HTC One A9w could be a Windows 10 version of HTC’s latest smartphone

We have long expected HTC to release a Windows 10 Mobile handset, but with the company in such dire straights it seems increasingly unlikely.

Now however PhoneArena reports a new handset has passed through Tenaa, the Chinese telecommunication device authority, which may be just that handset.

The HTC One A9w is a variant of  the HTC One A9 that features a 5-inch AMOLED display, with a 1080 x 1920 FHD resolution, with a octa-core 1.5GHz CPU (likely the same Snapdragon 617 SoC as the A9) , with 2GB RAM, 16GB storage and support for 128 GB microSD cards.

The camera has a 13 MP sensor with OIS and a  f/2.0 aperture. while the FFC is a 4MP Ultrapixel module. The device supports 4G LTE.

Unfortunately besides the w designation there is not much else to indicate it is a Windows phone, but PhoneArena notes now the device is certified we should not have to wait too long to find out.

The HTC One A9 is famous for looking a lot like an iPhone. How would our readers feel about having a Windows phone which looks like an Android phone which looks like an iPhone? Let us know below.

Source: HTC One A9w could be a Windows 10 version of HTC's latest smartphone

Apple Inc. Reportedly to Release a New 4-inch iPhone

Apple's iPhone 5s. Source: Apple. 

According to a report from KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) is preparing to launch a new 4-inch iPhone at some point in the first half of 2016.

The phone, Kuo claims, will resemble an "upgraded iPhone 5s," suggesting that Apple will adopt a metal casing material rather than the plastic used to build the ill-fated iPhone 5c. Kuo also claims that, in order to ensure that iOS 9 runs smoothly on the device, Apple may choose to include its latest A9 processor in the phone rather than use an older-generation A8 processor.

Finally, Kuo says that in order to differentiate the larger devices, the new 4-inch iPhone will not include the 3D Touch feature that debuted on the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus.

Let's take a closer look at this report to see if it makes sense and, if so, what it might mean for Apple's business in the coming fiscal year.

The specs check out The Apple A8 chip inside of the iPhone 6/6 Plus did not offer a particularly large boost in performance from the A7 chip inside the 5s, while the A9 offered a large boost over the A8. From that perspective alone, it makes sense that Apple would choose to equip a new, smaller iPhone with the A9 rather than the A8.

Additionally, the A8 is built on TSMC's (NYSE:TSM) 20-nanometer chip manufacturing process. Given that TSMC has made it clear that it would like to convert over its 20-nanometer capacity to 16-nanometer capacity, it probably doesn't make sense for Apple to have TSMC keep a bunch of 20-nanometer capacity up and running for longer than it needs to, especially given the performance/power enhancements that the 16-nanometer technology brings over the older 20-nanometer technology.

The lack of 3D Touch also makes a lot of sense for a lower-cost 4-inch device. For one thing, Apple probably wants to keep some features exclusive to the larger, higher-priced models in order to keep its product mix as rich as possible. Additionally, I'd imagine that 3D Touch is a non-trivial cost-adder, so Apple is likely to exclude it from the smaller, lower-cost phone to keep product margins in check.

This could help boost Apple's iPhone sales in the current fiscal year There have been worries that Apple could see its iPhone sales decline in the current fiscal year as a result of tough comparisons to the very robust upgrade cycle Apple saw with the iPhone 6/6 Plus last year.

Although it is clear that many within the iPhone installed base, as well as owners of smartphones from other vendors, had been looking forward to Apple launching larger iPhones, there are still likely many potential smartphone buyers who simply don't like larger phones.

By releasing a new 4-inch iPhone that's significantly upgraded over the prior-generation 5s, Apple can capture sales from those who held off from upgrading from both the 5 and 5s because they simply preferred smaller screen sizes.

Additionally, in the world of Android phones, there don't appear to be all that many compelling 4-inch class devices, so Android users with older 4-inch class devices looking for worthwhile upgrades might be compelled to make the switch over to iPhone.

All told, the launch of such a device could ultimately help boost Apple's iPhone sales figures and overall smartphone market share in the coming fiscal year, perhaps allowing it to achieve iPhone growth in the current fiscal year. 

