BBM for Android and iPhone to get free voice calls in 2014

Make sure you have a good data plan, more free voice call options are coming...

We already knew that free voice calls on BBM for Android and iPhone was coming when BlackBerry's VP Andrew Bocking confirmed it in October, but it looks like we won't be seeing it until early 2014.

Along with BBM Voice calls, BBM Channels will also be migrating to iPhone and Android, as well as adding more emoticons and what the company said in a blog post will be "easier file sharing" for pictures, you location and voice messages.

The new features are in beta right now, with BlackBerry repeating Bocking's earlier words, saying that a bigger roll out should happen within "the next couple months."

Where's the video?

No word yet on BBM Video, however, which Bocking said back in October was also coming to the messaging service in "coming months".

Once it does however, it will be able to better compete with Apple's iMessage and FaceTime, which started offering free voice calls over an internet connection with the rollout of iOS 7.

BBM's chatroom-type feature Channels migrating over to iPhone will also put it in a more profitable position than Apple's native offerings for its own devices, as it will be able to also sell ads and sponsored posts on the platforms.

• Here's our review of BlackBerry 10, on which BBM is a native

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/bbm-for-android-and-iphone-to-get-free-voice-calls-in-2014-1210055

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Moto G is getting Android KitKat update earlier than promised

When the next Moto G comes out, they should rename this one Moto O.G.

Android smartphone owners have gotten used to carrier-delayed firmware updates, so when Motorola announced an earlier-than-promised KitKat rollout, our robot antenna ears perked up.

"Starting today, we are rolling out Android 4.4.2 to Moto G phones bought on Motorola.com or Amazon.com in the U.S.," wrote Punit Soni, head of product management in an official blog post.

"KitKat will come to other Moto G carriers and regions soon as well."

Motorola is getting a jump on the "early 2014" release window it had originally promised for its mid-range handset during its launch last month.

The Google-owned company has also been steadfast in pushing KitKat to its higher-end Moto X, ensuring Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile subscribers are up-to-date.

Moto hasn't forgotten about your Droids

Droid Ultra, Maxx, Mini also updated

Motorola's slightly older Droids are starting to receive the KitKat upgrade as well starting today.

The Droid Ultra, Droid Maxx, and Droid Mini tweaks include a new full-screen mode, improved security, smarter power use and better camera software, according to a Verizon's website.

Also, just in time for New Year's Resolutions, Fitbit direct syncing is now possible thanks to low-powered Bluetooth 4.0.

Other apps being updated or integrated include Verizon Mobile Security, Verizon Tones, Google Photos, and NFL Mobile 8.2.3.

While carrier-owned apps aren't typically worth toying around with, everything else will make you glad that Motorola is staying firm on its firmware update promises.

• Read: Motorola patent filing details smartwatch with flexible display

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/moto-g-is-getting-android-kitkat-update-earlier-than-promised-1210026

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The Nokia 1020 gets the Lumia Black update for RAW shooting, other fixes

For the smartphone paparazzi

After much galavanting about the Nokia Camera App update, the Finnish smartphone maker finally dropped the Lumia Black update for the Lumia 1020.

The Black update is available for download right now directly from the Nokia Lumia 1020 support page. First and foremost the software update will upgrade the Nokia Camera app to shoot in RAW Digital Negative Format (DNG).

Lumia 1520 Purview shooter have already been enjoying the ability to shoot relatively compression and processing free photos for a few weeks now, and Lumia 1020 owners will finally be able to join in the fun now.

More recently, Nokia updated its official Camera app to work on a much larger range of other Lumia devices. The official Windows phone partner also stated DNG support is coming to more phones as the Lumia Black update becomes available, which will hopefully be soon.

The small but crucial fixes

Aside from increasing the Lumia 1020's picture shooting abilities, the Black update also tweaks a few functionality quirks. These include adding screen lock rotation, the ability add custom ringtones for specific notifications, and closing running apps is easier to do in the app switcher.

1020 users might also notice the new and improved Glance background app that adds little temperature check and pedometer tools to the lock screen. Along with these added features there's also Bluetooth 4.0 LE support along with better battery monitoring.

Of course, there's the standard firmware enhancements and other miscellaneous stability fixes. The downloadable update is hitting devices now, but if for those who just want to kick it to their devices manually, it's available for download here.

• The Steam Machine teardown reveals no secrets but an easy to fix PC.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/software/operating-systems/the-nokia-1020-gets-the-lumia-black-update-for-raw-shooting-other-fixes-1209992

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A Jolla Christmas? Sailfish smartphone goes on sale in the UK and Europe

The first Jolla phone is called, erm, Jolla

If you fancy a break from the iOS and Android duopoly, and Windows Phone and BlackBerry just aren't doing it for you, you may like to take a look at the upstart Jolla Sailfish smartphone.

