Microsoft Corporation Expected To Release Windows 10 Mobile In November

Since Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) released its much-awaited Windows 10 operating system for desktop yesterday, the tech world can now turn its attention to when "Windows 10 Mobile" will hit markets. Currently, Apple Inc.'s (NASDAQ:AAPL) iOS and Google Inc's (NASDAQ:GOOG) open-source Android OS dominate the smartphone industry.

However, Microsoft aims to catch up via the revolutionary update it has been working on for quite some time now. Microsoft currently holds about 2.70% of the smartphone OS share, compared to the 78% held by Android. If Microsoft aims to compete with Apple and Google, it needs to step up its game fast. With Windows 10 for desktop getting positive reviews a day into its launch, we at Bidness Etc are optimistic that the mobile platform could get similar reception, thereby increasing its adoption rate among users.

Microsoft Windows and Surface Business group head, Anthony Doherty, has revealed that the company plans to roll out Windows 10 Mobile in November. Since Mr. Doherty is Microsoft's head for the South African region, it doesn't necessarily indicate that Windows 10 Mobile will be released globally around that time frame. This has made Windows fans increasingly confident that the OS might hit European and North American markets earlier.

However, Windows 10 Mobile could possibly arrive earlier, alongside the upcoming Lumia 950 and Lumia 950XL smartphones. At present, Microsoft does not have any great devices in the market, according to CEO Satya Nadella. With this being the case, it is more likely that Microsoft will roll out Windows 10 Mobile, alongside the new devices, which could represent the launch of the OS.

Although Microsoft hasn't revealed the release date of its Lumia 950 flagship device, we believe it will launch this fall, sometime around when Apple will unveil its iPhone 6S.

The upcoming mobile OS is believed to sync content extensively, together with integrating support between Windows and "universal applications" that will result in developers only having to write them once. This will allow applications to run across different devices running Windows 10, such as smart phones, the Xbox, and PC.

Source: Microsoft Corporation Expected To Release Windows 10 Mobile In November

Here Are The First Ten Lumia Smartphones That Will Receive Windows 10 Mobile

The Internet is defiantly abuzz over yesterday's release of Windows 10. The operating system was made available as a free upgrade for Windows 7 and Windows 8 users, and can be obtained via Windows Update, ISO, or through the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool.

But while Windows 10 Home and Pro will appease the vast majority of desktop, laptop, convertible, and tablet users, there are still millions of people around the globe with smartphones running Window Phone 8.1. Microsoft promised that Windows 10 Mobile would be made available later this year as a free upgrade for Windows Phone users, and the company is now giving us an idea of which devices will be eligible for the new operating system.

Earlier this week, Microsoft updated its Windows 10 Mobile product page, which now reads:

The following Lumia smartphones will receive a free upgrade when available: Lumia 430, Lumia 435, Lumia 532, Lumia 535, Lumia 540, Lumia 640, Lumia 640 XL, Lumia 735, Lumia 830, and Lumia 930.

The list made no mention of Microsoft's best-selling smartphone, the low-end Lumia 520, and lead some to believe that Microsoft was abandoning a large numbers of Windows Phone devices with the transition to Windows 10. However, Neowin has received confirmation that the initial list of 10 devices is just the beginning:

This is an initial list of in-market devices to receive the Windows 10 update. It is our ambition to bring Windows 10 to all Lumia devices running Lumia Denim software, noting that some features will vary, based on the hardware specifications.

That should be welcome news to Lumia 520, Lumia 630, and Lumia 1520 users whose hearts skipped a beat when it seemed as though they might not see Windows 10 Mobile on their device. Thankfully, it looks as though Microsoft is working to ensure that all Windows 10-compliant devices are able to run the operating system without issue. And it makes sense that Microsoft might need a little more time to tweak Windows 10 for devices like the Lumia 520, which comes loaded with a minuscule 512MB of RAM.

Source: Here Are The First Ten Lumia Smartphones That Will Receive Windows 10 Mobile

Motorola releases 3 new phones: Moto G, Moto X Style and Play

Hello Moto!

Motorola unveiled three new flagship phones Tuesday that promise to give consumers extra style, customization and an extend battery life. The three phones are called the Moto G, the Moto X Style and the Moto X Play.

The Moto G will be the first phone to hit the market, which focuses more on customization rather than specs. The Moto G has a 5-inch screen, supports LTE networks and is water proof-which is a feature competitors don't have. The Moto G also comes with a 13 megapixel camera and it's already available in the U.S for $179.99.

The other two smartphones will look similar, be customizable and waterproof, but they will have faster processors. The new Moto X Style, which is being rebranded as the Pure Edition, will have a 5.7-inch screen, a 21 megapixel camera and a battery that charges 50% faster than the Samsung Galaxy S6.

The phone will also be completely unlocked for $399; therefore consumers will be able to use the phone on any network: T-Mobile, AT&T, Sprint and Verizon.

The Moto X Play will be the only smartphone that that won't be available in the U.S. The Play will have a smaller 5.5-inch screen, but it compensates with a larger battery that is supposed to last 8 hours with a single 15-minute charge. It also promises battery life to last up to 48 hours.

Motorola will only sell the Moto X Play in Canada, Europe and Latin America and it'll begin shipping next year and is expected to cost $300 or $400 less than the typical flagship phone. The Moto X Style will be available starting September on the company's website, Bestbuy and Amazon.

Tags: technology
Source: Motorola releases 3 new phones: Moto G, Moto X Style and Play

Samsung Looks to Bigger Galaxy in Search for Smartphone Star

July 28, 2015 12:28 a.m. ET

SEOUL— Samsung SSNHZ 0.00 % Electronics Co. is revamping one of its most important product releases of the year, underscoring the pressures the South Korean technology company faces as its mobile earnings take a hit from Apple Inc. AAPL 0.47 % and Chinese rivals.

Samsung is planning to introduce a larger version of its flagship Galaxy S6 Edge curved smartphone at a closely watched event on Aug. 13 at New York's Lincoln Center, according to people familiar with the matter.

The move suggests a continued willingness at Samsung to tweak its product releases to try to maintain consumer interest in its mobile products, which have struggled to stand out amid a sea of increasingly similar offerings from competitors.

But in doing so, the company based in Suwon, South Korea, risks overshadowing the nominal star of the show: the latest refresh of Samsung's Galaxy Note series of smartphone-tablet hybrids.

In recent years, Samsung has used an early September trade show in Berlin to showcase its new Galaxy Note device.

But The Wall Street Journal reported earlier this month that the company moved up the launch date this year to mid-August to avoid being drowned out by hype around Apple's annual September iPhone event.

Instead, the new Galaxy Note 5 smartphone might be eclipsed by the Galaxy S6 Edge Plus, which boasts all the features of the company's popular flagship device, in the larger-size format pioneered by the Galaxy Note series.

When Samsung launched its first Galaxy Note device in 2011, the company virtually created a new category for oversize handsets that, while mocked at first, came to dominate the mainstream smartphone market.

When Apple released its iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus last fall, the rival based in Cupertino, Calif., took away one of Samsung's key selling points.

Some market-data trackers said earlier this year that, after the release of the new iPhones, Apple had topped Samsung in quarterly smartphone sales for the first time since 2011. And earlier this month, Hong Kong-based Counterpoint Technology Market Research said the two iPhones had occupied the No. 1 slot in smartphone sales for a ninth consecutive month in June, ahead of Samsung's Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge.

Releasing the Galaxy S6 Edge Plus allows Samsung to try to capitalize again on the popularity of its curved-edge flagship device, the Galaxy S6 Edge, which was a hit with critics and consumers when it was released in April.

However, the company underestimated demand for the Galaxy S6 Edge, leaving its factories unprepared to pump out enough of the device, which uses a difficult advanced technology to curve the front screen of the handset.

The company says that it has now ramped up supply to meet consumer demand, though it remains unclear whether Samsung might have missed its opportunity to cash in on hype around the Galaxy S6 Edge.

