Nexus 5 release date, news and rumors

Leaked photo of Nexus 5

The Nexus 5 is going to be the successor to last year's Nexus 4, and from what we know so far, it's going to be made by LG - just like the previous model.

We've seen numerous leaks of and about the device now - we even saw one from a Google promotional video for Android 4.4. KitKat - so we have a very rough idea of what he new Nexus 5 will be like.

If we go by the Nexus line's history, there are a few things we can gather in terms of what the device will feature, or not feature. To start, there typically isn't expandable memory in Nexus devices - whether we're talking tablets or smartphones.

It would be a safe bet to assume that the Nexus 5 won't have microSD support, so we're hoping that 32GB and 64GB options will be available.

Another thing - and this is pretty obvious - is that this upcoming smartphone will be the first to feature the latest version of Android: 4.4 KitKat.

Nexus 5 release date

The Nexus 5 may see a release date around November, much like its predecessor, the Nexus 4. Word is that the Google-powered LG smartphone will see an October announcement with a launch of a few weeks later.

Not surprisingly, we're seeing a lot of the phone getting leaked in the wild, too. Most recently, following an unusual trend of where devices are getting leaked, the Nexus 5 was spotted in a bar.

Moreover, a phone that looks very much like the coming Google phone was spotted at the FCC. The camera hold was as large as the module we've seen in leaked photos, so we suspect that the LG smartphone, labeled as model D820, is actually the Nexus 5.

Nexus 5 inspired by LG G2

Rumor has it that the new Nexus 5 is going to be heavily inspired by the LG G2, which is a good thing. While the hardware isn't as sexy as the HTC One, for example, it is by far the most powerful Android device so far this year.

In terms of specs and raw performance, the G2 is really incredible. Its high-resolution display is amazing, and it has great color and contrast.

The G2's benchmark performance is off the charts, and battery life doesn't seem to suffer at all as a result. We can only hope that the Nexus 5 does take all these elements from the G2, and place the power and volume buttons back where they belong - on the edges of the device.

Perhaps we can also expect that amazing 13MP camera, too, since it performed exceptionally well in most lighting conditions. Judging by the huge module on the back of the Nexus 5, however, we might be in for even more.

Nexus 5 processor and power

We've come to learn that the Nexus 5, which obviously isn't available yet, has destroyed the Samsung Galaxy S4 in benchmark tests.

This isn't a surprise if the Nexus device ends up taking its cues from the LG G2. In our review, the G2 did exceptionally well in benchmark testing.

Rumor is that the Nexus 5 will have a 2.3GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 with 3GB RAM. That's a lot of power and memory under the hood of a smartphone.

One thing we can be sure of is that the new Google phone will give other Android flagships a good run for their money.

Nexus 5 wireless charging

Perhaps it's a novelty for some of you, but wireless charging is very convenient. And it looks like the Nexus 5 will have this feature thanks to a little digging in Android 4.4 KitKat.

It's also more than safe to assume that if a device like the Nexus 5 were to have wireless charging, it will also have NFC.

What isn't clear is whether the charging device or dock is going to be sold as part of the package with the Nexus 5, or if it's going to be a separate accessory. Right now we'll hedge our bets and go with the latter.

Nexus 5 price

Right now it's anyone's guess whether the Nexus 5 will see the same pricing scheme as the Nexus 4. The newer model, if it turns out anything like the LG G2, will be a monster of a device in terms of specs.

Compared to the Nexus 4 the Nexus 5 is shaping up to be a smartphone in a completely new class. And with specs like that, it's hard to imagine that it will get the same pricing treatment that the Nexus 4 did with off-contract rates. Last year's model didn't even have LTE support!

We would expect the newer Google phone to hover around $499 - $699 off contract, and perhaps even higher if Google decides to offer a massive 64GB version.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/nexus-5-release-date-news-and-rumors-1181883

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Nexus 5 makes an appearance in yet another live photo

After appearing in an Android KitKat promo video, going through the FCC, and sitting unattended in a bar, the yet to be announced Nexus 5 smartphone made another unscheduled appearance. This time around, a live photo of the LG made Android powerhouse popped up in a forum thread at Macrumors.

