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Rumour : MacBook Air With Retina Display Coming In Q3

The MacBook Air could be in line for a Retina Display upgrade later this year, according to reports.

Taiwanese newspaper the Economic Daily, citing those infamous ‘supply chain sources’ is claiming the ultra-portable laptop will be fitted with a super hi-res display and launched in the third quarter.

The report added that both the 11.6-inch and the 13.3-inch iterations have been earmarked for the screen technology first utilised on the iPhone 4, before the 4S, 5, iPod touchand iPad 3 got in on the act.

The tech also arrived on Apple’s computing products in 2013, with a 13-inch MacBook Pro with a 2560 x 1600 Retina Display and a 15-inch Pro with a 2880 x 1800 Retina Display launched.

Apple last week cut the price of its 256GB MacBook Air by $100, to $1,400. The move was a response to it dropping the price of its MacBook Pro with Retina down to $1,500. Apple also boosted processor speeds in its MacBook Pro line.

In addition to talk of improvements to the MacBook Air, another report out of Korea today said Apple’s next-generation iPad would come with GF2 display technology, a thinner alternative to what’s currently running in the device. Apple’s iPad Mini uses GF2 display technology. The addition of GF2 should make it easier for Apple to deliver a thinner full-size iPad.

This news comes after Google today launched the Chromebook Pixel.

The Chromebook Pixel from Google features a 12.85-inch touchscreen display that has a resolution of 2560 x 1700 pixels, amounting to a pixel density of 239 pixels per inch (ppi). Google says that the display on the Chromebook pixel is the best screen that has ever been put on a laptop. The display is a step ahead than Apple’s 13.1-inch Macbook Pro with Retina display that has pixel density of 227 pixels per inch.

February 22, 2013
Apple Hit With ‘Planned Obsolescence’ Lawsuit Over Fourth-Generation iPad

Apple’s legal troubles in Brazil grew on Thursday, as news emerged that the company has been hit with a class-action suit alleging that the quick release of the fourth-generation iPad constitutes “planned obsolescence” with regard to its predecessor.

Brazil’s Jornal do Comérciao reports that the Brazilian Institute of Politics and Law Software (IBDI) has filed suit against the iPad maker, claiming that the company could have, when launching the third-generation “New iPad,” implemented all of the technological upgrades it introduced in the fourth-generation model. Apple’s failure to do so, the suit alleges, amounts to planned obsolescence and unfair business practices.

“Consumers thought [they were] buying high-end equipment not knowing [it] was already an obsolete version,” says IBDI attorney Sergio Palomares.

The New iPad and iPad with Retina display are different in three ways.

For one, the current generation tablet includes an A6X processor versus the A5X processor that came with the discontinued iPad 3. It also includes a FaceTime HD camera. The previous model included a VGA front-facing videophone camera. Finally, the iPad 4 includes Apple’s new Lightning connector. The iPad 3 included a 30-pin connector.

It should also be noted that iPad 3 buyers who had purchased their tablet within 30 days of the iPad 4 announcement were able to make a return. In addition, some retailers extended this policy even further.

Apple also faces a struggle over rights to the iPhone brand in the country, having lost the right to the trademark after a court found in favor of Gradiente Electronica, a company that first registered the iPhone trademark in 2000.

February 22, 2013
Huawei Ascend P2 To Feature 4.7-inch 720p Display Instead Of Rumoured 1080p

The Huawei Ascend P2 is no stranger to leaks, but the one thing we were truly excited about — its4.5-inch 1080p display — has been scrapped (if it was anything more than a rumour in the first place) in favour of a more standard 720p resolution.

And it’s a reliable shout too, since it’s based on comments from Huawei’s head of mobile Richard Yu, who’s said on Weibo that a full HD display on a sub-5in display makes no sense, since the human eye wouldn’t be able to tell the difference between that and a 720p panel, but you’d still pay the penalty in terms of battery life.

Huawei, in order to achieve record-breaking thinness on the Ascend P2, reportedly chose to include in-cell display technology, much like iPhone 5. This should allow the company to reach the 6.5mm number while maintaining decent battery life.