The Galaxy Note 5 will mark a significant coup for Samsung in another respect, however: The device will be powered by Samsung's homegrown Exynos processor chips, according to a person familiar with the matter, meaning that each sale of a Galaxy Note 5 device will contribute more to the company's bottom line.

Going with the Exynos chip for the Galaxy Note 5 would be another setback for Qualcomm Inc., QCOM 1.85 % the San Diego-based semiconductor designer whose high-end Snapdragon processors powered Samsung's premium devices for years.

Earlier this year, Samsung dropped Snapdragon from most versions of its Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge launch, dealing a blow to Qualcomm—and surprising many in the industry, including Qualcomm Executive Chairman Paul Jacobs.

"They executed well to get the product that they got out," Mr. Jacobs said in a recent interview. "There are a few things that came together that allowed the gap to be small enough that they were able to choose their Exynos over the Snapdragon."

Samsung's August launch event also could include the release of the company's first smartwatch in about a year, people familiar with the matter said, cautioning that a final decision still hasn't been made.

For Samsung, a new smartwatch would be its first since the company released a spate of the devices in 2013 and 2014.

With its new smartwatch, Samsung will be looking to advance its push into mobile payments as an alternative to Apple's eponymous payment system.

The smartwatch is likely to feature a limited form of Samsung's payment software, according to a person familiar with the matter, for example allowing users to tap the watch to pay for public transit rides.

Samsung declined to comment on coming products. Earlier this month, it said it expects to earn just 6.9 trillion won ($6 billion) in operating profit for the three months ended June 30, a 4% decline from a year earlier. The South Korean company is scheduled to report earnings on Thursday.

Write to Jonathan Cheng at jonathan.cheng@wsj.com and Min-Jeong Lee at min-jeong.lee@wsj.com

Source: Samsung Looks to Bigger Galaxy in Search for Smartphone Star

This monitor will wirelessly charge your smartphone, say goodbye to wire clutter

Samsung has unveiled what it says is the world's first monitor that can wirelessly charge a smartphone.

The SE370 looks like a normal, but very futuristic, monitor and comes in 23.6-inch or 27-inch variants. But what makes this special is the stand which features a Qi wireless charger for compatible smartphones.

Samsung's release of the monitor follows its Galaxy S6 smartphone which comes with wireless charging capabilities built in.

To charge a smartphone, users simply place the phone on the charging plate and an LED will light up to show it has begun charging.

The Samsung SE370 should be a great way of cutting down on wires while freeing up extra power sockets on the wall.

Samsung

Never have to have cables dangling on your desk again to charge your phone

The monitor itself features a PLS panel which offers a 178-degree viewing angle and brightness of up to 300 cd/m2 with 1000:1 contrast ratio.

READ: Samsung Galaxy Note 5 release date, rumours, and everything you need to know

The monitor is optimised for gaming with AMD FreeSync graphics for a response time of just 4ms. This should mean blur-free gaming with smooth tracking after it is activated with a button press. There is also an Eco Saving Plus mode to reduce energy consumption by 10 per cent.

The Samsung SE370 comes with one HDMI port (1.4), one DisplayPort (1.2) and 1 D-Sub. Since Samsung has only just announced this product the release date and pricing have not been announced yet. 

Source: This monitor will wirelessly charge your smartphone, say goodbye to wire clutter

Galaxy S5 Mini Lollipop Update Android 5.0 Release Confirmed

Users had pretty much given on the Samsun Galaxy S5 Mini Android 5.0 Lollipop update. However, thanks to the latest confirmation by Samsung UK, a new ray of hope has surfaced.

Mini variants to flagship smartphones don't generally get a lot of love within the Android community. It wasn't that long ago when HTC confirmed that the HTC One Mini 2 would not be receiving Lollipop. Samsung looks to be doing one better as they have confirmed that the S5 Mini will be receiving Lollipop, at least in the UK.

Some people might not really consider this to be a big deal but I think that this is huge news for Samsung customers. The Samsung Galaxy S5 Mini was announced back in July of last year and came with some decent, albeit lackluster, hardware inside it. I would compare the Galaxy S5 Mini with a device like the Nexus 4, which was a 2012 flagship for the Mountain View search giant. There are two variants of the Galaxy S5 Mini, one with an Exynos SoC and one with a Snapdragon one, but the only other difference here is the Super AMOLED display(versus LCD) and the 1.5GB of RAM(versus 2GB). So again, not a high-end smartphone for 2014, but one that can definitely handle the basic Android and smartphone related tasks.

Android 5.0 Lollipop update for Samsung Galaxy S5 Mini confirmed

Earlier this month a Samsung customer went onto Twitter to ask if the Galaxy S5 Mini was scheduled to be updated to Android 5.0.2 Lollipop. It was originally said that the S5 Mini would receive Lollipop update sometime in June, at least that was the last schedule we had been made aware of. We're almost at the end of July and we still haven't seen one region pushing out a Lollipop update for the Galaxy S5 Mini. Less than 2 hours after this person asked Samsung UK about the update, a representative responded and told them that the update was "coming soon" and that they would let everyone know additional details as soon as they could. Technically, we could still see this device skipped when it comes to a Lol lipop update but this information gives us hope.

The next question is, will there be certain regions that decide to not release this update to their customers? We'll have to wait and see how this pans out and we'll be right here keeping you updated with the information as soon as it becomes available.

@kristoffera90 Lollipop is coming soon to the S5 Mini, Kris. We'll let you know as soon as we can.

— Samsung Mobile UK (@SamsungMobileUK) July 6, 2015

Source: Galaxy S5 Mini Lollipop Update Android 5.0 Release Confirmed

LG G Pad 2 rumored to arrive with solid specs

LG may have a new tablet in the works if a new rumor turns out to be true. The device in question is the LG G Pad 2, and it's one tablet that has managed to basically stay out of the rumor mill until now.

The new LG G Pad 2 leak comes courtesy of Leaksfly, someone we have covered on occasion. Normally this is the part where we tell you to get out your salt shaker, but we have expected a follow-up for some time and the specs seem in line with what a sequel might bring to the table.

According to the leak, the LG G Pad 2 will feature an 8.3-inch display with a resolution of 1,920 x 1,080. There will be no QHD panel, but you will get a fast Snapdragon 805 under the hood along with 3GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage. That storage will be expandable, and other features to note include an 8MP rear camera, 5MP front-facing camera, and Android 5.1.

As for the LG G Pad 2 release date, the slate is said to arrive in October but pricing and availability are still up in the air. On paper, the G Pad 2 8.3 is a solid upgrade over the original and should garner some interest if the price is right. If so, the tablet could end up on many wish lists later this year when the holiday season rolls around.

Are you interested by the potential LG G Pad 2?

via – Phonearena

Read more about: LG   Tablet PC  

Source: LG G Pad 2 rumored to arrive with solid specs

Samsung Galaxy Tab A Plus release arrives with little fanfare

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A Plus release has been rumored to arrive for a while now, and it looks like today is the day. The 9.7-inch model with the S Pen has just shown up online, but with no official announcement or press release.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A Plus release is now listed on Samsung's Belgium-France website with a 9.7-inch panel and specs that fall on the mid-range side of things. Back in February we learned of the Galaxy Tab A Plus S Pen's existence, and today's listing lines up nicely with the previous leak. That means we're looking at a slate with a resolution of 1,024 x 768, 2GB of RAM and 16GB of storage. Providing the horsepower is a 1.2GHz quad-core chip.

On the backside of the Samsung Galaxy Tab A Plus, you'll find a 5MP snapper while a 2MP camera on the front will take care of all your selfies. Other features to note include Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, the usual array of sensors, a microSD card slot, and the aforementioned S Pen. The thin slate (7.5mm) will get its juice from a large 6,000mAh battery and is listed as running Android 5.0.

While there's been no mention of the Samsung Galaxy Tab A Plus release arriving in the US or other regions, we expect that to change soon. Sammy has a pair of slates on the way with a little more pop as well, if you prefer more power. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A Plus S Pen edition price is listed at €339/$370 and it's available in Sandy White or Sandy Black.

