Galaxy S IV codenamed as Altius, expected to released in Mobile Unpacked March 2013

Everyone is waiting for the Samsung to announce new Galaxy devices: Note III, 8 inch Note and Galaxy S IV. The latest rumors indicate that the Galaxy S IV is codenamed “Altius” and will go on sale in April.

SamMobile has dug around and confirmed a few other specs with sources, including the fact that the Galaxy S IV will in fact have wireless charging via a dock and a connectable back panel. It is also said to come in black and white color flavors.

According to their report, the phone will have a 2,600mAh battery, which is a solid upgrade from the Galaxy S III’s 2,100mAh battery.

Following information is confirmed about the next Galaxy S Phone

• Code Name: Altius
• Model Number: GT-I9500
• Colours: Black / White
• Battery Capacity: 2600 mAh
• Special: Wireless Charging Kit

Rumored info about next Galaxy S phone is that it will come with a 4.99-inch Super AMOLED 1080p display, Exynos 5 Octa processor, 2GB RAM, 13MP rear camera, 2MP front camera, and Android 4.2.1.

None of this has been confirmed by Samsung, but the phone’s launch seems imminent, so it’s only a matter of time until we know for sure. The more reliable Galaxy S4 rumors seem to be crystallizing around a late Q1 or early Q2 launch window. 

Samsung has also announced its major upcoming event: Mobile Unpacked. Read more about this event @ TechnoBuffalo, Android Central, Android Community 

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TechCrunch, Android Central, TechnoBuffalo, Android Authority, Android Community

Mozilla unveiled developer preview phones for its Firefox OS

Mozilla today unveiled two new developer preview phones that feature the browser maker's Firefox OS. The new operating system is expected to launch sometime this year which is expected to have name: Boot 2 Gecko or B2G.

The OS is based on the underlying Linux kernel modified for Android, but will use HTML, CSS and Javascript for better experience. We hope that with the usage of only web programming, Mozilla will deliver something uncommon. By the way, here are the FAQs  provided by Mozilla.

There will be two devices for Firefox OS developer preview: Keon, a lower end device and Peak, a higher end device.

Mozilla said in their blog post 

This week we are announcing our new Firefox OS developer preview phones because we believe that developers will help bring the power of the web to mobile. These developer phones are being developed by Geeksphone in partnership with Telefonica and Geeksphone.

According to Geeksphone, Peak is a "powerful" device. It is slightly larger with a 4.3-inch qHD IPS touch screen. There's an 8-megapixel, rear-facing camera and 2-megapixel front-facing one. It also has 4GB of storage, MicroSD, MicroUSB, Wi-Fi, and GPS. It runs a 1.2-GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 and 1800 mAh battery.

The Keon is described as "light and versatile but also powerful." It features a 3.5-inch touch screen, 3-megapixel camera, and 4GB of storage, as well as MicroSD, MicroUSB, Wi-Fi, GPS, and more. It runs a 1-GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon S1 and a 1580mAh battery.

The specs of Firefox Developer phone preview are as follows as provided by Mozilla 

• CPU Qualcomm Snapdragon S1 1Ghz
• UMTS 2100/1900/900 (3G HSPA)
• GSM 850/900/1800/1900 (2G EDGE)
• Screen 3.5″ HVGA Multitouch
• 3 MP Camera
• 4GB ROM, 512 MB RAM
• MicroSD, Wifi N, Light and proxmity Sensor, G-Sensor, GPS, MicroUSB
• 1580 mAh battery
• Over the air updates
• Unlocked, add your own SIM card

Mozilla hasn’t announced availability of the devices yet beyond a general February release timeframe, or how they will be distributed, but it has announced Firefox OS App Days, which will take place this week and allow developers to come together to learn Firefox OS. No word on if this hardware might make an appearance at those events. The phone is still under development, in partnership with Geeksphone and Telefonica, and it’s unclear how much it will cost or when it will officially launch.

Following are some images of Firefox OS as provided by TechnoBuffalo [Click on each image to view original size]

Get more known @ Mozilla Hacks, Geeksphone

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TechCrunch, PC Mag, CNET, Android Community, The Verge, TechnoBuffalo

Galaxy S3 Mini with NFC for UK will be available by the end of January

Samsung has announced an updated version of the Galaxy S3 Mini that will include NFC capability. The  device will hit the market in the UK by the end of this month. The addition of NFC will allow Samsung to include S Beam and faster data transfers with WiFi Direct.

