MWC 2014: Here is what's going to happen

We're days away from the Mobile World Congress (the action starts this Sunday) and things are moving fast – phones are getting announced early, while a barrage of leaks targets the ones still under the veil.

Since all that fast flowing info can get confusing, here's a summary of what to expect at the MWC.

Samsung

Samsung's event will be on February 24, Monday, 6:30-9:00pm CET.

Samsung Galaxy S5: Practically confirmed

Samsung's event is titled Unpacked 5, making the Galaxy S5 the most likely phone to headline the event (here's a teaser video that puts 5 everywhere). The device will have a slightly bigger screen than its predecessor, 5.25", and either borrow the chipset selection from the Galaxy Note 3 or get the next gen Samsung and Qualcomm chips.

It's almost certain that the camera will be a 16MP shooter with 2160p video capture. There's no mention of optical stabilization yet though. We've been getting glimpses of the new TouchWiz too (the invite matches the teaser), which will be flat but still different from stock Android.

There has been talk of two S5 versions for a while – first it was plastic and metal, now it's 1080p screen and QHD screen. With recent developments, a plastic leather-textured back is a safe bet.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 4: Possible

A trio of Galaxy Tab 4 tablets leaked, reportedly waiting for a MWC launch. "More tablets?" you're probably thinking and you'd be right.

However, unlike the Galaxy Tab Pros these will be entry to mid-range tablets at 7", 8" and 10.1". Not as entry-level as the Galaxy Tab 3 Lite 7.0 though.

Samsung Galaxy Gear 2: Possible

The Galaxy Gear got Samsung in the smart wearable game and a quick refresh might be just what the doctor prescribed to expand the niche. Judging by rumors, there will be plenty of wearables at the MWC and Samsung wouldn’t want to be left behind. But will Gear drop Android in favor of Tizen? Speaking of Tizen, a new phone is unlikely – or Samsung really upped its security measures.

So Galaxy Gear 2 is a likely attendee, but Samsung may still be debating the price - the original was the priciest smartwatch.

Samsung Huron: Unlikely

Samsung seemed to have forgotten about the whole Windows Phone thing, but then the Huron leaked. That's for Verizon though and the US-based CDMA carrier has no presence at the MWC. The only hope of a Samsung WP phone is if the company brings out the GSM version of the Huron (no leaks about it though).

Sony

The Sony event at the MWC will be on February 24, Monday, 8:30-9:30am CET.

Sony Xperia Z2 (Sirius): Very likely

Sony had been having two flagships a year for the last years and 2013 was no exception - the first one (Xperia Z) was announced in January. This allowed it to be the first 1080p flagship, getting a lead on the Samsung, HTC and LG offerings.

Other than 2160p video capture and the 5.2" screen not much will change, if rumors are to be believed.

Sony Xperia Tablet Z2: Likely

While the Xperia Z1 is still fresh, the Xperia Tablet Z is starting to show its age. There's plenty to update, especially by moving from Snapdragon S4 Pro to Snapdragon 800, though current rumors are that the 10.1" screen will remain at 1080p resolution.

The Xperia Tablet Z2 will retain the headlining features of its predecessor – the thin body (even thinner this time around) and water resistance.

Sony Xperia G: Possible

Aside from flagship Z products, Sony might also bring a mid-range offering to try and capitalize on the success of the Moto G. The Xperia G (perhaps not its real name) will probably feature improvements over the Motorola, but water resistance will not be one of them.

LG

LG's press event is on February 24, Monday.

Sony LG G Pro 2: Already official

The LG G Pro 2 phablet is already official but we're itching for a chance of a hands-on. The device should go on sale in Korea in a few days, but we'll make sure to ask LG about concrete US and Europe launch plans ("not before April" is all we have now).

LG G2 mini: Already official

The G2 mini also went official before the MWC. Unlike the Xperia Z1 Compact, LG's mini features lower-end specs than the G2 flagship on all counts, especially the 4.7" qHD screen. Still, a hands-on is in order.

HTC

HTC has scheduled a press conference for February 24, Monday, 3:15-5:30pm CET.

