Archos' IFA 2013 plans revolve around 7 smartphones, 5 tablets

Archos going big in Barcelona

As IFA 2013 fast approaches, we're learning ever more about what we can expect from this year's tech-tastic conference.

While Samsung scored some attention earlier this week with an invite hinting we'll spot the Galaxy Note 3 Sept. 4, Archos today is overwhelming with sheer numbers.

According to a financial release (PDF) published yesterday, the company plans to detail its brand strategy during IFA. That strategy revolves around marketing "a full range" of seven Android smartphones to be released this fall.

The company also revealed it's investing in high-end tablets as well as some on 3G, "with more than five product announcements at IFA." The tablets will revolve around certain themes, such as gaming, connected TV and education/early learning.

Easy does it

There's not too much else to glean from the release, but just know Archos' carry-on bags will be fully loaded when it makes the trip to Berlin.

Archos has already released a number of devices this year, including a trio of tablets in February.

Clearly the French firm is looking to make its mark at IFA and, on the smartphone front, it's choosing to do so with Android. We'll be on the ground to bring you the latest at the conference, including hands on with these Archos devices if available.

• Phones and tablets will make IFA fun and all, but what about a Samsung smartwatch?

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/archos-ifa-2013-plans-revolve-around-7-smartphones-5-tablets-1171952

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G2 coming to Three and O2 as LG returns to the UK smartphone scene

LG: Bringing sexy back?

The newly-announced LG G2 smartphone has been confirmed on at least two UK networks as the Korean manufacturer looks to reestablish itself on British soil following a long, self-enforced exile.

Following yesterday's launch, Three mobile was quick to confirm it will be stocking the 5.2-inch, full HD handset and now O2 has confirmed the device will be winging its way to the bubbly network.

With the handset is expected to arrive in October, Three has given the rear-buttoned device a 'coming soon' label, while O2 has committed to launching the device "later this year."

The UK's other major networks EE, and Vodafone have "nothing to announce" and "no current plans" to stock the device respectively, according to reports on Thursday.

Fresh start or too late?

LG has been reluctant to launch its flagship smartphones in the UK over the last couple of years, citing the 'immature' 4G infrastructure.

With EE's next-gen operation gathering momentum and O2 and Vodafone joining the fray on August 29, it seems LG is ready to target Brits with its top handsets once again.

Smartphone fans in the UK have been able to purchase the Google Nexus 4, which was made but not promoted by LG, while some of the Optimus devices have been available SIM-free from third-party retailers.

This launch, however, represents the return of a front-runner from the early Android era, before HTC and Samsung took over. Will Brits be receptive to what LG has to offer once again?

• The LG G2 has everything but a soul. Find out why this 'unique' device, isn't that unique at all.

Via Engadget

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/g2-coming-to-three-and-o2-as-lg-returns-to-the-uk-smartphone-scene-1171933

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LG G2: It has everything, except a soul

The LG G2 is probably everything you could possibly want an Android smartphone to be, at least purely in terms of hardware. It has a large, high-definition display. Its internals, camera and battery life promise to be pretty amazing compared to its competition. Yet, it doesn't leap out at us or cause any stir or excitement.

We like the G2, except it's a safe phone, as mentioned in our early verdict of the device. Prior to the event, we thought of it as a Galaxy S4 clone, and it turns out we weren't the only ones who felt that way. The only radical part of the device is where the power and volume buttons were placed -- on the back.

LG's decision to place the volume and power buttons just underneath the camera has us questioning its direction. LG told us over and over again during its presentation that the company is listening to its customers and observing their behavior, hence the odd design.

It turns out that it's a little awkward to interface with the phone that way. While many of us do keep our index fingers right around where the camera is when we're on a call, it's not the only time we're having to adjust volume. When we're watching videos or listening to music, it could be awkward reaching behind the phone and feeling around for the volume keys.

Perhaps we're nitpicking, but when LG's highlights were its weird button placements, boys choir ringtones and 192KHz audio, we're left wondering whether the LG G2 is going to steal any thunder from the HTC One or Samsung Galaxy S4.

