Sony to launch Windows Phone handsets in 2014?

It's Sony again... It is rumored that Sony will Windows Phone (WP) handsets. You may remember the Sony Ericsson Jolie prototype that hits the eBay store a few years ago. But as I said, they (probably) will make WP handset(s) launch and will launch it in 2014. The device will announced at mid-2014 and will join the Sony's Vaio product line. (Source: The Information)

On the other hand, Microsoft after acquiring Nokia's devices and services, is still looking for new hardware partners to help expanding Windows Phone's ecosystem (to complete with Google's Android). Currently Windows Phone market is dominated by Nokia Lumia handsets (over 90%).

More details you can find on this link, or this, or this.

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New year message from Sony Mobile hints a few clues on what Sony is planning for next year

Sony's new year message has been posted by Sony Mobile News blog. However, there are some clues on what's Sony have been working for 2014.

Here are the clues:

"Our OmniBalance design is, and will remain, a key element of what makes our products special."

“The water resistance design feature resonated with both the media and customers in a way that even we had not anticipated. The message coming back from consumers was clear. They loved being able to text in the rain and listen to music by the pool, safe in the knowledge that they weren’t risking damage to their smartphone.”

"It [Xperia Z1] is our strongest selling smartphone to date and will continue as our flagship into 2014."

"Our second generation SmartWatch 2 has exceeded our expectations in terms of sales and has been praised by media for the way it solves actual consumer problems. This is all thanks to feedback from you, and we are grateful for it. We are leaders in this space and there will be a lot to talk about in 2014."

"2014 is going to be an incredible year, we’ve got some truly exciting products coming up, new form factors to explore and more from our wearables team, so stay tuned and keep talking to us."

Anyway, (maybe it is too late,) Happy New Year 2014 to our readers!

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Some more Samsung Galaxy S5 concept by GalaxyS5Info

This time it's a new Samsung Galaxy S5 concept by galaxys5info.

• Android 4.4 KitKat
• 64-bit Exynos octa-core porcessor
• 4 gigs of RAM
• 5.25" Flexible UHD (2K/QHD) display
• 16 MP ISOCELL camera
• Wireless headphones; quad-surround speakers
• Iris scanner

If you want to know more, here are some pictures to look at and enjoy.

Via (1 I 2) I Be sure to follow us on Twitter so you don't miss any updates from us.

Xperia T and V firmware certified (9.2.A.0.276); could it be the 4.3?

A new firmware update is now certified for Xperia T (LT30p, LT30a) and Xperia V (LT25i) with build number 9.2.A.0.276. The previous version of firmware update is 9.1.A.1.145, so it could be the major update. 

Sony says the 4.3 update should begin to roll out in December, however there's only one more day in December, so the update will likely start to roll out in January 2014. The update for Xperia TX (Xperia T for some markets) hasn't been certified so far, but we'll keep you posted.

Via I Be sure to follow us on Twitter so you don't miss any updates from us.

Sony's next flagship(s) leaked, to came on Jan '14 and May '14

After Xperia Z1, Sony is also working on a new flagships. There are two flagships next year, codenamed 'Sirius' and 'Canopus'. More details, check this out:

- Codenamed Sirius (same codename as Nokia Lumia 2520 by the way), will saw 5.2" display and a Snapdragon 800 SoC. The handset will launch in January 2014 (we'd predict if this handset could announced at mid-January or late January, as Sony said there are no more flagships unveiled in CES).

- Codenamed Canopus, will spot 5" display and Snapdragon 800 or 805 SoC. The handset will available in two versions, the cellular version and the WiFi-only version, and will unveiled at May of 2014.

There are very little known specs of the phone listed above, so let's stay tuned on what's happening in 2014.

Via
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Latest Moneypenny leak shows 4G LTE support, but no dual-SIM

Take a look at the screenshot below courtesy of @evleaks.