Do you think the Galaxy Tab A Plus S Pen edition offers a good value or is it under-powered for the price?

via – GSMarena   source: Samsung

Read more about: Samsung   Tablet PC  

Source: Samsung Galaxy Tab A Plus release arrives with little fanfare

Microsoft Lumia 940 and Lumia 940 XL to Release on 10th of October! Date and Specs Revealed

It's a date!

10th of October has reportedly been chosen by Microsoft as the day the company will finally announce their much awaited phones – the Microsoft Lumia 940 and the Lumia 940 XL.

These two phones are expected to be the biggest releases in the windows 10 mobile OS, and are also expected to be the first phones to come out of the box with Windows 10 mobile OS pre-installed in them.

The company has been setting sight on the future after a major disaster in recent times.

While the Nokia deal turned out to be financially a major loss, and the firm bled out over 7.6 Billion dollars and lost more than 7800 employees, the losses have been acknowledged and written off, and amidst speculations of the Microsoft Mobiles department becoming defunct and Nokia being sold off, it is a ray of hope that the company is not going to do anything of that sort as the current talk around the town suggests that Microsoft will indeed stay with the original plan and more of Windows 10 Mobiles are expected though these might very well end up to be the last of the Lumia phones.

With Microsoft gearing up for the Lumia 940 and Lumia 940 XL, here's a sneak peek at their expected specs:

Both, the Lumia 940 and the Lumia 940 XL are expected to be coated in aluminium and will also feature many advanced features such as an impressive 16MP Camera and a 5MP front camera which will add a much needed clarity to the Lumia fornt cameras, along with Nokia pureview technology.

The Lumia 940 and Lumia 940 XL will also feature a 3,300mAh battery.

The phones are also expected to release with an Iris scanner.

With such impressive features and large screens at 5.5 and 6 inches respectively, the Lumia 940 and the Lumia 940 XL are indeed some of the most awaited phones in the market, however, they could very well be the last of an era.

These phones are also expected to release with an Iris scanner which will function with the help of Windows Hello technology which Microsoft is planning to bring to the table for the very first time with the Windows 10 OS.

However a large part of this depends on what the reaction of the users is with the Windows 10 OS for PC.

Source: Microsoft Lumia 940 and Lumia 940 XL to Release on 10th of October! Date and Specs Revealed

Shark charity releases smartphone app to support conservation campaign

The Shark Trust's 'Great Eggcase Hunt' campaign, which is being supported by a new smartphone app, has resulted in over 75,000 shark egg cases being collected from British beaches to conserve endangered species.

Since the project began over ten years ago, volunteers have recorded 13 separate species of shark, skate and ray eggs cases across the British coastline.

The charity has launched the app so that volunteers can better record and share their findings in the conservation drive.

The Shark Trust estimates that there are over 30 species of shark around the UK coastline but that over half of these are threatened or near threatened on the list of endangered species.

The campaign is focusing on identifying shark species from distinctive egg cases and find the location of shark nurseries.

Paul Cox, the charity's managing director, said: "You don't need to be a scientist to be a citizen scientist – it's easy to record findings, pictures and locations on the project website or on the new smartphone app. It is the combined efforts of scientists, conservationists and the public that is making the difference, encouraging positive change one step at a time."

Shark Trust conservation officer Cat Cordon said: "The Great Eggcase Hunt has received an overwhelming response from the public and, thanks to our supporters, we now have an extensive and ever expanding database of egg case records, which continue to provide us with crucial information on the distribution of shark, skate and ray species."

Source: Shark charity releases smartphone app to support conservation campaign

Corning Announces the First Smartphone Using Antimicrobial Corning(R) Gorilla(R) Glass

(Thomson Reuters ONE via COMTEX) --

Antimicrobial Corning Gorilla Glass helps protect the ZTE AXON's 5.5-inch touchscreen from damage as well as odor and stain causing bacteria

CORNING, N.Y., July 21, 2015 - Corning Incorporated GLW, -0.16% today announced that ZTE Corporation has chosen Antimicrobial Corning(R) Gorilla(R) Glass for its newest flagship smartphone in China, the ZTE AXON.

"With the rise of touch technology and our constant interaction with people and public surfaces, the microbes on our smartphones are not our own," said Dr. Joydeep Lahiri, division vice president and program director, Specialty Surfaces, Corning Incorporated. "We developed Antimicrobial Corning Gorilla Glass to address this concern and are excited to see this technology enter the consumer electronics space with the launch of the ZTE AXON."

Antimicrobial Corning Gorilla Glass is the first EPA-registered antimicrobial cover glass. It combines the renowned benefits of Corning Gorilla Glass technology, including durability, scratch resistance and toughness, with a built-in antimicrobial property to last the lifetime of the display cover glass.

"We are delighted to work with Corning to offer the first smartphone with Antimicrobial Corning Gorilla Glass," said Dr. Ji Zhongwei, chief technology officer of ZTE Mobile Devices and vice president of ZTE Corporation. "The AXON phone is our flagship device and incorporates the latest innovations in smartphone hardware and software in a stylish package that we believe will have outstanding customer appeal."

Corning Gorilla Glass is the world leader in damage-resistant cover glass. Since its launch in 2007, Corning Gorilla Glass has been featured in nearly 4 billion devices worldwide on more than 1,550 product models across 40 major brands. Antimicrobial Corning Gorilla Glass is the same product with added antimicrobial properties. For more information on Corning Gorilla Glass, visit the website.

Disclaimer

Antimicrobial Corning(R) Gorilla(R) Glass is formulated with antimicrobial properties to help protect touch surfaces from stain and odor-causing bacteria. Corning makes no direct or implied claims to protecting users or providing other health benefits.

Forward-Looking and Cautionary Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" (within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995), which are based on current expectations and assumptions about Corning's financial results and business operations, that involve substantial risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. These risks and uncertainties include: the effect of global political, economic and business conditions; conditions in the financial and credit markets; currency fluctuations; tax rates; product demand and industry capacity; competition; reliance on a concentrated customer base; manufacturing efficiencies; cost reductions; availability of critical components and materials; new product commercialization; pricing fluctuations and changes in the mix of sales between premium and non-premium products; new plant start-up or restructuring costs; possible disruption in commercial activities due to terrorist activity, armed conflict, political or financial instability, natural disasters, adverse weather conditions, or major health concerns; adequacy of insurance; equity company activities; acquisition and divestiture activities; the level of excess or obsolete inventory; the rate of technology change; the ability to enforce patents; product and components performance issues; retention of key personnel; stock price fluctuations; and adverse litigation or regulatory developments. These and other risk factors are detailed in Corning's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the day that they are made, and Corning undertakes no obligation to update them in light of new information or future events.

About ZTE

ZTE Corporation is a globally-leading provider of telecommunications equipment and network solutions. With operations in 160 countries, the company is a leader in technology innovation, delivering superior products and business solutions to clients all over the world. Founded in 1985, ZTE is listed on both the Hong Kong and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges and is China's largest listed telecoms equipment company.

About Corning Incorporated

Corning (www.corning.com) is one of the world's leading innovators in materials science. For more than 160 years, Corning has applied its unparalleled expertise in specialty glass, ceramics, and optical physics to develop products that have created new industries and transformed people's lives. Corning succeeds through sustained investment in R&D, a unique combination of material and process innovation, and close collaboration with customers to solve tough technology challenges. Corning's businesses and markets are constantly evolving. Today, Corning's products enable diverse industries such as consumer electronics, telecommunications, transportation, and life sciences. They include damage-resistant cover glass for smartphones and tablets; precision glass for advanced displays; optical fiber, wireless technologies, and connectivity solutions for high-speed communications networks; trusted products that accelerate drug discovery and manufacturing; and emissions-control products for cars, trucks, and off-road vehicles.

Media Relations Contacts:

Anna I. Giambrone

Source: Corning Announces the First Smartphone Using Antimicrobial Corning(R) Gorilla(R) Glass

Motorola Update: Motorola Smartphones Full Line-up of Moto X, Moto G, Droid and Droid Mini Leaked

Tech

(Photo : Reuters) Hellomotohk surprised the tech enthusiasts by posting the leaked photo of unreleased Motorola 2015 device, and just after a day, the online tech website has shocked the world by posting leaked photo of all four key smartphones of Motorola.

