Nexus 7 shipments projected to reach 5 million by the end of 2012

Shipments of Google's Nexus 7 tablet could reach five million by the year's end, according to component suppliers.

Shipments of the Nexus 7 tablet for 2012 could be higher than the Google had originally expected – in fact, it may even double Google’s initial predictions.

At the end of this year’s second quarter, the search engine giant expected to ship 2.5 million Nexus 7 units for 2012 in total. Now, however, Taiwan players in Google’s supply chain are saying that the shipment volume could reach 5 million units based on the number of orders released, according to DigiTimes.

Shipments typically peak around October or November to meet end-of-the-year demand, but sources have told DigiTimes that Nexus 7 shipments are expected to stay strong throughout November and December. To be exact, these unnamed sources in Google’s Taiwanese supply chain expect Nexus 7 shipments to remain in the range of seven hundred thousand and one million units throughout these two months.

Following the success of its 16GB Nexus 7 ($200) and its 32GB Nexus 7 ($250), Google released another version of its seven-inch tablet just one week ago. On Nov. 13, alongside its brand new Nexus 4 and Nexus 10 devices, Google announced that a 3G-enabled edition of its 32GB Nexus 7 will be available for $300. AT&T has already sold out of this new Nexus 7 model following its launch, though no sales numbers were revealed.

The 7-inch slate has been gaining momentum since it was released back in July. Google has been relatively tight-lipped about the tablet’s sales, but its hardware partner ASUS spilled some sales secrets to the Wall Street Journal at the end of October. The Nexus 7 is reportedly coming close to selling one million units per month, which is just about double the rate of its sales at launch.

However, while Google may be seeing unexpected growth in the sales of its Nexus 7, the tablet will be facing impeding competition this holiday season. Apple’s iPad Mini and fourth generation iPad, which launched last month, reached three million in sales in their first few days of availability. While Google is projected to hit five million, Apple tablets have likely already surpassed this.

Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/nexus-7-shipments-reach-5-million-2012/

Read More

Google Nexus 4 is 4G after all... kind of

4G inside, but it's not hooked up

It turns out that the Google Nexus 4 does have 4G capabilities after all, as an LTE chip is discovered during a handset teardown.

The chaps over at iFixIt uncovered that the Nexus 4 sports a Qualcomm WTR1605L Seven-Band 4G LTE chip on its motherboard, as well as an Avago ACPM-7251 Quad-Band GSM/EDGE chip for all your 3G activity.

During our Google Nexus 4 review, one of few things which disappointed us was the fact the LG-made handset didn't support the latest generation of mobile network.

Not all good news

While you may be rejoicing at the fact your Nexus 4 does indeed have a 4G chip inside, it is missing a couple of key components.

There's no 4G antenna or power amplifier, which means the chip is lying dormant inside the handset, with no obvious way of enabling it.

We've contacted both LG and Google as to why the chip has been included in the handset and we will update this article once we hear back.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/google-nexus-4-is-4g-after-all-kind-of-1113610

Read More

Google Nexus 4 vs. Samsung Galaxy S3: In-depth comparison

If you're in the market for a new Android smartphone and you want something truly top of the line then the Samsung Galaxy S3 and the Google Nexus 4 are bound to be in your sights. The question is: which is better? We put the Galaxy S3 and Nexus 4 head-to-head in this detailed comparison and try to pick a winner.

The Samsung Galaxy S3 has been the relatively undisputed heavyweight champ on the Android scene for half a year now. It is, quite simply, an awesome smartphone. The new challenger emerging is the Google Nexus 4 and it’s looking lean, mean, and dangerous. Manufactured by underdog LG, the Nexus 4 combines impressive specs with an affordable price tag. The question is – does the Nexus 4 have what it takes to steal the title?

Warm up for the main event with an undercard including our Samsung Galaxy S3 review and a detailed Galaxy S3 vs Nexus 4 spec showdown.

The Galaxy S3 has been on the market for a while now and you can get it from various carriers, although there are some slight differences between versions. The Nexus 4 comes in two flavors – 8GB or 16GB – and it went on sale November 13.

Display quality

Let’s open the bout with the first thing that strikes you about both devices: the screen. The Galaxy S3 has been lauded and derided for having a huge display. At 4.8 inches, the screen size was criticized by some for making the phone too large to handle comfortably. Consumers clearly didn’t agree with the critics because sales have been impressive and there’s a clear trend towards bigger displays in the market generally now. The Nexus 4 has a slightly smaller display at 4.7 inches.

