As Nexus 4 sells out completely, Google reportedly has no plans to restock it

Start to say your goodbyes

While the Nexus 5 was busy partying, the 16GB Nexus 4 was busy selling out at the U.S. Google Play Store. And it's reportedly never coming back.

According to a "trusted source" for The Verge, Google has no plans to restock the Nexus 4 back in any storage configuration in the U.S. It already sold out of the 8GB Nexus 4 after a price cut, and while "a few" devices remain in stock in other countries, once those devices are sold out, Google supposedly won't replace them.

A check of the Google Play Store has this message for the 8GB and 16GB phones: "We are out of inventory. Please check back soon."

Not that checking back will do any good.

Nexus 5 release date nearing?

It seems we are inching ever close to the debut of the Nexus 5. The phone has been popping up left and right, including in a bar, just like it's predecessor was outed before it's official release.

The phone we've seen so far could be far from the final product, but it looks like we can expect a device similar to the LG G2. Rumored specs include Bluetooth 4.0, NFC, dual-band 802.11 b/g/n/ac and 7-band LTE support.

Chances are we'll see it with Android 4.3, but Google could be calculating a release timed with Android 4.4 KitKat.

Nothing is official until Google gives the word, but all signs are pointing to an incoming Nexus 5.

• We may see new hardware from Valve soon, too.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/as-nexus-4-sells-out-completely-google-reportedly-has-no-plans-to-restock-it-1181616

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Google will no longer offer the Nexus 4 in the United States

According to a fresh report, the LG Nexus 4 has reached the end of the line in the United States. The smartphone is currently out of inventory in the Play Store and, according to The Verge, Google has no plans to restock it.

The US Play Store’s stock of the Nexus 4 in the United States got depleted shortly after the device received a massive price cut. The device is still on sale by Google in some countries, but once it’s sold out, it will not return to the shelves.

The end of the Nexus 4’s commercial availability arrives amid increasingly frequent leaks of its potential successor. The upcoming LG-made smartphone will likely be launched as Nexus 5 during the second half of October.

Source

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/google_will_no_longer_offer_the_nexus_4_in_the_united_states-news-6807.php

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Unannounced LG Nexus makes another unscheduled appearance

Hot on the heels of its FCC and Google campus visits, the highly anticipated next generation Nexus smartphone made yet another appearance. This time around, the LG-made handset got allegedly caught in live photos and video while exploring the bar scene.

The images of the handset above fall right in line with previous leaks. They show a pre-production unit whose look resembles closely the 2013 ASUS Nexus 7.

The short video of the handset on the other hand, gives us a glimpse of what could be the Android 4.4 KitKat lockscreen. You can check it out below.

Considering the increasingly frequent appearances of the upcoming LG Nexus, we reckon that it won’t be long before the device goes official. The latest rumor points at a late October release.

Source

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/unannounced_lg_nexus_makes_another_unscheduled_appearance-news-6806.php

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In case of emergency, new text alert system goes on trial in UK

Text alerts could help folks respond faster in emergencies

Mobile phone users in some areas of the UK will soon be receiving text messages when emergency situations develop in their locale, as part of a new government trial.

The Cabinet Office says it is working with the UK big three mobile networks, EE, O2 and Vodafone to test a US-style alert system, which will warn of severe weather, industrial incidents and other emergencies.

The scheme will be tested in on up to 50,000 mobile users in parts of Yorkshire, Suffolk and Glasgow via text and CB messages delivered directly to the handset. Alerts will be marked as 'test' during the trial.

Countries like the US, The Netherlands and Australia already have measures in place to notify users to be on the look out for cars suspected in kidnappings, escaped felons, wanted fugitives,

Other nations, such as Japan and Chile, which are more susceptible to natural disasters, are also in the process of implementing their own mechanisms.

Potential lifesaver?

The idea is that hopefully, the early alert system will keep mobile users vigilant and could even safe lives during emergency situations.