At one point during the launch event, we felt like LG was trying out-Samsung Samsung in the stuff-it-with-features department.

Like artists do with their work, Samsung and HTC have made their visions and styles very clear. It's easy to spot an Android device designed by either company, even if it's a leaked photo of an unreleased device.

We're hoping that the LG G2 is a small step in a new direction for some kind of vision for the Korean manufacturer. While we like its phones, like the Optimus G and the Optimus G Pro, we find no real reason to pick up an LG phone over Samsung or HTC.

Stay tuned for our full and thorough review of the device. Our early predictions tell us it's going to perform well, and that the G2 is going to be a winner by any standard with can give to smartphones. However, this nagging feeling about its lack of soul or style still lingers, and we wonder whether LG should take bigger risks with its next flagship Android device.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/lg-g2-it-has-everything-except-a-soul-1171916

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Samsung Galaxy Grand gets Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean update

Samsung had announced that the upgrade cycle for its Galaxy Grand smartphone would officially end with Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean. The last major update for the device is now seeding in Russia and the South Korean manufacturer is expected to roll out the Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean ROM globally in the coming days.

The latest update for the Samsung Galaxy Grand brings cool features such the lock screen widgets, advanced toggles menu, daydream screensaver, improved task switching and a few minor tweaks to enhance the overall user experience.

As one can expect, the update also brings a few software goodies from the Galaxy S4, the company's flagship smartphone.

If you are in hurry and planning to jump the gun with the official update, then the Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean firmware for your Galaxy Grand is available in the source link below. Just a friendly reminder: the flashing process involves some risk and may void your warranty. So, please continue with the instructions only if you are sure about what you are doing.

Source | Via

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_grand_gets_android_422_jelly_bean_update-news-6543.php

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Ubuntu Edge levels out at $695 with 14 days to hit $32M

When connected to a monitor the Edge becomes a functional Ubuntu PC

Canonical has done away with its complicated pricing scheme for the high-end Ubuntu Edge, instead setting the device at a fixed price point of $695 (£447, AU$762).

The best part: anyone who paid more than $695 for the phone will be refunded the difference if the Indiegogo campaign succeeds.

Canonical hopes to raise $32 million (about £20.8m, AU$34.8m) in crowdfunding for the phone, and with 14 days remaining they still have almost $24 million (about £15.4m, AU$26.4m) to go.

The company probably hopes the new, simpler pricing scheme will help with that - previously there were multiple price points, each with limited supplies so that latecomers would have to pay more.

Optimism

"You wanted a more affordable Edge, and now you've got it," Canonical wrote on the Edge's Indiegogo page today.

Canonical revealed today that interest from component supplies has allowed them to lower the cost of producing the phone, and that one of its "Enterprise bundles" - which includes 115 devices for $80K (about £51K, AU$87K) - was purchased by Bloomberg.

"So of course we're passing those savings on to you," the company continued.

"The target is still $32 million, so we will need to ship a few more phones at $695 than we would at a higher price, but we believe we can do it. We have two weeks, and we have the best community out there, so let's get to work: share this news, get the word out, and let's get the Ubuntu Edge made!"

The edge of innovation

The Ubuntu Edge attracted over $5 million (about £3.2m, AU$5.4m) in the first few days of funding, but its campaign seems to have slowed since then.

The Edge is designed to be more powerful than anything on the market today, including flagships like the Samsung Galaxy S4, HTC One, iPhone 5, LG G2, and Lumia 928.

Its specs aren't set in stone, but the phone is expected to pack 4GB of RAM, dual LTE receivers, 128GB of storage, and a 4.5-inch display made of pure sapphire crystal rather than glass.

The Edge can also transform into what Canonical claims is a fully functional Ubuntu PC when connected to a monitor.

The company currently plans to make just 40,000 of the high-end Ubuntu Edge smartphones, with other, low- to mid-tier phones running Ubuntu possibly coming afterward.

As of today it's got over $8 million (about £5.1m, AU$8.8m) in funding, leaving a long way to go before its goal is met.

