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iOS 7 To Bring About “Dramatic Changes” To Email And Calender App

More details of iOS 7 continue to emerge ahead of Apple’s WWDC 2013 event in June. The latest information comes from Bloomberg, confirming that Apple has been overhauling the visual aesthetics of the user interface and even tweaking several core applications. Most notably, the publication hints towards redesigned email and calendar apps in iOS 7.

Bloomberg says that the design lead on the iOS 7 changes, Jony Ive, has been “exploring more dramatic changes to the e-mail and calendar tools.” It’s unclear if any major changes will make it into the final release, however. 9to5Mac recently stated that Apple would change the icons of its core apps, for instance, but didn’t mention any significant usability changes in those crucial apps.

Insiders say that Ive is now encouraging more communication between hardware and software teams, which previously – such as under former CEO Steve Jobs – would have been kept in isolation. That interaction also apparently includes bringing some members of the Mac team on to help the mobile software redesign, a temporary measure which has some history given Apple did the same thing in the run up to the original iOS release.

The worry is that drastic changes to applications and functions that have remained relatively stagnant since 2007 — things like email and calendars – could push back the release of iOS 7. While the revisions will move away from lifelike images and shift towards a “flatter” design, there will also be a greater emphasis on cleaning up software interactions. Ive and co. are also exploring new forms of gesture control for the next iteration of the iPhone and iPad operating system.

Apple is expected to announce iOS 7 at the world wide developer conference next month.

[Bloomberg, Recombu]

May 1, 2013
Microsoft Releases Facebook Beta For Windows Phone, Features High-Resolution Photos, Timeline And More

Facebook for Windows Phone, while maintaining a nice design, has always lagged behind its iOS and Android counterparts for features.

Microsoft is launching a new version of its Facebook app today in beta, bringing many of the most highly-requested features to Windows Phone users. Not only is the design a better compromise between the company’s existing mobile apps and the Windows Phone design guidelines, but it offers Timeline support, high-resolution images and post sharing.

Instead of showing a tiny preview, the beta Facebook app now allows pics embedded inside a post to take up all the horizontal screen estate. Basically the shots can take advantage of large high-resolution displays.

The new app supports left- and right-side sliding bars, much like Android and iOS, and they open smoothly with a swipe from either side. Any page, including specific timelines, the messaging folder or even specific brand pages, can be pinned to the home screen for easy access, and the app still supports using images from albums as lock screen art. Toast notifications are said to be more reliable as well.

“Once you’ve put the beta app through its paces, we hope you’ll pass along bug reports, feature requests, and other feedback by going to Settings>About in the app”, Microsoft says. “You can also post a Store review. Your comments and suggestions will inform future releases”.

While the beta is not quite stable, and cannot be found by searching in the Windows Store, it will go a long way to alleviating some of that cross-platform envy Windows Phone users have been feeling lately. No word on whether Chat Heads are coming to Windows Phone any time soon, but having native Facebook Messenger support from the Messages app should suffice for now. The beta will be installed alongside your current Facebook app until it comes out of beta.

[Windows Phone Blog]

May 1, 2013
HTC M4 Press Shot Leaked, Just A Smaller HTC One?

The HTC One is a beautiful phone – certainly the best that the company has produced. According to a post by the reputable Evleaks, HTC will be bringing the same quality of design to those looking seeking a mid-range device. This is the same strategy they did with the HTC One X and the One S.

This picture above, which has leaked online before, is of an all-aluminum device that currently goes by the code name of the “HTC M4″ (before the HTC One launched it was known as the M7). It’s reminiscent of the flagship One, but the specs have been scaled down. The HTC M4 reportedly sports a 4.3-inch 720p display, dual-core processor, 16GB of internal storage, 2GB of RAM and an UltraPixel camera.

Rumour has it that the upcoming HTC M4 will land on shelves with a 1700 mAh, non-removable battery packed inside, and that it will be released with Google’s Android 4.2 Jelly Bean loaded on top right from the start.

The HTC M4 is expected to be announced sometime “near the end of the second quarter.” If true, you can almost expect availability in India, but no official word.