The fact the Nexus 4 has a slightly higher resolution and a smaller screen than the Galaxy S3, means that the pixel density is greater. The Nexus 4 should be sharper. The displays also use different technology. The Nexus 4 display is IPS LCD and the Galaxy S3 is Super AMOLED (if you want to know what that means check out AMOLED vs LCD). Both displays have great color reproduction and good viewing angles and they both have Gorilla Glass 2 protection. The Galaxy S3 might edge it on better viewability in sunlight and that extra size, but the Nexus 4 display is sharper.

Winner: Draw

Design and feel

Neither Samsung nor LG are famed for high quality construction when it comes to smartphones. The Nexus 4 has a rounded form factor and is made of plastic with glass front and back and a chrome style rim. When the light catches the back you’ll see an eye-catching hologram design. It’s a premium look and feel not generally associated with LG, but it is indicative of the company’s push towards the top end of the Android market.

The Galaxy S3 is also rounded with a slightly textured pattern on the border which carries round onto the plastic frame and polycarbonate back cover. There is a single Home button on the front, while the Nexus 4 has no physical buttons on the front. Despite claims that the plastic feels cheap it is very durable and it obviously helps to keep the weight down.

In terms of size the Galaxy S3 is slightly bigger in height and width, but it is also slightly slimmer and it weighs a touch less. Ports and buttons are virtually identical, including right side placement for the power button, which helps you reach it more easily on larger form factor smartphones.

Winner: Draw

User interface and platform

As a Google release the Nexus 4 is vanilla Android and it sports version 4.2 which offers a handful of slight improvements over 4.1, but is still classed as Jelly Bean. There’s a new Quick Settings screen, widget support on the lock screen, improved Google Now, and Voice Search, among a few other new bits and pieces in version 4.2.

The Galaxy S3 launched with Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich), but the Jelly Bean 4.1 update has rolled out to many devices already. It also has Samsung’s TouchWiz interface, which has already added some features such as a Quick Settings menu in the Notifications bar.

There isn’t a huge difference in usability, but the latest version of Android is always the best. The 4.1 update for the Galaxy S3 brought a very noticeable improvement in speed and performance, alongside great features like expanded Notifications and Google Now. An S3 with Android 4.0 and TouchWiz is definitely behind the Nexus 4 with vanilla Android 4.2.

Winner: Nexus 4

Processor and RAM

Both devices have quad-core processors. The Galaxy S3 has a 1.4GHz Exynos 4412 and the Nexus 4 is sporting a Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro clocked at 1.5GHz. The Nexus 4 has 2GB of RAM, which outperforms the 1GB of RAM in the European and international versions of the S3. The U.S. version of the Galaxy S3 matches the Nexus 4′s 2GB of RAM but lags behind with a dual-core processor.

Winner: Nexus 4

Storage

The Nexus 4 comes in 8GB and 16GB versions and in typical Nexus-style there is no microSD slot. You’ll need a screwdriver if you want to open it. The Galaxy S3 comes in 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB varieties and you can expand by a further 64GB thanks to the microSD slot which you can get to by removing the back cover. There is no contest here.

Winner: Galaxy S3

Cameras

When it comes to the main camera, both devices have excellent 8-megapixel rear-facing cameras that can record 1080p video at 30 fps. They also both have the usual LED flash, face detection, and a host of other features. Android 4.2 brings a cool new Photo Sphere feature for panoramas to the Nexus 4, but the Galaxy S3 camera app has some nifty features, too.

It’s easier to separate the two phones on the front-facing camera because the Galaxy S3 has a 1.9-megapixel camera and the Nexus 4 has a 1.3-megapixel camera. Do many people really care about the front-facing camera? For those that do, the S3 wins out.

Winner: Galaxy S3

Battery

Both phones have batteries rated at 2,100mAh. The Galaxy S3 battery is removable while the Nexus 4 battery isn’t, but few people will carry around a second battery anyway. We’ll need to wait for more extensive hands-on testing to see if there’s any real difference in actual use, but . It’s probably worth mentioning that the Nexus 4 does support wireless charging and has a nifty Wireless Charging Orb accessory, although you do have to buy it separately.

Winner: Draw

Connectivity

You’ve got NFC, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, DLNA, and everything else you would expect to find on both smartphones. The widely noted difference is that the Nexus 4 doesn’t support 4G LTE. It’s debatable how much that matters, because HSPA+ can be very fast, but if you live in the right area then LTE is the fastest mobile network connection you can have right now so it was a surprising omission.

Winner – Galaxy S3

Price

This is where some of the losses above for the Nexus 4 can be cancelled out because it is significantly cheaper than the Galaxy S3. It is basically $300 for the unlocked 8GB Nexus 4 or $350 for the 16GB version. That compares to around $600 for an unlocked 16GB Galaxy S3.