If you're interested, you can check out a list of those potential scenarios in the rather ominous sounding National Risk Register of Civil Emergencies 2013 government report.

• Did you hear about the US town that banned texting while walking last year?

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/in-case-of-emergency-new-text-alert-system-goes-on-trial-in-uk-1181583

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Possible iOS 7-heavy changes coming to Twitter mobile apps

Tweet, tweet, change is coming

Amidst all the hubbub over Twitter's recent IPO filing, word on the 'net is that the not-so-little birdie may be releasing a series of mobile updates.

A new app rollout isn't too far off though, especially since Twitter recently asked users to sign up for its Android beta program to squash out bugs.

Twitter will release a small app update following Apple's Sept. 17 iOS 7 release with sources at All Things D claiming the newly designed app will be available a bit after in a larger update.

With the Facebook interface always morphing, Yahoo's recent logo switch and Google's own purportedly impending logo change, it's not surprising Twitter feels the need for a refresh to stay current.

Pictures, pictures, pictures

According the The New York Times, the Twitter app will update the tweet stream to be more visually appealing.

All those pictures and videos in your Twitter stream will be displayed automatically without the need to click and expand, much like the Discover tab, for an image-heavy experience.

Additionally, the Times says Twitter will be taking cues from iOS 7 and aim for a more crisp and clean look to "feel more alive."

The mobile update will also include the ability to swipe from stream to stream, and do away with the four buttons on the bottom, for seamlessness that allows for more content and less interface.

• Will we be seeing a new iPad 5 and iPad mini 2 soon?

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/internet/possible-ios-7-heavy-changes-coming-to-twitter-mobile-apps-1181553

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Samsung reportedly already planning Galaxy Gear 2 with GPS

The Galaxy Gear 2 could already be in the works

Samsung just announced its Galaxy Gear smartwatch, but a second-gen successor is reportedly already in the works.

The Galaxy Gear 2 will feature improvements like greater device compatibility and GPS capabilities, Korean site media.daum.net (via Tech Kiddy) reported today.

Rumor (and logic) has it that the Galaxy Gear 2 could launch next year at CES or MWC, two of the biggest tech conferences out there.

But besides the much-appreciated addition of a GPS chip, other possible improvements in the Galaxy Gear 2 are the stuff of speculation.

To-do list

The current Galaxy Gear will only be compatible with the Galaxy Note 3 at launch, though future Android updates like the Android 4.3 release for the Galaxy S4 will add more devices to that list.

To improve on that the Galaxy Gear 2 will need to launch with full Android device compatibility, which seems perfectly reasonable to us.

In addition, the first-gen Gear reportedly comes with a battery life of about 25 hours, so users who wear it all day will probably need to charge it overnight.

In comparison Sony's Smartwatch 2 can supposedly go three to four days between charges, so an improvement in battery life for the Gear 2 would help catch it up to its competition.

Beyond that we're just guessing, but from where we're standing it seems Samsung would do well to take that $299/£299 (about AU$320) price point down a few notches as well.

Pre-orders for the Galaxy Gear kick off tonight at midnight on AT&T.

• It's a battle of the wearables: Samsung Galaxy Gear vs Sony SmartWatch 2 vs Pebble vs Qualcomm Toq

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/portable-devices/other-devices/samsung-reportedly-already-planning-galaxy-gear-2-with-gps-1181539

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Samsung Galaxy S5 may touch down in Android and Tizen versions

Android and Tizen, assemble!

The Samsung Galaxy S5 is one of life's inevitabilities, and it seems like the wheels are well in motion. First we heard that it will most likely come packing a 64-bit processor chip and now it sounds like the phone may offer up both Android and Tizen variations.

Samsung is clearly keen to push Tizen OS but will be keeping a grip on the popular Android interface for the time being, with Android 4.4 KitKat expected to go live October.