PhoneArena, the site posting the picture, also says that the HTC M4 will have 4G LTE capabilities, but likens it to the Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini.

For the time being, however, no official info on the smartphone has been provided, and it remains to be seen whether the rumored hardware specs mentioned above will indeed pan out. More details on the upcoming HTC M4 smartphone should emerge soon, so stay tuned to learn the news.

[PhoneArena]

May 1, 2013
Samsung Starts Production Of 20nm 4Gb LPDDR3 DRAM For Mobile Devices (PR)

Samsung has announced that they have started producing 4Gb LPDDR3 mobile DRAM for smartphones and tablets, and we can expect to see this in our next generation devices.

The new 4Gb LPDDR3 mobile DRAM enables performance levels comparable to the standard DRAM utilized in PCs, making it an attractive solution for demanding multimedia-intensive features on next-generation mobile devices such as high-performance smartphones and tablets, Samsung claimed.

The 4Gb LPDDR3 can transmit data at up to 2,133 megabits per second (Mbps) per pin, which is more than double the performance of the preceding memory standard mobile DRAM (LPDDR2) with a data transmission speed of 800Mbps, Samsung disclosed.

Young-Hyun Jun, EVP of memory sales and marketing at Samsung Electronics said, “By providing the most efficient next-generation mobile memory with a very large data capacity, we are now enabling OEMs to introduce even more innovative designs in the marketplace.

“Our 20nm-class four gigabit mobile DRAM provides another example of our ability to deliver well-differentiated, high-performance, high-density memory to customers in a timely manner.”

Meanwhile, in comparison to a 30nm-class LPDDR3 DRAM, the new device generates more than a 30% improvement in performance and 20% savings in power consumption, the firm added.

In addition, by adopting Samsung’s 4Gb LPDDR3 mobile DRAM, OEMs can have a 2GB package that includes four of Samsung’s new chips in a single package that meets the memory package height of 0.8mm, Samsung said.

Samsung also said it will increase production of its 20nm-class mobile DRAM chips later in 2013. It did not elaborate on the details.

We wonder if it will appear in the new Samsung Galaxy Note 3 which is rumored to launch some time this year.

[toggle title=”Press Release”]Samsung Now Producing Four Gigabit LPDDR3 Mobile DRAM, Using 20nm-class* Process Technology

SEOUL, South Korea–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., a universe personality in modernized memory technology, currently announced a industry’s initial prolongation of ultra-high-speed 4 gigabit (Gb) low energy double information rate 3 (LPDDR3) mobile DRAM, that is being constructed during a 20 nanometer (nm) class* routine node.

“Our 20nm-class 4 gigabit mobile DRAM provides another instance of a ability to broach well-differentiated, high-performance, high-density memory to business in a timely manner.”
The new 4Gb LPDDR3 mobile DRAM enables opening levels allied to a customary DRAM employed in personal computers, creation it an appealing resolution for perfectionist multimedia-intensive facilities on next-generation mobile inclination such as high-performance smartphones and tablets.

“By providing a many fit next-generation mobile memory with a really vast information capacity, we are now enabling OEMs to broach even some-more innovative designs in a marketplace,” pronounced Young-Hyun Jun, executive clamp president, memory sales marketing, Samsung Electronics. “Our 20nm-class 4 gigabit mobile DRAM provides another instance of a ability to broach well-differentiated, high-performance, high-density memory to business in a timely manner.”

The 4Gb LPDDR3 can broadcast information during adult to 2,133 megabits per second (Mbps) per pin, that is some-more than double a opening of a preceding memory customary mobile DRAM (LPDDR2) with a information delivery speed of 800Mbps. This creates it probable to broadcast 3 full HD videos, collectively 17 Gigabytes (GBs) in length, in one second over a new Samsung chip embedded in a mobile device.

Samsung’s 20nm-class LPDDR3 mobile DRAM enables seamless arrangement of full HD video on smartphones with 5 inch-or-larger screens. In comparison to a 30nm-class LPDDR3 DRAM, a new device generates some-more than a 30 percent alleviation in opening and 20 percent assets in energy consumption.

