Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Exynos 5 Octa not going global?

Why can't we just have an Octa LTE phone and be done with it?

Just as with the Samsung Galaxy S4, it looks like the world will be split between those who will get the Exynos 5 Octa processor in the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 and those who won't.

According to SamMobile, the independent and fairly reliable Samsung blog, there will be two models, one with the eight-core processor on the 3G variant, while the LTE variant will sport the Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor.

With the Exynos 5 Octa revealed last month, this isn't the first leak to indicate that the new processor will be used for the Galaxy Note 3.

According to the site, the Galaxy Note III LTE will be powered by the Snapdragon 800 processor with an Adreno 330 GPU, while the Galaxy Note III 3G version will feature the Samsung Exynos 5420 Octa with an ARM Mali-T628 MP6 GPU.

A 3 GB LPDDR3 (Channel A+B – 12.8Gbit+12.8Gbit) RAM will feature in both variants.

Octa vs LTE

As the eight-core Galaxy S4 variant wasn't released across all territories in favour of LTE, including in Australia, the UK and US, we've been doubtful of a global eight-core Galaxy Note 3 release.

SamMobile has put together a comprehensive list of which territories and carriers will get which Note 3 variant, with the Brits lucky enough to get both the Snapdragon 800 LTE variant (H3G, O2, Vodafone) and the eight-core 3G variant (Carphone Warehouse).

The US seemingly only have the Snapdragon LTE model listed through AT&T alongside its country code. Aussies also looks to miss out on the Exynos 5 Octa, while the LTE model is listed through Optus, Telstra and Vodafone.

Of course, Samsung will probably later add to this list, so perhaps the US and Australia won't be left behind after all.

We're inclined to put faith in this list and spec details though, if only because it is so comprehensive, but we'd still take all this with a grain of salt until Samsung's Unpacked event on September 4, when the Galaxy Note 3 is expected to be launched.

• There's still a few weeks left until the Unpacked event, so why not catch up on everything we've heard so far about the Samsung Galaxy Note 3?

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/samsung-galaxy-note-3-exynos-5-octa-not-going-global-again--1173478

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Was HTC plotting to offer custom colours before Moto X launch?

The purported prototype Design Studio (credit: TheVerge)

Motorola has attempted to start a fashion-conscious smartphone revolution with its customisable Moto X phone but, according to reports on Thursday, rival manufacturer HTC also considered getting in on the act.

Sources familiar with HTC's plans told The Verge the company planned to launch a customisation website allowing customers on the Sprint network in the US to create their very own HTC 8XT handset.

The report revealed the existence of a prototype Design Studio web app that would have allowed users colour control over the two-tone body, speaker, accents and engraving options.

However, the HTC 8XT device running Windows Phone 8 was launched in July minus those options with both the manufacturer and the carrier reportedly backing out over "cost and complexity" concerns.

Fashion sensitivities

With its new Moto X phone, Motorola is betting heavily on a perceived desire from smartphone users to carry a handset befitting of their fashion sensitivities, rather than the identikit offerings currently available.

The Moto X doesn't impress too much in terms of its mid-range specs, but Statesiders can use the Moto Maker website from two front frame colours, 18 back plate colours (new wood materials are coming soon) and 7 accent colours.

Buyers can also choose to have a personal message engraved on the back.

Meanwhile, reports claiming that Apple will launch its rumoured iPhone 5C budget handset in a range of bright colours akin to its iPod range could also be a sign that manufacturers are conscious that buyers want more choice over their phone's aesthetics.

As for HTC, it seems the plans have been benched for the time being, but if Motorola does well with the Moto Maker, the Taiwanese company's phones could get a little more colourful.

• Wondering about the legitimacy of that iPhone 5C name? According to one source, you can take it to the bank.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/was-htc-plotting-to-offer-custom-colours-before-moto-x-launch--1173459

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Nokia's Lumia Amber update lands to boost Windows Phone 8 devices

Lumia Amber brings much-improved imaging performance

Nokia has confirmed its Lumia Amber software update has started to roll-out for the company's Windows Phone 8 devices.

