Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Apple iPhone 6 and Apple iPhone 6 Plus to launch in China on October 17th; pre-orders start October 10th

After we heard reports that Chinese regulators had finally given thumbs up to the Apple iPhone 6 and the Apple iPhone 6 Plus, we knew it was just a matter of time until the two new iPhones would be launched in the country. On Wednesday morning, Apple announced that October 17th will be the launch date of the 4.7-inch Apple iPhone 6 and the 5.5-inch Apple iPhone 6 Plus in China.



Last year, China was one of the countries that received the Apple iPhone 5s and Apple iPhone 5c on the initial launch weekend. Even without the Chinese market included in this year's total, Apple managed to top last ...



from PhoneArena - News http://ift.tt/1qU0JfO

Third party QWERTY Fleksy gets update before listing in the Samsung and Amazon App stores

Fleksy is one of the most popular third party QWERTY keyboard apps in the world. Originally developed as a keyboard for the visually impaired, Fleksy quickly changes misspelled words. Swiping across the QWERTY, you can delete words, add punctuation, or type numbers. The third party QWERTY can be minimized or even made invisible so you can view 100% of your screen.



Currently available in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store, Fleksy is also heading to the Samsung App Store and the Amazon Appstore. In addition, the Android version of the app is getting an update to version 3.2.6, ...



from PhoneArena - News http://ift.tt/1v3pBG3

iPhone #bendgate theater and Apple's incentive not to respond

For the record, I have been counting the days until this stupid iPhone 6 Plus #bendgate nonsense would end ever since the first time I saw the video that kicked it all off from Unbox Therapy. When I saw the knuckles of Lewis Hilsenteger go white in his attempt to bend the iPhone 6 Plus, I was convinced that this was all going to be blown way out of proportion, and any chance to highlight a real problem with the iPhone 6 Plus would likely be lost. There was obviously a structural flaw in the iPhone that Apple would need to be held accountable for, but there is a huge gap between confronting a company ...



from PhoneArena - News http://ift.tt/1rDRswf

Report: Apple iPad Air 2 will have a gold version

Apple’s been selling gold-colored iPhones since last year, but there are no golden iPads to match them yet. Fret not, though, because the next-generation iPad Air (quite possibly called iPad Air 2) will have a gold version - according to Bloomberg and sources "familiar with the matter." Mind you, it's not the first time we're hearing about this.



Bloomberg reports that the new iPaid Air’s gold version will be available alongside grey and silver models. This way, the tablet will have the same color scheme of the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus.



The iPad Air 2 could be officially announced ...



from PhoneArena - News http://ift.tt/1rDQtfm

Android Lemon Meringue Pie build LRW87D seen on issue tracker site, running on Nexus 5

Is Android L being tested on the Nexus 5? The Chromium issue tracker on the Chromium web site revealed Lemon Meringue Pie build LRW87D running on the Hammerhead, which was Google's code for the Nexus 5. The issue being reported has something to do with videos crashing on the phone, while the new OS build is installed.



The version of Lemon Meringue Pie employed is quite recent. Breaking down the LRW87D build number, the "L" stands for Lemon Meringue Pie. The second letter "R" is a code used by Google that reveals the code branch that the build was made from. The remaining "W87" tells us that ...



from PhoneArena - News http://ift.tt/1xzJYiM

Motorola Moto 360 smartwatch is back in stock


Motorola's Moto 360 smartwatch is back in stock in the manufacturer's online store in both black and metal finish. Best Buy also has the two color options of device listed as available to order in the United States. #ItsTime #Moto360 is back in stock on http://t.co/5EZh0UFqjq (U.S. only). Hurry - quantities are limited: http://t.co/pNpDTAAvgI— Motorola Mobility (@Motorola) September 30, 2014 Moto 360 sold out hours after its retail launch in early September alongside the new Moto G and the 2014 Moto X. The Android Wear gadget is undoubtedly the one of the most anticipated wearable devices to launch this year. A recent firmware update to the Moto 360 brought improvements to its battery life. Motorola is yet to comment on how many units of the smartwatch it sold this far. Source 1 | Source...






from GSMArena.com - Latest articles http://ift.tt/1rFePGU

Third party QWERTY Flesky gets update before listing in the Samsung and Amazon App stores

Flesky is one of the most popular third party QWERTY keyboard apps in the world. Originally developed as a keyboard for the visually impaired, Flesky quickly changes misspelled words. Swiping across the QWERTY, you can delete words, add punctuation, or type numbers. The third party QWERTY can be minimized or even made invisible so you can view 100% of your screen.