Hellomotohk surprised the tech enthusiasts by posting the leaked photo of unreleased Motorola 2015 device, and just after a day, the online tech website has shocked the world by posting leaked photo of all four key smartphones of Motorola.

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The probable 2015 models are Moto X, Moto G, Droid and Droid mini version for Verizon, which were leaked. The release date of these smartphones is not clear yet, but Motorola usually prefers to launch new phones late summer to avoid the iPhone release hysteria.  

The upcoming Moto G is expected to sport 5-inch display size while its hardware segment may have Quad-Core processor and a 1GB of RAM. The back camera will have 13MP shooter while the battery section will house 2,300mAh capacity.

The device will run on Android 5.1.1 Lollipop direct from unboxing. It is not certain how much the internal storage carries but rumors indicate that Moto G will have 8GB storage configurations.

The images surfaced on Hellomotohk will be revealed on July 28. Motorola has arranged a press invitation on that day in New York to officially announce the flagship next generation smartphones.

The second device of the picture is a complete mystery. The device looks like Moto X but differs in terms of removable back as Moto X usually does not have removable back system. If it is the successor of Moto X, then it might be possible that Moto X has been provided with customizable Moto maker facility with 18 colors, leatherbacks, and real wood back cover.

From other leaks, it is rumored that the next generation Moto X will feature 5.64-inch display size, which will have a highly rugged carrying rubber and aluminium combined design. The device will reportedly be waterproof but not completely water resistant. It will be powered by 3GB of RAM and 3,280-mAh battery capacity, according to BGR.

There is also a slight possibility that Motorola might announce the release of Moto 360 smart watch, along with these smartphones. Last year, Moto organization maintained the policy to attract customers towards the Moto smartphones, providing facility to connect to its own smart watch.

©2015 Chinatopix All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission

Source: Motorola Update: Motorola Smartphones Full Line-up of Moto X, Moto G, Droid and Droid Mini Leaked

Microsoft Cortana for Windows 10 Mobile Release Date and Features

The world is changing, and the world is changing rapidly.

Technology is changing the way we interact not only with ourselves but with our surroundings as well.

While many people at one point of time laughed at the imagination of a phone that would fit in their pocket, or a phone without buttons, they are all now humbled.

10 years ago no one would have imagined you can talk to your phone to instruct it to do stuff for you.

Today, with Siri, Google Now and Cortana, all these people are now beginning to believe in the unimaginable.

When Cortana was first announced for the Windows phones, there was a wave of excitement all over the world.

Users and non-users of windows phone alike were excited about the release.

Cortana is the voice assistant for the users of Windows phones, and the name comes from a similar character which was a part of the Halo game series.

While Cortana has been one of the biggest Microsoft projects in recent times, the fact of the matter is, that it did not work out that well and was not as big as the company expected it to be.

While almost nobody expected Cortana to become the next Siri, the expectations were indeed high and the results were not up to the mark.

With Windows 10 however, things are going to change and Cortana has been improved massively.

There have been many changes made, and there are also plans to have it incorporate local language support. Microsoft, with Cortana had been the last major entrant in the world of voice assistants.

Cortana for the Windows 10 Mobile will also be in the Beta phase, and the company is planning towards releasing it as a much bigger launch than what it already is.

With Windows 10 OS and the Windows Phone 10 working in big co-ordination with Cortana, it is expected that the windows voice assistant will get a major boost.

It is being said that the Cortana for Windows 10 mobile will release on the 10th of October, it is also a potential date when Microsoft will launch Windows 10 Mobile.

The new and improved cortana is more interactive, can talk better and can talk more, and can take down notes for you. It can also tell you the time, temperature and traffic

Source: Microsoft Cortana for Windows 10 Mobile Release Date and Features

Nexus 5 2015 Release Date Hinted; Phone Revealed in Photo

The Nexus 5 (2015) is all set to launch later this year, when Google announces the next version of Android. Along with the new Nexus 5 (2015), we are also going to see a bigger Nexus device. We don't know the name of the bigger Nexus phone yet, but going by the rumour mill, Nexus 5 (2015) is more or less a guaranteed launch.

As we continue to receive more information and rumour mills keep getting stronger by the day, we have a live image of the Nexus 5 (2015). This time, the leak comes from official channels. This time, it's Google. The search giant does like to leak out images of its upcoming phones – we saw that with the Nexus 5 most recently. This is one of those easter eggs we really like, and wish more such are discovered along the way.

As a Nexus 5 user for more than a year and a half, I'm now looking for a phone I can upgrade to. Being a Nexus fan, I don't see myself moving away from it, but the Nexus 6 is not that good an upgrade, and the Nexus 5 is tiding me over fairly well to avoid the temptation of a Nexus 6. However, news of a proper Nexus 5 successor make me really excited, and the first official image leak increases the hype to new levels.

More than a month back, at Google I/O, a new version of Android was announced. Android M, as it currently is referred to, comes with a slew of changes and fixes to Lollipop, and will be released later this year in October. Generally, OS releases in October/November have happened alongside a new device launch. In that sense, we are all expecting Google to launch the new Android M update with two new Nexus phones.

Leaked photo of the new-gen Nexus 5 model

Google loves easter eggs, of all sorts, and hides them in different places. Some times, these easter eggs are present right in front of the world. This is the case with the Nexus 5 (2015) leak as well. Google is showing it off on its Android Phones website here. The image has its logo hidden with a hand, so it does look like Google is trying to hint at something here. With the launch of the new Nexus phones and Android M nearing, we could be looking at the first official live image of the Nexus 5 (2015).

LG will return to the Nexus 5 line this year

There have been many reports out there that talk about a two-Nexus phones theory. This makes perfect sense as well. The new and big Nexus 6 has not set any sales records on fire – even those of the Nexus series. Compare that to the amazing response that the Nexus 5 has received and that it continues to be an extremely popular phone among the Nexus fans, and you have your answer.

LG's return to the Nexus line is actually something that many of us Nexus 5 owners have been wishing for – barring some assembly line related defects in the first batches of the Nexus 5, the device has been a high quality one – the display, processor, minimal design and the build quality are all great. The Nexus 6, on the other hand, has had display, build quality and other concerns in its life so far.

That said, the Nexus 5 (2015) will be the smaller Nexus phone this year. Google will be launching a bigger, 5.7 inch or higher Nexus phone with Huawei. It also hints at a possibility that the Nexus 5 (2015) may not come with the top end specs, a drastic difference from the original Nexus 5 which launched with the best specs on the market.

Either way, the launch is still a bit far away for anyone of us to be posturing about

Source: Nexus 5 2015 Release Date Hinted; Phone Revealed in Photo

Microsoft To Release 2 Windows 10 Mobile Phones Under $80 Price Tag

Microsoft is gearing up to release two entry-level Windows 10 Mobile powered smartphones. The icing on the cake is that, the new handsets' price range will apparently not cross $80. 

The ever-credible Chinese publication DigiTimes says, in the past few years, the increase in demand for LTE smartphones in China has skyrocketed. Microsoft will be utilizing this opportunity to make inexpensive Windows 10 Mobile-based smartphones and target the Chinese market. The price ambit of less than $80 clearly denotes that the handsets will not be the fully specced version. This means the hardware restrictions on the phone, due to the price constraint, will not allow such handsets to take full advantage of the plethora of features offered by Windows 10 Mobile, notes Phone Arena.

The Windows 10 Mobile handsets will be powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 210 processor, which comes with four Cortex-A7 cores, running at 1.1 GHz. The graphics will be backed by Adreno 304 GPU. The devices will support standard connectivity options like Bluetooth v4.1 and Wi-Fi 802.11n.

