Samsung galaxy note edge
Ah, the Galaxy Note Edge – Samsung's innovative take on the smartphone screen design, which adds a curved end at one side and gives it a separate functionality. Some find it great, others find it to be nothing but a gimmick, and another group thinks it just looks cool. Of course, you can be any combination of these. Whether it's a useful feature or not, remains to be seen, once the device gets more widely adopted, but there is one thing that is already clear – some people prefer the curved Edge Screen to not be on the right bezel, due to the way they are used to holding their phones. Of course, seeing as Samsung has announced that the Note Edge will only be a limited edition device, we wouldn't even dare think that the company might start offering separate units for people who wish to have the Edge on the left side. Still, it seems the company has been pondering on a solution none the less. Now, if there is one thing we've learned a couple of years ago, it is that people really dislike it when a phone manufacturer tells them how to hold their mobile devices, and it seems Sammy has also picked up on that lesson. So now, it has pushed a 140 MB update for its Note Edge line, which, among some performance tweaks, allows users to turn their device upside-down and still be able to use it normally. The on-screen image turns around, TouchWiz gives us access to software navigation buttons, hidden in a pull-up drawer at the bottom of the screen (though, the hardware ones, which can now be found at the “top” of the device, are still functional); and, of course, the Edge Screen ends up being on the left-hand side of the display. Of course, there are still some limitations to holding your phone this way. For example – the microphone and speaker, obviously, do not switch sides, so one would have to spin the handset around, before taking a call. Furthermore, it just looks kind of weird and we would imagine some users would rather not be caught in public looking like they can't figure out that their device is upside-down.
Still, this makes us wonder – is it possible the Galaxy Note Edge 2 (if such is made) could have some kind of symmetrical design, sporting microphones and speakers on both ends of the display? If Samsung insists on keeping the Edge Screen on just one side of the device, this would be a logical, not to mention – a pretty cool, design step, assuming there is technology to support it.
What would you say to a Note Edge 2 that can be spun in any direction and still look the same?
Still, this makes us wonder – is it possible the Galaxy Note Edge 2 (if such is made) could have some kind of symmetrical design, sporting microphones and speakers on both ends of the display? If Samsung insists on keeping the Edge Screen on just one side of the device, this would be a logical, not to mention – a pretty cool, design step, assuming there is technology to support it.
What would you say to a Note Edge 2 that can be spun in any direction and still look the same?
A new mid range smartphone by samsung
Samsung is reportedly making a new Mid Range phone. There is downed specs like a 4.8 inch phone with a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels. For a phone this size, this is quite poor. a 64-bit, quad-core Marvell PXA1908 chipset, humming at 1.2GHz, a Vivante GC7000UL GPU to take care of graphics, probably a gigabyte of RAM, and 4GB of native storage. In addition, Samsung has graced the SM-J100F with a duo of 5MP cameras, one at the front and the other at the rear, both of which capable of recording a regular 1080p video clip. Android 4.4.4 KitKat is powering the SM-J100F. We all just have to wait and see.
Samsung Galaxy a3 appears in hands on video
Italian website HDBlog published the world's first hands-on with the upcoming Samsung Galaxy A3. Thanks to their great work, we're getting a short, but fulfilling look at the lowest tier in Samsung's new A series of phones. There aren't too many surprises to be had here, but we do like what we're seeing! The Galaxy A3 is modelled after the Galaxy Alpha's design language, which means it features a real, honest to God sculpted metal frame. Unlike the Alpha, though, the A3 doesn't have the dimpled back, which, according to our humble opinion, is a more sophisticated look.
The Galaxy A3's 4.5-inch 540p S-AMOLED display looks okay in the video. It's not the sharpest low-end display out there, but the 245ppi pixel density is decent, and you have to look hard for those pixels to really bug your eyes. The viewing angles look acceptable for this device category. However, the video compression doesn't really allow for precise judgements, so feel free to make your own observations.
As evident, the Galaxy A3 runs Android 4.4.4 KitKat topped of with Samsung's latest TouchWiz UI that you'll see in the Galaxy Note 4. Functionality such as My Magazine, Ultra power saving mode, and Private mode is present here, as is the revamped interface. The smartphone is ran by a quad-core 64-bit 1.2GHz Qualcomm processor, the Snapdragon 410, paired with 1GB of RAM. There's 16GB of expandable storage and a 1900mAh battery.
Although the Galaxy A3 is arguably the best "low-end" Android smartphone Samsung has produced, we believe the company will try to market it as a model from a "premium" series, which it probably won't be as affordable as it has to be to compete with the likes of Xiaomi and Meizu that have occupied the Chinese market. However, the A-series devices have a fair chance at competing with the iPhone 5S and iPhone 6 in Western markets. At the very least, this is a move in the right design and specs direction from Samsung.