Currently available in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store, Flesky is also heading to the Samsung App Store and the Amazon Appstore. In addition, the Android version of the app is getting an update to version 3.2.6, ...



from PhoneArena - News http://ift.tt/1pF1JUL

How to use the OK Google command from any screen on your Android phone (including the lock screen)

Earlier this year (in June, to be exact), the official Google app for Android received a pretty big update, which brought us the ability to use the OK Google command everywhere on our phones (meaning from any screen - even the lock screen). This is available on devices running Android 4.3 or later. Obviously, many Android users know this, and have already enabled the feature on their devices. However, if you’re new to Android, or simply didn’t know this until now, we’re here to show you how to use the OK Google hotword from any screen.



Here it goes: open your Google app and scroll down ...



from PhoneArena - News http://ift.tt/1xzBjNl

Sony Xperia M2 Aqua to be launched in Canada this week

Last month, when Sony announced the Xperia M2 Aqua, it didn’t say if the handset would be available in North America. However, it looks like it will: according to MobileSyrup, the new smartphone should be released in Canada on October 2.



Reportedly, the Xperia M2 Aqua will be launched by Videotron (one of Canada’s smaller carriers), but it may also be available via Rogers and others. The handset should be free on contract at Videotron, while its off-contract price is expected to be between $250 - $300.



Officially announced by Sony in August, the Xperia M2 Aqua isn’t too different ...



from PhoneArena - News http://ift.tt/1rEthyZ

Apple cuts off German publication for showing #bendgate video

How angry is Apple that videos showing the Apple iPhone 6 Plus bending have gone viral? So angry that the tech titan has pulled its Public Relations credentials from Europe's top selling computer magazine. By making this move, Apple is keeping #bendgate alive. The company, more than any other in the industry, should know by now that once you've done damage control, you let the story die from natural causes.



The magazine, Computer Bild, purchased an Apple iPhone 6 Plus following news that they were bending in the front pockets of purchasers. So the magazine decided to hold its own test, and ...



from PhoneArena - News http://ift.tt/1wVIk7N

Pebble gets $50 price cut from Best Buy for the original plastic model

Would you like to save $50? Sure you would. By purchasing the original plastic clad Pebble smartwatch from Best Buy's website for $99.99 (which includes shipping, but not taxes), you could save enough to make 50 purchases from McDonald's dollar menu. The Pebble made it to the market last year, following a successful Kickstarter campaign, and has its own iOS and Android app store with more than 4000 apps to choose from. So far, there have been over 5 million apps downloaded.



Like the majority of smartwatches out there, the Pebble needs to pair with a smartphone so that you can receive notifications ...



from PhoneArena - News http://ift.tt/1rrx5og

Alleged press image of HTC M8 Eye makes the rounds


The yet to be announced HTC M8 Eye appeared in an alleged press image. The previously leaked high-end handset is expected to debut next week, on October 8 alongside an action camera from HTC. As you can see in the image above, HTC M8 Eye has the same design as the HTC One (M8) we know already. However, the newcomer will swap the underwhelming 4MP UltraPixel camera of the HTC One (M8) for a proper 13MP snapper (likely the same as in the HTC Butterfly 2). The secondary sensor for depth of field measuring will also be on board. Camera aside, the specs of the HTC M8 Eye are tipped to be identical to those of the original. They include Snapdragon 801 chipset, 5" 1080p display, and Sense-d Android 4.4.4 KitKat. Overall, the HTC M8 Eye brings back memories of the HTC One X+. Launched in October 2012, the latter addressed some of shortcomings of the original One X. Source (in Chinese) |...






from GSMArena.com - Latest articles http://ift.tt/1rC0CJF

Moto 360 back in stock at Motorola: same price, improved battery life

While Motorola started selling its Moto 360 at the beginning of September, not many customers managed to buy the smartwatch, because it was quickly sold out. As of today, however, Motorola’s website is listing the Moto 360 as being back in stock - and it looks like you can also find the device at Best Buy and Google Play Store.



There are two Moto 360 design configurations that are available at the moment: light metal case with stone leather band, and dark metal case with black leather band. Each cost $249.99 (this, by the way, was the price of the Moto 360 from day one).



