Motorola releases Moto X Developer Edition smartphones for Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile

TagsMotorola, Verizon, AT&T, t-mobile, Moto X Developer Edition

Moto X Developer Edition Credit:Motorola / iTech Post

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Motorola has made the Moto X Developer Edition official, offering a handset for Verizon and a GSM version for AT&T and T-Mobile.

The company promised that it would start offering Developer Editions of the Moto X on its site sometime in the future. It appears that the time has finally come, Motorola has made good on its promise and is selling a Verizon and GSM Moto X Developer Edition on its site. The Developer Edition comes with a custom look with a black face and white woven back, along with the words Developer Edition stamped across the backplate.

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Motorola highlights the fact that the Moto X Developer Editions come with an unlockable bootloader, which will allow users to customize the smartphone by installing different ROMs and kernels very easily.

The Moto X Developer Edition features a 4.7-inch 720p AMOLED HD display and is powered by a custom dual-core 1.7Ghz Snapdragon S4 Pro processor with Motorola's X8 Computing System, paired with an Adreno 320 graphics processing unit (GPU). The Moto X ships with Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean, but should be updated to the latest Android 4.3 in the near future. The smartphone includes 32GB of internal storage and 2GB of RAM.

It is packing a 10-megapixel rear camera able to record 1080p video and also has a 2-megapixel front facing camera. When it comes to connectivity, the Moto X includes a 4G LTE radio, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0 and NFC. Motorola has also included a 2,200 mAh battery and the smartphone is available in black with a woven white back and includes an exclusive Developer Edition stamp.

The Moto X Developer Edition is available for Verizon and a GSM version for AT&T and T-Mobile. The Verizon Moto X is available now for $649, while the GSM is listed as "Coming Soon." Motorola hasn't listed the price of the GSM Moto X Developer Edition, but it should be around the same price as the Verizon model.

We'll be sure to keep you updated as to when the GSM version becomes available.

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Nexus 5 based on LG G2 to become available in October, ship with Android 4.4 KitKat and more

Tagsgoogle, Nexus 5, LG

Leaked Render Of The Nexus 5 Credit:Reddit

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There have been multiple rumors regarding Google's next-generation Nexus smartphone. A new report claims that LG has been chosen to build the Nexus 5, which will debut in October with Android 4.4 KitKat.

Nexus fans have been wondering whether Google was going to release a new Nexus smartphone, partly because it sells Google Play Editions of the Samsung Galaxy S4 and HTC One, and also because of its newly-released Moto X, which it built with Motorola. Google spilled the beans that it would be bringing a new Nexus smartphone to the market during the unveiling of the Android 4.4 KitKat statue on its campus, when the company recorded and posted to YouTube. Google employees were video recorded and photographed holding a new Nexus smartphone. Google quickly took the video down as news began to spread.

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Google once again sent strong hints that a new Nexus was on the way when the company slashed the price of the 8GB and 16GB Nexus 4 by $100. The 8GB smartphone sold-out quickly, and the 16GB soon followed the same out-of-stock route.

A new report from DigiTimes confirms previous rumors that LG has been chosen to build the Nexus 5, just as it was chosen last year to build the Nexus 4. The report goes on to validate recent leaks, which claim the Nexus 5 will be almost identical to the LG G2 that recently went on sale. The publication's sources also claim that the Nexus 5 will become available sometime in October as device to ship with Android 4.4 KitKat, and will be priced as a mid-range offering. The smartphone will likely keep similar pricing to what Google charged for the unlocked Nexus 4.

The Nexus 5 is expected to feature a 5.2-inch 1080 x 1920 Full HD IPS display with a pixel density of 423 pixels per inch (ppi). It will reportedly be powered by a 2.26GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor and will run Android 4.4 KitKat. It will also pack a 13-megapixel rear camera with optical image stabilization (OIS) and a 2.1-megapixel front-facing camera. The handset's wireless capabilities are expected to include a 4G LTE radio, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, and GPS. It is rumored to be available in 16GB or 32GB internal storage configurations and pack in a large 3,000 mAh battery.

As with all rumors, however, take this one with a big grain of salt. We've only got a few more weeks before an official confirmation.

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Sony Xperia Z Ultra goes up for pre-order in the U.S.

Tagssony, Xperia Z Ultra

Sony Xperia Z Ultra Credit:Sony / iTech Post

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The Sony Xperia Z Ultra phablet is now available for pre-order in the U.S.

Sony has been very aggressive with the launch of new top-end smartphones this year. The company has already unveiled a number of top-of-the-line smartphones such as the Xperia Z, Xperia ZL, Xperia Z Ultra and the Xperia Z1 (Honami). The Japanese company announced the Xperia Z Ultra on June 25 and the handset has only made its way to select countries.

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"The Xperia Z Ultra is the most exciting revolution in large-screen smartphone entertainment devices with both the slimmest and largest Full HD smartphone display* in the world that is second to none," said Calum MacDougall, Director of Xperia Marketing at Sony Mobile Communications. "We're already bringing the best of Sony technology and design across a range of premium smartphones and tablets, and now we are bringing this same premium offering to the large-screen smartphone segment, setting a new standard for others to follow."

The Xperia Z Ultra has not officially reached the U.S. on any carriers or via the Sony Store. However, you can now pre-order the handset from Newegg. The retailer is selling the HSPA+ version of the handset at a price tag of $699.99 and the LTE version for $729.99. Newegg has all three colors (black, purple and white) on offer and the expected delivery date is Oct. 14.

The phablet sports a 6.4-inch display with Sony's Triluminous display technology (taken from the company's latest TV portfolio) and a 1080p Full HD resolution.

The Xperia Z Ultra was the first handset to pack a powerful quad-core Snapdragon 800 processor clocked at 2.2 GHz. The phablet also packs in 2GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage, with the option to expand the memory to a further 64GB using a microSD card. The phablet is equipped with an 8-megapixel rear-facing Exmor RS sensor, but the camera lacks flash. The handset also features a 2-megapixel front-facing camera.

The Xperia Z Ultra is 0.25-inch (6.5mm) thick and weighs only 7.47 ounces (212 grams), which makes it the world's largest and thinnest Full HD phablet.

The phablet is undoubtedly one of the most powerful handsets around and it will be interesting to see if the device can steer some attention away from the recently-launched Samsung Galaxy Note 3.

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HTC One Max image leaks next to Galaxy Note 3 and Galaxy S4

Tagshtc, HTC One Max, Samsung, Galaxy Note 3, Galaxy S4

HTC One Max, Galaxy Note 3, & Galaxy S4 Credit:Weibo

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Two highly-anticipated phablets have just been spotted sitting next to each other. A new leaked image shows the HTC One Max and Samsung Galaxy Note 3 posing for the camera, along with the Galaxy S4.

We've been reporting regularly on HTC's upcoming 5.9-inch smartphone, the HTC One Max. The handset is proving to be a popular device even before its release. HTC's main competitor in the phablet world will be the same rival it has in the smartphone world - Samsung. The latter officially announced its next-generation Galaxy Note 3 recently and, true to Samsung's form, the Note 3 has top-of-the-line specs and Samsung-exclusive features that will likely help the company continue its reign of being king in the phablet world.

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Unlike previous years, when Samsung was the only major player in the phablet market, the company will now face the likes of HTC, Sony, LG, and Nokia. The above image was posted on Weibo. As you can see, the HTC One Max appears to be larger than the Galaxy Note 3; it also looks like it is a bit thicker as well. It's larger because its display comes in at 5.9-inches compared to the Galaxy Note 3's 5.7-inch display. Let's take a look at how the phablets stack up against one another.

The latest rumors claim the HTC One Max will feature a 5.9-inch full HD 1080p display and will be powered by a 1.7GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro processor. The phablet will run Android 4.3 and possibly Sense 5.5. It will be offered in two storage capacities, 32GB and 64GB. Its wireless connectivity options include a 4G LTE radio, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS, and NFC. It will use 2GB of RAM, a microSD expansion slot, HTC's UltraPixel camera, a fingerprint scanner and a large 3,200 mAh battery.

The Galaxy Note 3 features a 5.7-inch 1080p Full HD Super AMOLED display with a pixel density of 386 pixels per inch (ppi) and runs Android 4.3 with Samsung's TouchWiz UI. It is powered by a 2.3GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor, an Adreno 330 graphics processing unit (GPU) and 3GB of RAM.

It's packing a high-end 13-megapixel illuminated rear camera with "smart stabilization" and a 2-megapixel front facing shooter, with both cameras able to capture 1080p HD video. It comes with 32GB of internal storage and includes a microSD expansion slot that will support up to 64GB microSD cards. Its wireless connectivity options include a 4G LTE radio, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS, and NFC. You'll also find an IR blaster to turn the Note 3 into a universal remote control and it also features a dedicated program guide. Samsung has included a large 3,200 mAh removable battery and enhanced S Pen functionality.

Samsung's Galaxy Note 3 easily tops the HTC One Max in specs, at least from what we know so far. HTC is expected to release the HTC One Max in October; we'll keep you updated as more information comes in.

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Motorola now offering DROID MAXX Developer Edition smartphone

TagsMotorola, Verizon, DROID MAXX Developer Edition

Motorola Verizon DROID MAXX Developer Edition Credit:Motorola / iTech Post

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Motorola is now offering the Verizon DROID MAXX Developer Edition for $649.99 through its online store. The smartphone ships with an unlocked bootloader that will allow users to easily customize the handset.