The latest live photo of the Nexus 5 falls right in line with previous leaks. It clearly shows the handset’s relationship with the 2013 Nexus 7, thus further reaffirming that Google is on its way to unify the design of its own family of devices. The user who uploaded the photo has subsequently taken it down, so there’s no reason to doubt its authenticity.

The person who posted the image also left a couple of quick hands-on impressions. The Nexus 5 is said to be smaller than an LG G2 and (unsurprisingly) feeling a lot like the latest Nexus 7.

Earlier today, we also ran into most of the Nexus 5’s specs from a leaked log. Now that there is little left to the imagination, all we’re left with is to wait for the official announcement. The latter is expected to take place in October.

Via

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/nexus_5_makes_an_appearance_in_yet_another_live_photo-news-6884.php

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Windows Phone sales in Europe near double digits, begins to close gap with iOS

Europe doesn't hate on WP8

Not even Ballmer can cry with these numbers. Windows Phone sales were the highest ever in the last three months, accounting for 9.2% of smartphones sold in Europe's five major markets.

That's just the average in Great Britain, Germany, France, Italy and Spain, according to the numbers from consumer research firm Kantar Worldpanel.

Microsoft's mobile operating system has already crossed a double digit sales share in France with 10.8%. In Great Britain it's a solid 12%, which is a head-turning 7% year-over-year increase.

"Windows Phone's latest wave of growth is being driven by Nokia's expansion into the low and mid range market with the Lumia 520 and 620 handsets," said Dominic Sunnebo, strategic insight director at Kantar.

"These models are hitting the sweet spot with 16 to 24 year-olds and 35 to 49 year-olds, two key groups that look for a balance of price and functionality in their smartphone."

Windows Phone vs iOS vs Android sales

Microsoft is actually closing the gap between Windows Phone and iOS in some countries.

It's sales share in Germany, for example, is just one percentage point behind iOS.

Android still dominates smartphone sales throughout Europe, maintaining a 70.1% market share. But the report stated that its "dominant position is increasingly threatened" by Windows Phone and iOS growth.

"After years of increasing market share, Android has now reached a point where significant growth in developed markets is becoming harder to find," noted Sunnebo.

"Android's growth has been spearheaded by Samsung, but the manufacturer is now seeing its share of sales across the major European economies dip year on year as a sustained comeback from Sony, Nokia and LG begins to broaden the competitive landscape."

The rest of the globe

Windows Phone's popularity surge hasn't caught on everywhere in the world.

In the U.S., for example, Microsoft's mobile OS only accounted for 3% of smartphone sales in the last three months ending in August. That's a year-over-year increase of just 0.4%.

Sales of Windows Phone devices actually declined to a 2.1% share in China, going 2.6% in the wrong direction. But that's because Android was the only mobile OS to see an increase in the country, taking 9.2% more of the pie for a 72.4% share.

Australia was more kind to Microsoft, registering a 6.5% sales share for Windows Phone, an increase of 2.8%, according to the Kantar numbers.

With Windows Phone and Blackberry in switched positions, the new No. 3 could make a move on Apple's sales share in a couple of countries in the coming months.

• Read our LG Optimus L9 review for a 4G budget phone with Android.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/windows-phone-sales-in-europe-near-double-digits-begins-to-close-gap-with-ios-1185181

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Google’s Nexus 5 will allegedly feature nano-SIM card slot

Hot on the heels of the leaked specs from earlier today, another detail on the highly anticipated Nexus 5 made an appearance. The next generation, LG-made Nexus will reportedly feature a nano-SIM card slot.

The information on the smartphone appeared on the website of the Ukrainian wireless provider Life:) (yes, the smiley is part of its name). In a small-font disclaimer, the carrier states that it will equip its iPhone 5s, 5c, and Nexus 5 users with a nano-SIM card.

The Nexus 5 is expected to be unveiled before the end of October. As always, we’ll keep you posted on all details surrounding the smartphone.

Source (in Ukrainian) | Via

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/googles_nexus_5_will_allegedly_feature_nanosim_card_slot-news-6883.php

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HTC One Max might actually release on Oct. 17

It looks like the HTC One Max will release in mid-October

Those waiting on the edge of their seats for more HTC One Max news can celebrate today, as long as a completely unsubstantiated rumor of a slightly later HTC One Max release date is enough to satiate.

The latest comes from the Chinese site ePrice, which said late last week that the HTC One Max will launch on Oct. 17.

