Showing posts with label Touch UI. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Touch UI. Show all posts
Sunday, July 12, 2015
Samsung Galaxy Note 4 with two SIM card slots to launch in China soon
Unlike the regular Galaxy Note 4 (SM-N910), the SM-N91000 has not one, but two microSIM slots comfortably nestled right beneath its detachable rear cover. Both SIM cards will work in a seamless dual standby concert.
Apart from this notable difference, the rest of the specs sheet of the Note 4 has remained unchanged - we have a Snapdragon 805 inside (with support for LTE Cat.6), 3GB of RAM, a head-turning Quad HD display, and, of course, the S Pen stylus. Note, however, that the SIM slots in question are 4G/3G/2G and a 2G one, which means that you'd probably won't rely on the latter for browsing the web.
It's been confirmed that this exact variant of the phablet will launch in China soon, but there's no word if it will arrive in other markets as well.
Friday, October 7, 2011
Nokia N9: First look
Today's smartphone scene is one of fierce competition and breakneck growth. Rarely though do announcements get any bigger than this. The Nokia N9 seemed forever stuck in rumorland, but never lost its grip on users' minds. The handset is rightfully enjoying as warm a reception as it would have had if it had been announced a year ago.
And you can easily see why: a spanking new OS based on some pretty impressive (and novel!) concepts, sleek unibody design, some decently powerful hardware (even if the N9 missed the dual-core train) and that magnificent 3.9" curved AMOLED of FWVGA resolution is a package that's hard to resist.
We got our hands on this baby today, and although our meeting was brief, it was enough for it to earn a special place in our geeky hearts. The Nokia N9 is an excellent device based on an exciting UI concept and boasting some sleek hardware. But what casts doubt on it is the claim that it represents a dead end in the smartphone tree of evolution.
But let’s not get all emotional now, the thing isn’t even on the market yet. And it looks like the right thing to help Nokia through the hard transition period in the second half of 2011. What we know for sure is we would love to have more whence this came from.
Nokia N9 at a glance
- General: GSM 850/900/1800/1900 MHz, UMTS 850/900/1700/1900/2100 MHz, HSDPA 14.4 Mbps, HSUPA 5.76 Mbps
- Form factor: Touchscreen bar phone
- Dimensions: 116.5 x 61.2 x 12.1 mm, 76 cc
- Weight: 135 g
- Display: 3.9" 16M-color FWVGA (480 x 854 pixels) AMOLED capacitive touchscreen; Gorilla Glass, anti-glare polarizer, curved display, multi-touch input
- Chipset: 1GHz Cortex A8 CPU, PowerVR SGX530 GPU, TI OMAP 3630 chipset
- RAM: 1GB
- OS: MeeGo OS, v1.2 Harmattan
- Memory: 16/64GB storage, no microSD slot
- Camera: 8 megapixel auto-focus camera with face detection, touch focus and geotagging; HD (720p) video recording at 30fps, LED flash, front facing camera, video-calls
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi hotspot, Bluetooth 2.1, standard microUSB port, GPS receiver with A-GPS, 3.5mm audio jack, TV-out, NFC
- Misc: Polycarbonate unibody, built-in accelerometer, proximity sensor, uses microSIM cards
On paper, the Nokia N9 looks like solid, if not spectacular. As soon as you set eyes on the real thing though, there's no mistaking a smartphone that will reach for the top rather than settle for anything less.
The premium finish and the outward curved screen are nothing short of outstanding. And the great news is that the good impressions don't end with the exterior. We were pleasantly surprised by the MeeGo Harmattan platform and starting to doubt whether switching to Windows Phone 7 was the only option available to Nokia.
Galaxy S II for T-Mobile faster than its Exynos-packing sibling
The launch of the Samsung Galaxy S II is behind the corner for T-Mobile USA customers, but if you've been keeping track of the many variations of the S II, you'll know it's not the same as the international or the AT&T version.
The Galaxy S II for T-Mobile swaps out the Exynos chipset for a Qualcomm Snapdragon S3 chipset with two 1.5GHz Scorpion cores and Adreno 220 graphics (vs. two 1.2GHz cores Cortex-A9 and Mali-400MP GPU). The screen is bigger than the one on theinternational version too - a 4.52" SuperAMOLED Plus screen with WVGA resolution.
How does the T-Mobile version of S II stack up against the Exynos versions? Well, someone already ran Quadrant and it scored 3841. In our benchmarks, the Exynos in the international Galaxy S II scored 3538 in the same benchmark.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Motorola Atrix 4G to taste Gingerbread update in July
The Motorola Atrix 4G just got one step closer to Gingerbread, as early versions of the OTA update for the Gingerbread go for a test drive. This was hinted last month by Motorola's VP of International Marketing, but now we are on the verge of getting an official release date.