The screen size is unknown at this point, but the handsets will come with 720p resolution, says Phone Arena. The smartphones will house a solid 8 MP rear-facing camera, bundled with 1080p video recording and playback capability. Needless to say, for an entry-level sub-$80 smartphone, the 8 MP camera unit is a good value.

As the handset houses Qualcomm's processor, the cellular modem comes with multi-band 3G and 4G LTE connectivity support. In addition, the handset will be capable of handling dual-SIM, which is the norm in China. Nonetheless, readers should note that, Microsoft has not confirmed specifications thus far. These handsets are expected to hit store shelves sometime in Q4 2015, towards the holiday season. 

Meanwhile, the Verge says, the Windows 10 OS release date has been finalized. A trusted source informed the tech site that Microsoft will be packing the build 10240 as the final release to manufacturing. The Windows 10 will reportedly be launched on July 29. 

Source: Microsoft To Release 2 Windows 10 Mobile Phones Under $80 Price Tag

That Rumored Huawei Nexus Smartphone Sounds Pretty Amazing, Actually

We started hearing whispers about two months ago that Google would pull a first with its smartphones and tap Chinese company Huawei to churn out its new Nexus device. And now, with the familiar late-October release date for Nexuses approaching, rumors are starting to reach critical mass.

Technology is filled with all kinds of rumors and speculation — real and fabricated. BitStream collects all those whispers into one place to deliver your morning buzz.

The well-trusted leaker Evan Blass got his hands on the specific specs of the unconfirmed Nexus and laid it all out for us:

Advertisement

Huawei Nexus sounds impressive so far: 5.7" QHD w/ metal body, SD820 SoC, fingerprint reader. Ships Q4.

July 15, 2015

I'll say. It looks like Google will backtrack on the huge trend, at least slightly, dropping from the Nexus 6's 6-inch size to a slightly more manageable 5.7 inches, around the same size as the Samsung Galaxy Note. But the new Nexus will also be sporting a blazing fast Snapdragon 820 processor that hopefully addresses the overheating concerns of its predecessor. The fingerprint reader isn't a huge surprise, considering it's one of Google's big Android M upgrades outlined during Google I/O in late May. [Evan Blass]

The Moto G cometh: The Nexus is meant to showcase the very best of what pure Android has to offer, but even Android has some budget warriors worth getting excited about, especially the rumored third-generation Moto G. Now, Motorola's budget smartphone may have a launch date: July 28. [GSM Arena]

Apple streaming could be big: Apple's upcoming TV streaming service, due to debut this fall, could be quite the contender. According the NYPost, the service has successfully negotiated with ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX and secured local television stations into its offering as well. Also, the service has Disney on board, which means ESPN streaming for the masses. A new Apple TV is also still expected in a few months. [NYPost]

The dying days of the iPad Mini: According to a report from the Economic Daily News, Apple may release an iPad Pro (which we've been eagerly anticipating) and an iPad mini 4 and completely skip an Air update. However, this mini refresh could be the last mini Apple ever makes. And in a world with giant iPhones, that makes a lot of sense. [Apple Insider]

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Source: That Rumored Huawei Nexus Smartphone Sounds Pretty Amazing, Actually

Oppo releases Joy 3 smartphone in India priced at Rs 7,990

Chinese handset manufacturer OPPO has launched its Joy 3 smartphone in India – OPPO Joy 3 will retail at a price of Rs 7,990.

According to the in.techradar.com, the OPPO Joy 3 is a dual SIM 3G smartphone. It features a 4.5 inch IPS screen, 1.3GHz Quad-core processor and packs a 2000mAh battery with 180 hours of standby time.

Tom Lu, CEO, OPPO Mobiles India said that Indian market is their topmost priority and they want to launch models across categories which combine style, technology and design.

The device sports a 1GB RAM and 4GB of internal storage which is expandable up to 32GB.

OPPO Joy 3 runs on ColorOS 2.0.1 based on Android 4.4 powered by MediaTek MT6582m.

Also, the Joy 3 comes with a 5-megapixel rear camera and has a 2MP front camera. The company said that the users have a wealth of photography features at their disposal with OPPO's unique Pure Image 2.0+ core imaging technology.

OPPO Joy 3 offers screen-off gestures with which users can wake up their device, play or pause music and even launch camera or flashlight.

The OPPO Joy 3 smartphone will be available in white and grey color at the company's stores and retail outlets.

First Published on July 15, 2015 6:54 pm

Source: Oppo releases Joy 3 smartphone in India priced at Rs 7,990

Nokia Reveals Plans For Smartphone Return

With a nod towards Facebook's awkward relationship status, Nokia spokesman Robert Morlino has laid out the path Nokia will take if it is to return to the smartphone market. This is not an announcement of a new handset, but an announcement that if a new Nokia smartphone is to be released, this is the business model that could be used.

Nokia's Android powered tablet, the Nokia N1 (image: Nokia.com)

Immediately after the purchase of Nokia's Devices and Services section by Microsoft, speculation started on how long it would take for a new handset to be released by the Finnish company, and it has not abated. That process would take time, there were numerous clauses in the contract of sales, and of course the ever-changing trends in the smartphone market would need to be considered.

Nevertheless, Nokia has not been drawn on a new smartphone until Morlino's statement was posted online. First of all it addresses the speculation, and then lays out what could happen if that speculation was to become gospel:

For 14 years Nokia was the biggest cell phone maker in the world, and the brand became a household name — one that evoked quality, innovation and human connection. The brand is still recognized that way by millions of people around the world, which is incredibly gratifying and a huge compliment for the people who helped create it. So it's not surprising that today, the question comes up all the time: will Nokia return to mobile devices?

The answer is: it's complicated.

The route to market is as predicted previously on Forbes. Nokia will find a brand partner that can take care of the day-to-day operations of bringing a smartphone to the market. Nokia would be involved with the design of the hardware and software, licensing the brand name and the IP to the chosen partner.

The right path back to mobile phones for Nokia is through a brand-licensing model. That means identifying a partner that can be responsible for all of the manufacturing, sales, marketing and customer support for a product.

If and when we find a world-class partner who can take on those responsibilities, we would work closely with them to guide the design and technology differentiation, as we did with the Nokia N1 Android tablet. That's the only way the bar would be met for a mobile device we'd be proud to have bear the Nokia brand, and that people will love to buy.

As noted, the Nokia N1 tablet already follows this model, using Foxconn as a partner. The tablet is available in an online retail model that follows the style of Xiaomi and OnePlus, with online invitations and limited production runs to boost desirability and leveraging social media to do much of the marketing.

As for the timescale, the contracts and exclusivity periods with Microsoft mapped out a potential date at the point of the division sale, but it's nice to hear it confirmed by Nokia.

As we agreed with Microsoft, the soonest that could happen is Q4 2016 — so it's safe to say Nokia won't be back (at least in phone form…) before then.

Nokia's Android powered tablet, the Nokia N1 (image: Nokia.com)

Strictly speaking, nothing in the statement says that Nokia will release a smartphone at the end of 2016, during 2017, or at any point in the future. Sometimes not responding to speculation is the best approach, but Nokia has decided to address the discussion that is going on in numerous publications and forums.

Nokia will be watching the reaction from the public, the analysts, and the financial markets, very carefully.  It has also told all of the prospective partners in this mythical mission what exactly the Finnish company will be looking for.

I'm sure that it is coincidence that a statement looking for potential partners was released the day before the GSMA's 'Mobile World Congress Shanghai' event.

(Now read the three lessons Nokia must take from Microsoft's misadventures with the Windows Phone platform).

You can find more of my work at ewanspence.co.uk. I'm on Twitter, Facebook, and Linked In. You should subscribe to my weekly newsletter of 'Trivial Posts'.

Source: Nokia Reveals Plans For Smartphone Return

Would you buy a Microsoft smartphone? Reasons are getting scarce

File photo. The Microsoft Lumia 640 and 640 XL are displayed during the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona March 3, 2015. (REUTERS/Albert Gea)

Microsoft is not a force in phones and never has been. The software giant's $7.6 billion write-off of its phone business makes it even less likely now that consumers will opt for its phones.

