Nokia Normandy shows its color range in a leaked image

After making a live appearance yesterday and earlier today, the unannounced Nokia Normandy showed up yet again. This time around, the low-cost Android smartphone revealed its color range on Twitter, courtesy of @evleaks.

The leaked press image reveals the smartphone in six different colors – white, black, red, yellow, green, and cyan. They fall right in line with those of the budget-friendly Nokia Asha 503.

Furthermore, the press image showcases the homescreen of the Nokia Normandy, where Nokia MixRadio and dual-SIM functionality capture the attention. Curiously, with various apps on it, the homescreen resembles a lot the Windows Phone UI of the Nokia Lumia range.

Rumored specs for the Nokia Normandy include Qualcomm Snapdragon 200 SoC, 4” FWVGA display, 5MP camera, and Android 4.4.1 KitKat. The smartphone is tipped for a launch during MWC 2014 next month in Barcelona.

Source

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/nokia_normandy_shows_its_color_range_in_a_leaked_image_-news-7554.php

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Unlocked Nokia Lumia 920 receives the Black update

Barely a few days after the Nokia Lumia 1020 and Lumia 925 got the treatment, the Nokia Lumia Black update made its way to the Lumia 920. The long-awaited firmware upgrade is currently rolling out to unlocked devices worldwide.

The Nokia Lumia 820 is also said to be receiving the update in Italy, alongside the Lumia 920. In addition to the unlocked versions of the Windows Phone duo, their Vodafone and Wind branded relatives are also reportedly getting updated.

Nokia Lumia Black update brings a host of improvements to the Lumia range which include app folders, Bluetooth 4.0, camera improvements, Nokia Glance Screen 2.0, etc. You can find out more about it over here.

Source 1 | Source 2 (in Italian)

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/unlocked_nokia_lumia_920_receives_the_black_update-news-7553.php

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HTC One X, One X+ Android 4.4 KitKat update not happening after all

Get used to this Android OS version

HTC has debunked rumors that its HTC One X and HTC One X+ handsets were next in line to get the Android 4.4 KitKat by declaring that the phones will receive no further updates.

"We can confirm that the One X+ will not receive further Android updates & will remain on the current version of Android," tweeted the official HTC UK Twitter account.

The company followed up these 140-character-limited remarks with a full statement to The Verge, saying that HTC One X will be joining its plus-sized, Tegra 3-equipped variant.

"We realize this news will be met with disappointment by some, but our customers should feel confident that we have designed both devices to be optimized with our amazing camera and audio experiences."

Stuck at Android 4.2.2

Because HTC One X and HTC One X+ aren't being updated to Android 4.4, both handsets are stuck with the older Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean and the manufacturer's current Sense 5 overlay.

That means in addition to missing out on KitKat, these HTC phones don't have Android 4.3's Bluetooth Low Energy support for constantly syncing wearables like the Fitbit Force.

These hasn't affected all HTC One series phone owners. Android 4.4 KitKat has already rolled out to the company flagship HTC One phone, for example.

HTC thinks its customers should feel confident with the current software they have now, but a few are expressing their dissatisfaction on Twitter, reminding the company that HTC One X+ is only 14 months old.

• Read: Google acquires Nest, company founded by the 'father of the iPod'

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/htc-one-x-one-x-android-4-4-kitkat-update-not-happening-after-all-1214853

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Xperia Z2, aka 'Sirius' leaked. Possible MWC debut

Rumor has it that the follow up to Sony's popular Xperia Z1 will be outed at this year's Mobile Word Congress and it'll be called the Xperia Z2.

Codenamed 'Sirius', the Z2 is purported to have a 5.2" display with an impressive 2560 x 1440 resolution. It's also rumored to have a 20.7 megapixel camera, a huge 3700 mAh battery, an extremely slim profile, and a water resistant body. The Z1 successor will also sport the Mobile Bravia Engine 3.

Sony Sirius (2014 flagship) tipped for MWC debut: 5.2-inch display, MSM8974AB SoC, and a home on Verizon in the US.

— @evleaks (@evleaks) January 7, 2014

As far as rumors go, this one's pretty rock solid. EVleaks retweeted the information, and the specs seem right in line with what an updated Z1 would most likely have. There's no information on chipset or RAM, but when we hear anything, we'll pass it along to you.

Source | Via

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/xperia_z2_aka_sirius_leaked_possible_mwc_debut-news-7552.php

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iOS 7.1 may allow iPhone users to delate space-hogging installation files

Be gone unrequested installation files (credit: Macerkopf.de)

Back in September, iOS users had a choice; They could upgrade to iOS 7 or lose 3.1GB of space to an installation file which would automatically download to the device when connected to the mains.

