SIM-free Samsung Galaxy S4 Active hits the UK, costs £486

The SIM-free version of the water and dust proof Samsung Galaxy S4 Active has just gone on sale in the United Kingdom. The tough smartphone has been available through a few carriers for a few weeks now, but it's only now that you can get it without signing a contract.

The lowest price for the SIM-free and unlocked Galaxy S4 Active we were able to find is £486 via Clove. Other retailers are offering it at about £500, Carphone Warehouse is seeking £530 while Amazon UK is currently taking pre-orders at £676.

Samsung Galaxy S4 Active is a water and dust proof version of the Galaxy S4 flagship with a few downgraded features - an 8MP camera instead of 13MP and a standard LCD screen instead of a Super AMOLED unit.

We already met with the Galaxy S4 Active and you can find our in-depth review right here.

Source:Gsmarena

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on Tuesday, July 09, 2013

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Android in June 2013: Jelly Bean overtakes Gingerbread

It's Android OS version stats time again and it's an end of an era – the era of Gingerbread dominance. Jelly Bean (Android 4.1 and 4.2) finally did what ICS (4.0.x) never managed – get more market share than Gingerbread.

Gingerbread in its current form (API level 10) debuted in February 2011, while the initial version, API level 9, came out in December 2010, but all GB phones were updated. Anyway, it's still the most popular version of Android going by version numbers rather than nicknames – v2.3 is at 34.1% and v4.1 is at 32.3%, with v4.2 contributing another 5.6%.

Both Jelly Bean versions saw an increase in market sharesince May at the cost of Gingerbread and Ice Cream Sandwich. Eclair and Froyo, which still hold single digit percentages have barely moved.

The Holo-centric Android 4.0+ versions now power over 60% of the Android market, which will hopefully mean that more devs focus on bringing a Holo interface with their apps.

Source: developerandroid via Gsmarena

Posted by Unknown

on Tuesday, July 09, 2013

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Nokia Lumia 1020 leaked press image reveals a trio of colors

A few days after we saw it wearing AT&T livery, the Nokia Lumia 1020 appeared in yet another press image. This time around, the Windows Phone 8 imaging powerhouse appeared free of carrier branding, and showcasing three colors - white, black, and yellow.

Alongside the leaked press image, some fresh details about the handset's specs emerged, including its much talked about camera unit. The latter promises to be a smartphone photographer's dream when the handset goes official.

Reportedly, the 41MP camera unit of the Nokia Lumia 1020 will be capable of simultaneously capturing 32MP and 5MP images with 16:9 ratio, as well as a 38MP ones with 4:3 aspect. The 5MP image will be oversampled by combining seven pixels into one "super pixel." The camera will unsurprisingly feature optical image stabilization (OIS) and F2.2 aperture.

The Pro Camera app which left us wondering last time will bring proper enthusiast settings to the user. They include the option to manually tweak ISO, white balance, focus, shutter speed, and the flash settings.

Further leaked specs for the Nokia Lumia 1020 included never before seen on WP handset 2GB of RAM, 32GB of non-expandable storage, NFC, FM radio, flip to silence gesture, and optional wireless charging.

Nokia Lumia 1020 is allegedly expected to hit AT&T's shelves by the end of this month. No details have been spilled on international availability.

The Nokia Lumia 1020 will break cover this coming Thursday in New York City. We will be covering the event live from the spot, so be sure to tune in for the full scoop on the smartphone.

Source: Wpcentral via Gsmarena

Posted by Unknown

on Tuesday, July 09, 2013

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HTC One Mini release date, news and rumours

The HTC One Mini is looking more and more likely as the rumours surrounding the handset continue to flow thick and fast.

With the introduction of the Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini last year, followed by the Galaxy S4 Mini this year, there's a clear market for cut price flagship smartphones.

The general rule, it seems, with these "mini" versions is they look almost identical to their big brothers but specs are slashed - quad-core becomes dual-core, full HD becomes 720p at best and cameras also take a bit of a beating.

While they may be "mini" in name, they aren't exactly mini in nature with an average screen size of 4.3-inches making these handsets bigger than the iPhone 5 - so you'll probably still need a decent sized pocket for the HTC One Mini.

Rumours of a One Mini handset first arose in April 2013, with early reports name checking the device as the HTC M4.

To help you get an idea of what you might be able to expect from the HTC One Mini we've rounded up all those unruly rumours into our smartphone pen for your perusal.

