Sunday, January 31, 2016

The future Is Really Android’ Says BlackBerry Senior Director

blackberry-priv-review_ubergizmo_15

BlackBerry is still trying to compete in the global smartphone market even though its products don't do as well as the company wants them to do. There's really no evidence to show that the Android-powered BlackBerry Priv has done wonders for BlackBerry's market share. However the company now wants to continue down this road, so much so that hardcore fans believe it's eventually going to bury its own OS. Recent comments from a senior director at a company hint at that possibility.

The Priv is the first Android powered smartphone that BlackBerry has ever come up with but it's certainly not going to be the last. BlackBerry has already confirmed that another Android device is in the pipeline and will be released soon.

Even though it says that its own BlackBerry OS will receive an update in the coming months that will add security and privacy enhancements, the company is yet to confirm if it's going to release another BB OS powered handset in the near future.

BlackBerry's senior director of Asia Pacific product management Damian Tay has said that the Priv is essentially the company's transition to Android. "As we secure Android, over a period of time, we would not have two platforms, and may have only Android as a platform [for smartphones]," he added.

This goes to show what the ultimate aim might be, to completely adopt Android and try to secure it, while allowing users to have access to all of the apps and services that were never released on BlackBerry's own OS. Will that prove to be a winning combination or will BlackBerry still find it hard to sell handsets? Only time will tell.

Filed in Cellphones. Read more about Android, BlackBerry and blackberry priv.


Source: The future Is Really Android' Says BlackBerry Senior Director

Saturday, January 30, 2016

Samsung Galaxy S7 Release Date & Update: Leaks Reveal Camera Module, Black Chassis Look, 12MP Camera

By Charmaine Montes , Christian Post Contributor

January 30, 2016|10:49 am

Samsung Galaxy S7YOUTUBE / CTNtechnologynews

A screengrab from a video report on the rumored specs and features of the Samsung Galaxy S7.

January is nearing its end and February is about to come in, which means the day of the arrival of the most awaited next flagship smartphone from Samsung is near. According to Gadgets 360, the rumored release date of the Samsung Galaxy S7 is on the day before the Mobile World Congress 2016. However, an iDigitalTimes report says that the device's European rollout will be on March 11.

If the earlier rumors are true, the device will be unveiled on Feb. 21. But before it can be officially announced, several leaks have surfaced online, giving fans an idea of what may possibly come with the device.

In a report by Phone Arena, it says that an employee from Samsung passed on information to Korean Internet content provider Naver. It revealed that the Galaxy S7 will have a black chassis to give the device a premium look and feel. It also said that the handset will have a camera greatly capable of handling night shots.

Speaking of camera quality, GSM Arena posted live images of the Galaxy S7 front camera and display surface.

According to the site, the image shows a group of front camera modules with the SM-G930F model name on it. It has been previously revealed that the model name is the device's internal designation. The "F" at the end indicates the regional version.

It's also rumored that the handset will have a 12-megapixel rear camera while the front will have 5 megapixels. It will feature a 5.1-inch QHD resolution display and will have under its hood a Samsung Exynos 8890 chipset with 4 GB of RAM.

As for its inbuilt memory storage, the device is said to have 64 GB, although the iDigitalTimes report also says the device may have variants of 32GB, 64GB and 128GB when it comes to its internal storage options. It will be pre-installed with Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow out of the box and is expected to come in three color variants which are White Silver, Black and Gold.

Nothing is official yet for the Samsung Galaxy S7 so until the Korean tech company announces the details themselves, it's best to take reports with a pinch of salt.


Source: Samsung Galaxy S7 Release Date & Update: Leaks Reveal Camera Module, Black Chassis Look, 12MP Camera

Friday, January 29, 2016

Smartphone shipments hit record high in 2015

Scarsella said that competing vendors needed to be aware that innovation would be crucial, citing Apple Pay and Force Touch as two upgrades that persuaded smartphone buyers to invest in the latest iterations of the device. Here's more information in the full press release.

The good news for smartphone manufacturers is that worldwide shipments grew by 12% and hit a record high of 1.4 billion in 2015.

She noted that despite the slowdown in China, Huawei has a brand "has successfully diversified worldwide, with nearly half of its shipments going outside of China".

Samsung and Apple retain their positions in the worldwide smartphone market for the year as well, but the Cupertino-based vendor had the strongest year-over-year growth.

Apple had a record final quarter-74.8 million iPhones shipped, an increase of 0.4% from a year ago-and demonstrated overall year-on-year growth of 20.2%. ASPs have gone up from $687 in 2014 to $691; people are less inclined to switch over to mid-range handsets, and there is a significant demand for large-screened premium category handsets. He said Apple continues to perform well in a challenging market.

Tablets and wearables, meanwhile, should make up a growing amount of the mobile unit's business, Samsung said.

Samsung shipped 324.8 million smartphones for the year, according to the IDC's Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker report. Xiaomi shipped 18.2 million units with a 4.6% market share.

According to an estimate, the Chinese tech giant covers 15% of the Chinese smartphone market while in the global smartphone market Huawei has already captured more than 8% share, which expects to incline further.

Apple said on Tuesday it expected to report the first year-on-year decline in iPhone sales in the current quarter.

As for other players in the smartphone market, Huawei Technology posted its highest YoY growth out of the top five phone manufacturers, at 37%.

Huawei became the fourth mobile phone maker ever to ship more than 100 million units in a year, joining Apple, Samsung and Nokia.

Just how bad are conditions in the smartphone market? The Motorola brand, strong in 2014 in the Americas with the Moto G and Moto X, saw fewer groundbreaking new models in 2015. Lenovo is facing greater competition in its domestic market from smaller competitors at the low end.

Apple's iPhone growth, in contrast is peaking, and the company will have to expand into new markets like India or Nigeria "to reignite iPhone growth" in 2016, the research firm said. Xiaomi's bulk of shipment rest on low-end devices from Redmi line, although the company is trying hard to transit from low-end range to midrange users.

Xiaomi was able to widen its lead over sixth placed LG although it relied heavily on the Chinese market for its growth. In Q4 2014, Lenovo and Motorola combined shipped around 25 million units while the number came down to 20 million in Q5 2015, as per Strategy Analytics.


Source: Smartphone shipments hit record high in 2015

Thursday, January 28, 2016

Samsung Galaxy Note 6 release date, specifications: 4 features fans may want to see in Note 5 successor

Samsung is known more for its Note series than the S series devices. But 2016 was a disappointment for Note fans, as the Galaxy Note 5 was very similar to the Galaxy S6 in specifications – the most noticeable difference was screen size. So, gadget lovers will expect big from the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Note 6.

The Galaxy S7 has hogged all the limelight at the moment with its unveiling event just a few weeks away, but it may be noted that the Galaxy Note 6 is also not very far away. The South Korean electronics giant is tight-lipped on its upcoming Note device, but its release date should fall in the Q3, perhaps in August, like its predecessor.

Nothing much has been leaked on the Galaxy Note 6, but a report by ValueWalk has claimed that it might sport a 4K resolution display, the technology being introduced in Sony Xperia Z5 Premium, and decrease camera megapixel and include Vivid Photo or Timeless Photo technology.

There may be many feature upgrades that fans may want to see in the Galaxy Note 5 successor, but there are at least four specifications that need improvement.

Camera: Samsung has the tradition of increasing camera pixels, but most people know that it is not the pixel but the sensor that determine the quality of a picture. So, the South Korean company will be expected to put a halt to its "pixel increase trend" for once and improve camera sensor instead.

Battery: Samsung Note devices have big display coupled with high screen resolution. The Galaxy Note 5 has a 3,000mAh battery but it's not powerful enough considering state-of-art technology it boasted of. In fact, there are several devices with a 4,000mAh battery. So, Samsung fans will expect the Galaxy Note 6 to be powered by a strong battery.

MicroSD Card: The Note devices are not smartphones. They are plablets that people use for multiple purposes, which means users will need more memory. Samsung surprised everyone last year by discarding microSD card slot and it left many disappointed. The feature is expected to be brought back to the upcoming Note 6.

3D Touch: Apple introduced 3D Touch technology to its iPhone 6s last year, enabling users to access several functions by pressing the screen. Samsung fans will also expect a similar feature in the Galaxy Note 6.


Source: Samsung Galaxy Note 6 release date, specifications: 4 features fans may want to see in Note 5 successor

Wednesday, January 27, 2016

Latest Samsung Galaxy LEAK reveals Android Marshmallow UK release date, new features

LONDON: SAMSUNG smartphone owners can expect a slew of new features in the coming weeks, thanks to the roll-out of Android 6.0 Marshmallow. And it looks like a bumper upgrade for Galaxy S6 Edge owners.

Android 6.0 Marshmallow is Google's best update yet. Unfortunately, Samsung smartphone owners have not had a chance to test it out.

But that could be about to change.

A leaked document from inside Samsung and published by Mobipicker reveals when Galaxy smartphone owners can expect the upgrade.

The Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 Edge and Galaxy S6 Edge+ are set to get the Android 6.0 upgrade in February or March, with the phablet set to receive the upgrade first.