Co-CEO of Samsung, Boo-Keun Yoon, said that the plan is to use Tizen on future phones and tablets, with the S5 likely to come in both a Tizen and Android version.

Eye of the Tizen

Other rumoured features of the phone include an optical image stabilisation camera and a body built from aluminium and magnesium.

We even saw some patent images surface recently, pointing to what might be a less nature-inspired look found on the Samsung Galaxy S4.

Right now we're expecting Samsung to stick to its cycles and release the Galaxy S5 in March 2015.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/samsung-galaxy-s5-may-touch-down-in-android-and-tizen-versions-1181488

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Jolla now compatible with Android, hopes Sailfish can ride some coattails

Your Jolla now works with Android

Finnish start-up Jolla announced today that its Sailfish OS is now compatible with Android software and hardware, an achievement it hopes will help Sailfish speed into the global market.

In a press release Jolla said that Sailfish users will now be able to "take full advantage of the Android application ecosystem," naming specific Android apps, like Instagram, WhatsApp, Spotify and popular Chinese messaging app WeChat, that are compatible with Sailfish.

Sailfish users can download Android apps directly from "various app stores globally," the release said, though which ones exactly is unclear (GigaOM says the Google Play Store is not in the cards - we reached out to Jolla to find out for sure).

In addition, the Sailfish OS is now compatible with common Android hardware, "particularly smartphones and tablets."

Break on through

This makes it easier for existing Android hardware manufacturers to develop Sailfish-based devices, since they can put the OS on the same hardware they're already using for Android - but will it be enough for the OS to make inroads into the global market?

The mobile market is dominated by a disproportionately small number of operating systems, making it difficult for new options to make a dent.

But Android is already in global use, and Jolla might just be able to ride its coattails to success.

"We believe Sailfish with Android compatibility is a highly relevant mobile operating system option for major mobile companies in Europe and in Asia," Jolla CEO Tomi Pienimäki said in today's press release.

He added that they are "already in discussions with several major Asian vendors."

All aboard

Jolla was formed by ship jumpers from Nokia who left after the company ditched its Linux-based MeeGo OS in favor of Microsoft's Windows Phone platform.

Sailfish was built from the ashes of MeeGo, and Jolla's been sailing that schooner ever since.

Now that Microsoft has officially taken control of Nokia devices and services division, Jolla believes that "the strategic position of Jolla and Sailfish OS has strengthened significantly," according to its announcement.

And in response to "positive feedback and increased demand" Jolla through its website this week will offer a second batch of Sailfish phone pre-orders aimed at "Finnish customers who want to express their passion for the Finnish mobile industry."

We've asked Jolla to clarify some points, like what app stores and apps Sailfish is compatible with, and we'll update this story when we hear back.

• Google's next version of Android will be called KitKat. Yes, like the chocolate-covered wafer.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/software/operating-systems/jolla-hopes-sailfish-can-ride-android-s-coattails-to-success-1181524

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Oppo N1 official image surfaces along with retail packaging

We already know that Oppo will be unveiling its N1, the company's latest cameraphone at a special event in Beijing, China on September 23. As a promotional campaign, Oppo has been releasing lot of video trailers and image teasers.

As the build up to the official announcement continues, the first official promo image of the Oppo N1 has been leaked. The image shows us the slim bezel around the display and gives a glimpse of what the N1's camera is capable of.

In another set of leaked images, we have what seems to be an official retail packaging box of the Oppo N1. The cameraphone will ship to you in a white colored square box with curved edges and the company's branding printed on the top of the package.

Oppo N1 is rumored to come out with an aluminum unibody design and is said to sport a 5.9-inch display, a 12 megapixel camera with N-lens that is capable of making long exposures, a dedicated Owl chip, a xenon flash and a touch sensitive panel on the back of the smartphone.

The Oppo N1 is reported to be priced at around CNY4000 (around $650, £410 or €490). We will know more about the smartphone when Oppo officially showcases it on September 23.