On contract you can get the Nexus 4 for $200 while the Galaxy S3 is closer to $300.

Winner – Nexus 4

Overall Winner: Nexus 4

If we add up the scores it actually turns out to be a tie with 3 wins apiece and 3 draws, but hopping off the fence we’ll give this one to the Nexus 4 because it manages to offer more value for your money. The wins that the Nexus 4 racked up will probably be more important to most people – it’s faster, it has the latest version of Android, and it’s cheaper. However, if you’re on a carrier with a robust 4G LTE network, or you heavily value storage or the quality of your front-facing camera, the Galaxy S3 may be the phone for you.

Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/in-depth-comparison-google-nexus-4-vs-galaxy-s3/

Read More

Android 4.2 Jelly Bean hits Nexus 7 and Galaxy Nexus

Coming to a Galaxy Nexus and Nexus 7 near you

The latest version of Android is hitting the Google Nexus 7 tablet and Galaxy Nexus smartphone right now.

So if you're the proud owner of either, you should be able to get your hands on Android 4.2 Jelly Bean.

It's not all quite as simple as one rollout though. No, that would be too easy.

Selected models

Android 4.2 Jelly Bean is only available for the unlocked HSPA+ model that's sold through Google Play. So far, anyway.

But if you've no qualms about flashing a ROM yourself, you can download the files you need from Google and get fiddling. It shouldn't be long until the update hits other Galaxy Nexus handsets though.

Things are a bit simpler with the Nexus 7. You should get a notification of the update any day now, but if you can't wait, you can prompt it yourself manually.

To do so, turn off the Wi-Fi, go to Settings > Apps list > All > Google Services Framework. Clear the cache, and hit Force stop. Reactivate the Wi-Fi, go to Settings > About tablet > System, and the update should be there staring back at you, ready for download.

So what will Android 4.2 get you? Improved stability and performance are the order of the day, as well as user profiles, so everyone can log in under their own name and personalise settings to their liking. Gesture typing means you just slide your finger across the keyboard rather than hitting keys, a bit like Swype.

Have you downloaded the update yet? How are you getting on? Let us know.

Via Pocketnow, Phandroid, The Verge

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/software/operating-systems/android-4-2-jelly-bean-hits-nexus-7-and-galaxy-nexus-1112476

Read More

LG Optimus L9 arrives in Europe

Put with the Nexus 4 for company, who would buy it?

The LG Optimus L9 has touched down in Germany, where consumers can purchase the smartphone online SIM-free.

Available for €299 (around £240) on Amazon, LG has been slow to roll out the Optimus L9 to Europe, making it available in Asia and the US first.

It's the most powerful handset in the Korean firm's L-Style range, with the disappointing LG Optimus L7, and rather uninspiring Optimus L3 already on sale in Britain, while the Optimus L5 remains pretty anonymous.

Middle of the road

LG lifted the lid of the Optimus L9 at the end of August, revealing its 4.7-inch True IPS display, 1GHz dual-core processor, 1GB of RAM, 5MP camera and Android 4.0 innards.

There's nothing here to get the heart racing, but if LG keep the Optimus L9 at a competitively low price it could turn out to be a decent mid-range phone – we just hope it works better than the L7.

LG may have cannibalised the Optimus L9's sales though; with the Google Nexus 4 boasting far superior specifications and starting at just £239 SIM-free, we're not sure who would plump for the L9.

We have contacted LG to find out if the Optimus L9 will make it across the channel to Britain, and we'll update this article once we hear back.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/lg-optimus-l9-arrives-in-europe-1110729

Read More

Hurricanes be damned, the LG Nexus 4 goes official

Hurricane Sandy may have forced Google to cancel the New York event, but even the storm can't stop LG from announcing the Nexus 4. The phone leaked extensively, so there's little about it that's unknown (it's based on the LG Optimus G), but let's go over the specs one last time.

The LG Nexus 4 has a 4.7" True HD IPS Plus screen with WXGA resolution (768 x 1280, 15:9 aspect ratio). It's powered by a Snapdragon S4 Pro chipset with four Krait cores at 1.5GHz, 2GB RAM and Adreno 320 GPU.

The phone is running Android 4.2 Jelly Bean (so no Key Lime Pie) and you get a choice between 8GB and 16GB storage options (there's no microSD card).

The camera on the back has an 8MP sensor and it has a cool feature called Photo Sphere. It's like a panorama, but you can snap photos in every direction you like - sideways, upside-down, wherever.