The company just started selling the Moto X Developer Edition for Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. Motorola is now offering its other flagship smartphone as a Developer Edition device, the Verizon DROID MAXX. Unlike the Moto X, however, the DROID MAXX is only available on Verizon. This should not come as a surprise since the DROID brand is an exclusive partnership between Motorola and Verizon.

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The DROID MAXX Developer Edition uses the same popular Kevlar body found on the original DROID MAXX, but includes the words Developer Edition etched into its back. The device ships with an unlocked bootloader, which will make it easy to install custom ROMs and kernels. The use of custom ROMs is extremely popular with Android users, as it allows you to flash different software to your smartphone that can dramatically change and enhance the device to your liking.

The DROID MAXX includes many of the features found in the Moto X, including touchless controls, which allow you to control your smartphone and perform different tasks by using your voice even while your handset is asleep. It also uses the same wrist gesture action to launch its camera. One of its best features can be found in its battery, a 3,500 mAh unit that provides up to 48 hours of usage.

The DROID MAXX features a 5-inch Super AMOLED HD display with a resolution of 1280 x 720 and runs Android 4.2 Jelly Bean. It is powered by Motorola's X8 Mobile Computing System, which uses a 1.7GHz dual-core processor, a quad-core graphics processing unit (GPU), and 2GB of RAM to ensure a snappy user experience.

It has 32GB of internal storage, a 10-megapixel rear camera with 1080p HD recording, and a 2-megapixel front-facing camera for video chat. Its wireless connectivity options include a 4G LTE radio, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS, NFC. The smartphone also has wireless charging capabilities out of the box - no need to purchase an extra back cover to gain this feature (you will need to use a compatible charging pad, however).

You can order the Verizon DROID MAXX from Motorola now for $649.99.

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HTC Butterfly receives Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean update in India

Tagshtc, Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean, HTC Butterfly

HTC Butterfly Credit:HTC / iTech Post

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The Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean software update for the HTC Butterfly is now available, HTC India announced.

The HTC Butterfly was first released in Japan on Dec. 9, 2012 as a successor to the HTC J. The HTC Butterfly soon made its ways to other regions such as China, Russia and other Asian countries. In the U.S., the handset is known as the Droid DNA, which is exclusive to Verizon.

The handset comes pre-loaded with the Android 4.1 Jelly Bean operating system and now Indian customers can enjoy the features of Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean.

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"Upgrade to the BlinkFeed on your HTC Butterfly! Android 4.2.2 is out now. Announcements for other handsets to come soon," tweeted HTC India.

When the handset was launched, it was the second smartphone in the world to feature a 1080p display, after Oppo's Find 5. It's not even been a year since the HTC Butterfly launched and many customers using the handset will be pleased to get a software update on the device.

The HTC Butterfly sports decent features in its category. The handset has a 5-inch Super LCD 3 display with a Full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels resolution at 441 pixels per inch (ppi). A quad-core Snapdragon S4 Pro processor clocked at 1.5 GHz powers the device.

The smartphone is equipped with an 8-megapixel rear-facing camera with LED and Auto Focus. The device also includes a 2.1-megapixel front-facing shooter. The HTC Butterfly includes 2GB of RAM, 16GB of internal storage, and a powerful 2,020 mAh battery.

The latest software update will bring enhancements, new features and bug fixes to the HTC Butterfly.

Previously, HTC Butterfly in Taiwan received the Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean software update, leaving users in other regions eagerly waiting for the software to roll out. Verizon recently confirmed that the HTC Droid DNA will receive Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean and HTC Sense 5.0 software update but the carrier has not confirmed an exact release date.

If you have a HTC Butterfly in India, have you received the Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean software update? 

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BlackBerry Z30 ‘coming soon’ to Verizon

TagsBlackBerry Z30, Verizon

BlackBerry Z30 Credit:BlackBerry / iTech Post

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Verizon has confirmed that it will begin offering the recently-announced BlackBerry Z30 smartphone soon.

The Canadian company has lost a major chunk of its handset market share to other big smartphone makers such as Apple, Samsung, LG, HTC, Nokia and others. However, BlackBerry is trying hard to regain a part of its market share with the launch of new devices.

"The new BlackBerry Z30 smartphone builds on the solid foundation and engaging user experience of the BlackBerry 10 platform with features like the powerful BlackBerry Hub, its exceptional touchscreen keyboard and industry leading browser," said Carlo Chiarello, Executive Vice President for Products at BlackBerry. "The smartphone rounds out the BlackBerry 10 portfolio and is designed for people looking for a smartphone that excels at communications, messaging and productivity. Having apps like the full Documents To Go suite that comes preinstalled, together with its 5" touch display, the BlackBerry Z30 smartphone gives you a best in class productivity experience on the go."

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On Sept. 18, the company also announced that the latest BlackBerry Z30 will roll out from select carriers and retailers around the world beginning next week in the UK and Middle East and the handset will reach other regions in the holiday season. However, Verizon has now confirmed that the handset will arrive on its network soon.

"The @BlackBerry Z30 is coming soon to the Verizon Wireless #4G LTE network," tweeted Verizon.

Currently, Verizon has four BlackBerry handsets in its portfolio, which include the BlackBerry Z10, BlackBerry Q10 and the BlackBerry Bold 9930 (with and without camera). BlackBerry fans will be pleased to get their hands on another top-end all-touch device from the carrier.

The BlackBerry Z30 is the company's second all-touch device (after BlackBerry Z10) to launch in 2013 and packs in top-end features such as a 5-inch display, a dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro processor, an 8-megapixel primary camera, 2GB RAM and more.

However, many new and top-end smartphones such as the HTC One, Samsung Galaxy S4, iPhone 5S and more have launched recently, boasting even better hardware specifications. As such, it will be interesting to see if BlackBerry Z30 is successfully able to compete with its rivals.

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Republic Wireless to offer Moto X for $299 without contract

TagsMotorola, Moto X, Republic Wireless, Sprint

Republic Wireless Moto X Credit:Republic Wireless / iTech Post

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Republic Wireless has announced that it will launch the Moto X soon, offering the smartphone contract-free for $299.

Similar to Virgin Mobile, Republic Wireless is an MVNO (mobile virtual network operator) that uses Sprint's network for its services. The carrier has announced that it will begin offering Motorola's flagship smartphone of 2013, the Moto X, for $299 contract-free.

The company's smartphones mainly use Wi-Fi for all of its services, but Republic Wireless also offers inexpensive plans that will allow you to use Sprint's network if your Moto X is not connected to Wi-Fi. It's a pretty good deal considering you're not signing a new 2-year contract and only have to shell out $299 for the Moto X.

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The Sprint Moto X features a 4.7-inch 720p AMOLED HD display and is powered by a custom dual-core 1.7Ghz Snapdragon S4 Pro processor with Motorola's X8 Computing System, paired with an Adreno 320 graphics processing unit (GPU). The smartphone ships with Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean and is expected to receive an update to Android 4.3 in the near future. The handset also includes 16GB of internal storage and 2GB of RAM.

It is packing a 10-megapixel rear camera with the ability to record 1080p video, as well as a 2-megapixel front-facing camera for video chat. When it comes to connectivity, the Moto X includes a 4G LTE radio, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0 and NFC. Motorola has included a 2,200 mAh battery that offers excellent battery life and the smartphone will be available in a choice of woven black or woven white.

Republic Wireless has not announced an official release date for the Moto X, but has posted a sign-up page that will notify you when the Moto X becomes available for purchase.  Motorola has been very aggressive in getting carrier partners to offer the smartphone it created with Google. Republic Wireless' Moto X price is pretty tempting considering that all major carriers are charging $199 with a new 2-year contract for the same handset. We'll keep you updated as to when the Moto X goes on sale.

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Sprint Samsung Galaxy Note 2 available for $99.99

TagsSprint, Samsung, Galaxy Note 2, Amazon

Sprint Samsung Galaxy Note 2 Amazon Deal Credit:Amazon / iTech Post

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If you've been thinking about making the move to the phablet world, but don't want to spend $299 on the Galaxy Note 3, you can pick up the Sprint Galaxy Note 2 for $99.99.

Samsung deserves credit for making phablets mainstream. When critics said the original Galaxy Note was too large for consumers and predicted weak sales, Samsung proved them wrong and sold millions of the first-generation Note. It later followed up with the Galaxy Note 2, which proved to be an even bigger success than the original phablet. Now the company just launched the Galaxy Note 3, which will go on sale in October for $299.99.

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If you don't want to spend $300 on the Galaxy Note 3, but want most of its functionality and features, Amazon is offering the Sprint Samsung Galaxy Note 2 for $99.99 when signing a new 2-year contract.

The Sprint Samsung Galaxy Note 2 features a 5.5-inch HD Super AMOLED Plus display with a 1280 x 720 resolution and a pixel density of 267 pixels per inch (ppi). It currently runs on Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, but is upgradable out of the box to Android 4.1.2 and is expected to receive an over the air (OTA) update to Android 4.3. The device is powered by a 1.6 GHz Samsung Exynos quad-core processor and includes 16GB of internal storage, as well as 2GB of RAM.

It packs an 8-megapixel rear camera with LED flash and HD recording and a 1.9-megapixel front-facing camera. The phablet includes enhanced S Pen functionality and allows you to use the stylus to write in a more natural way. Its wireless capabilities include a 4G LTE radio, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS, NFC, and built-in mobile hotspot functionality. Users will be able to add even more memory by using its microSD expansion slot, which supports up to 64GB microSD cards. The phablet packs a removable 3,100 mAh battery.