• Don't miss TechRadar's interview with Canonical founder and Ubuntu Edge mastermind Mark Shuttleworth.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/ubuntu-edge-levels-out-at-695-with-14-days-to-hit-32m-1171906

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Images of Apple iPhone 5C shells in red surface

We have already lost count on the number of leaks we saw for Apple's alleged budget iPhone also known as iPhone 5C. We've heard that the C in iPhone 5C might stand for color, and that might just be the case as now we see the alleged red version of the smartphone. As with the previous leaks there's no way to confirm the trust-worthyness of these shots, so take it all with a healthy dose of skepticism.

If the rumors pan out, the Apple iPhone 5C will be up for grabs in Red, Yellow, Green, Blue and White paint jobs. The alleged pricing details of the affordable iPhone have also emerged and suggest that the smartphone will carry a price tag of around $490.

Apple will also be launching its next-generation iPhone along with its cheaper variant. Now, we have a new set of leaked images, which suggests that the upcoming iPhone will be named iPhone 5G and not as iPhone 5S as previously rumored.

The leaked image shows us a box containing an alleged spare digitizer and screen for the next iPhone.

The good news is the leak marathon is now entering its final stages - the next iPhone and its budget counterpart should be announced at the start of next month.

Source 1 | Source 2

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/images_of_apple_iphone_5c_shells_in_red_paint_job_surface-news-6542.php

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Sony Xperia i1 teaser suggests razor-thin phone for September 4

Careful on those edges (credit: Xperia-Digi-Wo)

The next Sony Xperia handset might be about to up the squish factor, if a leaked press teaser is the real deal.

The picture appeared on Chinese site Digi-wo and was picked up by XperiaBlog. Depicting a splash of purple across a black background, it appears to show what looks like a shooting star dashing across the night sky.

But wait - look more closely! That's actually a phone. In fact, you can even see the power button and volume rocker if you squint your eyes really hard.

We'd assume, then, that this is Sony's rumoured next addition to the Xperia line, previously going under the codename of Honami - and now referred to as the Xperia i1.

Razor's edge

As you can see, the image teases a September 4 date on the bottom with "Berlin" written below it. Sony's IFA 2013 press conference is set for that very date. In Berlin. Go figure.

One of the more interesting rumours that's been swirling is that the phone will have a 20-megapixel camera capable of shooting 4K video. A quad-core processor is also expected to appear.

As official as it looks, we wouldn't take this as legit until Sony sends these out globally. After all, it wouldn't be that difficult for someone to mock this up.

• Check out what we think of the Sony Xperia Z (hint: we like it)

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/sony-xperia-i1-teaser-suggests-razor-thin-phone-for-september-4-1171872

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LG G2 to cost €599 in Europe, listing confirms

LG uncovered its new smartphone beast, the G2 an NYC press event yesterday. Back then LG focused more on the ultra-slim bezel, the impressive design and the lengthy list of hot features of the smartphone, but didn't say anything about pricing. Well, thanks to some online retailers that information is no longer a mystery.

The LG G2 has been spotted on a German retailer and according to the listing, the 16GB variant of the SIM-free G2 will cost €599 (about $800), while the 32 GB unlocked version will sell for €629 (about $840). Those prices seem pretty reasonable and we suspect they will carry over to the rest of Europe.

Sadly, there is no official word on the availability of the LG G2 on the Old continent, but is should be no later than September.

We have already got our hands dirty with the LG G2, you can check our hands-on article if you haven't done so already.

Source | Via

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/lg_g2_pricing_for_europe_revealed_costs_599-news-6541.php

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HTC updates the One X+ to Android 4.2.2 with Sense 5 UI

Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean with the HTC Sense 5 topping has been unleashed in the form of an over-the-air update for the HTC One X+.

The update brings some sweet features to One X+ owners like the BlinkFeed homescreen, which has been present on all recent high-end smartphones of the Taiwanese company. There's also a new lockscreen to go with it dubbed "electronic gadgets."

Battery endurance is reportedly also improved thanks to a new sleep mode switch. Users can track the status of the battery easily by turning on the percentage battery meter in the status bar. Since this is Android 4.2.2, the Quick settings panel is also presents and can be accessed by a two-finger swipe down.