The handset, running the Sailfish OS which began its journey within Nokia as the never-truly-realised MeeGo software, is now available to buy in the UK and most of Europe, from the official web portal.

The modestly-specced handset, which arrives packing a 4.5-inch 540 x 960 display and a 1.4GHz dual-core Snapdragon processor, can be had for €399 (around £331).

There's also 1GB of RAM, an 8-megapixel rear-facing camera and a 1-megapixel front facing camera, so it's certainly not a Nexus 5 contender in terms of a value-for-specs comparison.

A whole Jolla Android apps

However, despite the mid-range specs, a reasons more folks may be willing to consider the Sailfish-running handset over more moderately priced rivals is its ability to run Android apps.

It is using the Yandex app store, which holds over 85,000 Android titles, while there's also plenty of native Jolla apps to choose from.

Those ordering the device will have to wait a while to get their paws on it before Santa arrives as delivery estimates currently sit at 3-4 weeks.

Can Jolla oust Ubuntu or Samsung's Tizen in the battle of the upstart mobile operating systems? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

• Jolla on Jolla: How it could do what Nokia couldn't.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/a-jolla-christmas-sailfish-smartphone-goes-on-sale-in-the-uk-and-europe-1209962

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Samsung patches security hole in Galaxy S4

If you own a Galaxy S4 or Galaxy Tab 3, it's time to change your password.

MediaTest Digital, a company which tests security of mobile devices and software, was able to elicit sensitive user data from Samsung accounts. Names, email addresses, and passwords were all at risk.

MediaTest took the news to Heise Security - a tech news outlet based in Germany. The media was able to confirm that the hole did in fact exist by extracting user's private data from Samsung accounts as well. Heise took this information to Samsung, and the Korean manufacturer responded to the problem immediately. Only 5 days after receiving the report, the Korean giant announced publicly that the security hole has been fixed. There is no word on follow up tests to verify whether or not the patch has actually been made though.

MediaTest was able to find the chink in Samsung's digital armor by connecting to the same WiFi network as the Galaxy S4 and Galaxy Tab 3. What makes this such a harrowing breach is that if someone were to gain access to a person's Samsung account, not only would they have access to that user's personal information, but they would also be able to record and track a user's movements and see all of the locations that they've recently visited. Additionally, they can lock a user out of their device and redirect calls.

To be on the safe side, Samsung users should reset their passwords. You can do that right now by visiting the Samsung Account site.

Source | Via

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_patches_security_hole_in_gs4-news-7398.php

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Motorola patent filing details smartwatch with flexible display

Defying the laws of physics? (credit: USPTO)

Like it or not, the smartwatch appears to be here to stay, but the best may be yet to come as companies like Motorola secure patents that would allow wearable devices with bendable displays.

The US Patent and TradeMark Office (USPTO) published a new Motorola Mobility patent application today (via Engadget) that outlines how the Google-owned company might introduce a wearable electronic device with a flexible display.

Patent application 13/526673 was first filed on June 19, 2012 and credits the inventor as Alberto R. Cavallaro, revealing that Motorola already had its sights on wearables well ahead of the current smartwatch craze.

Of course, Motorola has filed plenty of other patents and trademarks for wrist-friendly wearables as well as flexible displays, but the newly published application is the first time both have appeared in the same place.

Bending over backwards

Motorola's patent application specifically details a method whereby "a flexible chassis module including a front portion having a channel and a rear portion" can be coupled to a display module.

"This method allows flexing of an electronic device with a flexible display for curved viewing, if desired, or bending with minimal stress," the patent reads.

The technique described by Motorola is not unlike a traditional metal watch band, which connects a series of narrow links to provide the necessary flexibility.

The difference here is that the entire display of a smartwatch could bend with the chassis - but first Motorola will need to figure out how to make equally bendy circuit boards, if not sidestep the laws of physics entirely.

• Forget the smartwatch - we take a hands-on look at Google Glass!

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/world-of-tech/future-tech/motorola-patent-filing-details-smartwatch-with-flexible-display-1209950

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Auto Shazam arrives on iPhone so you'll never miss another track

Shazam goes 'always on'

Auto Shazam, the feature that launched in May to turn our iPads into always-listening music matchers, has now arrived on iPhone and iPod Touch for both free and Encore Shazam users.

If we have one frustration with Shazam, it's getting the app up and running in time to catch the final few seconds of that TV advert which keeps getting away.