Amazon is offering the Sprint Samsung Galaxy Note 2 for $99.99 when signing a new 2-year contract. The retailer is also throwing in free two-day shipping with the order.

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TELUS HTC One will get Android 4.3 Jelly Bean by September end

TagsTELUS, HTC One, Android 4.3 Jelly Bean, software update

HTC One Android Jelly Bean Update Credit:iTech Post

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Canadian carrier TELUS confirmed that the Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update for its HTC One will arrive in September end.

Google launched its Android 4.3 Jelly Bean operating system in July this year and only a handful of devices, including Nexus smartphones and tablets, are running on the latest Jelly Bean flavor.

"According to TELUS' 'Upcoming software updates schedule' the all-aluminum beauty is expected to shed the older version of Jelly Bean in favour of OS 4.3. TELUS states that testing is currently in progress and we can expect it to be available for download sometime 'Late-September' - basically any day now," reports Mobile Syrup.

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Some select international variants of the HTC One received the Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean software update, but customers on individual carriers are still waiting to get a firmware update on their handsets.

Previously, HTC President Jason Mackenzie tweeted that HTC One Developer Edition will skip Android 4.2 Jelly Bean update and will get the Android 4.3 update instead. Mackenzie also confirmed in a tweet that all HTC One and Droid DNA handsets in the U.S. and Canada will also get Android 4.3 Jelly Bean.

"Lots of questions re 4.3 release for One. We r wrking hard (needs cert) to release 4.3 across all US, Canada skus by end Sept. DNA as well," tweeted Mackenzie about a month ago.

Even though Android 4.2 Jelly Bean was launched in the second half of 2012, the HTC One (released in April this year) comes pre-loaded with the Android 4.1 version of the operating system. This prompted questions as to why the handset didn't come with the then-latest Jelly Bean and why it didn't receive a software update to Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean in all regions.

However, Mackenzie also tweeted back in August that because Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean is a minor update and offered customers only limited benefits, HTC One smartphones will receive Android 4.3 Jelly Bean instead.   

As TELUS has confirmed the release of Android 4.3 Jelly Bean for its HTC One, we hope that other carriers in Canada (as well as in the U.S.) confirm the release of the latest Jelly Bean flavor for their versions of the HTC One. 

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Nokia Lumia 2520 (Sirius) tablet heading to Verizon in black and red colors

TagsNokia, Lumia 2520, Nokia Sirius

Leaked Render Of Nokia Sirius Credit:WinSuperSite

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The upcoming Nokia Lumia 2520 tablet, dubbed Sirius, will reportedly head to Verizon Wireless, sporting red and black color options.

Rumors of Nokia's Windows RT tablet have been constantly emerging and famous leakster @evleaks has contributed a lot to the rumor mill. The tipster recently claimed that the Nokia tablet will be named Lumia 2520.

Previous rumors had suggested that Nokia was expected to have an event on Sept. 26 - 27, but @evleaks tweeted at the time that Nokia may push the event to October. The company has recently sent out press invites for an event it is holding on Oct. 22, where the Lumia 1520 phablet and the Lumia 2520 are expected to make their appearance.

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A red Nokia tablet, likely the Lumia 2520, has previously appeared in leaked images with Verizon branding at the rear of the device. Now @evleaks suggests that the Lumia 2520 will be available from Verizon in two color options.

"Nokia Lumia 2520 headed to Verizon in black and red," tweeted @evleaks.      

The Finnish company has not yet confirmed its plans to launch a Windows RT tablet but with the leaked images and rumors floating thick and fast, it seems that the launch of the Lumia 2520 is imminent.

Some hardware specifications of the Lumia 2520 have also surfaced in the recent weeks. Rumors suggest that the upcoming Nokia tablet will house the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor clocked at 2.15GHz. The Lumia 2520 is also expected to have a 10.1-inch IPS display with 1920 x 1080 resolution and a battery that will offer up to 10 hours of usage. The tablet is rumored to weigh 1.3 pounds and may be 0.35 inches thick. 

The Lumia 2520 tablet is further expected to have LTE, a 6.7-megapixel camera with Carl Zeiss optics and unique companion experiences with Nokia apps. Speculations also suggest that the tablet will be available with a starting price tag of $499.

The Oct. 22 Nokia event is still about a month away and more information will likely surface soon, detailing what we may expect to see at the event. 

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Budget-friendly Samsung Galaxy Note 3 with LCD display on its way?

TagsSamsung, Galaxy Note 3

Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Credit:Samsung / iTech Post

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Reports suggest that Samsung may soon launch a budget-friendly Galaxy Note 3 to attract more customers.

Samsung has launched several versions of the Galaxy S4, including the original smartphone, the compact Galaxy S4 Mini, the Galaxy S4 Zoom and the rugged Galaxy S4 Active. Previous rumors indicated that just like the Galaxy S4, the Galaxy Note 3 will also be launched in a few versions.

The Korean company launched the hotly-anticipated Galaxy Note 3 at the IFA event in Berlin on Sept. 4. The phablet touts a 5.7-inch Super AMOLED display and rumors suggest that Samsung will soon launch a cheaper variant of the smartphone, which will sport a LCD display instead.

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Korean publication ETNews (translated) reports that Samsung is planning to launch the low cost Galaxy Note 3 with LCD display in November this year. In order to retain the premium image of the original phablet the company didn't reveal the cheaper variant of the Galaxy Note 3 on Sept. 4.

"There's also a possibility that this upcoming variant might have a screen size of only 5.5-inches - a shipping manifest lists a 5.5-inch Note 3 that was shipped to India for testing on September 20th, hinting that there are going to be changes that go beyond just the screen technology and camera resolution with the low-cost third-generation Samsung phablet. The model number seems to be the same as the standard model for now (SM-N900), but that will likely change later on," reports SamMobile.

Currently, the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 is one of the most expensive handsets around. However, even though smartphone customers will want to experience a top-end device, not everyone can afford the price that comes with it. Recently, Apple launched the premium iPhone 5S along with the more budget-friendly iPhone 5C in order to penetrate deeper in developing markets.

Similarly, Samsung may also want to extend its customer base with the launch of a low-cost Galaxy Note 3.

November is still a good few weeks away and Samsung has not yet confirmed its plan to launch another version of the Galaxy Note 3. As such, we will have to wait until the company confirms whether it indeed plans to release a cheaper version of its most successful phablet.

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Nokia Lumia 929 image leaks online: Headed to Verizon as Lumia 1520 variant?

TagsNokia, Lumia 929, Lumia 1520, Lumia 2520

Leaked Image Of Nokia Lumia 929 Credit:@evleaks

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An image of Nokia Lumia 929 smartphone has leaked online with the handset bearing Verizon's branding at the front.

Nokia has been aggressively launching new top-end Windows Phone 8 (WP8) smartphones in 2013. The company launched the Lumia 925 and the Lumia 928 back-to-back in May and the company unveiled the highly-anticipated Lumia 1020 in July this year.

The Finnish company has an event slated for Oct. 22 where the much-rumored Lumia 1520 (Bandit) smartphone and the Lumia 2520 (Sirius) tablet will most likely make their appearance. However, there may be more devices coming to the smartphone space, as a recent image of Lumia 929 has leaked bearing U.S. carrier Verizon's branding.

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"Nokia Lumia 929, for Verizon, in black, 2013. Also coming in white," tweets @evleaks.

A WPCentral report further suggests that the upcoming Lumia 929 will sport a 1080p display and a 20-megapixel PureView camera.

Previous reports indicated that the upcoming Lumia 1520 may be exclusive to AT&T in the U.S. However, an image of the white version of the Lumia 1520 with Verizon branding leaked online earlier this month, which hints that the phablet will also be available from other carriers in the U.S.

Images of both AT&T and Verizon version of Lumia 1520 have leaked online. However, there are some notable differences between the AT&T and the Verizon version of the upcoming Nokia phablet.

The leaked image of the Verizon version of the Lumia 1520 doesn't seem to have a camera bump at the rear of the device. The Verizon variant of the phablet also looks slightly thicker than the AT&T model, which may accommodate a bigger battery.

Nokia has not announced its plans to launch either the Lumia 1520 or the Lumia 929 at the Oct. 22 event. A strong possibility exists that the Verizon variant of the Lumia 1520 may be called the Lumia 929 and may be set to debut at the Oct. 22 event.

The Oct. 22 event is still nearly a month away and more leaks may emerge in the build-up to the event, giving us some indication of the upcoming devices at the Nokia event. For now, take all rumors with a grain of salt.

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Android 4.4 KitKat may launch in October with the Nexus 5

TagsAndroid 4.4 KitKat, google, Nexus 5

Android 4.4 KitKat Credit:Google/ iTech Post

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Nestle's KitKat Facebook page in Germany has confirmed that Android 4.4 KitKat will launch in October this year, probably along with the rumored Nexus 5.

Google recently announced the next version of its mobile operating system, Android 4.4 KitKat, and customers will be eagerly waiting to receive a software update on their Android devices.

The company has not yet confirmed the details of the enhancements, what devices will be receiving the update or when the upcoming firmware will roll out. However, a user asked a question on KitKat's Facebook page, inquiring about the arrival of the latest software update, and received a response that it will be released in October.

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"Again, it's questionable if Nestlé social media employees really know the planned release date but since this answer was - typically German - straight forward; and the release date was repeated a second time today, there's indeed a real chance that our Android phones will get an upgrade from Jell Beans to Kit Kat in October - we'll see," reports The Unwired.

