NFL Draft Picks 2013 Android or iOS app for live news

We often bring readers news on popular or useful apps and today we have details of an Android and iOS official NFL app for NFL draft picks 2013. The NFL ‘13 app is available from Google Play for Android devices or the App Store for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad. It’s a free app and we have further information and links to download ahead.
The NFL ’13 app is from NFL Enterprises LLC and enables users to follow all the NFL news and the NFL draft live within the app. Users of the app can sign up for 2013 Draft Alerts by team, player and round and the app offers in-depth coverage to keep up with league news and keep informed on the players. Football fans can also check scores and obtain game reports, see team standings in the league and also listen to NFL game highlights.
As well as this the app also enables users to watch post- game press conferences and read post-game analysis, visit NFL team pages, see the game schedule, roster and stats. You can also follow the Twitter feeds and join in the discussion about your favorite team. NFL ’13 is a highly rated app and both the Android and iOS apps have been updated in the last few days.
If you want NFL ’13 for Android then head to Google Play here. This free app is compatible for devices running Android 2.3 or later. Meanwhile the NFL ’13 Int’l app for iOS devices is available from iTunes here. This is compatible for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad running iOS 4.3 or later and has been optimized for the iPhone 5.
We’d like to hear your thoughts on NFL ’13 if you download it from Google Play or the App Store or if you are already using it. Please send us your views on the app by letting us have your comments.

Galaxy Note 3 new spec rumors and leaked image emerge

Rumor is rife regarding the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 smartphone especially now that the Galaxy S4 has released or is about to release in regions worldwide. We’ve been posting about rumors and leaks on the Galaxy Note 3 for some time and always get a little excited when new details come to light. Today we have heard new spec rumors and a new leaked image has also emerged.
We have previously seen a leaked image purporting to be of the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 although that was later refuted. This new leaked image (below) also claims to be of the Galaxy Note 3 and if accurate it looks very similar to the Galaxy Note 2.
We should point out that we have no way of verifying if this is genuinely the Galaxy Note 3 or not but of course some of these leaks do turn out to be the real deal eventually. However the bezel does look rather large and the model number GT-I9500 is missing the ‘N’ that Samsung usually uses for the Note series so at this stage we’re not over-confident that the image is authentic.
The same source also reveals specs for the Galaxy Note 3 and claims an Exynos 5410 Octa-core processor, 5.9-inch full HD display, 3GB of RAM and internal storage of 32GB (expandable via microSD), all running on Android 4.2 Jelly Bean. As well as this we also hear that the Galaxy Note 3 is expected to be revealed at IFA 2013 in Berlin in September. We also posted recently about the Knox security solution and how it now seems likely to come to the Galaxy Note 3.
While for now we have to treat these specs and image with a pinch of salt we know for sure that we will continue to follow developments for the Galaxy Note 3 and of course will pass that news onto you as we hear it. In the meantime we’d like to hear your thoughts on the new leaked image.
Do you think there’s any chance that this is genuinely the next Galaxy Note smartphone? What are your thoughts on these alleged specs? Let us know by sending your comments.
Source: MyDrivers (Google Translated)

iPhone 6 to assist future Android takeover

Today we’re looking at smartphone ownership and a new study that suggests the iPhone 6 will assist towards an Android takeover. Although lately Android has been the dominant smartphone platform a new survey of smartphone owners in the US indicates that in just a few short years more people will own an iOS iPhone than an Android phone.
This seems to be mainly because iPhone owners have a strong loyalty to Apple’s iOS platform. A survey of 16,000 people in the US conducted by Yankee Group over the last year asked about the smartphones they were using now and phones they intended to purchase. Approximately half of the survey participants currently own an Android phone while around 30% own an iPhone. However, of those who said that they would be purchasing a new smartphone over the next six months, 42% said they would be choosing an Android device while 42% said they would be buying an iPhone.
The current iPhone owners who said they would be opting for another iPhone totaled 91% showing a huge amount of brand loyalty. Only 6% said they would be switching to an Android device. Compare that with current Android phone owners where although 76% said they would be buying another Android device, 24% said they would be switching platforms and 18% of those said they would be purchasing an iPhone.
If the current trend continues then the forecast is that the amount of iPhone owners in the US will overtake Android phone owners within the next few years. Check out the chart image above to see smartphone platform projection figures. Yankee Group VP Carl Howe therefore feeles that Android has peaked while market share of the iPhone will continue to grow.
This seems to contradict figures that we discussed yesterday showing that sales of the iPhone showed the growth rate was currently falling and that the iPad would drive future Apple growth. However Howe also asserts that that the growing iPhone ownership will also see the iPad remain dominant in the tablet market.
This latest survey is certainly interesting but of course relies on the current trends continuing whereas who knows what could happen over the next few years. There will certainly be a lot of interest in the iPhone 6 as part of this driving force for Apple. The iPhone 5S is rumored to be an incremental refresh of the iPhone 5 while the focus for something really groundbreaking seems to be on the iPhone 6. It just remains to be seen if Apple can come up with the goods and then of course the pattern at the moment regarding future smartphone ownership could certainly continue in its favor.
We’re really interested to hear what you have to say on this matter. Are you are an Android enthusiast and think the survey indicators will not be borne out? Maybe you’re an iPhone owner and can tell us if you will remain loyal to the iPhone or would consider jumping ship? Let us know with your comments.
Source: Yankee Group Via: AllThingsD

Samsung Galaxy S4 cases & more, official accessories priced

The Samsung Galaxy S4 is releasing from now in regions across the world and if you are about to purchase this highly notable Android smartphone then you may want to keep it looking good. Today we have price details for you of official Samsung Galaxy S4 cases and many other accessories so that you can get an idea of what is available.
We’ve previously brought readers news on the official Galaxy S4 cases (see here) and also recently showed some first early videos of the cases (here) but we haven’t yet detailed pricing which is now available. Samsung has now announced accessories that will be available although some of these may not yet be released. We’ll start with the official cases and then go on to look at other accessories such as a spare battery charging system, vehicle navigation mount, smart dock and more.
Firstly the Flip Cover has a stylish front cover and snap on back comes in several color options black, white, light blue, pink, green, orange and yellow and is priced at $39.99. The S View Flip Cover with a clear window to view the time, text messages, battery status and more is $59.99 and comes in black or white. There’s also a Protective Cover+ at $29.99 that will keep your Galaxy S4 protected from the usual bumps and scrapes of everyday life and is available in white, navy, green, blue and pink.
One more official accessory unique to the Galaxy S4 is a Spare Battery Charging System consisting of a spare 2600 mAh battery, charging stand and wall charger, priced at $49.99. Other accessories that are not necessarily exclusive for the Galaxy S4 and also suitable for some other Samsung products are the AllShare Cast Wireless Hub at $99.99, a Smart Dock at $99.99 and Universal Media Desktop Dock at $49.99.
Other Samsung accessories compatible with the Galaxy S4 include a Universal Vehicle Navigation Mount at $49.99, MHL 2.0 HDTV Adapter at $39.99, Universal Battery Pack priced at $79.99 and HS-330 Headphones at $29.99. Finally there’s the HM3300 Bluetooth Headset at $49.99 and the Galaxy Muse portable music player that will complement your Galaxy S4 and is priced at $49.99.
Most of these accessories are available now at Samsung here although we notice some are out of stock. Any items not listed yet should be available soon. If you’re about to purchase the Galaxy S4 will you also invest in some of these accessories? If you are ordering a Samsung official Galaxy S4 case, which type do you prefer? Let us know with your comments

Linkase iPhone 5 case can boost your WiFi signal

We’re always on the lookout for useful mobile device accessories and today we have some information for you about the Linkase iPhone 5 case that can boost your WiFi connection. This is no ordinary case because as well as protecting your phone it has built-in signal-enhancing technology.
The Linkase for iPhone 5 comes from Absolute Technology and is claimed to be able to boost your connection by up to 50%. That could be a great benefit for those who use WiFi connectivity frequently. It looks like any bog-standard case and has a matte soft touch finish but incorporates EMW (Electro Magnetic Waveguide) technology to improve signal strength using the built-in antenna of your iPhone 5.
The EMW element is at the back of the case and when you need to improve your Wi-Fi connection you simply slide it out and you should then see an increased number of strength bars. You can view a video below that explains more about EMW. If one of your major bugbears is trying to get decent WiFi connectivity then the iPhone 5 WiFi-signal enhancing Linkase could be just the right case for you.
The Linkase comes in five different colors, Coal Black, Ash Gray, Frost White, Chili Red or Antarctic Blue and the price is around $50 with an additional EMW element included. Dimensions of the case are 126.7mm x 9.97mm x 61.4mm and it weighs 18g. To find out much more about the Linkase for iPhone 5 head to Absolute Technology. If you wish to order the Linkase it’s available from Amazon here. (Please note the page linked to is for the black variant but other colors options are also available).
Do you have an iPhone 5 and if so are you tempted to purchase this Linkase case? We’re always interested to hear what readers have to say so let us have your comments.

