New images of the iPhone 5C surface

We have seen some leaked images of the upcoming low-cost iPhone, named tentatively the iPhone 5C. Now we have received a couple of new images from case manufacturer Itskins, whose iPhone skins we have written about in the past.

Back then we had images of the phone covered in the case but now we have the images of the dummy used by the case manufacturer to base their designs on.

What you see above is obviously just an empty case but it is made to the specifications of the actual phone. The quality was said to 'look good' and that it does not look as cheap in person as some of the previous images seem to suggest. The logo and text on the back will be black, as seen in this image.

The design, at least from these images, reminds us strongly of the iPhone 3G and the 3GS, particularly the black front with the white back. Although it's likely that the final product will have a white front panel, just like the current iPhone and iPod touch.

The iPhone launch event is being rumored to take place on September 10. Along with the iPhone 5C, there will also be an update to the current iPhone 5, with a champagne gold-colored model now being strongly rumored. We'll keep you updated as we hear further updates on the new iPhones.

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/new_images_of_the_iphone_5c_surface-news-6607.php

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YouTube Android update brings in-app multitasking, playlist searches

21st century channel surfing

Google refreshed its YouTube Android app today with update v5.0.21, enabling in-app multitasking, playlist searches and expanded Chromecast support.

Multitasking is particularly helpful. It allows users to minimize videos by flicking the screen in a downward motion, putting the still playing YouTube video in the bottom right corner.

With the video out of the way, users can reach all of the menus within the app without having to close what they're watching.

Previously, search menu partially covered up the running video and closed what was playing as soon as you selected the search term.

Returning the video to its normal full-screen state is just as simple. It requires making the opposite gesture - flicking the video up - from the bottom right corner. Sliding the video to the left closes it.

Playlist searches

In-app multitasking is incredibly slick in the new YouTube Android update, and what you can do in the app is now more accessible.

Public playlists can be searched as an option next to sifting through videos and channels.

Accessing your own playlists, history, favorites, uploads and watch later queue is also easier thanks to a slideout menu common among other apps like Google+ and Facebook.

Finally, thumbs up, thumbs down and the flag buttons are below all videos instead of hidden within an annoying downward arrow. Channel owners seeking more thumbs up and users looking to rate videos should appreciate this.

Google Chromecast Now

Google hasn't beefed up its very limited Chromecast app support just yet, but the company is improving the way YouTube on Android interacts with the media streaming device.

When extending the YouTube app to Chromecast, selecting a new video will bring about a floating menu with options to play it immediately or add the video to the TV queue.

This Google Now-like card user interface also contains relevant information about the video including a photo, the channel name, how many views it has so far, likes and dislikes, and the description.

When can you download update v5.0.21?

Google hasn't pushed its latest YouTube app update out to all Android devices, but the APK has made its round for those who can't wait thanks to Android Police.

Even though it isn't fully available in the Google Play store just yet, we can confirm that it works on the new Nexus 7 flawlessly, taking full advantage of the tablet's 7-inch screen and 2.3 million pixels.

We asked Google when we can expect an iOS update with similar functions and we will update this story when we hear back.

• Read about how Windows Phone is getting the opposite treatment.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/youtube-android-update-v5-0-21-brings-in-app-multitasking-playlist-searches-1174251

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Samsung Galaxy Gear smartwatch said to 'work with phones,' but phone in calls

Sammy, hold all of my call

Those smartphone-on-a-watch rumors are thought to be phony, as the unconfirmed smartwatch from Samsung only "works with phones," according to a new report today.

That would make the Samsung Galaxy Gear a companion gadget used in conjunction with existing an smartphone and not able to make calls on its own, according to The Verge.

Instead, Bluetooth and NFC could enable this Samsung smartwatch make the wrist-to-handset connection.

Pebble and Sony's forthcoming Smartwatch 2 work much the same way, as they too lack an independent SIM card and cellular radio.

IFA had a Samsung Galaxy Gear

The Samsung Galaxy Gear smartwatch is expected to debut within the next couple of months, with speculation pointing to IFA 2013 in a few weeks.