The Windows Phone platform is projected to have about 3 percent of the global phone market in 2015, according to market researcher IDC. That compares to about an 80 percent share for Android and over 16 percent for Apple (iOS).

With Android and Apple controlling the global phone market, that leaves very little for Microsoft to build a consumer phone business on. So, here's a tough question for consumers: Would you buy a phone from a company that has just stated, however elliptically, that its consumer phone strategy is a bust?

"In the near term, we will run a more effective phone portfolio, with better products," said CEO Satya Nadella in a statement last week announcing the $7.6 billion charge.

Microsoft bought Nokia's mobile business back in September 2013 for about $7.2 billion with then-CEO Steve Ballmer proclaiming that "it's a bold step into the future."

We know now that turned out to be a "bold" misstep but the fact remains that Microsoft will continue to sell phones including "flagship devices" that "Windows fans" will "love," according to Nadella's statement. The subtext seems to be that if you buy a Windows Phone today you won't be left out in the cold. In other words, Microsoft isn't abandoning its phone business wholesale, just refocusing its efforts.

That refocus includes business and flagship phones, though Nadella's statement is remarkably vague about specifics.

Ambiguity aside, the fact is that Microsoft still offers a wide variety of phones, including the new Lumia 640 XL that serves, however temporarily, as a lower-end placeholder for the aging flagship, the Nokia Lumia 1020. On the spec front the 640 is not a stunner. And maybe that's one of the problems. While the 5.7-inch display puts it into "phablet" territory (a popular phone category), the physical design is not going to win over any iPhone or Samsung Galaxy users. At 9mm thick it's fatter than Apple's or Samsung's flagship phones and it's made out of matte plastic. One recent review said "it certainly doesn't feel like a premium phone."

It does boast a 13MP main camera and is cheap, however. It can be bought outright for $249.99 or for 99 cents (phones from major suppliers don't get much cheaper than that) with a two-year AT&T contract.

As is usually the case with struggling platforms, a wide range of popular apps are not available on

Windows Phone (which reflects the lack of apps that run on Windows 8.1's "Metro," aka Modern, touch-centric interface for PCs). Though that's improving from the days of a Windows app store essentially devoid of any major apps, it's not enough to make someone switch from iOS or Android.

To be sure, the Windows Phone 8.1 operating system — with its tiled interface and Cortana voice assistant — has its supporters. The sad part is that Nadella's statement happened just before the upcoming July 29 release of Windows 10. If Windows Phone had been more successful, it would be a platform-affirming moment. Alas, that affirmation doesn't seem to be in the cards.

Source: Would you buy a Microsoft smartphone? Reasons are getting scarce

Samsung Seeks Slice of Apple’s Pie With Early Smartphone Launch

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Source: Samsung Seeks Slice of Apple's Pie With Early Smartphone Launch

Samsung Moving Up Next Galaxy Note Release to Beat Apple to Market

Apple usually unveils its new smartphones in September, so Samsung is launching its next Galaxy Note phablet in August to get a head start.

Samsung, looking for an edge to light a fire under its lagging smartphone sales figures, will unveil its next Galaxy Note phablet in mid-August, at least several weeks earlier than its typical autumn release announcements, in an effort to beat Apple in the constant race for new buyers.The planned early release of the next Galaxy Note was reported in a July 10 story by The Wall Street Journal, based on comments from an unnamed source.The earlier product release is aimed at giving Samsung "some breathing room" before Apple's expected mid-September launch of its next-generation, refreshed iPhone smartphones, the story reported.Samsung's Note phablets are a cross between a smartphone and a tablet, providing users with a noticeably larger screen and a built-in removable stylus that allows users to "write" and draw on the display, which can then be captured in files and saved and sent to others. The next Note device will follow the existing Note 4 and Note 4 Edge, which has a display that wraps around both edges of the device. The upcoming Galaxy Note is important to Samsung as it continues to seek products that will capture the imaginations and purchasing dollars of consumers and enterprise users. Since Apple's launch of its latest iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus smartphones in September 2014, the iPhones have set sales records and raked in billions of dollars for Apple, which likely has caused heartburn for Samsung executives.  Samsung's latest flagship Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge smartphones were released in April and have been selling well for Samsung, but the company misjudged the desirability of the larger, more expensive S6 Edge and didn't order enough production, which has hurt revenue. The company ended up having more white S6 phones than it could sell and not enough S6 Edge handsets, which hurt sales, revenue and profit figures, according to a recent eWEEK report.Samsung is now trying to ramp up production of the S6 Edge to meet the higher-than-expected demand, but the question remains whether the move is too late or if it can still help the company raise sales of the popular smartphone model.Samsung is pushing the release of the next Galaxy Note up to try to avoid being left behind in Apple's wake after that company launches its newest products.Earlier in July, Samsung released its estimated second-quarter 2015 financial figures, which show expected drops in revenue and profit as the huge technology comp any continues to be plagued by disappointing financial results. In estimates released July 6, Samsung said it expects to report operating profits of $6.1 billion for the quarter ended June 30, which is a 4 percent drop from the same period a year ago, as well as revenue of $42.3 billion, 8.4 percent lower than the total one year ago.The numbers are particularly disappointing because the recent release of the company's Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge smartphones was expected to begin to bring Samsung back into the black in its fight with Apple's hugely popular iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus models.Samsung will release its final figures for the second quarter in late July. The estimates show the company heading for its seventh straight quarterly profit decline.Samsung has been hit hard in recent years by lower sales of its mobile phones, which have been losing ground to cheaper phones from Chinese handset makers, and from stiffer competition from Apple and other competitors. Much of the rece nt sales slump likely was due to consumers who were waiting to see the then-new iPhones and Samsung's own replacement for its earlier flagship Galaxy S5 phone. 
Source: Samsung Moving Up Next Galaxy Note Release to Beat Apple to Market

BlackBerry's Android Smartphone Rumor Roundup: Specs, Release Date and More

A BlackBerry developer tweeted an image of BlackBerry Passport running Android 5.1 Lollipop operating system. The leaked image shows the 'About Phone' screen in the BlackBerry Passport smartphone, displaying Android version and model number of the device. The phone's model is denoted as BlackBerry Passport SQW-ANDS.

Source: BlackBerry's Android Smartphone Rumor Roundup: Specs, Release Date and More

Mount Fuji: Why More People Will Be Pulling Out Their Smartphones When Climbing

Mount Fuji is to get Wi-Fi. Getty Images

It will soon be possible for climbers to send Snapchats, FaceTime or call home while they scale Japan's Mount Fuji.

Eight Wi-Fi hot spots will be activated around Mount Fuji beginning on Friday, officials said.

The free Internet will be available at several trail heads and at the 12,388-foot summit, giving climbers who reach the peak a chance to immediately share their achievement with their friends and family.

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The project is the result of a partnership between Japan's Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures and NTT Docomo, a telecommunications company. The free Internet service will only be available for use on a device for three days before it expires.

The telecommunications company said in a news release it hopes the initiative will encourage more overseas climbers to visit Mount Fuji. Last year, 285,000 people visited the peak during climbing season.

Mount Fuji is one of the latest unlikely tourist hot spots to get online. Last month, the Taj Mahal began offering visitors free Internet access.

Source: Mount Fuji: Why More People Will Be Pulling Out Their Smartphones When Climbing

Microsoft Cuts 7,800 Jobs From Ailing Smartphone Division, Takes $7.6B Write-Down On Nokia Purchase

There's a lot of positive energy flowing through Microsoft these days. The company by all accounts won E3 with the unveil of a new 1TB Xbox One console, a swanky new "Elite" wireless Xbox One controller, and backwards compatibility support for Xbox 360 games. And we can't forget the July 29 release of Windows 10, which is the highly anticipated follow-up to Windows 8.1.

However, there are also a few dark clouds heading towards Microsoft's Redmond, Washington headquarters and they are zeroing in on the company's smartphone division. Microsoft today announced another round of job cuts, this time totaling 7,800 employees. This is on top of the 18,000 cuts that it already announced last year. As of March 2015, Microsoft had 118,000 employees globally.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella hinted at rough seas ahead in a companywide email sent to employees late last month, stating, "We will need to innovate in new areas, execute against our plans, make some tough choices in areas where things are not working and solve hard problems in ways that drive customer value."