Galaxy S4 vs Galaxy S3 display review shows upgrade worthwhile

The Samsung Galaxy S4 is releasing right now and will also become available in more regions over the next few weeks. It’s an impressive device and if you’ve been wondering whether to upgrade from the Galaxy S3 we have news of a display review comparison that clearly shows the big improvement with the Galaxy S4 over its predecessor.
We’ve given readers a comparison between these two Galaxy S phones before but haven’t concentrated on the display alone and according to a recent technical review it looks as though the upgrade could be worthwhile for the new display alone. The Galaxy S3 has a 4.8-inch Super AMOLED display with resolution of 1280 x 720 and 306 ppi while the new Galaxy S4 steps up to a 5-inch Super AMOLED display with resolution of 1920 x 1080 and 441 ppi.
From these basic specs alone it’s easy to see that the display of the Galaxy S4 is better than that of the Galaxy S3 but how much better? A hugely in-depth DisplayMate study shows that the Galaxy S4 has the best Samsung smartphone display so far describing it as not just a standard boost but a “major enhancement and improvement” when compared with the Galaxy S3 and even spells out that the new display alone makes it a reason to consider trading up.
Indeed the review found that only the display of the iPhone 5 can match that of the Galaxy S4. The improvement in the display of the Galaxy S4 is due to the advances in Super AMOLED technology. This means that the display of the Galaxy S4 offers 25% more brightness than that of the Galaxy S3 (or up to 68% more with Automatic Brightness) as well as 44% higher pixel density. It also offers more precise colors, better picture quality and is 20% more power-efficient.
For all the nitty gritty technical details hit the source link below but before you do so we’d be grateful for your comments on the Galaxy S4 display superiority. Would you consider upgrading from the Galaxy S3 simply because of the much-improved display? Maybe you had already decided to upgrade because of other reasons? Do let us know by sending your comments.
Source: DisplayMate

Nokia Lumia 750 inspiration to replace 720

Many of you will have heard of or may own the Nokia Lumia 720, a mid-range device that has just released. It’s more affordable than the Lumia 920 but still has some very nice touches and just as the Lumia 720 hits the shelves one designer is already looking ahead to a possible replacement dubbed the Lumia 750.
From time to time we like to share concept designs with readers as we find it interesting to look ahead to possible future devices and this Lumia 750 creation is worth a look. This imagining comes from designer DeviantArt member DutaAv and is a smartphone that we think many people would like to see with its sleek and clean profile.
This Nokia Lumia 750 rendering is based firmly on the design of the Lumia 720 with a squared appearance and it also features a PureView camera in the middle of the back of the device. Concept Phones has also created some fictional specs for the Lumia 750 concept such as a superior version of a Snapdragon dual-core processor to the one that powers the Lumia 720.
Other imagined specs include a 4.3-inch IPS LCD HD display, 512MB of RAM, 8GB of internal storage (expandable via microSD) and an 8-megapixel PureView camera, stepping up from the 6.1-megapixel of the Lumia 720. The Lumia 750 could also run the next upgrade to Windows Phone 8, Windows Phone 8.1, codenamed Blue.
It will be interesting to see if Nokia comes up with anything like this concept idea Lumia 750 and we’d like to know if you’d be interested in this smartphone if they did? Let us have your comments about this.
Source: DeviantArt Via: Concept Phones

BlackBerry Q10 official video demonstrations show appeal

The BlackBerry Q10 is the second smartphone to release running the new BlackBerry 10 operating system but the first one to have the customary BlackBerry QWERTY keyboard. It’s launching in the UK over the next few days and is expected to release in other regions such as the US and Canada at some point in May. Today we have some BlackBerry Q10 video demonstrations to show you that have just been made available and show the appeal of this phone.
These are official videos from BlackBerry and there are several different ones that have just been made available. We thought we’d select three that looked most useful to share with readers. The BlackBerry Q10 is likely to achieve plenty of sales with BB10 rejuvenating the platform and there are many people who will purchase this device over the next few weeks who may find these videos really helpful.
The first video we have embedded for you to view is Browser Basics: BlackBerry Q10 – Official How To. The 2-minute video that you can see below this story will really give those who decide to buy the new smartphone a good idea of the phone and what it has to offer.
The second video is Getting Around the Smartphone Interface: BlackBerry Q10 – Official How To Demo, which is just over 2-minutes and shows how to navigate the home screen, open and minimize apps and much more. Finally we also have a video called BlackBerry Hub: BlackBerry Q10 – Official How to Demo that shows how to see your accounts, update your status and more from the Hub.
We’d like to hear your thoughts on the BlackBerry Q10 and also these videos below. Having seen them have you decided that the Q10 will be your next smartphone choice? Let us have your comments on this.
Source: BlackBerry YouTube Channel

Iron Man 3 game is addictive, download now & suit up

Everyone loves a little piece of action at the cinema, and one of the most talked about films has to be Iron Man 3 that was released recently. Well now you can have a little more fun with the Iron Man 3 official game.
The reviews coming in via gamers are very good indeed and we have to agree with them, this is a visually stunning game with amazing graphics, the gameplay is addictive and time consuming. Trying to unlock the Iron Man suits will take you some time, its fast-paced and will not allow you to put down your Android or iOS device, you have been warned.
This game allows the gamer to become billionaire Tony Stark and if you have watched the Iron Man 3 movie and wish to carry on the action then we say this game is definitely for you.
The main Iron Man 3 superhero official game features include: 3D graphics, fight the massive A.I.M. forces around the world, self-generating levels include New York City, China and the Malibu Shores. Other features include 4 epic villains such as Ezekiel Stane, Living Laser, M.O.D.O.K and Crimson Dynamo.
The game is of brilliance where you will see flying battles, responsive swipe controls, cutting-edge graphics and animations, 18 suits from the different movies such as Mark 42, Silver Centurion, Mark II and many more. Plus the ability to upgrade your powers and armour.
For more information and the option to download the new Iron Man 3 official game, please visit the App Store or Google Play.
Have you played the Iron Man 3 game yet? Please watch the Iron Man 3 gameplay video below.

iPhone 5S/6 release delay tipped along with profits fall

Apple has been seeing an increasing threat to its smartphone crown recently as more manufacturers are bringing out stylish and feature packed devices. Now there are again reports that the iPhone 5S/6 will see a release delay as the company’s profits are being tipped to drop for the first time in years.

It is being reported by Bloomberg that a set of fourteen analysts are predicting that Apple’s quarterly profits will have dropped for the first time since 2003 when the company reveals its latest earnings tomorrow.
Despite reports that the company is working on a number of new product lines its share price recently dropped below $400, and its profit margins have been hit by the higher price of components along with cheaper devices such as the iPad mini.
It is being predicted that the company sold 35.4 million iPhone devices during the last quarter which if accurate will be slightly up on the same quarter last year. This news comes as there are more reports that the iPhone 5S will see a delay in its release.
A research note from Citigroup Capital Markets is claiming that the iPhone 5S will see an extended delay, and according to Cnet the demand for the iPad mini is weakening as well. We heard reports before that the handset may see a delay in its release, and now it is being suggested the device may not be released to as late as September.
The same source is also stating that there will be no iPhone 6 release this year, and there are still doubts about the much rumoured budget iPhone handset.