While mobile gadgets continue to scale down in height, battery packs have been augmenting in size. By adopting Samsung’s 4Gb LPDDR3 mobile DRAM, OEMs can have a 2GB package that includes 4 of Samsung’s new chips in a singular package that meets a memory package tallness of 0.8 millimeters (mm).

Representing a vital expansion cause in a DRAM market, Samsung skeleton to boost prolongation of a modernized 20nm-class mobile DRAM after this year, solidifying a competitiveness as a memory attention leader.

According to marketplace investigate firm, Gartner, a DRAM marketplace is foresee to grow by 13 percent year-over-year to strech $29.6 billion (US) in 2013, with mobile DRAM to surpass $10 billion in sales, for 35 percent of a sum DRAM market.[/toggle]

[Samsung, The Inquirer]

April 30, 2013
Android 4.3 Jelly Bean May Debut At Google I/O Instead Of Key Lime Pie

Android 4.3, Jelly Bean will be the next major software build released from Google.

Android 5.0, Key Lime Pie was originally expected to debut at this year’s Google I/O, however, a newer build of JellyBean seems to be the stronger candidate to be introduced this year, according to a report from Android Community.

Much of the proof has been found in IP logs that are available to many web administrators. They point to a new version of Jelly Bean, Android 4.3, with a build number of JWR23B. Android Police posted examples of this from their server logs coming from both the Nexus 4 and Nexus 7, all of which emerged from IP addresses in Google’s range.

There are also several examples of developers citing this build in various bug trackers around Google products, suggesting that its launch is imminent. Because the build starts with “J,” it’s easy to assume that it’s part of the same family of code as the previous two major Jelly Bean releases; Google assigns the first letter of the name to each corresponding build.

Google has also never launched a major version of Android at Google I/O. Android 4.1 was announced last summer, and Android 2.2 was launched at Google I/O in 2010. While Android 3.1 Honeycomb was exposed at Google I/O 2011, its significance would go on to be undermined as merely “aesthetic” in future releases.

That being said, even though Jelly Bean has been around for over a year now, there still seem to be a few major bugs to squash. Android 4.2 has not been a smooth upgrade for many users, especially those running the Galaxy Nexus and Nexus 7, as it introduced significant slowdown, animation glitches, camera instability and more. Overall, while Android 4.2 seemed to be a fairly minor upgrade to end user, it actually made a number of significant modifications to the Android case base, and Google may believe it has another minor upgrade to fix any remaining bugs.

Google I/O is coming on May 15th, and we’ll be there to cover all the announcements, major or otherwise. You can certainly expect a faster, Qualcomm-powered Nexus 7, as well as a rumoured 32GB LTE-powered Nexus 4. There will be a much higher prevalence of Glass users at this year’s jaunt, too, and you can bet on a few more surprises as well.

[Android Police, Android Community]

April 30, 2013
Original iPhone To Be “Obsolete” From 11 June

The original iPhone will soon reach “obsolete” status at Apple retail stores. Obsolete status means that a product is not eligible for repairs or parts replacement even if the customer pays for it. The date the original iPhone reaches obsolete status is June 11, 2013, according to 9to5Mac, which obtained a leaked memo revealing the date. More than 6.1 million units of the device were sold during its lifecycle.

Other Apple products that will be considered ‘vintage’ as of June 11, 2013 include the mid-2007 models of the iMac, the late 2006 model Xserve, and the original Mac Pro. 9to5Mac has the list of newly minted vintage and obsolete products, while Apple maintains a list of all products named vintage or obsolete going back to the Apple II.

Steve Jobs officially introduced the iPhone at Macworld on January 9th, 2007. This ‘revolutionary’ smartphone came with a 3.5-inch touchscreen display (320 x 480), 2MP camera, iOS, and weighed in at 135 grams. Since this date we’ve seen the device progress and become thinner, more powerful and come with a larger screen. At the upcoming WWDC 2013 Apple will finally show off the new version of iOS – which apparently has a ‘flat’ design.

The end of an era. The original Apple iPhone is headed to the museum.

April 30, 2013
Leaked : Specifications Of Sony Honami And Togari Flagships

Specifications of the upcoming Sony Togari and the Sony Honami were leaked today in a report by XperiaBlog.