The Nexus 4 measures 133.9 x 68.7 x 9.1mm and weighs 139g. It has a 2,100mAh battery, which has enough juice for 15.3 hours of talk time or 390 hours of standby. The phone supports wireless charging.

As far as connectivity goes, the LG-made Google Nexus 4 will have GSM/HSPA+ and NFC (unlike the Optimus G, there's no LTE). We suspect there will be a CDMA version later on, but there's no info on that just yet.

The first LG Nexus 4 phones will be available from the Play Store in US, UK, Canada, Germany, France, Spain and Australia starting November 13. If you prefer brick and mortar stores, the you'll have to wait until the end of November when the Nexus will hit Europe, Central/South Americas, Asia, CIS and the Middle East.

The 8GB version (unlocked) is priced at $299, while the 16GB version is $349. T-Mobile USA will carry the 16GB LG Nexus 4, though with a price of $199 and a 2-year contract, it doesn't sound like much of a deal.

Source

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/hurricanes_be_damned_the_lg_nexus_4_goes_official-news-5013.php

Read More

LG Nexus 4 turns up in a bar, everyone gets déjà vu

Stop us if you've heard this one before (credit: Wired)

An LG Nexus 4 handset was apparently "lost" in a San Francisco bar by a Google employee last month.

The handset, which no one came back frantically looking for, was locked and had a "not for sale" sticker and Google logo on the back.

Jamin Barton, the bartender who found it, showed the mysterious handset to a regular in the know about these things, who "immediately" identified it as the unannounced but leaked-to-high-heaven LG Nexus 4.

L'odeur du rat

This suspiciously clued-in regular named Dave called Google, as you do, at which point the tech giant began panicking and strong-armed the bartender and Technology Dave into returning the phone.

But not before Barton took some photos of the handset and sold them to Wired. The images aren't particularly inspiring, but they are in line with the host of other leaks we've seen to date.

The story is ridiculously similar to that of the lost iPhone 4 which was found in a bar and sold to Gizmodo, prompting a major war between Apple and the tech blog back in 2010.

Image credit: Wired

It smells like a planned marketing leak to us but hey, what do we know. The LG Nexus 4 was set to be unveiled at a Google event in New York today which has been cancelled due to the imminent arrival of Hurricane Sandy.

Image credit: Wired

No word on if or when a rescheduled launch is set to take place - we're expecting to see an updated version of Android Jelly Bean and a 10-inch Google Nexus 10 tablet.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/lg-nexus-4-turns-up-in-a-bar-everyone-gets-dj-vu-1108203

Read More

The Nexus 4 was lost in a bar… Why is this so familiar?

Following in the footsteps of Apple, one of its biggest competitors, a Google employee left a Nexus 4 prototype at a bar in San Francisco. Refusing a free phone, the man who found it decided to leak details of the device to media outlets.

Turns out Apple isn’t the only one who knows how to lose a smartphone in a bar because it looks like someone at Google did the same thing. To refresh your memory, a man named Brian Hogan found an iPhone 4 prototype in a bar left behind by an Apple engineer. Hogan ended up selling it to Gizmodo for $5,000 and consequently ended up in a lot of trouble. This story ends a little differently.

The bar this time around was the 500 Club in San Francisco. It happened on a Tuesday of last month. Jamin Barton, a bartender nicknamed “Sudsy”, found the phone while closing. At first, he didn’t think anything of it.

“We find about 20 a week,” Barton told Wired. ”Most people come back for them in 15 minutes.”

But this particular phone didn’t seem like the others. Nobody came to pick it up and Barton noticed quite a few peculiar features like a lack of SIM card and a “not for sale” sticker accompanying a Google logo on the rear panel. Once he showed it to fellow 500 Club employee, Dave, it was confirmed to be the upcoming Nexus 4.

The Nexus 4 is the smartphone Google was planning to unveil in New York on October 29, but that event has since been cancelled due to Hurricane Sandy. And, we might add, every detail about the Nexus 4 has already been leaked, including photos of the device. It will be manufactured by LG and have a 4.7 inch display, a quad-core processor, and ship with Android 4.2. If it was meant to be a secret then Google clearly dropped the ball.

Dave took over from there, offering to call Google HQ and explain what had happened. And much like Apple, Google blew the whole thing out of proportion. Brian Katz, Google’s global investigations and intelligence manager, was sent to the 500 Club almost immediately. Dave assured Google that Barton would hand over the phone as long as whoever picked it up confirmed their affiliation with Google.