Despite its name, the Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini doesn’t match-up too closely to the original Samsung Galaxy S3. Other than the screen size being smaller, users also get a 1GHz dual-core processor and just 1GB of RAM. Compare this to the international version of the S3 which comes with a quad-core Exynos chipset ad 2GB of RAM.

Nevertheless, this new NFC-equipped version of the S3 Mini will give UK users another decent option that should be paired with some rather inexpensive tariffs starting later this month.  The Galaxy S III Mini will be available to buy in the UK across all major networks, key high street and out of town electrical retailers and online retailers from the end of January.

Read more @

Android Authority, Android Guys, Phandroid

Samsung confirms 8-inch Galaxy Note to be released at MWC

A Samsung executive JK Shin confirmed that the company will unveil a smaller version of its Galaxy Note 10.1 tablet which will have 8 inch of display. The new tablet will be Samsung's direct competitor to the iPad mini. According to Korea's iNews24, it will be officially unveiled next month in Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.

Previous leaks have indicated that the tablet will come in 3G and Wi-Fi models with Android 4.2 Jelly Bean, a 1280 x 800 display, 5-megapixel back camera, and 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera. Its form factor is similar to previous Galaxy Tab designs.

Reports on the CPU peg the tablet with either a quad-core Exynos 4 processor or an Exynos 5 Octa, the latest and greatest from Samsung that was revealed just a few weeks back during CES 2013. All in all it sounds like a decent tablet, but keep in mind that none of those internals have been confirmed by the company yet.

Stay tuned for more.

Read more @ 

The Verge, Mashable, Android Central, Slashgear, Gizmodo, Engadget

Sony Xperia Tablet Z announced with fascinating specs

Sony has finally wrapped off its 10.1 inch Android tablet: Xperia Tablet Z, and boy the specs are quite awesome.

The Android 4.1 based Xperia Tablet Z has thickness of 6.9 mm and loaded with 1920 x 1200 display (with mobile bravia engine 2) .The device is powered by a quad-core Qualcomm 1.5GHz processor and comes with an 8.1mp camera, internal memory of 32 GB and 2 GB RAM.  It weighs 495 gm only. Blog of Mobile says this new tablet packs a 6,000mAh battery, It features LTE connectivity, presumably for the NTT DoCoMo network, and NFC for one-touch transfers with other Xperia devices.

It is similarly dustproof and waterproof as that of Xperia Z , which was recently announced in CES 2013. The Sony Xperia Tablet Z is also set to bring on none other than Sony’s own “S-Force Front Surround 3D” virtual surround sound system – which apparently helps convey the movement of sound and a spacious feeling. 

We expect to gain more information about the device in the upcoming Mobile World Congress, kicking off in Barcelona next month. 

Xperia Tablet Z specs at a glance

• 10.1" 1920 x 1200 display
• 6.9 mm thick
• 495 gm weight
• Quad-core Qualcomm 1.5GHz processor
• 8.1 MP rear camera
• 2 GB RAM
• 32 GB internal memory
• 6,000 mAh battery
• Android 4.1

Read more @

The Next Web, Android Central, TechnoBuffalo, The Verge, Engadget

Apple's homepage changed its homepage 6 times on every new launch of iPhone

Hello there. Today we're going on a journey of Apple's homepage changes in 6 years. In 2007, iPhone was released and after that, every year a new version of iPhone is released. With the launch of each new iteration, company changes its homepage. These pics show those homepage changes. These are provided by a Reddit user.

1. iPhone Original (2007)

First touchscreen phone to feature smart web browsing, iPod like music apps and PC like ease to use was released, and was named as iPhone.

2. iPhone 3G (2008)

In 2008 Apple added 3G support and dropped the price of the iPhone. iPhone got a rounded backside.

3. iPhone 3GS (2009)

iPhone's speed was increased with the term '3GS'. The design was same as that of iPhone 3G.

4. iPhone 4 (2010)

This year world saw a new rectangular design of iPhone. According to Jobs, it was a camera like design. This was somewhat correct cause iPhone 4 featured a new powerful camera.

5. iPhone 4S (2011)

Adding again 'S' to the iPhone, Apple released iPhone 4S. The design wasn't changed, but iPhone, for the first time, got dual core processor. It was also powered with 8MP camera and voice assistant like Siri. 