There are updates for the camera, A long tap on the camera UI screen locks exposure and focus. HTC has also included the video highlights feature, which allows you to choose from 12 kinds of music theme styles and easily make a quick 30 seconds video.

To get the update, check out your software update screen or go to the HTC Sync Manager to see if the company has rolled out the update for your region.

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/htc_updates_the_one_x_to_android_422_with_sense_5_ui-news-6540.php

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Sony Honami teaser image leaks, confirms purple version

An official teaser images of the Sony 'Honami' cameraphone has showed up rather prematurely, reconfirming the date of the phone's unveil and hinting of a potential purple version.

The photo itself doesn't reveal almost anything regarding the smartphone itself. The guys over at Digi-Wo who have a larger resolution version of it have zoomed in on it to discover the signature Xperia lock/power button. The side edges of the phone are also more rounded than the Z, which should help handling. In any case, the leaked photos of the Honami give us a better idea of its looks than the teaser ever will.

The Sony Xperia Honami is rumored to sport a 5-inch Full HD Triluminos display with the X-reality engine. The smartphone is said to feature a 2.2 GHz quad-core Snapdragon 800 processor along with 2GB of RAM. The smartphone's key selling points is its 20.7 megapixel camera with Sony G-lens and BIONZ image processor. User memory is 16GB and can be expanded via the microSD card slot.

As we've come to expect from Sony, the Honami is said to be IP57 certified, which means the smartphone will be completely dust-protected and have the ability to withstand a meter of water for 30 minutes. The connectivity options for the Xperia Honami include Bluetooth 4.0, NFC, Wi-Fi and supports GSM/UMTS/LTE networks

We'll find out more about the phone in less than a month at its announcement event in Berlin on September 4.

Via | Source

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/sony_honami_teaser_image_leaks_confirms_event_date-news-6539.php

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BlackBerry Z30 joins the Z10 and Q5 in new leaked photos

We already saw the BlackBerry Z30 make an appearance in a series of leaked official renders, and it's now time for a couple of live photos of the upcoming smartphone. This time around, the Z30 joins the Z10 and Q5 for a quick family snap.

The photos show just how much bigger the BlackBerry Z30 is compared to the Z10, and that it shares much of its design with its sibling. In fact, if it wasn't for the silver accent on the bottom of the phone, you might have a hard time telling the two apart when they are not sitting side by side.

According to an earlier leak, the Z30 (formerly known as the A10) won't feature much of a specs bump. It's expected to be powered by a Qualcomm chipset, consisting of two 1.7GHz Krait cores, a quad-core Adreno GPU and 2GB of RAM. The major difference is at the front, where a 5" OLED display of 720p resolution is expected.

Running on the BlackBerry Z30 is going to be the company's upcoming BlackBerry OS 10.2. The new release is said to bring the all-new quick settings panel, that's going to be accessible via a swipe down from the top of the screen. Due to the larger screen, we are also likely to see 5 row of icons fitted on the app drawer, instead of the usual 4.

Source

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/blackberry_z30_joins_the_z10_and_q5_in_new_leaked_photos-news-6538.php

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LG G2 won't come in a pure Android Google Play edition

It's LG's way or the highway when it comes to the G2

LG has confirmed that it has no plans to launch a Google edition of its new flagship, the LG G2.

The Samsung Galaxy S4 and HTC One both come in a Google-flavour sold through Google Play - both handsets were among the first to get the Android 4.3 update because there's no pesky Sense or Touchwiz overlay to worry about.

"As of right now, LG doesn't have any plans for a Google Play Edition," Ken Hong, LG PR, told Android Community.

Google Play it off, keyboard cat

The reason being that LG is focusing on getting the G2 out there through networks rather than by selling the handset direct.

However, Hong did add, "That... could change down the road." So all hope is not lost, vanilla Android fans.

The LG G2 launches with Android 4.2 rather than the more modern but fairly iterative Android 4.3.

• Find out what we made the handset in our in-depth hands on LG G2 review - and check out the team's reactions too.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/lg-g2-won-t-come-in-a-pure-android-google-play-edition-1171752

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