According to the guys at BriefMobile, who have been testing an early build of the Gingerbread for the Atrix 4G, the update should hit devices some time in July with an over-the-air update.
Motorola has also made some changes to the Motoblur UI, such as iOS-looking icons docked at the bottom of the homescreens, smoother animations and overall performance boost. For AT&T users, sideloading of apps will also be enabled, due to recent changes of the company's policy. Here are couple of screenshots to get a taste of what's coming for the Atrix 4G.Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Snapdragon-friendly Android 3.2 is a perfect fit for 7-inch screens
Android 3.2 Honeycomb is coming to a wide range of devices this summer and will add support for Qualcomm processors and 7-inch screens. It will also be the last Honeycomb iteration before the Ice Cream Sandwich rolls out in late autumn.
This info answers lots of questions born with the Hauwei 7" Media Pad's announcement yesterday. Even though the news doesn't come from Google itself, three independent sources spilled the beans on exactly the same information.
In addition to the Qualcomm CPUs (such as the popular Snapdragons) and the optimization for 7-inch screens, the Android 3.2 Honeycomb upgrade will also offer improved hardware acceleration, bug fixes plus updated Movie Studio, Music, Movies and widgets.
Android 3.2 sounds pretty cool for the HTC Flyer users - their tablet will finally become compatible with Android 3 Honeycomb, but it will be up to HTC to decide whether to update it or not. Because if HTC Flyer is to get Honeycomb, it will lose the cool HTC Sense UI.Friday, June 17, 2011
Motorola releases Android 2.2 update for Defy users in the UK
It has been a long time coming but the Motorola Defy owners in the UK can now finally get some taste of Froyo on their phone that others around the world have been enjoying for some time now. Motorola has released a software update v34.177.3 for the Defy, which will upgrade the phone from Android 2.1 to Android 2.2.
Along with the update you get the usual list of features in Froyo, which includes Adobe Flash Player 10.3 support, ability to install applications on the memory card and speed and performance enhancements. You also get other stuff such as smart dialling, improved keypad, task manager, updated gallery, profiles for the home screen and LinkedIn app built-in.
LG officially launches the Optimus 3D, to go on sale in Europe first
After announcing it months back in January, LG has finally launched the Optimus 3D, their first 3D Android handset and what LG calls the world’s first tri-dual architecture smartphone.
The Optimus 3D uses dual-core processor, dual-channel memory and dual memory, which gives it the aforementioned title. The dual-core part has become common now among most new high-end smartphones but the Optimus 3D is the fist to use dual channel and hence dual memory, which LG thinks makes it better and we must say we agree with them. Dual channel memory is indeed better and will definitely produce noticeable improvement in performance in certain applications.
Another feather in Optimus 3D’s cap is the 4.3-inch WVGA 3D display that does not require any kind of glasses. The phone can also record 1080p videos at 24fps and 720p videos at 30fps, all in 3D through the dual 5 megapixel lenses on the back.
The Optimus 3D runs on a dual-core 1GHz TI OMAP4430 processor with Cortex A9 CPU and PowerVR SGX540 GPU. It has 512MB RAM (2 x 256MB) and 8GB internal memory, which can be extended via microSD cards. Unfortunately, just like the Optimus 2x, the Optimus 3D is running on Android 2.2 Froyo.
The Optimus 3D uses dual-core processor, dual-channel memory and dual memory, which gives it the aforementioned title. The dual-core part has become common now among most new high-end smartphones but the Optimus 3D is the fist to use dual channel and hence dual memory, which LG thinks makes it better and we must say we agree with them. Dual channel memory is indeed better and will definitely produce noticeable improvement in performance in certain applications.
Another feather in Optimus 3D’s cap is the 4.3-inch WVGA 3D display that does not require any kind of glasses. The phone can also record 1080p videos at 24fps and 720p videos at 30fps, all in 3D through the dual 5 megapixel lenses on the back.
The Optimus 3D runs on a dual-core 1GHz TI OMAP4430 processor with Cortex A9 CPU and PowerVR SGX540 GPU. It has 512MB RAM (2 x 256MB) and 8GB internal memory, which can be extended via microSD cards. Unfortunately, just like the Optimus 2x, the Optimus 3D is running on Android 2.2 Froyo.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
HTC Desire will not be updated to Gingerbread
Bad news HTC Desire owners, HTC has just announced it won’t update the original Desire with Android 2.3 Gingerbread due to insufficient memory. You are now stuck with Froyo forever.