This is the Moneypenny screenshot. As you know, Moneypenny have a dual-SIM and single-SIM version. Few days ago we reported the Moneypenny dual-SIM version screenshot (a little typo at the title), and now this is the single-SIM version that may have 4G LTE (look at the top of the screenshot). The dual-SIM may not have 4G. This seems to be the Lumia 635 screenshot, while the 630 has dual-SIM feature.

By the way the original screenshot resolution is 480x854, which is a resolution that Windows Phone doesn't support. The actual screen resolution may be 480x800, while the 54 extra pixel is used for on-screen buttons. Remember WP8.1 could have on-screen buttons?

(Look at the clock, it's 6:35)

The 630/635/'Moneypenny' should launch on Q1 2014 (we predicted that this phone would show up in MWC 2014).

Via
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Back panel of Xperia Z1 mini surfaced?

The phone pictured below is Xperia Z1 mini (Sony D5503). This is the international version of Xperia Z1 f, which was announced exclusively for Japanese NTT DoCoMo carrier. As you can see, the back panel is similar to Xperia Z1 f and you can see the 20.7 mpix camera as seen on Xperia Z1. It also features an NFC one-touch sharing technology.

Source (log in or register to see the picture) I Via
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LG's L-series II handsets to get 'Knock' feature via maintenance update

LG announced on Sunday in Korea that its premium feature called 'Knock' (formerly known as 'KnockON') will be standard for other new and future handsets. KnockON is a feature that allows user to easily wake the device from sleep. KnockON makes its first debut on LG G2, where the volume button is located on the back of the device, so users can easily wake the device with double-taps.

After G2, this feature also exists on the LG G Pad and G Flex, all have power button on the back, so user can easily turn his/her device on from sleep with double taps.

Now, all the LG Optimus L Series II phones (L7 II, L5 II, L3 II single-SIM and dual-SIM versions, and maybe other L Series II phones that is not listed, even the power button is not located on the back of the device) reported to get the Knock feature via maintenance update in January.

Here's the full press release report:

SEOUL, Dec. 29, 2013 — LG Electronics (LG) announced that its popular Knock feature (formerly known as KnockON) will be included as a standard feature in the company’s key mobile devices in the future while its line of L Series II smartphones will receive Knock through a global Maintenance Release upgrade starting in January 2014. 

Knock was first introduced in LG G2 as a convenient way to turn the smartphone on and off by tapping twice on the display since the power button was located on the back of the phone. Then Knock was featured in a tablet for the first time with the LG G Pad 8.3 followed by the G Flex curved smartphone which also shared the rear button design of the G2. The reaction of audiences to this new feature was so positive that a version for LG’s best-selling L Series II was developed to offer the feature to as many customers as possible.  

"Knock is distinctively an LG UX and a great example of what happens when you marry the latest in mobile technology with consumer-centric insights,” said Dr. Jong-seok Park, President and CEO of LG Electronics’ Mobile Communications Company, “No one ever thought that a power button needed to be improved until our engineers wondered why they couldn’t turn the entire screen into a power button.”

Source: LG I Via
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Nokia Lumia 1320 starts its sales today

Remember the Nokia Lumia 1320? Yeah, it's basically a mid-end version of the Lumia 1520. The device was launched at Nokia World back in October and has some reasonable specifications at a reasonable price. Here are some specs:

-- 6" 720p HD display (not as sharp as the 1520 due to the price.)
-- Gorilla-glass screen protector, super-responsive screen (you can use it even when you're wearing gloves)
-- Dual-core 1.7GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor
-- Native Nokia apps like Storyteller, MixRadio, HERE Maps navigation service
-- microSD card expansion slot
-- Larger display means more Start screen columns

Today, the Lumia 1320 begins its sales in China, followed by Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore and other countries in the upcoming weeks, and according to MyNokiaBlog it is priced at $339 USD.

