Samsung will reportedly make 30-40% of Apple’s upcoming A8 chip

While the freshly announced, 64-bit CPU toting iPhone 5s is enjoying its time under the spotlight, a report has emerged, potentially shedding light on the production of Apple’s next generation mobile SoC. According to Korean media, Samsung will handle the manufacturing of around 30 and 40% of the upcoming Apple A8 chip which will find a spot in future iOS devices.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) is said to handle the rest of the chips’ production. Apple reportedly wanted TSMC to handle the entire A8 chip manufacturing process. However, the challenges associated with the production of state of the art 20nm chips necessitated the involvement of Samsung in the process.

There has been no official confirmation from any of the parties involved in the deal. The rumor however, falls in line with previous reports about Apple’s intent to diversify its chain of suppliers.

Source (in Korean) | Via

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_will_reportedly_make_3040_of_apples_upcoming_a8_chip-news-6874.php

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SFR reveals Android 4.3 schedule for Galaxy S4, S III and Note II

The French carrier SFR has released a roadmap listing the upcoming Android 4.3 updates for the Samsung Galaxy S4, Galaxy S III and Galaxy Note II, as well as the HTC One.

Samsung's Galaxy S4 will receive the latest 4.3 Jelly Bean treatment in October, while last year's flagship - the Galaxy S III and Galaxy Note II will get their fix in November or December.

HTC One is also in this table, revealing that the SFR-locked units will start getting the update in October, just a month after unlocked units got their Android 4.3.

Finally, Nokia Lumia 520 is also mentioned in the roadmap. Its Amber update will come in October, though it won't bring the Glance Screen feature. If it is of any consolation, the Glance Screen is also missing on Lumia 625 - it seems this extra has been reserved for more premium Lumia phones.

Source | Via

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/sfr_reveals_android_43_schedule_for_galaxy_s4_s_iii_and_note_ii-news-6873.php

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BlackBerry sells unlocked Z10 and Q10, Z30 hits the UK

BlackBerry might be in some deep financial trouble and on the verge of being acquired, but it hasn't given up on its phone business yet.

As of recently BlackBerry is offering SIM-free versions of the Z10 and Q10 smartphones via its official online BlackBerry store in the USA. There you can get the Z10 unlocked and SIM-free for $449, while the Q10 goes for $549.

Those prices naturally include no subsidies. The manufacturer is just offering an alternative way to get a BlackBerry stateside as T-Mobile is no longer offering BlackBerry 10 devices, while Sprint is yet to decide what to do in light of the recent events.

Across the ocean, in the UK, Selfridges has launched the recently unveiled BlackBerry Z30 flagship. You can have it unlocked and SIM-free for £529.

If you are not in a hurry, Expansys is expecting its stock in six days and its pre-order price is £485. The phone hasn't been introduced to the US market yet and it's still unclear what will happen with BlackBerry's upcoming phones. We guess the Z30 will probably make it to the other strong BlackBerry markets shortly.

Selfridges | Expansys | BlackBerry | Via

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/blackberry_sells_unlocked_z10_and_q10_z30_hits_the_uk-news-6872.php

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