Wednesday, 2 October 2013

Nexus 7 (2013) LTE available in Canada for $349

Tagsnexus 7, google, Rogers, Bell, Wind, TELUS

New Nexus 7 New Nexus 7 Credit:Google Play Store / iTech Post

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The LTE version of the refreshed Nexus 7 is now available in Canada for $349.

Google launched the second generation of its tablet, the Nexus 7 (2013), on July 24, along with the latest Android 4.3 Jelly Bean operating system. The Wi-Fi only model of the refreshed Nexus 7 made its way to Google Play store (Canada) in mid-August. Now Canadian customers can also buy the LTE version of the tablet directly from the Google Play store.

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In April 2012, Google launched the original Nexus 7, which became the first device to feature the Android 4.1 Jelly Bean operating system straight out of the box. The Nexus 7 gained high-popularity in the tablet community and was received well by both tablet enthusiasts and tech gurus alike. Google will hope that the new Nexus 7 gets the same or better reception when compared to its predecessor.

"In addition to dual-band WiFi, the device is loaded with pentaband HSPA+ support, which includes WIND and Mobilicity, along with LTE support for Rogers, Bell, TELUS and their subsidiaries. The device comes unlocked and should only require purchasing a SIM card from your carrier and registering it, either with a tablet data plan or, if subscribed to one of the new share plans, adding it to your account," reports Mobile Syrup.

The LTE version of the new Nexus 7 is only available in a 32GB storage option and has a retail price of $349. The LTE model of the tablet was also launched in the U.S. recently and it bears the same price tag of $349 in the country.

The new Nexus 7 is definitely a step up compared to the original version and packs in top-end hardware specifications. The new tablet may become a popular device in the smaller-sized tablet arena. However, the new Nexus 7 could face stiff competition from the iPad mini 2, which is expected to launch in October this year.  

The Google Play store is offering free shipping for the new Nexus 7 in Canada and the tablet ships in only 1-2 business days.

If you are looking to buy a new tablet will you buy the new Nexus 7 or wait for the launch of iPad mini 2?


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Nokia Lumia 1520 phablet and Sirius tablet may launch on Oct. 22, press invites sent

TagsNokia, Lumia 1520, Sirius

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

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Nokia has sent out press invites for its event on Oct. 22, where the company is expected to launch the rumored Lumia 1520 phablet and the Sirius tablet.

Rumors of Nokia's Windows RT tablet (Sirius) and the Lumia 1520 have been rampant in the last few weeks. Many hardware specifications and leaked images of the upcoming Nokia devices have emerged on a regular basis. Now it seems that the devices will make their debut soon.

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"At Nokia, we never stop innovating. More to share on October 22," per the Nokia press invite tweet.

The tweet is followed by an image, which shows a person skiing in the desert. The image also lists a number of tags such as #blazing, #stories and #innovationreinvented.

Some previous reports suggested that Nokia is holding an event from Sept. 26 to Sept. 27, where the company would unveil its new devices. However, a recent report claimed that the September event has been canceled.

"The Lumia 1520 along with Nokia's tablet were expected to be revealed later this month in New York City, but Windows Phone Central has heard this event was cancelled. It would make sense for Nokia to announce the Lumia 1520 in late October with a two week lead before an actual release. That is how the Lumia 1020 and Lumia 925 were recently handled too,"reported WPCentral.

Some recent reports suggest that the Nokia Lumia 1520 will head to U.S. carrier AT&T on Nov. 8 and will be available in various color options.

Previous rumors also suggested that the Lumia 1520 and the Sirius will be exclusive to AT&T in the U.S. However, an image of the Nokia tablet has leaked with Verizon branding and the carrier's version of the Lumia 1520 has also been spotted at the FCC, which suggests that the devices will be available via other carriers as well.

So far, the 4.7-inch Lumia 625 is the biggest Windows Phone 8 (WP8) handset around. The 6-inch Lumia 1520 will be the first ever WP8 phablet and customers will be eagerly waiting to get their hands on the handset as soon as possible. The Lumia 1520 is expected to have a price tag of $699 outright. 

