iOS 7.1 vs iOS 7: what's new in Apple's latest OS update?

iOS 7.1 does away with the 'white screen of death'

If iOS 7 was a fresh coat of paint for Apple's operating system, then today's iOS 7.1 release is a much-needed touch up six months into the redesign.

This essential software update fixes a number of unresolved bugs that complicated owning an iPhone 5S, iPad Air and iPad mini 2.

iOS 7.1 also features a handful of user interface tweaks that alter the non-skeuomorphic design. They're still flat, but a little rounder than before.

We poured over the official release notes and tested out iOS 7.1 to find that while there aren't a lot of major changes, its ability to remedy iOS 7 glitches makes it worth downloading immediately.

Death to 'the white screen of death'

The most pervasive glitch is what Apple is calling "an occasional Home screen crash bug." Users have more aptly nicknamed it the "white screen of death" glitch.

By either name, it's an annoying software defect that randomly forced iOS devices into a soft reset. A blank screen with the Apple logo would suddenly show up for no apparent reason.

While users have complained about this task-closing glitch since September 2013, Apple hasn't been able to fix it until now. It first acknowledged the problem and promised a solution in January.

The company didn't reveal why this glitch occurred, but it's thankfully gone according to our tests today. Six months is far too long to wait for such a patch.

iOS 7.1 revs up CarPlay

Apple is putting iOS in the Car, even though its infotainment ecosystem doesn't go by that more direct name anymore.

CarPlay is enabled through iOS 7.1 on any iPhone 5S, iPhone 5C or iPhone 5 as long as it's paired with a compatible vehicle.

One of the biggest iOS 7.1 features most people won't be able to use

So far that includes the Volvo XC90 SUV, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and the Ferrari FF with more car models and manufacturers to come.

The release notes indicate that CarPlay brings phone, music, maps, messages and third-party audio apps to the hands-free infotainment center.

Users can also control everything through Siri or via the car's touchscreen, knobs and buttons.

Design tweaks

Flat circles are in and skeuomorphic boxes are out, according to Apple's iOS design tweaks. The look and feel of iOS 7.1 makes such alterations to the call and power-off screens.

iOS 7 vs iOS 7.1 call screen has changed

The answer and end button are now green and red circles. These smaller but more fashionable pair match the caller's round photo icon.

The same treatment was given to the revised power off slide bar. Holding down the sleep button brings up a new white and red button, replacing the ugly reddish-orange bar.

Siri and Touch ID

Siri is easier to operate in iOS 7.1. Before, Apple's personal assistant would often cut you off mid-sentence, complicating it as a hands-free solution.

Now, holding down the home button manually controls Siri so that you can drone on and on without having her interrupting your bloviating commands.

Overall minor changes until iOS 8

Apple's release notes indicate also that its Touch ID fingerprint recognition system has improved with iOS 7.1. Users have previously complained that the scanner forgets their fingerprints.

The Camera and Calendar apps are the final tweaks Apple is highlighting in iOS 7.1. The iPhone 5S automatically enables HDR photos through the Camera app, while Calendar brings the much-needed ability to view events by month.

All of these upgrades aren't significant and few iPhone users can take advantage of CarPlay, but today's minor update is a step in the right direction as we await bigger changes for iOS 8 this fall.

• Apple's iOS 7.1 update features support for unknown iPad models

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/ios-7-1-vs-ios-7-what-s-changed-in-apple-s-latest-os-update--1232716

Read More

Perturbed by pricey Sony Xperia Z2 contracts? Vodafone offering free Bravia TV

The flagship Xperia Z2 was launched at MWC 2014

Vodafone has teamed up with Sony to give away a 32-inch Bravia TV with the first 3,000 pre-orders of the firm's new flagship Xperia Z2 handset.

The network is making the phone available from April 10, but those wishing to reserve the 5.2-inch Android device can register and earn themselves a free telly in the process.