Usually, Google launches its new operating system along with a smartphone or a tablet. The new Nexus 7 (2013) was the first to come pre-loaded with Android 4.3 Jelly Bean. The Nexus 4 was the first to get Android 4.2 Jelly Bean and the original Nexus 7 tablet was the first device to have Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. As such, a new Nexus device may be the first to launch with the latest Android 4.4 KitKat.

A previous report suggests that Google will launch the highly-anticipated Nexus 5 on Oct. 14 and the device will be the first to come pre-loaded with Android 4.4 KitKat. Even though Google has not yet announced its plans to launch the Nexus 5 smartphone, many rumors hint that the handset will launch sooner than later.

The Nexus 5 was spotted in the Android 4.4 KitKat unveiling video, which was only briefly available before Google took it down. A few leaked images and videos of the handset have also emerged online. Moreover, the smartphone was recently spotted on Brazil's equivalent of FCC.

The smartphone arena is getting very competitive, as such Google will have to deploy its best in the making of Nexus 5 to attract more customers to the handset.

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Nokia Lumia 625 sees a big price drop

TagsNokia, Lumia 625

Nokia Lumia 625 Credit:Nokia / iTech Post

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Various online retailers have reduced the price of Nokia's biggest Windows Phone 8 (WP8) handset, the Lumia 625, in India.

Nokia launched the Lumia 625 as the successor to the Lumia 620 on July 23 this year and the handset is currently the only WP8 handset that has a display size of 4.7-inch.

"With our largest smartphone screen to date, the Nokia Lumia 625 is a perfect example of how Nokia is delivering leading smartphone innovation and experiences at every price point," said Jo Harlow, executive vice president, Nokia Smart Devices.

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Previously, the Lumia 625 had a very steep price tag when compared to other WP8 handsets such as the Lumia 820. In India, the cheapest Lumia 625 was selling for was Rs. 19,499 (approximately $315), but now the price has dropped to Rs. 16,071 (approximately $260).

A recent NokiaPowerUser report suggests that Amazon (courtesy of ManiacStore) was selling all five colors of the Lumia 625 for Rs. 15090 (approximately $244). However, now the cheapest price for the Lumia 625 on Amazon is Rs. 16,349 (approximately $264).

Indian retailer Flipkart is now selling all five colors of the Lumia 625 for Rs. 19,056. The retailer was previously offering the black, white and yellow versions for Rs. 19,890 and the green and orange models of the phone at a slightly higher price of Rs. 20,199.

The Nokia Lumia 625 packs in impressive features in its category, but the initial price of the handset was considered a bit steep in India. The price of the Lumia 625 was very near to the price of Lumia 820, which has better features.

The handset sports a 4.7-inch IPS LCD display with a 480 x 800 pixel resolution and a pixel density of 201 pixels per inch (ppi). A dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 processor clocked at 1.2GHz and 512MB of RAM power the Lumia 625.

It will be interesting to see if the recent price reduction on the Lumia 625 is able to attract many customers, but it will definitely make the smartphone more appealing.

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New Nokia Lumia 1520 phablet image leaks with an up-close look at its 6-inch 1080p display

TagsNokia, Lumia 1520

Nokia Lumia 1520 Credit:Weibo

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Nokia's first phablet has been getting a lot of buzz lately and a new image of the 6-inch device has now leaked, showing just how massive its display will be.

Nokia has done a great job of releasing smartphones that cover every segment of the smartphone market. Its flagship Lumia 1020 caters to the high-end with its 41-megapixel PureView camera, while the entry level Lumia 520 offers consumers a solid Windows Phone 8 handset at a very affordable price. The company also offers multiple mid-range devices to even out its portfolio. There was a segment the company had not focused on, but through a series of leaks we now know Nokia is ready to throw itself into the phablet ring as well.

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A new image of the Nokia Lumia 1520 has leaked  and it provides a clear and up-close look at its 6-inch 1080p display, which can hold even more Live Tiles in more sizes. The handset is running GDR3, a new version of the Windows Phone operating system. The update adds new features, including support for 1080p displays and quad-core processing. The company is expected to officially announce the Lumia 1520 at a press event it is holding in New York City on Oct. 22.

The latest reports claim the Nokia Lumia 1520 will have a 6-inch full HD display with 1080 x 1920 resolution and a pixel density of 367 pixels per inch (ppi). It will become the first Windows Phone to ship with that feature and will also bring another first - a quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor. It will be equipped with 2GB of RAM, 32GB of internal storage, and will also include a microSD expansion slot that will support up to 32GB microSD cards. Nokia is also including a 20-megapixel PureView rear camera with Carl Zeiss optics and optical image stabilization (OIS). The Lumia 1520 will ship with a large 3,400 mAh battery and will be offered in four colors: red, yellow, white, and black. AT&T and Verizon are expected to carry the Lumia 1520 in the near future, with a rumored Nov. 8 release on AT&T.

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iPhone 5S now available from Verizon, Sprint and AT&T

TagsApple, iphone 5S, Verizon, AT&T, Sprint

iPhone 5s Credit:Apple / iTech Post

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The long-awaited iPhone 5S is now available for purchase from various U.S. carriers such as Sprint, Verizon and AT&T.

Apple took the wraps off the iPhone 5S and the budget iPhone 5C on Sept. 10. The iPhone 5C went up for pre-order and the company announced that the iPhone 5S will be available from Sept. 20. Now top carriers in the country are offering the latest Apple smartphones.

"iPhone 5s is the most forward-thinking smartphone in the world, delivering desktop class architecture in the palm of your hand," said Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. "iPhone 5s sets a new standard for smartphones, packed into its beautiful and refined design are breakthrough features that really matter to people, like Touch ID, a simple and secure way to unlock your phone with just a touch of your finger."

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The latest iPhone 5S may attract many iFans with its latest A7 processor, fingerprint scanner, improved camera and several other new features it packs in. With the handset available from major carriers in the U.S., it will be easier for customers to pick their preferred network.

As Apple announced, the iPhone 5s is available in gold, silver or space gray via top U.S. carriers. AT&T, Verizon and Sprint, which are selling the 16/32/64GB versions of the iPhone 5S for $199/$299/$399, respectively, on a two-year contract. However, for a limited time, if you bring your number to Sprint on a new line of service, you can get $100 off on your new iPhone 5S. The Sprint offer is currently the most-attractive, as you pay half the amount as what you would pay on Verizon or AT&T.

If you buy a new iPhone 5S from AT&T then your handset will be delivered in seven to 14 business days, regardless of the color or storage option you select.

Sprint will ship all storage versions and color options of the iPhone 5S in up to three weeks. Verizon will ship the 16GB iPhone 5S by Sept. 24; however, the 32GB and 64GB variants of the handset will ship by Oct. 7.

You can also visit Apple Online Store and order for a contract free 16/32/64GB variants of the handset for $649/$749/$849. The expected shipping date is within 7 to 10 business days. 

The shipping date of the iPhone 5S may change as customers place their orders with carriers and may change if the handset is sold out. 

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Nokia's 'Sirius' Windows RT tablet to launch as Lumia 2520

TagsNokia, Windows RT, Lumia 2520, Lumia 1520

Nokia Sirius Windows RT Tablet To Be Called Lumia 2520 Credit:evleaks

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Nokia is getting ready to launch two new devices next month: the Lumia 1520 phablet and its first Windows RT tablet, which will be officially named the Lumia 2520.

The company has been releasing new Lumia Windows Phone smartphones at a steady rate and shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, Nokia will be holding a press event in October where it is expected to launch two highly anticipated devices. We've reported on numerous leaks of Nokia's first phablet, the 6-inch Lumia 1520. It will be the first Windows Phone handset to sport a large full HD display and a powerful quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon processor. The phablet is expected to make its way to both Verizon and AT&T just in time for the holidays.

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Nokia will also announce its first Windows RT tablet at the same event in October. The device has been going by the codename "Sirius", but now its official name has been leaked by the always-reliable @evleaks. The tipster claims that Nokia's Windows RT tablet will officially be called the Lumia 2520.

The Nokia Lumia 2520 is expected to feature a 10.1-inch in plane switching (IPS) HD display with a resolution of 1080 x 1920. The tablet will run the upcoming Windows RT 8.1 OS and will be powered by a 2.15GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor. It will reportedly include 32GB of internal storage, a microSD expansion slot that will support up to 64GB microSD cards, and 2GB of RAM.

Just like the latest Lumia smartphones, the Lumia 2520 will pack in a high-end 6.7-megapixel rear camera with Carl Zeiss optics. The tablet is rumored to be offered in both Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + LTE models. It is expected to have a large battery that will provide around 10 hours of battery life and will be ultra slim and light, coming in at 0.35-inches thick and weighing 1.3 pounds.

We'll have to file this in the rumor category for now, but the source of the leak is very credible and has an excellent track record. We'll be sure to keep you updated as soon as new details emerge regarding the Nokia Lumia 2520.

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TELUS HTC One will get Android 4.3 Jelly Bean by September end

TagsTELUS, HTC One, Android 4.3 Jelly Bean, software update

HTC One Android Jelly Bean Update Credit:iTech Post

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Canadian carrier TELUS confirmed that the Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update for its HTC One will arrive in September end.

Google launched its Android 4.3 Jelly Bean operating system in July this year and only a handful of devices, including Nexus smartphones and tablets, are running on the latest Jelly Bean flavor.