Auto Shazam solves that problem by identifying songs and TV content without you even having to touch your phone. It'll work when the app is open or when it's running in the background, even if the screen is locked.

Matchmaker

When a match is made the song or TV adverts and shows will automatically be added to your collection by order of date. Currently Shazam only works widely with TV shows in the US, functioning on a selective basis in the UK.

Auto Shazam is set to "off" by default so you'll need to flip the Auto switch at the top of the Shazam home screen to start it up.

Of course, there are likely to be two points of concern here: privacy and battery life. Shazam says that the app "does not save or send audio samples" - instead a digital fingerprint of the song is matched against Shazam's database.

As for battery, we've asked to know exactly how much of a drain Auto Shazam might be on your juicepower, but we understand that the app should demand less power than a phonecall.

To get Auto Shazam, you'll just need to download the latest version of the app.

Your move, Soundhound.

• Can Shazam become the only app you need for TV?

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/auto-shazam-arrives-on-iphone-so-you-ll-never-miss-another-track-1209875

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Samsung to unveil its first Tizen OS smartphone at MWC 2014

The wait for Samsung to officially announce the first Tizen smartphone might be over soon. The Korean company, in cooperation with Intel (also a member of the Tizen alliance) have sent out invites for a press event in February. More specifically, it's going to take place a day before the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona officially kicks off.

The invite doesn't specify the type of device that both companies will unveil, but it does say Samsung will show off Tizen OS running on actual devices. The event will also offer a glimpse at "the major milestones that the Tizen project has hit since last year's event."

According to analyst Geoff Blaber of CCS Insight, Samsung has to show commercial devices at the Mobile World Congress. This would solidify Samsung's mobile foundation, and give it a backup to its smartphone business in case Android takes a turn for the worse.

Back in November, 36 companies chose to back Tizen, including Panasonic, eBay, Sharp, McAfee, and Intel just to name a few. For a look at Tizen OS and what sort of features it brings to the table, you can check out this developer hands-on video.

We'll find out more about what new stuff Samsung and Intel have been cooking up on February 23 when the event is scheduled. Mobile World Congress 2014 will take place in Barcelona from February 24 through 27, so be sure to check back with us then for full coverage.

Source | Via

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_to_unveil_tizen_os_smartphone_at_mwc-news-7397.php

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Jolla is now on sale across Europe, costs €399

After initial units sold out quickly in Finland, the Jolla online store is now live and the smartphone is in stock for devices across EU countries, Norway, and Switzerland. You can order yours for €399 plus €15 shipping expenses.

The Jolla smartphone is expected to launch in even more regions next year. Hopefully, after its decent start, Jolla will succeed in making an impact on the market otherwise dominated by iOS and Android.

In case you need a refresh, Jolla was founded by ex-Nokia employees unhappy with Nokia shifting focus to Windows Phone a few years ago. The Sailfish OS is based on MeeGo and is compatible with lots of Android apps through the pre-installed Yandex store. HERE Maps is also available by default.

Via

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/jolla_is_now_on_sale_across_europe_costs_399-news-7396.php

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Best camera apps for iPhone

Can you get more from your iPhone's camera?

For many people purchasing a smartphone, having a decent camera is still one of the biggest draws. It seems forever ago that cameras were first introduced on mobile phones, with 13 years being about 6 lifetimes in the tech world.

Today's camera phones are modern wonders, and with more photos being taken on an iPhone every day than any other camera, there must be something that Apple is doing right.

The iPhone 5S now comes with an upgraded 8MP iSight camera, which Apple says is 15% larger and 33% more light sensitive than the previous model, the iPhone 5.

Apple has taken a similar approach to its newest camera as HTC did on its UltraPixel tech debuted on the HTC One. An increase in pixel size has lead to more light being taken in by each pixel, meaning better all round photography, especially in lower lighting conditions.

But let's not forget the ageing iPhone 4S also has a really decent camera that many would argue was better than many handsets released at the same time. This understandably lead to a significant amount of camera apps on the App store, should you want to get more out of your iPhone's camera, so we've trawled through and rounded up our best picks for you to chew over.

Instagram

With the photo creation and sharing app being famed for both the right and wrong reasons (anyone remember Insta-adgate?) it is easy to see why Instagram became so popular, if only to share photos of dinners and cats.

Photo sharing can be argued to be the biggest draw of Instagram, although an equal amount of people will argue its the range of filters that Instagram allows you to apply to your photographs, allowing even the most amateur of photographers feel like a pro.

The app also allows you to manage your Instagram account, viewing photos from those that you follow, and make comments. There isn't a whole lot we can say about the Instagram app, as its popularity means that most of it has already been said.

