HTC Desire 820 is first Snapdragon 615-powered mid-ranger

Today at IFA 2014 in Berlin, HTC has announced the latest addition to its mid-range Desire family, the Desire 820. Following on from the Desire 816, launched earlier in the year, the 820 maintains the same 5.5-inch display size and 720p resolution, while cranking the processor up to a Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 — an octa-core chip with cores at 1.5GHz and 1.0GHz. On top of that there's 2GB of RAM and 16GB of storage, both increased from the Desire 816.
Other notables include a 13-megapixel rear camera with f/2.2 lens, a whopping 8-megapixel front-facing camera and 2,600mAh battery.
Out of the box, the Desire 820 runs Android 4.4 KitKat, though HTC tells us the phone will be updated to Android L to take full advantage of the Snapdragon 615's 64-bit capabilities. All of that's encased in in a "unibody" chassis with HTC's trademark front-facing speakers, with a variety of glossy and matte color versions available.


The HTC Desire 820 will be available globally from late September.

  

 

source:anroidcentral

Apple's rumored iPhone 6 mobile payment system seen as 'most legitimate potential threat' to PayPal

Apple is reported to have already inked deals with American Express, MasterCard and Visa for a digital payment system for iPhone 6, to be unveiled on September 9.
Baird analyst Colin Sebastian issued a note calling Apple's rumored "iWallet" the "elephant in the room," noting that, "while there is no shortage of competition in payments, we view Apple as perhaps the most legitimate potential threat to PayPal's strong position." The market for mobile payments is expected to reach $1 trillion worldwide by 2017, according to data from IDC. Among other recent entrants, including Amazon, Google and eBay, Apple "has a strong base of existing customers that it could leverage for mobile payments," Sebastian observed. Apple now has more than 800 million iTunes accounts, most of which are tied to credit cards. "We believe Apple's closed-platform, software expertise, and brand power position it well," Sebastian wrote. "Additionally, integration with its anticipated wearable device could be a key feature. We believe mobile payments could be a significant opportunity.""We view Apple as perhaps the most legitimate potential threat to PayPal's strong position" - Baird analyst Colin Sebastian In addition to having lots of active iTunes and App Store accounts, Apple's customers also represent the most valuable segment of buyers. Despite vast "market share" volumes of Android users, IBM announced last year that Apple's iOS was being used to do the most mobile shopping by a wide margin, from the important American Thanksgiving Black Friday throughout the Christmas holiday season. Analyzing terabytes of data from 800 retail sites, IBM reported that iOS devices accounted for more than five times the total sales of Android devices. The firm also said that iOS users spent an average of twice as much per order. IBM subsequently entered into an exclusive partnership with Apple to use the new Swift programming language to develop over 100 custom apps targeting the needs of enterprise users in specific markets.



source:Appleinsider

Samsung announces Galaxy Tab Active, a rugged tablet for businesses

Samsung, hot off announcing the Galaxy Note 4, Note Edge, and Gear VR, has gone official today with a new tablet targeted toward businesses: the Galaxy Tab Active.
The tablet employs a ruggedized yet compact design, taking after the Galaxy S5 Active in looks. The Galaxy Tab Active looks to deliver complete functionality for businesses, especially those which require devices to be quite rugged in order to survive daily work life, and has features like a removable battery to better accommodate those customers. There’s an anti-shock covering to withstand drops up to 1.2 meters, and there’s IP67 water and dust resistance certification. A 3.1MP auto-focus sensor makes up the rear camera, meant to scan barcodes, and near-field communication abilities are also inbuilt.
Samsung has also included its “C-Pen” installed at the top to make the tablet work in professions where the use of thick gloves prevents workers from being able to use their fingers to input information. There’s a 10-hour battery life, and there’s even a detachable battery and POGO pin charging too.
Being an enterprise-geared tablet, it’s no surprise that Samsung KNOX is also part of the package for enhanced security, and there’s also Samsung’s Mobile Care Service with an extended basic warranty up to three years.
The Galaxy Tab Active will come in both WiFi-only and LTE-supporting flavors, and will have 16GB of storage with microSD expansion. It’s available in Titanium Green, and comes with the protective cover and C-Pen.