Some iPhone 4 owners getting cash back from Apple

When Apple released the iPhone 4 back in 2010 it is arguably the most innovative smartphone from the company so far and really wowed the watching tech world, but that’s not to say everything was all rosy with the handset though. Now we have news that some iPhone 4 owners are getting cash back from Apple after the Antennagate issue.

Soon after the Apple iPhone 4 started to arrive in customer’s hands some were met with issues with dropped calls and signal problems with the smartphone. Eventually it was found to be an issue with the design of the handset and how the user gripped the device when making a call.
The design of the handset with its glass body and aluminium on the side made it hard for the company to get a signal to the antenna of the smartphone when it was held in a certain way, or too tightly. Shortly after the company decided to offer owners of the iPhone 4 a free bumper case that would help the device pick up the signal better when held in the hand.
Not everybody got a free case though for one reason or another and the company also got issued with a class action lawsuit as well, and last February an agreement was reached for those iPhone 4 owners that didn’t receive a free bumper case for their iPhone 4.
Instead these owners that have already applied for a refund are entitled to $15 and the first cheques issued by the company have started to arrive, but are only valid until July 16th so if you receive your cheque you will have until then to cash it in.

Nexus 5 vs Motorola X vs iPhone 6: The release wars

Now that the Samsung Galaxy S4 has been announced there are three upcoming smartphones that are attracting a huge amount of interest. They are Google’s Nexus 5, the Motorola X and of course the next iPhone, possibly dubbed the iPhone 6 or 5S. The question that many now want to know regards the release of these devices and which may be first so today we’re looking at the Nexus 5 vs. Motorola X vs. iPhone 6 release wars.

The first two of these devices will be Android handsets while the iPhone is an Apple iOS device. There will be some buyers then who will decide which they will purchase because of their preference of operating system but for others it may simply be decided by which one has a head start with its launch. We should remember that none of these phones has been officially announced yet but there has been a massive amount of speculation and rumors regarding each.
The Nexus 5 is likely to be a big success with Android enthusiasts, especially after the success of the Google Nexus 4 made by LG. Many are expecting that the next major Android operating system, 5.0 Key Lime Pie, will be introduced at Google’s I/O event next month and are hopeful that the Nexus 5 will be the first device launched running the new OS. Nexus devices particularly appeal to Android platform fans as they offer a pure vanilla Android experience. Many different specs have now been leaked for the Nexus 5 that could possibly be a collaboration between Google, LG again and Nikon.
Those rumored specs have included 2 or 3GB of RAM, a 16-megapixel rear camera or 9-megapixel CCD camera, 2.3GHz quad-core processor or 1.5GHz quad-core processor and 5-inch display or 4.5-inch display so as you can see we really can’t pretend to have any concrete details at this stage. Although many believe the Nexus 5 will be debuted next month with a hopeful release soon after, we should point out that the Nexus 4 was not introduced at I/O last year and did not release until October.
Moving on to the Motorola X Phone and similarly to the Nexus 5 the rumored specs on this have been multiple and diverse making it virtually impossible to pin down genuine details. Some of the rumors suggest a 2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 quad-core processor, a 4.8-inch full HD display and massive 4000 mAh battery but take those details with a pinch of salt for now. At one point the Nexus 5 and Motorola X (sometimes dubbed the Google X) were even thought to be one and the same phone but that idea has long been laid to rest although Google will also have an input on the Motorola X. The Motorola X is the other device that may be the first to release running Key Lime Pie and plenty of tech enthusiasts are also anticipating that this device could make an appearance at Google I/O.
Recently though we told how Google was said to be unhappy with the handset so far and that it was not likely to be released until August at the earliest and possibly not until November. However, earlier today we detailed further news that a Motorola X, dubbed as the Google X, had been benchmarked but we have no way of verifying if this is genuine. If it is though, then it’s possible that the Motorola X or Google X phone may not be as late to release as recently anticipated.
Finally we move on to the iPhone 6 or iPhone 5S. There is a question mark over the name of this device as it looks likely that an iPhone 5S will arrive before an iPhone 6. However as many people imagine that the next iPhone will be called the iPhone 6, Apple’s successor to the iPhone 5 is also being referred to as the iPhone 6, somewhat confusing! To make things easy we’ll refer to it for now as simply the next iPhone.
Some months ago many were predicting the next iPhone to release in the summer of this year even though the iPhone 5 arrived in the fall. This seemed to be backed up by many leaks from various sources and analysts and so it seemed possible that it may be introduced at Apple’s WWDC event in June, along with iOS 7. However it was recently tipped that the next iPhone may be delayed until as late as September and Apple’s profits fell for the first time in many years. Possible specs for the next iPhone include an Apple A7 chip, 12-megapixel rear camera, higher resolution display, NFC and maybe larger internal storage options.
While it may not be possible for us to give you release dates for the Nexus 5, Motorola X and iPhone 5S or 6, at this stage it does seem more than likely that at least one of the Android devices will get to the market first. Whether this is correct and if so, whether the Nexus 5 or Motorola X is first remains to be seen but one thing for sure is that we’ll be following all of the latest developments as we hear them and will pass on that news to readers.

Facebook home initial update in May after rocky launch

It’s perhaps fair to say that the new Facebook Home initiative has had rather a rocky launch. The new software offering comes pre-installed on the HTC First smartphone or is available as an app through Google Play, although it’s only compatible at the moment with certain other Android devices. Today we have heard that the initial Facebook Home update will be arriving in Mid-May.

There’s been a certain lack of enthusiasm so far for Facebook Home but that could be because so far it’s only available for a select few Android phones. If you want to read much more about Facebook home then check out our previous articles here. Basically Facebook Home brings Facebook to the home screen of your device with a social user interface overlaying the Android operating system.
Cory Ondrejka, Facebook’s head of mobile engineering has now announced that the first update is coming in the second week of next month. The update will be available to those who use Facebook Home through Google Play as well as HTC First owners. Devices compatible with Facebook Home so far are the HTC One X, HTC One X+, Samsung Galaxy S3 and Samsung Galaxy Note 2 with the HTC One and Samsung Galaxy S4 joining them soon. Ondrejka also stated that the Facebook Home download from Google Play will also begin rolling out to regions outside of the US today.
No details of changes and improvements with the first update have been revealed yet but it’s possible that not as many people who’ve downloaded Facebook Home so far will bother to update. We say this because many of the user ratings on Google Play for Facebook Home only give it one star while it has an average rating of only 2.3. Comments from some users say they uninstalled the app after only a few hours and have no intention of reinstalling so it looks as though Facebook needs to come up with something pretty quick in this first update to change people’s minds.
We’d like to hear from readers about what you’d like to see in the first update to Facebook Home due in May? What have been your first impressions about Facebook home, positive or negative? Send us your comments on this.
Source: The Verge

Metal Samsung Galaxy S5 to compete with HTC One

The plastic Samsung Galaxy S4 releases to the public at the end of this month, but we believe a metal Samsung Galaxy S5 will release at some point this year and hopefully before Christmas. Samsung really do need to release a new metal Galaxy S phone to compete with the likes of the HTC One.

The Samsung Galaxy S4 will do very well when it comes to sales and the closet rival has to be the HTC One, and we have had so much response on our social networks such as Facebook, Twitter and Google+ saying the HTC One has a metal casing and that Samsung should have followed suit.
After thinking about the above we found that Trusted Reviews are on the same wave-length as us, just they got to publish their idea first and fair play to them, so all credit goes to them. They mention in their article that Samsung has lost its zeitgeist to the HTC One and this is all down to the One being made from sleek aluminium and the Galaxy S4 is plastic.
Is this really a debate or just personal preference? Do you like a metal phone or a plastic one?
Some are saying that the HTC One feels much better than the Galaxy S4, but it was the S4 that was more practical thanks to the cover on the back can be removed easily and that it comes with a built-in microSD card slot.
Does making a phone case using plastic make the phone feel cheap? We cannot count Samsung out for releasing a new metal phone; it could either be the Samsung Galaxy S5 or the Galaxy Note 3, who knows.
Do you agree with trusted Reviews prediction that a metal Samsung S phone will be released before Christmas?