In addition, Microsoft recently sent four executives packing — Nokia CEO Stephen Elop, Microsoft Business Solutions head Kirill Tatarinov, Advanced Strategy Chief Eric Rudder, and Chief Insights Officer Mark Penn. "We are aligning our engineering efforts and capabilities to deliver on our strategy and, in particular, our three core ambitions," said Nadella at the time. "This change will enable us to deliver better products and services that our customers love at a more rapid pace."

Microsoft's smartphone business has been perhaps its most high-profile stumbling block, which the company acquired from Nokia for just over $7 billion last year. As we reported earlier this week, Microsoft's U.S. smartphone market share has fallen to use 3 percent (for the three-month period ending in May) compared to 43.5 percent for iOS and 52.1 percent for Android according to the latest analysis from comScore. Globally, Microsoft is faring even worse with a 2.5 percent share of the smartphone market in Q1 2015 according to research firm Gartner.

Microsoft is also taking a huge $7.6 billion "impairment charge" on its Nokia acquisition. The company also announced an additional restructuring charge of $750 to $850 million.

It also doesn't help that while competitors have been dishing out beautiful, high-margin flagships like the Apple iPhone 6, Samsung Galaxy S6, LG G4, and HTC One M9, Microsoft has flooded the market with low-end, low-margin borefests like the Lumia 540. Even Windows Phone devices from Microsoft's partners, like the LG Lancet, leave much to be desired.

Microsoft has a chance to help stem the losses in its mobile division with the release of Windows 10 Mobile and its upcoming Lumia 940 and 940 XL smartphones, but damage may have already be too extensive to repair. The chance of Microsoft falling into irrelevancy like BlackBerry is far greater than the company suddenly finding lighting in a bottle to credibly take on the likes of Google and Apple in the smartphone sector.

"We are moving from a strategy to grow a standalone phone business to a strategy to grow and create a vibrant Windows ecosystem including our first-party device family," Nadella said. "In the near-term, we'll run a more effective and focused phone portfolio while retaining capability for long-term reinvention in mobility."

Source: Microsoft Cuts 7,800 Jobs From Ailing Smartphone Division, Takes $7.6B Write-Down On Nokia Purchase

Sony Xperia Z5 to Feature Fingerprint Sensor, SnapDragon 820 SoC; Release Date, Availabilty

Sony To Launch Xperia Z5 In Q4 2015; Favors New Design, 2K ScreenReuters

There are several rumours doing rounds online on Sony's upcoming Xperia flagship smartphone. One of them claims that the Japanese firm is gearing up to unveil three smartphones in the upcoming IFA 2015 event.

The three new phone will be Xperia Z5, Xperia Z5 Ultra and Xperia Z5 Compact, as per a TechTimes report.

While Xperia Z5 is the next flagship smartphone from Sony, Xperia Z5 Compact and Xperia Z5 Ultra are two other variants of the model.

The report further suggests that Sony is likely to make all the three models available in the market around September to take advantage of the following holiday season.

Months back, an image spotted on Chinese social media website Weibo purports that the upcoming Xperia Z5 will feature an all-metal case for extra ruggedness. The image also tips that Sony will feature the rear camera on the top left and will pack USB Type C port.

Xperia Z5 is also rumoured to feature a fingerprint sensor for extra security. Currently, both Apple's iPhone 6 and Samsung's Galaxy S6 already features the same.

Though there are no leaks available on other features, TechTimes speculates that Xperia Z5 might feature a 5-inch display and will come powered by SnapDragon 820 SoC and 4GB RAM along with memory expandability.

Xperia Z5 will purportedly pack a 4,500mAh battery and will run on Android 5.1.1 Lollipop OS. On the camera side, the device is expected to come up with a 21mp rear camera with dual-tone flash and 4K video-recording capability.

Source: Sony Xperia Z5 to Feature Fingerprint Sensor, SnapDragon 820 SoC; Release Date, Availabilty

Amazon finally releases Cloud Drive mobile apps, but they're bare bones

Amazon is inching closer to having a complete cloud storage solution with new Cloud Drive apps for iOS and Android.

The new apps allow users to view files and folders, preview documents and photos, play videos and music, and share files to other apps. It's intended as an all-purpose complement to the photo- and music-specific apps that Amazon already offers, with an emphasis on productivity.

Cloud Drive is Amazon's answer to online storage services such as Dropbox, Google Drive, and Microsoft OneDrive. At $60 per year, it's the cheapest unlimited storage plan you can get. Amazon also offers a $12 per year plan with unlimited photo storage and 5 GB for all other files, though Amazon Prime subscribers get this benefit for free.

The problem with Amazon's service is that it's just not competitive on features, even as it undercuts its rivals on pricing. For instance, Amazon still doesn't offer a proper desktop sync app, so the only way to add files from a computer is through a drag-and-drop interface. That's a non-starter for users who want to automatically make their documents or photos folders accessible through the cloud.

The new mobile apps are even more limited. Currently, there's no way to move files around, edit files, or upload new ones. Users can still upload photos using the sync feature in Amazon's Photos app, but editing and syncing a document isn't possible from phones or tablets right now. At least Amazon tells TechCrunch that it plans to invest in both apps going forward.

Why this matters: Cloud storage could become a killer app for Amazon, with low prices and helpful tie-ins to the company's other devices and services. While it's still hard to recommend for now, the new apps are a sign that Amazon is starting to take its feature set more seriously.

Source: Amazon finally releases Cloud Drive mobile apps, but they're bare bones

Xiaomi Mi5 Image Leaks Online; Main Camera Details Revealed

Xiaomi LogoREUTERS/JASON LEE/FILES

A snapshot of the much awaited fifth generation Xiaomi flagship smartphone Mi5 has surfaced online revealing key camera details.

Technology blog Gizmo China has gotten hold of the Xiaomi device, said to be the upcoming 2015 marquee phone Mi5. In the picture, we see the rear side of the handset. It features glossy black cover with trademark "Mi" logo at the bottom. On top to the right side, two camera modules separated by a couple of LED flash units can be seen. [View the new Xiaomi Mi5 snapshot, HERE]

Though there is no credible proof to suggest this device to be the genuine Xiaomi Mi5 prototype model, going by the recent series of reports, the trend among smartphone makers to equip dual-camera in their devices has been on the rise.

Even Xiaomi's Chinese arch rival OnePlus is also reported to have incorporated the dual-camera on the rear side of flagship smartphone slated for release later this month. Unlike Mi5's horizontal placement of the camera module, OnePlus 2 is said to feature vertically aligned snappers.

Read more: OnePlus 2 Sketches Leak Online, Tipped to Come in 3 Variants with Dual-Camera Feature

Expected features of Xiaomi Mi5:

As per our previous reports, Xiaomi Mi5 is likely to boast 5.3-inch QHD (2560x1440p) display with pixel density of 540 plus ppi (pixels per inch) and may run on Android 5.1.1 Lollipop OS backed by new Qualcomm chipset Snapdragon 820 with sumptuous 4GB RAM. It is also said to flaunt 16mp dual-camera and a 6mp snapper on the front.

Xiaom Mi5 is expected to be launched around November this year.

Source: Xiaomi Mi5 Image Leaks Online; Main Camera Details Revealed

The 17 best smartphones in the world

Flickr/Kārlis DambrānsThe Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge.

We won't see any major new smartphone releases for another two months or so. But if you need a phone now, there are plenty of great choices.

Here's our ranking of the best phones you can buy right now in the U.S. based on factors including design, software and hardware features, content selection, carrier availability, and price. We've included the approximate unsubsidized cost for each.