"According to TELUS' 'Upcoming software updates schedule' the all-aluminum beauty is expected to shed the older version of Jelly Bean in favour of OS 4.3. TELUS states that testing is currently in progress and we can expect it to be available for download sometime 'Late-September' - basically any day now," reports Mobile Syrup.

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Some select international variants of the HTC One received the Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean software update, but customers on individual carriers are still waiting to get a firmware update on their handsets.

Previously, HTC President Jason Mackenzie tweeted that HTC One Developer Edition will skip Android 4.2 Jelly Bean update and will get the Android 4.3 update instead. Mackenzie also confirmed in a tweet that all HTC One and Droid DNA handsets in the U.S. and Canada will also get Android 4.3 Jelly Bean.

"Lots of questions re 4.3 release for One. We r wrking hard (needs cert) to release 4.3 across all US, Canada skus by end Sept. DNA as well," tweeted Mackenzie about a month ago.

Even though Android 4.2 Jelly Bean was launched in the second half of 2012, the HTC One (released in April this year) comes pre-loaded with the Android 4.1 version of the operating system. This prompted questions as to why the handset didn't come with the then-latest Jelly Bean and why it didn't receive a software update to Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean in all regions.

However, Mackenzie also tweeted back in August that because Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean is a minor update and offered customers only limited benefits, HTC One smartphones will receive Android 4.3 Jelly Bean instead.   

As TELUS has confirmed the release of Android 4.3 Jelly Bean for its HTC One, we hope that other carriers in Canada (as well as in the U.S.) confirm the release of the latest Jelly Bean flavor for their versions of the HTC One. 

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iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C facing issues, Apple will fix them for free

Tagsiphone 5S, iPhone 5C, Apple

iPhone 5S Credit:Apple / iTech Post

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It's just been a day since Apple released the iPhone 5S and the iPhone 5C and a report already suggests the handsets have certain issues, which the company will fix for free.

Apple announced the hotly-anticipated iPhone 5S and the budget friendly iPhone 5S on Sept. 10 and the handsets hit the shelves on Sept. 20. The company has likely sold millions of handsets already, but some of them may have faults. Unfortunately for customers, they won't even know if their handset has a problem unless they visit a Genius Bar in an Apple Store.

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"Pocket-lint has seen an internal Apple document - one that is usually intended for employees - that outlines exactly that. It details the types of faults that might be encountered by iPhone 5S or iPhone 5C owners, and which ones are legitimately serviceable free of charge and which ones might incur a charge. It also lists a few that aren't serviceable at all," reports Pocket-Lint.

According to the report, the issues covered by the warranty include debris under the display glass or pixel anomaly, a bent enclosure for the iPhone 5S where there is no cracked glass or visible points of impact, or a single hairline crack at the front glass or back inlay at the top and bottom of handset.

The report also claims that Apple will not fix liquid damage confirmed by the user, internal corrosion, chips or fractures in the glass, fractures on the LCD display, or an impaired Lightning connector.

The problems reported by Pocket-Lint have not been confirmed by Apple. However, the report may deter customers from buying a new iPhone until the company releases an official statement to address the issue.

iFans who have bought the handset may find it disappointing that their brand new iPhone has a defect. Moreover, customers will now eagerly wait for Apple to officially confirm or deny the problems as soon as possible.

If you want to buy a new iPhone 5S or the iPhone 5C, will you wait for Apple to confirm the problems or will you just buy the handset and hope for the best?

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Nokia Lumia 929 image leaks online: Headed to Verizon as Lumia 1520 variant?

TagsNokia, Lumia 929, Lumia 1520, Lumia 2520

Leaked Image Of Nokia Lumia 929 Credit:@evleaks

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An image of Nokia Lumia 929 smartphone has leaked online with the handset bearing Verizon's branding at the front.

Nokia has been aggressively launching new top-end Windows Phone 8 (WP8) smartphones in 2013. The company launched the Lumia 925 and the Lumia 928 back-to-back in May and the company unveiled the highly-anticipated Lumia 1020 in July this year.

The Finnish company has an event slated for Oct. 22 where the much-rumored Lumia 1520 (Bandit) smartphone and the Lumia 2520 (Sirius) tablet will most likely make their appearance. However, there may be more devices coming to the smartphone space, as a recent image of Lumia 929 has leaked bearing U.S. carrier Verizon's branding.

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"Nokia Lumia 929, for Verizon, in black, 2013. Also coming in white," tweets @evleaks.

A WPCentral report further suggests that the upcoming Lumia 929 will sport a 1080p display and a 20-megapixel PureView camera.

Previous reports indicated that the upcoming Lumia 1520 may be exclusive to AT&T in the U.S. However, an image of the white version of the Lumia 1520 with Verizon branding leaked online earlier this month, which hints that the phablet will also be available from other carriers in the U.S.

Images of both AT&T and Verizon version of Lumia 1520 have leaked online. However, there are some notable differences between the AT&T and the Verizon version of the upcoming Nokia phablet.

The leaked image of the Verizon version of the Lumia 1520 doesn't seem to have a camera bump at the rear of the device. The Verizon variant of the phablet also looks slightly thicker than the AT&T model, which may accommodate a bigger battery.

Nokia has not announced its plans to launch either the Lumia 1520 or the Lumia 929 at the Oct. 22 event. A strong possibility exists that the Verizon variant of the Lumia 1520 may be called the Lumia 929 and may be set to debut at the Oct. 22 event.

The Oct. 22 event is still nearly a month away and more leaks may emerge in the build-up to the event, giving us some indication of the upcoming devices at the Nokia event. For now, take all rumors with a grain of salt.

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Nokia Lumia 1520 and Sirius tablet October launch reaffirmed

TagsNokia, Lumia 1520, Sirius Tablet

Nokia Press Invite For Oct. 22 Credit:Nokia / iTech Post

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Well-known leakster @evleaks reaffirms an October launch for the rumored Nokia Lumia 1520 (Bandit) phablet and the Sirius tablet.

Rumors of the Nokia Lumia 1520 and the Windows RT-powered Sirius tablet have been doing the rounds very frequently. Nokia has recently sent out press invites for an event slated for Oct. 22, where the company is expected to launch the much-awaited Lumia 1520 phablet and the Sirius tablet.

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"Look for Nokia Sirius to launch alongside Bandit next month," tweeted @evleaks.

Hardware specifications, as well as images of both the Lumia 1520 and the Sirius tablet have leaked in the last few weeks. Even though Nokia has not confirmed the launch of these devices, all signs point to an imminent release. Nokia device fans will be eagerly waiting to get their hands on the upcoming devices as soon as possible.

Currently, the Lumia 625 with its 4.7-inch display is the biggest Windows Phone 8 (WP8) smartphone around. However, if Nokia launches the 6-inch Lumia 1520, the phablet will steal the crown for the biggest WP8 smartphone in the market.

The Finnish company's first top-end smartphone, the Lumia 920, was launched towards the end of 2012 as an exclusive to AT&T in the U.S. Similarly, the top-end Lumia 1020 launched in July this year is and is also exclusive to AT&T. Previous rumors suggested that both the Lumia 1520 and the Sirius tablet will be available only via AT&T, but a Verizon version of the Lumia 1520 has been spotted at the FCC recently and a leaked image of the Sirius tablet showed the Verizon logo on the rear of the device.

The phablet and tablet market are flooded with devices from various OEMs. The upcoming Nokia devices will face stiff competition from rivals in the market. However, the growing popularity of WP8 smartphones and Windows RT tablets may give Nokia an edge to attract more customers to the Lumia 1520 and the Sirius tablet.

If you are looking to buy a new phablet or a tablet in the near term, will you wait for Nokia to launch the Lumia 1520 and the Sirius tablet? 

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Nokia Lumia 2520 (Sirius) tablet heading to Verizon in black and red colors

TagsNokia, Lumia 2520, Nokia Sirius

Leaked Render Of Nokia Sirius Credit:WinSuperSite

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The upcoming Nokia Lumia 2520 tablet, dubbed Sirius, will reportedly head to Verizon Wireless, sporting red and black color options.

Rumors of Nokia's Windows RT tablet have been constantly emerging and famous leakster @evleaks has contributed a lot to the rumor mill. The tipster recently claimed that the Nokia tablet will be named Lumia 2520.

Previous rumors had suggested that Nokia was expected to have an event on Sept. 26 - 27, but @evleaks tweeted at the time that Nokia may push the event to October. The company has recently sent out press invites for an event it is holding on Oct. 22, where the Lumia 1520 phablet and the Lumia 2520 are expected to make their appearance.

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A red Nokia tablet, likely the Lumia 2520, has previously appeared in leaked images with Verizon branding at the rear of the device. Now @evleaks suggests that the Lumia 2520 will be available from Verizon in two color options.

"Nokia Lumia 2520 headed to Verizon in black and red," tweeted @evleaks.      

The Finnish company has not yet confirmed its plans to launch a Windows RT tablet but with the leaked images and rumors floating thick and fast, it seems that the launch of the Lumia 2520 is imminent.

Some hardware specifications of the Lumia 2520 have also surfaced in the recent weeks. Rumors suggest that the upcoming Nokia tablet will house the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor clocked at 2.15GHz. The Lumia 2520 is also expected to have a 10.1-inch IPS display with 1920 x 1080 resolution and a battery that will offer up to 10 hours of usage. The tablet is rumored to weigh 1.3 pounds and may be 0.35 inches thick. 

The Lumia 2520 tablet is further expected to have LTE, a 6.7-megapixel camera with Carl Zeiss optics and unique companion experiences with Nokia apps. Speculations also suggest that the tablet will be available with a starting price tag of $499.