HTC Desire runs on a 1GHz processor, has 576MB RAM and 512MB ROM. HTC claims the memory is not enough. Well, HTC, the Wildfire Shas a 600MHz CPU, 512MB RAM and 512MB ROM and it CAN RUN Gingerbread. Even though, the Desire has a higher resolution screen, it's still not enough to convince us HTC has done everything in its power.
It seems running Gingerbread on the Desire will compromise the Sense experience.
It seems running Gingerbread on the Desire will compromise the Sense experience.
Unlocked iPhone 4 now on sale in Apple Store, prices start at $649
The prices are slightly higher than what we expected. The 16GB model is available for $649 and the 32GB model is available for $749, in both black and white colors.
Now before you head out to buy one do remember that the iPhone 4 only works with micro-SIM cards. That problem was taken care of with locked handsets as the carrier would provide the micro-SIM card but now you would have to get your own. Make sure the operator you choose has a micro-SIM card to offer you or else you would have to rely on some online tutorials, such as this one, for cutting out your own micro-SIM out of a regular SIM.
LG Optimus 3D to hit the UK on 20 June, costs an arm and two legs
Amazon UK has updated its LG Optimus 3D listing with new info and pricing. Firstly and most importantly, LG's most exotic flagship is coming on 20 June. Amazon accept pre-orders at £600, but there are better pre-order deals out there.
This is not our first news about the LG Optimus 3D pre-orders. A few weeks ago we informed you that BuyMobilePhones and Clove UK have started taking pre-orders too. The latter offers it for £455 (incl. VAT), which is quite cheaper than the Amazon's pre-order. You should take into consideration however that Amazon definitely do some research before you jump on theAdd to basket button. Also make note that it's not Amazon that sells it directly, but one of their registered resellers - KingOfGadgets.
Anyway one thing is important now - the LG Optimus 3D is coming on 20 June in the UK (if Amazon UK is to be trusted). This fits with the T-Mobile UK June window, while Three has listed it for July release.
Anyway one thing is important now - the LG Optimus 3D is coming on 20 June in the UK (if Amazon UK is to be trusted). This fits with the T-Mobile UK June window, while Three has listed it for July release.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Unlocked iPhone 4 heading to Apple Stores in the US
If you are in US and if you have to buy an iPhone you would have two options. You could either get it on contract from either AT&T or Verizon or you could buy it without a contract. However, in each case the device would be locked to the network. So far Apple only sold the iPhone unlocked in select countries, which made them a popular shopping destination for those who wanted to use an iPhone on a network other than those that Apple approves. But now it seems the unlocked versions of the iPhone 4 are officially coming to the US.
According to a tweet by Chronic Wire, member of the popular Chronic Dev team of iOS hackers, unlocked iPhones are currently heading to Apple Stores in the US and will be available as soon as this Wednesday.
Orange to launch QWERTY Android phone in the UK
Orange is going to launch a new Android based phone in UK. Called the Barcelona, the device will feature a 2.6-inch touchscreen display, below which is a full QWERTY keypad. On the back is a 3.2 megapixel camera.
The Barcelona also has other features such as HSDPA, Bluetooth, HD Voice, GPS, Orange Maps, FM radio and video calling, all in a 9.9mm thick body. The Barcelona will be running on Android 2.2 Froyo.
The Barcelona will be offered for free on select monthly plans and at a price for PAYG customers. Orange is yet to reveal the plans for the device.
The Barcelona also has other features such as HSDPA, Bluetooth, HD Voice, GPS, Orange Maps, FM radio and video calling, all in a 9.9mm thick body. The Barcelona will be running on Android 2.2 Froyo.
The Barcelona will be offered for free on select monthly plans and at a price for PAYG customers. Orange is yet to reveal the plans for the device.
Friday, June 10, 2011
Android 2.3.4 Gingerbread leaks for the Samsung Galaxy S i9000
The Samsung Galaxy S I9000 may have gotten Android 2.3.3 Gingebread just a couple of weeks ago, but by the looks of it Samsung isn't going to stop there, as a the latest version of Android 2.3.4 becomes available for the company's former flagship phone.
The peeps over at Samfirmware have managed to dig out a build with the name "XXJVP" which makes your Galaxy S update to the latest Gingerbread version available at the moment. This makes the Samsung Galaxy S become even at software level to the Nexus One and Nexus S.
It's rather unclear when the new firmware will be officially released by Samsung. The build dates back to June 3 and is now available at Samfirmware via the source link below.