The announcement comes amid a little bit of a backlash over the new device's pricing. Contracts with Vodafone start at a whopping £47 a month.

Users will get a free phone, unlimited calls, texts and 3GB of 4G data on the company's Red 4G plans, but it's still a sizeable outlay over the course of two years.

Worthy improvements

Announced at MWC 2014 last month, The Xperia Z2 brings a host of worthy improvements over its predecessor.

Alongside that 5.2-inch Full HD display, it also packs Android 4.4 KitKat out of the box. It's also one of the first handsets to deploy the Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 CPU, which, when combined with 3GB of RAM, makes the device one of the speediest on the market.

Does the offer of a free gogglebox soften the blow of the contract price for you? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

• Sony Xperia Z2 release date: Where can I get it?

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/perturbed-by-pricey-sony-xperia-z2-contracts-vodafone-offering-free-bravia-tv-1232640

Read More

Samsung Galaxy Young review

Ratings in depth

When it comes to the modern smartphone, there are two manufacturers that manage to stand head and shoulders above the rest. Both Apple and Samsung have managed to take the mobile market by storm with their own takes on what should be in your pocket.

Unsurprisingly Samsung is the largest smartphone manufacturer in the world with its Android smartphones covering the high end with the Galaxy S5 and the Galaxy Note 3, but also the low end with the Galaxy Fame and the Galaxy Young handsets.

With a pay as you go (PAYG) price as little as £69.99 (around $115, AU$130) and contract prices of only £7.25 per month in the UK, the Galaxy Young is pitched at the lowest end competing with the likes of the Nokia Asha 503, as well as the Lumia 520 and Huawei Ascend Y300.

This low price tag means that it's not only being pitched at a younger audience (there was a clue in the name), it also appears to make an ideal second phone for emergencies or even as a festival phone.

So what do you get for your money?

Given that Samsung has tied up a large section of the budget market, it stands to reason that there may not be a lot of difference between the Galaxy Young and the Galaxy Fame. That is very much the case.

One of the main areas to look at is the screen. Obviously the likes of the a HD screen have been overlooked, instead a 3.3-inch 320 x 480 screen giving around 176ppi is what you get on the Young.

This means that the Galaxy Young is slightly smaller than the Galaxy Fame but with a slightly higher ppi.

Elsewhere there are a lot more similarities. At measurements of 109.4 x 58.6 x 12.5mm and weighing 112g, the Galaxy Young sits around the same size as the Fame.

I found that the Young sits extremely comfortably in one hand, and I was able to hit the entire screen and the traditional Samsung buttons without issue.

There is little surprise in what Samsung has chosen to build its cheapest handset out of - the plastic construction that has been criticised on Samsung's flagships, but it's very fitting for such a cheap handset.

Storage wise the Galaxy Fame comes along with a rather measly 4GB of which less than 1.5GB is actually available for you to use.

Although you're unlikely to install any massive apps on the Galaxy Young, I still feel that this is pretty poor. Thankfully the addition of microSD support of up to 64GB does ease the pain.

Dropbox also comes preinstalled meaning you can store all your photos and files to the cloud further lessening the stress on the internal memory.

A 1GHz single-core CPU has been provided under the hood, tasked with running Android with the help of 768MB of RAM.

That's slightly more than the 512MB of RAM in the Galaxy Fame, but the larger RAM comes with the trade-off for a smaller 3.2MP camera rather than the 5MP of the Fame. A front facing camera is also missing here.

In all the Galaxy Young is an interesting proposition, with the low price tag giving an incentive to take another look at this lower powered handset, yet the specs won't blow you away.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/reviews/phones/mobile-phones/samsung-galaxy-young-1133536/review

Read More

Apple iOS 7.1 now seeding to iDevices, CarPlay in tow

As expected, Apple has released iOS 7.1 update for the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch.

The user interface changes are most noticeable and include tweaks to the phone dialer and the power off area, where Apple has opted for round UI elements. Additionally, the accept and decline buttons in the incoming call have also been tweaked, along with the repeat and shuffle icons in the Music player.