Samsung's Galaxy Note 5, which failed to materialise in the UK, is also slated for a February release.

Meanwhile, the South Korean firm's 2014 flagship smartphone – the Galaxy S5 – will also get the bump to Android 6.0 in March or April.

Android 6.0 Marshmallow roll-out across Samsung devices, according to the leaked document

Android 6.0 Marshmallow roll-out across Samsung devices, according to the leaked document

This is around the same time as the Galaxy Note 4 and Galaxy Note Edge, according to the leaked documents from Mobipicker.

Earlier this week, a video of a Galaxy S6 Edge running Android Marshmallow appeared online.

Amongst the new security and in-app privacy features bundled in the Google update, Samsung has added some exciting new functionality for S6 Edge owners.

The beta shows some exciting new features for the Edge display, including a new My Places panel that lists your most recently used apps – and lets you quickly relaunch the software.

There are also panels for Twitter Trends, Yahoo Finance, Sports, a Quick Tools panel – which includes your current location and a working compass, as well as tiles for S Planner and Weather.

These useful snippets slide-in from the curved display, while the remaining screen real estate blurs. Swiping across the panel cycles to the next live widget.

Samsung has included a new settings option that lets smartphone owners remove and add new panels.

Bundled with the Android Marshmallow update, this new feature should ensure the dual-curve display on the S6 Edge is more than a beautiful design flair.Samsung is rumoured to launch a version of the upcoming Galaxy S7 with a curved display. The Galaxy S7 is expected to run Android 6.0 Marshmallow out of the box.


Source: Latest Samsung Galaxy LEAK reveals Android Marshmallow UK release date, new features

Tuesday, January 26, 2016

New iPhone 7 concept with preview of iOS 10

Leaks and rumors for the iPhone 7 2016 are flowing already, and another thing we've also seen are numerous design ideas. These can tantalize us with ideas of how the smartphone could look or what it might offer in the way of specs. Today we're sharing a new iPhone 7 concept with a preview of iOS 10 and an accompanying video.

This latest iPhone 7 concept is very comprehensive as it imagines not just the design of the handset but also the software experience that it could offer with iOS 10. Although rumored specs for the real deal will remain unofficial until the unveiling, one thing we can be sure of is that it will be running iOS 10 on release. This creation comes from iPhone-Tricks.com and offers plenty of ideas to get our teeth into.

The renders show a completely borderless display, and with the edge-to-edge look becoming more popular this is something that many iPhone fans might appreciate. This iPhone 7 concept is equipped with an Apple A10 processor, M10 motion coprocessor, and a 5.4-inch OLED display with 2048 x 1048 resolution. It also includes a USB Type C port and Dolby Surround speakers.

iPhone 7 conceptiPhone 7 concept d

The usual physical Home button is now a virtual buttton incorporated into the display, reacting to movements made in the lower part of the handset. When the screen is not in use the integrated Home button magically fades away, and there's also integrated Touch ID. There are also some fresh ideas for iOS 10, that now offers a more customizable home screen.

For example, it features a widget-like notion so that when a user swipes down on an icon more information about it will be displayed. Icons are also displayed in two sizes, and the number of apps in the dock area can be expanded. Users can put the phone on standby by simply double-tapping the screen and doing the same again to turn it back on.

iPhone 7 concept b

The version of iOS 10 with this iPhone 7 concept offers further functions and features and a more intuitive experience, and you can see more in the short video that we've embedded below. You might also like to compare this latest concept idea with some other iPhone 7 designs, and another idea for iOS 10.

There are some excellent ideas for the iPhone 7 and iOS 10 here and we wonder what you think? Do you like the look of this new iPhone 7 concept? Maybe you wish Apple would incorporate some of these ideas for the real deal when it releases later this year?

Source: iPhone-Tricks (and YouTube)Via: Concept Phones

Read more about: Apple iPhone   Concept Phones   Mobile Phones   Others   Video  

iPhone 7 concept c
Source: New iPhone 7 concept with preview of iOS 10

Monday, January 25, 2016

LG G5 and G5 Pro cases show off smartphone designs

The next LG smartphone (LG G5) has leaked with photos of its front and back and sides through case manufacturers of all sorts. The folks at LG aren't leaving anything up to chance with the LG G5, almost certainly bringing heat to MWC 2016 this February. Today we get to look at what's essentially the entire smartphone, from all sides - save the back, of course, since most of it is covered by case. But all the important bits are here!

From what we understand about LG's schedule of releases and specifications fitting standard year-by-year upgrades, this device should, as usual, be a beast. Using a 5.29-inch display with 2560 x 1440 (2K) resolution - that's 640 dpi, you'll find this smartphone to be on par with the most pixel-dense displays on the market.

The frontside camera is tipped to be a high-powered 8-megapixel shooter with the ability to capture selfies of all sorts. The back of this device - as you might have guessed - has two cameras instead of just one. This mirrors what manufacturers like HTC have done, using the secondary camera to increase the speed of focus and assist with low-light photos.

LG V10 Review Part II: what no other phone has

The main camera on this device has been reported as 15.9-megapixels strong, while the secondary camera is tipped at a (very strange) 8.3-megapixels).

Also tipped is an LG G5 Pro model - likely in the line of the LG V10, a fabulous top-notch smartphone that compliments the release of the LG G4 from 2015.

You can expect the company's next major flagship smartphone to appear in Barcelona on the 21st of February, 2016. That's Mobile World Congress, and we'll be there with bells on.

Have a peek at the timeline below for additional LG G5 action as well. This will be the big one-two from LG, just you wait and see.


Source: LG G5 and G5 Pro cases show off smartphone designs

Sunday, January 24, 2016

Addicted to your smartphone? This app developer explains why

It's no longer hyperbole to refer to our relationships with our smartphones as addictive. For many of us, it's the first thing we check in the morning and the last thing we interact with at night. Our cellphones are our friends, teachers, and even lifelines, and sometimes it seems our dependency on these devices will only keep growing.

"(We're like) a rat gorging on sugary foods well past satiety," explained Raefer Gabriel, the CEO of smartphone app builder Delvv.

Our dependence arises as a growing pattern of behavior that ultimately takes on a life of its own, he believes. We begin down a slippery slope as we start using our phones to "feed that anticipation and desire for information, particularly unpredictable information," stoking our brain's dopamine center.

Sounds a lot like how addictions form, doesn't it?

Digital Trends recently sat down with Gabriel to discuss how smartphone addiction could be affecting both productivity and our overall quality of life. The heart of the problem, he said: As we continue to look for more and more information, more often than not we look for it in our phones and within mobile apps.

"A major change in the last two or three years," he says, "has been the increased use of adaptive, personalized feeds in social media" that give us "more incentive to over-consume." After all, Facebook has to keep you coming back somehow, right? And all of this, Gabriel says, "feeds back into that dopamine loop and reinforces addictive behavior patterns."

Perhaps the most alarming aspect of this addiction is its biological basis — unlike alcohol or drug addictions, which are predicated upon a chemical effect, we've managed to train ourselves to release dopamine by seeking and obtaining bits of information. Indeed, Gabriel says, our dependence upon smartphones can be compared to a gambling or sex addiction.

And because our addiction is a biological pattern, it may be hard to break.

"Interrupt the feedback loop and you'll see withdrawal symptoms."

"Humans haven't really changed," Gabriel told me. "Our minds are very adaptable, to be sure, but we didn't evolve in any sort of situations that would prepare us for this constant flow of information. When you interrupt the dopamine feedback loop of any sort of pleasure-seeking behavior, you'll see withdrawal symptoms — and people definitely look anxious and moody when you take away their constant smartphone connectivity."

Not everyone is equally affected by smartphone addiction, nor are all apps created equal when it comes to enabling this behavior. "Millennials are most strongly tied to their smartphones and purport to be less affected by information overload compared to older generations who were not born into the mobile era," said Gabriel.

As to whether smartphone addiction is actually making us less happy, Gabriel admits that there isn't quite enough evidence to give a satisfactory answer quite yet, but he doubts that our phones are making us happier. "While up to a point, ease of information access makes us more productive and able to get more done in our lives, the extra leisure time is scarcely valuable if we use it all up surfing Facebook and engaging in other pleasure-seeking behaviors," he said. "There's clearly a difference between pleasure in the moment vs. true happiness in life."

So what's to be done? What does the ideal situation look like in the CEO's eyes? "Efficient smartphone use would entail getting to the optimal amount of 'digital connectedness' and minimizing use of your phone as a coping device," Gabriel said. "We think that in a few years time the constant stream of interruptions and cues driving our pleasure-seeking behavior will eventually come to be seen as rude, crass, and passe," if it doesn't already.

"We clearly need better tools for managing interruptions and prioritizing important information. Hopefully the major mobile platforms will take more initiative in this direction."

But ultimately, Gabriel concluded, "as with any pleasure-seeking behavior, people need to see a downside — they need to want to change. For some people, they may just need to understand better how much of their time they are losing to consumption of 'junk food' information. For others, we need clear, forceful evidence — a better understanding of the negative effects of information overindulgence on the brain and pleasure centers."

It may take some time and a whole lot of education, but maybe one day, we'll start weaning ourselves off of our cellphones.