The Oct. 22 Nokia event is still about a month away and more information will likely surface soon, detailing what we may expect to see at the event. 

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Nokia Lumia 1020 now up for pre-order in India

TagsNokia, Lumia 1020, Lumia 925

The Nokia Lumia 1020 in matte yellow. Credit:Nokia / iTech Post

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The Nokia Lumia 1020 is now available for pre-order in India via online retailer SnapDeal.

Nokia handsets have been very popular in India and the company has launched a range of entry-level to top-end Windows Phone 8 (WP8) smartphones in the country. The Finnish company launched the high-end Lumia 1020 in July this year, which has already reached select destinations and now the handset will be soon available in India.

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Indian retailer SnapDeal is accepting pre-orders for the white, yellow and black versions of the Lumia 1020 with an initial deposit of Rs. 2,000 (approximately $32). The actual retail price of the handset remains unknown. The retailer lists an approximate release date for the smartphone as the first week of October.

The Nokia India website currently has a "coming soon" label on the handset.

Nokia has already launched the Lumia 925 in India and the handset has a price tag of Rs. 33,499 (approximately $538). Nokia has not yet announced an exact price for the handset, but it is expected that the Lumia 1020 will be slightly more expensive than the Lumia 925.

Recently, Sony launched the Xperia Z1 (Honami) in India, which is selling at a starting price of Rs. 41,500 (approximately $666) from SnapDeal. The retailer is also offering other top-end and popular handsets such as the HTC One, Samsung Galaxy S4, iPhone 5 and Sony Xperia Z for less than Rs. 40,000 (approximately $642).

The Lumia 1020 packs in high-end hardware specifications such as a 4.5-inch AMOLED PureMotion HD+ display with 1,280 x 768 pixels resolution and 332 (ppi). The handset houses a 1.5-GHz, dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 processor, Adreno 225 GPU and 2GB of RAM. A powerful 2,000mAh battery fuels the handset and the Lumia 1020 is available in 32GB and 64GB on-board storage options.

The smartphone touts a 41-megapixel PureView primary camera, which packs in LED and Xenon flash, as well as Optical Image Stabilization (OIS). The smartphone also includes a 1.2-megapixel secondary camera.

The Indian smartphone market is very price-sensitive and Nokia will have to offer Lumia 1020 at a competitive price point to attract more customers.

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Sony Xperia Z1 arrives in India: Will you buy the handset ?

Tagssony, Xperia Z1

Sony Xperia Z1 Credit:Sony / iTech Post

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The recently launched Sony Xperia Z1 (Honami) is now available in India at a price tag of Rs. 42,990 (approximately $690).

Sony unveiled the Xperia Z1 at the IFA event on Sept. 4. The smartphone launched in India on Sept. 18 and is now already available to order via the company's website and a couple of online retailers.

"Xperia Z1 represents a significant milestone for Sony in our continued efforts to deliver unforgettable experiences to our consumers," said Kunimasa Suzuki, President and CEO, Sony Mobile Communications. "Not only by bringing the power of Sony to the smartphone and through close collaboration with our partners but by setting a new standard in premium smartphones."

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Sony announced at the handset's unveiling event that the Xperia Z1 will be available globally from September onwards. The smartphone has now reached India and the UK, while an exact release date for the U.S. still remains unknown.

The company launched its new Xperia Z1 handset in three color options - black, white and purple - and all colors are available from Sony's website for Rs. 44,990 (approximately $722).

Online Indian retailer SnapDeal is selling the black and white versions of the mobile phone for Rs. 42,990. Another online retailer, InfiBeam, is selling all the three hues of the handset for Rs. 42,990 and it is also offering a free Premium Case, Portable Charger and Xperia Accidental Damage Cover for the Xperia Z1.

The Sony Xperia Z1 packs in impressive features such as a 5-inch TFT display with 1080 x 1920 pixels resolution and a pixel density of 441 pixels per inch (ppi). A powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor along with 2GB of RAM power the handset.

The smartphone further touts a 20.7-megapixel primary camera and a 2-megapixel front-facing one. A 3,000mAh battery keeps things up and running.

However, other top-end smartphones such as the iPhone 5, Sony Xperia Z Ultra, Samsung Galaxy S4, the HTC One and more have a lower price tag on SnapDeal.

It will be interesting to see if the Xperia Z1 is able to attract customers with its steep price tag in the budget-sensitive Indian smartphone market.  

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Budget-friendly Samsung Galaxy Note 3 with LCD display on its way?

TagsSamsung, Galaxy Note 3

Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Credit:Samsung / iTech Post

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Reports suggest that Samsung may soon launch a budget-friendly Galaxy Note 3 to attract more customers.

Samsung has launched several versions of the Galaxy S4, including the original smartphone, the compact Galaxy S4 Mini, the Galaxy S4 Zoom and the rugged Galaxy S4 Active. Previous rumors indicated that just like the Galaxy S4, the Galaxy Note 3 will also be launched in a few versions.

The Korean company launched the hotly-anticipated Galaxy Note 3 at the IFA event in Berlin on Sept. 4. The phablet touts a 5.7-inch Super AMOLED display and rumors suggest that Samsung will soon launch a cheaper variant of the smartphone, which will sport a LCD display instead.

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Korean publication ETNews (translated) reports that Samsung is planning to launch the low cost Galaxy Note 3 with LCD display in November this year. In order to retain the premium image of the original phablet the company didn't reveal the cheaper variant of the Galaxy Note 3 on Sept. 4.

"There's also a possibility that this upcoming variant might have a screen size of only 5.5-inches - a shipping manifest lists a 5.5-inch Note 3 that was shipped to India for testing on September 20th, hinting that there are going to be changes that go beyond just the screen technology and camera resolution with the low-cost third-generation Samsung phablet. The model number seems to be the same as the standard model for now (SM-N900), but that will likely change later on," reports SamMobile.

Currently, the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 is one of the most expensive handsets around. However, even though smartphone customers will want to experience a top-end device, not everyone can afford the price that comes with it. Recently, Apple launched the premium iPhone 5S along with the more budget-friendly iPhone 5C in order to penetrate deeper in developing markets.

Similarly, Samsung may also want to extend its customer base with the launch of a low-cost Galaxy Note 3.

November is still a good few weeks away and Samsung has not yet confirmed its plan to launch another version of the Galaxy Note 3. As such, we will have to wait until the company confirms whether it indeed plans to release a cheaper version of its most successful phablet.

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iOS 7.0.1 starts rolling out just days after iOS 7 release

TagsiOS 7, iOS 7.0.1, Apple

iOS 7.0.1 Update Credit:Phone Arena

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Apple released the iOS 7 for its iDevices on Sept. 18 and now the company is rolling out an update to bring the current software to version iOS 7.0.1.

The company announced its seventh mobile operating system at the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on June 10 this year. The recently-launched iPhone 5S and the iPhone 5C are the first Apple devices to come pre-loaded with the latest operating system and older iDevices have also started receiving a software update.

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"One of our loyal readers popped into an AT&T store and started playing around with an Apple iPhone 5c that was on display. After taking a photo of the mid-range Apple device, our tipster noted that there was a software update on the unit. Looking closely, he saw that it was iOS 7.0.1," reports Phone Arena.

iOS 7 includes a redesigned user interface and brings along many improvements to the operating system.

A recent report suggests that iOS 7.0.1 and iOS 7.0.2 have shown up in analytics reports and may arrive soon. The leaked screen shot of iOS 7.0.1 indicates that the update offers "bug fixes and improvements". Speculations suggest that the iOS 7.0.1 update repairs a bug with the Touch ID fingerprint sensor and also fixes a problem pertaining to the iTunes App Store purchasing system. However, Apple has not yet confirmed any details of the software update.

A BGR report also suggests that Apple will debut iOS 7.1 at an announced event in October this year, where we hope to see the iPad 5, iPad mini 2, new iMacs and possible reveal some information on the Apple TV.

When Apple released iOS 6 in 2012, the operating system was surrounded with issues mostly related to the company's latest Apple Mapping service, which was creating havoc amongst users. The company also had to issue a formal apology to its customers. The release of iOS 7 seems smooth so far, with no major flaws in the latest operating system except for some minor lockscreen glitches. However, as the latest software has been released just a few days back, it may take a while before customers find issues and start reporting any problems with the firmware update.

If you have an iDevice, have you received the iOS 7.0.1 software update?

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BlackBerry halts BBM rollout for iOS and Android: When to expect the app?

TagsBBM, blackberry, iOS, Android

BlackBerry previews multi-platform Messenger during the BlackBerry Live event. Credit:BlackBerry

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Not so good news for those who were awaiting the popular BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) to hit Android and iOS, as BlackBerry has halted the rollout.

However, BlackBerry has let on that it will push out the app soon, once the issues are resolved.

According to BlackBerry, several Android users installed a leaked apk file of BBM, which had over 1.1 million downloads in barely 8 hours. The leaked version of BBM was causing issues and as a consequence, Blackberry was forced to stop the rollout until it could address the problem.

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As it stands, BlackBerry has now disabled the unreleased BBM for Android, as well as put the breaks on the rollout of the iPhone app.

"Our teams continue to work around the clock to bring BBM to Android and iPhone, but only when it's ready and we know it will live up to your expectations of BBM," notes the company. "We are pausing the global roll-out of BBM for Android and iPhone. Customers who have already downloaded BBM for iPhone will be able to continue to use BBM. The unreleased Android app will be disabled, and customers who downloaded it should visit www.BBM.com to register for updates on official BBM for Android availability."