The headline feature in this relatively major software bump is the new imaging experience, which brings other WP8 Lumia handsets up to speed with the Lumia 1020 (obviously minus the massive 41-megapixel sensor).

Amber will bring improved image processing, noise reduction, colour reproduction, exposure control, autofocus and better performance in low-light, according to Nokia.

The Nokia Smart Camera app, which debuted on the Lumia 925 and features prominently on the Lumia 1020, is also open to other Lumia users running Windows Phone 8 on their handsets.

Best shot

In a post on the Nokia Conversations blog the company explained the merits of the Smart Camera app: "The app brings a slew of different options – use Best Shot to find the sharpest image from a series of ten; combine several shots of people in movement into one with Action Shot; heighten the appearance of speed by blurring the background with Motion Focus; create ideal group shots by choosing the best faces from a series with Change Faces, or remove unwanted objects from your pictures."

Beyond the camera features, Amber brings the new Glance Screen functionality on board, which displays a clock, battery meter and informs users when the phone is in silent, even when the display is locked.

Users will also be able to flip the phone over to activate silent mode, while double tapping the screen will unlock the device. There's also some minor improvements to the Here Maps app.

Lumia owners with Windows Phone 8 handsets can check whether the update is available in Settings > Phone Updates.

• Next: Check out the 10 apps to supercharge your Lumia 925 handset

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/nokia-s-lumia-amber-update-lands-to-boost-windows-phone-8-devices-1173450

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Sony Xperia i1 'Honami' could put 4K video in the palm of your hand

Sony is really trying to make 4K happen (credit: Engadget)

We don't know that many concrete facts about the rumored Sony Xperia i1 (aka "Honami"), but that hasn't stopped a barrage of rumors and leaks from giving us an idea of what to expect from Sony's purported phablet.

The larger successor to the Xperia Z, the Xperia i1 is believed to come with a robust 5-inch HD display, which should make pictures taken with the rumored 20MP camera (at a 5248 x 3936 resolution) look real nice.

Of course, that 20MP camera might also be perfectly suited for shooting video in 4K (4000 x 2000), which is just what the latest info surrounding the Honami seems to suggest.

According to leaked promotional materials, Sony is planning on releasing the first phone to allow users to shoot video in 4K resolution, which perfectly suits the Japanese company's plans across its own brand.

Mixed signals

That Sony might be bringing the ability to capture 4K video to a device as purportedly beastly as the Xperia i1 isn't all that surprising.

Considering the phablet is expected to come with a 4K-capable 2.2GHz quad-core Snapdragon 800 chip, it actually may have been more shocking to learn the phone wouldn't use 4K in some way.

However, the rumored resolution of 4000 x 2000 is a bit curious, especially when considering Sony's 4K Ultra HD televisions only support a 3840 x 2160 resolution.

The Bravia branding on the slides in question lends this report a bit more credence, as does the tagline, "How do you get 4K content? By shooting videos with a 4K cellphone."

Remember though, the Xperia i1 still hasn't even been announced, and it certainly wouldn't be the first time rumored features didn't make it into the first iteration of a new smartphone.

With IFA 2013 just around the corner, we may not have to wait long to learn just how true these reports are, but until Sony delivers exact specs itself, we're not going to get too excited about the possibilities of shooting 4K with our smartphones. Yet.

• Leaked photos pit the Sony Xperia i1 'Honami' against the iPhone 5, Xperia Z.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/sony-xperia-i1-honami-could-put-4k-video-in-the-palm-of-your-hand-1173444

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Aaannddd now Google is blocking Microsoft's new YouTube app

Windows Phone 8 users still won't be seeing this YouTube app

It was just this week that YouTube finally returned to Windows Phone, and Google has already blocked the new app.

Microsoft and Google collaborated on this version of the Windows Phone YouTube app after bickering over it for months, but apparently it's still not good enough.

"Microsoft has not made the browser upgrades necessary to enable a fully-featured YouTube experience, and has instead re-released a YouTube app that violates our Terms of Service," a Google spokesperson told The Verge today.

"It has been disabled. We value our broad developer community and therefore ask everyone to adhere to the same guidelines."