The Galaxy A3's 4.5-inch 540p S-AMOLED display looks okay in the video. It's not the sharpest low-end display out there, but the 245ppi pixel density is decent, and you have to look hard for those pixels to really bug your eyes. The viewing angles look acceptable for this device category. However, the video compression doesn't really allow for precise judgements, so feel free to make your own observations.
As evident, the Galaxy A3 runs Android 4.4.4 KitKat topped of with Samsung's latest TouchWiz UI that you'll see in the Galaxy Note 4. Functionality such as My Magazine, Ultra power saving mode, and Private mode is present here, as is the revamped interface. The smartphone is ran by a quad-core 64-bit 1.2GHz Qualcomm processor, the Snapdragon 410, paired with 1GB of RAM. There's 16GB of expandable storage and a 1900mAh battery.
Although the Galaxy A3 is arguably the best "low-end" Android smartphone Samsung has produced, we believe the company will try to market it as a model from a "premium" series, which it probably won't be as affordable as it has to be to compete with the likes of Xiaomi and Meizu that have occupied the Chinese market. However, the A-series devices have a fair chance at competing with the iPhone 5S and iPhone 6 in Western markets. At the very least, this is a move in the right design and specs direction from Samsung.
HTC One m9 rumor round
Here is the HTC One M9 concept. As you know it could be a 5.2 inch with a resolution of 2k or UHD. The processor is most likely going to a be a Qualcomm Snapdragon 805 but it could come with the 810. The cameras are probably going to be an 8 Megapixel 'Ultrapixel' camera with dual LED Flash so you could see some changes with camera. Front facing is apparently a 8 Megapixel F2.0 Lens. Software side, Android L with Sense 7 running on top, that is all we know.
Xiaomi hasn't really kept a tight veil around the next installment of its flagship smartphone, it seems, as we've seen quite a few leaks lately, detailing both the phone's hip design, and impressive specs.
So far we've seen photos of the phone's super-thin side bezels, though we haven't had a nice look of its slim profile. Well, thanks to another leak, published by Chinese tech blogging site IT Home, we can now feast our eyes on what is allegedly the Xiaomi Mi5's slender chassis.
If you've missed the news – these unibody casings are meant to hold a 64-bit octa-core Snapdragon 810 CPU, with the Adreno 430 GPU, a 5.7" QHD (1440 x 2560) resolution screen, and a 20.7 MP Sony Exmor sensor for its main snapper, all priced at $325 off-contract.
Anxious to see it? Well, latest rumors claim that it may make an appearance at 2015's CES in Las Vegas – that's next month. Looks like Xiaomi is slowly, but surely, moving towards that global push that's supposed to launch it to the top spot in the smartphone manufacturer ladder, as this is the first time that the company has chosen to unveil a new model at an event held in the USA.
So far we've seen photos of the phone's super-thin side bezels, though we haven't had a nice look of its slim profile. Well, thanks to another leak, published by Chinese tech blogging site IT Home, we can now feast our eyes on what is allegedly the Xiaomi Mi5's slender chassis.
If you've missed the news – these unibody casings are meant to hold a 64-bit octa-core Snapdragon 810 CPU, with the Adreno 430 GPU, a 5.7" QHD (1440 x 2560) resolution screen, and a 20.7 MP Sony Exmor sensor for its main snapper, all priced at $325 off-contract.
Anxious to see it? Well, latest rumors claim that it may make an appearance at 2015's CES in Las Vegas – that's next month. Looks like Xiaomi is slowly, but surely, moving towards that global push that's supposed to launch it to the top spot in the smartphone manufacturer ladder, as this is the first time that the company has chosen to unveil a new model at an event held in the USA.
Htc Desire 620 to be launched in europe january
HTC announced the Desire 620 at the end of November, saying that the handset would be released in Taiwan this month. Now, the company confirmed that the new device would also be available in Europe - though only starting early next year (in January).
In the UK, the Desire 620 will be sold by O2, EE, Three, Carphone Warehouse, and other retailers, for a price that hasn’t been revealed yet. However, we know that the smartphone will cost €279 (about $345) in Germany.
The Desire 620 is a mid-range device powered by a 64-bit Snapdragon 410 processor. It can be seen as larger, improved version of the Desire 610 that was launched by HTC in the first half of this year. The new handset sports a 5-inch display with 720 x 1280 pixels, and comes in various color variants. Other features include LTE connectivity, 8 MP rear camera with flash, 5 MP front-facing camera, 1 GB of RAM, and 8 GB of internal memory. A 2100 mAh battery and a microSD card slot complete the specs sheet.