Motorola and Sprint announce Photon 4G dual-core droid
Thursday, June 9, 2011
HTC does an Apple, denies Sensation death grip issues exist
HTC has obviously taken a leaf of the Apple book of PR and denied today that their Sensation flagship has the so-called "death grip" issues. There was no press-conference this time, but a company spokesman did go on record and denied there was anything wrong with their powerhouse of a smartphone.
Here's the exact quote as sent to Slashgear:
“Every phone experiences a slight variation in signal strength when the antenna is covered in its entirety by a palm and/or fingers. However, under normal circumstances this does not affect the performance of the phone.”
Sony Ericsson announces Mix Walkman and txt pro in full
Sony Ericsson's Facebook competition has come to a close - the Mix Walkman and the txt pro are now fully official. Also, the video reviews of the four finalists that got to review the phone are available for you to watch - and don't forget to vote for your favorite, they will win a big prize.
Both new Sony Ericsson phones are feature phones but they pack some compelling functionality. They have Xperia-like UI, just like the Yendo.
The Sony Ericsson Mix Walkman has the looks of the Xperia Mini but there's Walkman blood in its veins. The Zappin button is a particularly interesting feature - press it and the phone will preview the chorus of the next song. That's right, just the chorus, which is the most recognizable (and often best) part of the song.The Sony Ericsson Mix Walkman is a very compact phone (95.8 x 52.8 x 14.3mm, 88g) with a 3" WQVGA screen, 3.2MP camera and exchangeable bands to personalize the phone (they come in the box). You get Wi-Fi connectivity and microSD card slot too (for cards up to 32GB).
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
EVO 4G gets Gingerbread update, breaks Netflix support
Sprint recently announced that they will be updating their first 4G handset, the HTC EVO 4G, to the latest version of Android this Friday and just as they promised the update is now available to download to anyone who’s willing to manually check.
According to the official changelog, the 2.3 update brings with it some bug fixes to the Gmail and messaging application along with the usual Gingerbread goodness.
However, we are also hearing reports of compatibility issues with the Netflix application after updating. Netflix has acknowledged this issues and is currently investigating it. So if Netflix playback is important to you, you might want to hold on to the update till the official fix comes out.
Motorola Atrix 4G for AT&T drops to $99.99
It was only a matter of time - dual-core droids are getting cheaper. The Motorola Atrix 4G has dropped to $99.99 on AT&T with a 2-year contract, down from the $199.99 that they originally asked for it.
You can snatch an Atrix 4G from AT&T now but there are two things you need to consider - you need a data plan (starting at $15/month) and you really should look at the docks.
The HD Multimedia dock for the Motorola Atrix 4G can be had for $129.99 and the premium laptop dock costs $199.99 (after a $100 mail-in rebate). Unfortunately, those are the prices for buying either dockseparately - no discount here.Sunday, June 5, 2011
Nokia X7 goes on pre-order in the UK, first taste of Symbian Anna
he Nokia X7 has now appeared alongside its QWERTY launch partner the E6, available for pre-order in the UK. Slated for release at the end of June, both devices are running the latest version of Nokia's Symbian OS - Symbian Anna. This will come as great news to any UK based die hard Nokia fans who still hold a special place in their hearts for the Finnish Symbian kings.
We've already seen the E6 and X7 available for pre-order in Germanybut the UK have been given a genuine estimate of when they can actually get their hands on these devices, late June, which more accurately probably translates to June 30 going by Nokia's typical rigamarole .
The X7's design gives it a more aggressive look that could have evolved from the N8. It runs a 680MHz ARM 11 processor with a Broadcom BCM2727 GPU in tow. Media features include an 8MP camera with a dual-LED flash that can shoot 720p video at 25fps, an FM radio and access to the Ovi Nokia Store naturally. Connectivity promises Bluetooth 3.0, HSDPA at 10.2 Mbps and HSUPA at 2 Mbps, WiFi b/g/n and a physical connection via microUSB (2.0). Memory onboard translates to 256 MB RAM with 1 GB ROM and an 8GB microSD card comes included but this is upgradeable to 32GB if you need it. Of course all of this plugs into Symbian Anna which you view on a 4" AMOLED 360x640 display.
HTC Sensation suffers from death grip, iPhone 4 caught snickering
The problematic area is the back cover. The Sensation does not have a true unibody design as HTC claims it does but instead uses a large removable battery cover which is mostly made out of metal and has plastic areas that work as antennas. Unfortunately, when these pieces are covered by your hand, there is a substantial drop in the performance of the radio units within the device, particularly of the Bluetooth and Wi-Fi radios.
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