If social photography is more your thing, why don't you check out the Facebook Camera app. It is literally what it sounds like, with the app allowing you to post photos to your Facebook account quicker than ever and see what your friends are up to.

Flickr

Flickr is a photo sharing and editing site, with a dedicated app and is one of the biggest and best known photo sharing apps, being used around the globe.

Coming with a terabyte of storage, it is popular service amongst intensive photographers as a way of storing photos to the cloud, as well as providing a level of photo manipulation that includes 16 different filters.

Like Instagram, the Flickr app also allows you take to take control of your Flickr account, meaning that you can connect with friends and access their photo streams. For those that want a little more control over their images, Flickr also allows you total privacy control meaning no Insta-ads.

If you're using Flickr for photo storage, why not consider using Dropbox. Whilst not a photography app from the start, it does come with the ability to instantly upload your photos from your camera, via Wi-Fi or your data plan if you're feeling flush with the megabytes.

Text Camera

When it comes to internet photography, there are seven things that we can all point to as defining this generation. Breakfast, lunch and dinner, cats, cats and more cats, and the so-called "inspirational quotes".

Text Camera can go some way to covering all three forms of these, although the food and felines will take a back seat. As the name suggests, Text is the main focus of the app. That said, filters are also supported, helping make your images all the more inspirational.

There are already a variety of pre-installed doodles and quotes, as well as the ability to write your own quotes which means that time when your friend shouted Kettle for C in a game of 'I spy' can be forever immortalised.

If you decide you like the idea, but want a different implementation, why not check out InstaText. It too comes with filters and stickers, and the ability to pop text over imagery. It does miss the quote functionality though.

Camera Art FX

Filters are probably the most common features when it comes photography apps.

Nigh on every app will pack in some sort of filter functionality, as they can often cover up some of the more basic amateur photographic mistakes.

They also add a level of fun. Apps like Camera Art FX can make things look really interesting, adding more arty effects like comic style, doodled or painted effects, or even allow you to make your own Obama-esque 'Hope' poster.

The free app contains 12 effects, with there being 13 in the paid version.

All filters are applied in real time, meaning that you can preview what you're going to snap before you hit the shutter button.

This isn't going to be for everybody, but for those that want something similar you can always try Cartoon Camera Plus, which packs a variety of image effects to choose from.

PowerCam

For those looking to add photo effects, filters, and mess around with their images in other ways, you might not need to look further than PowerCam. Allowing you to take photos in 8 different modes, with real time view, PowerCam offers a lot.

These photo modes include Magic Shot, Colour Splash, and Smile shot, meaning that you will always get the photo of your smiling child (or baby sibling) that you really want.

It is also fast, with photos taken and effects applied in a second. HD video recording with live effects is supported as well. Photos can also be edited more traditionally, with various enhancements around. Photo sharing via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tumblr is supported.

If you're after a different photo editor, however, why not try FX Photo Studio. It allows you to add varying filters and textures, as well as text. There are over 190 effects, including black and white and colour strokes, and you can change gamma, saturation and contrast levels to name but a few.

Camera+

Camera+ pitches itself as an app that will appeal to both seasoned professionals, as well as the most amateur of photographers. To do that, it provides options such as being able to select your exposure level and focus separately.

Other features allow you to use the horizon to eliminate crooked shots, digitally zoom up to 6x and allows you to take a forward facing photo whilst using flash. We can imagine that meaning a lot more dodgy selfies.

Camera+ also makes a song and dance about the Clarity feature. This 'makes several intelligent adjustments', which is technical chat for 'auto adjusts your images' to bring out the details in photos that you might originally have thought were unusable.

For those that are looking for a more professional style app, but don't wish to use Camera+, why don't you look at Camera Awesome. It awesomises (again, read as auto adjusts) images, as well as allowing you to select individual focus and exposure, and provides different compositions.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/best-camera-apps-for-iphone-1194253

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Samsung G900F spotted on AnTuTu, may be the Galaxy S5

The Samsung SM-G900F continues its tour across benchmarks – the latest find comes from the AnTuTu team, who spotted the device in their benchmarks and claim it is the anticipated Galaxy S5.

The SM-G900F is powered by a Snapdragon 800 chipset with 3GB RAM, same as the Galaxy J, but with a revision of the 800 chipset, the 8974AC. There the Krait 400 processor is clocked at 2.5GHz rather than the standard 2.3GHz. There's only one official device with this version of the chipset so far, the Gionee Elife.