Source: Addicted to your smartphone? This app developer explains why

Saturday, January 23, 2016

Details Leaked about New Samsung Galaxy S7 Smartphone

Details about the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S7 smartphone emerged this week in advance of its anticipated release. A Hungarian Android blog reported benchmark scores for the single-core and multi-core versions of the phone, which are significantly higher than those of last year's Samsung Galaxy S6.

The scores come from Geekbench, a cross-platform processor benchmark whose scoring system separates single-core and multi-core performance.

The single-core version of the S6 received a benchmark score ranging from around 1250 to 1450; while the multi-core S6 clocked in the area between 4200 to 4800.

In comparison, the leaked Geekbench scores for the upcoming Galaxy S7 rated its performance at 1873 for the single-core edition, and 5946 for the multi-core version -- a notable step up in both cases.

Meanwhile, various reports have said that the regular model of the S7 will have a display of either 5.1 or 5.2 inches, while the Edge phablet version will be 5.5 or 5.7 inches.

The flagship smartphone is scheduled to debut at the Mobile World Congress trade show in February.

Playing Catch-Up

What does all that mean? According to one analyst who we reached on Friday, it means mainly that Samsung is trying to keep pace with its competitors. Consider, for example, that the benchmark for Apple's single-core iPhone 6s is 2497, while the multi-core iPhone 6s rates 4346.

"No real surprises," says Jan Dawson, chief analyst for Utah-based Jackdaw Research. "At this point, it's looking like the new Samsung Galaxy phones will provide a combination of predictable spec upgrades and somewhat equally predictable features to catch up with the latest iPhones."

The leaked details also gave a glimpse at what will power the new Samsung phone. It reportedly will use Android 6.0.1, contain 4GB of RAM, and have an eight-core chipset running at 1.50GHz, most likely Samsung's own Exynos in some markets, and Qualcomm's Snapdragon in other markets.

Better Charging?

Previous reports have suggested that the Galaxy S7 will also have a pressure-sensitive screen similar to the 3D Touch feature on the iPhone 6S, along with a new high-speed charging USB Type-C port that could enable full-day charging. Also among the new features promised are an improved camera that brings enhancements to low-light performance, and a lens that's flush with the back of the phone.

Analyst Dawson opines that Samsung will need more than incremental improvements to make up ground in the great smartphone race.

"Of course, we don't know all the details yet and there may still be other features that Samsung surprises us with, but it feels like a lot of the fight has gone out of Samsung and it's mostly just trying to keep up at this point," Dawson said. "Given the way the S6 sold, they'll have a tough time turning sales around if their high-end phones don't get dramatically better, and it's arguable that their sales are going to be challenging no matter what they do at this point."


Source: Details Leaked about New Samsung Galaxy S7 Smartphone

Friday, January 22, 2016

HTC One M10 release date, rumours, news, specs and price

Everything you need to know about the HTC One M10

Want to know everything about the upcoming HTC One M10? Here's what we know so far, including the expected HTC One M10 release date, new HTC One M10 features and the latest HTC One M10 specs info.

HTC has had some ups and downs in recent times. The Taiwanese manufacturer showcased its ability with the well-reviewed HTC One M8, then undid that hard work with last year's tepidly received HTC One M9.

As such, it's hard to know what's in store for us with the company's next flagship – the long-rumoured HTC One M10.

While nothing is for certain, it's been tipped that we'll see a Snapdragon 820 chip, a fingerprint scanner, a 23-megapixel camera, and a 3,000mAh battery featured.

What's more, it appears highly likely that the HTC One M10 will run on Google's latest Android 6.0 Marshmallow operating system.

And regarding arrival, the latest rumour is that we'll see the handset land in March, the month after Mobile World Congress 2016.

Whatever the case, there's plenty of pressure on HTC to turn out a winner this time, especially as the company's financials have been less than stellar lately.

Related: USB-C guide

Here's the latest news:

Latest HTC One M10 News – Landing after MWC, Snapdragon 820? In Brief

When is the HTC One M10 coming out? MWC, or March

What's new about the HTC One M10? Snapdragon 820, fingerprint scanner, Android 6.0

How much will the HTC One M10 cost? £500-580, possibly

HTC One pics

HTC One M10 Release Date UK & US – When does the HTC One M10 come out?

When will the HTC One M10 be revealed? The most likely bet is March, and here's why.

Last year's HTC One M9 was unveiled on March 1 at a press conference at Mobile World Congress – although the actual release wasn't until April 10.

The HTC One M8, meanwhile, was unveiled at a press conference on March 25, and released the same day.

As such, it seems safe to assume March will be the month of choice. That's lent credence by a recent report from Chinese media that suggested the HTC One M10 will release in March, and arrive in stores by April.

But wait, is there a spanner in the works? Mobile World Congress is being held in February (22nd to 25th) this year, not March. If HTC still plans to utilise the event's huge media presence, we could see an early launch.

HTC One pics 3

Related: How much RAM does a phone need?

A February reveal wouldn't be unprecedented; the HTC One M7 first entered the public domain on February 19, 2013.

What's more, that same Chinese media report we mentioned earlier suggested HTC's next flagship phone is poised to skip over Mobile World Congress this year.

In any case, it seems likely that the HTC One M10 will arrive in the first quarter of 2016. That theory was given weight by a recently leaked T-Mobile Poland presentation, that put an unnamed HTC One device launching in Q1 2016 – dubbed the HTC One XX.

Can we give a specific release date right now? No, but the most likely timeframe is anywhere between February 21 and March 31.

HTC One M10 Features – What's new about the HTC One M10?

While we can't say for sure what the standout HTC One M10 features will be, we can make some educated guesses based on rumours, speculation, and industry trends.

One of the most likely HTC One M10 hardware upgrades will be the addition of a Snapdragon 820 chip. That's Qualcomm's new flagship mobile processor, which you can read all about in our Snapdragon 820 guide.

HTC One pics 5

There's also a good chance we'll see a fingerprint sensor finally added. HTC has, confusingly, been one of the most lethargic manufacturers when it comes to biometrics, but other handsets – the HTC One A9 and HTC One M9+ – feature the technology, so it's likely the HTC One M10 will too.

A burgeoning trend in the smartphone industry is the new USB standard – USB Type C. While there isn't any concrete evidence yet, we'd say there's a good chance the HTC One M10 will feature a new USB-C connector.

And unsurprisingly, it's almost assured that the HTC One M10 will run on Google's latest Android 6.0 Marshmallow operating system – check out Marshmallow details here.

Related: Galaxy S7 vs iPhone 6S

Should I wait for the HTC One M10?

Thinking about waiting around for the HTC One M10? We'd say having a little patience could be very rewarding.

The HTC One M10 is apparently very close to launch, so buying a HTC One M9 could leave you feeling sour come March.

What's more, a host of other flagship smartphones – like the Samsung Galaxy S7 and LG G5 – are all tipped to be nearing arrival, so you'll probably want to hold off on buying any phones for at least a month.

HTC One pics 9

If you already own the HTC One M9, the One M10 probably won't be worth the upgrade unless you're an absolute fanatic. That said, for owners of the HTC One M8 or One M7, it could be an opportunity to splash some cash for an improved smartphone.

If you're fond of the iPhone, it's too early to tell whether the HTC One M10 can usurp the Apple flagship. But HTC has a history of making attractive – and Apple-like – phones, so stay tuned. If you're really stuck, giving our Android M vs iOS 9 feature could help you pick a side.

In-Depth: HTC One M10 Specs & Features Explained

HTC is almost certainly plotting a major phone launch for the first half of 2016, but we don't have any definitive evidence just yet. Fortunately, the few leaks we've seen, paired with rumours and educated guesswork, means we can give you a reasonably detailed overview of what the HTC One M10 might look like.

HTC One M10 display:

The frustrating lack of leaks means we don't have a very good idea of what sort of display will feature.

The HTC One M9 used a 5-inch Full HD display, while the HTC One M9+ shipped with a larger 5.2-inch QHD panel.

HTC One pics 7

Related: Best Android Phones 2016

With battery life still a major sticking point for smartphone manufacturers, it wouldn't be a surprise to see HTC use a Full HD screen again.

That said, a number of manufacturers are opting for QHD panels of late, so HTC could finally make the leap on its core flagship series.

HTC One M10 design:

An area where we've seen very little leaks is in regard to HTC One M10 design.

Renders and fuzzy factory-floor snaps are bewilderingly absent with this release, but we do have some ideas.

HTC has tended towards iPhone-esque design in recent times, most notably with the HTC One A9.

HTC One pics 19

That said, HTC received plenty of flack for its Apple-style aesthetics, so maybe it'll make a concerted effort to steer clear of Jony Ive's trademark minimalism.

There's also a rumour that the HTC One M10 will be waterproof, which would be a first for the Taiwanese tech giant's smartphones.

Related: Best Android Apps 2016

HTC One M10 camera:

Camera upgrades typically come in the form of bumps to megapixel count, and the HTC One M10 looks to be no exception.

According to the rumour mill, the HTC One M10 camera will see the image sensor move from 20-megapixels to 23-megapixels.