Considering it’s meant to be a mid-range device, the rumored specifications are certainly impressive, including a 1.5GHz quad-core Hisilicon K3V2 CPU, 2GB of RAM, Android 4.2.1 Jelly Bean, 4.7-inch display,13MP camera, and 3,000mAh battery.

The Huawei Ascend P2 will be one of the new handsets to be unwrapped at MWC in Barcelona. If you want to know what is happening at MWC, stay tuned!

[Unwired View]

February 22, 2013
Google Glass Preview Video Shows New Functionality

Fresh details about Google’s eagerly-anticipated smart glasses have been released by the company.

A YouTube video uploaded by the company shows Google Glass in action – including the interface which appears in the wearer’s line of sight.

The search giant has also opened up the trial of the product to “creative individuals” and developers.

[quote]”We’re looking for bold, creative individuals who want to join us and be a part of shaping the future of Glass,” Google said “We’re still in the early stages and, while we can’t promise everything will be perfect, we can promise it will be exciting.”[/quote]

Users will say, “OK, glass” to initiate verbal input, and will be able to search the web, get directions, share video and photos, and more. This isn’t the open UI of Android; Google is wisely keeping Glass a closed ecosystem, limited to a few core functions. Of course, Google Now will play a big part, providing information about attractions, directions and more when relevant to the user.

Some examples of how the glasses can be used include turn-by-turn navigation, taking photos and translating languages on the spot.

The video depicts a combination of people going about their everyday lives and other adventures, like skydiving, and shows them using Glass to record video, take pictures or navigate.

According to Google’s website, Google Glass will come in five colors: charcoal, tangerine, shale, cotton and sky.

Google is asking users who want one to compose a short story around the hashtag #ifihadglass and post it to Google+ or Twitter. Once selected, customers will have to pay $1500+tax for the privilege.

February 22, 2013
Sony To Release ‘Smart Glass’ Like PlayStation App For Android & iOS

And shortly after the event, it added to the day’s announcements by unveiling its official PlayStation mobile application. The app, which will land on both iOS and Android, will expand PS4 gameplay by offering a ‘second screen’ experience…

Here’s Sony’s press release on the app :

[quote]“A new application from SCE called “PlayStation®App” will enable iPhone, iPad, and Android based smartphones and tablets to become second screens. Once installed on these devices, users can, for example, see maps on their second screens when playing an adventure game, purchase PS4 games while away from home and download it directly to the console at home, or remotely watch other gamers playing on their devices.”[/quote]

Sony boasted that the PS4 will feature integration with third-party services, phones, and tablets that will allow players on mobile devices to view gameplay videos and challenge friends in head-to-head play.

There will be no actual gaming available on the app, rather it’s meant to be a companion for the consolem kinda like the Smart Glass app. The PlayStation Vita, however, has gained a “Remote Play” feature that allows gamers to pull PS4 games from their TV and play them on the 5-inch device.

It is currently unknown if the app will be similar to Microsoft’s Smart Glass Xbox app that allows users to view the stats of other gamers. Sony has yet to announce a release date, but the console is scheduled to arrive during the 2013 holiday season.

The PlayStation 4 was the highlight of Sony’s media event, with a PC-style architecture, an eight-core x86 processor and 8GB of RAM, the new Dualshock 4 controller with touchpad and new social layers for a better gaming experience.

February 21, 2013
Google Brings Chrome App Launcher To Windows

Google on Wednesday announced a significant bridging of the gap between Chrome and Chrome OS: the app launcher, a little window that features all your apps in one place. The company has ported the dedicated “home for your apps” from Chrome OS to its Chrome browser.

Available now in a developer preview, the launcher experience is similar to that available on Chrome OS. Users can scroll their mouse over the Chrome icon on the task bar and be provided with a list of Chrome apps to launch them quickly.

In the developer preview, Google has included its own Chrome web apps such as Gmail and YouTube, as well as packaged Chrome apps downloaded by users from the Chrome Web Store. Packaged apps deliver an experience as capable as a native app, written in HTML5, JavaScript, and CSS – usually meant to work offline.