Source

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Nokia pulls HERE Maps for iOS devices because of a buggy bug

As the title reads, Nokia pulls the HERE Maps app from the Apple App Store because they found a serious bug in iOS 7. In a statement, Nokia spokesman says that changes in iOS 7 would 'harm user experience'.  Here's what Nokia spokesman says:

"We have made the decision to remove our HERE Maps app from the Apple App Store because recent changes to iOS 7 harm the user experience. iPhone users can continue to use the mobile web version of HERE Maps under m.here.com., offering them core location needs, such as search, routing, orientation, transit information and more, all completely free of charge."

Yes, HERE Maps had a critical bug that froze the app, or when not, it would zoom in to maximum value (not to the medium value) if the user tries to zoom-in the map.

Source I Via

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Alcatel/TCL Idol X+ revealed

Alcatel (also known as TCL for Chinese markets) has unveil its newest smartphone, the TCL/Alcatel Idol X+ for Chinese markets. This phone is an upgraded version of the Alcatel Idol X. Let us see what's new.

The phone has a bigger battery capacity (2000mAh in the Idol X increased to 2500mAh in the Idol X+), and an increased thickness (7mm in the Idol X to 7.9mm in the Idol X+). The phone also has a 2GHz octa-core MT6592 chipset, with 2GB RAM. Other than that, it still has a same 5" 1080p display and the 13MP camera,

TCL also announce the wristband called Boom Band. The wristband acts as a proximity alarm and activity tracker. The wristband has connects with the phone via Bluetooth connection and will available in several colors.

The phone's pricing is at 1,999 Yuan (about $330) unlocked and available in China only for now. We hope that this product will be available in other countries, outside of China.

If you live in China, you can go to JD.com and pre-ordering one. The Idol X+ will available in China on January 15 next year.

Source I Via

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Nokia Lumia 525 now available in China; costs $148

A few days ago Nokia announced the Lumia 525 for Singapore markets. Now, Nokia has announce the 525 for China markets. The phone will go on sale at 899 Yuan or equals to $148 USD and available in three colors (white, black and orange). If you live in China you can buy it straight from the JD online store.

The Lumia 525 is the successor of the well-known Nokia Lumia 525. The main difference between Lumia 520 and Lumia 525 is the RAM memory, where the Lumia 520 has 512 MB of RAM and the 525 has a 1 GB RAM. This will allow Lumia 525 to run some high-class apps (apps that available on 1 GB RAM only).

As usual, other country availability soon.

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LG G3 to feature a fingerprint scanner

The Apple iPhone 5s and the HTC One max might not be only the phone with a fingerprint scanner to unlock the phone. A report published on Thursday saying that the LG G3, LG's next flagship, will have a fingerprint scanner, to unlock the phone. The mechanism of the scanner is going to be like HTC One max' scanner (requires user to swipe down his/her finger to read the fingerprint), and not like the iPhone 5s' scanner (requires user to press and hold the fingerprint sensor -- on the home button).

Other features included in the G3 are the Android 4.4 operating system, 2.2GHz octa-core processor, and Quad HD display resolution.

The product is expected to introduced at MWC 2014, with other wearables from LG called G Arch (possibly a smartwatch) and the G Health (possibly a wristband).

Source

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HTC give us a closer look behind the Android updates

Today, HTC releases an information about behind the scenes in making an update. Here's the process:

• Step 0: Evaluation
• Step 1: Development
• Step 2: Integration
• Step 3: Certification
• Step 4: Push to customer

To see the full process, take a look about the picture below. Click the picture to enlarge.

Source

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Oppo Find 7 to feature a 5.5" QHD display

OK, we may late to tell this news to you. Oppo (or OPPO) is teasing more about his new flagship, the (unannounced) Find 7. The last leak, i mean, teaser, says the Find 7 will have a 2K (2560x1440) display. Today, they tease us again saying that the Find 7 will have a QHD (Quad HD, not to confuse with qHD) display resolution and a 5.5" display (at a fantastic 538 PPI). Note that the higher display resolution, the higher it uses the battery, so we hope that Oppo makes a bigger battery for the phone, so it lasts longer.