That's not the only difference – the AnTuTu team claims that the resolution was detected as 1080p only because Samsung locked the screen at that resolution (not unlikely since this is clearly a test device).

The phone was running Android 4.4 too, which hasn't yet been ready for TouchWizzified devices (just for the Galaxy S4 Google Play Edition).

Finally, the camera was reported as a 16MP shooter – the only Samsung device with that resolution is the Galaxy S4 Zoom, but that has a completely different chipset and screen.

Samsung has been rumored to be working on its own 16MP sensors with ISOCELL technology, presumably aimed at the company's next-gen flagships.

So, is the Samsung SM-G900F really the Galaxy S5? It could be just another version of the Galaxy S4 – there are plenty of those to go around. The prevailing rumors indicate that the S5 will be announced early next year, as early as January, so should find out soon enough.

Source (in Chinese) | Via

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_g900f_spotted_in_antutu_scores_may_be_the_galaxy_s5-news-7395.php

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Samsung Galaxy S5 may not be world's first phone with 4GB of RAM after all

We'd like it to look a little like this

The Samsung Galaxy S5 is somewhere in the pipeline - that we're sure of - and may have just popped up over on Antutu's database to flaunt some of its new specs.

The device is listed at the SM-G900F which is the same model number we saw a few days ago in another possible S5 benchmark spot.

Like last time, the mystery phone has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor in the MSM8974AC variant, along with 32GB of internal storage. But this device has just 3GB of RAM which disagrees with previous 4GB rumours.

Also disappointing, if true, is the 1920 x 1080 screen resolution which doesn't hit the QHD level we were hoping for. Although as G4Games points out, this could just be a prototype that's locked to 1080p for testing purposes.

However we're pleased to see that the 16MP camera has appeared again, remaining consistent with rumours, and according to these details we'll be getting a 2MP front-facing snapper too.

Disappointing?

Don't take any of this as read – it could turn out that this mysterious G900F is a different Samsung device entirely. Nonetheless, Antutu is sure that we're looking at the international version of the S5 in some shape or form.

Evleaks has been pitching in on the S5 rumours too, tweeting that the S5 is undergoing testing at AT&T HQ right now.

"AT&T is testing a version of that high-res Samsung handset (SM-G900A), giving some support to the theory that it's an int'l flagship (GS5?)"

That model number is slightly different, mind, and could well be the carrier version of the S5.

• That Samsung Galaxy S5 - what's it all about anyway?

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/samsung-galaxy-s5-may-not-be-world-s-first-phone-with-4gb-of-ram-after-all-1209455

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Best Camera Apps for Android

Can a third party app help you get more from your UltraPixels?

For many people purchasing a smartphone, having a decent camera is still one of the biggest draws. It seems forever ago that cameras were first introduced on mobile phones, with 13 years being about 6 life times in the tech world.

Today's camera phones are modern wonders, just look at the massive sensors that adorn phones such as the Samsung Galaxy S4, or even the half-phone-half-camera Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom for that matter.

Some manufacturers are taking a different tack, with HTC looking at creating larger pixels to let in more light. Its proprietary UltraPixel technology means that the flagship HTC One, and its brothers the One Mini and One Max creates some stunning low light imagery.

It is then probably no surprise that the Play Store has found itself populated with numerous camera apps, designed to replace the stock camera app with something either more fun or more intuitive. Here's our guide to what we feel are the best camera apps on the Play Store right now.

Paper Camera

One of the fun things about having a third party camera app is filters. There are so many filters around that choosing the right app for each purpose might prove a little difficult.

An app that we can recommend is Paper Camera, as we love the varying sketch style filters that it provides. These are provided in real time, meaning that you can see what the image is going to look like before you snap it.

There are 14 filters to choose from, with these also being able to be transferred over to video recording. You can also use Paper Camera to edit existing images, and share them to varying social accounts.

If you've decided that this isn't the app for you, but you would still like to use the sketchy effects, why not try Pencil Camera (or variants). These apps also provide real time filters, and cover a range of devices with both free and paid for versions available.

Instagram

Instagram is a photo app that is likely to appear on most modern smartphone users wish lists. The photo sharing site got so popular that it soon got bought out by Facebook.

The biggest feature that Instagram brings is its variety of filters, allowing users to take some strange looking pictures of their dinner, or their cat. These can then be instantly shared to Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, Tumblr and Foursquare.

The app also allows you to manage your Instagram account, viewing photos from those that you follow, and make comments. There isn't a whole to say about the Instagram app really, as its popularity means that most of it has already been said.

If you're unsure whether Instagram is for you, you could always try InstaLomo HD for Instagram. It too provides different filters, with sharing also heavily built in.