HTC One Mini release date and price

The trail is pretty cold when it comes to the HTC One Mini release date with no upcoming HTC event to speak of. Early reports suggesting it'll arrive around the same time as the S4 mini have clearly been proven incorrect.

Bloomberg has tentatively suggested that the HTC One Mini release date may be in August, but as of yet we haven't heard anything from the Taiwanese firm about a possibe event.

What we do have in the calendar however is IFA 2013 in Berlin, which could be the perfect platform for the HTC to launch its next smartphone - it might even show up alongside the HTC One Max.

• Find out more: HTC One Max release date, news and rumours

If Samsung's pricing regime for its mini handsets is anything to go by then you can expect the HTC One Mini to sport a mid to high-end price tag which will see it go head-to-head with the Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini, Sony Xperia SP, BlackBerry Q5 and Nokia Lumia 820.

HTC One Mini screen

A consistency noticeable through all the various leaks we've seen so far on the HTC One Mini is the screen size.

Back in May notable phone leaker @evleaks mentioned the One Mini would sport a 4.3-inch affair with a 720p resolution, and that news seems to have held true over the past couple of months.

While the 720p display may not sound as fancy as the full HD offering on the HTC One, at the smaller size you'll still be getting a decent picture - just take a look at the Galaxy S4 Mini.

• Rival focus: Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini review

HTC One Mini processor

When it comes to power the HTC One Mini looks pretty unlikely to sport the quad-core processor of the One, instead having to settle for a dual-core chip instead.

Later rumours pegged the One Mini as having a Qualcomm-made 1.4GHz dual-core processor, which would put it slightly below the 1.7GHz chip in the Galaxy S4 Mini.

In terms of RAM it seems the One Mini is less likely to miss out, with 2GB quoted by several different sources.

• Check out the daddy: HTC One review

HTC One Mini operating system

Most reports seem to point towards Android 4.2 Jelly Bean as theoperating system of choice for the HTC One Mini.

Another report went one further and "confirmed" the HTC One Mini would berunning Android 4.2.2, with the firm's Sense overlay obviously in play too.

It's probably unlikely that we'll see a Google-Edition of the HTC One Mini which runs the stock version of Android, as we reckon that makeover will be reserved for flagships only.

• Mobile OS showdown: iOS 7 vs Android Jelly Bean vs Windows Phone 8 vs BB10

HTC One Mini camera

HTC made a big song and dance about the Ultrapixelcamera on the One and its low-light performance, but even the rumour mill has been pretty quiet on the snappers that may adorn the One Mini.

It's not clear whether we'll see the Ultrapixel shenanigans again, or if the Taiwanese firm decides to return to the more conventional megapixel setup - but apparently the One Mini will be able to record full HD video and capture Zoeswith its rear camera.

You can probably expect to see a front-facing camera on the One Mini too, as this option is becoming an almost default feature nowadays - even on cheaper handsets.

HTC One Mini more specs

The design of the HTC One Mini is expected to mirror that of the HTC One and, with that in mind, rumours that suggest it'll sport the same dual front-facing speakers are likely to be accurate.

HTC may even stuff in its Boomsound technology into the One Mini alongside the Beats Audio tech which adorns all its smartphones.

It's thought that the One Mini will also carry 16GB of internal storage, but if it sports the same metallic chassis as its older brother the chance of a microSD slot being available is pretty unlikely.

That body may prove a barrier for hardcore battery fans, as the rumoured 1700mAh power pack is likely to be sealed inside the One Mini, never to see the light of day.

HTC One Mini design

The trump card the HTC One Mini may hold over its Samsung rival is its premium body, with multiple reports suggesting the cut-down smartphone will inherit the metallic chassis from its big brother.

That certainly seemed to the case in an early render of the One Miniposted online by @evleaks, which showed the handset with just a few minor differences - such as the position of the flash.

A pretty blurry image then cropped up apparently showing the One Mini sitting next to the HTC One, although the quality of the snap doesn't exactly lend itself to being trustworthy.

The design was then mooted for a third time in a couple of snaps claiming to show the HTC One Mini in black, with the layout matching that of the early render.

Source: Techradar

Posted by Unknown

on Tuesday, July 09, 2013

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Incoming! Windows 8.1 due to manufacturers next month

Windows 8.1  is fresh out of the gate in public preview, and soon manufacturers will be able to get their mitts on Microsoft's updated OS.

Tami Reller, Windows CMO and CFO, outed the news at the company's Worldwide Partner Conference today that a release to manufacturer (RTM) version of W8.1 will arrive in late August.

OEMs can start tinkering with the system jump's bits then, Microsoft noted, prepping PCs in time for debut during the holidays.