Under iOS 7.1 user can also disable the parallax effect when selecting a custom image for a wallpaper. There are additional minor improvements to the keyboard with the delete and shift keys coming out more prominent now.

Apple has fixed the random reboots bug, which many have been experience. Hopefully, the problem is now gone for good.

The iOS 7.1 update also includes support for the company's new CarPlay feature, which allows you to access your phone through your car via voice commands. Siri is at the core of this feature and allows drivers to dictate messages or manage their music without ever touching their iPhone.

Speaking of music, iTunes Radio is also updated in iOS 7.1. The new additions are featured station search, quickly create stations based on previous searches as well as quick iTunes Match subscription directly from the phone.

Now, head over to your iOS device and get iOS 7.1, which is already seeding.

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/apple_ios_71_is_now_available_for_immediate_download-news-8000.php

Read More

Apple releases iOS 7.1, complete with CarPlay support and UI changes

More play for your car

Apple has unleashed iOS 7.1 into the wild, bringing a number of changes and additions to iPhone, iPad and iPod touch users.

Chief among the features riding along with the update is CarPlay, Apple's "iOS experience designed for the car." Partner car makers are limited for now, but those who are in the market for something like a new Ferrari this year will be able to integrate their iPhone with their roadster.

Users will also notice a few UI changes, squished bugs and faster animations and transitions.

More to follow...

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/software/operating-systems/apple-releases-ios-7-1-complete-with-carplay-support-and-ui-changes-1232633

Read More

Google wants manufacturers to base wearables devices on Android

Make mine Android!

Just because Google plans to make its own smartwatch, that's no reason for developers to avoid the Android platform when making their own - a task that will be far easier in just a couple of short weeks.

The Wall Street Journal reported Sunday that Google is planning to release a software development kit (SDK) later this month that will make it easier for manufacturers to power their future smartwatches with Android.

During his South by Southwest conference speech yesterday, Google Senior Vice President Sundar Pichai announced the search giant's intentions to dominate the wearables market much in the same way they have smartphones.

To accomplish this task, Google plans to borrow from its own Android playbook by making a free SDK available to manufacturers and developers, part of the company's "vision" for a wearables market where its mobile OS is on everyone's wrist.

Feedback welcome

Google is reportedly working on its own smartwatch to be manufactured by LG Electronics that could debut in June, but Pichai calls the early release of an SDK based on Android an opportunity to get "plenty of feedback" in advance of the annual Google I/O conference.

But smartwatches may be only the beginning, as Pichai teased the possibility of other wearables such as a "smart jacket," which could incorporate a variety of sensors for a variety of unspecified uses.

Pichai also told SXSW attendees that Google's Chromecast will soon branch out to countries other than the US after racking up sales "in the millions" there.

The Android, Chrome and apps executive also answered a query about Google's recent Nest Labs acquisition, which could deliver a future "mesh layer" of software designed to make devices interact with each other.

• Check out our review of the first wearable from Mountain View, Google Glass!

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/software/operating-systems/google-wants-manufacturers-to-base-wearables-devices-on-android-1232608

Read More

HTC One (2014) stars in a new video

Yet another video of The All New HTC One has appeared, but it's not as detailed as the one that previously came out. Nevertheless, it shows the phone's SIM and microSD card slots as well the dual cameras at the back.

Sadly, there's still no information on how those cameras work. The uploader of the video shows that the phone packs 32GB of internal storage and suggests 16GB and 64GB models will also be available.

The HTC One 2014 in the video is the silver model, but thanks to leaks from evleaks we know there's also a grey and gold coming up.

The smartphone is tipped to sport a 5-inch 1080p flagship with a Snapdragon 800 CPU ticking inside and runs Android 4.4.2 KitKat. The most notable addition, of course, is the dual-camera, dual-LED setup on the back.