Long story short, after some drama involving a riot and the local police station, Dave handed the phone over to Katz. In exchange, Katz offered Barton a free phone if he would agree to keep the incident under wraps and not discuss it with the pubic until after the official announcement. Obviously, Barton refused the offer and was paid a freelance fee by Wired for providing photos published alongside the article. Looks like isn’t the only one that’s lost control of its secrets. 

Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/nexus-4-lost-in-bar/

Read More

LG E960 Nexus 4 manual leaks, leaves nothing to imagination

The upcoming LG E960 Nexus 4 has shaped up to be one of the worst kept secrets in the industry. After being fully reviewed and lost in a bar, it was time for the handset's user manual to make the rounds.

The manual which has subsequently been removed from LG's website reveals yet again the Nexus 4's close relationship with the LG Optimus G. Built-in 8 and 16GB memory options are all but confirmed, as well as the presence of induction coil for wireless charging.

The LG Nexus 4 will be unveiled at a Google event in New York City on Monday alongside the also leaked, Samsung made Google Nexus 10. We will be live from the spot, so expect the full scoop on both devices on Monday.

Source | Via

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/lg_e960_nexus_4_manual_leaks_leaves_nothing_to_imagination_-news-5006.php

Read More

The LG Nexus 4 was lost in a bar a month ago

Well, we had to look at a calendar to make sure it’s not April 1. The upcoming LG Nexus 4 was lost in a bar, just like the Apple iPhone 4 was. And this wasn’t a recent event (now that the Nexus successor was reviewed and put on pre-order), no this happened back in late September, when details of the device were much more scarce.

The phone was found in a San Francisco bar and the bartender that found it didn’t know what to make of it first. He showed it to a tech-savvy bar patron who instantly recognized the device.

The LG Optimus 4 that was lost in a San Franciso bar

Unlike the iPhone story, the two decided to talk straight to Google to return the lost phone. Even so, they didn’t avoid the unpleasantness of dealing with a big company trying to protect its secrets.

You can read the whole story over at Wired who talked to the bartender. The story pretty quickly turns into something that could make a decent movie with an unrelated incident causing a riot an attack at a local police station as the Google security guy and a lawyer representing the bartender were inside.

As you know, there's a Google event this Monday and we'll be there. The LG Nexus 4 smartphone is expected to be officially announced, but also a 10" Nexus tablet by Samsung and updated Nexus 7 with 32GB storage and 3G.

Source

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/the_lg_nexus_4_was_lost_in_a_bar_a_month_ago-news-5005.php

Read More

LG Nexus 4's wireless charging pad looks futuristic in leaked image

Charger of the future? (credit: Phone Arena)

The LG Nexus 4 may be an even more poorly-kept secret than even Apple's iPad mini was, and that's saying something.

But one of the earliest LG Nexus 4 rumors, which surfaced in early October just a day after the LG Nexus phone was first outed, claimed that the Jelly Bean handset would support wireless charging right out of the box.

Now, we may have proof of such a feature.

On Friday, an image supposedly showing what the LG Nexus 4's wireless charging pad will look like was leaked to the internet by an "anonymous tipster."

The charger of the future

Wireless charging seems on the cusp of industry-wide adoption, with high-profile devices like the Nokia Lumia 920 and now the LG Nexus 4 apparently jumping eagerly on board.

Friday's leaked image shows a disc-shaped platform with a curved base and a rubbery-looking top surface with "nexus" etched into it.

PhoneArena, the original recipient of the image, pointed out that the supposed charging pad sort of resembles Google's Nexus Q media-streaming orb, which itself resembles some alien artifact from the Assassin's Creed video games.

It could be the real deal - or it could be a fake mock-up made by someone with too much free time.

Only the official LG Nexus 4 announcement, believed to be arriving at an Android event Monday, will tell for sure.

The wireless charging competition

However the LG Nexus 4's wireless charging accessory winds up, it'll face stiff competition in the Nokia Lumia 920 and Lumia 820's options.

Three varieties of wireless charging accessories for Nokia's Windows Phone 8 handsets are currently available for pre-order: the plate, the stand and the "Fatboy pillow."

All three options will be available in colors to match the Lumia phones themselves, including red, yellow, blue, white and black.

According to the latest reports, though, the LG Nexus 4 will only be available in black or white, so the Nokia phones may well have the advantage - aesthetically, at least.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/lg-nexus-4s-wireless-charging-pad-looks-futuristic-in-leaked-image-1107769

Read More

Google's upcoming Nexus 10 tablet leaks out in live images

Google's upcoming Nexus 10 slate has leaked out in live photos, confirming previous rumors for the Samsung made tablet. Set to be officially unveiled on Monday, the device packs impressive specifications, headed by a stunning 10.1" display with a iPad beating resolution of 2560x1600 pixels and a pixel density of 298.9ppi.