New Motorola and Google gadgets set to impress

Over the last few months there has been a number of conflicting rumours surrounding the next range of hardware to come out of the Motorola stable since it was taken over by Google. Now though according to comments made by Eric Schmidt the next Motorola and Google gadgets are set to impress.

There have been loads of rumours surrounding the flagship Motorola X Phone, but Google’s own Eric Schmidt has revealed he has seen the new range of Motorola devices that are in the pipeline and called them “phenomenal”.
Now you can take away the fact he would be bias as it makes business sense for him to talk up future products from the company, but if he were to make such comments only for the company to launch some lacklustre devices he would then be ridiculed by the tech world.
With Motorola’s expertise coupled with Google’s backing there is no reason for the company not to bring out hardware that will certainly give rival manufacturers something to worry about. Schmidt also said the next range of Motorola products were “very impressive” while talking to AllThingsD, he unsurprisingly didn’t go into much detail.
He was pushed further and asked if the upcoming devices were tablets or smartphones, he replied “think of them as phones-plus”, so whether he is referring to a phablet device or the X Tablet that has also been speculated about before remains to be seen.
Are you looking forward to see what Google and Motorola come up with?

Sony Xperia Z disassembly on video, not so difficult

One of the most popular smartphone releases so far this year has been the Sony Xperia Z, a top-end device with looks to match. If you’ve already purchased this phone and enjoy a spot of tinkering then you may have wondered how easy it is to tear it apart if you need a repair. Today we have a video to show you of an Xperia Z disassembly that shows it’s not so difficult but we’re not claiming it’s easy to put it together again!

The Sony Xperia Z has been a really popular smartphone and as it’s both water and dust-resistant some of us might wonder why anyone might want to take it apart. However the more curious among us may want to know in case they ever need to repair it or simply because they just want to see what’s inside and that’s where the video we have for you comes in handy.
Please note that at Phones Review we cannot recommend you ever tamper with your devices or disassemble them. We would suggest that this is for the experts only and if you choose to have a go and something goes wrong then it’s entirely your own responsibility. Nevertheless even if you don’t want to teardown your Xperia Z you may be interested in seeing somebody else doing it.
The 3-minute video that we’ve embedded below this story comes from Rounded, a company known for spare parts and accessories worldwide. The video shows the use of tools including a Phillips 1.5×45 screwdriver, pincet tool, hairdryer, suction cup and some kind of scraping tool. The video shows the procedure step by step with handy tips along the way. We have to say they make the job of taking apart Sony’s flagship device look pretty uncomplicated although they probably have steadier hands than us.
However we imagine it might be harder to put the phone together again considering the IP57 water and dust resistance but as we’ve already said we don’t actually recommend you should try this yourself. We’d like to hear your thoughts on this Xperia Z disassembly? Would you be tempted to try it if your Xperia Z needs a repair? Let us know with your comments.
Source: Rounded

iPad 5 reveal on June 18 and release June 27, unverified report

We’ve been following developments regarding the Apple iPad 5 although at this stage much of it is rumors and speculation. However some interesting news has emerged today via a leaked iPad 5 case mold, which shows a little more about the form factor but most intriguing is information with it that says Apple will be announcing the iPad 5 on June 18 with a release date of June 27.

Obviously none of this can be confirmed right now but occasionally these leaks do come up with accurate information and so there’s every chance this could be the real deal. There has been various speculation about an iPad 5 release and previously we heard of launch dates as early as March (came and went) while there was also speculation it may be unveiled at Apple’s WWDC in June (dates not yet confirmed).
However a few days ago we told of new reports about a slimmer and lighter form factor for the next iPad and the same source claimed the iPad 5 would be released in Q3 this year. The June 18 announcement could tie in with Apple’s WWDC event and usually if Apple reveals a new device at WWDC we would expect to see it released quite shortly afterwards so June 27 wouldn’t be out of the question and is just before Q3.
The new case mold that has turned up and claims to be for the iPad 5 came from the Far East and fits with the other recent rumors suggesting a slimmer, narrower iPad 5 with thin bezels. Other clues gleaned from the case mold are that the speakers look as though they will be positioned at the bottom of the iPad either side of the Lightning dock connector. In the image that you can see above the case mold in blue is for the iPad 2, 3 and 4 while the green mold to the left is allegedly for the iPad 5.
We’d really like to believe this leaked June 18 announcement date for the iPad 5 and of course that June 27 release date but we have to caution readers that this is unverified information. You can bet we’ll be following all of the developments about the iPad 5 though and will bring you more details as we hear further news.
What are your thoughts on a possible June release for the iPad 5? Are you hoping the thinner, lighter form factor leaks are also accurate? Let us know with your comments.
Source: Tactus

Nokia Lumia 928 glossy tweaking to leaked design

We’ve been bringing readers news about the Nokia Lumia 928 smartphone that’s headed to Verizon and regular readers may remember we recently showed a leaked image of what is claimed to be this handset. One designer took this leaked photo into account and has come up with his own Nokia Lumia 928 glossy tweaking that we thought was interesting enough to share.

The Lumia 928 looks to be Verizon’s own version of the previous Nokia Lumia 920 but is said to have a slimmer aluminum chassis to the polycarbonate design of the 920 and also has an improved Xenon flash. Designer Jonas Daehnert was inspired enough by the purported leaked image of the Lumia 928 and has come up with his own concept rendering that we think looks pretty sleek.
Okay, so the official Lumia designs stand out from the crowd anyway but Daehnert has come up with the mockup that you can see in the image above that is almost blindingly shiny and a glossy delight. This concept design does have very square edges though and while we think this is aesthetically pleasing we’re not sure how comfortable it would be to hold for any length of time. Regardless of practicalities though we think this Lumia 928 render is a lovely thing.
It would be interesting to find out if potential Lumia 928 customers prefer the previous purported real image of the Lumia 928 or this concept design? Let us know which you think is most impressive by sending your comments.
Source: Jonas Daehnert (Facebook)

Samsung Galaxy S4 official cases glimpsed, first videos

The Samsung Galaxy S4 Android smartphone is the center of attention at the moment with a release coming later this month across various regions of the world. Just after the phone was announced we gave you some first news of official accessories and now we have seen some first glimpses of Galaxy S4 official cases with some videos to show you.

The Samsung Galaxy S4 is set to be the biggest smartphone release of the year so far and previously we gave you details of official cases, the Flip Cover, S View Cover and Protective Cover+. Until now though we had only seen one Samsung image showing the cases but today Rozetka, a Ukrainian website has come up with three videos that show each of these cases very nicely.
The first video shows the Galaxy S4 Flip Cover, which is similar to previous official cases for Samsung devices and offers screen protection with no cutout to the front. The second video is the Galaxy S4 S View Cover and this rather neatly unlocks the phone when the case is opened and also offers good screen protection. This one though, also enables the user to see the clock on the phone and notifications whilst still on via a cutout.
The third video shows the Galaxy S4 Protective Cover+ made from hard plastic and offering protection to the back of the phone. This one is available in a variety of colors including black, blue, green, pink and white. We haven’t yet heard details of pricing or release but they are all likely to be available very soon as the handset itself starts to hit the shelves.
You can view all three of the short videos below this story. Are you waiting for the Samsung Galaxy S4? If so, are you likely to protect your device with any of these official Samsung cases? Send your comments to let us know.
Source: Rozetka (Google Translated)

Sony Xperia S Jelly Bean update possibly weeks away

There are still a number of Android smartphones that are sitting waiting for an upgrade to the Jelly Bean operating system, and now owners of the Sony Xperia S could only be a few weeks away from seeing the update reaching their handset if new claims pan out to be accurate.