Previously, this file stayed on the iPhone or iPad whether users liked it or not, but, help could be at hand in the form of the new iOS 7.1 update, thought to be arriving soon for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch owners.

The latest (third) Beta version of iOS 7.1 was seeded to developers last week, but German site Macerkopf.de (translated) have spotted that those devs yet to install the update are now able to delete the over-the-air installation file.

That would suggest, when iOS 7 eventually lands with every day users, they'll be able to do the same and reclaim that lost hard drive space.

Will it make the cut?

However, it is also possible that Apple will choose not to carry this feature beyond the Beta stage. It often tests things out on its developer community before deciding not to proceed.

iOS 7.1, when it eventually arrives, is likely to bring some design tweaks to key apps, a redesigned dialler and the long-awaited iOS in the Car platform.

There are few hints regarding when Apple will choose to send out the update, but recent reports have suggested users may have to wait until March.

Have you mastered iOS 7 yet? Are you sure? Check your knowledge against our 21 essential tricks and tips. You never know, you may learn something...

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/software/operating-systems/ios-7-1-may-allow-iphone-users-to-delate-space-hogging-installation-files-1214830

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Snapchat is sorry again, this time for an explosion in 'Snap Spam'

Sadly, the spam wasn't from this pair.

Another day, and another case of 'SNAFU' at Snapchat. This time the company is eating humble pie for the large number of spam messages received by some users over the weekend.

The messaging service is adamant that the rise in spam has nothing to do with the recent breach that saw 4.6m user account details posted online, but more to do with more traditional spam suffered by all popular social services.

"We've heard some complaints over the weekend about an increase in Snap Spam on our service," the company wrote on its official blog.

"We want to apologize for any unwanted Snaps and let you know our team is working on resolving the issue. As far as we know, this is unrelated to the Find Friends issue we experienced over the holidays."

More negativity

Following the PR disaster it experienced during Christmas, Snapchat would have hoped for a few weeks where it avoided any negative press.

The company has, at least, apologised this time, but still intimated the instance of spam was more down to how popular the service was becoming, rather than through any fault of its own.

Team Snapchat added: "While we expect to minimize spam, it is the consequence of a quickly growing service. To help prevent spam from entering your feed, you can adjust your settings to determine who can send you Snaps. We recommend "Only My Friends" :)"

• Here's why Snapchat turned down a $3 billion offer from Facebook...

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/software/applications/snapchat-is-sorry-again-this-time-for-an-explosion-in-snap-spam--1214824

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Sony Xperia Z1s is now available on T-Mobile

The freshly announced Sony Xperia Z1s is now available for purchase from T-Mobile in the United States. The Big Magenta is offering the Android handset with zero down and 24 monthly payments of $22, or $528 outright.

The top-end smartphone is currently available for purchase online only. It will hit the shelves of the wireless carrier's retail stores on January 21.

The hardware specifications of Xperia Z1s remain identical to those of the international version with added support for T-Mobile's 4G LTE network. The device sports a 5" 1080p display, 2.2 GHz quad-core Snapdragon 800 processor, 2 GB of RAM, and a 20.7MP rear camera.

You can check out out Sony Xperia Z1s hands-on over here.

Source | Via

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/sony_xperia_z1_is_now_available_on_tmobile_-news-7551.php

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Samsung Galaxy S5 to come in both plastic and metal versions?

The rumors of the hotly anticipated Samsung Galaxy S5 offer various tidbits, but new information from an unnamed insider adds in some interesting details. The info claims that in an iPhone-like twist the Galaxy S5 will come in both plastic and metal version.

The metal version will carry a hefty markup of €150 over the €650 for the base plastic model. Whether or not the metal version will be dubbed Galaxy F the rumor doesn’t say.

There will be two versions when it comes to the chipset too. The Galaxy S5 should be one the first devices to feature the new Snapdragon 805 chipset. The second option is, of course, Samsung's own Exynos chipset, an octa-core Exynos 6 more specifically. It's speculated that it will be a true octa-core SoC and will support the ARMv8 64-bit standard.

Samsung may push the Exynos 6 chipset to the premium metal version, keeping the Snapdragon 805 for the plastic version. It seems that the Exynos chipset won't have LTE though, at least according to the rumor.