HTC One pics 13

Note that megapixel increases don't mean an increase in image quality, just image size. Of course, HTC may include a better lens, sensor, or make improvements to image processing to that end.

HTC One M10 specs:

With smartphones chips, there are typically very few options available to manufacturers.

As such, we can say with fair certainty that the HTC One M10 will probably use a Qualcomm chip, most likely the new Snapdragon 820.

The processor is fresh off the factory line and is already appearing in smartphones, set to be the major chip of 2016's flagships.

The Snapdragon 820 is tipped to offer significant performance and efficiency improvements compared to last year's Snapdragon 810, so we should see a far nippier HTC flagship if the new chip is featured.

However, another chip is potentially in the running:

{twitter:690099811383709696}

Related: Best Smartwatch 2016

MediaTek is an increasingly popular chipmaker, and has seen strong reception for its latest Helio X-series chips.

As the tweet suggests, we wouldn't be surprised to see two variants of the phone, each with a different chip, being peddled in different regions.

Battery life is also poised for a bump – either a 3,000mAh or 3,500mAh cell will be included, according to rumours.

That's potentially a sizable increase from the HTC One M9's 2,840mAh battery.

HTC One pics 17

But why such a huge bump, especially considering the Snapdragon 820's power improvements? Our best guess is that maybe HTC is considering a QHD panel after all, which would put greater demand on the HTC One M10 battery.

The only other spec upgrade leaked at this point is the RAM – a move from 3GB to 4GB is tipped. How likely is it? Your guess is as good as ours.

Related: Snapdragon 820 vs 810

HTC One M10 software:

Of all the HTC One M10 possibilities mentioned so far, this is the most probable: HTC's new flagship will run on Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow.

Google first unveiled the new operating system in the summer of 2015, and it's now arrived on a number of flagship devices.

As such, we'd be both surprised and disappointed if the HTC One M10 landed with the ailing Android 5.0 Lollipop on board.

There haven't been any specific leaks regarding software, but considering the fact that Google's upcoming Android N announcement is probably less than half a year away, it seems assured that Android Marshmallow will feature.

HTC One pics 23

It's worth noting that the HTC One M10 is unlikely to arrive with raw Android on board; it's probably going to be skinned with HTC's Sense 8.0.

Whether skinned versions of Android are good is entirely a matter of personal preference, but we'd probably prefer HTC keep the One M10 as close as possible to Google's stock software as possible.

HTC One M10 features:

There are three major features tipped for the HTC One M10: a fingerprint scanner, a USB-C port, and a microSD slot.

None of the core flagship HTC One M-series devices have featured a fingerprint scanner to date, which seems very odd by 2016's standards.

Fortunately, it's widely speculated that the HTC One M10 will feature a biometric scanner embedded in the home button of the device.

That's made all the more likely by the fact that Android 6.0 Marshmallow features dedicated support for fingerprint sensors.

HTC One pics 21

Related: Smartphone wrecking your sleep?

Next up is USB-C, which – while not leaked, as such – seems a likely addition to the HTC One M10.

USB-C hasn't been widely adopted just yet, but it's expected to appear on a high number of mobile devices in 2016.

The burgeoning USB standard offers a number of advancements compared to traditional connections, including faster data transfer and a reversible tip – just like Apple's Lightning cable.

And microSD – not the most exciting feature, but one often demanded by mobile users.

There's no telling whether microSD will feature for sure, but it's been rumoured to appear, which will please file-hoarders to no end.

Check out our smartphone buyer's video guide below:

HTC One M10 price:

There have been absolutely no leaks clueing the HTC One M10 price. However, we can look at previous phone launches and do our best to work our HTC's plans for the future.

Here are the launch prices for the most recent HTC flagships:

  • HTC One M7 – £550
  • HTC One M8 – £530
  • HTC One M9 – £580
  • Now there's not a clear trend here, save for the fact that they're all in the £500-600 region.

    With the tepid reviews of HTC One M9, pricing could be pushed down below £580 on the HTC One M10.

    But we can't give a definitive price for certain – anything between £500 and £580 seems probably at this point.

    Share your thoughts on what you'd like to see included on the Samsung Galaxy S7 in the comments below.


    Source: HTC One M10 release date, rumours, news, specs and price

    Thursday, January 21, 2016

    IoT to Benefit as Enterprise Smartphone Data Plan Revenues Surpass $200 Billion in 2020

    OYSTER BAY, N.Y., Jan. 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Despite the dismay device OEMs feel as smartphone prices continue to fall, enterprise workers across the world, particularly those in emerging markets, are rejoicing as smartphone adoption continues to increase. This additionally signals an advantage for mobile operators, whose handset data plan revenues from the enterprise segment can expect to exceed $200 billion in 2020, according to ABI Research, the leader in technology market intelligence.

    Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151014/276887LOGO

    "The importance of smartphones to the enterprise worker cannot be underestimated," says Dan Shey, Managing Director and Vice President at ABI Research. "Operator services need to focus on driving the most value from the smartphone to the enterprise user, such as assisting in choosing the right devices and applications, and offering services to manage device content and functionality. Looking ahead, operators also need to help businesses leverage the smartphone and their voice and data connectivity services as a key component in their IoT solutions."

    Voice services are still an important revenue component for mobile operators. As such, these services must continue to provide consistent and quality network performance domestically while offering increasingly simplified, cost-effective access to voice and data services when travelling internationally. And security is also a critical element to enterprise smartphone usability. Operators can play a crucial role in supporting security application needs while also offering enterprise workers guidance toward smartphone usage and security best practices. 

    According to the report's data analysis, North America leads in total mobile enterprise revenues across voice, messaging, handset data plans, mobile broadband, business-to-employee applications and enterprise mobility management services. However, figures show that the Asia-Pacific region will overtake North America in 2017 to become the biggest market for enterprise mobility revenues.

    "Enterprise is becoming more connected, across both people and machines," concludes Shey. "Operator smartphone strategies need to evolve to support the myriad of applications and opportunities that will stem from the billions of connections in the Internet of Things. The partnerships that AT&T, Verizon, Tele2 and Vodafone created with major ICT suppliers are all a step in the right direction toward building integrated solutions that can leverage smartphone applications and services."

    These findings are part of ABI Research's Workplace Automation and Enterprise Mobility Service (https://www.abiresearch.com/market-research/service/workplace-automation-enterprise/), which includes research reports, market data, insights and competitive assessments.

    About ABI Research

    For more than 25 years, ABI Research has stood at the forefront of technology market intelligence, partnering with innovative business leaders to implement informed, transformative technology decisions. The company employs a global team of senior analysts to provide comprehensive research and consulting services through deep quantitative forecasts, qualitative analyses and teardown services. An industry pioneer, ABI Research is proactive in its approach, frequently uncovering ground-breaking business cycles ahead of the curve and publishing research 18 to 36 months in advance of other organizations. In all, the company covers more than 60 services, spanning 11 technology sectors. For more information, visit www.abiresearch.com.

    Contact Info: Christine Gallen          Tel: +1.516.624.2542                                                       pr@abiresearch.com

    SOURCE ABI Research

    RELATED LINKShttp://www.abiresearch.com


    Source: IoT to Benefit as Enterprise Smartphone Data Plan Revenues Surpass $200 Billion in 2020

    Wednesday, January 20, 2016

    Sharp Disney DM-01H smartphone set for a January release in Japan

    Disney is one of the biggest brands in the world, and they have their hands in a little bit of everything these days… including mobiles. That's nothing new to consumers in Japan, and a new handset is coming to the region shortly in the Sharp Disney DM-01H.

    Disney-branded smartphones may seem a bit odd at first until you consider all the kids walking around with tech these days. While there are plenty of adults down with the House of Mouse as well, the Sharp Disney DM-01H is geared towards the younger crowd. It's far from the first smartphone collaboration considering we LG and Sharp have both produced handsets in the past. This time around it's Sharp, and we're going to tell you what to expect from the Sharp Disney DM-01H.

    Branded phones of this nature are often a little light in the specs department, but that won't be the case with the Sharp Disney DM-01H. The smartphone will have a Snapdragon 808 under the hood along with 3GB of RAM, and the display isn't too shabby either considering it's a 4.7-inch panel with a resolution of 1,920 x 1,080.

    In terms of storage, the Sharp Disney DM-01H has 16GB but it's expandable up to a whopping 200GB through a microSD card slot. The rear camera is listed at 13MP and the front-facing snapper should be more than sufficient at 5MP. Other features to note include water & dust resistance (to a degree), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 4G LTE, and a 2,810mAh battery. The Sharp Disney DM-01H measures 126mm x 66mm x 8.9mm and runs Android 5.1 out of the box.

    As mentioned, the Sharp Disney DM-01H is a device bound for Japan and there's little to no chance it will show up in any other regions in its current state. That said, if you reside in the region you'll be able to pick one on January 29 in Sparkle Blue or Pink with plenty of pre-loaded Disney flair.

    via – GforGames     source: NTT Docomo

    Read more about: Mobile Phones   Sharp  

    Disney Mobile Sharp
    Source: Sharp Disney DM-01H smartphone set for a January release in Japan

    Tuesday, January 19, 2016

    Xiaomi Mi 5 Release Date & Update: Leak Reveals Specs, Includes 5.2-Inch Display, 4 GB of RAM, 16MP Camera

    By Charmaine Montes , Christian Post Contributor

    January 19, 2016|9:35 am

    Xiaomi Mi 5YOUTUBE / Gadget's Rumors

    A screengrab from a report showing the leaked images of the upcoming Xiaomi Mi 5.