The Google Nexus 10 will feature a brand new dual-core Samsung Exynos 5250 chipset, whose Cortex-A15 cores run at 1.7GHz. The new silicon is reportedly faring better in benchmark scores than the quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro. The Mali -T604 GPU is also brand new - it should be able to handle the massive amount of pixels with ease. Two gigs of RAM, 16GB of non-expandable built-in memory (other options will likely be available), 5MP camera (you can check out its samples here) with front-facing companion, and full connectivity suite are also on board.

The back of the slate appears to be made of metal, while the dual-speakers at its front remind us of its Samsung roots. The tablet is said to be remarkably thin for its size.

The Google Nexus 10 will launch with Android 4.2 Jelly Bean, which will bring a number of improvements to the OS. They include improved camera UI, support for multiple user accounts, as well as quick settings bar.

The Google Nexus 10 will break cover at a Google event in New York City on Monday, October 10. We will be there live, so be sure to stick around for the full scoop on everything Android.

Source

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/googles_upcoming_nexus_10_tablet_leaks_out_in_live_images_-news-5004.php

Read More

LG Nexus 4 SIM-free price and colour options possibly revealed

Info leaked left, right and centre

According to a retailer's listing, the upcoming LG Nexus 4 will be available for £389.95 SIM-free in two colour options.

UK retailer Carphone Warehouse looks to be at it again, after listing the Nexus 4 complete with specs on its website yesterday, today there's a screen shot claiming to be from the firm's internal system revealing for details.

According to the snapped screen you'll be able to pick up the LG Nexus 4 in either black or white, for just under £400 (around $645 or AU$625).

Dubious source

The image was tweeted to the guys over at MoDaCo and while the system looks relatively kosher there's no guarantee that it's the real deal.

At just under £400 the LG Nexus 4 would be reasonably priced for a quad-core handset, however this price is always subject to change.

All will be revealed on October 29, when Google takes to the stage in New York where we expect it to uncover the new Nexus smartphone, possible alongside new Nexus 7 tablets and a larger Nexus 10 slate.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/lg-nexus-4-sim-free-price-and-colour-options-possibly-revealed-1107560

Read More

UK retailer jumps the gun, puts Nexus 4 up for pre-order

The Nexus 4 has been made available as a pre-order on a UK phone retailer's website, despite not being officially announced yet. Google is expected to launch the phone on October 29, when it could be joined by several other new devices too.

The Nexus 4 has to be one of the most leaked smartphones of the year, and even now, just a few days before the event where it’s expected to be officially unveiled, it gets leaked again — this time by a retailer in the UK.

Carphone Warehouse, an established and popular high street mobile phone shop, has put the Nexus 4 up for pre-order on its website, with a delivery date of October 30, the day after Google’s event.

It provides just about all the specification details we could want, starting with confirmation of the 4.7-inch display with a 1280 x 768 pixel resolution and a pixel density of 320ppi, plus a quad-core, 1.5GHz Snapdragon S4 processor, which can also be found in the LG Optimus G and the Asus PadFone 2.

The operating system is listed as both Android 4.2 and Android 4.1.2, depending on where you take the information from on the site. These are two different things, as 4.1.2 has already been seeded to the Nexus 7, Galaxy Nexus and Nexus S, bringing with it only a few changes.

Android 4.2 is listed separately, and several new software features that may or may not be related are talked about in the description, including a 360-degree photo mode and Gesture Typing, which sounds a lot like Swype.

Continuing to explore the feature list, we find an 8-megapixel camera with 1080p video recording, 2GB of RAM, NFC, a forward facing video call lens and GPS. Although no weight is mentioned, the Nexus 4 is 9.1mm thick.

Finally, the phone is shown to have just 8GB of internal memory and no microSD card slot, the combination of which could be a deal-breaker for many potential owners.

No SIM-free price is given, although it’s available with either O2 or Vodafone from £31 per month, when the device itself will be free. LG’s name isn’t mentioned either, however the company is the only one listed under the “alternative phones” list.

It’s now almost certain the Nexus 4 will be officially announced on October 29, but the question is, what else has Google planned for us?

Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/nexus-4-available-for-pre-order-through-uk-retailer/

Read More

Nexus 4 release date and specs revealed by online retailer

Oops, this could be a bit embarrassing

A UK retailer has managed to reveal details of the rumoured LG Nexus 4 on a pre-order page on its site for the next Google smartphone.

The page on Carphone Warehouse shows a press image of the handset and pegs with Nexus 4 release date as October 30, with the handset available for free on contracts starting at £31 per month over two years.