Oct. 22 is more than one month away and more rumors may emerge in the meantime, giving us additional details of the Lumia 1520 and the Sirius tablet before the official launch. 


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Tuesday, 1 October 2013

Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini will arrive in Canada via various carriers

TagsSamsung, Galaxy S4 mini, TELUS

Samsung unwraps the Galaxy S4 Mini ahead of its June 20 release. Samsung unwraps the Galaxy S4 Mini ahead of its June 20 release. Credit:Samsung

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A recent report suggests that the Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini will arrive in Canada via various carriers and will be available from early October.

Samsung released the Galaxy S4 in April and it became one of the most popular Android smartphones in the market. To capitalize on the success of the Galaxy S4, the Korean company announced the compact version of the handset, the Galaxy S4 Mini, in May.

"Heard the great news? The GALAXY S4 Mini was announced globally today. Stay tuned for more information on its availability in #Canada," tweeted Samsung Canada in May.

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Usually, not all handsets are available via all carriers in a country. However, the Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini is expected to hit several carriers in Canada.

"While we don't have a price for the GS4 mini, we do know that Canadian carriers will start selling the Android early October. We do know that TELUS is on board and you can be sure the Galaxy S4 mini will arrive on most carriers lineup," reports Mobile Syrup.

The smartphone arena is getting flooded with many new devices in all market segments. Not all customers want a top-end smartphone with high-end specifications, a big display and a steep price tag; handsets such as the Galaxy S4 Mini still offer impressive features but at a pocket-friendly price.

The Galaxy S4 Mini touts a 4.3-inch qHD Super AMOLED display with 540 x 960 pixels resolution and 256 pixels per inch (ppi). The display of the handset is slightly bigger than its predecessor, the Galaxy S3 Mini, which has a 4-inch display. The Galaxy S4 Mini also includes a 1.7GHz dual-core processor, which is better than the 1GHz processor found on the previous iteration.

The smartphone also has 1.5GB of RAM, 1,900mAh battery, 8-megapixel rear-facing camera and a 1.9-megapixel front-facing camera.

The Galaxy S4 Mini measures 4.91 x 2.41 x 0.35 inches and weighs 3.77 ounces. The lightweight and compact design of the smartphone enables you to carry and use the device easily with one hand.

The Galaxy S4 Mini is available only in select regions and Canadian customers will be happy to grab the handset as soon as possible.


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Nokia Lumia 1020 and LG G2 pre-orders start on Rogers

TagsNokia, Lumia 1020, LG G2, Rogers Canada

A woman walks by a sign at the Rogers Communications headquarters building on the day of their annual general meeting for shareholders in Toronto, April 25, 2012 A woman walks by a sign at the Rogers Communications headquarters building on the day of their annual general meeting for shareholders in Toronto, April 25, 2012 Credit:Reuters

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Canadian customers can now pre-order the Nokia Lumia 1020 and the LG G2 via the Rogers Reservation System.

Nokia launched the hotly-anticipated Lumia 1020 in July and Rogers is the first carrier in Canada to offer the latest Nokia device. Previous reports suggested that the Lumia 1020 will be exclusive to Rogers in Canada, but the handset will also be available via other carriers in the country.

LG launched the G2 as the successor to the Optimus G in August 2012. The company has already confirmed that the handset will be available in Canada on Sept. 27 and Rogers is one of the carriers from which customers can pre-order the smartphone.

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"In developing the LG G2, we listened to and learned from what consumers were telling us they wanted in a premium smartphone," said Geoffrey McMurdo, Vice President Mobile Communications, LG Canada, when announcing the device. "LG G2 features a unique design with an ultra thin display bezel and innovative rear key, intuitive user experience and time saving innovations. Through our strong carrier and retail partnerships, our most exciting and ambitious mobile phone, the LG G2 will be available to Canadians nationally this fall."

If you reserve the LG G2 from Rogers you will receive a free Quick Window Cover, which has a retail value of $50. The Quick Window Cover is a case that will protect your G2 and has a window to show your alerts, messages and time. The free case is available for a limited time only and you will have to order between Sept. 15 and Sept. 27 through the Rogers Reservation System. The price of the LG G2 is expected to be $179 on a two-year contract and between $600 to $650 outright.