These are both codenames so may well be changed before their respective releases. Both of these will be flagship devices and will also be both dust and water-resistant.

Sony is said to plan on releasing Togari with a 6.44-inch 1080p touchscreen display and with a design similar to the one of Xperia Z. The smartphone will also include a glass back, as well as a very thin body, similar to both Xperia Z and Xperia Tablet Z.

The Sony Honami is believed to sport a dedicated Walkman audio chip (S-Master MX Digital Amplifier?) and a 20MP Cyber-shot CMOS sensor with Carl Zeiss lens.

The report goes on to say that Honami will be one of the most attractive phones Sony has ever made, even more so than the Xperia Z and iPhone 5. Honami could also see a July release, in Asia at least.

Previously it was said that the Cyber-shot and Walkman lines will get separate One Sony handsets, but this was quickly debunked by people in the know, who reiterated that the Honami will only be one phone, with the best Sony can muster in the camera and sound departments.

As for the rest of the specs, a 5″ Full HD screen is bandied about, as well as a fast quad-core 2.3 GHz Snapdragon 800 chipset, 2 GB of RAM and a 2700-3000 mAH battery.

We’ll keep you posted as soon as anything becomes official!

[Xperia Blog, GSMArena]

April 29, 2013
Google Now Lands On iOS, Works Seamlessly!

Starting right now, iPhone and iPad owners can get Google Now on their devices.

Google Now is a personal assistant, Siri’s rival, if you may, which brings on a combination of Google Search and personalized everyday “cards” showing what a user wants to know about every day elements like weather, sports, and calendar items.

Google announced on Tuesday that the service, which has been available for about nine months on Android phones and tablets running Jelly Bean, will be available for free as part of an update to the Search App in the iTunes App Store.

Get just the right information at just the right time with Google Now.

– weather and traffic conditions before you start your day
– updates on your favorite sports teams and breaking news stories as they happen

The app appears to be exactly the same as the Android version with the exception of users being able to swipe up to launch the Now application. Google, though, reports that 22 of the 29 card types found on the Android version of Google Now are making their way to the iOS version, with airline boarding passes, Fandango, and local events being among those not making the transition.

Google Now pulls information from all of your Google services like Search, Gmail, Calendar, Maps, Chrome browser history, and anything else that is connected to your Google account, then it provides pertinent information to the smartphone owner before they know they need it.

Our initial impression of the service is that it works seamlessly! It picked up our commands with ease and returned accurate information.

Job well done Google!

April 29, 2013
OS X 10.9 Rumoured To Have “Tabbed Finder”, Faster Safari, And iOS Like Multitasking

According to sources speaking on condition of anonymity with 9to5mac, the new Mac OS includes major Finder enhancements, like “application such as tags and tabbed browsing modes.”

Code-named “Cabernet,” OS X 10.9 is expected to focus on various “power-user enhancements” and Safari will feature a completely redesigned back end that improves speed and efficiency. Users will also gain the ability to open different Spaces on connected monitors, 9to5Mac says. Some minor user interface changes are expected as well.

According to 9to5Mac:

The new operating system includes major enhancements to the Finder application such as tags and tabbed browsing modes. Those additions are notable as many pro-users have relied on third-party solutions and hacks to enable these features. Additionally, the new operating system will include a new Safari web browser with a redesigned backend for improved page loading, speed, and efficiency…

The most interesting notes in the report pertain to the possible inclusion of some “core features” from iOS in addition to the iOS features already present in OS X, such as iMessage and AirPlay.

According to one source, Apple has been testing a new multi-tasking system for OS X that is similar to the quick-app-switcher function on iPhones, iPads, and iPod touches. The multitasking feature will be functional for applications in the background, according to this person.

Additionally, Apple could use app-pausing technologies from iOS to pause background application processes in OS X. This is significant as full performance could be given to foreground apps, which could help optimize battery life on Apple’s notebook computers. It is unclear if this feature will make the cut for 10.9?s public release.

[9to5Mac]

April 29, 2013
Upcoming Xbox 720 To Utilize Microsoft IllumiRoom Projection Technology?