HTC M8 / All New One / One+: Not coming

HTC has an event scheduled for late March and that's probably when the One will be announced. The phone might (or might not) have two cameras and come in Gold, but we won't find out at the MWC.

HTC Desire 8: Likely

With no One successor, what will HTC bring to the MWC? The Desire 8 phablet is a possibility, but there seems to be a Chinese event scheduled for it (also in March).

The Desire 8 is a 5.5" phablet with a 13MP camera and BoomSound speakers. It promises to be very slim and has the specs to compete with the Xperia T2 Ultra and Ascend Mate2.

HTC octa-core: Unlikely

Two HTC mid-rangers were found in AnTuTu's database recently, including one with an octa-core chipset from MediaTek and a 5" 720p screen. Leaks about it have been sparse recently though.

Nokia

Nokia's event will be on February 24, Monday, 8:30-9:30am CET.

Nokia X A110: Very likely

Nokia has put out several teasers for an upcoming device featuring a green X, which rumors tell us is the name of Nokia's Android-powered device.

The Nokia X A110 (aka Normandy) aims for the higher echelons of the Asha line and the specs are basically the same as the Lumia 520.

Nokia Lumia 930: Likely

The Nokia that will still be the old Nokia, the Microsoft acquisition is a lengthy, recent process, not enough time to bring out Microsoft Lumias.

That doesn’t preclude the possibility of Nokia Lumias though. With Verizon's Lumia 929 already official, it's a good time to announce a GSM counterpart – the Lumia 930. That one is still based on the Lumia 1520 powerhouse but may feature an even smaller screen – 4.5".

Nokia Lumia 630/635: Likely

Nokia has had great success with entry-level Lumias and we might see a successor the its first entry-level WP8 phone, the Lumia 620. The Lumia 630/635 should offer a bigger screen and more powerful chipset than the Lumia 525.

Huawei

Huawei's press event is scheduled for February 23, Sunday, at 3:00-4:30pm CET.

Huawei Ascend P7: Confirmed?

Huawei is certainly bringing something to the MWC, but the video parodying Apple's Siri is kind of ambiguous. The rumor mill thinks the device will be the Ascend P7 – a 5" 1080p phone that uses HiSilicon's new Kirin chipset.

Huawei MediaPad X1: Likely

Huawei also has a tablet in the works, MediaPad X1, that uses the same chipset and is more compact and lighter than the Nexus 7 (2014). Rumored prices are cheaper too, considering the tablet will have LTE connectivity.

Since it's already certified in China, the device is most likely ready for show time.

Acer

Acer Liquid E3: Already official

Acer announced the mid-range Liquid E3 - essentially a €200 LG G2 mini competitor. We'll certainly be having some one on one time with it at the MWC.

Acer Liquid Z4: Already official

Acer also unveiled the Liquid Z4, which costs half as much as the E3 and is going to tackle the likes of the Xperia E1.

Acer Liquid S3: Possible

We know that Acer will be unveiling three smartphones at the MWC and we already have an entry-level one and a mid-ranger, which leaves room for a flagship. A successor to the Liquid S2 (the first phone with 2160p video capture) would be pretty sweet.

BlackBerry

BlackBerry Z3 (Jakarta): No event scheduled

An entry-level BlackBerry leaked – touchscreen only, unlike the Q5 – but BlackBerry has made no indication it will be present at the MWC 2014. Still, the rumor mill thinks the device will make an appearance.

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/mwc_2014_preview_what_to_expect-news-7865.php

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See the real world benefits of KitKat on the LG G2, update arriving mid-March

KitKat speed improvements are the real deal

The arrival of Android 4.4 KitKat on the LG G2 has been officially pegged for the middle of March, with the manufacturer launching a video teaser showing the speedy improvements handset owners have in store.

The two-minute comparison clip shows how KitKat gives multiple features a considerable speed boost, when compared to the current Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean OS.

The KnockOn (double tap to wake the screen) feature welcomes a faster response time, while web pages will load faster thanks to the Chromium engine within KitKat. Further speed improvements come when loading online videos.

In terms of photography, the camera app loads faster, the shutter speed is also improved, while loading a photo in the gallery app is twice as fast with KitKat on board. Lastly the video details the faster touch response times in the contacts app.