Motorola ...



from PhoneArena - News http://ift.tt/1vuxkz3

The super-sized chart: meet the largest smartphones on the planet

As pertains to large-screened smartphones, a curious sense of insecurity has taken root in the smartphone industry, and it's not so much about the size, but rather the way we deal with it. More specifically, the way we dealt with it in the past has come to haunt many a tech blogger.



Does anyone remember the 4.65-inch Galaxy Nexus? The 4.7-inch HTC Titan? These were the 'crazy' phablets of days past. Today, these are both considered medium-sized flagships. In just a few short years, we went from being horrified at the thought of anything exceeding 4 inches, to a state where those appear ...



from PhoneArena - News http://ift.tt/1vuRKHe

U.S. Cellular to offer customers the LG G3 in October

We have some good news today for U.S. Cellular customers, who have been waiting for the LG G3 to be made available from the mobile operator. Starting next month, the model will be for sale in the carrier's retail outlets and from its online store. Using U.S. Cellular's equipment installment option, the handset can be purchased for $0 down with 24 equal monthly payments due.



The LG G3 is the first smartphone in the U.S. to offer a 1440 x 2560 resolution screen. The 5.5 inch IPS screen features a pixel density of 538ppi. The device is powered by a quad-core 2.5GHz Snapdragon 801 CPU, and the ...



from PhoneArena - News http://ift.tt/ZoWwLH

Windows 10 release date: mid/late 2015




The next major version of Windows has been announced - in a surprising turn of events, it'll be called Windows 10, and by the looks of it, it'll be a step back from the heavily metro-fied realities of Windows 8, bringing the focus back on the desktop portion of the OS.


One thing is certain, the road ahead of Windows 10 is still long - Microsoft has made sure to mention on several occasions during its announcement event that the project is still in its early stages, and there's quite a lot of developing left to be done. That said, we shouldn't be surprised ...



from PhoneArena - News http://ift.tt/YIk2SV

The next major Windows Phone version will be Windows 10

Well, it has officially been announced - the next Windows OS will be called Windows 10, instead of 9 or Threshold.


One thing the rumors were true about is that Microsoft will aim to bring unification to any device running Windows - be it a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop PC. In other words - the next version of Redmond's mobile OS will also be called Windows 10 (or maybe Windows Phone 10 - who knows?).



Now, smaller devices will still not get any Desktop in the classical sense, however, Microsoft has been very clear about designing its new OS ...



from PhoneArena - News http://ift.tt/1rqSLB9

New HTC One (M8) max rumored to have 5.5 inch QHD screen

A report published on Tuesday out of China, suggests that the HTC One (M8) max is going to come fully loaded. We're talking about a 5.5 inch 1440 x 2560 resolution screen. This would work out to a stunning pixel density of 538ppi. We could see a quad-core 2.7GHz Snapdragon 805 under the hood along with 3GB of RAM inside. If that isn't enough to get the salivary glands to start working, there is talk about an 18MP camera on the back of the device. Are you sitting down? The rear snapper is said to be equipped with OIS. A 3000mAh battery might sound a bit light to power such a beast, but with the ...



from PhoneArena - News http://ift.tt/1vuBCFI

Windows 10 aims to unify your devices

Well, it has officially been announced - the next Windows OS will be called Windows 10, instead of 9 or Threshnold.


One thing the rumors were true about is that Microsoft will aim to bring unification to any device running Windows - be it a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop PC. In other words - the next version of Redmond's mobile OS will also be called Windows 10.



Now, smaller devices will still not get any Desktop in the classical sense, however, Microsoft has been very clear about designing its new OS with unification in mind. While on that ...



from PhoneArena - News http://ift.tt/1xxNzha

Windows 10 brings improved desktop experience, better multi-tasking, and other good stuff

Out of the literal blue, Microsoft announced the next version of Windows. It's Windows 10. That's right, MS just went ahead and skipped a number. While the reasons are a numeric mystery of their own, Windows 10 looks like good news at the moment! It's one operating system. One platform. One interface. One app store. For all personal computing and communications devices imaginable - from the tiniest wearables to the bulkiest of computers.



So, what's up with Windows? In short, lots is up. Here are the innovations in brief, fresh from the Microsoft tribune.