Camera ZOOM FX

On the face of things, Camera ZOOM FX is well designed, with there being no real surprises in layout as it follows the same layout as stock cameras that we have encountered.

Photo editing is also included, as with nigh on every camera app that we have seen these days, but it comes with a decent range of features.

If you're into downloading add-ons, there are over 90 that can be added to Camera ZOOM FX, including Frames, Props, Composites and more Composites.

Morphing photos is also supported, meaning that you can distort images. There is even a clever sound activated shutter a la LG devices, meaning you can set the app to take a photo with a clap or shout.

Photo distortion is rather popular, so for those that aren't impressed with Camera ZOOM FX and want a more specific app, Photo Warp will cater to your every warp need.

Cymera

We could easily focus on the filters that come in Cymera, but if we did that with every single photo app, we would be here all day. The more interesting features that Cymera offers are found deeper into the app.

Editing existing, or taking and editing photos is easy, and there are a lot of options available. The more interesting ones allow you to overlay decorations to make photos more fun, or free draw on images.

Facial detection is also built in, meaning that you can edit the faces of subjects after taking a photo. They can become slimmer, have bigger eyes and bigger smiles, and Cymera will also intelligently place varying hair styles or make up, should you desire.

If you're choosing the Cymera app because of these facial features, it might be worth checking out BeautyPlus, an app that bills itself as the ultimate self-portrait camera. It provides real time filters and removes facial blemishes to aid the less photoshop inclined.

Camera HDR Studio

HDR shooting is something that is built into many different stock cameras these days, but chances are that you might want to grab yourself a more dedicated app if HDR photography is something that you are going to be doing on a large scale.

This is where the likes of Camera HDR Studio comes in, with its ability to take HDR photographs even without HDR capabilities. It supports a whole variety of HDR modes, meaning you can take standard HDR photos, artistic or even cartoon like photos.

In total, there are 9 HDR modes, 50 colour effects, 12 artistic effects etc. Camera HDR Studio also allows you to shoot up to 30 photos per second depending on your device's speed. Lower specced devices come with support up to 10 photos per second.

If HDR is your thing, but Camera HDR Studio isn't, why not check out (confusingly-named) HDR Camera. It doesn't come with photo filters, providing a more steam-lined app in the process. HDR Camera also comes with a paid version, packing in more features.

Flickr

Flickr is a photo app and photo site that has been around for a while, now under the stewardship of Yahoo. It is one of the biggest and best known photo sharing apps, being used around the globe.

Coming with a terabyte of storage, it is popular amongst intensive photographers as a way of storing photos to the cloud, as well as providing a level of photo manipulation that includes 16 different filters.

Like Instagram, the Flickr app also allows you take to take control of your Flickr account, meaning that you can connect with friends and access their photo streams.

For those that want a little more control over their images, Flickr also allows you total privacy control meaning no Insta-ads.

If you're using Flickr for photo storage, why not consider using Dropbox. Whilst not a photography app in the regular form, it does come with the ability to instantly upload your photos from your camera, via only Wi-Fi or can coerce your data plan to do the same thing too.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/best-camera-apps-for-android-1194243

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Sony Xperia Z1F goes on sale in Japan, Z1S launch is upon us

Sony Xperia Z1F is now available at NTT DoCoMo's stores all over Japan in black, white, pink and lime flavors. The Z1F is the smaller sibling of the popular Z1 flagship featuring pretty much the same design and specs save for the display, which is now a 4.3" 720p unit and the battery that only has a 2,300 mAh capacity.

The Snapdragon 800 chipset, the 20.7MP camera and the 16GB internal storage plus the dust and water protection are all still present though.

The international mini version of Xperia Z1 has been in the rumorland for quite some time. Since the Xperia Z1F announcement as part of the NTT DoCoMo's winter lineup, numerous leaks have emerged for its global Xperia Z1S sibling. The device is expected to be virtually the same as the Japanese Xperia Z1F.

We already saw Xperia Z1S official pictures, camera samples, live photos and UI screenshots, it even passed through USA's FCC. The Xperia Z1S is reportedly going to be announced at Sony's CES press event on January 6 in Las Vegas.

Source | Via

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/sony_xperia_z1f_goes_on_sale_in_japan_z1s_launch_is_upon_us-news-7394.php

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New leak further points to Android KitKat and Sense 6 for HTC One Two

An up to date OS and UI only make us more excited

Rumours about the HTC One Two have been flying thick and fast, but two of those rumours have recently been given a little more credence.