Anyway, the screen will reportedly measure 5.25" in diagonal and have the often mentioned QHD resolution (2,560 x 1,440 pixels) but will use AMOLED tech rather than a Sharp LCD. The camera will be a 16MP shooter but the optical image stabilization issue is up in the air. The Samsung Galaxy S5 will, of course, run Android 4.4 KitKat.

The new flagship is slated to be announced at the MWC and then launched in March.

The rumor also mentions the inevitable Galaxy S5 mini, which will pack a Super AMOLED screen and run Android 4.4 when it's unveiled in June. The Zoom will get a successor too with the Galaxy S5 Zoom – launching in May, the new phone/camera hybrid will have a 4.8" Super AMOLED screen with qHD resolution.

Source

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s5_to_come_in_both_plastic_and_metal_versions-news-7550.php

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Latest Nokia Normandy leak gives Android a colourful new look

Nokia's take on Android? Or just a load of fakery? (credit: @picturepan2)

Those Nokia Normandy rumours are gathering some serious momentum right now, but we're still not entirely convinced that the Android Nokia phone is a sure thing.

We were a little suspect of a picture tweeted by someone who claimed we were looking at the Normandy, especially as the phone was hidden behind a protective shell.

However another picture of the handset, this time without the case, has just popped up over on Weibo – and it's a tad more persuasive.

The phone shows a vibrant OS on the screen that looks like it could be Nokia's modified version of Android 4.4 KitKat, which has also been rumoured for the device.

These icons weren't seen in the recent leak of screens by @evleaks, which showed lockscreen notifications, Skype and calling in action.

Normandy landing?

We put it side by side with pure Android and several of the icons along the top do match up, though that still doesn't mean this is the real deal.

The big menu icons on the display do, however, look quite different to the standard Android ones. So Nokia may have done a real job on this.

But with Microsoft purchasing Nokia's handset division, a Normandy handset still feels unlikely, despite it showing up in a benchmark test with a 5-megapixel camera and 854 x 540 display.

But then we've heard that Nokia has been developing the phone despite the sale and plans to push it out in 2014.

These latest pictures could be an indication that the wheels on the Normandy are very much in motion.

• The Nokia 1020: is this the brilliant camera you've been looking for in a phone?

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/latest-nokia-normandy-leak-gives-android-a-colourful-new-look-1214762

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Sprint's new Framily Plan replaces One Up

Sprint's new Framily plan comes to replace its One Up early upgrade offering that was announced in September of 2013.

The Framily Plan debuted at CES and it gives discount incentives to account holders who add family members lines to an account. If you add more family members, you get more and more savings. This is Sprint's latest attempt at capturing more subscriptions since the introduction of the now-defunct, One Up Plan.

About four months ago, Sprint introduced One Up, which allowed you to upgrade your phones early while still on contract. With the plan, you could pay off your handset over the course of 24 months, and trade in your device after a year of use.

It was created to compete with T-Mobile's early upgrade plan, and provided even more savings to customers. However, Sprint's lack of dynamic network coverage and sub-par data speeds in less populated areas turned off many potential customers.

We will see if the Framily Plan can snag enough customers for Sprint to stay competitive.

Source | Via

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/sprints_new_framily_plan_replaces_one_up-news-7548.php

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HTC Denmark says One X+ won't get Android 4.4 KitKat

HTC has already updated its One flagship with Android 4.4 KitKat and is working to bring the update to its One mini and One Max siblings. Many of the loyal HTC users were waiting on confirmation whether or not some of the previous One droids will be getting the same treatment.

Even though there is nothing official from HTC's HQ, HTC Denmark spilled the beans on the company's plans for the HTC One X+. An HTC rep has responded to a question over Twitter concerning the KitKat update for One X+:

"We can confirm the HTC One X+ will remain on the current software version, Android 4.2.2 and Sense 5."

This means no Android 4.3 Jelly Bean or 4.4 KitKat for the HTC One X+. And if the One X+ isn't getting newer Android versions, then One X and One S users should probably abandon all hope too.

Source

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/htc_denmark_says_one_x_wont_get_android_44_kitkat-news-7547.php

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AT&T and Samsung commence VoLTE tests

According to anonymous industry sources, AT&T is currently testing voice over LTE (VoLTE) services using Samsung smartphones with plans for a public release this year. The VoLTE service allows for clearer, more high-quality voice sound, which is transmitted through the LTE network much faster than 3G.

Since the Apple iPhone 5s doesn't support VoLTE, unlike Samsung's Galaxy S4 and Galaxy Note 3, the Korean company is in a more favorable position and can hope to increase its US user base. In South Korea, the VoLTE service has been offered since 2012 by carriers SK Telecom Co. and LG Uplus Corp.