The Start Menu returns with ...



from PhoneArena - News http://ift.tt/1vuzcqN

Microsoft skips Windows 9, jumps straight to Windows 10




Well, it's official folks, Microsoft has officially introduced its new version of Windows, but guess what - this isn't Windows 9 that we're talking about. Don't worry, though, we aren't dealing with some form of a spin-off or an enterprise-centric version - it'll be a full-blown Windows alright. You see, we were all expecting Microsoft to reveal Windows 9 at its event in San Francisco today, but what we got instead is... drum roll, please... Windows 10!


We ain't joking - it appears Microsoft is so proud of the work it's done on the new Windows, that ...



from PhoneArena - News http://ift.tt/1vuxeGJ

Apple Watch production rumored to start in January


Apple presented its first wearable earlier this month, but the release of the Apple Watch is only going to happen next year. That said, the company was a bit vague on details when it came to this subject. In these situations, though, rumors sometimes come to the rescue. The latest one on this matter, originating in Taiwan, says we should expect mass production for the Apple Watch to start in January. That's because Apple wants to have it in stores in February, right before Valentine's Day. There's apparently going to be only one company making the Apple Watch, and that's Quanta. The Taiwanese OEM is looking to hire a lot of people for the plant that will handle the production for Apple's smartwatch, planning to reach a peak of 40,000 employees in January. Although Quanta is the exclusive manufacturer of the Apple Watch right now, it's unclear whether this exclusivity has an expiration date attached. On the other hand, some unnamed "industry analysts" believe that if sales of the Apple Watch will go well, there will be a second OEM added at some point next year. Interestingly, Quanta's deal with Apple might have terms prohibiting it from making smartwatches for any other company but Apple. Source (in Chinese) |...






from GSMArena.com - Latest articles http://www.gsmarena.com/apple_watch_production_to_start_in_january_for_february_release-news-9801.php

Apple iPhone 6 Plus review: New rules


Apple caved to market pressure and created a phablet. This may sound as blasphemy but it's not the first time Cupertino is seen reacting to rivals getting too confident, too aggressive - too close for comfort. The first iPad mini had to respond back in...






from GSMArena.com - Latest articles http://ift.tt/1CEmNnv

Google Play in-app cost range now showing on Android

A couple weeks ago, Google announced that it would be changing the way it lists apps and games in the Play Store that are free to download, but include in-app purchases. In an effort to be a bit more transparent, Google said it would be providing price ranges for the in-app purchases in the Play Store listing, and today that change is going into effect.


The price range listing has not been added to the web version of the Play Store yet, but the change should be visible in the app description on Android now. The new feature should help users make better decisions when it comes ...



from PhoneArena - News http://ift.tt/1vsc3nX

Samsung Galaxy Note 4 hardware gap is a "necessary manufacturing feature" according to the phablet's manual

With the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 launching today in Korea, it seems that Samsung might have an issue with the new version of its high-end phablet. Some Galaxy Note 4 units are coming with a gap between the screen and the metal trim. The space is said to be large enough to insert a business card in. However, it looks like Samsung had expected this matter to come up as it is addressed in the manual for the European version of the Galaxy Note 4.



On page 180 of the guide, under troubleshooting, it says that the gap is a "necessary manufacturing feature." According to the manual, friction between ...



from PhoneArena - News http://ift.tt/1rqAALJ

Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime is official in India, costs $280


Samsung just made the Galaxy Grand Prime official in India with its pricing and availability also revealed. The phone will launch by the end of the week with a suggested retail price of $280 (INR 16000). The Galaxy Grand Prime features a 1.2GHz quad-core Cortex-A7 CPU and 1GB of RAM on the Snapdragon 400 chipset. Internal memory is 8GB but can be expanded with an additional 64GB microSD card. At the front, there's a 5" LCD display of qHD resolution (960x540 pixels). The dual-SIM smartphone (dual standby, too) runs Android 4.4 KitKat and comes with a 5MP selfie camera. At the back, there's a more capable 8MP shooter with LED flash and 1080p video recording. The phone measures 144.8 x 72.1 x 8.6mm and weighs 156 grams. Its 2,600mAh battery is user replaceable, but there are no estimates on talk and standby times provided. As for the color variants, the phone will be offered in white and...






from GSMArena.com - Latest articles http://ift.tt/Zob9Po

HERE Maps for Android APK leaks, works on all Android models running 4.0 or higher

Last month (which today means August and tomorrow will mean September), we told you that a version of Nokia HERE Maps was being made for Android, specifically for Samsung Galaxy handsets. Among the goodies offered by Nokia's highly regarded mapping application, is a feature that allows you to get directions from point "A" to point "B" even without an internet connection.