Both Vodafone and O2 are listed as available networks, and there's a whole range of tariffs for both networks on the site.

Processor, screen and camera detailed

As well as a Nexus 4 release date and price, the listing also goes on to reveal more information about the handset, including the 1.5Ghz quad-core Snapdragon S4 processor, 2GB of RAM, 4.7-inch HD LCD (1280x768) display with a 320ppi pixel density, plus an 8MP rear facing camera capable of recording 1080p video and taking 360 degree panorama pictures.

It also shows the Nexus 4 will come running the latest version of Google's operating system, Android 4.2 Jelly Bean.

Connectivity wise the Nexus 4 looks to be fully loaded, with 3G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, A-GPS, USB and NFC all on board, but apparently there's only a paltry 8GB of internal storage and no microSD slot.

Although the pre-order listing doesn't explicitly say the handset is manufactured by LG, there's a link on the page under the title "Alternative phones" which reads "View all LG Electronics phones", plus LG features in the page URL - which shows, once again, the Korean firm is behind the Nexus 4.

We still haven't heard anything official from Google, and Carphone Warehouse has published per-order pages in the past based on rumoured specifications, so we're not taking this a gospel, but it all looks pretty convinving.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/nexus-4-release-date-and-specs-revealed-by-online-retailer-1107221

Read More

LG Nexus 4 goes on pre-order early, specs and pricing confirmed

Mr. Nexus 4, you're early. Carphone Warehouse just couldn’t wait until next week and decided to put the next Google purebred droid on pre-order right now, complete with specs, price and delivery date.

Here come the specs - the LG Nexus 4 has a 4.7" LCD screen with 768 x 1280 and a Snapdragon S4 Pro chipset with quad-core processor at 1.5GHz and 2GB of RAM. In other words, it's based on the Optimus G, just as expected.

The camera is listed as "8+MP", though it's really a 8MP camera and not 13MP. It shoots 1080p@30fps video, though you might want to be careful with that as you only get 8GB of non-expandable storage. Yep, unfortunately the rumors were true. This doesn’t mean there won't be a 16GB version later on, so keep your fingers crossed.

On the connectivity side, the LG Nexus 4 has quad-band 2G and tri-band 3G (no LTE in sight), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and NFC.

There's the question of the OS - the specs page doesn’t seem to be finalized and lists it as both 4.1 and 4.2, but invariably calls it 'Jelly Bean'. This would mean that the 4.2 update isn't major and is not Key Lime Pie (as you might remember 2.0 and 2.1 were both Eclair, while 3.0, 3.1 and 3.2 were all Honeycomb).

The phone measures 133.9 x 68.7 x 9.1mm, but its weight is yet to be confirmed. The only color available is Black.

Carphone Warehouse lists deals from Vodafone and O2. You can have the LG Nexus 4 for free on a £31/month 2-year contract (slightly pricier than a Galaxy S III, which currently can be had for free with a £28/month contract). The phones will be delivered on October 30.

Here's the pre-order page on Carphone Warehouse, though it might get pulled down soon.

Source | Via

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/lg_nexus_4_goes_on_preorder_early_specs_and_pricing_revealed-news-4995.php

Read More

iPad mini vs Kindle Fire HD vs Nexus 7: Spec Showdown

The iPad mini has been announced, but how does it stack up against its rivals? We compare it to the Kindle Fire HD and Nexus 7 to find out which tablet might be the best bang for your buck.

It’s rare that Apple is late to the game. The 7-inch tablet market has been able to offer a smaller portable platform without having to take the direct comparisons to Apple’s offerings. That is no longer the case thanks to the announcement of the iPad Mini. Apple has done its best to make a big splash into the smaller size market to make up for lost ground. The Cupertino company has managed to get a bigger screen and lighter weight than its major competitors. Its storage starts at where most max out, and it features 4G LTE capabilities. Of course, all of those selling points come at a price. The iPad Mini starts at $330, easily making it the most costly option in the 7-inch market. Does its features justify its price tag? Take a look at the specs and draw your conclusions. 

Looking at the numbers, Apple doesn’t fare well here. It has half the RAM, less processing power, and a much higher price than the Nexus 7 or Kindle Fire HD. The key to iPad’s value is its content. Neither Google nor Amazon can match the number of apps available on the iPad by a long shot. The new iPad also has a Lightning connector, a la the iPhone 5, which puts it on a somewhat level playing field with the Fire HD and Nexus 7 when it comes to accessories, though you can use any Micro USB charger on Nexus and Fire. Google is expected to announce a 4G version of the Nexus 7, but for now the iPad mini takes a lead in that category as well. Will people pay more for a less spec intensive piece of hardware? We’ll soon find out.

Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/ipad-mini-vs-kindle-fire-vs-nexus-7-spec-showdown/

Read More

LG Nexus 4 (E960) might have a 16GB version after all

A new rumor about the LG Nexus 4 claims the phone would in fact have a much more reasonable 16GB version.

Having only 8GB of storage on a modern-day smartphone with an HD screen doesn't make much sense from a consumer point of view. That's the reason why reports of the next Nexus phone relying on the meager storage without any option to expand it set the Android community ablaze.

A reasonably reliable source of industry leaks has shared on Twitter today some specs of the LG Nexus 4. And even though we knew most of those from the extensive previous leaks, the mentioning of a 16GB version came as a nice surprise.

Let's hope it's not a typo. Google's Nexus event is set for October 29, awkwardly coinciding with Microsoft's Windows Phone 8 launch event. The fact that the two events are held on either US coasts doesn't help us journalists a lot too. Still, the final third of October is shaping up to be really exciting for the industry.

Source | Via
Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/lg_nexus_4_e960_might_have_a_16gb_version_after_all-news-4974.php

Read More

Quad-core Acer Iconia Tab A110 announced, ready to take on the Nexus 7

Acer has announced the Iconia Tab A110, a budget Android tablet with a simila-but-subtly-different specification to the Google Nexus 7, leaving buyers to decide if they want more internal storage space or a higher screen resolution.

It was back in June that we last covered the Acer Iconia Tab A110, a time when the world of budget Android tablets was a very different place. Yes, we had the Amazon Kindle Fire, but the Nexus 7 was nothing but a rumor. Likewise the A110, said at the time to be a 7-inch tablet with a quad-core Tegra 3 and a sub-$200 price tag. Now, a little later than those early rumors suggested, Acer has made the A110 official.

As expected, the A110 has a 1024 x 600 pixel, 7-inch touchscreen and a quad-core Nvidia Tegra 3 processor, with a 1.2GHz clock speed. There’s 1GB of RAM and a tiny 8GB of internal memory, but thankfully there’s a microSD card slot to increase this by up to 32GB.

The spec list continues with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 3.0, a micro-HDMI out, a 2-megapixel video call camera above the screen and a 3420mAh battery that should provide 7 hours of use before needing a recharge.

This is all consistent with the spec rumored earlier in the year, however the operating system has been upgraded from Android 4.0 to Android 4.1 Jelly Bean.

So, the processor, screen size and OS are all identical to the Nexus 7, but the A110’s screen resolution doesn’t quite match up to Google’s HD tablet, however some may see the addition of a microSD card slot and the HDMI-out as an acceptable trade-off.

The A110 measures 11.4mm thick and weighs in at 390 grams, while the Nexus 7 is only 10.4mm thick and 340 grams, however Acer’s tablet has a slightly higher resolution camera than the Nexus 7, but a slightly smaller battery.

This give and take continues with the price, as the Acer Iconia Tab A110 is priced at $229, seeing it slot in between the two Nexus models. Buyers will have to choose between more storage, a better camera and an HDMI-out, over a higher screen resolution, larger battery and a lighter chassis — plus more timely OS updates.

You’ll be able to make your choice on October 30, when Acer’s Iconia Tab A110 will hit US and Canadian stores.

Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/acer-announces-the-iconia-tab-a110-tablet/

Read More

Google announces Android event on October 29

Nexus launches coming at Android event?

Google has sent out press invites to an unspecified Android event on October 29 in New York.

Following recent speculation, the event is likely to showcase the next Nexus smartphone, which is widely thought to be the often-leaked LG Nexus 4.

Reports have also suggested HTC has been working on a 'Nexus 5' phablet, while Google-branded Sony and Samsung devices have also been mooted.

Multiple devices launches would not be a huge surprise, following widespread reports that Google intends to break from tradition and work with multiple manufacturing partners for the next Nexus launch.

There has also been widespread talk of a 32GB version of the Google Nexus 7 tablet as well as a 10-inch Nexus 10.

Live-streamed for the masses

The event is also likely to bring news on Android 4.1 Jelly Bean updates, so it would be a major surprise if there were any mention of the forthcoming Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie OS just yet.

The invitation itself features the Google search bar widget from Android filled with the cryptic message 'The playground is open.' Behind it, and the company logo is image of the New York City skyline.

The press conference will take place at 10am ET (That's 3pm UK time) and will also be live-streamed for the masses at YouTube.com/Android.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/google-announces-android-event-on-october-29-1105207

Read More