     |
Apple has finally announced the iPad Air (aka iPad 5) and the iPad Mini retina, and as expected, the blogosphere is completely abuzz about it.
I think it’s exciting news, but ever since I made the switch from iOS to Android, I find myself anticipating what Google comes up with more than Apple. (No offense to any Apple fanboys and fangirls, it’s just a personal preference.)
Google has been mum about the next version of their smartphone, which people are dubbing as the Nexus 5, but rumors are already flying about the device, and some people say it’s going to be a phablet, which is a cross between a tablet and a phone.
Jumping on the bandwagon is designer Jo Enaje with her concept design for the next-generation Nexus. She envisions the next Nexus as having thinner screen edges compared to its predecessor and having more colors available in its line. It reminds me of Apple’s iPhone 5C somewhat with all the colors, and personally, I don’t think colorful is Google’s style but I could be wrong.
As you can see, Jo keeps the bezels to a minimum, making the design as fuss-free and simplistic as possible, just as Google has done with its Nexus smartphones in the past. The designs are just a mock-up, of course, but already it’s getting a lot of people excited (including yours truly), especially since the rumored announcement date for the actual device is this October 30th.
Concept aside, the Nexus 5′s purported service manual was leaked earlier this month, which specifies its UMTS/GSM/CDMA/LTE compatibility. Its wide range of connectivity features mean that it’s best to take out a contract that offers 3G, 4G, or high-speed Wi-Fi, but they don’t have to be pricey plans, since telcos are always offering deals to entice you to switch networks.
Other alleged specs include a 4.95-inch 1080p display, an 8MP rear camera, a 1.3MP front camera,wireless charging, Slimport connectivity, a microSIM slot, NFC, and Bluetooth 3.0.
What do you think about Jo’s concept for the Nexus 5?
[via Android Headlines]
Microsoft announced on Monday the third update to its Windows Phone 8 mobile platform featuring updates including support for a larger Start screen at a higher resolution. Microsoft also included support for a faster processor, a driving mode, accessibility features and a few more.
The update creates the ability for Windows Phone 8 to support larger 5 and 6 inch mobile devices which some are calling “phablets”. Microsoft did not use the word phablet or refer to any larger devices being released however the main image on the release post from Microsoft had “phablet” in the file name. This would handle 1080p HD resolution and allows for as many as six Live Tiles across the screen. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Nokia come out with a larger device with the updated OS from Microsoft after Microsoft’s recent purchase of Nokia’s handset division.
An update for a faster processor will support the Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 quad-core processor, and a new Driving Mode will limit distractions and even send automatic replies to tell those trying to contact you that you are driving. The Phone 8 update also includes a set of accessibility features, improved hotspot WiFi sharing, increased ringtone configuration, a rotation lock (something Android and iOS have had for a long time), storage management improvements, the ability to manually close an app quickly, and better Bluetooth.
The update will be rolling out to Windows Phone 8 over the next several months according to Microsoft, and if you are supporting apps for Windows Phone 8 you can get the Windows Phone preview for developers starting today.
If you believe the rumors, Nokia was supposed to launch the supersized Lumia 1520 (aka Bandit) as soon as next week. However, this unannounced Windows Phone may have hit an unofficial snag: Reuters claims that Nokia has delayed the unveiling by "several weeks" in the wake of Microsoft's plans to buy the company's device business. There's no word on an adjusted release date, although the historically accurate @evleaks has heard that the 1520 might appear in late October. Not surprisingly, Nokia isn't commenting on delays for a product that doesn't officially exist -- but don't be shocked if there's a new flagship Lumia later in the fall.
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Microsoft, Nokia
Source: Reuters
Motorola's not just pinning its hopes on the success of its new smartphone, the Moto X, it's also going after tablets. As CEO Dennis Woodside told Engadget at the company's Fort Worth facility, "That's something we are working on, but [there's] nothing specific to talk about right now." While we're sure this new Moto tablet X will be a far cry from the company's past Xoom and Xyboard efforts, it's not clear if the device will be available to consumers through Moto Maker, the company's made-to-order site. But with Woodside and other Motorola's execs insistence that customization is the way forward, chances are you're likely to see the in-the-works slate arrive with various configuration options. There's also a likelihood Motorola could release a phablet-sized Moto X. Woodside said the company also plans to explore other form factors that incorporate "some of the design cues, as well as technologies, from the Moto X[.]"
Remember when Samsung's big-screened Galaxy Note line was considered niche? Those days are long gone. JK Shin now says that the company has sold more than 38 million Note smartphones since the original launched in late 2011. That's 28 million more than Samsung reported a year ago; for context, Nokia has sold a total of 27.3 million Lumia smartphones as of its latest earnings report. Not surprisingly, Shin sees a bright future ahead for the Galaxy Note 3. He expects Samsung to sell over 10 million units of the third-generation handset, and history suggests that the tech giant could easily reach that goal despite an abundance of competition.
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Samsung
Source: ETNews
Canadians won't have to wait much longer than their American counterparts to get their hands on the Galaxy Note 3 and Galaxy Gear. Telus sends word that it will carry both Samsung devices on October 4th, just a few days after AT&T gets its turn at the Note 3. The carrier doesn't yet have pricing. As for additional Canadian networks? We've reached out to Bell and Rogers for their launch details, and we'll let you know when they have something to share. If history is any indication, though, other providers will quickly follow in Telus' footsteps.
Filed under: Cellphones, Wearables, Mobile, Samsung
Source: Telus
Want a clear look at Nokia's Lumia 1520 (aka Bandit)? You may just have it. After posting a screen capture earlier in the week, @evleaks has released what's reportedly a press image of the super-sized, 1080p Windows Phone. The render largely matches what we've seen before, including the additional Live Tiles on the home screen, but the back is new. It suggests that there will be a Lumia 925-style camera hump -- sorry, no 41-megapixel sensor here -- along with aesthetics borrowed from other members of the Lumia family. There's no guarantee that this image is real, but we won't be surprised if it accurately represents Nokia's last flagship before Microsoft takes the reins.
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Microsoft, Nokia
Source: @evleaks (Twitter)