    It's no secret anymore that the Chinese electronics company Xiaomi is releasing another device in their Mi line. According to Android Headlines, the Mi 5 is one of the most talked about smartphones and fans who are looking out for it are excited to see and know more about it already.

    Fortunately, the web is never short of leaks when it comes to upcoming devices. Android Authority detailed that third-party retailer GearBest has leaked some information about the Xiaomi Mi 5. According to the listing, the device is rumored to launch on Feb. 20. Another article from the same source adds that the device will be released one week after its launch date, probably on February 27.

    It also revealed that the upcoming smartphone will feature a 5.2-inch QHD display with a resolution of 1440x2560 pixels, as detailed in Gadgets 360. Under the hood, the Xiaomi Mi 5 will come with the Snapdragon 820 chipset.

    Reports say that the company have delayed the release of the handset to wait for the release of Qualcomm's latest processor. It was supposed to come out in Q3 2015 but since the chipset isn't coming until February, Xiaomi opted to postpone launching plans.

    Meanwhile, as noted in Phone Arena, co-founder and VP of Xiaomi Liwan Jiang updated the fans through his personal Weibo account.

    "The Xiaomi Mi 5 with the latest Snapdragon 820 processor is ready and in volume production. It will be released after the Spring Festival to have enough time for stocking up," wrote Jiang.

    The chipset will be paired with 4 GB of RAM and an internal storage capacity of 16 GB. The device is expected to come with other internal storage variants though. As for the camera specs, the device is said to feature a 16-megapixel rear camera and 8-megapixel front camera. A 3,600 mAh battery is expected, as well as a fingerprint scanner that will be located into the physical home button. The Mi 5 smartphone will run with Android 5.1 Lollipop alongside Xiaomi's MIUI 7 OS.

    The listing did not reveal any price yet so fans will have to watch out for more updates.


    Source: Xiaomi Mi 5 Release Date & Update: Leak Reveals Specs, Includes 5.2-Inch Display, 4 GB of RAM, 16MP Camera

    Monday, January 18, 2016

    Microsoft Lumia 650 release date: Smartphone reportedly to be announced on Feb. 1

    Microsoft

    Microsoft Lumia 640, predecessor of the Lumia 650

    Users have been hearing about the Microsoft Lumia 650 for a while. Leaks, rumors and speculations help paint a picture of the device. But the latest and possibly the final Lumia handset could only go unannounced for so long, with Microsoft allegedly making it official next month.

    A new report hints that the newest Windows 10 Mobile-running device will be announced by the Cupertino-based software giant on Feb. 1. Being only a mid-ranger, the Lumia 650 won't be unveiled during a press event, as opposed to earlier reports.

    Windows Central says that the Microsoft Lumia 650 will only be revealed through Microsoft's blog, where the company will post its specs and features as well as its official design. For a while now, there have been reports it will don a metal frame.

    Not too long ago, the upcoming Microsoft Lumia 650 was spotted in an FCC (Federal Communications Commission) listing, which hinted that the device is indeed ready to be launched. The handset is a big deal because it is believed to be the last Lumia to be released.

    Rumor has it that Microsoft will focus on putting out the so-called Microsoft Surface Phone, which will jumpstart the lineup for a Surface smartphone counterpart. Most of the device will be made in-house, unlike Lumia phones.

    As for the specs of the Microsoft Lumia 650, the general consensus is that it will come with a 5-inch display with 720p resolution. Either a Qualcomm Snapdragon 210 or a 212 processor will power it up with 1 GB RAM to boot.

    It should offer 8 GB of storage, which is thankfully expandable, thanks to the presence of a memory card slot. In the imaging department, there will be an 8-MP rear-facing shooter with LED flash and a 5-MP front-facing snapper.

    Unlike other Lumia handsets, the Microsoft Lumia 650 will come with only a couple of color options – Matte White or Matte Black. The pricing will reportedly be revealed by Microsoft on Feb. 1 as well.


    Source: Microsoft Lumia 650 release date: Smartphone reportedly to be announced on Feb. 1

    Sunday, January 17, 2016

    Windows 10 Mobile update: release date, Microsoft’s criteria to get the update

    Windows 10 Mobile update: release date, Microsoft's criteria to get the update

    Windows 10 Mobile update: release date, Microsoft's criteria to get the update

    Majority of Windows mobile smartphone users haven't got the Windows 10 Mobile update thus far. Despite repeated assurances from the Redmond based software behemoth the latest mobile operating system from the company is not being released for the old smartphones as yet.

    While on new and very expensive handsets the new and very impressive Windows 10 Mobile is coming out of the box, for the people who bought it earlier the wait seems to be rather annoying and painful. The Windows 10 Mobile has come only on a few mobile devices from the Redmond company. So if you are not the owner of either Microsoft's Lumia 950 or Lumia 950 XL, you wouldn't have got the new OS.

    Microsoft had said earlier that it will release the new mobile operating system in December 2016. Now we are in the middle of January 2016 and we haven't got assurance about its definite market launch for mobile devices.microsoft-lumia-950xl

    Though the company hasn't released the OS for your smartphone, it has launched a handy app that you can download to make the move over from Windows Phone 8.1 to Windows 10 Mobile as easy as possible. The latest Microsoft app 'Mobile Upgrade Advisory tool' scans your device, will notify you when the Windows 10 Mobile update is ready to go and even help you offload content either to an SD card or OneDrive so you know you'll have enough room for the update to complete installation.

    Two weeks ago Vodafone has said they are expecting to receive the update by mid-January, Movistar Spain expects it to release it by the end of January 2016. In the meantime there are more clues about the upgrade. Two days ago a Lumia user asked Microsoft on its support page on Twitter," if windows 10 upgrade will be available for Microsoft Lumia 535?" @LumiaHelp replied, "We're working to make Windows 10 available to eligible Lumia smartphones running Windows Phone 8.1 as an upgrade."

    One question that is giving tough time to Windows mobile users is who will get the update. It is sure that all Windows Mobile users will not get the upgrade. The company's support says that only Lumia devices running Windows 8.1 are eligible for the update. These handsets also should have at least 8GB of internal memory. The not-so-good news is that on its support page, has also confirmed that the devices will not support all Windows 10 features after updating.


    Source: Windows 10 Mobile update: release date, Microsoft's criteria to get the update

    Saturday, January 16, 2016

    Top smartphones released in India in January 2016: Lenovo K4 Note, Coolpad Note 3 Lite and more

    Budget smartphones are gaining solid traction in India and manufacturers are bringing their best devices to win over consumers. Several companies have lined up their smartphone upgrade plans for this year and we have already witnessed some worthy entries so far.

    From brands like Lenovo to HTC and Coolpad, smartphone manufacturers left no stone unturned to make this new year a fruitful one. We are only half way past the first month of 2016, and companies have launched new devices that can certainly make a winning argument in the budget smartphone space.

    Let's take a look at the most-talked-about smartphone releases so far this month.

    Lenovo K4 Note

    Lenovo launched K4 Note smartphone in India on 5 January, offering industry's leading specifications and features combined in an affordable package. The handset offers unique features like fingerprint scanner, TheaterMax technology and Dolby Atmos stereo sound system.

    In terms of core specifications, Lenovo K4 Note sports a 5.5-inch Full HD display with Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection, 441ppi and 178-degree viewing angle, 13-megapixel rear-facing sensor with dual-LED flash and a 5MP front-snapper for selfies. The handset has a metal frame and a curved polycarbonate back cover for better grip.

    Under the hood, K4 Note is powered by a 64-bit octa-core MediaTek MT6753 processor paired with 3GB DDR3 RAM and 3,300mAH battery with fast charging technology. The handset supports dual SIM cards, 4G LTE and has 16GB expandable storage. It runs on Android 5.1 Lollipop-based Vibe 2.5 UI.

    Lenovo K4 Note comes with AntVR virtual reality headset and costs Rs 12,499. But if you insist on buying just the phone, it costs Rs 11,999. Lenovo has tied up with Amazon India for exclusive online sales.

    Read: Lenovo K4 Note price, full specifications: First flash sale details, AntVR price and availability

    Coolpad Note 3 Lite

    Coolpad upped the ante on its budget smartphone race in India by launching all-new Note 3 Lite. The company's Note 3 was a strong contender in the sub Rs 10,000 – Rs 15,000 price range and its successor takes the competition to new heights.

    Launched on 15 January, Coolpad Note 3 Lite offers almost all the features found in Coolpad Note 3 but at a much affordable price. Coolpad Note 3 Lite is priced at Rs 6,999 and available exclusively through Amazon India starting 28 January.