The All New HTC One will be revealed at the end of this month, on March 25. We will be covering the event live, so be sure to tune in for the full scoop.

To watch the actual video, head over to the source link below.

Source

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/htc_one_2014_stars_in_new_video-news-7998.php

Read More

FHD Oppo Find 7 to cost under $500, key specs detailed

We know that Oppo is being quite open regarding the Find 7's specifications and keeps little for the actual announcement of the phone at the end of the month. Earlier Oppo confirmed there will be two versions of the Find 7 and today the Chinese phonemaker detailed the lower-standing full HD model's key specs.

The lower-resolution version of the Find 7 will be powered by a Snapdragon 800 chipset (with a quad-core Krait CPU), 2GB of RAM and will pack 16GB of internal storage. As for the main camera, earlier rumors of a 50MP snapper now seem quite unlikely, as Oppo themselves say the FHD Find 7 packs a 5MP camera. Still, the Chinese company could be saving the big surprise for its higher-end Find 7 model with a QHD display.

Additionally, rumors are floating around that the phone is going to sale for CNY3,000, which is below $500. If true, the upcoming phone from Oppo renegades OnePlus, is going to have a solid competition in the segment.

In addition to a duo of available screen options, Oppo Find 7 will have a removable battery. We've also recently seen the phone in full-blown leaked press images, too.

Oppo Find 7 will debut later this month, on March 19 in Beijing and, frankly, we can't wait. Source | Via

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/fhd_oppo_find_7_to_cost_under_500_key_specs_detailed-news-7997.php

Read More

Oppo N1 review

Recommended award

Ratings in depth

Smartphone newcomer Oppo arrived from nowhere to win the hearts of Android enthusiasts last year, with the Oppo Find 5 offering decent performance and selling for an impressive price. It was a good start for the previously unknown firm.

Now Oppo's gunning for the more glamorous, barn-door sized phone end of the market with the Oppo N1, an enormous 5.9-inch model with a full HD 1080p display and relatively high-end Snapdragon 600 series chipset.

It's an audacious, slightly bonkers, Galaxy Note 3 or Sony Xperia Z Ultra competitor, but with an RRP of €449 (around £370, or $615, AU$680) it seriously undercuts both Sony and Samsung's rival phablets.

Plus it has a mad swivelling camera, a touchpad around the back and a lean Android OS heavy on motion and touch gestures. It's innovative and cheaper than its peers. Back of the net, right?

What immediately sets the N1 apart from other phones of its size is the innovative rotating camera mount. This houses a fast and impressive 13MP sensor, one that you can rotate through 180 degrees to capture your own gurning face at a resolution unprecedented for a front-facing camera.

And it's a nicely built, sturdy mount, locking into place when it's facing backwards and automatically flipping the on-screen viewfinder image when you rotate it. It's no novelty, it's a super idea.

Oppo's also blowing the traditional phone-selling model apart by including an extremely nice flip case in the box, which is smart enough to automatically activate and deactivate the phone's display when you open and close it - like the world's most technically advanced fridge light.

It's a smooth, stylish case that you'd expect to pay a fair few quid for, so many big-ups to the Oppo team for bunging it in as a freebie.

This case also has a soft area around the back, where there's no padding, like the delicate soft spot on a baby's head.

This is so you can use the Oppo N1's other unique feature - the rear-mounted trackpad. Oppo calls this the O-Touch panel, an additional input method, albeit one that's not hugely useful in the N1's current software setup.

And there's more. There's also a tiny keyfob-size remote control called the O-Click included with the Oppo N1, letting you take photos using the swivelling lens while a short distance away from the phone. It's the ultimate 'selfie' device, no doubt about that.

It's a bit of a shame to see hardware capacitive buttons beneath the huge display, though, as many of today's newest Android models feature the more versatile on-screen software buttons that can pop themselves into and out of existence when the OS deems it necessary.