6. iPhone 5 (2012)

Last year, in Sep 2012 6th version of iPhone was released. The design was not much changed but iPhone got aluminium covering instead of glass, as that in iPhone 4 and 4S. 

[Image courtesy: Reddit- MWi98]

Read more @ 

TechnoBuffalo

LG Optimus G reportedly sold 1 million times worldwide

LG's competitor for Galaxy Note II, Optimus G is working good in sales for LG. According to Korean news agency Yonhap, LG has sold 1 million Optimus G’s since its launch last year. It’s one step closer to achieving LG’s goal of selling 45 million smartphones in 2013.

Despite the achievement, the Optimus G still lags behind the competition. The Galaxy S III has sold more than 40 million units and the iPhone 5 sold more than 5 million units in its opening weekend alone while the Galaxy Note II has been sold more than 5 million times. Samsung has also recently announced that the company has sold 100 million Galaxy S devices.

LG’s smartphone sales have increased from its previous high of 6.2 million in 2011. An LG spokesman also confirmed that the Optimus G will be launching in China and other European countries this quarter. 

Galaxy Vu specs at a glance

• Dimensions: 131.9 x 68.9 x 8.5 mm 
• 4.7" 768 x 1280p display
• 32 GB onboard memory
• 2 GB RAM
• 145 Gm weight
• 1.5 GHz Qualcomm S4 pro
• Android 4.0.4 (Upgradable to 4.1.2)

Read more @

Ubergizmo, Android Central, TechnoBuffalo, BGR, Android Spin

Facebook Messenger for iPhone lets US users call for free

Messenger is one of several stand-alone apps developed by Facebook. If you are an iPhone user, you can call your Facebook friend using Messenger for free. This service is currently available in US only. According to the report, Facebook began testing free calling Wi-Fi and cellular data for its Messenger app for iPhone users in Canada first, which is expanded to U.S. now. 

To use Free Call, just install the Facebook Messenger app. Go to your friends list, tap on the person you want to call, then hit the info button in the upper righthand corner. On the contact info screen you should see an option for “Free Call.” Tapping on Free Call will initiate a call using VOIP, and your friend will get a notification on their iPhone that you’re trying to ring them.

Facebook has had a partnership with Skype for video calling inside Facebook's website since summer 2011, but Messenger still notably lacks video calling. Still, free is free and the service will no doubt be useful to millions of users.

Download from App store.

[Image Courtesy: Mashable]

Read more @

Mashable, TechnoBuffalo, The Verge, Cult Of Mac

Mediafire finally comes to Android, enjoy 50 GB cloud space

Cloud storage services just seem to be handing out more and more free storage every time you turn around. 50 GB of cloud storage is pretty cool. 50 GB of free storage that you can access wherever you go. MediaFire has finally released an app for Android, so now you can also get in on that sweet, sweet offer of 50GB of free storage.

Users can expect to be able to upload and download their photos, video, music, files and more from the comfort of their Android smartphones and tablets.

MediaFire for Android does have one shortcoming: it currently does not allow batch uploads (or actions) through the app itself. But still it is great to have 50 gigs of storage on the air. What do you think about it? Will it compete already existing Cloud services: Google Drive, Dropbox, 4shared etc.

Download from MediaFire fromGoogle Play

Read more @

Android Authority, Phandroid, Android Central, TechnoBuffalo

Galaxy Note III rumored to be powered with Octa Core Exynos 5 and 6.3" display

[Click on the image to get full view]

The Exynos 5 Octa eight-core mobile chip was one of the new products that Samsung unveiled at CES 2013 last week. Today we’re hearing of some new rumors concerning the next Galaxy Note, the Galaxy Note III. 

The rumors come by way of The Korea Times as they believe the Samsung Galaxy Note III will be released later this year with a 6.3-inch display, which is nearly one inch larger than the Galaxy Note 2′s 5.5″ display. Not only that, but its sweet, sweet innards will also be receiving a huge bump in processing power as they also believe the Galaxy Note 3 will be one of the first devices to receive Samsung’s Exynos 5 Octa processor.

Well, there are no news if this super processor will be available in Galaxy S IV. We hope it will. Samsung has allegedly already approached Huawei, maker of the massive Ascend Mate, to potentially start up a partnership for future handsets, and ZTE which has recently released Grand S in CES 2013.

Samsung has done a good job of making previous Note handsets feel manageable, but when screen size borders on that of a 7-inch tablet, pocket-ability  and one-handed use becomes compromised. 