Nokia has yet to officially unveil the app, but as it turns out, the APK has leaked. Yes, the app does work for all Android models powered by Android 4.0 or higher.



The Nokia HERE Maps offers a full list of features ...



from PhoneArena - News http://ift.tt/1rCxinA

Can vs Should: Minecraft on an Android Wear watch demoed

When a software developer/hacker/scientist gets bored, the question of could vs should can often go out the window. The classic example is obviously from Jurassic Park and whether it was a good idea to create dinosaurs, just because you could. Today, we've gotten another example from Corbin Davenport, who decided to see what would happen when he sideloaded Minecraft on an Android Wear device.


Davenport obviously used Minecraft Pocket Edition, and interestingly enough, it didn't require anything fancy to get the game working, and the game runs fairly well. Android's responsive ...



from PhoneArena - News http://ift.tt/YMXVdY

Samsung issues statement about the Galaxy Note 4 gap issue


Some early Samsung Galaxy Note 4 adopters reported an imperfect construction on their flagship phablets - a business card fits in the gap between the screen and the metal frame. Now Samsung has come out with an official statement on the matter but it's mostly PR talk. "The reported issue does not impact the functionality or quality of the Galaxy Note 4. We assure our customers that all Galaxy Note 4 units meet our strict manufacturing and quality control standards," reads Samsung's statement sent to Trusted Reviews. So, Samsung is aware of the issue but doesn't consider it a deviation of its "strict" standards. Not all Galaxy Note 4 units are affected by the issue and the company didn't say if it will correct the problem in future units. Pre-orders for Samsung's new flagship phablet are already underway in the States and European markets like the UK and Germany. The Galaxy Note 4 launched earlier than planned in its home country of South...






from GSMArena.com - Latest articles http://ift.tt/1v0bbpX

Microsoft's and Xiaomi's CEOs meet up in China – rumors ensue

Microsoft's CEO Satya Nadella flew to China last week, for the first time since he's been heading the Redmond-based software giant. Supposedly, the main objective of Nadella's visit was to lay rest to security concerns the Chinese government has over the Windows OS – something, which prompted it to raid Microsoft's Chinese offices in an anti-trust campaign 2 months ago.



Rumors say that Nadella spent his time in China for a secret get-together with another interesting person – Xiaomi's CEO Lei Jun. Naturally, a meetup between these two figures instantly generates speculation about possible ...



from PhoneArena - News http://ift.tt/1nEY7I9

Leaked Apple Pay settings hint at iPads having Touch ID

The first beta build of iOS 8.1 has been made available for developers earlier today. One such developer – Hamza Sood – did some sniffing around the secret nooks and crannies of Apple's latest OS and found clues about Apple Pay and the existence of Touch ID on the upcoming (unannounced) iPad Air 2.



What Sood found is a hidden pane, containing the Apple Pay settings – a place where the user can add / edit their credit / debit cards, set a default card, shipping / billing address, email, and phone.



The developer also uncovered a string of code for (supposedly) a pop-up message, which ...



from PhoneArena - News http://ift.tt/YGY7LX

Apple displays the Watch today for the Fashion Week in Paris

Apple's yet unreleased Watch has made an interesting public appearance – it is currently being held on display at a boutique fashion clothing and accessory retailer in Paris, France, for the Autumn Fashion Week.



The shop's name is Colette and it will show 3 of Apple's timepieces – one for each tier (Sport, Collection, and Edition) for today only. Apple's Senior Vice President of Design Jony Ive and one of his designer colleagues – Marc Newson – can also be spotted at the event, alongside some fashion bigwigs, like Karl Lagerfeld.



It seems that Apple has decided to market their wearable ...



from PhoneArena - News http://ift.tt/YGY7vv

Samsung releases an infographic to explain Galaxy Note's unique features

This year, Samsung delighted fans, tech-heads, and powerusers by announcing not one, but two Galaxy Note devices. The first was the expected Note 4 – the successor to last year's highly regarded Note 3 phablet, and the second was the Galaxy Note Edge – an innovative device that has its screen curved to the side, covering the right hand of the phone with a display, instead of a bezel (dubbed Edge screen).