Verizon, which is the US largest carrier, hasn't announced its plans to update its LTE network to support VoLTE just yet. T-Mobile and Sprint haven't revealed any VoLTE plans either.

Via | Source

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/at_ampt_commences_volte_network_tests-news-7546.php

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Mystery 5.5-inch Samsung smartphone shows up in India

One for India, or one for the world?

Samsung has been linked to several potential handsets that it may launch at MWC 2014, and now there's more news of a big screened smartphone - although one unlikely to challenge the Galaxy Note 3.

Popping up on Indian site Zauba, the handset goes by the moniker Samsung GT-I9405, and it's apparently touched down in India "for testing and evaluation."

Other than the 5.5-inch screen size, the leak gives very little away about the handset, but considering its ID doesn't fall in line with either of Samsung's flagships products (the Galaxy S4 is the I9500) it's not going to be the Galaxy S5 or a direct relation to the Note 3 (N9000).

Who are you?

We've seen reports suggesting a Galaxy Note 3 Neo, Note 3 Lite, Galaxy Grand Neo and Galaxy Grand 2 - could this latest leak be linked to one of these - or is it something completely different?

Samsung likes to launch a phone for every single segment of the market, so the GT-I9405 could well be a handset engineered to plug a hole in a specific market, rather than try to dominate globally.

TechRadar will be out in full force at MWC 2014, and we'll be reporting live on all the new phones and tablets, including anything from the Samsung booth.

• MWC 2014: what to expect

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/mystery-5-5-inch-samsung-smartphone-shows-up-in-india-1214690

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Slew of KitKat-running LG handsets leak ahead of possible MWC 2014 unveiling

What does LG have up its sleeve for MWC?

With CES 2014 out of the way, we're starting to get excited about the next big tech event of the year - MWC 2014 in Barcelona - and LG is one of the firms in line to launch new smartphones at the show.

Several LG handsets appear to have popped up on benchmark site HTML5Test, revealing Android 4.4 KitKat inside all of them.

The complete list of phones appearing on the site are; LG-D830, LS740, LG-D410, LG-D320, and LG-MS323.

A good sign

Only a handful of smartphones currently run the latest version of Google's operating, so it's good to see LG ploughing ahead with the new software (although we're expecting MWC 2014 to be pretty heavy on the KitKat phone front).

The LS740 ID has also appeared on the Bluetooth SIG certification site, suggesting the 4G handset is going through the final phases of testing before being launched on the Sprint network in the US.

Other rumours suggest that a LG G2 mini is on the cards, so we wonder if one of the five phones featured here could be the cut-down flagship.

LG is staying tight lipped on the topic, but TechRadar will be at MWC 2014 to bring you all the latest news as it breaks at the end of February.

• What to expect at MWC 2014

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/slew-of-kitkat-running-lg-handsets-leak-ahead-of-possible-mwc-2014-unveiling-1214671

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Unannounced Samsung device with 5.5-inch screen surfaces

Samsung's yet-to-be-announced smartphone with a model number GT-I9405 has surfaced on the Indian import and export tracking site Zauba.

According to the data, Samsung has shipped a device with model number GT-I9405 to India for testing and evaluation. The model naming scheme suggests that the device could be placed between the Galaxy S III (I9300/I9305) and the Galaxy S4 (I9500/I9505), but these are just speculations at this point.

The mysterious device will sport a 5.5-inch screen and will have a single SIM card slot. The hardware specifications fall in line with the recently leaked Galaxy Note Neo phablet and Samsung could well be testing the upcoming device with different model numbers.

We will be on a lookout for more information on the GT-I9405 and we will keep you posted when we hear more about the device.

Source | Via

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/unannounced_samsung_device_with_55inch_screen_surfaces-news-7545.php

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Euro retailers reveal hefty prices for Samsung's Galaxy Pro tablets

Samsung has yet to announces MSRP for its four new tablets – the Galaxy Note Pro 12.2 and the three Galaxy Tab Pros – but European retailers are happy to provide their own prices. Your wallet better sit down for this. Keep in mind we think these are blown up (it's something retailers do before the product is actually available, to drum up some attention).

Anyway, the flagship model, the Samsung Galaxy Note Pro 12.2 costs either €999 or €1099, depending on the chipset. Both have 32GB storage, but the cheaper one is Wi-Fi only and is powered by an Exynos 5 Octa chipset, while the other switches to Snapdragon 800 and enables LTE. On-contract prices for the LTE model go down to €660.