17 per cent faster

Of course, all of these metrics are taken in milliseconds so it may not seem like a huge deal on the surface, but it all adds up to a device that's 17 per cent faster on KitKat according to the Korean company.

Check out the differences in the video, shot with a high frame rate camera, below and, if you're an LG G2 owner circle the entire middle of March on your calendar.

• Want to get ahead of the smartphone curve? Check out our LG G Flex review

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/see-the-real-world-benefits-of-kitkat-on-the-lg-g2-update-arriving-mid-march-1227262

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WhatsApp and iMessage back up for Vodafone customers after Friday data outage

Soz.

WhatsApp has dominated tech news this week after being bought up by Facebook, but for Vodafone customers it was a case of 'What's up?' on Friday, as network issues prevented them from using the app.

The network responded to complaints from Twitter followers, unable to access mobile data services on their devices throughout the day.

Vodafone tweeted to tell users it working on the issue, before admitting they may have to deal with intermittent access to messaging apps such as WhatsApp and Apple's iMessage for the time being.

As most Brits finished their working week, the company claimed everything was now up and running as normal, but it would continue monitoring the situation.

Miffed

"We've fixed the issues that were affecting customer access to some mobile data services and Vodafone systems, all are now fully restored," Vodafone tweeted, five hours after acknowledging the issue.

While these things do happen from time to time, Vodafone customers are sure to be miffed after the second major outage of 2014, left many on social media vowing to take their money elsewhere.

In January the company battled a "nationwide issue sporadically causing problems with voice, data and SMS services," which lasted for a number of hours.

It was sorry then too...

• Analysis: Why did Facebook buy WhatsApp?

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/whatsapp-and-imessage-back-up-for-vodafone-customers-after-friday-data-outage-1227249

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Samsung Galaxy S5 trailer hints at waterproof design, two different handsets

Can you spot them all in there?

Remember Jeremy from the Galaxy S4 Unpacked trailer last year? Yeah, he's been fired.

Samsung has just put out a very different sort of trailer for "the next Galaxy" - ie the Galaxy S5 - and we reckon we can gleam plenty of hints about the new flagship from the 36-second video.

First, the word "wet" appears early on, soon followed by a picture of a beach - are these hints at the phone's waterproof and dustproof design? We'd say waterproof is definitely looking likely.

There's also an image titled "Brothers", which could be a not-so-sly nod at the two different versions of the S5 that we're expecting to see.

As for "courage", the slowdown footage there could well be referencing a slow-mo camera element (with other scenes having the same slowdown effect), while "focus" seems to be teasing a background defocus feature.

Check out the whole thing below...

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/samsung-galaxy-s5-trailer-hints-at-waterproof-design-two-different-handsets-1227220

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Samsung Galaxy Gear 2: release date, news and rumors

We'd take it if it looked like this

The Samsung Galaxy Gear 2 is likely to be a surprising addition to the MWC 2014 party, namely because it's predecessor has been on sale for such a short amount of time.

But if you read our initial Galaxy Gear review, you'd see why. A smartwatch may be cool, but if it costs too much, has too short of a battery life and is filled with useless gimmicks, it's not going to sell well – and that's precisely what we found with Samsung's first effort.

So the rumor mill has been cranking into full force in recent weeks to talk at length about a possible sequel that will emerge with the Samsung Galaxy S5 – read on to find out what we know will likely be coming as Samsung battens down the hatches ahead of the iWatch release later this year.

Galaxy Gear 2 design

When it comes to the new look of the Galaxy Gear, it's easy to speculate on what it might be, given the first iteration was so chunky.

We actually liked the design, as it combined industrial-looking materials with sleek lines – but combined with the camera it was just too large. A Samsung spokesperson late last year dropped some news that the new version was in the works, and that it would be '15% to 20% thinner than the previous production', which means Samsung has realised that the current incarnation is just too chunky.

Since then, we've heard some pretty exciting things about the design. The first being that the new Galaxy Gear will be completely redesigned to get rid of the 'dull and boring' elements – and the best of these will be a flexible screen.