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Source: Apple Inc. Reportedly to Release a New 4-inch iPhone

Windows 10 Update For Smartphones Imminent As 'Lumia With Windows 10' Goes Live

The Windows 10 update seems imminent for Lumia devices as Microsoft has altered the details on its Windows Phone support site to reflect information for software updates that are meant for 'Lumia with Windows 10.'(Photo : Kārlis Dambrāns | Flickr)

Good news for Windows-powered Lumia smartphone users as Microsoft seems poised to release the Windows 10 Update for its smartphones very soon.

The Windows 10 update seems imminent for devices running Windows 8.1 as Microsoft has altered the details on its Windows Phone support site On Thursday, Nov. 5, to reflect information for software updates that are meant for "Lumia with Windows 10."

The support page from Microsoft aids Lumia users in learning the status of the impending updates headed for their devices i.e. if the software update is being tested, ready to be pushed out etc.

The updated page from Microsoft now has instructions on how Windows 10 smartphones will get the impending software update, as well as information on how to update its device.

"Your phone supports wireless Over the Air (OTA) updates and there is no need for cables or a computer; you can simply download and install the update using your phone. Also, your settings, apps, photos, and text messages remain safe and sound," notes the support page for Windows 10 for Lumia.

While instructions on how to download the update once it is available are mentioned, details on the release date for the Windows 10 update for Lumia smartphones are not given. A strong possibility exists that the over-the-air (OTA) Windows 10 update for Lumia smartphones could be pushed out for users around the same time when Microsoft begins retailing its latest Lumia 950 XL and Lumia 950 smartphones. Why? As both these smartphones will come pre-loaded with Windows 10.

For those wondering if their Lumia smartphone is in line to get the Windows 10 update, the handsets which are slated to benefit from the software update include the Lumia 435, Lumia 430,Lumia 535, Lumia 532, Lumia 540, Lumia 640, Lumia 640 XL, Lumia 635 (1GB RAM variant), Lumia 735, Lumia 930 and Lumia 830.

Since Microsoft will be pushing out the Windows 10 software update and not the carriers, it should make its way to devices quicker than usual.

Photo: Kārlis Dambrāns | Flickr 

© 2015 Tech Times, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.

Source: Windows 10 Update For Smartphones Imminent As 'Lumia With Windows 10' Goes Live

BlackBerry Priv Verizon release soon is confirmed

Although we'll confess that BlackBerry smartphones haven't been on our most-wanted list for some time, we have to say we're pretty excited to see more of the BlackBerry Priv. We know that US carrier AT&T is to offer the phone and there have been rumors about it coming to Verizon. Now we can tell you that a BlackBerry Priv Verizon release is confirmed and it's coming soon.

We've already given details of pre-orders for the BlackBerry Priv for the US, Canada and UK, followed by information on pricing directly from AT&T. The handset showing on the BlackBerry US online store says that it is not compatible with Verizon, Sprint, or US Cellular, although it was previously rumored to be coming to Big Red.

Many readers have therefore been wondering about whether the BlackBerry Priv will be up for grabs on Verizon, and recently a leaked image purporting to be a BlackBerry Priv Verizon variant turned up to give this idea further credence. However, such images can be faked and until now there was nothing official about a Verizon offering. That has all changed though, as an official Verizon News Twitter account has confirmed that the BlackBerry Priv Verizon variant is on the way.

PRIV™ by BlackBerry. The first-ever BlackBerry powered by Android. Coming soon. https://t.co/xsZRn0ukN0 pic.twitter.com/QkZts5de11

— Verizon News (@VerizonNews) November 6, 2015

The tweet simply states "PRIV by BlackBerry. The first-ever BlackBerry powered by Android. Coming soon." While we would have liked Big Red to provide a specific date and a price, at least we know that it's definitely on its way. If you head to the Verizon source below you can now sign up for availability updates.

If you want to find out more about the BlackBerry Priv you can take a look at our specs breakdown of it against the Sony Xperia Z5 Premium. Alternatively you might like to check out a previous article where we shared a video showing features of the phone. All-in-all it's looking like a device we want to spend a bit of time with, and we wonder what you think? Have you been hoping to hear that a BlackBerry Priv Verizon variant is confirmed.