Previous rumors held that the HTC phablet would launch Oct. 15, so this report is not exactly blowing any minds.

Either way, it's thought that HTC will time the One Max to go out around the same time as Apple's new iPads - and ePrice said it will cost about the same as the Galaxy Note 3, which is rumored near $800 (about UK£550, AU$770).

HTC One Max rumors

The HTC One Max has been the subject of plenty of leaks and rumors.

The device's alleged fingerprint scanner got our attention early on, even before the iPhone 5S was confirmed to have one of its own.

Other HTC One Max rumors have described part of the phone's specs sheet, including Android 4.3, a 2.3GHz quad-core Snapdragon 800 chip, a 5.9-inch 1080p display, and 2GB of memory

And there have been plenty of pictures.

Pocketnow said on Friday that the HTC One Max recently went through TENAA, the Chinese equivalent of the U.S.'s Federal Communications Commission, another sign that it's coming soon.

• Want a fingerprint scanner now? Try the iPhone 5S - and read our review right here.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/htc-one-max-might-actually-release-on-oct-17-1185131

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Lumia 929 may be arriving on Verizon come November, plus a 'mysterious' tablet too

Another Lumia for Verizon? (credit: evleaks)

Verizon has the Lumia 928 and the older Lumia 822 up for grabs in its store, but another Windows Phone may be headed to Big Red.

Windows Phone Central claims the Lumia 929 will hit the checkmark carrier's shelves quite soon - Nov. 6 to be exact.

The 929 will supposedly sport a 20MP camera and 1080p 5-inch display costing you around $500 (about £309, AU$535) off-contract.

WPH notes that the 929 release date coincides with the massive Lumia 1520's own launch, a rumored first-time phablet from Nokia that seems to be headed for competitor AT&T in November.

And perhaps a tablet too?

A mysterious tablet may also join the Lumia 929 pretty soon.

An FCC filing shows that a Nokia device called the "RX-114" has been approved - and Engadget noticed the report features LTE bands which can be supported on various carriers, including Verizon.

The Lumia 2520 (formerly known as Sirius) has already made the rumor rounds as Nokia's first tablet and could be the device in question.

We'll find out more quite soon at Nokia's upcoming Oct. 22 Abu Dhabi event especially since a combo of six phones, tablets or whatever might just show up.

• Need to know what phones Verizon has to offer? Check out our list of the latest and greatest here!

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/lumia-929-may-be-arriving-on-verizon-come-november-and-a-mysterious-tablet-too-1185094

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Samsung on the defensive over gold phone rat race with Apple

One of Samsung's earlier gold phones, the 2008 Beijing Olympics E848

Welcome to another game of Apple vs. Samsung, where two of the richest tech companies in the world - and their fans - fight pointless, petty battles and everyone, loses every time.

This time Samsung finds itself on the defensive as Apple fans accuse it of copying the gold iPhone 5S with its gold Galaxy S4.

Samsung revealed the gold Galaxy S4 to the world last week, but the phone was actually announced in the Middle East in late August and launched there before the iPhone 5S was even unveiled - and there lies only part of Samsung's argument.

In fact official the Samsung blog Samsung Tomorrow on Saturday published a non-comprehensive chronicle of its history with gold handsets, the first of which actually dates back to 2004.

All that glitters is at least colored gold

The SamsungMobileArabia Twitter handle sounded off last week about the gold Galaxy S4, pointing out that it went on sale in the UAE 2 days before the iPhone 5S was unveiled.

And according to the company's blog post, Samsung's first gold phones were the Anycall SCH-E470, SPH-E3200 and SPH-E3250 from 2004.

Since then it launched gold-colored phones (some even with real gold) in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, and 2013, including the Samsung Galaxy Golden flip phone this year. Not all were widely available (or available at all), but they existed nonetheless.

And the gold Galaxy S4 was launched in the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Qatar in September.

There's no indication that this battle will reach a court, since luckily even Apple and Samsung can't trademark a color (yet).

Normally that wouldn't stop fans from fighting the companies' petty battles for them in message boards and comments - but maybe we can put this one to bed, people?

• In the meantime Apple's ramping up production on the gold iPhone 5S due to high demand. Hm - maybe it's onto something after all.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/samsung-on-the-defensive-over-gold-phone-rat-race-with-apple-1185103

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