Mixed messages

When the new Windows Phone YouTube app debuted on Tuesday, Microsoft released a statement indicating it believed that the app would finally satisfy Google's high standards.

"We've released an updated YouTube app for Windows Phone that provides the great experience our consumers expect while addressing the concerns Google expressed in May, including the addition of ads," the statement read.

Clearly they were wrong. Today, meanwhile, Microsoft said it's "working with [Google] to resolve the issue."

TechRadar has asked Google and Microsoft for their full statements, and we'll publish them here when we receive them.

• While Microsoft and Google continue to squabble, Windows Phone 8 users on Lumia phones can always turn to Nokia's YouTube solution.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/software/applications/aaannddd-now-google-is-blocking-microsoft-s-new-youtube-app-1173427

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Sprint to offer the HTC One in Ruby Red starting August 16

Sprint has announced that it's going to start offering the HTC One in a red color. Dubbed "Ruby Red", the special color of the HTC One is going to be exclusive for Sprint customers in the US.

HTC has already started selling the One in red in the UK and is calling the paint job "Glamour Red." That's the reason for the slight difference in saturation you're noticing.

The HTC One is also expected to be available in a blue color variation, a photo of which leaked not too long ago. Any further information regarding its availability or pricing are not available at this point.

Anyway, back to the Sprint Ruby Red HTC One edition, it's going to be available starting August 16 for $199,99 (the same price of the regular graphite and silver HTC One) with a 2-year contract. Off-contract, the device is going to retail for $549.99. Sprint is also throwing in a promo offering for a chance to win a second HTC One if you buy one.

Via

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/sprint_to_offer_the_htc_one_in_ruby_red_starting_august_16-news-6584.php

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Apple 'gifting' patent rekindles NFC for iPhone and iPad rumours

One for you, one for me

A new Apple patent hints that the next generations of iPhone and iPad will come with NFC on board.

The application is based around giving iOS songs, ebooks and films to other iOS-using friends and families.

So if you wanted to give your pals a Hanson hit, you could either make the purchase directly in iTunes, or you could locate the song (probably 'Mmmbop', let's face it, but 'Where's The Love' was a valiant follow-up) on your own iPhone or iPad and gift them a copy from there.

Plant a seed, plant a flower, plant a rose

At the moment, when you buy iTunes files as presents for other people, you send them via email - however, this new patent gives you the option to do so using NFC.

This option will be handy if you're desperate to get 'Mmmbop' on to your friends' phone but you don't have internet access - it basically transfers a locked file to their handset which is then authenticated once they're back in Wi-Fi or data range.

Of course, this is no guarantee that Apple will include NFC in any device, nor that this patent will ever be used in any way - still, it's proof that the company is having a good hard think about how it can make NFC worth its while.

• Want to know what else is heading to the iPhone? Check out all the iPhone 5S rumours here

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/apple-gifting-patent-rekindles-nfc-for-iphone-and-ipad-rumours-1173395

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iOS 7 Golden Master coming on September 5

The final iOS 7 beta, number 6, is primed to arrive sometime next week (two weeks after beta 5), which puts the Golden Master release of the OS sometime in September, just as previously rumored.

According to sources close to BGR following the sixth beta Apple will release iOS 7 Golden Master to employees and carriers first on September 5 and then to developers on September 10, which is when we're expecting to see the next iPhone hardware announcement.

Although there's still no official confirmation from Apple regarding the rumored September 10 event it's likely that, if proven true, the company would release the GM version of its OS to developers at the same date. This would mean that the company will stick to a tradition is has kept every year since it launched iOS.

Source | Via

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/ios_7_golden_master_coming_sept_5_to_carriers_10_to_everyone-news-6583.php

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Nokia Lumia 1020 goes to China, costs $980 unlocked

The Nokia Lumia 1020 flagship cameraphone is finally ready to expand its availability outside of the US. The PureView monster has just hit the shelves in China and is available for purchase both SIM-free and on contract.

If you use China Unicom's network, you will be able to get a shiny new unlocked Nokia Lumia 1020 for CNY5,999 which translates to around $980. That's the about as much as a 32GB Apple iPhone 5 costs in China.