This would be something that would put the Samsung smartwatch on the map, although we doubt it would be totally flexible, rather curved to make it look a lot nicer.

Something like this would do...

The second things is that this might not be the only device that pops up – Samsung's said to be pulling some of the technology out of the Gear and putting it into an advanced fitness band called, cleverly, the Galaxy Band, which would put it in direct competition with the LG LifeBand Touch.

Rumors have been put about that reckon multiple versions of the Gear will launch at MWC – if so, the Galaxy Gear 2 and a fitness band would make sense as to the identities.

All new OS

We've heard loads about Tizen in the run up to MWC 2014, where Samsung is supposed to be showing off phones using the new operating system.

But here's an interesting one: the Galaxy Gear 2 could be running the OS as well. While such a jump in strategy would normally be tossed out as useless speculation, this could have legs as it would make the watch a lot more enticing for developers.

Word is that the Gear 2 would use an HTML5 version of Tizen, making it much easier for devs to make apps for the device and therefore increase its appeal – given the UI is already nothing like Android, there wouldn't need to be much of a change to make things look like an evolution.

And don't worry about the apps that are already created (not that there are a lot of them) for the Gear – as these can be ported over with relative ease.

Pricey as before?

The new Galaxy Gear needs to be cheaper than the original, coming as it did for £299 or $299 (around AU$333) off the shelf.

The good news is that the new version of the device will have chopped the cost a little as it worries about what Apple will be doing with its first wrist-adorning option.

Samsung knows that it wouldn't fare well if it pitted its watch against the premium quality of Apple's (just look at some of the high end tablets Samsung offers for the same cost as the iPad Air) and will look to offer a lower cost as well as an enhanced feature set.

With that in mind, the Galaxy Gear 2 is a crucial device for the South Korean brand – it's already had one bite with the first option, and if the next iteration fails to ignite then it could be handing the keys to the wearable kingdom to Apple before it's even brought anything out.

Galaxy Gear release date

The Samsung Galaxy Gear 2 launch date is almost certain to be MWC 2014 alongside the Galaxy S5 – pairing the two together will be a no-brainer for Samsung as it looks to maximize the appeal of the new phone.

But when it actually reaches shop shelves is yet to be seen, as the brand has a lot of options here. One will be to launch the Gear 2 at the same time as the Galaxy S5, which hints at it being on sale at the end of March.

This notion is certainly backed up by the fact multiple US retailers are slashing the price of the current Gear by almost 50% in an effort to eradicate stock – which usually heralds a new device.

The other main option would be to tag the new Galaxy Gear release date for the same time as the fancier Samsung Galaxy S5 version, clad in metal and rocking a QHD screen, as many rumors are tagging that as arriving later than the first version due to issues

So here's the best case scenario: a Galaxy Gear 2 and fitness band with advanced functionality are announced at MWC 2014, and go on sale a month after launch. It will come at a more palatable price point and feature all-new design… is that wishful thinking?

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/portable-devices/samsung-galaxy-gear-2-release-date-news-and-rumors-1227214

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New HTC One camera will apparently turn blur into beauty

Smile for the camera, M8 (credit: MHelal, Google+)

We were already 99.7% sure that the the All New HTC One will come with two rear cameras, but we've now got some more information on the specifics of those snappers.

According to "sources familiar with the matter" speaking to Pocket-lint, the main rear camera will have the 4-megapixel sensor of the 2013 HTC One, while the second will be a 2-megapixel affair.

That second camera will enhance the bokeh (the blur of the out-of-focus bits of your photo) which gives a greater sense of depth, and will allow users to replace the background of any photo.

This will reportedly be controlled via an app which HTC is said to be "currently working on".

Sensor-ble

Additionally, the same report claims that the front-facing 2-megapixel camera is stepping up to 5 megapixels, as the company looks to put more of a focus on taking those lovely selfies that we're seeing every single day on Facebook. Every. Single. Day.

The All New HTC One 2 will be revealed on March 25, and we'll be there to bring you the news as it breaks.

• But does the new HTC One have a problem when it comes to its name?