The situation with the Galaxy Tab Pro 12.2 is similar – the base Wi-Fi only model (Exynos 5 Octa 5420) costs €900, while the LTE model (Snapdragon 800) is €100 extra. On-contract prices for that one start at €560. All Pro 12.2 slates have 32GB storage.

The standard-sized Galaxy Tab Pro 10.1 packs 16GB storage and is priced €800 for the Exynos/Wi-Fi model and €900 for the Snapdragon/LTE model, which is €460 on contract.

Finally, the smallest tablet of the bunch, the Galaxy Tab Pro 8.4 (also with 16GB storage) starts at €700 for Exynos/Wi-Fi, €800 for Snapdragon/LTE and €360 on contract.

Note that we expect those prices to drop when the tablets become available. Also, SamMobile tweeted lower prices for all tablets, but didn’t reveal its sources. According to the site, the Galaxy Note Pro 12.2 will be €850 for the LTE model, and others will be similarly cheaper going down to €390 for the Wi-Fi Galaxy Tab Pro 8.4.

Check out our hands-on from CES for more info on the tablets.

Source | Via

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/euro_retailers_reveal_hefty_prices_for_samsungs_galaxy_pro_tablets-news-7544.php

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Android 4.4 KitKat starts rolling for Samsung Galaxy Note 3

Sweet treat for Note 3

There's good news for anyone rocking a Samsung Galaxy Note 3, as reports say the Android 4.4 KitKat update has started to roll out for the super-sized smartphone.

The news comes via SamMobile, which claims that Android 4.4.2 has shown up on Galaxy Note 3 devices in Poland, with users having to update their handsets via Samsung's Kies desktop software.

Over the air updates are yet to be confirmed, but it's highly likely that Samsung will push the update out over the wireless medium as well.

Fingers crossed

We're hoping that the Android 4.4 build will be more stable than Samsung's Android 4.3 upgrade, with numerous users reporting issues when attempting to sync their handsets to Microsoft's services.

For those of you outside Poland you'll still have to wait for the update - unless you want to dabble with the leaked firmware, but we don't recommend that - but hopefully it won't be too long until KitKat hits Note 3 handsets worldwide.

We have contacted Samsung for more information on its Android KitKat plans, and we'll update this article once we hear back.

• When will your phone get Android KitKat?

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/android-4-4-kitkat-starts-rolling-for-samsung-galaxy-note-3-1214632

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iPhone 6 camera won't chase megapixels but focus on image stability instead

Sticking with 8?

The iPhone has never been a serious contender when it comes to the megapixel race, and according to the latest rumours, the iPhone 6 won't be throwing any bigger punches in the numbers game.

Word from the China Post, quoting a tip from the country's Nomura Security, claims that the next iPhone won't jump to a 12- or 16-megapixel sensor as predicted.

The report says that the iPhone 6 will instead adopt the same 8-megapixel camera but will improve optical image stabilisation.

Focus, focus, focus

This is backed up by a newly-published patent application made by Apple for optical image stabilisation and improved autofocus for its iPhone camera.

According to the patent, Apple's plan is to use "voice coil motor actuators" that will move then lens about around the optical axis.

Apple's focus on improving the quality of its pictures rather than just increasing their size has done it a lot of favours so far - so while 8 megapixels might sound disappointing, we still have plenty of faith.

• We're gradually putting together the pieces of the iPhone 6 puzzle

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/iphone-6-camera-won-t-chase-megapixels-but-focus-on-image-stability-instead-1214608

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Android 4.4.2 KitKat build leaks for the Galaxy Note 3 N9005

Hot on the heels of the leaked KitKat build for the Galaxy S4 comes the Galaxy Note 3 build. The firmware number N9005XXUENA6, leaked by SamMobile, is said to be one of the final builds for the Note 3, which means all the features present in this build are final and only a few bug fixes will be made before it starts rolling out officially.

Among the many changes in this build, the ones that are most visible is the presence of white notification icons. This is an interesting change for Samsung who never really adopted the previous blue icons in Ice Cream Sandwich and Jelly Bean, choosing to go with it's own color scheme every time. Some of the other visible changes include fullscreen album art on the lockscreen and a new camera shortcut button. The performance is also said to be substantially improved in both actual usage and benchmarks.

This build is for the N9005 model only, which is the one that runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 SoC with LTE support. If you have this device and can't wait for the official update to be available (which could take months), head over to the link below.

Source

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/android_442_kitkat_build_leaks_for_the_galaxy_note_3_n9005-news-7543.php

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