Microsoft’s Illumiroom could play a role in the future of the next-generation Xbox, according to a new preview video released ahead of this week’s CHI 2013 event which promises to reveal more technical details about this proof-of-concept system.

IllumiRoom is a wide-angle projector that’s situated on your coffee table, pointed at your big-screen TV. The current prototype has a Kinect strapped to the projector, but the final version will have a Kinect sensor built in. The built-in Kinect uses an automatic calibration process to captures the color and geometry (shape, depth) of the wall behind and furniture around your TV.

Then you hook the IllumiRoom up to your next-generation Xbox (wirelessly), and watch in awe as peripheral projection takes you to new levels of game immersion.

The video goes on to state that the new technology “can extend the gaming content out of your TV, creating a truly immersive experience. Or we can selectively show game elements, like explosions, or make it snow in our living room.”

Microsoft will have had to have got permission from Valve to include their game in the demo, so it suggests they’ve already been shopping the technology around to developers in order to get them interested in supporting it.

Entirely self-calibrating and theoretically working in any room containing the next-generation Xbox, Microsoft realises that, like with Kinect, there may be issues with the technology.

“While there are many unanswered questions regarding peripheral projected illusions, we hope we have demonstrated that they are worth answering.”

[youtube id=”0qyM5kRU-KM” width=”100%” height=”300px”]

[The Verge]

April 29, 2013
Video : Samsung Reveals Galaxy S4 Design Philosophy

The Galaxy S4. features heavily improved specs, a larger screen, the latest version of Android and a ton of new software features.

However, one area where the S4 disappoints is in the design department. Rather than showing off some brand new design or better build materials Samsung opted to reuse the Galaxy S III design with tons of plastic used.

Just like with the Galaxy S3 about a year ago, Samsung decided to release a Galaxy S4 design video, but this time around it posted it a lot closer to the handset’s launch. In it, you’ll hear Samsung designers talking about Galaxy S4 design lines, but also about some of the new software features part of Samsung’s TouchWiz user interface.

The Galaxy S4 is described as having “natural elements” at its heart, including the new reflective battery cover, said to resemble “precious stone glittering in the dark, or countless stars sparkling in the night sky.”

The design is “Not a radical difference, but more of an evolution” says product designer Hyoungshin Park in the first five seconds of the video.

JongBo Jung (another product designer) says that the Galaxy S4 is “Like nothing you’ve ever seen before”.

It’s a good primer for anyone thinking about buying the Galaxy S4 after it became available in India this week. Check out the video below, and tell us in the comments how you like it.

[youtube id=”cUiRThvCp8E” width=”100%” height=”300px”]

[Samsung]

April 29, 2013
Apple iPad Tops Tablet User Satisfaction Survey In The US
The Apple iPad tablet has once again taken the top spot for consumer satisfaction. The team at J.D. Power and Associates ranked the iPad at the top of its 2013 US Tablets Satisfaction Study.

J.D. Power spoke with 1,857 owners who owned their devices for less than one year. Apple devices finished on top of the survey for both tablets and smartphones.

Satisfaction is measured across five key factors (in order of importance): performance (26%); ease of operation (22%); styling and design(19%); features (17%); and cost (16%).

The iPad scored 836 out of a possible 1,000 points. The Kindle Fire wasn’t far behind with 829 points.

Samsung devices received a score of 822 points. This was six points off the survey’s average score of 828 points.

This is only the second time that J.D. Power and Associates has released a U.S. Tablets Satisfaction Study. After the iPad was awarded the top spot in 2012, Apple began advertising the win online.

The study also revealed that :
- Tablet owners who also have a smartphone spend 36 percent more time browsing the Internet on their tablet than on their smartphone.
- Twenty-seven percent of tablet owners say they are likely to buy a new tablet within the next 12 months, compared with 37 percent in 2012.
- Ninety-four percent of highly satisfied owners of tablets are likely to purchase additional consumer electronic devices from the same manufacturer.
[MacDaily News, J.D. Power and Associates]
April 29, 2013
Samsung Galaxy S4 Unboxing and Hands On Review
Samsung Galaxy S4 is Samsung’s latest baby in the Super Smart Phone Market. Apart from being loaded with top notch Hardware, the Galaxy S4 also has great software that complements the user experience and makes it a fantastic all round product.