 
Source: Samsung

Apple invents method of hardening sapphire screens to reduce cracking

As noted in Apple's "Sapphire property modification through ion implantation" patent filing, traditional chemical strengthening techniques used on glass screens may not be effective when applied to other materials such as sapphire.
Thus, Apple proposes a new hardening method of impregnating the crystalline lattice structure of corundum, of which sapphire is a variety, with ions to create a compressive stress layer that enhances stability. The invention points out that when a sapphire structure fails or breaks, it's usually the result of propagations of surface flaws when the component is put under stress. To prevent against cracks during a drop event, Apple's ion implantation method embeds ions within the sapphire substrate, either between existing crystal lattice sites or naturally occurring voids. In one embodiment, ions may be embedded so as to form an amorphous, or non-crystalline, section within the sapphire substructure. A variety of technologies can be employed in the ion embedding procedure, including high energy implantation, ion accelerators, plasma immersion techniques, pumping systems and electrical deposition methods, among others. Also variable is the size of implanted ions, their depth and concentration. In some cases, the strengthening procedure may result in localized tinting of the sapphire material. As coloration is undesirable for a device display, Apple proposes using ions like iron or titanium that would create a specific color, such as black, to intentionally create a masked area. For example, the blacked-out bezels seen on current iPhones would be achieved by embedding ions directly into the display glass instead of laying ink on the interior surface. The filing goes into great detail on ion impregnation techniques, as well as the creation of selective compressive stress zones that help prevent cracks from propagating. Apple's sapphire strengthening patent filing was first applied for in March 2013 and credits Dale N. Memering, Christopher D. Prest and Douglas Weber as its inventors.
 




 Source: USPTO

Samsung Galaxy Note 4 vs Samsung Galaxy Note 3: first look

It’s the new versus the old! The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 rocketed into our minds for being a well-rounded, fully equipped smartphone that screamed quality in every facet. Single handedly, it managed to dominate the phablet category yet again over the course of the last year, which isn’t all too surprising as we look at the offerings from its rivals. In typical style, the Galaxy Note 3 is relinquishing its strangle hold to only a single, worthy smartphone – its successor in the Samsung Galaxy Note 4. Knowing that the Note 4’s release is around the block, the question that’s most pertinent at the moment is whether current Note 3 owners should consider ditching the prized phone in favor of the newer model.



We know that some people are itching to grab their hands on the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Note 4, since it’s one rich smartphone from head-to-toe. However, for those folks out there currently calling the Note 3 as their daily drivers, they’re surely in a predicament with the inevitable release of the Note 4. The question that’ll nag them is whether it’s logical for them to ditch their Note 3, and just jump right in with the Note 4. Undoubtedly, we wouldn’t be too shocked by the idea, since anything newer will usually draw in people, but it’s going to be a hard fought battle because the Note 3 is still one noteworthy smartphone in the space – more so when we think about the phablet category.

Samsung Galaxy Note Edge hands-on

To the surprise of many, Samsung unveiled not one, but two new models that will reinforce the company's critically-acclaimed Note series -- the Note 4, and the far more interesting Note Edge. Quite frankly, the Edge is a Note 4 with a twist -- an additional screen on the side (or edge) of the device -- but what a twist it is! 

Indeed, this is the first time anybody has ever done this, and it seems like the millions Samsung poured in developing innovative display solutions are finally paying off. Of course, the ultimate test lies in capturing the hearts of consumers, as this won't be the first time seemingly good, novel ideas flop.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lumia Denim is the next firmware update for Nokia Lumia devices