The Windows 8.1 Preview has been available for regular folks since June 26, and Microsoft promised more details on how consumers and other customers can get it before long.

8.1 and then some

Though not a radical departure like Windows 8 was from Windows 7, the update codenamed "Blue" has introduced a few features sorely missed, including the return of the Start button.

We've asked Microsoft for figures on downloads of the preview builds of both Windows 8.1 and Windows 8.1 RT, and we'll update if we receive any data. So far, the company has stuck to its 100 million licenses of Windows 8 line. We're not expecting much by the way of new information, but hey, it never hurts to ask.

Source: Techradar

Posted by Unknown

on Tuesday, July 09, 2013

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iPhone 5S release date revealed as September 20

The iPhone 5S release date has been leaked as September 20 and the iPhone 6 will follow weeks later

The iPhone 5S will be released on September 20 according to Forbes.

International Business Times revealed the information, speculating Apple would release the next iPhone just a couple of days after iOS becomes available to the public.

IB Times says it came to this conclusion after applying previous launch patterns.

'Given the timetable announced for Apple's redesigned mobile operating system iOS 7, we fully expect to see Apple's big iPhone launch coincide with the release date schedule of iOS 7 -- specifically in mid-September,' says IB Times.

Both Forbes and IB Times agree that the iPhone 6 will be released very quickly after the iPhone 5S, 'to avoid excess lines at the Apple stores'.

The iPhone 6, or iPhone Light will be available in a range of colours and will be launched at a lower price point than the iPhone 5S, according to IB Times.

However, the iPhone 5S has previously been hinted as the cheaper iPhone, while the iPhone 6 is being marketed as the more premium device.

IB Times says the reason for both iPhone devices coming out in September 'is to make room later in October for another announcement, this time for a new full-size iPad and a retina iPad Mini—and maybe a new Apple TV and/or an iWatch—just in time for Christmas shopping.'

Source: Knowyourmobile

Posted by Unknown

on Monday, July 01, 2013

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Nexus 7 reboot July launch date leaks in Asus support chat

Screenshots of an alleged webchat with Asus Live Chat Support have emerged online hinting at when we might see a launch of the Nexus 7 reboot, rumoured to sport a landmark 330 pixels-per-inch (ppi) Full HD 1080p display.

The shots come via Reddit and may be a hoax, but they do depict a transcript of a chat session from an Android device where a user asks an Asus support representative a series of questions about the Asus K009. That codename has previously been associated in leaks and rumours with the Nexus 7 reboot.

Initially the support agent outlines that the device ‘should be released before the ending of Q2,’ but when pushed further says ‘before the ending of July’.

There are a few errors in the dialogue and it’s not clear whether the rep is a native English speaker, which may explain some of the gaffes. We’d guess that the Asus employee may have meant the end of Q3 for that late July date.

The user then asks about specs and while the agent states the specs are not confirmed they do reveal some ‘basic specifications’, which include a 7-inch LED-backlit display with the rumoured 1980x1200 Full HD pixel resolution, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 quad-core processor, 2GB of RAM, 32GB of internal storage, a 4,000mAh battery, Android 4.3 (Jelly Bean), NFC, 4G and a 5-megapixel camera.

Asus’ rep then goes on to clarify: ‘This is internal specs...but it is not available to the public as yet.’

The rumour mill would also suggest that there’s a K008 version in the works without 3G/4G data connectivity.

We happen to think this is legit, primarily because all the other rumours surrounding Android 4.3 Jelly Bean suggest it will launch in July aboard a Nexus branded device. That fits pretty well with this leaked info.

Source: Knowyourmobile

Posted by Unknown

on Monday, July 01, 2013

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iOS 7 to launch on September 18

iOS 7 will launch on September 18, according to sources.

IB Times has applied knowledge of previous iOS launches to predict when iOS 7 will launch.

'iOS 6 was introduced June 11 and saw its release date on Sept. 19 -- exactly 100 days after its unveiling. We don't think Tim Cook wants to mess with the successful Apple formula left behind by Steve Jobs, so we believe Apple will again follow this iOS release timetable by launching iOS 7 exactly 100 days after its introduction, on Sept. 18,' the website says.

However, Apple hasn't confirmed the OS will launch on September 18, or in fact when the OS will become available to the masses.

iOS 7 features a host of new functions including:

• New icon interface
• Multitasking
• Background updates
• iTunes Music
• Enterprise -level features including secure VPN
• Notifications Center
• Improved Siri
• Airdrop
• New Safari unified search field functionality

iOS 7 Beta 2 was released last week for iPad and iPad mini. iOS 7 Beta 3 is due to launch in July 8, although it's not yet clear what will launch in this new version of iOS. BGR reports it could be a new camera interface, but Apple has not yet revealed this information.

