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New Images Of Alleged Gold iPhone 5S Leak

Last week a couple of images leaked out possibly revealing that Apple was creating a new gold or rather champagne coloured iPhone 5S smartphone and now, adding additional weight to the rumour more images from an entirely different source have leaked out.

The images were posted on Japanese tech site ASCII and show a similar design to the iPhone 5. All the buttons are in the same location as the iPhone 5. Everything from the rear antenna windows to the highly polished chamfered edges are identical.

The major difference when compared to the earlier leak is that the Apple logo is now present, but still missing the famous ‘Designed in California. Assembled in China’ label.

Some features the new iPhone 5S is rumoured to be equipped with are a finger print scanner for extra security and a dual LED flash equipped camera for extra light when required in low light conditions.

Apple is expected to unveil the new iPhone 5S and low-cost and colourful iPhone 5C on September 10th. Speculation around the web is that we’ll see both become widely available by the end of September – potentially September 20th. In addition, Apple’s new iOS 7 software will be given a firm release date.

[Via]

August 22, 2013
A Six Inch Windows Phone ‘Nokia Bandit’ Coming Soon

Nokia is said to be planning a big-screen Windows Phone for release later this year. As per The Verge, sources familiar with Nokia’s plans have revealed that the company is currently testing a 6-inch device with the latest version of Windows Phone. The device is Code named ‘Nokia Bandit’ and is said to include a 1080p display and a Qualcomm Snapdragon quad-core processor. If this information is true this device will be the first one to get a 1080p display on a Windows based phone.

The source further says that the Bandit will ship with a rear camera that is at least 20-megapixels, and with a slight hump at the rear of the device to accommodate the camera. Keeping the device thin and lightweight is said to be a priority and it will be built with a polycarbonate body. Microsoft is currently improving Windows Phone to support devices like the Bandit, with extra changes for 1080p displays, and an additional column of Live Tiles on the Start screen. The latest Windows Phone update includes rotation lock, a Driving Mode option, and some minor UI changes.

If all of this information comes out to be true this device might be a good competitor to the other Phablets available. Pricing will be the most important part, specially in a market like India. What do you think ?

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August 22, 2013
Canon Introduces PowerShot G16, S120, SX170 IS and SX510 HS Cameras

Canon has launched 4 new point and shoot camera’s the PowerShot G16, S120, SX170 IS and SX510 HS.

Canon G16:

The new Canon G16 includes a 12.1-megapixel CMOS sensor, DIGIC 6 processor, 5x 28-140mm f/1.8-2.8 optical zoom lens and 1080/60p video capture. This device will have built in WiFi. This new camera will replace the G15 that was launched last year. The G16 will be available soon in US with the estimated price of $550.

Canon S120:

The Canon S120 is said to be a pocket-able camera that includes a 12.1-megapixel CMOS sensor, DIGIC 6 processor, 5x 24-120mm f/1.8-5.7 optical zoom lens and 1080/60p video capture. This device would also have bulit in WiFi to share what we shoot. The Canon S120 will replace the S110 that was launched in 2012 and will be available in the US soon with an estimated price of $450.

Canon SX170 IS:

PowerShot SX170 IS, does not include WiFi, this entry-level camera does includes a 16-megapixel sensor, DIGIC 4 processor, a 16x 28-448mm f/3.5-5.9 image-stabilized lens and 720p video. This camera will replace the lay year model the SX160 IS. The SX170 swaps a rechargeable battery pack for its predecessor’s AAs, which results a thinner profile. This device will be available in US next month an estimated price of $180.

Canon SX510 HS :

The Canon SX510 HS has a 12.1-megapixel CMOS sensor, DIGIC 4 processor, a 30x 24-720mm f/3.4-5.8 optical zoom lens and 1080p video and comes up with a 3 inch LCD screen. This superzoom(30x) device will be available next month in the US with an estimated price of $250.

[toggle title=”Press Release “]
FOUR NEW CANON POWERSHOT MODELS PROVIDE IMPRESSIVE IMAGE QUALITY, POWERFUL OPTICS, AND FAST AUTOFOCUSING

New Advanced Point-and-Shoot Lineup Includes the PowerShot G16, S120 and SX510 HS with Built-In Wi-Fi® and the New PowerShot SX170 IS Offers a Long Zoom in a Compact Camera Body

MELVILLE, N.Y., August 22, 2013 – Adding to its trademark line of esteemed digital cameras, Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced the release of four new feature-packed PowerShot digital cameras: the PowerShot G16, PowerShot S120, PowerShot SX510 HS and PowerShot SX170 IS. Designed to help photo enthusiasts create high-quality images and videos, these cameras feature advanced DIGIC imaging technology to deliver superb image quality in portable, compact digital camera bodies. In addition, all four models have the ability to achieve faster autofocusing speeds than was possible with previous PowerShot models. The PowerShot G16 and S120 also feature the new Star mode to help users capture the brilliance of a starry night sky, while the new Background Defocus mode allows users to soften the background of their images for a portraiture look.