Right before this German technology conference begins, Samsung is holding an 'Unpacked' event on Sept. 4, asking invitees to "take note," according to T3.

"Take note" references the expected Samsung Galaxy Note 3 phablet unveiling.

But the company could also debut its smartwatch just in case it fears that Apple will pull a "one more thing" announcement of the iWatch a few days later on Sept. 10.

Every inch of the smartphone market

Samsung's smartwatch may not make calls by itself, but that's okay. The company has plenty of smartphones, including four previously unknown devices that appear in a shipping manifest dug up by a blog dedicated to the manufacturer, SamMobile.

Samsung is literally flooding every inch of the smartphone market, with the list pointing to 4-inch, 4.5-inch, 5-inch, and 5.2-inch devices under the respective model numbers SM-G730A, SM-G3815, SM-G9105, and SM-G7102.

The 4-inch version will have a WVGA (800 x 480) resolution, and the 4.5-inch model will sport a qHD (540 x 960) resolution, according to the blog.

If all of these devices end up being surprise announcements at IFA 2013, Samsung's press conference may need to eschew "one more thing" in favor of "five more things."

• See what the Apple iWatch could look like

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/samsung-galaxy-gear-smartwatch-said-to-work-with-phones-phone-in-calls-1174233

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Nixed messages: Moto X won't have custom engraving at launch

Will stay message-free for now

Had dreams of inscribing a special message on your Moto X?

You'll have to put those on hold, at least if you were planning on ordering the new handset at launch. According to Computerworld and PCWorld's JR Raphael, custom engraving won't be available for the spanking new device when it starts rolling later this week.

Raphael posted the news on his Google+ profile, explaining that printing quality during beta testing wasn't up to par, causing Motorola to hold off until it could work out the kinks. A spokesperson said the option would be available soon, he wrote.

We've asked Motorola for confirmation of Raphael's report, and we'll update with more information as it becomes available.

More blips!

Here's one message you won't have issues deciphering: Read more blips!

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Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/nixed-messages-moto-x-won-t-have-custom-engraving-at-launch-1174213

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HTC One Google Edition to update to Android 4.3, leapfrogging 4.2.2

It's all just Jelly Beans in the end

The better-late-than-never Verizon HTC One is releasing this month with Android 4.2.2, making many owners of the phone's premium Developer Edition upset that they're stuck with Android 4.1.2.

"How is it possible that the Verizon One will launch with 4.2.2 when us Dev Edition buyers are still stuck on 4.1!? Frustrating!" tweeted one of those irritated owners, Joshua Wein.

Turns out, HTC President Jason Mackenzie was listening and actually responded with some good news for Wein and all HTC One Google Edition owners. It'll have stock Android 4.3: Jelly Bean soon.

"We definitely care and want you to have great experience. [4.]2.2 is minor update so decided to go straight to 4.3," tweeted Mackenzie.

Giving extra reason for skipping Android 4.2.2, he added "because 4.3 is so close. And 2.2 offered limited customer benefit."

HTC One 4.3 update release date

HTC One Google Developer Edition owners are missing out on features like Photosphere, Daydream screensavers, Swype-like gesture typing, and multiple user profiles.

However, these features will soon be joined by the benefits of Android 4.3 including Bluetooth low energy support, restricted profiles, and autocomplete on dialpad.

The wait won't be too long, either.

"Our plan/target (since certification is necessary) is that all US skus will be updated before September end," announced Mackenzie on Twitter.

"Our target is before Sept end. I am pushing this one and hope it can be earlier. But sometimes unknowns can arise."

Paying a premium for the HTC One Google Edition smartphone does have its perks... eventually.

• Read our review of the Nexus 7 tablet, which launched Android 4.3

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/htc-one-google-edition-to-update-to-android-4-3-leapfrogging-4-2-2-1174206

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Nokia Bandit to steal a march on rivals with 6-inch Windows Phone handset?