Source: Knowyourmobile

Posted by Unknown

on Monday, July 01, 2013

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World's most famous leaker comes out: the brain behind @evleaks

You might have heard about @evleaks, an anonymous Twitter account set up nearly a year ago that has brought us images, info and all sorts of leaks about various devices. Now, the man behind it, has decided to step out of the shadows and reveal himself to the world.

The world’s most famous leaker turns out to be Evan Blass, an experienced tech blogger, who started at Engadget in 2005 and worked his way to the position of Senior Editor and was one of the people to introduce TheVerge’s chief editors Joshua Topolsky and Nilay Patel.

Blass then landed a job at Pocketnow as a managing editor for three years until 2012, and that’s where his solid connections within HTC yielded quite a few exclusive stores.

Sadly, Blass is reportedly suffering from multiple sclerosis and that has prevented him from continuing with a full-time job and instead set up @evleaks. While some companies are definitely annoyed by those leaks, those very same companies are probably following the infamous Twitter account to check leaks about their competitors. The leaker comes out and tells his story to Android Police, take a look at the source below.

Source: Android Police

Posted by Unknown

on Monday, July 01, 2013

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Fast and frugal: Galaxy S4 LTE-A with Snapdragon 800 keeps up with the best in battery benchmarks

Not that we've been worried about Qualcomm's ability to make fast and frugal chipsets, but it's when you get an objective measurement of the new Snapdragon 800 that you can observe its real-life power consumption potential.

That's exactly what was done with the Samsung Galaxy S4 LTE-Aout for sale in Korea, which bares a quad-core Snapdragon 800, clocked at the whopping 2.3 GHz. This phone takes advantage of the world's first commercially available LTE-Advanced network, whose tests double the download speeds of the existing LTE network on SK Telecom in Korea.

The test results below were taken with screen brightness set at one and the same level to even the playing field, and also one more time at full brightness. The S4 LTE-A was put up against various current devices, including an Exynos 5 Octa-powered Galaxy S4. As you can see below, despite its record-breaking benchmark scores, Snapdragon 800 is as frugal as the best of them in browsing, video playback and synthetic battery tests scenarios, so you can sleep tight regarding the Xperia Z Ultra, Optimus G2 and the rest of the gang of 800s coming our way.

Source: Phonearena

Posted by Unknown

on Monday, July 01, 2013

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ZTE Open smartphone running Firefox OS costs $90, to launch July 2

Today, Telefónica, Mozilla, and ZTE officially announced the availability of the first Firefox OS-based smartphone starting with tomorrow, July 2, namely the ZTE Open. 

The new mobile phone will become available for purchase in Spain with a price tag of €69 ($90) – VAT included – attached to it. 

The handset will also sport a €30 ($39) balance for prepaid customers, as well as the option of zero interest financing for post pay customers. 

ZTE Open is the first handset in the world to be commercially launched with Mozilla’s Firefox OS loaded on top, providing users with the experience of a mobile device based entirely on open web standards. 

According to Mozilla, the Firefox OS was designed to free both consumers and developers from the constraints of existing closed ecosystems, given that all of its functionality and applications are based on the web as a platform. 

“We believe that smartphones need to be more open and that the web is the platform for making this possible,” Luis Miguel Gilpérez, CEO of Telefónica España, said.

“Consumers should not be locked to any one system but have the choice to consume the content they want and the flexibility to be able to take it with them when they change devices. 

“This first open web device marks a significant milestone in making this possible. This is just the beginning as we plan to bring a wide range of Firefox OS devices to our customers,” he added. 

The ZTE Open arrives on shelves with a 3.5-inch HVGA touchscreen, 256MB of RAM, 512MB of internal memory, microSD memory card slot (a 4GB card included), and a 3.2-megapixel photo snapper on the back. 

The smartphone is only the first of a series of Firefox OS devices set to arrive on shelves at Telefónica in 2013.In a matter of weeks, the handset is set to be launched in other markets where the telecoms giant operates, including Colombia and Venezuela. 

Upcoming smartphones powered by Mozilla’s mobile platform will be released at different price points. They should arrive from vendors such as Alcatel OneTouch, LG, Huawei, and Sony.

Source: Softpedia

Posted by Unknown

on Monday, July 01, 2013

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