For the connected photographer, the PowerShot G16, S120 and SX510 HS digital cameras come with built-in Wi-Fi® technology that allows for outstanding quality images and video files to be wirelessly transferred from the camera to social networking sites through CANON iMAGE GATEWAY#, to a PC, or users can upload images to virtually anywhere on their compatible iOS® or Android™ device* with the download of the free Canon CameraWindow app**. The Wi-Fi® setup process has been improved by Canon, making it easier than ever for users to initially setup these cameras. Software no longer needs to be installed onto a user’s computer, so all initial setup can be accomplished from the user’s smart device or computer, allowing for easy photo sharing on-the-go. Images can also be printed wirelessly using Wireless PictBridgei on select printers, including the Canon PIXMA MG7120 or PIXMA MG5520 Wireless Photo All-In-One printers, so special moments can be preserved and cherished for years to come.

“At Canon we are continually inspired to introduce the latest technological advancements to the PowerShot line of digital cameras,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Imaging Technologies & Communications Group, Canon U.S.A. “Although smartphone camera popularity is continually increasing, the PowerShot line of cameras offers features such as advanced image sensors, high-quality optics, low-light capabilities and extremely fast autofocusing speeds that, when combined, are unrivaled by smartphone technology.”PowerShot G16 Digital Camera

The PowerShot G16 digital camera builds upon the success of the PowerShot G15 by utilizing some of Canon’s most innovative technologies. The first PowerShot in the G-series to come equipped with built-in Wi-Fi® technology, the G16 has the ability to share images and video to social networking sites such as Facebook®, Twitter®, YouTube®, and Flickr® or via email through the use of CANON iMAGE GATEWAY. Users can also upload images from almost anywhere via their compatible iOS® or Android™ device with the download of the free Canon CameraWindow app.

The PowerShot G16 features a 28-140mm wide-angle lens with an aperture range of f/1.8 – f/2.8, which helps while shooting in low-light conditions or for users who want to create a dramatic shallow depth-of-field with soft backgrounds. The G16 is equipped with Canon’s HS System, which combines a DIGIC 6 image processor and a 12.1-megapixel High-Sensitivity CMOS image sensor, allowing for enhanced low-light image quality.

With improved AF times and reduced shooting lag over previous G-series models, the advancements to Canon’s AF system help ensure users never miss a shot. Continuous shooting speeds of up to 9.3 frames-per-second are possible with the PowerShot G16, allowing users to capture images in full resolution as they happen***. The G16 also captures 1080p/60p Full HD video, and includes a built-in stereo microphone and an HDMI output so users have the ability to view videos on their HDTV.

The PowerShot G16 also features new shooting modes to capture breathtaking images day or night. The new Star mode gives users the ability to capture the brilliance and wonder of the night sky through the use of three scene modes. “Star Nightscape” lets users shoot the radiance of stars in a landscape image, while the “Star Trails” mode captures trails of stars to turn them into a luminous still image. “Star Time Lapse Movie” captures continuous still images of the stars and then combines each to create a stunning video replicating the motion of the stars in the night sky.

In addition, the camera’s creative handheld HDR Scene mode automatically combines multiple shots of a scene to help create an image with a greater dynamic range without the necessity for a tripod. HDR Scene mode includes Natural, Art Bold, Art Embossed, Art Standard and Art Vivid options.

For photographers who want the convenience and ease-of-use of a compact camera with the feel of a DSLR, the PowerShot G16 features dials and controls similar to those on Canon’s EOS Digital SLR cameras. It is also compatible with Canon Speedlite flashes and select accessories.

The PowerShot G16 is scheduled to be available in October 2013 for an estimated retail price of $549.99.

PowerShot S120 Digital Camera

Succeeding the PowerShot S110, the pocket-sized PowerShot S120 digital camera continues the tradition of built-in Wi-Fi® technology that allows for images and video to be shared to social networking sites or via email through the CANON iMAGE GATEWAY. Users can also download the free Canon CameraWindow app to their compatible iOS® or Android™ device and upload images from virtually anywhere.

The PowerShot S120 features a sharp 24-120mm extra-wide angle lens with an aperture range of f/1.8-f/5.7. It is equipped with Canon’s HS System, which combines a DIGIC 6 image processor and a 12.1-megapixel High-Sensitivity CMOS image sensor allowing for enhanced low-light image quality. The advancements to Canon’s AF system allow users to achieve significantly faster autofocusing speeds. The S120 allows for continuous capture of up to 12.1 frames per secondii at 12.1-megapixels. The camera also records 1080p/60p Full HD video and includes a built-in stereo microphone and convenient playback via HDMI output.

Multiple creative shot modes such as the new Star mode, Background Defocus mode, and handheld HDR Scene mode give users the ability to create images they will be proud to share. Smart AUTO technology selects 58 different pre-defined scenes without the need to switch modes, making it possible to take beautiful images in a variety of situations.