Read more @

TechnoBuffalo, Ubergizmo, Android Authority, Phandroid, Slashgear

Google adds Web Speech API to Chrome, control your browsing with your voice

On Monday, Google introduced a new Web Speech API for Chrome. It could maybe lead to an entirely new browsing experience and also make Chrome the unbeatable browser. The 

An fficial post from Google Chrome blog says

With the inclusion of the Web Speech API for developers, users can start enjoying new, interactive experiences with web apps, like in this demo where you can compose an email by speaking. With this new JavaScript API, developers can integrate speech recognition into their web apps. So, in the near future you’ll be able to talk apps into doing all sorts of things.

" With this feature you can dictate an email, play a video, control your sharing and games with your voice", as told by Google's engineer +Glen Shires. 

You can try the demo of the Web Speech API here. For this you need to upgrade Chrome to Chrome 25 Beta. Download it from here.

Watch the sample video

[Image Courtesy: Geeky Gadgets]

Read more @

Google Chrome Blog, TechnoBuffalo, Geeky Gadgets

Sony Xperia Z hands on by different Tech-groups

Sony's flagship phone or I should say superphone was seen at CES 2013: Xperia Z. Undoubtedly it is an amazing phone. It has super display of 1080p resolution as well as 13 MP camera. What's the icing on the cake is that the device is loaded with water proof technology, making it a hard to beat smartphone.

A lot of Tech groups covered the unveil and hands-on of Xperia Z. I have sorted and added some of the videos as well as reviews from them. Scroll down to see the hands-on videos. Hope you will like it. 

Xperia Z Specs at a glance. 

• 5-inch display with a 1920 x 1080-pixel resolution
• 1.5GHz quad-core Snapdragon S4 processor
• 2GB of RAM 
• 13-megapixel camera, 2.2 MP front camera
• 7 mm thickness
• 4G LTE
• 2230 MaH battery
• Android 4.1.2 (upgradable to 4.2)
• The best thing: It's waterproof

Get all specs @ GSM Area

1. Hands-on by TechnoBuffalo





2. Hands-on by The Verge



3. Hands-on by PocketNow




4. Pocketnow covered Samsung Galaxy S III v/s Xperia Z




View Xperia Z Gallery by: The Verge, Engadget

Sony Xperia Z official Trailer

All content is copyrighted by the respective owners. Text by +Prithviraj D Jaguar 

Samsung announced to have sold 100 million Galaxy S devices

It’s been a big week for Samsung’s mobile division,Samsung has sold more than 100 million Galaxy S devices, the company has announced.

It's no secret that Samsung's Galaxy S series of smartphones has been a game changer. According to Samsung, the 30 million Galaxy S III figure announced in November has jumped to 40 million over the past two months, tying the lifetime sales of its successful Galaxy S II handset. The S III also sold twice as quickly during its first five months on the market, with 20 million channel sales compared to 10 million for the Galaxy SII. The original Galaxy S is no slouch either, having sold 24 million units since it was released in June, 2010.

For comparison, Apple sold more than 250 million iPhones to date, but it had a big head start, given the first iPhone was launched in June 2007.

Samsung has been selling Galaxy devices at an average rate of 3.2 million per month since the first Galaxy device went on sale in 2010.

Read more @

Mashable, GSM Arena, The Verge, Android Central, Android Authority

Flipboard is updated to support Daydream in Jelly Bean 4.2

Daydream is one of the cool features of Android Jelly Bean. It lets you your device display pretty pictures and colors and also Google currents. Now the flipboard users will be happy to know that the app supports Daydream. Yes, The latest version of Flipboard supports Android 4.2 Daydream feature. 

Furthermore, the new application release arrives on devices with a fix for the accidental flip when trying to scroll, as well as with various other bug fixes packed inside. 

You can activate this feature by going to Settings > Display > Daydream. Select Flipboard, then “Start Now” to get a preview. For phones that do not charge via a dock, be sure to select “While Charging” for “When to Daydream.”

Download app from Google Play

Join Flipboard @ Twitter, Google+, Facebook

[Image Courtesy: Android Authority]

Read more @

Inside Flipboard, Flipboard Twitter, Android Authority

Next Gen iPad mini and iPad March Release rumor

In CES Corning displayed Gorilla Glass 3. Though Apple doesn’t exhibit at CES, its presence still looms large. 