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/new-htc-one-camera-will-turn-blur-into-beauty-1227182

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Samsung Galaxy S5 to emerge with two different names

Two flavours to sample

We're less than a week away from the Samsung Galaxy S5, but despite the ever-growing mountain of leaks there's still plenty we don't know.

Industry insider and Mobile-Review.com editor Eldar Murtazin took to Twitter to claim that Samsung's handsets will come with their own unique name - the "Samsung Galaxy S5 something".

Right now it's anyone's guess as to what those names might be (answers on a postcard please) but we'd expect the higher-end model to have a more premium name such as the Samsung Galaxy S5 Pro.

Goldfingers

As well as that, some cases for the S5 have appeared for pre-order on Amazon, and it's not just the colours that vary between the pictures.

Two of the images show the S5 with a physical home buttons, while the phone lacks any such button in the others.

GSM Arena, meanwhile, has apparently got its hands on a Vodafone internal document which outs a gold version of Samsung's upcoming phone.

Another to join the ranks of the iPhone 5S and HTC One, then.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/samsung-galaxy-s5-to-emerge-with-two-different-names-1227127

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Spigen case listing confirms two Samsung Galaxy S5 versions

Five Spigen cases for the Samsung Galaxy S5 are now available for pre-order on Amazon's website. Interestingly enough, two of them aren't like the rest and show the Samsung Galaxy S5 with a physical Home button, whereas the others lack it.

This lines up with our previous report showing screenshots from the Galaxy S5 with both regular and on-screen buttons and those suggesting there will be two versions of the Samsung flagship.

As you can spot on the image below, there's no physical Home button to be seen. There certainly is a chance that there's a capacitive key that's not lit up, but again that would make it different from the hardware key on the other version.It's also possible for this to be a finger-scanning home button, we'll have to wait and see.

The Samsung Galaxy S5 has no physical Home key

Spigen has a history of leaking unannounced phones on their case listings. This has happened before with the Nexus 5 and the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 and all were the real deal.

The Samsung Galaxy S5 variant with a physical Home button

An earlier Samsung Galaxy S5 leak also suggests two phone versions, which will also differ in their screen resolutions - 1080p and 2K, respectively.

Other than this, both models have a dual-LED flash below the camera, which is rumored to be either 16MP or 21MP. The volume rocker is positioned on the left, while the Power/Lock key is on the opposite side. At the bottom back of the phone, there's the speaker grille.

All of the cases are listed to be in stock on April 15, if this is any indication on when the phone will be available for purchase. Monday, February 24 can't arrive fast enough for the Unpacked 5 event at the MWC to take place.

Source | Via

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/spigen_case_listing_suggests_two_samsung_galaxy_s5_models-news-7886.php

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Nokia X release date, news and rumors

An Android Nokia probably won't look like this

It started out as a pie-in-the-sky rumor: Nokia is making an Android device. Surely not, given the Finnish firm has only recently been acquired by software giant (and the Windows Phone peddling) Microsoft. So why would Nokia jump into bed with the enemy?

While many eyebrows were raised, and eyes rolled, when news of the Nokia X first took to the web (under the moniker Normandy), the sheer deluge of leaks have added more and more credibility to the handset's existence.

There are differing opinions to the name it will officially launch under though. In the red corner you have seasoned mobile leaker @evleaks claiming "Project Normandy = Nokia X", while in the blue there's a new Twitter player @NextLeaks who reckons "Nokia Asha 4xx = Nokia Normandy".

However going by the volume of leaks surrounding the "Nokia X" name that's the one we're inclined to believe.

Cut to the chase
What is it? Nokia's first smartphone to run Google's Android OS
When is it out? All eyes are on MWC 2014
What will it cost? Not a lot, around £70/$110/AU$120

Nokia X release date and price

Most Nokia X rumors are currently highlighting MWC 2014 in Barcelona as the platform for the Nokia Android smartphone to make its international appearance.

Nokia has a press conference confirmed for February 24, and all eyes will be on the Finnish firm to see if the Android Normandy handset does indeed exist.

We've even had Nokia tease us about the Nokia X's launch, as it's revealed images of tress, monkeys, UFOs, and treasure maps - with "X" references scattered throughout.