Microsoft's event is already going strong, and we expect a couple of new Lumia smartphones, but before Redmond unveiled these, it unwrapped Lumia Denim - the next firmware update for Lumia devices. It will arrive on the Lumia 930/Icon and the Lumia 1520, while the newly-unveiled Lumia 830 and Lumia 730 will come with it out of the box.
What does this Lumia Denim firmware consist of? It brings some improvements to Cortana, Microsoft's voice assistant, and allows you to "summon" it by simply saying the "Hey, Cortana!" hotword, similar to the way you'd launch Siri and Google Now. It has apparently taken a page or two from Apple's and Google's books, but that's not all that the Denim update will bring on the table. See, it allows Cortana to keep tabs on your whereabouts and recognize the geographic areas in which you currently are.Additionally, Lumia Denim will bring some pretty impressive improvements to the camera software in the supported devices. Microsoft claimed that thanks to Denim, the camera does not only start faster, it also snaps individual photos in a quick fashion. What's more, you can now snap a 4K video clip and still images at the same time. If you have missed the moment, however, don't fret - you'll be able to extract photos from an already-recorded 4K video. All thanks to Lumia Denim.The alpha version of this firmware update will initially arrive as alpha in India and Canada, while its beta version will be tested in the UK and China. When should we expect the Lumia Denim update? Well, it will be available for the Lumia 930/Icon and the Lumia 1520 in Q4 2014. 
 


source: Microsoft

U2 to help launch the iPhone 6

Apple's keynotes always feature live music performances of some kind, and this year's keynote looks to be just as special as the product it's going to launch. Multiple sources claim that long-standing rock act U2 is collaborating with Apple and director Mark Romanek to shoot either a music video or a commercial related to the upcoming iPhone 6, and in addition, the iOS flagship will come pre-loaded with the band's upcoming album.
 The claims seem quite consistent, as one source reported that an iPhone-related video was being shot on the Samuel Beckett Bridge in Ireland. An eBay employee by the name of Stephen Browne went to check out the action and managed to snap a photo of an actor holding what could very well be an iPhone 6. The employee reported that the "focus of the video on the bridge was a phone". He also cited "tight security" obstructing his camera, despite that nobody from U2 was said to be on the scene.

The Samuel Beckett Bridge

The cavalcade of sources continues with Julian Lennon, a friend of Bono's, telling U2 fans in Spain that the band is shooting an ad for Apple. Add several Irish music journalists, including Bryan MacDonald, claiming that the new U2 record is shipping on the iPhone 6, and you've got too many clues to dismiss these claims as mere rumors. Finally, a Cupertino resident reported that a concert stage was being built outside Flint Center, the venue where Apple will present on September 9. Well, U2 probably won't be bringing its humongous 360 stage to Cupertino, but who knows, it's a big event!
Although U2 frontman Bono once likened Apple to "a religious cult", band and company seem to be rolling on good terms. The last time they collaborated musically was way back in 2004, when a special U2 edition of the iPod Classic launched, preloaded with exclusive content. Ten years later, it looks like something similar might be happening as we speak!



via Business Insider

Apple iPhone 6 faces supply issues after last minute redesign

According to sources inside the Apple supply chain who shared information with Reuters, suppliers are having troubles delivering enough screen units for the iPhone 6. The need to redesign a key component is to blame as it has disrupted the phone's display panel production.


More specifically, the backlight that helps illuminate the screen has been redesigned, which has left suppliers scratching their heads. This has put the screen assembly on pause for unspecified periods in June and July. Apple has demanded to 4.7" iPhone 6 to sport a single layer of backlight film, and not two. However, this configuration didn't prove bright enough and an extra layer had to be fitted.
To make up for the lost time, suppliers are working around the clock, the supply chain source noted. The companies producing the displays are Japan Display, Sharp and LG Display.
It's still unclear if the troubles with the supply are going to affect the iPhone 6's launch or limit the number of units available to customers.
The same source confirms that Apple is also working on a 5.5" version of the iPhone. It's expected to go out in December, while the 4.7" version will be available this September. Its announcement is scheduled for September 9.


 source:reuters

LG G Watch R gets unveiled with round P-OLED display

LG took the wraps off the decidedly premium G Watch R. The Android Wear device will be showcased at the company’s booth during the upcoming IFA convention in Berlin.

The main feature of the LG G Watch is its display. As the R letter in the name kindly suggests, the screen is a 1.3" fully circular Plastic OLED display with a resolution of 320 x 320 pixels. The Korean manufacturer took a jab at Motorola’s Moto 360 by pointing that the screen of the G Watch utilizes 100% of its face (the screen of the competitor doesn’t).
The smartwatch is IP67 dust and water-resistant. It is available only in black.
LG G Watch R will begin rolling out in key markets in early Q4 (in time for the holiday shopping season). Pricing and exact availability will be announced during the device’s local launch.