We've heard before that the HTC One Two will likely come with Android 4.4 KitKat alongside version 6 of the Sense UI, but now the insider @LlabTooFeR has tweeted something approaching a confirmation, stating that 'at the moment they are testing the device on 4.4.2 and next version of Sense.'

Not just any tipster

When @LlabTooFeR says something about HTC it's worth paying attention, as he / she /they've got a proven track record. For example back in May they let slip about the HTC One's impending update to Android 4.2.

Not that it should be surprising that the HTC One Two is coming with both the latest version of Android and a new version of Sense, but then the HTC One launched one Android version behind, so it's nice to get some reassurance.

It's not known what will actually be included in Sense 6. A wider range of news sources for BlinkFeed would be a good start, and a more intuitive menu system wouldn't go amiss either.

• Can't wait for the HTC One Two? Check out the HTC One Max.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/new-leak-further-points-to-android-kitkat-and-sense-6-for-htc-one-two-1209437

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Samsung introduces red Galaxy Note 3 in South Korea

December 19 marks the date that South Korean carrier SKT will begin carrying the new Merlot Red color scheme for the Samsung Galaxy Note 3.

The new red color joins Jet Black, Classic White, and Blush Pink, and brings the total color options of the Galaxy Note 3 in Samsung's home market to four.

There is no word just yet on when the new color variant will be available internationally, but it shouldn't take too long.

Source (Korean)

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_introduces_red_galaxy_note_3_in_south_korea-news-7393.php

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Why aren't all our smartphones waterproof right now?

This is the future, but it's here now

The mobile phone has gone from a novelty device to untether us from the wall to the one thing we take everywhere and expect to keep up with the demands of our unpredictable lives.

As the cost has escalated, so has our desire to keep them safe, leading to reams of cases and hundreds of thousands of pounds spent on insuring our treasured possessions.

In recent years manufacturers have made progress in making these phones more "life proof" by using tougher materials, stronger glass, and some manufacturers - such as Sony - have even made some of their newer smartphones fully waterproof.

There's a new round of companies too, aiming to make almost every device waterproof without having suffer any compromises in design or weight to achieve it. What does this all mean? We'll we've dived into the deep end to find.

Best waterproof smartphones

Whether you've been unfortunate to drop your phone in the bath, drink or even down the toilet (we kid you not), you'll have felt the pain of attempting to resurrect your phone from a potential watery grave.

If you haven't, then it's probably only a matter of time before you do according to the statistics, so here's our picks from the current crop of smartphones on the market to help you guard your device from the dangers of liquid.

Sony Xperia Z1 & Xperia Z

The waterproof Sony Xperia Z1

This article couldn't pass by without a nod to the Sony Xperia Z1, a smartphone built with the clumsy, or perhaps adventurous, types in mind. Unlike many other waterpoof phones it has all the features of a flagship Android handset, but with the addition of IP 58 rating.

• Read: Sony Xperia Z1 review

This rating represents the Z1's abilities to withstand dust and water, allowing submersion in up to one and a half metres of fresh water for up to 30 minutes.

The Z1 superseded the Xperia Z, which was not as refined in the design department, with a covered headphone slot and only packing an IP rating of 57, meaning it's less water resistant than the Xperia Z1 (but also cheaper).

• Read: Sony Xperia Z review

Samsung Galaxy S4 Active

The Samsung Galaxy S4 Active can take a few knocks

The Galaxy S4 is a phone we've been impressed with for months now, but as is Samsung's way, it was determined not to leave a portion of the market uncovered after Sony played the waterproof trump card with the Xperia Z.

The Samsung Galaxy S4 Active is its answer, and despite being somewhat of an afterthought by the Korean giants, it is a fantastic handset in its own right.

It too can shoot pictures underwater, and on the surface looks tougher than the original S4, but isn't all that much bigger. Samsung gained an IP67 rating for the S4 Active which means that it should protect better from dust, but has the same waterproofing rating as the Sony Xperia Z - so that's 30 minutes of submersion at 1 metre.

• Read: Samsung Galaxy S4 Active review

And the others

There's a raft of other phones that claim to be able to withstand the wet, with the first smartphone to market being the Motorola Defy. Unfortunately it didn't make much of a splash and it's waterproofing credentials were rather over-hyped.

• Read: Motorola Defy review

Then there are handsets such as the JCB SiteMaster 2. It's not a smartphone, doesn't have a touchscreen or any other fancy features, but what it can do is survive most that life could throw at it.

The tough JCB SiteMaster 2

It can withstand a full tonne of pressure, be dropped from the height of 2 metres repeatedly without damage, and as you can guess, is fully waterproof to the same IP67 rating as the Samsung and Sony phones.