We'll keep you updated for the latest news about the device.

Source I Link to status

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New Samsung codenames registered

Three new trademarks has been discovered at USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office) website. They're trademarked by Samsung and filled in December 17, 2013. These name sounds like codenames to our ears.

• Showplace
• Infinitude
• Panagon

What do these names could be? Mobile phones? Tablets? Wearables? Accessory? We'll wait for more. Maybe they'll show up in CES 2014.

Via

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Sony SWR10 spotted at FCC -- a new type of accessory

It seems like Sony is working on a new type of accessory. A new accessory called Sony SWR10 Bluetooth Wrist Notifier has been passed through FCC in the US. 'Bluetooth Wrist Notifier' sounds like a thing related to Sony SmartWatch 2. The accessory supports NFC connectivity like 2013 accessory portfolio do. The accessory could launched at CES 2014. We'll wait for more.

(Click the picture for a larger view)

Via

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Another 12.2-inch Samsung tablet spotted at Zauba, plus some predictions

Last Friday, we've tell you that the 12.2" Galaxy Note tablet seems to be named Galaxy Note Pro. Now, a new tablet with 12.2" screen appears on the Zauba site, Indian product tracking site (just like Indonesian Postel). The product code is SM-T905. As listed, the screen size is 12.2", and the price tag is same as the Galaxy Note Pro (SM-P900 or SM-P905). And, there is another rumor that the Galaxy Tab Pro 8.4 (SM-T320 or SM-T325) and Galaxy Tab Pro 10.1 (SM-T520 or SM-T525) is in the works.

So what's different? Well, maybe the SM-T905 is just the Galaxy Note Pro (SM-P900 or SM-P905) without the S-Pen. We know the screen size is more than just Full HD (1080x1920) but is 2560x1600.

(Click the picture to enlarge)

We should see the tablet in action at early next year (at CES 2014 may be). We'll keep you posted.
Source I Via

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Nokia Normandy spotted

Android-powered Nokia Normandy press image has been leaked by @evleaks. If the phone is announced, it'll look like this.

But, isn't it cancelled? We'll wait for more.

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Oppo R1 (R829T) unveiled

Oppo has announce its new smartphone, the R1 (formerly known as Oppo R829T).

The phone has some great specs like 8 mpix rear camera with F/2.0 aperture. This means you can take great pictures, even in low-light conditions, according to the company.

The smartphone runs Oppo's own ColorOS (is based on Android 4.2.2) with quad-core MediaTek MT6582 1.3GHz processor and 2GB RAM. It has a 5" IPS display with HD resolution (720x1280, 294 PPI), 16GB internal memory (no way to expand it), 5 megapixel front-facing camera, and a 2,410 mAh battery. The handset is coming at 142.7x70.4x7.1 mm size and 140 grams of weighing.
If you want it, you can buy it at Oppo's Chinese online shop for 2498 Yuan (about $410). No information about the availability outside of China.

However, if you understand Chinese, you can take a look at some pictures below.

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New Sony Xperia model numbers spotted on Indonesian Postel site; benchmarks too

Some new Sony Xperia model numbers has been spotted on Indonesian Postel website, a site that tracks shipping into Indonesia. They're the Sony D2005, D2105 and SGP521. They're on top of the list when this article is created.

(Click the picture to enlarge)

According to the 2013 portfolio number, the D2005 is the Xperia M dual successor (C2005), the D2105 is the Xperia L successor (C2105) and the SGP521 is the Xperia Tablet Z successor (SGP321).

The numbers that registered earlier is also an unannounced model. The D5322/D5303 is the Xperia SP successor (C5302/3/C53XX) and the D6503 is the successor of the Xperia ZL (C6503). The D5503 model number is the Xperia Z1 mini (successor of Xperia ZR - C5503).