The PowerShot S120 is scheduled be available in October 2013 for an estimated retail price of $449.99.

PowerShot SX510 HS Digital Camera

The compact PowerShot SX510 HSiii digital camera incorporates a 30x optical zoom 24mm wide-angle lens, Intelligent IS technology for sharp, vivid images, a 12.1 megapixel CMOS sensor and Canon DIGIC 4 Image Processor that allows users to capture high-quality images. The camera also records 1080p Full HD video. The SX510 HS is equipped with built-in Wi-Fi® technology so that images and videos can be shared with friends and family wirelessly on social networking sites or via email through the use of CANON iMAGE GATEWAY. Users can also upload images from almost anywhere via their compatible iOS® or Android™ device with the download of the free Canon CameraWindow app.

The camera’s Zoom Framing Assist feature automatically maintains the correct distance from the subject using a face recognition sensor to track and capture subjects for sharp still and video images. Upgraded from previous PowerShot models, the AF speed helps dramatically reduce lag time so that perfect shot will be captured with ease.

The PowerShot SX510 HS is scheduled to be available in September 2013 for an estimated retail price of $249.99.

PowerShot SX170 IS Digital Camera

The PowerShot SX170 IS digital camera offers a long zoom in a compact camera body at an affordable price. The camera’s 16x optical zoom with 28mm wide-angle lens and Optical Image Stabilization captures clear, vivid images whether a subject is up close or far away. Featuring High-Speed AF and Intelligent IS system that provides smooth video and sharp images via six stabilization modes, the SX170 IS operates with a DIGIC 4 Image Processor and a 16.0-megapixel sensor to create high-quality images. With 720p HD video capability, users can shoot still and video images and view both via an HDTV using an HDMI connector.

Complete with Smart AUTO technology, the PowerShot SX170 IS automatically selects the optimal settings from 32 predefined shooting situations, which helps the user to capture the best image possible. Powered by a new lithium-ion battery that provides efficient battery life, the SX170 IS has a 3.0-inch LCD screen and an ergonomic body allowing users to comfortably hold the camera.

The PowerShot SX170 IS digital camera is scheduled be available in September 2013 for an estimated retail price of $179.99.

For more information about the PowerShot G16, S120, SX510 HS, and SX170 IS digital camera models please visit: www.usa.canon.com/powershot.[/toggle]

August 22, 2013
Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Pre Release Leaks,Rumors and Specifications

The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 is the next big daddy smartphone for the company after the big Note 2 launched last year at IFA Berlin. In a similar fashion at IFA 2013, Samsung will hold their Unpacked event where they plan to unveil a few of the goodies intended for the next generation of technology. The Galaxy Note 3 is the most prominent upcoming Smartphone and the world has a lot of expectations from Samsung when it comes to the Note 3, and it mostly has to do with the build quality.

Lets start off with things we know for sure, The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 will launch on September 4th at the Unpacked event in Berlin, Germany. The design of the Note 3, is going to be a mix of the Galaxy S4 and the original Note and Note 2. The new Note will still carry an S Pen with more enhanced features. The new Galaxy Note 3 is expected to be slimmer and slightly lighter than the last edition.

Press render

Hardware and Specs

According to Rumors, the new Samsung Galaxy Note 3 will have a 1920 x 1080p 5.7-inch display of the super Amoled Variety, a 2.3GHz Snapdragon 800 processor or an eight-core Exynos 5 Octa chipset depending on region, 3GB of RAM and Android 4.3 Jelly Bean. The display here will get an increase from the 5.5 inch we saw last year, but the size of the Note 3 may not be that much more thanks to the “less bezel” design implemented in the new S4 which is expected to be incorporated in the Galaxy Note 3. A 13-megapixel camera setup with optical image stabilization along side a 5 MP front camera with autofocus and HD video calling.

Although a lot of sources claim that the Note 3 will come in 32 Gb and 64 GB variants, a 16GB variant will help reduce costs, especially in countries like India where the Dollar prices are skyrocketing. The Battery is expected to be bumped up to a 3200 mAh battery providing a considerable increase in battery life.

Features and UI

If the new Note 3 does get Android 4.3, you can expect a newer version of Touchwiz UI along side some of the features carried over from the Galaxy S4 including gestures and Air View among many other new features that Samsung will design to make this flagship more popular. You can also expect the camera features like dual shot and capture, sound and shot and animated photo.

Reports suggest that a host of new features are being designed for the new S-Pen that may also feature smart calling thanks to a secondary button on the Pen hardware.

What To / Not To Expected

The Galaxy Note 3 is not expected to be a unibody smartphone, with metal chassis, despite many claims. Although, a move in this direction could possibly put all questions about build quality to rest.

The Global version of the Note 3 may not come with LTE, while those tied to carriers can expect an LTE variant, those who buy the Exynos based Note 3 will be greeted with 3G only speeds. The Galaxy Note 3 may be launched in a dual sim variant for markets like Korea, China and India. The Galaxy Note 3 may also be launched in a Google edition, however the S Pen would then become redundant, unless they make a suite of apps available for the hardware.