In 2013, Apple is expected to release several gadgets i.e. iPad 5, iPad mini 2, iPhone 5S, iMac with retina display. A numerous rumors and leaks can be found on the found on the web. Here's a statement from both MacRumors and Topeka Capital Markets analyst Brian White about iPad mini and iPad 5.

Our checks at CES indicate Apple will release the iPad 5 and the second-generation iPad mini this March. The iPad 5 is expected to be lighter and thinner than the iPad 4 that was released in October, while the form factor of the iPad mini should be similar to the first generation iPad mini that debuted in October.

White’s comments line up with a previous report from Macotakara in December, which said Apple would release a fifth-generation iPad in March 2013, which would have a “thinner and lighter” design similar to the iPad Mini.

iPhone 5S/6 is already in rumor. 

[Image courtesy: Mashable]

Read more @

Ubergizmo, TechnoBuffalo, IBTimes, Macotakara

Ubuntu for Phone hands-on by TechnoBuffalo

Report from CES 2013 by TechnoBuffalo

Aaron Baker hits the floor at Pepcom’s Digital Experience to bring you details on the recently announced Ubuntu platform for smartphones. While it’s also a plus to have additional options in the smartphone marketplace, we have to wonder if there is enough room to support another mobile operating system.

Here's Aaron's report

Ubuntu for smartphones isn’t just about the mobile experience though. In fact, the whole idea is that you can plug in a monitor and use a complete Ubuntu desktop experience. That means installing full Ubuntu applications, surfing the web with a keyboard and mouse, working in OpenOffice and so much more. It’s incredible.

My fear is that Ubuntu for smartphones may only be for a niche audience, only because the market is super crowded right now. That will all depend on who Canonical can sign on as a hardware partner, though. Imagine if Samsung or HTC took a swing with an Ubuntu phone? Trust me, I’m already drooling.

 Read full article on TechnoBuffalo.

View some more pics [Click on each thumbnail to get full sized view]

Watch Hands on Ubuntu Phone OS by TechnoBuffalo

ZTE unveiled competitor to Galaxy Note II: Grand S

ZTE has finally unveiled the world's slimmest HD smartphone. The device is loaded with Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. ZTE isn’t the most well-known company in the U.S., but with the Grand S, company has jumped into the phablet arena. 

The Grand S now stands as ZTE's flagship handset, and there's little doubt that the company's looking to stake its claim in the high end market. As you'd expect, the phone carries a spec sheet that's designed to grab a lot of attention.

Well Let's have a look at Grand S specs

• 5.59" x 2.72" x 0.27"
• 1920 x 1080 display, with 5" screen
• 1.7 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro 
• 2 GB RAM
• 16 GB Internal Memory (Expandable memory option too)
• 13.1 MP rear camera, 2 MP front camera
• 1780 mAh battery

The only disappointing feature of Grand S is it's battery size which is not good at rate of this power packed device, while Nexus 4 has 2100 mAh battery life and that of Note II is 3100 mAh. But still it's a good start for ZTE and they should try to keep challenging other rulers i.e. Galaxy Note.

ZTE Grand S: Image Gallery [The Verge]

Read more @

The Verge, Engadget, TechnoBuffalo, Gizmodo, CNET

Vizio released 10" and 7" tablets, going to compete with Nexus and Galaxy Tab

Vizio has released two new tablets in CES 2013 of which one seems to be designed to compete Google's Nexus 10, while the other one's size is like of Kindle Fire which can be a competitor for Nexus 7. The devices are powered by Android Jelly Bean. Both devices are powered by Nvidia Tegra.

Let's have a look at specs of Vizio's 10 inch Tab

• 10 inch 2,560 x 1,600 display
• 32GB on-board memory
• NFC 
• 5MP Rear camera
• 1.3MP Front camera
• Nvidia Tegra 4
• Android 4.2 Jelly Bean

And the Vizio's 7 Tab specs are as follows

• 7" 1280x800 IPS display
• 16 GB of storage
• Nvidia Tegra 3 
• Android 4.2 Jelly Bean
• 1.2 MP front camera

With Android, Vizio has tried to keep the things simple and easy. The devices can be a serious path turner for the California based firm. After all we have to see the user response.

Vizio hasn't announced pricing just yet, but they've told this Tablet will arrive in the "first half" of the year. Let's see what this device can do in the market where Giants already exist. 

[Image Courtesy: The Verge]

Read more @

The Verge (10"), The Verge (7"), Engadget, Gizmodo, Android Police

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