Alternatively, China Unicom will be offering the Nokia Lumia 1020 for just CNY999 ($163) if you agree to sign a 3-year CNY386 ($63) per month contract.

The camera grip accessory will set you back an additional CNY499 ($81.50).

China Mobile, the largest carrier in the world, will be next in line to receive the cameraphone, but the rest of the world will probably have to wait for at least another month.

Source 1 | Source 2 | Via

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/nokia_lumia_1020_goes_to_china_costs_973_unlocked-news-6581.php

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Apple may be close to securing a deal with China Mobile

Apple has deals with two of China's three carriers – China Unicom (China's second biggest carrier, deal signed in 2009) and Chine Telecom (third biggest, deal signed last year). But the Cupertino giant is yet to enter partnership with the biggest carrier in China and in fact the world, Chine Mobile (with 740 million subscribers).

Tim Cook, Apple's CEO, has traveled a second time this year to China and met with Xi Guohua, the carrier's chairman. "We are actively negotiating and both sides are keen. There are still some commercial and technology issues that need time to resolve," said the chairman.

What's changed from previous years is Apple's move to Qualcomm-made chipsets, which support China's proprietary 4G tech that most other chipsets don't. With these chipsets, Apple won't have to spend time and resources designing a China-specific version of the iPhone (which the company has been reluctant to do).

Apple really needs that deal – China is the world's biggest smartphone market but the iPhone has been struggling there - its market share has been sliding and is now far behind Samsung and local brands. Analysts from Canalys believe the lower-cost iPhone 5C that has set the rumor mill on fire will be perfect for China's market as the regular iPhone is too pricy compared to low-cost, highly-specced phones from Chinese brands.

This deal can be beneficial for both Apple and China Mobile as both giants have seen their profits slump recently.

Source

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/apple_may_be_close_to_securing_a_deal_with_china_mobile-news-6580.php

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iPhone 5 and 5C together in perfect harmony?

Black and yellow, black and yellow

Another alleged iPhone 5C shell for your perusal today. This one comes once again from leaker Sonny Dickson, who posted a video of the casing alongside the rest of the iPhone family.

We spoke to Sonny who told us that it came from the same source he received the recently-surfaced white cover from and insists it's "the real deal".

But of course, we can't help but ask whether the case is nothing more than an iPhone intruder trying to makes fools of us all. Strap on your skepti-goggles before hitting the play button.

More blips!

There's an intruder among our Blips. Or is there? You'll have to read through to find out.

• Samsung needs help deciding what to do with flexible displays
• Robert Downey Jr. takes a confusing turn in new HTC ad
• Google Mas has a fantastic Easter egg in the shape of a familiar blue box

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/iphone-5-and-5c-together-in-perfect-harmony--1173306

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BlackBerry patent portfolio worth $2 to $3 billion, analyst estimates

As talk is escalating about the possibility of BlackBerry going on sale or possibly entering a joint-venture, some analysts are looking to the Canadians' patent portfolio as potential savior.

According to MDB Capital Group CEO, Chris Marlett, who spoke to AllThingsD BlackBerry's patent portfolio alone could muster about $2 to $3 billion in a cross-licensing deal.

And that is the estimated price if a lone bid for the portfolio arrives. If say Apple, Google or Microsoft all wanted to buy it and start a bidding war, BB's patents could amass sums between $4 and $5 billion.

BlackBerry still carries a lot of weight in the industry despite having financial troubles - its devices and services are well known, BlackBerry Messenger is used by some 50 million users. So if a major industry player like Google, Microsoft or Apple wanted to purchase BlackBerry entirely, the deal could be worth $8 to $10 billion.

BlackBerry currently has 5,236 active U.S. patent and about 3,730 active applications in wireless communication.

Source

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/blackberry_patent_portfolio_worth_2_or_3_billion_alone-news-6579.php

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Samsung Galaxy Note III country distribution list pops up

Just like the Samsung Galaxy S4, the Samsung Galaxy Note III is allegedly going to launch in a couple of versions each sporting a different chipset under the hood.