However, not all is lost for BBM fans who were looking forward to the popular messenger making its way to other platforms. While BlackBerry has not given an exact date, it has revealed that it will begin pushing out BBM for iOS and Android at the earliest, once it works things out.

"As soon as we are able, we will begin a staggered country roll-out of BBM on Android and continue the roll-out of BBM for iPhone. Please follow @BBM on Twitter for the latest updates and go to www.BBM.com to sign-up for updates about BBM for Android and iPhone. These issues have not impacted BBM service for BlackBerry."

In case you were among the 1.1 million eager users who downloaded the unreleased BBM app, it is advisable that you uninstall the app before the company disables it altogether.

If you want to get updates as to when BBM for Android and iOS will be rolling out, check out the official BBM Twitter page here.

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Surface Mini tablet to launch this year

TagsSurface Mini, Windows RT 8.1, Microsoft Surface

Steve Ballmer with a Surface tablet Credit:CBS News / iTechPost

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Microsoft seems all set to launch the second generation of its Surface tablet and rumors suggest that the company will also launch a Surface Mini tablet this year.

The company launched its first tablet range, which included the Windows RT-powered Surface RT and Windows 8 run Surface Pro tablets, last year. The Surface RT hit the shelves in October 2012 and a few months later the Surface Pro went on for sale in February this year.

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Both the 10.6-inch tablets failed Microsoft's sales expectations and did not attract many customers. Some reports indicate that the poor compatibility of the Surface RT and the high price tag of the Surface Pro tablet have contributed to the not-so-great sales of the first-generation Microsoft tablets.      

Apple initially launched the 9.7-inch tablet and in 2012 entered the smaller tablet market with the launch of the 7.9-inch iPad mini. It seems that Microsoft wants to grab a share of the smaller tablet market with the launch of a compact version of the Surface slate. However, customers may have to wait a bit longer before the company launches the Surface Mini tablet.

"While Microsoft is announcing the initial two second generation Surface devices tomorrow (sic Sept. 23), I don't expect them to launch until October 18, 2013, when Windows 8.1 hits the streets. Perhaps Surface 'mini' will ship later, in November. But I've not heard," reports WinSuperSite.

Technology blogger Paul Thurrott also notes on WinSuperSite that the Surface Mini will have an 8-inch display and a Qualcomm (ARM) processor. The rumored tablet is expected to run on Windows RT 8.1.

Apple is also due to launch the second-generation  iPad mini. Some rumors suggest that the company will reveal the iPad mini 2 along with the iPad 5 in October this year, but a confirmed launch date is not known.

The upcoming iPad mini 2 is expected to sport a Retina display and some improved features. If Microsoft launches the Surface Mini in October or November this year, the tablet may give stiff competition to the next-generation iPad mini 2.

With competition increasing in the tablet arena, however, Microsoft will have to put a competitive price tag on the Surface Mini tablet to attract more customers.  

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iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C sell over 9 million units during launch weekend

TagsApple, iphone 5S, iPhone 5C, iOS 7

iPhone 5s Credit:Apple / iTech Post

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Apple has officially announced that it has sold over nine million units of the new iPhones in the first weekend.

The company launched the much-awaited iPhone 5S and the iPhone 5C on Sept. 10 and the latest smartphones went up for sale on Sept. 20. Just three days after, the company announced it achieved sales of nine million units globally.

"This is our best iPhone launch yet-more than nine million new iPhones sold-a new record for first weekend sales," said Tim Cook, Apple's CEO. "The demand for the new iPhones has been incredible, and while we've sold out of our initial supply of iPhone 5s, stores continue to receive new iPhone shipments regularly. We appreciate everyone's patience and are working hard to build enough new iPhones for everyone."

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The company also took the opportunity to announce that more than 200 million iOS devices are now running on the latest iOS 7 released on Sept. 18. Apple also claims that the completely redesigned iOS 7 has become the fastest software upgrade in history.

The new handsets have made their way to various countries globally, including the U.S. Canada, Australia, China, UK and many more. Both the iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C are currently available via major carriers in the U.S., Apple Online Store, Apple Stores and select Apple authorized retailers.

Previously, the company only launched a premium iPhone and that was only available in two colors: white and black. However, in 2013 Apple has launched the top-end iPhone 5S as well as the budget iPhone 5C with more options. The iPhone 5S is available in three colors: gold, silver or space gray, which have a starting price tag of $199 on a two-year contract. Meanwhile, the iPhone 5C is available in an array of bright colors such as blue, green, pink, yellow and white and in the U.S., and the smartphone has a starting retail price of $99 on a two-year contract.

The iPhone 5C is mainly designed for upcoming markets, aiming to attract customers who want to experience the iPhone but at a relatively low cost.

It's only been three days and the company has already reached a sales record and undoubtedly, the handsets will achieve bigger milestones in the near term.

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Samsung Galaxy S5: 64-bit Exynos processor in 'final stages'

TagsSamsung, Galaxy S5, Exynos 64-bit chip

Concept design of the Galaxy S5 Credit:Mobileaks

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Samsung is reportedly prepping its next warhorse, the Galaxy S5, to take on the iPhone 5S, and has a 64-bit system on chip (SoC) in the works.

According to reports in the Korean Media, Samsung's 64-bit SoC from its Exynos line-up is in the "final stages" of development. It is likely that the chipset will tout the ARM Cortex-A50 architecture, which will bring 64-bit processing to the mobile device space.  Apparently, the chipset will also power upcoming Samsung tablets.

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"Samsung is reportedly in the final stages of development of its 64-bit Exynos processor, according to a report published by the Korean media. Samsung had officially stated that its future smartphones would use a 64-bit chipset, and according to the report, some of Samsung's tablets will be powered by the new CPU as well. It will once again be an octa-core chipset, but this time with four high-performance Cortex-A57 cores and equal number of energy-efficient Cortex-A53 cores (and likely with true eight-core processing)," reports SamMobile.

Currently, the recently-released iPhone 5S and iOS 7 from Apple have the distinction of being the first to offer support for 64-bit processing. On the other hand, while Android has been ready for 64-bit processing since inception, the necessary hardware that would utilize the CPU has been notably absent thus far. With the Galaxy S5, Samsung is may be looking to change this.

For the uninitiated, the 64-bit architecture has several advantages over the 32-bit one. Not only will the former allow for higher amount RAM accessibility, but will also deliver improved multitasking and productivity.

This is not the first time that rumors pertaining to the impending Galaxy S5 have surfaced online. Earlier in August, a report from Korean publication ETNews disclosed that Samsung would completely revamp the design of its flagship smartphones in 2014. Moreover, the publication also revealed that the Galaxy S5 will have an aluminum body instead of a plastic one.

Reports have also let on that the Galaxy S5 will have a fingerprint scanner and Optical Image Stabilization (OIS). The Galaxy S5 is rumored to feature a 5.2-inch display and a 3200mAh battery. The smartphone is also expected to tout a 16-megapixel rear-facing camera and a 5-megapixel front-facing camera.

With Samsung not expected to announce the Galaxy S5 before 2014, we will have to contend with the rumors for now.

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Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note 2 now available for $99.99

TagsVerizon, Samsung, Galaxy Note 2, Amazon

Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note 2 Amazon Deal Credit:Amazon / iTech Post

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If you want a converged device that brings the best features of a smartphone and small tablet at an affordable price, Amazon is offering the Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note 2 for $99.99.

When Samsung launched the original Galaxy Note, it wanted to offer consumers a device that blurred the lines between a smartphone and small tablet. It provided a large display to make surfing the web, watching video, playing games, and other tasks more enjoyable due to the extra screen real estate. The company also introduced its S Pen, which was designed to bring the familiar feeling of using pen and paper, on the Galaxy Note. The stylus adds enhanced functionality through the use of its technology and the countless number of applications available that include S Pen support. The S Pen is just another way for Samsung to add usefulness to its devices and differentiate itself from rivals.

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If you've been thinking about taking a chance on a phablet, but don't want to spend a lot in doing so, Amazon is offering the Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note 2 for $99.99. The Galaxy Note 2 features a 5.5-inch HD Super AMOLED Plus display with a 1280 x 720 resolution and a pixel density of 267 pixels per inch (ppi). It currently runs on Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, but is upgradable out of the box to Android 4.1.2 and is expected to receive an over the air (OTA) update to Android 4.3. The device is powered by a 1.6 GHz Samsung Exynos quad-core processor and includes 16GB of internal storage, as well as 2GB of RAM.

It packs an 8-megapixel rear camera with LED flash and HD recording and a 1.9-megapixel front-facing camera. The phablet includes enhanced S Pen functionality and allows you to use the stylus to write in a more natural way. Its wireless capabilities include a 4G LTE radio, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS, NFC, and built-in mobile hotspot functionality. Users will be able to add even more memory by using its microSD expansion slot, which supports up to 64GB microSD cards. The phablet packs a removable 3,100 mAh battery.

You can order the Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note 2 for $99.99 when signing a new 2-year contract. Amazon is also throwing in free two-day shipping with your order.

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Microsoft Surface 2 now official: 10.6-inch 1080p display, Tegra 4 processor, and more

Tagsmicrosoft, Surface 2

Microsoft Surface 2 Credit:Microsoft / iTech Post

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Microsoft has officially announced the Surface 2. The new tablet features a 10.6-inch full HD 1920 x 1080 display, Tegra 4 processor, Windows RT 8.1, and more.