Expect the Galaxy Note 3 in India as early as October for prices upwards of Rs. 45000 for the basic variant which we expect will be 16 GB.

Samsung is also planning to pair up the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 launch with several new cases and accessories along with a new smart watch dubbed “Galaxy Gear”.

August 22, 2013
Rapper Boasts Of Gun Sales On Instagram, Leads To Biggest Guns Bust In New York History

Nineteen people have been indicted in a gun bust that began as a narcotics investigation after an aspiring rapper posted photos of weapons and cash on Instagram.

An undercover city police officer posing as a gun broker for criminal customers bought 254 weapons from the men in dozens of transactions since last year – the largest gun seizures in the city in recent memory. One of the guns was an assault rifle that was disassembled and transported in a girlfriend’s zebra-striped bag, authorities said.

Aspiring rapper Neno Best is among a group of 19 people charged with selling nearly $160,000 of illegal weapons in New York.

Best, 26, whose real first name is Matthew, was investigated by an undercover NYPD detective after the rapper posted images of large quantities of money on Instagram, captioning one photo ‘Brown bag it’.

Other photos and videos, most of which have now been deleted, included shots of a variety of guns. One of the guns shared on Instagram was a Luger pistol, with Best commenting underneath ‘This old ass gun lol a hundred years old lol’. Neno also attached details to the images saying that he was selling weapons out of his Ocean Hill recording studio.

According to CBS New York, Mayor Michael Bloomberg said “New York is the safest big city in the nation, but year after year, illegal guns flow into our city from states that don’t have common-sense laws that keep guns out of the hands of criminals. There is no doubt that the seizure of these guns has saved lives,” the Mayor said at the news conference.

[youtube id=”ILJkByHQt2U” width=”100%” height=”300px”]

[Via]

August 21, 2013
7 Months After Launch, Vine Hits 40 Million Users

Twitter’s video sharing app, Vine, has been overshadowed by the addition of video to Instagram, but that hasn’t stopped millions of people from signing up for Vine. Vine announced this afternoon that it just hit 40 million registered users today – a huge jump from the 13 million users it announced in June.

However, the company behind the app, which lets users share looping videos of up to six seconds, doesn’t give any data on the number of active users. Without the all-important active user figures, it’s difficult to draw too many conclusions from Vine’s announcement, though at least the numbers appear to be heading in the right direction for the company.

For a long time, Vine was an iOS exclusive, but the Twitter-owned startup released an Android app in June, and has been constantly improving both versions since then.

Instagram recently attempted to thwart Vine’s rise with its own video component, but it lives within the main app and its 15 second limit has inspired less creative results. By comparison, Instagram had 130 million active users as of late July when it introduced video, and likely has more than that by now.

More competition in the mobile short-video space appeared this month with the arrival of MixBit, created by YouTube co-founders Chad Hurley and Steve Chen.

[Via]

August 21, 2013
Google Completes Play Services 3.2 Rollout

Google just finished rolling out its Google Play Services 3.2 update, affecting anyone who uses a device running Android 2.2 Froyo or later.

You may recognize the container in your app drawer, the green Google icon with the cog on top, where within you can adjust settings pertaining to location, Play Games, Android Device Manager and more.

According to a blog post on the Android Developer Blog, the update also contains some important behind the scenes additions, such as hardware-based GPS geofencing on devices that support it. When paired with a location-based app, this allows apps to use far less battery when engaging the GPS, while maintaining a precise lock on a user’s position. Also included is the new Fused Location Provider, which also significantly boosts battery life when location is needed.

Google+ sign-in has been fleshed out to include something called simplified sharing control, which cuts the steps needed for a developer to share to Google+.

Photo Sphere now has a compass mode in the Play Services update that allows users to explore these images by moving their phone or tablet and the InstantBuy implantation has been improved with goodies to include increased efficiency, improved latency, a cleaner UI and more. Bottom line here, while some of these items are aimed more towards the developers — the end users should be happy to learn that Google is working to improve the battery life of your devices.

While these features may not matter to the average Android user, one universal benefit should be improved battery life across all devices.

To learn more about Google Play services and the APIs available to you through it, visit the Google Services area of the Android Developers site.

[Via]

August 21, 2013
LG Executive Confirms A Tablet Launch By Year-End

LG recently registered trademarks with the KIPO (Korean Intellectual Property Office), specifically the GPAD, G Watch, G Glass, G Link, G Band and the G Hub. Many of these struck immediate rumours of a tablet, Google Glass competitor, wireless internet hub and a fitness Smart Activity Tracker.

