman said the performance metrics are yet to be determined.
"When we go through the tender process we will look at what different companies can offer," he said. "We will also have a set of base requirements."
The research could provide an early marker on the roll out of 4G services around the UK. So far EE has taken the lead in rolling out a network, but licences have also been granted to Telefonica, Vodafone, Hutchinson 3G and Niche Spectrum Ventures, which is a subsidiary of BT.
BlackBerry 10 gets ever so slightly more affordable with the introduction of the BlackBerry Q5 to the Canadian firm's smartphone lineup. But don't go thinking this is a bargain basement offering, because it carries a mid to high tier price tag.
Unveiled at BlackBerry's annual Live conference in Orlando in May 2013, the BlackBerry Q5 was hotly rumoured under the moniker BlackBerry R10, and while the name was a bit of a surprise at launch, pretty much every other detail had been leaked correctly.
It slides in below the fully touchscreen BlackBerry Z10 and its keyboard brethren the BlackBerry Q10, perhaps in a vague attempt to catch the eye of the Curve generation.
What you get on the BlackBerry Q5 is the same, oddly proportioned 3.1-inch, 720p IPS LCD display you find on the BlackBerry Q10, 1.2GHz dual-core processor, 2GB of RAM, microSD slot, 5MP rear camera, 2MP front camera, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, 4G and a 2180mAh battery.
Of course below that rather square screen you'll also find a 35-key physical QWERTY keyboard, which sports isolated keys instead of the side by side layout on the BlackBerry Q10.
Look the BlackBerry Q5 up and down and it's immediately obvious that this isn't a premium device, with a sizeable bezel above and below the screen, and then a chunk of plastic below the keyboard too.
The additional space below the display is actually not a bad thing though, as the upwards swipe required to close applications is made easier with this gap - something that was sorely missing from the Q10.
Pick the Q5 up and its plastic body is very noticeable. It does feel solid, but at the same time the matt gloss plastic rear and chunky dimensions of 120 x 66 x 10.8mm (4.7 x 2.6 x 0.4 inches) do take you back a few years to BlackBerry phones of old.
At 120g (4.2oz) the Q5 is suitably weighted, thankfully, because if it was nearer the 100g (3.5oz) mark you might mistake this for a toy - which isn't totally out of the question anyway.
BlackBerry has said that the Q5 is targeted at the younger generation who generally share content, like to be connected with mates and want their own freedom - although it's not exactly the handset you can see kids showing off to their friends.
The back looks like it should come off, but it doesn't - honest. We were fooled when we saw the Q5 at BlackBerry Live in May, but after a few minutes of trying to yank it apart we were politely told it wasn't possible, so don't bother.
There's no access to that battery then, and when it comes to the micro SIM and microSD slots, you'll find a flap on the left of the handset covering both ports.
We have a couple of bug bears with this set up. Firstly the flap itself, while easy to remove and replace, doesn't exactly fill us with confidence that it will actually protect our cards, or at least keep out some dust.
Push the flap in and it makes a satisfying clicking sound, suggesting you've snapped it snugly into place, but apply the lightest amount of pull to the top and it comes away easily from the BlackBerry Q5, and we can see this filling up with dust and dirt quickly.
Secondly, there's not a great deal of instruction about which way around you should insert the cards, and you'll need at least some finger nails to pop them into place.
Up top you get a headphone jack and the now common-place centralised power/lock key, but unlike the metallic finish found on the BlackBerry Z10 and BlackBerry Q10, the BlackBerry Q5 has been lumbered with a plastic button.
There's more plastic on the right, with the trio of buttons comprising a voice command key sandwiched in between volume rockers.
All are easy to hit with one-handed operation, but it's disappointing that BlackBerry couldn't treat us to at least a little bit of metal.
On the base is a central speaker grille, but no micro USB slot, which is found on the left at the top of the handset - one of our least favourite positions, since it makes it difficult to handle the Q5 when plugged in.