Source 1 | Source 2 | Source 3

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/oppo_n1_official_promo_image_leaks_retail_packaging-news-6805.php

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Jolla hopes Sailfish can ride Android's coattails to success

Jolla and Android, sitting in a tree

Finnish startup Jolla announced today that its Sailfish OS is now compatible with Android software and hardware, an achievement it hopes will help Sailfish enter the global market.

In a press release Jolla said that Sailfish users will now be able to "take full advantage of the Android application ecosystem," naming specific Android apps, like Instagram, WhatsApp, Spotify, and popular Chinese messaging app WeChat, that are compatible with Sailfish.

Sailfish users can download Android apps directly from "various app stores globally," the release said, though which ones exactly is unclear (GigaOM says the Google Play Store is not in the cards - we reached out to Jolla to find out for sure).

In addition, the Sailfish OS is now compatible with common Android hardware, "particularly smartphones and tablets."

Break on through

This makes it easier for existing Android hardware manufacturers to develop Sailfish-based devices, since they can put the OS on the same hardware they're already using for Android - but will it be enough for the OS to make inroads into the global market?

The mobile market is dominated by a disproportionately small number of operating systems, making it difficult for new options to make a dent.

But Android is already in global use, and Jolla might just be able to ride its coattails to success.

"We believe Sailfish with Android compatibility is a highly relevant mobile operating system option for major mobile companies in Europe and in Asia," Jolla CEO Tomi Pienimäki said in today's press release.

He added that they are "already in discussions with several major Asian vendors."

All aboard

Jolla was formed by refugees from Nokia who left after the company ditched its Linux-based MeeGo OS in favor of Microsoft's Windows Phone platform.

Sailfish was built from the ashes of MeeGo, and Jolla's been sailing that ship ever since.

Now that Microsoft has officially taken control of Nokia, Jolla believes that "the strategic position of Jolla and Sailfish OS has strengthened significantly," according to its announcement.

And in response to "positive feedback and increased demand" Jolla through its website this week will offer a second batch of Sailfish phone pre-orders aimed at "Finnish customers who want to express their passion for the Finnish mobile industry."

We've asked Jolla to clarify some points, like what app stores and apps Sailfish is compatible with, and we'll update this story if we hear back.

• Google's next version of Android will be called KitKat

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/jolla-hopes-sailfish-can-ride-android-s-coattails-to-success-1181524

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Casemaker SPIGEN hints October 31 as the Nexus 5 launch date

Smartphone casemaker SPIGEN has pointed out an unconfirmed launch date of the upcoming Google Nexus 5 smartphone. In fact, the company has made an Amazon listing of a case for the unannounced Nexus smartphone and points October 31 as its release date.

SPIGEN, which makes cases for iOS and Android devices alike, previously leaked a high-resolution photo of the iPhone 5C in addition to confirming its name.

This also happened in a similar Amazon listing, which leaves us hopeful that the release (or at least announcement) date of the upcoming Nexus smartphone could pan out to be true.

Not to mention the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 render that the company outed, too.

The Nexus 5, as the smartphone has been dubbed so far, made an appearance in the Android 4.4 KitKat promo video made by Google.

Since then, it has gone through a visit at the FCC, hinting it is close to an official status.

The FCC documents reveal the alleged Nexus 5 will feature a 4.96" display, most probably of 1080p resolution. We guess if LG is indeed the next Nexus manufacturer, the specs of the device will be based on LG's G2 - a Snapdragon 800 chipset and a 13MP camera. Rest assured Android 4.4 KitKat will ship with the smartphone as well. We still don't know the details about the new features of this release, so we guess we'll see these announced together with the smartphone.

Source | Via

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/casemaker_spigen_hints_october_31_as_the_nexus_5_launch_date-news-6804.php

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HTC One Max info leaks in China: $800 price tag, October launch

The HTC One is getting a Max variant to add some phablet flavor to the One portfolio and it seems that someone in China jumped the gun and published the core specs. There's also a new batch of photos of the device.