Looks like some of these will come to market. An interview with Dimitar Valev, Sales & Marketing Manager of Mobile Communications & PC at LG Bulgaria, reveals that in the coming year LG will produce ‘an even bigger phone’ and enter the phablet arena. No word on its size or specs. In addition, when speaking about coming back to the market with a tablet, Valev declared that LG anticipates “participation in the segment of tablets. Although they market is very competitive and even struggle for survival. Most manufacturers operate at a loss. But since it is a very growing market and has emerged as a very large over the next few years will take part. Probably by the end of the year there will be a tablet.”

LG put their tablet plans on hold last year. Their first Android-powered tablet was the 8.9-inch Optimus Pad, however, an 9.8-inch LG tablet was just spotted at the FCC with the model number of V500. No word on its availability.

Dubbed the G Pad, the new tablet is said to come with an 8.3-inch display with a resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels. As far as processing power goes, it will have a Snapdragon 800 quad-core processor as well as 2GB of RAM.

[Via]

August 21, 2013
LG Display shows off 5.5-inch 2,560 x 1,440 LCD for Smartphones

LG has once again beat its own record in terms of display size and resolution, with its latest 5.5 inch display for smartphones. The new 5.5 inch display has a mammoth resolution of 2560 x 1440 px and a 538 ppi. The super high res display is only 1.21mm thick, and just 1.2mm at the bezel. According to LG, that makes it the world’s slimmest and narrowest panel, and the use of AH-IPS tech and Low Temperature Poly-Silicon (LTPS) substrate, the screen features 430 nits of brightness.

The resolution of the display is termed as quadHD or 4 times the pixels than that of 1280 x 720 px display, the next big change in the mobile tech may as well be displays. However, how about that long lasting battery that we have been raving about?

[toggle title=”LG Press Release”]LG Display Develops World’s First Quad HD LCD Panel for Smartphones
New panel will deliver optimal viewing experience on larger smartphone displays

Seoul, Korea (August 21, 2013) – LG Display [NYSE: LPL, KRX: 034220], a leading innovator of display technologies, announced today that it has developed the world’s first Quad HD AH-IPS LCD panel for smartphones. At 2560X1440 with 538ppi, the new 5.5-inch Quad HD panel is the highest resolution and ppi (pixel per inch) mobile panel to date, and provides a glimpse at what’s next after current Full HD smartphone panels, critical given the growing trend towards larger displays.

“LG Display, which pioneered the high resolution mobile market with introduction of the world’s first Full HD smartphone panel in 2012, again opens new possibilities with the successful application of QHD technology,” said Dr. Byeong-koo Kim, Vice President and Head of LG Display’s IT and Mobile Development Group. “With this breakthrough, LG Display will continue to raise new standards for mobile resolution and lead the mobile display market.”

LG Display’s Quad HD panel for smartphones realizes clearer images with 4 times more pixels than HD at 1,280X720, thereby reproducing more delicate colors as well as improving contrast and vividness when compared to current mobile displays. This advancement will enable consumers to fully enjoy more life-like and crisp images, and even Blu-ray equivalent video, on their smartphones. The panel also features the highest ppi among current mobile device displays.

In addition, the new Quad HD panel will enable users to enjoy a full view of PC-version web pages at a single glance without image distortion; a contrast to current Full HD displays which only realize 3/4th of a full screen. Also, even when enlarging the screen, users will be able to enjoy undistorted and sharper text.

Only 1.21mm thin with a 1.2mm bezel measured in LCD modules (LCM), LG Display’s new Quad HD panel is both the world’s slimmest and narrowest panel, with 12% reduced thickness compared to the company’s 5.2-inch Full HD panel released last month. Based on Low Temperature Poly-Silicon (LTPS) substrate, the panel also realizes superior brightness of 430nit with improved transmittance and larger aperture opening size.

LTPS-based smartphone displays are expected to record 765 million units in shipments next year according to research firm DisplaySearch, as displays with larger screens, higher resolution, and less power consumption prove key to competitiveness in the premium model segment.[/toggle]

August 21, 2013
Facebook, Ericsson, MediaTek, Nokia, Opera, Samsung and Qualcomm form Internet.org

The global social network, Facebook and a few major companies like Ericsson, MediaTek, Nokia, Opera, Samsung and Qualcomm have joined hands to form what may be the future of the Internet. Internet.org is an initiative to deliver internet access to two-thirds of the world that currently does not have access to it.

The collaborative effort plans to bring down costs for deployment of such large infrastructure, By reducing the cost and amount of data required for most apps and enabling new business models, Internet.org is focused on enabling the next 5 billion people to come online.

Although, many still struggle with basic internet access, and where implementations can be a lifelong goal, its not one that cannot be achieved.

For more than 100 years, Ericsson has been enabling communications for all and today more than 6 billion people in the world have access to mobile communications,” said Hans Vestberg, President and CEO of Ericsson. “We are committed to shaping the Networked Society – where everyone and everything will be connected in real time; creating the freedom, empowerment and opportunity to transform society. We believe affordable connectivity and internet access improves people’s lives and helps build a more sustainable planet and therefore we are excited to participate in the internet.org initiative.”