SOURCE:LGNEWSROOM

Lumia 830 leaks trump previous rumors, only 10 megapixel camera

Sources to WPDang are now saying that the Lumia 830 will only sport a 10 megapixel camera, and they also reinforce the previous claims that it sports a 720p display. Obviously these are mid-tier specs if you compare this to other Lumia offerings in the market, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing if you compare it to flagships that still exist, like the Lumia 925 or even the iPhone 5s.
Be xpecting to see the Lumia 830 announced at IFA 2014 along with the Lumia 730, which is reported to be Microsoft’s selfie phone. It would be great if both devices sport this selfie capability out of the box, but time will tell as we cover the event live.


Source: WPDang

Copper-gold Sony Xperia Z3 leaks out alongside a curved wearable device

The Sony event at the Berlin IFA 2014 is just hours away, and the leaks keep on coming, trying to anticipate even more of what we’ll probably see. Yesterday we’ve seen an alleged picture of the Sony Xperia Z3, with a spec-sheet glued to its back; that piece of paper, among specs, also mentioned a copper flavor, alongside black and white, and it’s that exact new variant seems to have leaked today, in the images above and below.
The photos of the Xperia Z3 don’t show its front side, but we’ve seen that several times before anyway. As expected, the new Sony flagship isn’t too different from the Xperia Z2, though it reportedly measures 146.5 x 72.4 x 7.5 mm - which means it’s a tad smaller than the soon-to-be-former flagship (which stands at 146.8 x 73.3 x 8.2 mm). Alongside the copper version, the Z3 will seemingly have white, black, and mint variants.
 



Source: XperiaBlog
 

Opera Mini beta now available on Windows Phone

Back in August of 2013, Opera hinted that it was working on a version of an Opera browser for Windows Phone. At the time, the company said it would announce when it had the browser ready. We are happy to tell you that Opera Mini  is now available for Windows Phone users willing to test a beta version of the browser. Click on the sourcelink to send your email address to Opera, so that the company can send you a link to enable you to download the app.
Over 300 million people use Opera Mini worldwide, a number that surely will rise once the browser has the beta tag removed, and becomes available for Windows Phone. By compressing data in the background, Opera Mini uses as much as 90% less data than other browsers, allowing you to conserve your precious data for other things. Besides saving data, Opera Mini also includes tabbed browsing, themes, and other features.The Opera Mini app is already available for Android and iOS, and is free on both platforms. It is also available for most featurephones as well. And it will apparently be ready soon for Windows Phone. One good thing about joining the beta testers is that it enables you to have your comments and opinions read by the developers, while there is still time to make your comments count..



 source: Opera, WPCentral

33,000 Apple iPhone 6 units for China Mobile

China Mobile has already started accepting preorders for both a 4.7 inch and a 5.5 inch variant of the handset. This would seem to confirm that the 5.5 inch iPhone phablet exists. The world's largest carrier restricted preorders to its online store accessible in Beijing. Since accepting these preorders, China Mobile has rung up more than 33,000 reservations. A person familiar with the timing of the launch, said that the next-gen iPhone would be released in the middle of this month.
 Taobao, which is described as the largest e-commerce platform in China, several online stores that will be receiving the phone, are requesting that customers put down $810 USD to reserve the model. One electronics seller on the platform said that many are asking about the phone, but few are actually laying out money to reserve it. He said that since July, he has had 16 orders. But this is something that has been seen throughout the country, now that Apple is making its products available in China closer to the initial launch date. The top Taobao stores have written up about 200 preorders each for the iPhone 6. When the Apple iPhone 5 was due out, these stores were able to pick up as many as 700 preorders each.
Apple is facing stiff competition in China from Meizu and Xiaomi. In fact, earlier today the Meizu MX4 was introduced in China, sporting an octa-core MediaTek chip. Priced at $293 for the 16GB version, this is a good example of what Apple is up against in China. For the second quarter, Apple had the sixth highest smartphone market share in the country.


source: ChinaDaily via AppleInsider