Apparently, SamMobile has got hold of a list of countries to which Samsung is going to distribute the Galaxy Note III powered by the Exynos 5420 Octa chipset and the Snapdragon 800 variants.

The Exynos 5420-powered Galaxy Note III is listed under the SM-N9000 model name, while the Galaxy Note III with Snapdragon 800 goes by the SM-N9005 name and it is the one to sport LTE connectivity. Unfortunately, the Exynos-one lacks 4G network support. Both versions are going to pack 3GB of snappy LPDDR3 RAM.

Here's a quote from SamMobile's source regarding availability of both versions of the Galaxy Note III in countries where LTE is available.

If your country gets both processor variants, it is a decision based on the marketing plan of Samsung. Which means if there are LTE networks in your country, Samsung will start with the LTE variant (Snapdragon 800) first.

Here's the full list of countries and carriers that are bound to get the Samsung Galaxy Note III with Exynos 5420 chip (SM-N9000) and the Samsung Galaxy Note III with Snapdragon 800 chip (SM-N9005).

Samsung Galaxy Note III with Exynos 5420 (SM-N9000) Afghanistan Algeria Bangladesh Egypt France Germany Hong Kong India Indonesia Iran Iraq Israel Italy Kazakhstan Kenya Malaysia Mauritania Morocco Nepal Nigeria Pakistan Poland Russia Saudi Arabia Singapore South Africa Sri Lanka Taiwan Taiwan Thailand Tunisia Turkey Ukraine (Kyivstar) United Arab Emirates United Kingdom Uzbekistan Vietnam

Samsung Galaxy Note III with Snapdragon 800 (SM-N9005) Australia Australia (Optus) Australia (Telstra) Australia (Vodafone) Austria (3 Hutchison) Austria (A1) Baltic Belgium / Luxemburg Bosnia and Herzegovina Bosnia and Herzegovina Bosnia and Herzegovina (BH TELECOM) Bulgaria Bulgaria Bulgaria (MTL) Bulgaria (VVT) Croatia (TELE2) Croatia (VIPNET) Cyprus Cyprus (Cytamobile Vodafone) Czech Republic Czech Republic (O2C) Czech Republic (Vodafone) France France (Bouygues) France (SFR) Germany Germany (O2) Germany (T-Mobile) Germany (Vodafone) Greece Greece (Cosmote) Greece (Vodafone) Hong Kong Hungary Hungary (Telenor) Hungary (VDH) Ireland Ireland (Meteor) Ireland (O2) Ireland (Three) Ireland (Vodafone) Italy Italy (H3G) Italy (TIM) Italy (Vodafone) Italy (Wind) Japan Luxembourg Malaysia Netherlands Netherlands (Vodafone) New Zealand (Vodafone) New Zeeland Nordic countries Norway (Telenor) Open Austria Papua New Guinea Philippines Philippines (Globe) Philippines (Smart) Philippines (Sun) Poland Poland (PLUS) Poland (Play) Portugal (Optimus) Portugal (TMN) Portugal (TPH) Portugal (Vodafone) Romania Romania (Vodafone) Saudi Arabia Serbia (Telekom) Serbia (Telenor) Serbia (VIP) Singapore Singapore Singapore (SingTel) Singapore (StarHub) Slovakia Slovakia Slovenia Slovenia (Mobitel) Slovenia (Si.mobil) South Africa (Vodafone) South Africa (XFM) South East Europe Spain Spain (Movistar) Spain (Vodafone) Spain (Yoigo) Sweden Sweden Sweden (Tre) Switzerland Switzerland (Swisscom) USA (AT&T) United Kingdom United Kingdom (H3G) United Kingdom (O2) O2U United Kingdom (Vodafone) VOD

Additionally, there's going to be a third Galaxy Note III variant that's going to feature two SIM card slots. According to the leaked country list, it's going to only be available in China and carriers the SM-N9002 model number. It's going to be powered by Samsung's Exynos 5420 with 3GB of LPDDR3 RAM.

Samsung will announce the Galaxy Note III on September 4 event in Berlin and we'll be covering it live so make sure you stick around when the time comes.

Source

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_note_iii_country_distribution_list_pops_up-news-6578.php

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