“As a world leader in mobile solutions for emerging markets having powered more than 300 million smart devices within 2 years, MediaTek whole heartedly supports the internet.org initiative.” said MK Tsai, Chairman of MediaTek. “Global Internet and social media access represent the biggest shift since the industrial revolution, and we want to make it all-inclusive.”

“Nokia is deeply passionate about connecting people – to one another and the world around them,” said Nokia President and CEO Stephen Elop. “Over the years, Nokia has connected well over a billion people. Our industry is now at an exciting inflection point where Internet connectivity is becoming more affordable and efficient for consumers while still offering them great experiences. Universal internet access will be the next great industrial revolution.”

“Today, more than 300 million people use Opera every month to access the Internet. Tomorrow, we have a chance to serve the next 5 billion people connecting on mobile devices in developing countries. It’s in Opera’s DNA to save people time, money and data, and through internet.org we think we can help advance these goals.” — Lars Boilesen, CEO Opera Software.

“Mobile has helped to transform many people’s lives in the emerging regions where often a computing device will be the first and only mobile experience they’ll ever have” said Paul Jacobs, chairman of the board and CEO of Qualcomm Incorporated. “Having shipped more than 11 billion chips, Qualcomm is a market leader that is committed to the goal of bridging the digital divide. We’re pleased to be a part of internet.org and to be working with key ecosystem players to drive this initiative forward.”

“This new initiative has big potential to help accelerate access to the Internet for everyone,” said JK Shin, CEO and President of the IT & Mobile Communications Division at Samsung Electronics. “We’re focused on delivering high quality mobile devices to ensure that the next five billion people have great mobile Internet experiences.”

[toggle title=”Press Release”]Technology Leaders Launch Partnership to Make Internet Access Available to All

August 20, 2013

Facebook, Ericsson, MediaTek, Nokia, Opera, Qualcomm, Samsung to be founding partners

MENLO PARK, CA, — Mark Zuckerberg, founder and CEO of Facebook, today announced the launch of internet.org, a global partnership with the goal of making internet access available to the next 5 billion people.

“Everything Facebook has done has been about giving all people around the world the power to connect,” Zuckerberg said. “There are huge barriers in developing countries to connecting and joining the knowledge economy. Internet.org brings together a global partnership that will work to overcome these challenges, including making internet access available to those who cannot currently afford it.”

Today, only 2.7 billion people – just over one-third of the world’s population — have access to the internet. Internet adoption is growing by less than 9% each year, which is slow considering how early we are in its development.

The goal of Internet.org is to make internet access available to the two-thirds of the world who are not yet connected, and to bring the same opportunities to everyone that the connected third of the world has today.

The founding members of internet.org — Facebook, Ericsson, MediaTek, Nokia, Opera, Qualcomm and Samsung — will develop joint projects, share knowledge, and mobilize industry and governments to bring the world online. These founding companies have a long history of working closely with mobile operators and expect them to play leading roles within the initiative, which over time will also include NGOs, academics and experts as well. Internet.org is influenced by the successful Open Compute Project, an industry-wide initiative that has lowered the costs of cloud computing by making hardware designs more efficient and innovative.

In order to achieve its goal of connecting the two-thirds of the world who are not yet online, internet.org will focus on three key challenges in developing countries:

Making access affordable: Partners will collaborate to develop and adopt technologies that make mobile connectivity more affordable and decrease the cost of delivering data to people worldwide. Potential projects include collaborations to develop lower-cost, higher-quality smartphones and partnerships to more broadly deploy internet access in underserved communities. Mobile operators will play a central role in this effort by driving initiatives that benefit the entire ecosystem.

Using data more efficiently: Partners will invest in tools that dramatically reduce the amount of data required to use most apps and internet experiences. Potential projects include developing data compression tools, enhancing network capabilities to more efficiently handle data, building systems to cache data efficiently and creating frameworks for apps to reduce data usage.

Helping businesses drive access: Partners will support development of sustainable new business models and services that make it easier for people to access the internet. This includes testing new models that align incentives for mobile operators, device manufacturers, developers and other businesses to provide more affordable access than has previously been possible. Other efforts will focus on localizing services – working with operating system providers and other partners to enable more languages on mobile devices.

By reducing the cost and amount of data required for most apps and enabling new business models, Internet.org is focused on enabling the next 5 billion people to come online.

Facebook, Ericsson, MediaTek, Nokia, Opera, Qualcomm, Samsung and other partners will build on existing partnerships while exploring new ways to collaborate to solve these problems.

“For more than 100 years, Ericsson has been enabling communications for all and today more than 6 billion people in the world have access to mobile communications,” said Hans Vestberg, President and CEO of Ericsson. “We are committed to shaping the Networked Society – where everyone and everything will be connected in real time; creating the freedom, empowerment and opportunity to transform society. We believe affordable connectivity and internet access improves people’s lives and helps build a more sustainable planet and therefore we are excited to participate in the internet.org initiative.”