    In terms of specs, the new Lite variant of Coolpad Note 3 sports a compact 5-inch HD IPS display, 13MP primary camera with LED flash and a 5MP front snapper. It is powered by a 1.3GHz 64-bit MediaTek MT6753 quad-core processor, 3GB RAM and 2,500mAh battery. The handset supports dual SIM 4G LTE standby and has microSD card slot to get more than 16GB built-in storage. Coolpad Note 3 Lite runs on Android 5.1 Lollipop-based Cool UI 6.0.

    Read: Coolpad launches Note 3 Lite with 5-inch HD screen, fingerprint scanner at Rs 6,999: Specifications, availability

    Gionee Marathon M5 Lite

    Expanding the Marathon series in India, Gionee finally brought its Marathon M5 Lite to Indian stores for Rs. 12,999. The handset is now available for purchase from the company's official store in India, one month after it was launched in China.

    In terms of specifications, Gionee Marathon M5 Lite has a 5-inch HD IPS display with 293ppi. It is powered by a 1.3GHz MediaTek MT6735 quad-core processor and 1GB RAM. There is 16GB onboard storage, which is expandable up to 128GB via microSD card.

    The Marathon M5 Lite sports an 8MP primary camera with LED flash and a 5MP front snapper. The dual-SIM smartphone packs an impressive 4,000mAh battery, which is the biggest USP of Marathon M5 Lite.

    Read: Gionee Marathon M5 Lite with 4,000mAh battery arrives in India: Available for Rs 12,999

    Lenovo A7000 Turbo

    Following the success of its A7000 smartphone, Lenovo launched a new Turbo variant in India. The A7000 Turbo features identical specs as the K3 Note and costs Rs. 10,999, which makes it hard to compete against the Rs 9,999-K3 Note.

    Lenovo A7000 Turbo sports a 5.5-inch Full HD display, 13MP primary camera with dual LED flash, 5MP front snapper and a 2,900mAh battery. It is powered by a 1.7GHz 64-bit MediaTek octa-core processor, 2GB RAM and 16GB expandable memory. It runs on Android 5.0.2 Lollipop-based Vibe 2.5 UI.

    Adding to the similarities of K3 Note, the A7000 Turbo is integrated with Dolby Atmos audio when plugged in.

    Read: Lenovo announces new A7000 Turbo in India: Price, specifications

    HTC Desire 728

    HTC is doing its bit to stay in the game. The Taiwanese tech giant launched a new Desire 728 smartphone in India earlier this month at Rs 17,999. For the price, it offers a 5.5-inch HD display, 13-megapixel rear-facing camera with LED flash and a 5MP front-snapper. The Desire 728 is powered by a 1.3GHz octa-core MediaTek MT6753 processor, which is paired with 2GB RAM and 16GB memory that is expandable up to 2TB.

    HTC Desire 728 packs a 2,800mAh battery and has BoomSound technology with Dolby Audio integration.

    Read: HTC Desire 728 with BoomSound audio, 13MP camera launched in India at Rs 17,990


    Source: Top smartphones released in India in January 2016: Lenovo K4 Note, Coolpad Note 3 Lite and more

    Friday, January 15, 2016

    Lenovo and Google to team up for 3D mapping smartphone

    January 15th, 2016 at 4:31 pm - Author Matthew Wilson

    Google has been working on its 'Project Tango' smartphone for quite some time now. The device is designed to create 3D maps of its surroundings but it had just been a prototype until now, as Google is teaming up with Lenovo to implement Project Tango's features into a new smartphone to release this year.

    Google has been working on this camera technology for three years now, which allows a device to detect depth and map out space in 3D directly on the smartphone.

    Project-Tango-1

    The technology is capable of showing the distances between spaces but it does require an RGB camera, an infrared camera and a fisheye camera to work so there is a lot to cram into a smartphone. The Lenovo-built Tango device will make use of a Qualcomm Snapdragon chip, likely the 820 and the device will be built to hit a price point under $500.

    Right now, we have only seen a few demos of the technology but with a consumer oriented device set to hit the market this year, we may see more developers begin to experiment with Tango and its 3D mapping functionality.

    KitGuru Says: This is quite an ambitious undertaking and will certainly make this smartphone stand out from the normal devices we are used to seeing. However, I do wonder if this technology will appeal to the mass market rather than a niche group. 


    Source: Lenovo and Google to team up for 3D mapping smartphone

    Thursday, January 14, 2016

    Parks Associates: 35% of U.S. Smartphone Owners Use Social Networking Apps for an Hour or More Every Day

    DALLAS, TX--(Marketwired - Jan 14, 2016) - Parks Associates today announced research showing that more than 70% of U.S. smartphone users watch at least one short streaming video clip every day. Parks Associates' survey 360 View: Mobility & the App Economy shows consumers are embracing many new use cases as their smartphones become more intelligent and multifunctional. Voice calls and texting are still the dominant activities, but 80% of smartphone owners use social networking apps at least once a day and 35% spend an hour or more on this activity.

    "Consumer appetite for mobile data is very strong, but currently most subscribers use less than half of their allotted data, while those with high data plans use even less," said Harry Wang, Director, Health & Mobile Product Research, Parks Associates. "For mobile operators, pushing consumers to sign up for a bigger data plan will have its limits. More and more consumers will start to compare payment to data usage and discover that they are eating a small portion but paying the price of a family-sized meal."

    According to Parks Associates, more than 20% of smartphone users spend more than 30 minutes each day watching short streaming video clips (such as YouTube clips or music videos). More than 40% of smartphone users watch long streaming videos at least once a day (such as movies or complete TV shows), and the majority of them spend more than 30 minutes per day on this activity.

    Parks Associates analysts note that mobile operators will continue to explore new and novel strategies to attract mobile data subscribers. "AT&T is looking to leverage its acquisition of DIRECTV to build its mobile data business by re-introducing its offer of unlimited data as a reward to customers who sign up for the satellite TV service," Wang said.

    Data sharing continues to play a big role in mobile app usage, Parks Associates says. Roughly one-half of U.S. smartphone owners with a limited data plan share data between multiple devices, and 87% of them share data among multiple smartphones.

    360 View: Mobility & the App Economy tracks mobile consumer loyalty, subscriber expectations, and trends in mobile data consumption and Wi-Fi usage, as well as the impact of new mobile service programs on mobile consumer loyalty. The survey also identifies market shares for brands and operating systems and the impact of these on consumer behavior and attitudes.

    To schedule an interview with Harry Wang or to request specific data, contact Holly Sprague at hsprague@gmail.com, 720.987.6614.

    About Parks Associates Parks Associates is an internationally recognized market research and consulting company specializing in emerging consumer technology products and services. Founded in 1986, Parks Associates creates research capital for companies ranging from Fortune 500 to small start-ups through market reports, primary studies, consumer research, custom research, workshops, executive conferences, and annual service subscriptions.

    The company's expertise includes digital media and platforms, entertainment and gaming, home networks, Internet and television services, digital health, mobile applications and services, support services, consumer apps, advanced advertising, consumer electronics, energy management, and home control systems and security.

    Each year, Parks Associates hosts industry webcasts, the CONNECTIONS™ Conference Series, Connected Health Summit: Engaging Consumers, and Smart Energy Summit: Engaging the Consumer. http://www.parksassociates.com


    Source: Parks Associates: 35% of U.S. Smartphone Owners Use Social Networking Apps for an Hour or More Every Day

    Wednesday, January 13, 2016

    Huawei Honor 5X price, release date in India: Affordable metal phone coming on 28 January

    Huawei, the world's third-largest smartphone-manufacturer, sent out invites for an event to be hosted on 28 January, hinting at the launch of its first full metal smartphone — Honor 5X — in India. The invite simply reads "Faster Better Stronger".

    Huawei Honor 5X was showcased at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2016 in Las Vegas last week for the first time outside China. The all-metal smartphone was originally launched in China in October last year, giving a strong price-to-performance ratio and competition to the most popular devices in the market.

    Huawei Honor 5X specifications are no secret to the world, but the handset's price in India is something worth speculating. In China, Honor 5X is priced CNY 999 (about Rs 10,200) for the 2GB RAM variant and CNY 1,399 (about Rs 14,300) for the 3GB RAM model. In the US, Huawei launched the 2GB RAM model at $199.99 (approximately Rs 13,365). As per these pricing models, it is possible the Honor 5X will launch as a sub-Rs 15,000 smartphone in India.

    In terms of specifications, Huawei Honor 5X sports a 5.5-inch Full-HD display, 13MP primary camera with dual LED flash, f/2.0 aperture, 28mm wide-angle 4P Lens, Blue Glass filter and a 5MP front-snapper. It is powered by the company's home-grown 64-bit octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 SoC, 2GB/3GB RAM and 16GB expandable memory.

    Huawei Honor 5X sports a 3,000mAh battery equipped with Quick Charge 3.0 technology, second-generation FPC rim-free touch fingerprint sensor, which unlocks the device in 0.5 seconds, and dual SIM 4G LTE support.

    Huawei will bring two colour variants — gold and silver — in India and it is expected to be sold exclusively on Flipkart starting February, DNA India reported.