Nokia's rumoured 6-inch handset sounds phabulous

There's been plenty of talk about a Nokia Windows Phone phablet in recent months, but things just got a little more serious thanks to some reportedly leaked specs that surfaced on Monday.

According to The Verge, the Finnish manufacturer plans to launch the 6-inch handset, currently codenamed 'Bandit' later this year, in an already release-heavy 2013 for the company.

The report claims the device will have a full HD 1080p display, which will enable an extra column of Windows Phone live tiles on the home screen.

On top of that, Nokia may look to include a 20-megapixel camera (which a Lumia 925-like 'hump' on the rear) and a Qualcomm quad-core processor.

1080p wave

According to the report, it'll be the first of a wave of 1080p Windows Phone devices, with Microsoft currently making adjustments to the OS to facilitate the changing of the guard.

The Verge claimed the 'Bandit' will feature a polycarbonate body and will retain a thin and light build.

Late last week, Nokia seemed to confirm a phablet is indeed on the way when Chris Weber, Nokia's executive VP of sales and marketing, took a thinly veiled dig at Samsung on Twitter.

He wrote: "Samsung take note, next generation Lumia coming soon," he tweeted. Not so cryptic.

• Earlier this year Nokia confirmed it was still "very interested" in tablets. Will we see the fruits of that interest before the end of the year?

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/nokia-bandit-to-steal-a-march-on-rivals-with-6-inch-windows-phone-handset--1174177

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Report pegs Apple supplier with shipping two iPhone models this fall

Apple's golden child may get a little brother (credit: AllThingsD)

If it feels like you've been hearing about the iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C so much recently that it feels like the devices are already available, you're not the only one.

The good news is, with Apple's supposed Sept. 10 unveiling event just a few weeks away, it sounds like both phones will become a reality.

According to the Wall Street Journal, sources have revealed the Cupertino company has tasked its supplier, Hon Hai Precision, with delivering two different iPhones next month.

It's a bit of a change in the way Apple's done things in the past, but with the battle between iOS and Android, and Apple, Samsung, Sony, HTC and Google all vying for a cut of that smartphone userbase, a change just might do Apple good.

Two is better than one

Apple has traditionally stuck with just the one model of iPhone per year since the device launched, while competitors have recently opted to double-, triple-, or even quadruple-down with mobile phones.

Samsung has already released the Galaxy S4, S4 Mini, S4 Active, S4 Zoom and has the Galaxy Mega dropping before the end of the month.

The same could be said for HTC and Sony, which have each delivered standard versions of flagship phones (HTC One, Xperia Z) and variants designed to capture more of the market (HTC One Mini, Xperia L).

Apple's rumored plans have been poorly guarded, with both the flagship iPhone 5S and budget-friendly iPhone 5C making waves for months.

While other manufacturers have seemingly been pumping out phone after phone after phone, Apple has been content to stick with its annual releases, though that slow pace has drawn some concerned looks from Apple's board.

Still, while Samsung is reportedly readying its Galaxy Gear smartwatch for a September debut, Apple's focus on phones rather than hybrid devices may actually give the company a bit of a focused edge.

Gilded age

Of course, adding a second iPhone to the slate isn't the only way Apple is believed to be dramatically adjusting its smartphone strategy.

AllThingsD is reporting the golden iPhone 5S is going to make its grand debut during Apple's September event, which will give the device a new color scheme for the first time since white was added to the mix with the iPhone 3G.

There is plenty of support for this fabled device, including how the design will actually look, and that the golden hue will resemble a champagne color more than the mineral.

The side and rear of the iPhone 5S will sport a golden frame, while the front will remain the now standard white, with the top and bottom edges of the rear also featuring white highlights.

According to the site's report, gold is being added for multiple reasons, with its ease in anodizing and the recent uptick in gold jewelery sales in China among the leading factors.

Even if adding a new color scheme and a budget model aren't terribly innovative decisions, Apple is banking on these small differences to help boost slowing smartphone sales.

• But what about Apple's iWatch? Check out the latest news and rumors for the latest details.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/report-pegs-apple-supplier-with-shipping-two-iphone-models-this-fall-1174173

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