Earlier this month we heard that the Polish arm of Sony were promising that the update would go live shortly, but that was almost two weeks ago with no sign of it yet. Now though as the Xperia Blog are reporting a French carrier has listed some devices that are due to receive the Android Jelly Bean update and when.
The Sony Xperia S is down according to the carrier to get updated to the new firmware during next month, which if accurate could mean the new software is only weeks away from arriving. It is not known how accurate the carrier is with providing dates for updates, but considering it is a carrier it may well have a good idea when they will be available to download.
Handsets being updated from either Android Gingerbread or Ice Cream Sandwich are given a whole new feel to them with some great new features, which includes the likes of Google Now and better handset performance. So hopefully it won’t be too much longer before owners of the Xperia S are enjoying Android Jelly Bean.

New YoWindow weather iPhone app with real-time landscape

YoWindow, a popular weather application for Windows has come to iPhone. Unlike other tools of the kind, YoWindow displays a vivid, finely animated landscape on the screen that precisely reflects the current weather outside or in any other place in the world, featuring day/night changes, beautiful sunsets, picturesque dawns, true moon phases, as well as the ability to slide the time marker back and forth for past weather data or for accurate forecasts.

This new weather app displays a vivid, finely animated landscape on the iPhone screen that precisely reflects the current weather outside or in any other place in the world, featuring day/night changes and true moon phases. Also a user can slide the time marker across the screen to immediately see the weather forecast, and YoWindow reflects that in the landscape in real-time!
Precise weather forecasts have clearly become an essential part of the modern life. Every computer or a handheld device now seems to have some way to check weather. But are cold hard weather facts like temperature or wind strength enough? No, they are not, says Repkasoft, the developer of YoWindow.
YoWindow, a well-acclaimed desktop weather application, now provides unrivaled weather experience for iPhone users too. The program paints highly detailed, lively animated landscapes depicting the current weather in a given city according to data from the national weather station. Whether it is heavy rain or sunshine, autumn wind or a spring thunderstorm, YoWindow realistically displays them right on the iPhone screen. And even the sunset and the sunrise in YoWindow happens at exactly the same time as in real life. Moreover, a user can slide the time marker across the screen to immediately see the weather forecast. And YoWindow reflects that in the landscape in real-time!
Pleasant sound effects accompanied by many tiny details like flying birds or falling leaves easily create a certain mood, so any of several predefined landscapes including Oriental, Seaside and Country do not remain static even for a second. YoWindow is definitely the most spectacular weather application on iPhone currently available. Please watch the video below.
Pricing and availability
YoWindow is available for iPhone 3GS or higher and iPod 4 or higher. The cost of the program is $0.99. This app will go live in iTunes tomorrow (April 17th).

Nexus 5 specs and features importance

One of the most eagerly awaited devices for this year is the Google Nexus 5. This has not yet been announced but is widely expected to be unveiled at Google I/O in May and many are hoping to see it running the next major Android OS upgrade, 5.0 Key Lime Pie. Today we want to take a look at the importance of possible specs and features of the Nexus 5 and would like to hear what you are hoping to see.

We’ve already seen several different sets of rumored specs now for the Nexus 5, which all varied considerably, the latest of which included a 1.5GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 quad-core processor, 4.5-inch 720p IPS display, a 2800 mAh battery and 9-megapixel CCD camera. Please remember though that none of this is confirmed and considering so many of the leaked specs are different to each other we have to take anything with a pinch of salt for now.
One thing that does seem more than likely though is that one of the highlights of the Nexus 5 will be its camera. Google has previously stated its commitment to bringing great cameras to Nexus devices and we first heard initial rumors of a 16-megapixel rear camera followed by murmurings of a Nikon-branded three-sensor camera module. We then heard of a recent tipster who claimed the camera of the Nexus 5 would be a 9-megapixel CCD camera, very different to the CMOS sensor that many smartphone cameras use.
Backing up the idea that the Nexus 5 keyword is ‘camera’ we most recently heard a further leak regarding a new feature that could be made possible with Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie. Simply put, this would integrate the phone’s GPS with the camera so that the settings would be automatically controlled depending on weather conditions and the time of day where the user is.
Many Nexus devices users will be happy to hear of the emphasis on the camera this time around but there will probably be equally as many who would rather have an HD display or something else. One of the only criticisms of the Nexus 4 for example was that it comes in 8 or 16GB internal storage options but this is non-expandable via microSD. Plenty of those looking forward to the Nexus 5 may feel that increased storage options that are also expandable are more important to them than the camera.
We shouldn’t forget that one of the reasons why the Nexus devices are so popular is that they offer a pure vanilla Android experience, great for those who like to customize their devices. Also this means they will be the first to receive future operating system updates. Some Nexus 5 purchasers may therefore want the most emphasis and resources to be placed on Key Lime Pie rather than the hardware itself.
Although not a specification or feature we also want to mention the manufacturer. Nothing has yet been confirmed for the Nexus 5 although LG has once again been mentioned. There may have been initial supply issues with the Nexus 4 and LG and Google both received a lot of criticism over this. Apart from that though, there have been very few complaints about the Nexus 4 and this means some consumers would like to see LG chosen to make the Nexus 5. However others might prefer HTC for example, well known for their excellent designs and build quality.
The price of the Nexus 5 also has to be taken into account. The unlocked price of the Nexus 4 through Google Play is extremely competitive and many of those now waiting for the Nexus 5 will be hoping for a similar sort of pricing. That may not be possible though, if more emphasis is placed on a groundbreaking camera or other components so what is most important, price or specs?
There’s a lot to consider for the Nexus 5 then and that’s where we’d really like to enlist the help of readers. Are you happy to hear the rumors that the major emphasis of the Nexus 5 will be the camera? If not, do you place more significance on processor, expandable storage, a full HD display, larger display size, pricing, design, battery, OS or maybe something else that we haven’t yet mentioned? Maybe you think the choice of manufacturer will be imperative? Please let us know with your comments as it will be interesting to gather as much opinion on this as possible.

Nokia Lumia 920 & La Blogothèque creates live Ghostpoet video

There is no doubt that Nokia is pretty proud of the camera capabilities that it has provided with its latest flagship smartphone, the Lumia 920. The company has been looking at more creative ways to showcase the quality of the unit, and has now used it with La Blogothèque to create a live Ghostpoet video.

Only yesterday we had a video that was made of two free runners racing across London in association with Red Bull, and now the company has used the Lumia 920 to film its first Lumia Live session that took place last month in Bristol.
According to NokNok the company has joined up with La Blogothèque to provide a platform for new music talent to showcase their talents via a number of free concerts across the United Kingdom. The event was videoed using a number of Lumia 920s and the first one that can be seen in the video below took place at the Arnos Vale Cemetery with British singer and producer, Ghostpoet.
This again shows the quality of the camera that has been fitted to the Lumia 920 with recent speculation that the company is going to improve things even more with its next flagship handset.
Are you impressed with the camera on the Lumia 920?

YouTube for iOS update brings nice new features

Modern mobile technology has allowed us to view video content that isn’t already stored on the device anywhere we can get connected to the Internet, and this has been helped by the huge number of applications that are available for smartphone platforms. Popular video sharing website YouTube has just seen its iOS application receive a major update with some nice new features.

Back in February the app got updated to get a feature that enabled users to stream their favourite videos to certain smart TVs and games consoles, and now this has been improved further with the ability to even queue videos that will be played to these same devices.
Away from this feature though is the new support for live streams that can be found by tapping the Live option on the sidebar, which then provides the user with a list of channels and events that are currently available.
There is also the My Subscriptions option added to the apps sidebar that allows users to gain quick access to new content from their subscriptions, and there is now One Channel branding for video creator channels along with stability and performance enhancements.
The YouTube for iOS application is available free from the App Store for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch running iOS 5.0 or later.

Samsung Galaxy Ace 3 tests hint at Android 4.2.2

While most of the focus recently has been about the release of the latest flagship handset from Samsung, the company has for a while now offered a variety of handsets at lower asking prices that still have some good specs. Now some Samsung Galaxy Ace 3 tests hint at a device that will release running the Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean operating system.