    Source: Huawei Honor 5X price, release date in India: Affordable metal phone coming on 28 January

    Tuesday, January 12, 2016

    Top 15 Most Desired Smartphones To Release In 2016

    Smartphones that were released in 2015 focused on delivering topnotch design and hardware features like Quad HD display, remarkable camera, fingerprint sensor and retina scanners. In 2016, smartphones are expected to release with even more advanced features.

    Most flagship smartphones of 2016 are going to release with full-metal design, pressure-sensitive displays, water and dust resistant chassis and more. Here are the top 15 most desired smartphones across various brands that are expected to release in 2016:

    Apple iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus

    The iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus smartphones that are going to release in the second half of this year are likely to arrive with newer design. The axing of 3.5 mm headphone jack is expected to result in slimmer iPhones this year. Instead of 16 GB edition, the base model of the iPhone 7 could arrive with 32 GB storage.  

    Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge

    The Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge are the first flagship smartphones from the South Korean tech giant that are expected to get unveiled in 2016. Speculations suggest that both the handsets will continue to sport glass and metal combo design. Both the smartphones are expected to carry support for microSD slot, always-on screen, 12-megapixel shooter with larger f/1.7 lens, and bigger batteries. Samsung is also expected to release other variants of S7 such as Galaxy S7 Plus, S7 Edge Plus this year.

    Samsung Galaxy Note 6

    The rumors are rife that the Galaxy Note 6 will arrive with foldable displays. Other speculations indicate that the phablet will be carrying support for a laptop dock. It will allow users to use the phablet's CPU and display as the processor and touchpad of the laptop. Like this year, Samsung may avoid the launch of Galaxy Note 6 alongside the iPhone 7 models in September. Hence, it may release in August this year.

     Google Nexus 6 (2016)

    In 2016, Google is again speculated to collaborate with Huawei to launch Nexus 6 2016 smartphone. However, it is not known whether LG will be building the Nexus 5 2016 smartphone. Both the smartphones will arrive with Android N onboard that will arrive with a new multi-window feature. The 2016 editions of Nexus 6 and Nexus 5 are expected to get announced by the fourth quarter of this year.

    Xiaomi Mi 5

    The Xiaomi MI 5 is expected to get announced in the next month. It will be powered by Snapdragon 820 and impressive tech spec like high screen-to-body ratio, bezel-less design, 21-megapixel camera and more. Moreover, its base model is rumored to be available for about $350.

    Apple iPhone 5e

    Apple is expected to launch a 4-inch iPhone 5e in March 2016. The 'e' stands for enhanced. It could arrive with vibrant colored metal casing. With a price tag of about $500, it will offer features like Apple A8 chip, 1 GB of RM, 8-megapixel camera, NFC, fingerprint sensor and more.

    LG G5

    The LG G5 is expected to launch by May 2016. Unlike previous models of the LG G series lineup, the LG G5 flagship is rumored to arrive with full-metal chassis and also feature microSD slot and removable battery. Moreover, it is also expected to come with upgraded version of the excellent camera present on the LG G4.

    Moto X 2016

    The Moto X Pure Edition (aka the Moto X Style) from 2015 was received by critics and customers. The Moto X 2016 is likely to launch at the end of the third quarter of this year. Rumors have it that Lenovo will adopt a full-metal design for the Moto X 2016 and still offer customization through the Moto Maker tool. It is expected to be priced around $400.

    Sony Xperia Z6

    Sony is likely to launch Z6 series that will include smartphones like Xperia Z6, Xperia Z6 Compact and Xperia Z6 Premium during September's IFA 2016 event. The Xperia Z6 series are expected to be fueled by Snapdragon 820 chipset. Early rumors indicate Z6 variants will also include smartphones like Xperia Z6 Mini, Xperia Z6 Plus and Xperia Z6 Ultra.

    HTC One M10

    HTC One M10 that is speculated to be codenamed as HTC Perfume is speculated to get unveiled at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2016 event next month. It will adopt a Quad HD display this year. It will arrive preinstalled with Android 6.1 Marshmallow that will be overlaid with HTC Sense 8.0 UI. It is expected to feature stunning front-facing speakers and premium metallic design.

    OnePlus 3

    OnePlus 3 is likely to be unleashed at the end of 2016. It is expected to feature Snapdragon 820 chipset, front-facing speakers, iris scanner and more. Like the OnePlus 2, it is expected to be available with a competitive pricing. At the beginning, the OnePlus 3 will be exclusively available through invitation only program.

    Microsoft Surface Phone

    Rumors are rife that Microsoft is preparing a business phone called Microsoft Surface Phone. It will arrive with Windows 10 Mobile OS that will carry support for Win32 desktop apps. It is expected to offer enhanced Continuum experience.

    Moto G 2016

    The Moto G 2016 will be a midrange smartphone that may get launched in July or August this year. It will continue to sport polycarbonate construction with water and dust resistant capabilities. It will also carry support for Moto Maker customization. Its lowest storage model is rumored to arrive with 16 GB storage. Speculations indicate that it may arrive with a fingerprint scanner.

    BlackBerry Vienna

    The Canadian firm is speculated to be working on BlackBerry Vienna. It will feature a large display and still hours a physical QWERTY keyboard. It will release with Android OS onboard. Its release is said to be company's last attempt to stay in the mobile business.

    Google Project Ara

    Google Project Ara, a modular smartphone is expected to release sometime this year. It will be a unique smartphone that will allow users to swap hardware components of the smartphone to upgrade its features. In others words, users will have the power to swap the RAM, processor, storage, camera and so on.


    Source: Top 15 Most Desired Smartphones To Release In 2016

    Monday, January 11, 2016

    Lenovo Releases A7000 Turbo Mid-Range Smartphone in India

    Tech

    Lenovo

    The Lenovo A7000 Turbo handset is very similar to the Lenovo K3 Note that was launched last year, but comes with a different name and a slightly different price tag.

    Chinese tech giant Lenovo has launched its A7000 Turbo mid-range smartphone in India, with a price tag of about $165.

    In terms of the specs, the Lenovo A7000 Turbo handset is very similar to the Lenovo K3 Note that was launched last year, but comes with a different name and a slightly different price tag.

    Like Us on Facebook

    The Lenovo A7000 Turbo sports a 5.5-inch LCD display screen with a 1080 x 1920 pixel resolution, and runs on the Android 5.0 Lollipop version operating system along with the Vibe UI 2.0 skin on top.

    In terms of the camera, the smartphone has a 13 megapixel unit on the back and a 5 megapixel shooter on the front.

    Inside, the A7000 Turbo packs a MediaTek MT6752 processor, 2GB of RAM, up to 16GB of built-in memory storage (expandable via microSD card), and a 2,900 mAh battery. Other specs include dual SIM functionality and support for LTE connectivity.

    Meanwhile, the Chinese manufacturer recently unveiled the Lenovo K4 Note, which is expected to go one sale in India on Jan. 19. In comparison with its predecessor, the K4 Note sports the same 5.5-inch screen with a 1080 x 1920 pixel resolution, and packs a Mediatek MT6753 chipset, 3GB RAM, 16GB of internal memory, and a larger 3,300 mAh battery.

    According to GSM Arena, this device is already available for purchase in Saudi Arabia, for around $240.

    At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2016, the company also unveiled a new 14-inch laptop-tablet hybrid, called the ThinkPad X1 Yoga, which is expected to be available sometime next month at $899 and $1,000.

    ©2016 Chinatopix All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission


    Source: Lenovo Releases A7000 Turbo Mid-Range Smartphone in India

    Sunday, January 10, 2016

    LeTV Le Max Pro Smartphone Earns Best of CES 2016 Award

    Tech

    LeTV Unveils Le Max Pro at CES 2016; First Phone to Feature Snapdragon 820 Chipset

    LeTV has not yet announced the pricing and release date for this device in the US, but it has announced that the phone will be available in the first half of the year.(Photo : YouTube)

    LeTV's latest high-end smartphone, the Le Max Pro, has earned the "Best of CES 2016" award from Android Authority.

    Like Us on Facebook

    Chinese online video company LeTV unveiled its Le Max Pro smartphone at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2016 event earlier this week, as the first device to pack Qualcomm's latest and most powerful chipset, the Snapdragon 820.

    The LeTV Le Max Pro is expected to cost about $535 in the Chinese market.

    Eric Mika, LeTV's Senior Vice President of Open Ecosystems, Strategic Alliances and Partnerships, said, "We couldn't be more pleased with the enthusiasm for LeTV,"

    "To walk away with an award from Android Authority in our debut CES appearance reflects all the hard work our team has put into making extraordinary products that create extraordinary experiences."

    Specs-wise, the handset sports a 6.33-inch display screen with a 2,560 x 1,440 pixel resolution (WQHD). It has a powerful 21 megapixel OIS rear-facing camera and a 2.0μm large pixel front-facing shooter, Business Wire reported.

    Under the hood, the Le Max Pro packs 4GB of RAM and a 3,400 mAh battery that supports the Quick Charge 2.0 technology. The handset will be available in three versions: a 32GB model, a 64GB model and a 128GB model.

    In addition, the phone is equipped with Qualcomm's Snapdragon Sense ID 3D ultrasonic fingerprint technology, and runs on the Android 6.0 Marshmallow operating system along with LeTV's custom skin (EUI 5.5) on top.