Oh Nokia, you tease

It's not clear when, or even if, you'll be able to get your hands on the Nokia X, as its low-end credentials means it could be destined for emerging markets only - skipping the likes of the UK, US and Australia.

With low-end specs comes an equally low-end price, so you can expect the Nokia X to be a pretty affordable - if hard to come by - Android device, with figures of £70/$110/AU$120 being thrown around.

Here's what we reckon the Nokia X should look like:

Nokia X operating system

The signal biggest feature on the Nokia X will be its operating system. Nokia is heavily invested in the Windows Phone platform for its Lumia range, while its Asha devices run its own, in-house Asha OS.

The Nokia Normandy isn't expected to run either of these, instead opting for Google's Android operating system - albeit a hugely modified version.

We've seen numerous screen grabs appear online, claiming to show the Android setup on the Nokia X, with many drawing more comparisons with Windows Phone or the defunct MeeGo platform rather than its supposed Android base.

The first screens to appear don't give a great deal away, but the more detailed lockscreen notifications, an Android style dialer app and a Google-esque notifications bar hint that the Nokia X is packing a different, Google-flavored, OS.

Keeping us guessing (credit: @evleaks)

Then came a snap claiming to show the app list on Nokia Normandy - and this has an air of MeeGo about it as well as a similar notification bar to the previous screens.

Check out those apps (credit: Weibo)

The most detailed screenshots to date however come via @evleaks, and show what appears to be a long, vertical, scrollable homescreen made up of various live-tile esque boxes and application icons.

Some of the apps which appear in these screens (e.g. BBM and Plants vs. Zombies 2) are not currently available on the Windows Phone store, but do exist on Google Play, once again pointing towards an Android influence for the Nokia X.

A bit of MeeGo, Windows Phone and Android (credit: @evleaks)

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/nokia-x-normandy-1219003

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Nokia X gives Android the live tiles treatment in latest leak

The Nokia Android phone draws near

It seems Nokia really is going to go Android as the pre-MWC 2014 rumour mill continues to churn out Nokia X leaks, with the latest offering a series of images depicting said Android phone.

French site Nowhereelse.fr has apparently got hold of more images of the fabled Nokia X (previously known as the Nokia Normandy), showing off the front, back and side of the chunky handheld.

The homescreen is visible and the user interface matches previous leaks, showing a highly modified version of Android which resembles the live tile setup of Windows Phone more than Google's own creation.

Android, but no Google

The Finnish firm's own Here Maps application appears on one of the tiles - as does a simple "Store" icon - suggesting the Nokia X won't come with Google's own suite of apps such as Maps and the Play Store.

Is this Nokia's first Android phone? (credit: nowhereelse)

In terms of design the Nokia X is shaping up to be a pretty ordinary slab of plastic, reinforcing the budget credentials it's been associated with so far - although we'll hopefully find out for sure shortly at MWC.

• What else will we see at MWC 2014?

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/nokia-x-gives-android-the-live-tiles-treatment-in-latest-leak-1227036

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Jolla announces Sailfish OS 1.0, starts selling to new markets

Jolla, the new phone manufacturer around the block comprised of former Nokia employees, has announced the launch of Sailfish OS 1.0. The update is an important milestone in the life of the mobile OS as it's the first commercial-ready release (so far the platform was in beta).

There are a lot of features and improvements that the latest update introduces. In addition to the improved performance, Sailfish OS 1.0 brings a lot of small visual improvements, extended landscape support, new general settings and camera functionality.

Meanwhile, Jolla has also announced it is expanding the availability of its smartphone to Hong Kong, India and Russia. Currently, the Jolla phone is sold primarily in Finland through local carrier's DNA shops. The phonemaker assures that it is in talks with more European partners for potential expansion.

However, the Jolla phone is also available to all users in the European Union through the company's official store for €399.

The Sailfish OS 1.0 will be pushed to the Jolla smartphone in the beginning of March.

Source

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/jolla_announces_sailfish_os_10_starts_selling_to_new_markets-news-7885.php

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Dual-OS running Geeksphone Revolution now on sale

The most prominent smartphone manufacturer in Spain, Geeksphone, has officially released its dual-OS running Revolution smartphone.