Earlier this month we first heard of reports that the company was busy working on a new Ace handset, and now some fresh information has come to light in the shape of some benchmark tests that indicate the device will be a nice update to the older version of the handset.
The tests reveal the device was running the 4.2.2 version of the Android operating system, with even the Galaxy S3 still only on the 4.1.2 build of the OS. The new Galaxy Ace 3 will seemingly be using a processor from Broadcom instead of the unit that it used in the Ace 2, and be dual core running at a 1GHz clock speed.
This will be paired with the same GPU that is currently being used in the Galaxy S2 Plus, and screen wise it is believed the handset will have a 4-inch display with a resolution of 800 x 480. The rest of the specs are thought to include 1GB of RAM with 4GB of expandable storage via a microSD card, dual SIM support, 5-megapixel rear camera, 1700 mAh battery, and NFC support.
There is a chance the Samsung Galaxy Ace 3 handset could have the unlocked price of around €300 in the European region, but it is not known if the device will ever reach US shores though.
Source: GLBenchmark via The Droid Guy.

VPN Mobile V3.10 – The Ultimate VPN for Mobiles

If you have a Windows mobile with you, and you are looking for some of the best VPN connections, all you have to do is to go with VPN Mobile V3.10. PN Mobile Gate Protect who has solely designed this VPN application for Windows Mobile introduces VPN Mobile V3.10.

It is surely the most ultimate tool that would help you to fulfil all your browsing needs, as it makes your browsing faster, safer and securer. The smart phone security is known to be one of the most important things especially when you keep some of your confidential information in your smart phone.
Using a public network without a VPN connection is surely risking a whole lot, as sometimes only a few minutes are needed to hack your data from your smartphone, as these smartphones are quite vulnerable when it comes to security.
Following are some of the advantages that you can avail when you go with VPN Mobile V3.10: –
Single Click Connection
One of the best things that VPN Mobile V3.10 has to offer is its single click connection feature. In order to connect this VPN Mobile V3.10 service, all you have to do is to open the connection file and you are good to go.
Easy to download
There are numerous places from where you can download VPN Mobile V3.10, so just search and download the setup file in your Windows phone.
Easy installation
Another good thing about VPN Mobile V3.10 is that there is no technical jargon involved when it comes to its installation, and it would just take few minutes in order to get the procedure done! The best thing about this is that you don’t need to get in its settings in order to get it working for you.
Security Standards
VPN Mobile V3.10 does not compromise over is the security standards that are set by the company. VPN Mobile V3.10 is backed up by X.509 certificates, hence allowing you to get the safety and privacy you deserve.
Availability of services:
When you choose to go with VPN Mobile V3.10, you are surely going to get all the services you need from VPN over SSL tunnel, hence making all of your transactions absolutely smooth, safe and secure.
Firewall
When you choose to go with VPN Mobile V3.10, you won’t find any problem with the gate protect firewall, as they just go right with each other in every possible manner.
So if you are using a Windows mobile than VPN Mobile V3.10 is surely the thing you need the most with you, and this is because it would allow you to get all the safety and security without affecting your Internet speed in any way. No matter which video you are willing to stream over the Internet, you won’t find any trouble in all that at all! So get your hands over this Windows Mobile VPN service provider and protect all your data and information in the best possible manner.
Author Bio: Maria Philips is a guest blogger and she recommends http://bestusavpn.us/uk-vpn/ for safe and secure Internet browsing.

Vodafone BlackBerry Q10 pre-orders begin in black or white

The BlackBerry 10 operating system is about to get a new smartphone lining up alongside the already released Z10 in the form of the Blackberry Q10 with is full sized QWERTY keyboard, and now UK carrier Vodafone has begun taking pre-orders for the handset in either black or white.

Pre-orders for the BlackBerry Q10 have kicked off on the carrier which has the handset down for a release on the 30th of this month, and is available free on contracts starting at £37 per month. This will provide users unlimited talk minutes and texts, as well as 1GB of data.
Other monthly plans on offer include a £33 per month deal that provides the user with 600 minutes of talk time, unlimited text messages, and 500MB of data, although this does require an upfront fee of £129 for the BlackBerry Q10.
If you have more money to spend each month £47 gets you unlimited talk time and text messages along with 4GB of mobile Internet and 2GB of Wi-Fi with no upfront cost for the handset. The handset will begin shipping to customers from April 30th and the device is listed to be 4G ready once the company flips the switch on its new network later this year.
This comes after we already heard that high street retailer the Carphone Warehouse had started its own pre-orders with a SIM free price of £579.95, which puts the handset at a higher price than the Apple iPhone 5. To find out more or to make a pre-order click here.

Nokia Lumia EOS specs may include Snapdragon 800

While the Nokia Lumia 920 continues to be enjoyed by those lucky enough to own one, speculation has been growing to what the company will be providing consumers next with regards to a new flagship smartphone, and now some specs for the much rumoured Nokia Lumia EOS are being touted and could include the Snapdragon 800 processor.

There have been a number of different rumours surrounding the next flagship smartphone from Finnish manufacturer Nokia, and now sources are claiming that Nokia are currently working on two different versions of the Lumia EOS.
It is being claimed that the company is currently testing one version of the device using a dual core processor while the other is using a quad core unit, which is supposed to be the Qualcomm Snapdragon 800.
The main problem that is currently being faced is alleged to be the battery life so Nokia may go with the dual core option for the handset, and there has been recent rumours suggesting WP8 will support quad core processors at some point this year.
It is believed the Lumia EOS will have a battery that is along the lines of the 920, with an AMOLED display with around the same resolution. There has been talk the handset will feature a camera with a 41-megapixel sensor along with a Xenon and LED flash.
Other features claimed to be coming on the handset include an FM transmitter, expandable memory via microSD card, and a micro HDMI port. The device is believed to be released as an AT&T exclusive to begin with a global release in the following months.
Do you like the sound of the Nokia Lumia EOS?
Source: My Nokia Blog.

Sony Xperia Z sales going well since release

There is becoming an even better choice of available handsets on the Android platform at all price levels, and at the top end we are finally seeing some hardware that offer a worthy alternative to what Samsung has to offer. The new Sony Xperia Z smartphone certainly falls into this category and sales of the device are seemingly going well since it was first released.

Sony beat both HTC and Samsung with the early launch of their latest smartphone this year with the release of the Xperia Z, and according to some analysts Sony has shifted 4.6 million units of the handset in just forty days.
It has probably been helped by the fact that Sony got the handset out during the early part of the year and before the likes of the HTC One and Galaxy S4 become available, but that’s not forgetting the great specifications of the handset.
Away from its stunning looking 5-Inch Full HD display the device also others features such as water and dust proofing, which are the options that make the device standout from the crowd. There were some early problems with some user’s handsets suddenly dying but the company quickly released an update to address the issue.
While the company probably won’t be seeing the amount of units shifted as Samsung will with its latest flagship handset, Sony along with HTC will seemingly be enjoying a much more successful year sales wise in 2013.
Have you got the Sony Xperia Z and what do you think of it?
Source: GSMinsider.

eyesee iPhone 4/4S affordable mobile projector revealed

We get to see a number of great third party accessories that have been designed for our smartphones that can add or enhance features of the various devices. Today we have the eyesee affordable mobile projector that is available for owners of the Apple iPhone 4/4S.

The mobile projector is being touted as the ideal gadget for small businesses and is promised to revolutionize business meetings that use the device. The product uses Texas Instruments DLP technology and is fully compatible with the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S, with the unit easily projecting PDF files, videos, photos, and presentations onto any solid surface.
At the time of writing the device is only available from the company’s website priced at $149.95 or $289.95 for two, and there is also an easy payment plan available at $29.99 over five months. There is talk though that the device will be made available via large electronic retailers at some point in the not too distant future.
The projector will maintain the quality of the original content and has controls for the volume of the built in speakers and for focus to achieve a clear picture. Users get a USB charging cable along with a velvet carry pouch with the device featuring a vibrant LED 15 lumens lamp that can project images up to 50-inches at a resolution of 640 x 360.
There is an internal battery that can also charge the handset along with a 30 day money back guarantee, and to find out more or to order hit this link and check out the video below.