Sources: Verizon and @VerizonNews (Twitter)

Read more about: BlackBerry   Mobile Phones   Networks   Verizon  

Source: BlackBerry Priv Verizon release soon is confirmed

Android Smartphones & Tablets Market 2016: Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecasts

Deerfield Beach, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 11/06/2015 -- Android Smartphones & Tablets Installed Base by Device Model, Form Factor & Region Q2'2012. Covering over 600 Tablets and Smartphones from 63 vendors, this XLS database tracks Android activations by individual device model, form factor, vendor and region. The target audience for this report includes handset manufacturers, application developers and mobile network operators. All variants of particular device series are individually covered in the database. As an example, for the Samsung Galaxy S series, the GT-i7500, Galaxy, GT-i9000, Galaxy S, GT-i9100, Galaxy S II, Galaxy S II LTE and all other individual variations are covered individually.

Request for report sample of Android Smartphones & Tablets Market, here: http://www.marketresearchstore.com/report/android-smartphones-tablets-installed-base-by-device-18121#RequestSample

The following parameters are covered for each device model in each country and regi on:

ManufacturerModelForm FactorInstalled Base (Millions)Android OS VersionIntegrated Memory (MB)*Processor*Web Browsing CapabilitiesDisplay Size (pixels)Size (mm)Companies MentionedAcerAlcatelAltekArchosASUSAUXBBKCasioChanghongCommtivaCoolpadDellDopodEPHONEFujitsuGarminAsusGeneral MobileGigabyteGo Tech

Browse the full report of Android Smartphones & Tablets Market with the full ToC: http://www.marketresearchstore.com/report/android-smartphones-tablets-installed-base-by-device-18121

HaierHCLHesenseHisenseHTCHuaweiHyundaiiBalli-MobileINQ MobileKarbonn MobilesKT TechKTFTK-TouchKyoceraLavaLenovoLGMicromaxMilagrowMotorolaNECNGM MobileOliveONDAOPPOPanasonicPantech & CuritelSamsungSharpSK telesysSonySony EricssonSpice MobilesToshibaTridentUmeoxVideocon MobileViewsonicWenttoYusunZondaZTEZync

Purchase Android Smartphones & Tablets Market Report, here: http://www.marketresearchstore.com/checkout?reportid=18121&reporttype=0&q=r

About Market Re search StoreMarket Research Store is a single destination for all the industry, company and country reports. We feature large repository of latest industry reports, leading and niche company profiles, and market statistics released by reputed private publishers and public organizations. Market Research Store is the comprehensive collection of market intelligence products and services available on air. We have market research reports from number of leading publishers and update our collection daily to provide our clients with the instant online access to our database.

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Source: Android Smartphones & Tablets Market 2016: Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecasts

BlackBerry To Release Monthly Patches To Fix Android Flaws

BlackBerry has joined other Android phone makers that are promising timely security fixes to their customers. On Wednesday, the Canadian smartphone maker said it will roll out security patches within about a month of the disclosure of problems.

BlackBerry to issue security patches

In a blog post, BlackBerry said the patches are "critical" for fixing Android flaws in a timely fashion. Google started disclosing monthly vulnerabilities in Android earlier this year when it announced plans to come up with monthly fixes to Nexus devices. Later, Samsung and LG also came forward to offer monthly patches to their devices. However, HTC sees it as an "unrealistic" target.

BlackBerry said that all Priv devices bought through its store will be eligible for over-the-air updates as and when they are made available. Devices bought through networks such as AT&T in the U.S. will require approval from the carrier before the updates will be pushed out. The company said it could be lead to serious flaws as at times Android users are not willing to wait for a fix.

Critical cases to be dealt with through a "hotfix"

However, in critical cases when attackers actively exploit an Android flaw, BlackBerry will issue a "hotfix" capable of bypassing the need for a carrier's approval.

BlackBerry chief security Officer David Kleidmacher said, "Because a hotfix is typically limited in scope, the balance between a longer testing and approval process and the risk from the critical flaw makes this approach an important addition to helping keep users safe and secure." Kleidmacher said the company will issue a fix within 24 hours of the receipt of the notification, but it all depends on how complex the flaw is.

Kleidmacher said the patch will be applied directly on BlackBerry, and it will request its carrier partners give rapid approval. But if the company finds it necessary, then it will the apply over-the-air fix without seeking approval from the carrier, says a report from ZDNet. Kleidmacher added that a time will come when it will become mandatory for the company to act quickly because the risk associated with publicly released or zero-day vulnerability is too high. The fix will also be applicable to the vulnerabilities that are privately reported outside of the monthly patch cycle.