While it’s currently running Android 4.4 KitKat, the Desire 620 will most probably be updated to Android 5.0 Lollipop at some point. Anyone interested in buying one?
In the UK, the Desire 620 will be sold by O2, EE, Three, Carphone Warehouse, and other retailers, for a price that hasn’t been revealed yet. However, we know that the smartphone will cost €279 (about $345) in Germany.
The Desire 620 is a mid-range device powered by a 64-bit Snapdragon 410 processor. It can be seen as larger, improved version of the Desire 610 that was launched by HTC in the first half of this year. The new handset sports a 5-inch display with 720 x 1280 pixels, and comes in various color variants. Other features include LTE connectivity, 8 MP rear camera with flash, 5 MP front-facing camera, 1 GB of RAM, and 8 GB of internal memory. A 2100 mAh battery and a microSD card slot complete the specs sheet.
While it’s currently running Android 4.4 KitKat, the Desire 620 will most probably be updated to Android 5.0 Lollipop at some point. Anyone interested in buying one?
Specs of the new Samsung Galaxy e5 and e7 leak
SamMobile, a reputable Samsung news source, published the purported spec sheets of two unannounced, upcoming smartphones - the Samsung Galaxy E5 (SM-E500F) and E7 (SM-E700F). They appear to be mid-range big-screen smartphones, possibly modeled after Samsung's new design language established with Galaxy A series.
The Samsung Galaxy E7 will, reportedly, have a 5.5-inch Super AMOLED 720p screen, a 1.2GHz Snapdragon 410 processor, 2GB of RAM, a 13-megapixel main camera, 5-megapixel front-facing cam, 16GB of expandable internal storage space, and a 2,950mAh battery. Its dimensions are reported at a reasonable 5.94 x 3.03 x 0.28in (151×77×7.2 mm), and the operating system is Android 5.0 Lollipop topped off with the latest Samsung TouchWiz UI.
As for the Galaxy E5, it downsizes the display diagonal to 5 inches, and the battery comes down to 2300mAh, but the rest of the setup is the same - Snapdragon 410 processor, 2GB of RAM, 16GB of expandable internal storage, and a 5-megapixel front-facing camera. The E5 is the thinner smartphone at 0.27in (6.9mm) and weighs 4.93oz (140g).
There is nothing official in regards to the Galaxy E5 and E7 at this point, but the two models - with the possible addition of the Galaxy E3 - could be announced in the first or second quarter of 2015. If these specs are anything to judge by, Samsung is really going after Xiaomi's excellent low-end competition in China.
The Samsung Galaxy E7 will, reportedly, have a 5.5-inch Super AMOLED 720p screen, a 1.2GHz Snapdragon 410 processor, 2GB of RAM, a 13-megapixel main camera, 5-megapixel front-facing cam, 16GB of expandable internal storage space, and a 2,950mAh battery. Its dimensions are reported at a reasonable 5.94 x 3.03 x 0.28in (151×77×7.2 mm), and the operating system is Android 5.0 Lollipop topped off with the latest Samsung TouchWiz UI.
As for the Galaxy E5, it downsizes the display diagonal to 5 inches, and the battery comes down to 2300mAh, but the rest of the setup is the same - Snapdragon 410 processor, 2GB of RAM, 16GB of expandable internal storage, and a 5-megapixel front-facing camera. The E5 is the thinner smartphone at 0.27in (6.9mm) and weighs 4.93oz (140g).
There is nothing official in regards to the Galaxy E5 and E7 at this point, but the two models - with the possible addition of the Galaxy E3 - could be announced in the first or second quarter of 2015. If these specs are anything to judge by, Samsung is really going after Xiaomi's excellent low-end competition in China.
OnePlus One is now banned in India
15 days - that's how long OnePlus was able to sell its OnePlus One in India as an Amazon exclusive in India. Why "was"? Well, all facts show that OnePlus has been banned from selling its compelling powerhouse, the CyanogenMod-powered OnePlus One, in India.
The reason for the ban is a patent infringement - it looks like Micromax, which is Cyanogen's exclusive partner in India, did not fancy the "Cyanogen" logo at the back of the OnePlus One and pleaded to the High Court of Delhi. The latter decided that Micromax is right and OnePlus is wrong, which (naturally) led to the startup's ban from selling and advertising its "flagship killer" in India.