BLU Vivo 4.3 gets Jelly Bean update and colour treats

BLU Products are responsible for launching smartphones that are packed with features but still come at a more affordable price, and now the popular BLU Vivo 4.3 gets the Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update and colour treats along with a stock OS promise.

The BLU Vivo 4.3 smartphone was launched last year and at the time was touted as the world’s first dual SIM handset that also featured a dual core processor along with a Super AMOLED Plus display. The company has now announced the device is being updated to the Android 4.1 Jelly Bean operating system, and that the handset will now come in three new colour options.
Previously the device was only available in black but now those looking to pick up the BLU Vivo 4.3 also have the choice of Pearl White, Energy Neon Yellow, and Glimmer Pink. The handset features a 4.3-inch Super AMOLED Plus touchscreen display that provides a resolution of 480 x 800 that is powered by a dual core MediaTek MT6577 processor running at 1GHz.
This is paired with 1GB of RAM with 4GB of on board storage that can be expanded by a further 32GB via microSD card, and other features include an 8-megapixel rear camera, 1.3-megapixel front facer, and a 1,600 mAh battery.
The company has also revealed that in the future it will be moving to providing stock Android for all new devices and firmware upgrades to try and provide better battery life with a streamlined user interface. This news comes after the company revealed its new Life series of smartphones last month that offer some great specs at low prices.

Samsung Galaxy Mega 5.8 imagining vs Mega genuine article

Many consumers are absorbed by the Samsung Galaxy S4 right now, due to release later this month but Samsung has also recently announced the Samsung Galaxy Mega 5.8 and Galaxy Mega 6.3. These ‘phablet’ style smartphones will please fans of the trend for mobile devices with large displays and we recently saw the first official images. Today though we thought we’d take a look at a Samsung Galaxy Mega 5.8 imagining vs. the Mega genuine article and we’d like to know which design you like the most?

The real Samsung Galaxy Mega 5.8 (GT-I9152) now has confirmed specs that include a 1.4GHz dual-core processor, a 5.8-inch qHD TFT display with resolution of 960 x 540, 1.5GB of RAM and an 8-megapixel rear camera with 2-megapixel front-facing camera. It also offers dual SIM, Bluetooth 4.0, a 2600 mAh battery and runs on Android Jelly Bean 4.2.2 with Samsung’s Nature UX. No pricing for the real Galaxy Mega 5.8 has yet been announced but Samsung has said it will release globally beginning in May.
Now usually on Phones Review when we bring you news of concept designs it’s usually some time before we see the real deal but we enjoy looking at them to give us some idea of what might arrive. Today’s concept design look is rather different then as we already know what the genuine Galaxy Mega 5.8 will look like but we think that many consumers might prefer the look of the imagined Galaxy Mega 5.8 rather that the official version.
The first image you can see above is the concept imagining of the Galaxy Mega 5.8 while the image you can see below is the real Galaxy Mega 5.8. As you can see the concept Mega 5.8 shows a good-looking device with rounded corners that makes the most of its frontage for a curved display with almost non-existent bezels. The real Galaxy Mega on the other hand looks, well, just the same as many of the other recent Samsung Galaxy devices, only bigger.

The designer of the concept Galaxy Mega 5.8 is Deepak Ahuja who has also come up with his idea of specifications for the phone. He included a 1.8GHz quad-core processor, 5.8-inch Super AMOLED HD+ display with full HD resolution, a 13-megapixel rear camera and 2.1-megapixel front-facing shooter, 2GB of RAM and 16, 32 or 64GB of internal storage. It runs on Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean and has a 3500 mAh battery. The concept specs here are rather irrelevant as dreamed-up specs will always be better than on the official device but we are rather intrigued by the design and wonder how many readers would have preferred it to the real Samsung Galaxy Mega 5.8.
We’d like to hear your thoughts on this. Are you a potential customer for the Galaxy Mega 5.8? If so are you happy with the actual design or would you have preferred the concept idea? Let us know with your comments.
Source: Concept Phones

iPhone 5S new camera specs rumoured

You always know when we are getting close to a new product from Apple as we get to hear new rumours and speculation about the device on an almost daily basis, and today there are reports suggesting what the new camera specs will be for the iPhone 5S.

Only yesterday we heard how Foxconn were reportedly on a recruitment drive as mass production of the iPhone 5S was set to begin, and now there is a new report from the Far East from a source that works for a company that supplies Apple with camera modules that is speculating about the specs of the unit.
It is being claimed that the iPhone 5S will feature a 12-megapixel camera sensor and will also be better equipped to take images under low light conditions. Last time Apple kept most things the same with the camera between the iPhone 4S and the current model except from the Sapphire Glass that is protecting the camera lens.
The same source correctly confirmed that the iPhone 5 would be using an 8-megapxel camera last year, while a lot of other rumours were hinting at 10-megpixels, so there is less salt needed for this latest iPhone 5S rumour.
There is still a variety of different dates being given for the release of the iPhone 5S with some sources going for a summer timeframe while others are putting it a little later in September, with recent talk that the new software for the device is also running behind schedule.
Source: Redmond Pie.

HTC One unlocked & Developer Edition additional stock April 23

There’s good news today if you’re hoping to get your hands on the HTC One Developer Edition. The handset was previously available to pre-order but for some days it was then listed as unavailable. However purchasers can now place a pre-order once more with additional stock due to become available from April 23.

The Developer Edition of the HTC One comes with an unlocked bootloader and SIM and was first available to pre-order on April 5 in limited numbers, in fact they were so limited that pre-orders stopped being taken so it’s good to see HTC has stepped up supplies.
Today the phone is available to order again and you have two options available. Either you can order the HTC One 32GB option SIM-unlocked for $574.99 or alternatively the HTC One 64GB Developer Edition is available to pre-order for $649.99, a great option for those who want to customize their device.
Head to this HTC page for the 32GB SIM-unlocked HTC One where you’ll see a new message that now reads “additional stock arriving April 23rd.” Otherwise head to HTC here for the 64GB Developer edition SIM-unlocked, with unlocked bootloader and the same April 23 message. Other specs for the HTC One include a 1.7GHz quad-core processor, UltraPixel rear camera and features such as BlinkFeed, Zoe, Sense Voice, BoomSound and more.
Hopefully supplies will now be a little more stable and HTC will be able to fulfill further pre-orders with that April 23 availability date. Are you pleased to see pre-orders open again for these options of the HTC One? Send us your comments on this.

Nokia Lumia 920 & Red Bull free running video

Nokia has long been renowned for fitting quality cameras on their smartphones even when the rest of the device left a lot to be desired, but now the company is providing consumers with the great smartphones their camera units deserve. Today we have a Red Bull free running video that was created using the Nokia Lumia 920.

The handset has rightly gained a lot of plaudits since it was first released last year, and while thoughts are now turning to its replacement the device still has got a lot to offer. The Finnish smartphone manufacturer has decided to team up with Red Bull and created a video using the device as free running World Champion Ryan Doyle and partner Will Sutton race across the streets of London.
Both men have an example of the Nokia Lumia 920 strapped to their chests so they can capture their stunning stunts as they make their way across the city. During the video you get the chance to experience the quality and steadiness of the handsets camera as they race to the finish line in Shoreditch.
Check out the video below for yourself and tell us what you think of the handsets camera capabilities.

Verizon in operator wars bid to lease Clearwire spectrum

It seems that operator wars are well in progress at the moment with everyone fighting over Clearwire. Verizon Wireless has now joined the fray and wants to lease Clearwire’s spectrum to strengthen its network. Details are scant at the moment but the deal could see Big Red pay more than $1.5 billion. However Verizon is not the only company interested in Clearwire and things are getting complicated.