OK, we are now going to the benchmark section. XperiaGuide is leaking a few Xperia models that are announced in 2014. They're D6503, D5303, D2105 and D2005. As listed above, the D2005 may be a successor to Xperia M (dual) (C2005) and the D2105 could be a successor of Xperia L (C2105). The D5303 may have a MediaTek MT6592 1.7GHz octa-core SoC and a 6" screen, but is a rumour only. Hopefully we can see these device in CES 2014 or MWC 2014.

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Nokia Lumia 630/635/Monypenny seems to be the first Lumia with Dual-SIM support; first screenshot leaked

It seems like the dual-SIM Lumias are coming, and the first device to be the dual-SIM Lumia seems to be Lumia 630/635 (Nokia 'Moneypenny'). Now, the first screenshot (or the press release) of this phone has leaked by well-known leaker @evleaks. What's exciting in this picture is the on-screen button that may featured in the WP 8.1; this seems to be the WP 8.1 handset. Other objects that may odd in your eyes is on the top of the screenshot that shows two 3G signals and two tiles for calls and messaging (there is a small number -- 1 and 2 -- helping users to know what SIM card used for each tile).

Since @evleaks tweets are protected (we'd rather go to social sites as 'guest/unregistered user'), we don't know about that tweet and can't embed the tweet; but some sites have posted this on their site (for example at Pocketnow).

No news for this so far; we'll keep you posted!

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Android Jelly Bean 4.3 Update now rolling for Xperia Z, ZL, ZR, and Tablet Z

Last Monday, we're telling you that the Sony Xperia Z1 and Z Ultra got the Android 4.3 update. On Tuesday, we got a news that the Android 4.3 update with build number 10.4.B.0.569 for Xperia Z, Xperia ZL, Xperia ZR and Xperia Tablet Z has been certified by PTCRB. And today we want to tell you that the Android 4.3 update for Xperia Z, ZL, ZR and Tablet Z starts to rolling out.

According to Sony Mobile News, the update brings some new features and some improvements. 

• Android 4.3, of course; bringing UI improvements and a smoother graphical experience
• Sony Smart Social Camera (Timeshift burst, Info-eye, Social live, AR effect) are now on the Xperia Z, Xperia ZL, Xperia ZR and Xperia Tablet Z 
• Sony's pre-installed apps updated to the latest version; Messaging, MyXperia, Smart Connect, Small apps, TrackID, and Sony Select
• Xperia themes; downloadable UI theme packs from Sony Select
• Some new feature (or some enhancements in the section) called Xperia in Business
• Sony's power management app updated to the latest version
• Sony's Media apps (Album, Movies, and WALKMAN) with Sony Entertainment Network cloud service integration
• Increased user control feature for Xperia Tablet Z; now has restricted profiles; option to create isolated, secure spaces with individual local storage, home screens, widgets and settings.

The update availability may vary by country and carrier. Sony also confirmed that other Xperia smartphones will get this Android 4.3 update. (What do you mean by 'other'?)

Source

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Intro: HTC Desire 400 dual SIM

OK, we've got another Android phone... Yes, HTC yesterday announced the new HTC Desire 400 dual-SIM. The phone has appeared in the Russian and Ukrainian HTC website. But they've gave us a different specs.

The Russian site says the HTC Desire 400 dual SIM has a 4.3" display at WVGA resolution, quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 200 1.2GHz processor, 8 megapixel back-cam with LED flash and 1.6 megapixel front shooter. The internal memory is in 4 gigabytes (expandable via microSD card slot) with 1 GB RAM memory.

Meanwhile the Ukrainian site says the phone has a 5 megapixel back camera, VGA front-facing camera and a dual-core 1GHz dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon processor.

But, both sites have listed that the phone has Sense UI and BlinkFeed, WiFi and HSPA, and a 1,800 mAh battery, which claimed up to 435 hours of stand-by time (on 3G).

The phone will available in three colors. No pricing data or date availability is given on this handset.





HTC Desire 400 Russian page
HTC Desire 400 Ukrainian page

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