The company's first-generation Surface was more of a failure than a success, but the company has decided to give it another try and launch a second-generation Surface 2. At first glance, the new Windows RT tablet looks a lot like its predecessor, but Microsoft has made some important changes that it hopes will make the Surface 2 a serious contender in the tablet market.

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One of the most welcomed changes the Surface 2 offers over the original is a higher-resolution 10.6-inch display. The new screen is full HD at 1920 x 1080 compared to the first-generation Surface's 1366 x 768 display. Microsoft is using the new Tegra 4 processor to power the Surface 2, it has also doubled the RAM by using 4GB of RAM, and the company claims that the new model should run three to four times faster than its predecessor. The new tablet also comes with a USB 3.0 port compared to the USB 2.0 port on the original model. Microsoft has been able to increase the battery life of the Surface 2 as well, and it says battery life is now 25 percent longer and should provide up to 10 hours of video playback.

The Surface 2's design is virtually identical to its predecessor, but Microsoft has tweaked it ever so slightly to make it more comfortable and functional.  It still comes with the very popular kickstand Microsoft debuted with the Surface RT and Surface Pro, but it's now a two-stage kickstand, which allows the user to choose which angle works best for them. It also makes using the Surface 2 on your lap an easier task, thanks to the new angle. The tablet's case is also thinner and lighter than the original, coming in at 8.99mm and 676g.

The Surface 2 will be available in two color choices, silver and black, though both options use a black bezel around the display. The new tablet comes in two configurations: 32GB for $449 and 64GB for $499. The Surface 2 will be available for pre-order through Microsoft's online store beginning Sept. 24 and will go on sale Oct. 22.

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Sprint Samsung Galaxy Note 3 to launch on Oct. 4

TagsSprint, Samsung, Galaxy Note 3

Samsung Galaxy Note 3 And Galaxy Gear Credit:Samsung / iTech Post

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Sprint has now confirmed that the latest Samsung Galaxy Note 3 will be available on its network from Oct. 4.

Samsung launched the Galaxy Note 3 on Sept. 4 at the IFA event in Berlin. The Korean company also confirmed that the phablet will be offered from major carriers in the U.S. and most operators will release the smartphone beginning October this year.

"Samsung Galaxy Note 3 with Galaxy Gear provides our customers with a wireless experience like no other," said David Owens, vice president-Product Development, Sprint. "Sprint and Samsung have been partners in innovation for many years, and this combination of the right device on the right rate plans is exciting for our customers. While other wireless providers are moving away from unlimited service, we know these types of devices will only increase the amount of data our customers use each month, and they shouldn't be restricted to using their smartphones when their wireless provider wants; customers should be able to use their smartphone when they want, the way they want."

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AT&T and Verizon's Galaxy Note 3 have a price tag of $299.99 on a new two-year contract or on eligible upgrades. However, Sprint's version of the phablet, both the Classic White and the Jet Black, will cost $349.99 with a new line or eligible upgrade on a two-year service agreement.

Verizon will also sell the Galaxy Note 3 for $699.99 outright and AT&T will retail the handset for $724.99 outright. Sprint has not announced a price for the Galaxy Note 3 without a contract but customers will hope that the price is similar to other carriers.

While Sprint will start selling the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 on Oct. 4, AT&T will start shipping the device from Oct. 1 and Verizon will commence delivery of the handset from Oct. 10.  

Sprint also confirmed that the Galaxy Gear smartwatch will be available in Jet Black, Oatmeal Beige and Wild Orange colors for $299.99.

You can find the Sprint version of the Samsung phablet via the carrier's sales channels, including Sprint Stores, Business Sales, Web Sales and Telesales.

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Amazon offering Sprint HTC One for a penny

TagsSprint, htc, HTC One, Amazon

Sprint HTC One Amazon Deal Credit:Amazon / iTech Post

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Amazon is offering the Sprint HTC One for the very low price of a penny with a 2-year contract. This offer is a limited time promotion and marks the lowest price ever.

The HTC One is one of the best smartphones to be released in 2013. It has the perfect combination of high-quality hardware coupled with excellent software. The smartphone's case has been designed using an aluminum unibody enclosure that makes the HTC One feel great in the hand, while also making it stylish and durable. Audiophiles have praised the handset for the built in Beats Audio and dual-front facing stereo speakers, which make what many claim to be the best-sounding smartphone currently on the market.

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Amazon is offering the Sprint HTC One for $0.01 for a limited time (it does not specify for how long) when signing a new 2-year contract. This is also the lowest price the HTC One has ever been sold for.

The Sprint HTC One features an anodized aluminum unibody enclosure and sports a 4.7-inch Super LCD 3 Full HD (1080p) scratch-resistant display. The handset is powered by a 1.7GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 processor and runs Android 4.1.2 and HTC Sense 5.0 with BlinkFeed. It includes 32GB of internal storage and has 2GB of RAM.

Its camera capabilities include an HTC UltraPixel rear camera with HTC Zoe support and dedicated HTC ImageChip, 88 wide-angle lens with HDR capability, as well as 1080p video recording on both its front and rear cameras. The HTC One is also the first smartphone to boast dual front-facing stereo speakers with HTC BoomSound, which also includes built-in amplifiers with Beats Audio. In terms of wireless connectivity, the HTC One features a 4G LTE radio, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/ac/b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC, and GPS. The handset also comes with an infrared universal remote control with program guide and a 2,300mAh battery.

You can order the Sprint HTC One for $0.01 when signing a new 2-year contract. Amazon is also throwing in free two-day shipping with the order.

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Microsoft officially announces Surface Pro 2, up for pre-order on Sept. 24

Tagsmicrosoft, Surface Pro 2

Surface Pro 2 Credit:Microsoft / iTech Post

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Microsoft has officially announced the Surface Pro 2. The new tablet runs Windows 8.1, is more powerful, adds longer battery life and more.

Microsoft is taking the same approach it did when it announced its original Surface tablets last year. It is offering a version that runs a stripped down version of Windows 8.1, along with a professional model that runs the full desktop version of Windows 8.1.

Just like the Surface 2, the Surface Pro 2 doesn't stray from its original design. Also like its Windows RT-running sibling, the Surface Pro 2 comes with a two stage kickstand that allows users to use the tablet at two different viewing angles, which comes in handy when using the tablet on your lap. The tablet features a 10.6-inch full HD 1920 x 1080 display, which Microsoft claims provides 50 percent more color accuracy than the original. The company also upgraded the processor to a 1.6GHz Intel Core i5 Haswell processor. The new processor is reportedly about 20 percent faster than the original Surface Pro, offers improved graphics performance, and has increased battery life by 75 percent. The tablet includes a USB 3.0 port, mini DisplayPort, Ethernet, and audio in/out.

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The company wants to make it clear that the Surface Pro 2 is much more than a tablet, it's a "full power pc" than has the portability of a tablet and the power of a desktop.

The Surface Pro 2 still ships with a stylus and can use the new accessories Microsoft also announced. The new Power Cover adds a keyboard and standalone battery that increases battery life up to 2.5x the Pro 2's standard battery life. Microsoft also showed off a new Type Cover 2, which is now 1mm thinner than the original and is backlit.

Microsoft will start taking pre-orders for the Surface Pro 2 beginning on Sept. 24 and the slate will go on sale Oct. 22. The company will offer a base model, which includes 64GB of internal storage and 4GB of RAM for $899, but customers can choose different configurations of up to 512GB of storage and 8GB of RAM.

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Sony Xperia Z2 reportedly set for April launch

Tagssony, Xperia Z2

A Sony logo is seen as customers look at Sony's digital cameras at an electronic shop in Tokyo May 10, 2012.
Credit:Reuters

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A recent report indicates that Sony's upcoming flagship handset, the Xperia Z2, will debut in April 2014.

Sony has already launched a number of top-end smartphones in 2013, such as the Xperia Z, Xperia ZL, Xperia Z Ultra and the Xperia Z1 (Honami). With rumors of the Xperia Z2 circling the smartphone world, it seems that the Japanese company is already gearing up for the launch of one of its flagships smartphones for 2014.

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A recent AndroidSaS report cites unknown Japanese sources and claims that the company will launch the Xperia Z2 in April 2014. However, a previous report from the same publication indicated that the next-generation Sony handset will launch at the International CES event in January 2014.

Being a flagship smartphone for 2014, the Xperia Z2 is expected to sport top-end features. The current Xperia Z1 packs in impressive features, especially high-end camera capabilities packed into a 20.7-megapixel primary camera. The successor to the Xperia Z1 may also be equipped with the same camera, but the Xperia Z2 is also expected to include a Xenon flash for a better picture-taking experience under low light conditions.

Some rumors suggest that the Xperia Z2 will have 5.2-inch IGZO and Triluminuous display with 1080p resolution and a pixel density of 540 pixels per inch (ppi), while some other rumors suggest that the handset will have a 5.5-inch display.

If speculations are correct, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor and 3GB of RAM may power the Xperia Z2. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor is currently one of the most powerful mobile device processors; however, we may have an even more powerful processor by April 2014 when the Xperia Z2 may make its appearance.

A bigger, more powerful 3,500mAh battery is rumored to fuel the device, reportedly equivalent to the battery size found in the recently-launched Samsung Galaxy Note 3. The Xperia Z2 is also expected to come pre-loaded with the Android 4.4 KitKat operating system, as Google should launch its new OS by then.

It's too early for Sony to disclose any information on the Xperia Z2 and for now we have to take all rumors with a grain of salt.  

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