Now, the company did spend some time at the IFA presentation to talk about the Edge screen's functionality, and there has been a fair amount of coverage from tech media around, but still, ...



from PhoneArena - News http://ift.tt/1rCac0s

Another test proves Apple iPhone 6 Plus bends, other phones don't




The Apple iPhone 6 Plus bendgate scandal broke up just a few days after the 5.5-inch phablet arrived on store shelves, and it’s been the source of so much controversy since then. Starting with the ‘of course it bends, it’s a thin aluminum phone’ reaction that dismissed the issue almost as if an expensive $750 gadget was supposed to bend in such a way, to more detailed analyses of the exact reason why the iPhone 6 Plus bends (it’s the large cutouts for the volume buttons that break the geometry, and it’s at those joints where the bending happens).



Now, we are seeing ...



from PhoneArena - News http://ift.tt/YMq5Wg

CompareMyMobile: iPhone 5 most often traded to get a new iPhone


CompareMyMobile is a site where users can trade in their old devices to help fund the purchase of a new one. Now that the new iPhones are out, they find themselves on the wishlists of most people - 51.5% of those who traded in a phone, to be precise. Of them, the overwhelming majority had an older iPhone - just over 88% - and few traded in an Android (7.3% had a Samsung, 3.2% had an HTC). For comparison a third of the people who went for a Galaxy S5 sold an iPhone. Apple was hoping to draw in Android users with the new iPhone 6 Plus, but that doesn't seem to be working. It's not just that there were few Android trade-ins, 86% said they'll buy an iPhone 6 while only 14% said they're going for the 5.5" iPhone 6 Plus. The two year old iPhone 5 accounted for the majority of old devices (56%), the 16GB version became the most traded-in device on the site, taking over from the Galaxy S III from a few years ago. Surprisingly last year's iPhone 5s came in second with just over 20%. Last year's Galaxy flagship, the Galaxy S4, was one of the rarer devices at 1.6% trade-ins, less than even the new HTC One (M8),...






from GSMArena.com - Latest articles http://ift.tt/1po1u1f

Motorola updates FM Radio app

The Motorola FM Radio app has been updated for the Motorola Moto E and Motorola Moto G. With the update, users will be able to enjoy Bluetooth audio playbacks (Android 4.4.3 or higher required). From the lock screen, you will be able to choose between play, seek or stop. Seek up or down has added to the notification controls, and a problem that those in Colombia had with scanning frequencies, has been resolved. Other stability issues have also been repaired.



The app is designed for both the Motorola Moto E and Motorola Moto G, and you need to plug a set of earphones into the 3.5 inch jack. ...



from PhoneArena - News http://ift.tt/1uywnac

CompareMyMobile: The iPhone 5 became the most traded-in device towards a new iPhone 6, topping the Samsung Galaxy S3

Gadget recycling comparison site CompareMyMobile has published a report detailing how the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus launch excitement impacted smartphone trade-ins. There are some interesting insights and key takeaways to dig into inside the data, which has been collected throughout September 2014 - before, during, and after the iPhone 6 launch.



Apple is still a marketing powerhouse

CompareMyMobile says that 51.48% - more than half of the customers trading in their old devices on the website said they planned to upgrade to the iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus, and so they did. 88.17% of these ...



from PhoneArena - News http://ift.tt/1qRaCee

Ireland accused of granting tax aids to Apple


Ireland may be in trouble after granting Apple tax breaks and giving it unfair advantage by marking its affairs as "state aid." A preliminary report by the European Commission accuses the country of granting Apple state aid and thus allowing for "selective advantage." The report cites two rulings in 1991 and 2007 and outlines how Apple Ireland's net profits would be calculated. In the two cases, the Commission requires Ireland to answer for its decisions to lower the tax amount that Apple had to pay. Regarding marking Apple's operations as "state aid," the report goes on to say: The aid in question does not appear to be intended to promote the execution of an important project of common European interest nor to remedy to a serious disturbance in the economy of Ireland, nor is it intended to promote culture or heritage conservation. In a matter of few weeks the Commission will publish the report in question in its Official Journal and then third parties will have one month to submit comments. They'll be taken into consideration as part of the investigation. Source |...






from GSMArena.com - Latest articles http://ift.tt/1rHInEg

Samsung Galaxy Note 4 vs Apple iPhone 6 Plus: in-depth specs comparison




It's funny how things work out. When Samsung announced the Galaxy Alpha, a lot of people felt like the company is going after the similarly-sized iPhone 6. And now that we know that the first Apple phablet wasn't just empty rumors, but an actual device, it's hard not to agree that Cupertino is, in a similar fashion, going after a market that has Samsung's name all over it.