Another major US carrier Sprint presently owns 50% of Clearwire and is vying to purchase the remaining stake so that its network is the one that benefits from Clearwire’s spectrum (formerly used for WiMAX), and of course it would bring the whole operation under one roof so to speak.
However there’s yet more competition in the form of Dish, which recently failed in a bid for Clearwire and is now complicating matters even further with a $2.25 billion offer to acquire Sprint, trying to beat Softbank which is also attempting a deal for Sprint. Dish now has plans to build a wireless network and has already acquired holdings from FCC spectrum auctions but it’s a messy business with resources so limited. We can’t see it getting any easier either as the only way to gain spectrum is to win at auction, lease or acquire it and as the LTE networks are expanded things will only get worse.
Dish has stated that its bid for Sprint is not dependent on Sprint acquiring the other stake in Clearwire and also that its own bid for Clearwire is still in the offing despite the fact that it was already turned down. It’s certainly a tangled web at the moment and it will certainly be interesting to see what pans out over the next few months.
Are you surprised to see Verizon in a bid to lease Clearwire’s spectrum? Which way do you envisage the operator wars going? Let us know with your comments.
Source: Wall Street Journal

Galaxy S4 US availability possibly a little clearer

The anticipation for the release of the Samsung Galaxy S4 is getting stronger as we get closer to the end of this month where many regions are set to access to the smartphone, and now the availability of the handset in the US is possibly becoming a little clearer.

Earlier today we had a video review of the Galaxy S4 for you and now it seems that more information about when consumers in the US will be able to get their hands on the device has emerged.
We have already heard how much AT&T will be charging for the device but no concrete details about a release date have appeared, but now a leaked document discovered by Phone Arena from retailer Staples has given some indication for dates.
From tomorrow both Wal-Mart and Staples will be taking pre-orders for the device but the document is showing that AT&T could be getting the device on April 26th, while Verizon customers look like having to wait until May 30th. We have already heard that T-Mobile customers are getting the device from May 1st.
There is currently no information regarding the availability of the Galaxy S4 via Sprint, but you would have thought the device will be released on the carrier around the same time as AT&T and T-Mobile. Verizon are notorious for releasing handsets or software updates later than rival carriers and it looks to be the case again with the Galaxy S4.
Samsung does seem to be getting its latest flagship smartphone out to more markets at around the same time as many regions look to be getting the device by the end of April such as the UK and India.

Mobile Malware grows massively, Android targeted most

There will be many of us that have some kind of security software installed onto our computers especially if its running Windows, but this is not often the case with our smartphones that are now like mini PCs in our pockets. Now new research has found that Mobile Malware has grown massively with Android being targeted most.

We have reported on this issue before and compared the risks of Android malware with the IOS platform, and at the time the majority of attacks centred on Android. Some new research has found that mobile malware has grown by 163% during 2012 compared to the previous year with 95% of these attacks hitting Android devices.
While the research was done by NQ Mobile that is a mobile security company it doesn’t make comfortable reading for Android users. The research found that over 32.8 million Android devices were infected during the year which is up more than 200% on the platform, but it has to be remembered that the amount of users using Android devices also grew massively.
The main focus of these attacks affected users in the likes of China, India, and Russia with the US only making up 9.8% of the affected Android devices. We have looked previously on ways to help protect your Android hardware from malware attacks, and along with installing one of the many free security apps on offer users should make sure they only install applications from official sources.
Are you concerned about Android malware attacks?
Source: TechCrunch.

Show on the Go: A Guide to Mobile TV

Once upon a time, TV was confined to the living room, where families would gather to watch their favorite shows and exhausted professionals would unwind after a hard day’s work.  But the advent of smartphones brought TV on the go. Phone providers, application developers and TV executives are catching up to the demand for this anytime model.

The results are mixed. According to a 2012 Nielsen survey, 85 percent of tablet and smartphone owners use devices as a “second screen” while watching TV, but many users have yet to embrace the idea of watching TV on smartphones. According to an 2012 Comscore survey, 20 percent of smartphone users watched TV on their devices. A new wave of devices with larger screens and faster processors may turn the tide in favor of mobile TV, however.
Take a break from “Angry Birds” and Twitter while you catch up on your favorite shows. With the right hardware, the latest apps and a few tips, you’ll feel like you’re in a virtual living room.

The Phones

While outrageous theatrics and an eye-tracking feature dominated the headlines of Samsung’s Galaxy S4 release, the Korean-based company continued its trend of increasing screen size, unveiling a five-inch screen on its latest flagship device. Critics complain that so-called phablets (phone/tablets hybrids) are clumsy and difficult to store, but these large devices cater to those who want to consume media, including TV, on their phones. Samsung isn’t the only phone manufacturer boosting their phone sizes. Apple responded to the call for more size with its latest phone release, iPhone 5, and rumor has the iPhone could receive another size upgrade later this year. These phones feature large, high-resolution screens. Samsung and Apple dominate the current smartphone landscape, but HTC and Blackberry offer considerable alternatives.
Before this, devices grew in size and internal processing power, watching mobile TV was a pipe dream. Although not perfect, the latest smartphones can handle hours of your favorite show along with more conventional smartphone duties.

The Apps

Big screens are processing power are the foundation for mobile TV, but it takes software developers to bridge the gap between technology and media. With apps, which add unquantifiable value to smartphones, media providers can develop platforms for viewers to consume content via smartphone. One such company is Netflix, the online streaming movie and TV service which is now dipping its toes into original content development. All of Netflix’s streaming content is available to iOS and Android users through its native app. Direct TV also offers its service streaming to smartphones, according to direct.tv.
If you’re looking for a TV provider, ask about current mobile capabilities and whether mobile TV is a part of future plans.

The Tips

Mobile TV can be a convenient escape from the pressures of daily life, but it’s not ideal in every circumstance. A few guidelines will save you from excessive frustration:
Avoid streaming content on your phone with a poor Internet connect. Best case scenario: you watch snippets of your favorite shows in between long periods of buffering. Worst case scenario: your phone ends up shattered on the floor.
Keep tabs on your battery life. Many smartphone users already complain that their phones don’t make it through a day. Video sucks the life from these devices.
TV isn’t everything. Phones take up enough of our times we could spent with real people. Stream TV when appropriate, but don’t forget to look up and smell the roses.

iPhone 5S launch rumors fit nicely with Foxconn hiring

The closer we get to a release for the Apple iPhone 5S the more speculation abounds but one thing that most tech sites seem to be agreed on is that the iPhone 5S is likely to launch in the summer following a possible introduction of the phone at Apple’s WWDC in June. News that fits in nicely of this long-established rumor is that after a previous hiring freeze Foxconn is now resuming taking on employees.

The iPhone 5 released last September so for a short while many of us were expecting the next iPhone to release in September or October of this year. However the rumor mill quickly kicked in and for many months now the iPhone 5S debut has been predicted for the summer, tying in with Apple’s new iOS 7. Although of course Apple has confirmed absolutely nothing in this respect, Foxconn is Apple’s iPhone manufacturer and previously stopped hiring in February as production of the current iPhone 5 was decreased.
News then that Foxconn is hiring again in readiness for a ramp up in production does suggest that the iPhone 5S is on its way, despite recent rumors that the phone may be delayed because of difficulties with the unconfirmed fingerprint sensor. Information about Foxconn hiring again comes from a source claimed to be familiar with plans for the next iPhone. Although this hasn’t been publicly announced it was apparently at Apple’s request that the hiring restarted and the additional workers will be making the new iPhone as well as existing models.
The Zhengzhou Foxconn plant currently has between 250,000 and 300,000 workers according to a spokesman today. However the spokesman declined to state how many workers had been recently added. The Wall Street Journal today reported though that 10,000 assembly-line workers have been hired every week since the end of March, which certainly points to preparation to step up production in time for that speculated summer release.
Although the iPhone 5S is widely expected to be a minor upgrade to the iPhone 5 rather than anything more radical, some of the rumored specs and features we’ve heard of so far include improved camera and processor, fingerprint sensor technology, a variety of color options, two different display sizes and maybe a budget iPhone too.
Are you waiting for the iPhone 5S and hoping for a summer release? What is on your wish list for the next iPhone? Let us know by sending your comments.
Source: Bloomberg