And it's not what you'd call thrilling to look at.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/reviews/phones/mobile-phones/oppo-n1-1226085/review

Read More

Nokia X available in India today, X+ and XL coming soon

Nokia just announced the availability of its first Android-powered product, the Nokia X, in India. India used to be a stronghold for Nokia but recently cheap Android-powered devices have been growing fast and eating into its share.

The dual-SIM Nokia X is available today at INR 8,600 ($140 / €100) from Nokia's official store. For comparison, a Nokia Lumia 520 – by far the most popular Windows Phone handset – costs INR 7,700.

The Lumia 520 is highly popular for a reason – Androids in its price range are nowhere near its specs. The Nokia X is no monster either but you get the same free offline navigation from HERE Maps.

Nokia X+ is also up on Nokia's India store but it's listed as "coming soon" and there's no price yet. The X+ and the 5" XL model should launch within a couple of months in the country.

Find our more about the Nokia X and its siblings from our MWC hands-on.

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/nokia_x_available_in_india_today_x_and_xl_coming_soon-news-7996.php

Read More

LG G3 may follow Sony and Samsung with waterproof body

LG following what Sony started

The LG G3 is now being tipped to sport a dust- and waterproof body as the rugged features make their way onto more flagship smartphones.

According to Korean site ETNews, a source has revealed that LG believes the waterproof features on the likes of the Galaxy S5 and Xperia Z2 are key for smartphones in 2014.

We already know that we'll see the LG G3 later this year, but in terms of specs the trail is still pretty cold.

LG will have to get shift on with the launch of the G3 though, as we've already seen Samsung's and Sony's efforts this year and HTC has lined up an event on March 25 for the all new One.

The G3 may be about to be left behind before it's even jumped in the pool.

• What we know about the LG G3 so far

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/lg-g3-may-follow-sony-and-samsung-with-waterproof-body-1232461

Read More

Leaked Pantech Vega Iron 2 is the first Snapdragon 805 smartphone

The Snapdragon 805 chipset was announced a while ago with four Krait 450 cores running at 2.5GHz and Adreno 420 graphics. It is Qualcomm's best system-on-chip to date and is expected to premiere on the next generation of flagship devices.

Somewhat surprisingly, the first deice we hear about running on the Snapdragon 805 SoC is Pantech Vega Iron 2 intended for the Korean market. The smartphone is rumored to pack a 5.5" 1080p display, 2GB of RAM, 13MP rear and 3MP front camera, 32/64GB storage, USB 3.0 support, LTE-A connectivity and 2,800 mAh battery.

The Vega Iron 2 is expected to come in four versions - M-A910S, M-A910K, M-A910L, and M-A910D. The last one should be carrier free and probably intended for the overseas markets (although availability is likely to be limited), while the rest will be bound to the three major carriers in South Korea.

Pantech is currently having financial difficulties dues to low sales, but this new flagship might be just what the doctor prescribed to boost the sales.

Source

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/pantech_vega_iron_2__first_snapdragon_805_device-news-7995.php

Read More

PCB factory fire raises concern about Galaxy S5 availability

A huge fire destroyed a factory in Anseong, South Korea, which has been hired to manufacture PCBs (printed circuit boards) for the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S5 flagship. The damage is estimated to be around $1 billion in equipment, despite the 287 firefighters' efforts to contain the fire.

The factory in Anseong

The fire was detected around 7AM on Sunday and even though the fire brigade arrived mere minutes after that, it seems everything, including equipment and components, was destroyed. The 279 firefighters with 81 fire trucks battled the fire over 6 hours before it was extinguished.

Samsung has already made a statement that this wasn't the only PCB factory it has employed for the Galaxy S5 PCBs and it won't affect the April 11 launch. The Korean manufacturer claims the incident won't be setting back the production of the device by a huge margin. The positive note aside, this still means the availability might suffer and some markets, if not many, will get limited availability at launch.

Source | Via

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/galaxy_s5_availability_threatened_due_to_pcb_factory_fire-news-7993.php

Read More