Galaxy S4 Box Contents
1. Charger
2. USB Cable
3. Documentation
4. Tangle Free Earphones
5. Samsung Galaxy S4 i9500 handset
6. 2600 mAh Battery
7. Warranty Card
The build quality of the Samsung Galaxy S4 seems more robust than its predecessors, including the panel on the back along with the Gorilla Glass 3 laden display.

Samsung has booted several Software benefits to the end user, including the latest Android 4.2.2 and tons of Samsung Proprietary Apps like S Health, Memo, Samsung Hub, Air View, Gestures, Samsung Apps and a lot more.

While, a lot of Smartphone options exist for the new buyer in the market, see our list here. We feel that at the end of it all, Samsung has the widest reach simply because of the way they market their features to the end user. Between a group of Galaxy users these features can come in real handy as well. Group share, Group cast, Group Play are just some of the things Galaxy Devices can do with each other.

[youtube id=”_c8OsVmdf_A” width=”100%” height=”300px”]
April 29, 2013
Rumoured Rugged Samsung Galaxy S4 To Be Called Galaxy Active, Coming In July

Samsung is readying a new variant of its Galaxy S4 for June, according to the Wall Street Journal. As reported earlier this week, the OEM is developing a rugged version of its flagship Android smartphone dubbed Galaxy S4 “Active,” which will look similar to the original but boast waterproofing and a sturdier chassis.

This is the first time that Samsung has ruggedized its most high-end smartphone, and is doing so to appeal to a relatively untapped market; as smartphones replace larger, more cumbersome pieces of technology, they become more essential to have with us at all times, regardless of where we are. People who work in hazardous or unpredictable environments often require extra cases and utilities to keep their phones safe, but external covers fail, and having a phone designed with such use cases in mind can extend its life tremendously.

Earlier this year, Sony unveiled the Xperia Z, a high-end device that is water- and dustproof. It’s proven quite popular everywhere in the world, and is rumoured to be Sony’s most successful Android device to date. Devices like the Sony Xperia Go are examples of rugged smartphones, but their specs don’t equal their might in many ways.

Samsung is also expected to debut yet another 8-inch tablet, though this one will lack the Note branding and S Pen, and likely come in well below the $399USD MSRP of the Note 8.0. That, along with a smaller Galaxy S4 Mini, will debut alongside the Galaxy S4 Active, says the WSJ.

[Wall Street Journal]

April 27, 2013
Samsung Q1 Result : $6.43 Billion Net Profit, 70 Million Smartphones Shipped

Samsung had a big Q1, with revenues upwards of $47.5 billion USD, while operating and net profit was $7.9 billion and $6.43 billion respectively. While this is down over the previous quarter, in which Samsung posted both record revenues and profits, the results were in line with the company’s guidance and met analysts’ expectations.

The only worrying figure in the scenario is that growth is slowing compared to last year, where revenue and profits grew at a feverish pace. Samsung is concerned that growth will continue to abate, as “stiffer competition in the mobile business,” especially in the low- and mid-range smartphone market, will hit the company’s margins.

But there are 70 million reasons for the company to celebrate, too. That’s how many smartphones Samsung shipped during the first quarter of 2013, representing a massive 32.7% market share. Apple trailed behind at 17.3%, while LG, Huawei and ZTE brought up the rear with 4.8%, 4.6% and 4.2% respectively.

Samsung’s numbers in Q1 2013 grew 11% over the previous quarter, in which the company shipped 63.7 million smart devices, and was up some 60% from the year before. Its success was buoyed by “sound sales” of the Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 2, as stated in the press release, but demand for the company’s tablets dropped 30% quarter-over-quarter.

With the Galaxy S4 sales starting today, Samsung is due for a solid Q2, though we’d expect them to address the low- and mid-range market with a cheaper variant of the Galaxy S4 in the coming months.

[IDC, TechCrunch]

April 27, 2013