Carriers have often being criticized for delaying or blocking security updates, and this is one of the main reason we have so many Android software versions, says the report.

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Source: BlackBerry To Release Monthly Patches To Fix Android Flaws

Global Accessories and Peripherals Market for Smartphones and Tablets 2015 - 2019, New Report Launched

Lewes, DE -- (SBWIRE) -- 11/04/2015 -- This market study segments the global accessories and peripherals market for smartphones and tablets by product ( cases, screen guards, headsets, and chargers) and by geography (APAC, EMEA, and the Americas). Leading vendors in this market are Belkin, Logitech, Otter Products, Targus, and Zagg.

Market outlook of the global accessories and peripherals market for smartphones and tabletsAccessories and peripherals are devices that are connected externally or internally to smart devices to enhance their performance. The market for accessories and peripherals for smartphones is expected to post a modest market growth rate of more than 6% by 2019, whereas the accessories market for tablets is envisaged to post an impressive market growth rate of more than 40% during the forecast period. The increasing sale of smartphones and tablets coupled with the ability of peripherals to enhance customer experience are expected to account for this market' s high growth rate during the forecast period.

Publisher's analyst has estimated eminent factors, such as the increasing smartphones and tablets market, to impel market growth during the forecast period. The extensive use of smart devices in day-to-day activities results in their rough handling. Consequently, the demand for accessories and peripherals that protect devices from the harsh environmental conditions and rough handling is increasing.

Product-based segmentation of the accessories and peripherals market for smartphones and tablets- Cases- Screen guards- Headsets- Chargers

The cases segment is estimated to account for the highest market share during the forecast period. This segment is envisaged to account for more than 66% of the total market share by 2019 due to the availability of cases in a wide array of designs and colors.

Geographical segmentation of the accessories and peripherals market for smartphones- APAC- EMEA- Americas

In this marke t research report, analysts have estimated the APAC region to account for a revenue share of approximately 57% by 2019. Factors like the high adoption of smartphones and the augmented disposable income of consumers in this region are responsible for this region's high revenue generating capacity during the forecast period.

Competitive landscape and key vendorsThis market is characterized by the presence of numerous vendors since it has high potential for growth in emerging nations like China and India. Additionally, as this market has low entry barriers, new global and regional players can easily establish themselves as prominent players during the forecast period.

Leading vendors in this market are -- Belkin International Inc.- Logitech International SA- Otter Products LLC- Targus Group International Inc.- Zagg Inc

Other prominent vendors in this market are Case Logic, Griffin Technology, Incase Design Corp., and Kensington.

Key questions answered in the rep ort include- What will the market size and the growth rate be in 2019?- What are the key factors driving the global accessories and peripherals market for smartphones and tablets?- What are the key market trends impacting the growth of the global accessories and peripherals market for smartphones and tablets?- What are the challenges to market growth?- Who are the key vendors in the global accessories and peripherals market for smartphones and tablets?- What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the vendors in the global accessories and peripherals market for smartphones and tablets?- Trending factors influencing the market shares of the EMEA, Americas, and APAC?- What are the key outcomes of the five forces analysis of the global accessories and peripherals market for smartphones and tablets?

Spanning over 70 pages "Global Accessories and Peripherals Market for Smartphones and Tablets 2015-2019" report covers Executive Summary, Scope of the Report, Market research methodology, Introduction, Market landscape, Market drivers, Market challenges, Market trends, Market segmentation by product, Geographical segmentation, Impact of drivers, Impact of drivers and challenges, Buying criteria, Vendor landscape, Key vendor analysis, Appendix.

For further information on this report, please visit- http://www.marketresearchreports.com/technavio/global-accessories-and-peripherals-market-smartphones-and-tablets-2015-2019

Related Reports:

Global Accessories and Peripherals Market for Smartphones and Tablets 2014-2018 - visit at: http://www.marketresearchreports.com/technavio/global-accessories-and-peripherals-market-smartphones-and-tablets-2014-2018

Global Ethernet Backhaul Equipment Market 2015-2019 - visit at: http://www.marketresearchreports.com/technavio/global-ethernet-backhaul-equipment-market-2015-2019

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Source: Global Accessories and Peripherals Market for Smartphones and Tablets 2015 - 2019, New Report Launched