    Other specs the Le Max Pro carries include support for Wi-Fi 802.11ad, USB Type-C port connection and NFC connectivity.

    It's still unclear when the phone will begin selling in the local market. The Chinese company did not mention anything about the price and timeline for the availability of the Le Max Pro handset outside of China.

    ©2016 Chinatopix All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission


    Source: LeTV Le Max Pro Smartphone Earns Best of CES 2016 Award

    Saturday, January 9, 2016

    iPhone 7 Release Date & Rumored Specs: Chargeable Earphones Aimed At Saving Phone’s Battery Life, Slimmer Design To Be Expected?

    Apple's next generation smartphone, now being dubbed the 'iPhone 7' is expected to arrive without headphone jack. Apple's decision to drop headphone jack will benefit the iPhone users to save battery and also the phone will be slimmer than  its siblings.

    It's reported that Apple's next adventure iPhone 7 will be released without 3.5mm headphone jack. It will also feature a wireless charging option as well as water resistant body. The port which was used in other iPhones will be considered for iPhone 7.  Apple and its audio chip partner Cirrus Logic are working hand in hand to include audio chipset in iPhone 7. This will support the  lighting port.

    Apple is redesigning its phone and launching 3D Touch sensors. But brand will take some time to add this feature.

    Chargeable Earphones

    According to IBT, Apple's new earphones which are exclusively designed for iPhone 7 will be completely wireless. Earbuds will be having separate battery and radio. But users have to charge them.The information about earphone chargers is not yet out.  These earphone can work for four hours if they are charged once. Earlier it was reported that iPhone 7 is  adopting a feature from Apple Watch. Is this the one?

    Waterproof Technology

    Apple is experimenting with a self-healing material which will keep its iPhone 7 safe from water. It has already received a patent for that feature. iPhone 7 will be having a self-healing elastomer to protect the device from damages caused by waters, dust and gas, according to Tech Times.

    According to IBN Live, iPhone 7 may sport a faster TSMC-built A10 chip, Intel 7360 LTE modem with 3 GB of RAM and  a non-metallic casing with hidden antenna bands. It will include a 256 GB storage option. Apple lovers are expecting a 3,100mAh battery. They are also predicting a 7-inch and 5.5-inch screen.

    Dual Rear Camera

    According to CheatSheat, Apple may try dual rear cameras for iPhone 7. If this is going to be true, then the user can make use of both the camera. Together they will capture the best video with high resolution.

    iPhone 7 is expected to be released on September 2016 along with iPhone 7 Plus. Do you feel iPhone 7 will be the best phone of this year? Post your comments below.


    Source: iPhone 7 Release Date & Rumored Specs: Chargeable Earphones Aimed At Saving Phone's Battery Life, Slimmer Design To Be Expected?

    Friday, January 8, 2016

    FAA Releases B4UFLY Smartphone App

    Fri, Jan 08, 2016

    Final iOS App Ready For Download, Android App Beta Also Available

    The FAA has publicly released its B4UFLY mobile application following an initial beta testing period.

    B4UFLY tells users about current or upcoming requirements and restrictions in areas of the National Airspace System (NAS) where they may want to operate their unmanned aircraft system (UAS). The app is now available for Apple devices and can be downloaded from the App Store. The FAA also is releasing a beta version of B4UFLY for Android devices, which can be downloaded from Google. "We expect B4UFLY will help raise public awareness about what it means to operate unmanned aircraft safely," Huerta said at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, NV. "It is another important part of our education and awareness efforts to foster a culture of safety and accountability for the UAS community." The B4UFLY app includes a number of enhancements the FAA developed as a result of user feedback during the beta testing announced in May 2015 . Within two taps, users know if it is safe to fly at their current location. The app provides a status indicator that tells users: "Proceed with Caution," "Warning – Action Required," or "Flight Prohibited." The app also features a planner mode that allows users to select a different time and location for an upcoming flight and determine if there are any restrictions at that place and time. By law, hobbyists who want to fly within five miles of an airport must notify the airport operator and the air traffic control facility (if there is one) prior to flying. For now, B4UFLY will ask users who are supposed to notify the airport before flying for voluntary information about their planned flight. This will not meet the statutory requirement to notify the airport and air traffic control facility, but the data will help the agency make informed policy decisions related to notification. This information will not be publicly available.

    (Source: FAA news release. Image from file)

    FMI: www.faa.gov

    Advertisement

    More News Airborne 01.07.16: FAA Sued Again, Flight Design Approval, Blue Angels Training Also: Buffalo Airways, Airborne Partnership, Ben Baldanza Out, AOPA Updates Brand, NTSB Needs, Southwest Airlines, Intel Acquires UAV Maker A private individual has filed a lawsuit>[...]Airborne 01.06.16: SpaceShipTwo-2 Unveil, DJI Demo's Geofencing, UK-To-Australia Also: Russia v SpaceX, T-28s at AirVenture, 'Sunshine Superman', Ditching Survivor, Sea Combat Squadron 84, Fort Wayne Aero Center, Chicago Airport Cops The second SpaceShipTwo is >[...]Airborne 01.07.16: FAA Sued Again, Flight Design Approval, Blue Angels Training Also: Buffalo Airways, Airborne Partnership, Ben Baldanza Out, AOPA Updates Brand, NTSB Needs, Southwest Airlines, Intel Acquires UAV Maker A private individual has filed a lawsuit>[...]AeroSports Update: Hope+Vision+Learning = Fun! When Recreational Aviation Is Given A Job To Do, Good Things Can Happen Zenith Aircraft has furnished us with a story about how recreational aviation and a homebuilt aircraft can b>[...]ANN's Daily Aero-Linx (01.08.16) FAA Air Traffic Safety Action Program Reports The Air Traffic Safety Action Program, known as ATSAP, is a non-punitive program designed to encourage transparency in the realm of ai>[...]
    Source: FAA Releases B4UFLY Smartphone App

    Thursday, January 7, 2016

    Volkswagen releases racing game for smartphones

    Volkswagen releases racing game for smartphones

    Volkswagen bringt Rallye-Abenteuer direkt auf das Smartphone

    A racing game called Race Anywhere has been released by Volkwagen for iOS devices. In the game, users send a virtual Volkswagen Polo down a user-designed racetrack using the built-in track editor, and post their best times on Facebook.

    They can then invite friends to challenge the fastest lap time. The editor allows users to overlay different surfaces such as asphalt, gravel, mud and snow.

    Volkswagen bringt Rallye-Abenteuer direkt auf das Smartphone Volkswagen bringt Rallye-Abenteuer direkt auf das Smartphone

    The app also allows users to choose between three different cars – a Polo, a Polo R WRC or a Polo GTI. Four practice routes allow for warming up. The key to winning the three-lap races is triggering speed boosts and drifts, with a combination of timing and speed.

    Race Anywhere is available for download on the Apple App Store, and will be available from Google Play in the near future. No word yet on whether any cheat codes are available.

    Research Volkswagen Cars at

    Volkswagen Polo Sedan RM 92,628 Volkswagen Polo RM 90,628 - RM 115,593 Volkswagen Polo GTI RM 155,608 - RM 158,608 Volkswagen Jetta RM 135,458 Volkswagen Golf RM 164,608 Volkswagen Golf GTI RM 219,060 - RM 227,060 Volkswagen Touareg RM 447,283 - RM 624,320 Volkswagen Beetle RM 136,492 - RM 224,060 Volkswagen Scirocco RM 194,608 Volkswagen Scirocco R RM 291,060 Volkswagen Eos RM 259,060 Volkswagen Passat RM 174,817 Volkswagen CC RM 234,967 - RM 253,967 Volkswagen Passat CC R-Line RM 379,505 Volkswagen Cross Touran RM 170,608 Volkswagen Tiguan RM 179,608 - RM 241,122 Volkswagen Golf R RM 253,060 - RM 293,060 Volkswagen Sharan RM 280,122

    Related Cars for Sale on

    2014 Volkswagen Jetta 1.4 TSI CKD ( NEW ) RM 102,888 2010 Volkswagen Golf 1.4 (A) MK6 TSI MILE 68K KM RM 58,500 2011 Volkswagen Passat CC 2.0 TSI 5-Seater RM 105,800 2015 Volkswagen Polo 1.6 CKD ( NEW ) RM 78,888 2009 Volkswagen Passat 2.0 (A) ABT SPORT BODY KIT RM 49,800 2013 Volkswagen Cross Touran 1.4 TSI Demo Car RM 95,000 Volkswagen Golf GTI 2.0 (A) Fsi Turbo MK5 Tip Top RM 74,333 2014 Volkswagen CC 1.8 TSI Sport RM 202,888   Coming with diverse and extensive experience in heavy engineering, Mohan enjoys making anything with wheels go fast, especially motorcycles. His weapon of choice is the Desmoquattro engine, and he has a penchant for anything with a dash of Italian design. Strangely enough, he insists he's a slow rider.  

    Related Stories

      Previous Post: Hyundai Ioniq hybrid – first details and official images
    Source: Volkswagen releases racing game for smartphones