I've got a non-waterproof phone

If you've already got a good smartphone, or you're set on buying a particular model that doesn't come with any waterproofing credentials then worry not: you can still save it from Neptune's clutches.

While you can pick up cheaper sprays to cover the exterior of a phone in a waterproof coating, these are usually temporary solutions. The following two companies are offering services that aim to waterproof the device for an almost indefinite period of time - so can you make your HTC One waterproof, and if so, is it really that easy to?

Liquipel

This Californian based outfit works with nanocoatings and use a proprietary tech that allows virtually any device, not just smartphones, to be covered in a super-hydrophobic layer of particles on both the outside and the inside of the device.

Liquipel is already protecting devices in the US

The process involves a vacuum to suck all the air from inside and outside the device, which is then replaced with a gas that binds to the device's surfaces and circuits, creating a gap that repels any liquid that might come in to contact with it.

The process takes around 30 minutes from start to finish, and will set you back around $60 (£37) for a smartphone or $75 (£46) for a tablet. Liquipel a US based company, though there are plans to make the service available worldwide very soon.

WaterFi

WaterFi is another US company offering solutions on a variety of devices. Unlike Liquipel it doesn't waterproof using nanotechnologies, but instead offers a patented process to help a selection of gadgets resist the wet.

It relies on a rubbery insulator that is injected into the device along with an extra layer of protection that protects from corrosion or chemicals.

WaterFi's Communications manager, Gabe Hagstrom, believes waterproofing can be liberating for a gadget lover: "The cost of our waterproofing doesn't just save the customer from paying for a repair or replacement," he told Techradar.

"It actually frees the customer to use the device in ways and places they never thought possible.

"They take their iPod swimming and surfing, the Kindle to the beach and wash it off in the ocean if it gets sandy, and take the Nike FuelBand scuba diving."

Their initial offering of a waterproof iPod Shuffle ($140 / £86) and Nike Fuelband ($220 / £136) is a perfect swimmer's solution, but it's now expanded its range to Amazon Kindles and the Jawbone Up.

It can also coat your pre-existing Shuffle, Kindle, Fuelband or Jawbone for a lower price and although there's no smartphone solution as of yet, according to Hagstrom it's something its considering with new handsets such as the Nexus 5.

"Looking forward to [waterproofing] phones we see devices that are unlocked and affordable without a contract, like the newest Nexus phone, which we would then look to waterproof and offer brand new on our website to save all the hassle of sending in a phone that's in use and going a few days off the grid."

WaterFi can also protect your tech from water

Both Liquipel and Waterfi offer viable after-purchase solutions, and with options starting at £37 to waterproof your existing phone they are a very tempting way of keeping your beloved device protected should you have a fluid mishap.

You could very easily spend this kind of money on a waterproof case, but this would of course add extra weight and bulk to the handset and detract from the design too. Of course with these products there's no major protection gained against drops or smashes, but at least puddles, baths and toilets wouldn't seem quite so scary.

And remember: while there are companies out there that claim to be able to resurrect water-damaged phones, but due to the fiddly nature of having to totally disassemble the device and potentially replace batteries or screens, the cost of this is considerably higher, with most services starting at around £65 and topping out at well over £200.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/why-aren-t-all-our-smartphones-waterproof-right-now--1209069

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Samsung and Apple may soon unleash sun-stealing smartphones

The 'Blue Earth' was Samsung's first foray into solar phones, lets see if it can't do better this time.

Both Apple and Samsung look to be beavering away on solar powered smartphones in a bid to stand out from the competition.

That's according to a report from ZDNet Korea, which claims that while Samsung is currently focused on displays, it is 'deeply considering' shifting its focus to developing solar power technology for its smartphones.

Samsung isn't alone in its sun-powered plans either, as the report also states that Apple has recently applied for additional solar charging patents - there's not much more to go on than 'solar panels for iPhones', but that's a pretty big clue.

That would make sense as battery life is the biggest stumbling block still faced by handsets and given Samsung and Apple's current popularity in the phone world they're ideally positioned to make solar power popular.

Second time lucky

Solar powered smartphones aren't a new idea though. Apple filed a patent for just such a technology back in early 2011 and Samsung even released a phone with solar panels on it back in 2009, but so far the technology hasn't really caught on.

It's unlikely that either company is close to bringing the technology to market, but with two of the biggest smartphone companies in the world looking into it solar power could be a common feature of handsets a few years from now, and could really step up battery life, especially when left on standby.

• Right now you can't charge your phone with the sun, so you might want to check out these battery saving tips.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/samsung-and-apple-may-soon-unleash-sun-stealing-smartphones-1209390

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