Indeed, Samsung is in what many would characterize as an advantageous position. It's definitely got an arm over Apple in terms of its experience and knowledge of the XL ...



from PhoneArena - News http://ift.tt/1tdxnLh

Case closed: Apple iPhone 6 Plus bends like crazy, other phones don't




The Apple iPhone 6 Plus bendgate scandal broke up just a few days after the 5.5-inch phablet arrived on store shelves, and it’s been the source of so much controversy since then. Starting with the ‘of course it bends, it’s a thin aluminum phone’ reaction that dismissed the issue almost as if an expensive $750 gadget was supposed to bend in such a way, to more detailed analyses of the exact reason why the iPhone 6 Plus bends (it’s the large cutouts for the volume buttons that break the geometry, and it’s at those joints where the bending happens).



Now, we are seeing ...



from PhoneArena - News http://ift.tt/1CDfEDL

Project Ara smartphones will allow module hot-swapping


The recent silence surrounding Google's modular smartphone Project Ara has been broken at the Linaro Connect US 2014 conference. There, Project Ara team leader Paul Eremenko announced that users will be able to swap parts of the modular phone when it's powered on. For example, if the memory of the phone is full, you'll be able to swap with another memory module and go on with your day. Swapping the battery is also possible without turning the phone off thanks to a power reserve. The only two parts that will not be hot-swappable are the phone's processor and display. Google is targeting a $50 entry price tag for the Project Ara smartphone. Pricing of the various modular blocks isn't known yet. Expect the first Project Ara modular smartphone to get its official announcement in January 2015. It will run a modified version of Android L, which will be also interesting to check...






from GSMArena.com - Latest articles http://ift.tt/10iTTv9

NTT DoCoMo outs the Galaxy S5 Active, Note Edge and Tab S 8.4


Japanese carrier NTT DoCoMo is having a Samsung field day today with a triple announcement. The carrier is launching today the Galaxy S5 Active, Galaxy Note Edge and the Galaxy Tab S 8.4. The carrier will start selling the Galaxy Note in black from the end of October. NTT DoCoMo is currently taking pre-orders for the device, which will also available in frost white from the middle of November. The Galaxy Note Edge will come with Xi LTE and VoLTE support as well as FeliCa, NFC and Wi-Fi 802.11ac. The Samsung Galaxy S5 Active will hit Japan in Camo green and Titanium gray from October 4. The IP67 and MIL-STD-810G certified smartphone packs a 5.1" 1080p Super AMOLED display and a 2,800 mAh battery. Finally, the Galaxy Tab S 8.4 will be the last to hit NTT DoCoMo shelves in December. The tablet is lightweight at 298 grams and packs an 8.4" 2560x1600 pixel Super AMOLED display. Specific pricing for SIM-free versions of the devices hasn't been specified by NTT DoCoMo yet. Source • Source (2) • Source (3) |...






from GSMArena.com - Latest articles http://ift.tt/1wTC1lo

Poll results: Is a 5.9-inch Nexus X (aka Nexus 6 'Shamu') too big for you?




With leaks all over the place about a new, 5.9-inch Nexus X smartphone (a phone also referred to as the Nexus S, or under its Motorola ‘Shamu’ codename), it seems that Google’s next Nexus is almost certainly going to be a phablet. And not just any phablet - at such a display size, it will be one of the largest phablets out there. It will be huge.



But is that really a good thing? More screen estate is great for looking at images and watching movies, but our hands have a limit, and our pockets do too. The truth is that the benefits of a larger screen inevitably meet ...



from PhoneArena - News http://ift.tt/10ixOgf

Apple iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus kicks off in China on October 17