“As a world leader in mobile solutions for emerging markets having powered more than 300 million smart devices within 2 years, MediaTek whole heartedly supports the internet.org initiative.” said MK Tsai, Chairman of MediaTek. “Global Internet and social media access represent the biggest shift since the industrial revolution, and we want to make it all-inclusive.”

“Nokia is deeply passionate about connecting people – to one another and the world around them,” said Nokia President and CEO Stephen Elop. “Over the years, Nokia has connected well over a billion people. Our industry is now at an exciting inflection point where Internet connectivity is becoming more affordable and efficient for consumers while still offering them great experiences. Universal internet access will be the next great industrial revolution.”

“Today, more than 300 million people use Opera every month to access the Internet. Tomorrow, we have a chance to serve the next 5 billion people connecting on mobile devices in developing countries. It’s in Opera’s DNA to save people time, money and data, and through internet.org we think we can help advance these goals.” — Lars Boilesen, CEO Opera Software.

“Mobile has helped to transform many people’s lives in the emerging regions where often a computing device will be the first and only mobile experience they’ll ever have” said Paul Jacobs, chairman of the board and CEO of Qualcomm Incorporated. “Having shipped more than 11 billion chips, Qualcomm is a market leader that is committed to the goal of bridging the digital divide. We’re pleased to be a part of internet.org and to be working with key ecosystem players to drive this initiative forward.”

“This new initiative has big potential to help accelerate access to the Internet for everyone,” said JK Shin, CEO and President of the IT & Mobile Communications Division at Samsung Electronics. “We’re focused on delivering high quality mobile devices to ensure that the next five billion people have great mobile Internet experiences.”

The Internet.org website launches today and provides an overview of the mission and goals, as well as a full list of the partners. In the coming weeks, it will feature interviews with technology leaders and experts, along with the latest news on Internet.org activities.[/toggle]

August 21, 2013
Google Starts A ‘Vulnerability Rewards Program’
The Vulnerability Rewards Program is created to help and reward the contributions of security researchers who invest their time and effort in helping Google to make Chromium more secure. Through this program Google is to provide monetary awards and public recognition for vulnerabilities responsibly disclosed to the Chromium project.

The eligible bugs can be:
- An uncontrolled buffer overflow in the browser process, especially if a malicious web site can directly control the contents of the buffer.
- Most memory safety issues in the browser process, unless the possibility of arbitrary code execution can be ruled out.
- A bug that allows circumvention of the same-origin policy.
- A bug that allows arbitrary code execution within the confines of the sandbox.
- Bugs that interfere with browser security features. E.g. A bug that disrupts the location bar and lock icon. (Note that the status bubble is not a security indicator.)
- Bug that allows an attacker to enumerate recently visited URLs.
- Bugs that are not harmful independently, but can be combined with other bugs to cause harm. For example, ignoring a “do not cache” directive might not itself be harmful but might facilitate other attacks.
- Any bug that might be High Severity, but requires unusual user action (such as terminating a tab’s process while in full-screen mode).
- A bug that allows an attacker to hang the browser. (Note that tab hangs are not security issues if they can be resolved simply by closing the tab.)
Reward for eligible bugs is $500, but the typical payout is usually at least $1000 as per Google. If the rewards panel finds the bug particularly severe, the value can be as much as $3133.70. Or if the rewards panel finds a report really impressive, the value can be as much as $10,000 or even beyond says Google.
Can you find an eligible bug ? Find it to win some $$$, just to remind you guys 1 USD is about 63.10 INR.

[via]
August 21, 2013
Battlefield 4 Beta Coming in October
Battlefield 4’s beta will launch on PC, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 in early October, developer DICE has announced.

DICE boss Karl-Magnus Troedsson took to the stage at today’s EA Gamescom 2013 press conference to announce details of the game and its DLC Premium service.

As Game Informer reports, those that buy the $50 season pass will get five expansions and a number of other perks. The map packs have been named and dated:
- Battlefield 4 Second Assault – Includes four fan-favorite Battlefield 3™ maps now re-imagined with the power of Frostbite™ 3. Available first on Xbox One.
- Battlefield 4 China Rising – Players fight for dominance across the vast and majestic Chinese mainland. Available December 2013.
- Battlefield 4 Naval Strike – Experience dynamic ocean combat as the Chinese armada takes the fight to the sea. Available Spring 2014.
- Battlefield 4 Dragon’s Teeth – The US strikes back engaging in all-out urban warfare. Available Summer 2014.
- Battlefield 4 Final Stand – Bring the war to its epic conclusion. Available Summer 2014.
Additionally, players will receive early access to the new content (two weeks), priority queueing on servers, 12 bonus battlepacks (which seem like the bundles of gear in Mass Effect 3’s online mode) that include knives, dog tags, gun attachments, camoflauge, and XP boosts.

“Fan reaction to Battlefield 3 Premium has been nothing short of amazing. We are humbled to see more than 4 million people join in,” said Patrick Bach, executive producer.