The hansdet features a 4.7-inch IPS display alongside a dual-core 1.6 GHz Intel Atom processor, 4GB of expandable internal memory, 1GB of RAM, and a 8MP primary camera alongside a 1.3MP front-facer. All of this is powered by a 2,000 mAh battery.

According to Geeksphone, the dual-booting Revolution will let you switch between Android and Mozilla's browser-centric Firefox OS with a simple 1-touch system. There're also indications that the smartphone will be able to run other mobile OSs as well.

Hopefully Firefox OS will have smoothed out the numerous rough edges we saw on the Geeksphone Peak at last year's MWC, where sluggish performance and slow app switching overshadowed the benefits of the OS.

The Geeksphone Revolution is on sale directly from Geeksphone's site for €222 with worldwide shipping available.

Via

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/dualos_running_geeksphone_revolution_now_available-news-7884.php

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Is Huawei's smartwatch taking cues from the LG Lifeband Touch?

Blue's clues

It's hardly a surprise to see Huawei getting in on the smartwatch game, but this isn't quite what we thought it would have up its sleeve.

One Huawei official has posted a picture of an interestingly-looking wrist device over on Weibo, along with the message, "My new toy. Do you like this color?"

The colour isn't the problem – it's the design of the watch itself that will likely divide. Going by the pictures, it seems to be taking some inspiration from the LG Lifeband Touch's rigid style.

Fighting fit

However, this could be a separate health-focused wristband we're looking at, rather than a more straight-up smartwatch like the Galaxy Gear.

Huawei's smartwatch is expected to show up at MWC 2014, which kicks off in Barcelona on February 24.

• Hands on with the LG Lifeband Touch

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/portable-devices/is-huawei-s-smartwatch-taking-cues-from-the-lg-lifeband-touch--1227019

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Dual-OS running Geeksphone Revolution now available

The most prominent smartphone manufacturer out of Spain, Geeksphone, has officially released their dual-OS running Revolution smartphone.

It features a 4.7-inch IPS display alongside a dual-core 1.6 GHz Intel Atom processor, 4GB of expandable internal memory, 1GB of RAM, and a 8MP primary camera alongside a 1.3MP front-facer. All of this is powered by a 2000 mAh battery.

According to Geeksphone, the dual-booting Revolution will let you switch between Android and Mozilla's browser-centric Firefox OS with a simple 1-touch system. There're also indications that the smartphone will be able to run other mobile OSs as well.

Hopefully Firefox OS will have smoothed out the numerous rough edges we saw on the Geeksphone Peak at last year's MWC, where sluggish performance and slow app switching overshadowed the potential for a capable OS.

The Geeksphone Revolution is available directly from Geeksphone's site for €222, and will ship globally.

Via

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/archos_unveils_four_new_devices_before_the_mwc-news-7883.php

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HTC releases more Desire 8 photos ahead of announcement

HTC Desire 8 has already been teased once on HTC's Weibo account. The first teaser picture confirmed the looks and the announcement day of the Desire 8.

HTC has felt like doing some more teasing today posing even more photos of its upcoming smartphone. Now we got four pictures of the Desire 8 and another confirmation HTC will be announcing the mid-ranger on February 24 - the first day of the MWC in Barcelona.

The HTC Desire 8 is rumored to pack a 5.5" 720p Super LCD2 display and run on the Snapdragon 400 chipset (quad-core 1.6GHz Cortex-A7, Adreno 305 GPU, 1.5GB RAM). The phablet is also tipped to come with a 13MP snapper at the back and a 5MP sharpshooter at its front. Finally, the software package is expected to include Android 4.4 KitKat and HTC Sense UI 6.0.

HTC Desire 8

As you can see the Desire 8 will come with BoomSound speakers and you will be able to get it in white, red and dark blue. Previous rumors suggested a yellow flavor as well, but nothing has been confirmed just yet.

Desire 8 is going to premiere on February 24 in Barcelona and we'll make sure to bring you the full scoop of it at the show.

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Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/htc_releases_more_desire_8_photos_coming_in_three_days-news-7882.php

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