The Nokia Lumia 1020 also comes along with free goodies, as the carrier is throwing in a free Camera Grip Case, which houses an additional 1,020mAh battery. However, you'll have to reserve your Lumia 1020 before Oct. 3 to take advantage of the offer.

You'll also have to activate your LG G2 or Lumia 1020 in store within seven days of receiving the Rogers Reservation System shipment notification.

If you are interested to buy the Nokia Lumia 1020 or the LG G2 from Rogers, visit the Rogers Reservation System.


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Windows 8.1 price confirmed a month before official release

TagsWindows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows XP, Windows 7, Windows Vista, microsoft

Windows 8.1 screenshot. Windows 8.1 screenshot. Credit:Microsoft / iTech Post

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Microsoft has confirmed the price of its upcoming Windows 8.1 operating system a month before the official release.

In the U.S., Windows 8.1 will be available to current Windows 8 customers as a free download from Oct. 18 onwards. Customers can download the latest operating system from Microsoft Store. However, customers using other versions of Windows operating system will have to buy Windows 8.1.   

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"Consumers who are not using a Windows 8 device will be able to buy Windows 8.1, either as a download from Windows.com or at your local store as a retail packaged DVD product. While pricing varies by market, in the U.S., Windows 8.1 will be available for $119.99 ERP (U.S.) and Windows 8.1 Pro will be available for $199.99 ERP (U.S.). The pricing and editions for Windows 8.1 are similar to what we have today for Windows 8," explains the company on its Windows Blog.

Microsoft released the Windows 8 as the successor to the Windows 7 operating system in Oct. 2012. The new operating system included major design changes, as well as a touch-optimized user interface (UI). However, Windows 8 also received criticism as the new interface was confusing and difficult to operate, especially when used with a keyboard and mouse instead of a touchscreen.

Customers will hope that the upcoming Windows 8.1 reduces confusion and brings improvements to the operating system.

Microsoft also confirms that Windows 7 PC's can be upgraded to Windows 8.1, which will bring along all the files, but will require you to reinstall desktop apps including Microsoft Office.

Unfortunately, Windows 8.1 is not designed for installation on devices running on either Windows XP or Windows Vista. If customers using Windows XP or Windows Vista still want to upgrade to Windows 8.1 then they will have to buy the "retail DVD instead of using the download and boot from the DVD to do a clean install of Windows 8.1." Files, settings and programs on the old operating system will not transfer, hence consumers will need to back up their files and settings.

If you buy a device which runs on Windows 8.1 you will be able to purchase the Windows 8.1 Pro Pack for $99.99 ERP (U.S.), which will also unlock some new features. If you are using Windows 8.1 Pro, you can buy Windows Media Center for $9.99 (U.S.). 


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BlackBerry officially announces BlackBerry Z30: 5-inch Super AMOLED display, quad-core processor and more

Tagsblackberry, BlackBerry Z30

BlackBerry Z30 BlackBerry Z30 Credit:BlackBerry / iTech Post

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BlackBerry has officially announced the long-rumored BlackBerry Z30. A 5-inch Super AMOLED display and quad-core processor make it the largest and fastest BlackBerry smartphone ever released.

Even through all its current troubles, BlackBerry is still keeping itself in the game and is hoping that consumers will flock to its latest smartphone. The company has decided to follow the current trends seen in flagship Android smartphones and use a large 5-inch Super AMOLED display, a quad-core processor, 2GB of RAM, and more.

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"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."