Sure the BlackBerry Q5 comes in some slightly more entertaining colours other than black - you can also pick from white, red and pink - but at the end of the day it's not particularly desirable in terms of looks.
Perhaps we could have overlooked the various design niggles on the BlackBerry Q5 if it sported a more reasonable price tag, but seeing as it doesn't and looking at its competition it's hard not to feel a little cheated here.
A couple of images allegedly showing the LG Optimus G2 surfaced, showing a button-less front with thin bezels. The image seems to go nicely with previous rumors of on-screen buttons and some slides we've seen of the device.
LG Optimus G2 front (click to enlarge)
The Optimus G2 is rumored to sport a 5.2" FullHD display with around 423 ppi density, a quad-core Snapdragon 800 chipset and 2 gigs of RAM. It's also likely that its 13 MP camera will come with Optical Image Stabilization.
LG Optimus G2 back (click to enlarge)
On the back we can see the camera module along with a single LED flash and a set of physical buttons for + and -, which will likely have camera-related functions as well. According to reports the keys are located on the camera's protective slide-down cap.
Apparently there's something big brewing over in Taiwan as news of the super-sized handset going by the moniker HTC One Max begins to make its way onto the web.
After the success of the HTC One the Taiwanese firm is probably feeling pretty bullish about its chances going forward and it's no surprise that rumours have begun to crop up suggesting it's looking at a One mini and a phablet device codenamed T6.
Update: Leaked documents claiming to be from O2 Germany have provided more fuel for the HTC One Max fire as it appeared alongside the HTC One Mini in a list of products.
We've sifted through all the HTC One Max/HTC T6 talk to bring you a definitive run down of what you might be able to expect from HTC's monster mobile.
HTC One Max release date and price
HTC currently doesn't have any events planned for this year, but that hasn't stopped speculation on a possible HTC One Max release date.
At the moment reports point towards a release towards the end of this year, so the One Max might be one for the Christmas list.
Pricing is equally as unknown for now, but expect to shell out the big bucks for this larger than life handset.
Growing pains
The main attraction on the HTC One Max will be its display which is apparently shaping up to be a mammoth 5.9-inch, full HD affair.
This would dwarf the 5.5-inch, 720p Samsung Galaxy Note 2, but with rumour of a Galaxy Note 3 on the horizon the One Max may find itself matching Samsung's next phablet when it comes to screen size.
Original reports suggested HTC would only give the T6 a modest screen bump, upping if from 4.7- to 5-inches from the HTC One - although those rumours seem to have been laid to rest now.
Anyone for Key Lime Pie?
One of the big surprises with the much talked about HTC One Max surrounds the operating system it'll be running.
Key Lime Pie hasn't even been announced yet so if it is to appear in the HTC T6 then Google's going to have to get a shift on - unless it decides to team up with the Taiwanese manufacturer for a joint launch. Tasty!
Double take
Usually with key phone launches a whole platter of images claiming to depict the handset in question are leaked online, although when it comes to the One Max we've only had one so far in the form of a blueprint.
If the picture does indeed show the HTC One Max then fans of the HTC One will be pleased to learn that it won't really deviate from the flagship's design language.
From the rear, the One Max (or HTC T6 if you want to use the codename) appears to be identical to the handset it's based on.
On the front only minor cosmetic changes show up, with additional width to accommodate the larger display and a shift of the sensors at the top of the device from the left to right side of the upper speaker grille.
Spec me up Scotty
In terms of other specifications for the HTC One Max we only really have The Unlockr report to go on, but it's worth noting the details came via @evleaks, which has a pretty decent track record when it comes to uncovering handsets.
Apparently the One Max will feature a 2.3GHz quad-core processor, 2GB of RAM, 16GB of internal storage, 2.1MP front camera, UltraPixel rear camera and a sizable 3300mAh battery.
Now those are some pretty tasty specs and it will certainly give the competition a run for its money - but we're going to have to wait and see if they are accurate.