The specs image advertises a 5.9" 1080p screen, Android 4.3 Jelly Bean, a 1.7GHz processor (likely a Snapdragon 600 judging by the frequency), 2GB RAM, 16GB storage and a 3,300mAh battery.

Leaked photos of the HTC One Max

The main camera of the One Max is a 4MP UltraPixel camera but it's not clear if it will have optical stabilization or not (so far only the One has it, the One mini and Butterfly S don't) and a 2.1MP front-facing camera. The back camera is accompanied by an LED flash and what is reportedly a fingerprint scanner.

UltraPixel camera and fingerprint scanner on the back • pogo pins • software info

The leaked HTC One Max 4G LTE comes along with dual-SIM connectivity, but this is most likely the Chinese version of the phone (which the image calls HTC 8088). The HTC One also has a dual-SIM version for China with a removable back and a microSD card slot. So the international One Max version will likely be single-SIM, it will drop the microSD card and pack more storage.

The pricing for the HTC 8088 / One Max will be set at around $800, according to the rumors, and the device is slated for an October launch.

Source 1 (in Chinese) • Source 2 (in Chinese, requires login) | Via (in Dutch)

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/htc_one_max_info_leaks_in_china_800_price_tag_october_launch-news-6803.php

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Siri grows up and comes out of beta for iOS 7

Apple gets Siri-ous

It's been two years since the launch of Siri and since this time the service has managed to rise from being a gimmick to, well, a much-improved gimmick.

Now it seems that the service has freed itself from its beta shackles with the upcoming launch of iOS 7.

Spotted by 9to5Mac, the blurb for Siri on Apple's official page has been altered so that the words 'beta only' are nowhere to be seen.

Beta banned

It now reads: "Siri is available on iPhone 4s or later, iPad with Retina display, iPad mini, and iPod touch (5th generation) and requires Internet access. Siri may not be available in all languages or in all areas, and features may vary by area. Cellular data charges may apply."

As well as this, Apple has removed its FAQs for the service - presumably you now have to ask Siri how to do things, rather than looking on a website.

Siri has been given something of an overhaul for iOS 7. As well as improved voices, you can now ask it a number of new things, such as "play my last voicemail", "turn on Bluetooth" and "increase my brightness".

The integration of iOS in cars will also see Siri pop up in a number of vehicles in the near future. Which we are more than happy with - as long as Siri responds when we call it KIT.

• Read our early verdict on the iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/siri-grows-up-and-comes-out-of-beta-for-ios-7-1181361

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Nokia 108 and 108 Dual SIM are official, carry a VGA camera

Nokia continues its march in the affordable phone market with today's official announcement of the Nokia 108 and 108 Dual SIM - its latest camera-rocking feature phone.

The Nokia 108 sports a 0.3MP fixed focus camera of VGA resolution, which the company says is perfect "for people purchasing their first-ever camera phone." Additionally, the handset features a microSD card slot, supporting cards of up to 32GB. The software side of the phone offers an MP3 player, Fan M radio as well as the legendary Snake game.

The Nokia 108 is quite compact and measures 110.4 x 47 x 13.5mm and weighs just a hair under 70 grams. At the front, there's a 1.8" 64k color LCD display with a resolution of 160 x 128 pixels.

Nokia says the 950mAh battery is good for 31 days of standby, 13.8 hours of 2G talk time as well as nearly 41 hours of music playback.

Here's a promo video of the Nokia 108:

At launch, the Nokia 108 will be available in red, white and black, with yellow and cyan to follow later on. Both the Nokia 108 and Nokia 108 Dual SIM will rock a price tag of just $29 (excluding taxes and subsidies). Expect Nokia's latest feature phone to start shipping some time in Q4 this year.

Source

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/nokia_108_and_108_dual_sim_are_official_carry_a_vga_camera-news-6802.php

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