“With Battlefield 4 Premium we continue to roll out the red carpet, treating our fans like VIPs with a massive amount of new gameplay, exclusive new content and even more benefits at an incredible value.”

Battlefield 4 will be available on October 29 for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC. Battlefield 4 will also be available for Xbox One and PlayStation 4.
August 20, 2013
Apple Patents 3D Gesture Control On Touchscreen Devices

As Apple Insider reports, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on Tuesday published an Apple patent for a method of generating and manipulating a three-dimensional object on a computing device, with the process controlled by special gestures made above a touchscreen’s surface.

The system Apple envisions would work in tandem with its existing multi-touch input controls on devices like the iPad, allowing a user to lift their fingers off of the screen in order to sort of pull out a 3D shape from a 2D one in software like CAD programs, and then twist, turn and modify it in 3D space using gestures in the air just above the device’s screen.

As the patent application explains it:

The CAD program may provide a drafting area showing 2D or 3D objects being processed by the user, and menus outside the drafting area for allowing the user to choose from various tools in generating or modifying 2D or 3D objects. For example, there may be menus for 2D object templates, 3D object templates, paint brush options, eraser options, line options, color options, texture options, options for rotating or resizing the objects, and so forth. The user may select a tool from one of the menus and use the selected tool to manipulate the 2D or 3D object.

Other uses for the new technology include the ability to use 3D gestures to sculpt using virtual clay-like materials and to change parameters such as shadows, brightness, textures and more.

[Via]

August 20, 2013
HTC Zara Specs Leak, Budget Device With 4.5″ Display And Sense 5.5

HTC is bringing the design language from the One series down to entry level devices, according to an image by notorious leaker evleaks.

The HTC Zara has been rumoured before, but its specs never really jumped out at us. With a 4.5-inch qHD screen (960×540 pixels), a dual-core 1.2Ghz Snapdragon 400 processor, 1GB of RAM, 8GB internal storage, an UltraPixel camera, a 2100mAh battery and, perhaps most interestingly, Android 4.3 with Sense 5.5.

As handsets go, the HTC Zara (a codename and not final shipping designation) looks to be a mix of the lower-end Desire line and the HTC One. You can see two front-facing speakers along with the company’s unique button placement. The main differences are the more rounded corners and that distinctly Desire-like camera ring on the back.

HTC Zara is the second phone we hear of that’s going to launch with the updated Sense 5.5 user interface running on top of Android 4.3 Jelly Bean. The HTC One Max is going to debut with the company’s updated UI. Sense is HTC’s differentiator in the Android game, though recently it has been focusing more on hardware improvements than software gimmicks. Whether Sense 5.5 will retain the familiar BlinkFeed home screen remains to be seen, but we don’t think HTC will mess with a good thing.

[Via]

August 20, 2013
Leaked : Samsung Galaxy Gear Specifications

The finer details of Samsung’s upcoming smartwatch are finally starting to leak out. If you’re into extending technology down to your arm, specifically Samsung technology, you might want to consider wrapping the Galaxy Gear around your wrist. Rumours are that Samsung will unveil this device on September 4th at their upcoming Unpacked event.

The Galaxy Gear will be a ‘smartphone companion’ and new reports indicate that it’ll sport a 2.5-inch OLED full colour display with a resolution of 320 x 320, plus have the usual touchscreen gestures and accelerometer, but will lack text-input commands. Under the face the Galaxy Gear reportedly has a dual-core 1.5GHz Exynos 4212 processor and Mali-400MP4 GPU.

In addition, GigaOM reports that the watch has a camera that is integrated into the strap and even has tiny speakers in the clasp of the watch, plus built-in NFC to allow for bump-to-sync and authenticate. The watch uses Bluetooth 4.0 LE to connect with smartphones for connectivity.

As GigaOM reports, the Galaxy Gear watches that have been seeded with the developers are based on Android 4.1 (and in some cases 4.2) and there is very tight integration and syncing between the watch and the phones and tablets. For instance, if one has swiped through notifications, stops at an email blurb and then picks up the smartphone, the phone will display that email message attached to the blurb you were looking at on the watch. The company will feature integration with Twitter and Facebook at launch.

The watch will connect to a Samsung watch manager app on the phone to manage the connection between watch and the phone. The connection will use Samsung’s proprietary accessory protocol and will use Bluetooth LE as the network transport. Apparently if there is any app running on the watch, it is its own discreet endpoint and will work directly with the servers.

The Galaxy Gear will use apps ‘not from the Google Play store, but instead from the Samsung App store.” Possibly another signal that Samsung is reducing its need on Google’s Android OS – this could mean the watch will only work with Samsung Galaxy smartphones and tablets. However, popular social media apps like Facebook and Twitter will be heavily integrated, along with a collection of health apps – possibly SHealth – to take on competing watches like the Nike Fuelband.

The only major items missing now are the completed design, battery life, and yes, pricing and availability.

[Via]

August 20, 2013