Some key features of the BlackBerry Z30 include:

BlackBerry® Priority Hub - BlackBerry® Hub is the one place to manage all your conversations and notifications. The new BlackBerry Priority Hub can now learn what conversations and what people are important to you making it fast and easy to find the messages and information you need. It collects priority messages across your email, social networking and other accounts and gives you instant access to the conversations most important to you to help you stay organized and focused on the most important tasks. BBMTM Now in Any App and Message Previews Everywhere - BlackBerry 10 OS version 10.2 continues to refine the unique communications experience of the platform. You can now get a preview of any message as it arrives in whatever app you're using, and immediately dismiss it or tap it to read the full content and respond. If a BBM message arrives, you can instantly reply to the message without even leaving the app you're in. In addition, if your phone is locked, you can tap the various icons on the Lock Screen to see an instant preview of your most recent messages and notifications.5" Super AMOLED Display - The BlackBerry Z30 smartphone features the latest in display technology with a 5" Super AMOLED display that makes whatever you're running larger, clearer and more vivid. The smartphone also houses many top of the line components, including a 1.7 GHz processor with quadcore graphics that makes browsing web pages faster and games more detailed.Stereo Audio and BlackBerry® Natural Sound - The BlackBerry Z30 smartphone comes with stereo speakers that immerse you in your music, videos, apps and games, and makes conversations sound like you're face-to-face. BlackBerry Natural Sound is new technology exclusive to BlackBerry and part of BlackBerry 10 OS version 10.2 that makes BBM Voice and BBM Video chats sound more natural and realistic. BlackBerry Natural Sound lets you hear nuances and variations in tone, making conversations sound like you're in the same room.  New Antenna Technology - The BlackBerry Z30 smartphone features BlackBerry's new generation antenna technology that dynamically tunes reception to give you better connectivity in low signal areas. BlackBerry® Paratek Antenna can give you faster data transfers and fewer dropped calls in low signal areas, keeping you connected in more places.Longer Battery Life - The BlackBerry Z30 smartphone includes a 2880 mAh battery, the largest battery ever built into a BlackBerry smartphone. Combined with the battery enhancements in BlackBerry 10 OS version 10.2, you can get up to 25 hours of mixed use* to keep you moving from dawn 'til dawn.

The BlackBerry Z30 features a 5-inch Super AMOLED 1280 x 720 display with a pixel density of 295 pixels per inch (ppi). It runs BlackBerry 10.2 OS, powered by a 1.7GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro processor with quad-core Adreno 320 graphics processing unit (GPU), and packs in 2GB of RAM.

The Z30 includes 16GB of internal storage and features a microSD expansion slot to allow users to add more memory. The smartphone also has an 8-megapixel rear camera with Auto-Focus, Back Side Illumination, 5 element F2.2 lens, Flash, continuous & touch to focus, image stabilization, Proprietary Enhanced Super, Resolution Digital Zoom (5x), 1080p HD video recording. It also uses a 2-megapixel front facing camera. In terms of wireless connectivity it features a 4G LTE radio, Wi-Fi 802.11, Bluetooth 4.0 LE, GPS, and NFC. The smartphone is powered by a large 2,880 mAh battery.

The BlackBerry Z30 will go on sale in the UK and Middle East next week. Other carriers will offer the Z30 in time for the holidays.  AT&T and Verizon are both rumored to add the Z30 to their BB10 lineup.


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Verizon HTC One available for $49.99, lowest price ever

Tagshtc, HTC One, Verizon, Amazon

Verizon HTC One Amazon Deal Verizon HTC One Amazon Deal Credit:Amazon / iTech Post

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If you're looking for a great deal on one of the best smartphones of 2013, Amazon is offering the Verizon HTC One for $49.99 instead of the $149.99 Verizon charges.

The HTC One has been widely viewed as one of the best smartphones to be released this year. That title is usually reserved for Apple and Samsung, but HTC has hit it out of the park with the HTC One. The company decided to take the best ingredients from Apple and Samsung when building the HTC One. HTC took Apple's superior design abilities on board by using an aluminum unibody case and gorgeous glass display. It took Samsung's love of using high-end specs in its flagship smartphones and went all in with the HTC One. HTC included its own special touches such as Sense 5 and BlinkFeed software, its HTC UltraPixel camera, and BoomSound, which have all been highlighted in many reviews of the smartphone.

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The Verizon HTC One features an anodized aluminum unibody enclosure and sports a 4.7-inch Super LCD 3 Full HD (1080p) display that is also scratch-resistant. 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.

Amazon is offering the 32GB HTC One for $49.99, currently the lowest price the smartphone has ever had. You'll need to sign a new 2-year contract and Amazon is throwing in free two-day shipping with the order.


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