The Chinese regulator approved the iPhone 6 for sale in the country just a few hours ago and Apple has rushed to announce the new generation iPhones' pricing and availability. Apple iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus will become officially available on October 17 in the Apple online and retail stores. The online pre-orders will kick off on Friday, October 10, while in-store pickup will be available from Tuesday, October 14. The two models will be available in all three color flavors and all three storage options. Here is the official pricing: Apple iPhone 6: 16GB - CNY 5,288 (€678) 64GB - CNY 6,088 (€780) 128GB - CNY 6,888 (€883) Apple iPhone 6 Plus: 16GB - CNY 6,088 (€780) 64GB - CNY 6,888 (€883) 128GB - CNY 7,788 (€999) The iPhone 6 duo was initially available in the United States, UK, France, Germany, Canada, Australia, Japan, Hong Kong, and Singapore. As of September 25 it also launched in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Isle of Man, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Turkey and UAE. Even more countries will be joining those until the end of the...






from GSMArena.com - Latest articles http://ift.tt/1nDANKS

Beep-boop! Ping gives you random interesting notifications from the Internet cosmos




.gamespecs {border: 1px solid #ddd; background: #fefefe; color: #333; width: 100%;} .gamespecs tr:first-child td {border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; background: #f5f5f5;} .gamespecs tr td + td {border-left: 1px solid #ddd;} .gamespecs tr td {padding: 5px;}Developer: Secret Inc.Download: Android, iOSGenre: ProductivityPrice: Free



The makers of Secret, the Silicon Valley's favorite gossip-spreading software tool, brainstormed a simple and clever app that you never knew you needed in your life until you got it. You are going to like this app.



...



from PhoneArena - News http://ift.tt/10inmW5

Monday, September 29, 2014

Project Ara's modules will be hot-swappable

The Project Ara modular phone is becoming more and more interesting. While the news that the battery will be hot swappable certainly was good for power users who cringe at the thought of booting up after each battery swap, this capability goes even further. Project Ara director Paul Eremenko announced during a recent speech that besides the battery, the modules themselves will be hot swappable except for the CPU and the display.



You might find yourself in the middle of taking a picture when you realize that a better camera is needed for this job. So out snaps the camera module on your phone ...



from PhoneArena - News http://ift.tt/YKnCMi

Chinese regulator approves iPhone 6 for sale in the country


Apple can now officially sell iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus in China. The Cupertino giant received a license that allows the duo of smartphones to be used on the country's networks. The Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology delivered the news about the approval. It tested the security credentials of the iPhone 6 before clearing it to hit the shelves. Apple is expected to begin selling the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus in China on October 10. The large market is considered vital for Cupertino's financial performance. Entering it will likely propel Apple to a record-shattering financial performance during the quarter that includes the holiday shopping season. Source...






from GSMArena.com - Latest articles http://ift.tt/1pniwwq

Latest smartphone rivalry pits Xiaomi against Huawei

Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun recently went online to complain that Huawei has been insulting the Xiaomi Mi4. Huawei CEO Richard Yu went straight to his Huawei Honor team (that is the name of one of the manufacturer's lines and not a description of how virtuous his employees are). The team denied sending out any insulting online messages about Xiaomi's upcoming flagship model.



The Huawei executive said that no one can control the internet, and that each company should concentrate on just doing its best. Xiaomi could be making itself an easy target by offering low priced value models, and then using ...



from PhoneArena - News http://ift.tt/YEUsOK

New Sony Xperia Z3 commercials ask you to demand "great" instead of just "good"

Sony today unleashed a couple of new TV commercials that promote its Xperia Z3 series. Both commercials feature a pretty powerful soundtrack (Nightcall by London Grammar, if you’re curious to know), and end with the same “Don’t settle for good. Demand great.” tagline.



The new ads showcase the fact that Sony’s Xperia Z3 smartphones can take “incredible photos even in low light.” Moreover, they remind us that the devices are waterproof, offer up to two days of battery life, and are the only ones in the world to feature Remote Play for PlayStation. Sony’s SmartBand Talk also makes an appearance. ...



from PhoneArena - News http://ift.tt/1uYegHb

MOTA SmartRing reaches crowdfunding goal of $100K

Not all wearables have to be watches, and not all wearables that go for crowdfunding are runaway success stories. Somewhere in the middle is the MOTA SmartRing, which reached its crowdfunding goal of $100,000 today, just four days shy of its Indiegogo deadline. There are enough people interested to see how a smartring will work, but people certainly aren't going crazy over the idea.


The MOTA Indiegogo campaign began on September 3rd, and since then it has found just under 1500 funders (as of this writing), about 1300 of which gave enough to be in line for an actual device. This ...



from PhoneArena - News http://ift.tt/1rAf0mO