Micromax has claimed that OnePlus “incurred major expenses for creation of a brand exclusivity for providing to Indian customers mobile phones with Cyanogen operating systems”, which will make it "suffer irreparable harm and loss if the defendants (OnePlus) are permitted to continue with their illegal acts".
OnePlus joins the likes of Xiaomi, which also got banned from selling smartphones in India last week, as it has reportedly infringed on several 3G, EDGE, and AMR-related patents held by Ericsson, one of the larger communications giants.
As a refresher, Micromax is due to unveil its own line of CyanogenMod-powered handsets, dubbed YU, on December 18. Said devices will be sold online only. These are expected to boast respectable hardware specs for a OnePlus-like price. Well, it doesn't take a genius to notice that Micromax is trying to replicate the very same marketing strategy that OnePlus and Xiaomi are utilizing.
Interestingly enough, this is not the first time the OnePlus One has had problems because of a logo. Earlier this year, it got delayed due to altering the "CE" sign at the back of the device.
The reason for the ban is a patent infringement - it looks like Micromax, which is Cyanogen's exclusive partner in India, did not fancy the "Cyanogen" logo at the back of the OnePlus One and pleaded to the High Court of Delhi. The latter decided that Micromax is right and OnePlus is wrong, which (naturally) led to the startup's ban from selling and advertising its "flagship killer" in India.
Micromax has claimed that OnePlus “incurred major expenses for creation of a brand exclusivity for providing to Indian customers mobile phones with Cyanogen operating systems”, which will make it "suffer irreparable harm and loss if the defendants (OnePlus) are permitted to continue with their illegal acts".
OnePlus joins the likes of Xiaomi, which also got banned from selling smartphones in India last week, as it has reportedly infringed on several 3G, EDGE, and AMR-related patents held by Ericsson, one of the larger communications giants.
As a refresher, Micromax is due to unveil its own line of CyanogenMod-powered handsets, dubbed YU, on December 18. Said devices will be sold online only. These are expected to boast respectable hardware specs for a OnePlus-like price. Well, it doesn't take a genius to notice that Micromax is trying to replicate the very same marketing strategy that OnePlus and Xiaomi are utilizing.
Interestingly enough, this is not the first time the OnePlus One has had problems because of a logo. Earlier this year, it got delayed due to altering the "CE" sign at the back of the device.
Htc one m9 leaked images
Ready for a new round of alleged HTC Hima / One (M9) photos? Good, because the unannounced handset may have appeared in a couple of images which suggest that its power button now resides on the right side, below the volume rocker, rather than at the top (as it's the case on the One M8 and One M7).
Posted by Phandroid, the images reportedly come from "a reliable source close to the Taiwanese company." If they do indeed show the real One (M9) / Hima, the handset doesn't look too different from the One (M8) - though, as previously reported, it seems to have thinner bezels.
On the back, the upcoming HTC flagship smartphone should feature a redesigned 20 MP camera with Optical Image Stabilization (and no UltraPixel technology). However, the new photos can't confirm this. What Phandroid can confirm, according to its source, is that the new One will have an octa-core processor (almost certainly Qualcomm's 64-bit Snapdragon 810) paired with 3 GB of RAM. For more about the handset, check out our HTC One (M9) rumor roundup.
Earlier today, an alleged HTC One (M9) Plus showed up, though this one had a suspicious home button (à la Samsung Galaxy), so we're not really inclined to believe in its existence.
As always, we must not forget that some leaked images turn out to be genuine, while others simply don't. We'll have to wait until March 1 to see if the photos included in this article belong to the former, or the latter category.
Update: Two more images have been added, one showing the device's rear side
Posted by Phandroid, the images reportedly come from "a reliable source close to the Taiwanese company." If they do indeed show the real One (M9) / Hima, the handset doesn't look too different from the One (M8) - though, as previously reported, it seems to have thinner bezels.
On the back, the upcoming HTC flagship smartphone should feature a redesigned 20 MP camera with Optical Image Stabilization (and no UltraPixel technology). However, the new photos can't confirm this. What Phandroid can confirm, according to its source, is that the new One will have an octa-core processor (almost certainly Qualcomm's 64-bit Snapdragon 810) paired with 3 GB of RAM. For more about the handset, check out our HTC One (M9) rumor roundup.
Earlier today, an alleged HTC One (M9) Plus showed up, though this one had a suspicious home button (à la Samsung Galaxy), so we're not really inclined to believe in its existence.
As always, we must not forget that some leaked images turn out to be genuine, while others simply don't. We'll have to wait until March 1 to see if the photos included in this article belong to the former, or the latter category.
Update: Two more images have been added, one showing the device's rear side