View As: One Page Slides
Source: The 17 best smartphones in the world

iPod Touch 6 Release Date Could Be July 14 With New Colors From Apple: Do You Care? [POLL]

(Photo : Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) The iPod Touch may be getting an overhaul from these three-year-old models. A photo in Apple's latest version of iTunes shows dark blue, gold and dark pink color options that aren't yet available in stores. Despite a general decline in iPod enthusiasm, the new products could go on sale as soon as July 14.

The iPod Touch 6 release date may be July 14, and official pictures show three new color options. Is this product something that the smartphone-wielding world wants? That's the topic of this Design & Trend poll!

Speculation of a new iPod Touch began on Wednesday when 9to5Mac readers found a suspicious image in the most recent iTunes update. When plugging in a brand new iPod with the latest build installed, an image is displayed that shows an iPod Touch, iPod Nano and iPod Shuffle in an array of new colors not yet available. Specifically, hues of gold, dark blue and dark pink are shown in the image.

After some light research, it was found that the new graphic was intentionally added for a genuine purpose. The consensus is that these brightly colored iPods will likely be coming soon. As for how soon, the dark blue iPod Touch displays July 14 on its calendar. The release date might be then.

One caveat that's worth noting is that very few physical changes are visible in the new models. The biggest difference is found on the iPod Touch, which no longer features a hole for the camera loop. This lack of design alteration has led many to speculate that the update may only offer new colors rather than hardware.

That being said, Apple's recent rumor history might denote otherwise. Current leaks of the iPhone 6S seem to imply that the upcoming device will look nearly identical to its predecessor. However, under the hood, there will be a substantial spec upgrade. Maybe the Cupertino kids are planning on a similar theme for the iPod Touch 6.

Even though that prospect may be exciting for some, not every Apple follower is enamored with the news. Many comments on the source story expressed belief that iPods are no longer relevant, so their manufacturer should retire them.

In rebuttal, many fellow users suggested that the iPod Touch is still exceptionally useful for those that need a dedicated music player. It's also commonly leveraged as a worthy product for younger or older customers that don't want to invest in a monthly iPhone contract.

Whether these changes denote a color refresh or a full sixth-generation offering, there's no denying that the iPod lineup could use some buzz. After all, it's been nearly three years since the current touch iteration first became available. Many are hoping that the next one will include the larger screen sizes of the iPhone 6 and updated hardware.

Do you think the recent photo reveal references the iPod Touch 6, or are we looking at a simple cosmetic overhaul? Are iPods still relevant? Let us know in the poll and comments section!

Source: iPod Touch 6 Release Date Could Be July 14 With New Colors From Apple: Do You Care? [POLL]

Microsoft Lumia 940 and 940 XL Release Date, Expected Features and Other Details

Microsoft Offers Generous Rs. 7,000 Cash Back On Lumia 930, Lumia 830 Purchases For Holi Festive SeasonMicrosoft

Microsoft is yet to reveal the release date of its upcoming devices – the Lumia 940 and the 940 XL – but so much has been written about it and almost all the key features of the devices have been leaked over the last few weeks.

The Lumia 940 and Lumia 940 XL are expected to see the light of day in the fourth quarter of 2015. AdDuplex, an advertising platform for Windows Phone, has revealed two devices - Microsoft RM-1104 with a 5.2-inch 1080p display, and Microsoft RM-1100 with a Quad HD (1440x2560) display – in a slide, giving a hint that launch of Microsoft's upcoming devices are imminent. 

The Microsoft RM-1104 codenamed 'Talkman' is believed to be the Lumia 940, and the Microsoft RM-1100 codenamed 'Cityman' is said to be the Lumia 940 XL.

Latest details of the device provided by smartphone gaming benchmark site GFXBench claimed that Microsoft RM-1100 aka Lumia 940 XL will sport a 5.7-inch screen with 2559 x 1440 pixels, powered by Octa-core Qualcomm (ARMv7) processor with Adreno 430 GPU, come packed with 14 GB internal memory, 1.5 GB RAM, and 17 MP (4992 x 3744) main camera with UHD (4K) (3840 x 2160) video recording and 4.8 MP (2592 x 1936) front snapper with FHD (1920 x 1080) video recording. The benchmark site added that the device will come with features like accelerometer, compass, gyroscope, lightsensor, nfc, and proximity. 

According to reports by Windows Central and NokiaPowerUser, the Lumia 940 XL will come with features like metallic unibody frame, 5.7-inch QHD display with 2560 x 1440 resolution display, Octa-Core Snapdragon 810 processor with Adreno 430 GPU, 32 GB internal memory with microSD card slot, 3 GB RAM, 20 MP main camera with PureView and 5 MP front snapper, 3300 mAh removable battery, and USB Type-C. 

Meanwhile, the Lumia 940 is expected to sport a 5.2-inch QHD display with 2560×1440 resolution, powered by Hexa-Core Snapdragon 808 processor with Adreno 430 GPU, come packed with a 32 GB of internal storage with a microSD card slot, 3 GB RAM, house a 20 MP main camera with Pureview and 5 MP front snapper, 3000 mAh removable battery and come with USB Type-C, according to Windows Central and NokiaPowerUser websites.

However, it may be mentioned that the aforementioned specifications of the devices are not confirmed yet.

Source: Microsoft Lumia 940 and 940 XL Release Date, Expected Features and Other Details

Olympus Air A01 turns your smartphone into a mirrorless camera

Olympus has announced its Air A01 add-on camera for smartphones, which turns your Android or iOS device into a very capable mirrorless camera, will be getting a wider release and heading to the US. Previously only available in Japan, the Olympus Air A01 is a smartphone-controlled camera similar to the Sony QX1, but features a Micro Four Thirds lens mount with a matching 16-megapixel sensor and is an open platform for developers.

We've previously seen a number of add-on cameras for smartphones which claim to offer DSLR-like features, including the Sony QX100, Kodak Smart Lens and more recently the DxO One. However, because they all feature built-in lenses they're more like compact camera equivalents rather than interchangeable lens cameras. The Olympus Air A01 is different in that it allows users to mount Micro Four Thirds lenses, in the same way the Sony QX1 uses an E-mount.

In addition to its Micro Four Thirds mount, the Air A01 features the same 16-megapixel Live MOS sensor (17.3 x 13 mm) and TruePic VII image processor as cameras like the OM-D E-M5 II. This enables a burst speed shooting at 10 fps (frames per second) an ISO range up to 12,800 and Full HD 1080p video recording at 30 fps. RAW capture is also possible, and the Air A01 features a silent electronic shutter with a 1/16,000-second maximum shutter speed.

Once the Air A01 is wirelessly connected to a smartphone or tablet users can then control it using a dedicated OA.Central for Olympus Air app. This allows focusing, using a FAST 81-point AF system, by tapping the screen of the smartphone, and making changes to settings such as exposure, white balance and ISO speed. Smartphone photographers can also use the app to access to the same P, A, S and M modes as on an interchangeable lens camera, apply filters, or instantly transfer images.

While the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled Olympus Air A01 can store images and video on a microSD card, they can also be automatically uploaded and securely stored on Amazon Cloud Drive. The device itself measures 56.9 x 57.1 x 43.6 mm (2.2 x 2.3 x 1.7 in) weighs 147 g (4.2 oz) and can be clipped onto a smartphone using the included smartphone holder. The built-in battery is said to be good for 320 shots on a full charge.

The Air A01 can also be used when not attached to a smartphone, enabling use in situations and positions it might be difficult to use a traditionally shaped camera, and automatically knows which way around the cylindrical device is being held. It also features a tripod mount which could be handy for remote shooting.

In addition to appealing to smartphone photographers who want better quality and the creative freedom allowed only by an interchangeable lens system, the Air A01 will also be of interest to developers and makers as it's an open platform. This means developers can produce their own apps for the camera using the available software development kit and makers can easily create accessories.

The Olympus Air A01 will be available in the US from this month in black or white for US$300 body-only, or $500 bundled with a 14-42-mm EZ lens. It will also launch in Canada in August, unfortunately no other international availability has been announced yet.

You can check out the Olympus Air A01 in the promo video below.

Product page: Olympus Air A01

Source: Olympus Air A01 turns your smartphone into a mirrorless camera