As of now the app launcher is available only for Windows, but the Chrome team said the feature would come to Mac OS X and Linux soon.

The Next Web also said users can continue using the Chrome browser as just that – a browser – without having an extra menu.

For those wondering, Google is expected to release Chrome 25 this week or next. This feature won’t be ready till Chrome 26 or Chrome 27, however, meaning it will arrive in April at the earliest.

[The Next Web]

February 21, 2013
Hands on with the new HTC One
HTC has recently launched the new HTC One, a flagship for the company with impressive specs and a wonderful new design. The HTC One comes with a unibody Aluminum design which is built into a seamless unit which is 4mm at the slimmest and 9mm at the thickest. Making it only roughly thicker than the iPhone 5.

What one really needs to appreciate is the new Blink feed on the gorgeous display. The new UI lays out social feeds, news updates, calendar info, friends data and more right on the home screen of the phone in this new super smooth flowing interface.

The HTC One has a Ultra pixel camera with a larger 4 MP sensor that will allow more light to be captured allowing for a beautiful print size of upto 8 x 12 inches directly from the camera of the phone. HTC has incorporated several camera enhancements in the HTC One , most interesting being ZOE that allows a user to capture few seconds of images and HD video at the same time allowing you to relive the experiences .

HTC also claims improved battery life with the HTC One lasting almost twice that on the iPhone 5, and 30% more compared to similar tests on a Galaxy S3 or a Note 2. The phone is 10% smaller compared to the HTC One X and slightly smaller in size when compared to the Butterfly.

(More Developing)

Quick Specs Check
- Android 4.1.2 with HTC Sense 5
- Processor: Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 600, quad-core, 1.7GHz
- Total storage: 32GB/64GBi, available capacity varies
- RAM: 2GB DDR2
- Battery: 2300 mAh embedded rechargeable Li-polymer battery
CAMERA
- BSI sensor, Pixel size 2.0 ?m, Sensor size 1/3′
- Dedicated HTC ImageChip™ 2
- F2.0 aperture and 28 mm lens
- Optical Image Stabilization (OIS)
- Smart Flash: Five levels of flash automatically set by distance to subject
- Front Camera: 88 wide angle lens with HDR capability
- 1080p Full HD video recording for both front and back cameras
- HDR Video
- Continuous shooting and VideoPic
- Slow motion video recording with variable speed playback
- HTC Zoe™ with highlights and HTC Zoe™ Share
- Retouch with Object Removal, Always Smile, and Sequence Shot
CONNECTIVITY
- 3.5 mm stereo audio jack
- NFC capable
- Compliant with Bluetooth 4.0
- Bluetooth 4.0 with aptX™ enabled
- Wi-Fi®: IEEE 802.11 a/ac/b/g/n
- DLNA® for wirelessly streaming media from the phone to a compatible TV or computer
- Support consumer infrared remote control
- micro-USB 2.0 (5-pin) port with mobile high-definition video link (MHL) for USB or HDMI connection (Special cable required for HDMI connection.)
HTC BOOMSOUND™
- Dual frontal stereo speakers with built-in amplifiers
- Studio-quality sound with Beats Audio™
- HDR Microphone
- Sense Voice
NETWORK
- GSM/GPRS/EDGE (850/900/1800/1900 MHz)
- WCDMA (1900/2100 (B2/B1) MHz)
- CDMA (800/1900 BC0/BC1/BC10, Sprint)
- LTE (1900 (B25, SPCS)
- Frequencies will vary by region/operator
SENSORS
- Gyro sensor
- Accelerometer
- Proximity sensor
- Ambient light sensor
LOCATION
- Internal GPS antenna + GLONASS
- Digital compass
AC ADAPTER
- Voltage range/frequency: 100 ~ 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz
- DC output: 5 V and 1 A
- SIZE: 137.4 x 68.2 x 9.3mm/4mm (max/min)
- WEIGHT: 143 grams with battery
- DISPLAY: 4.7 inch, Full HD 1080p, 468 PPI
February 21, 2013
Sony Launches The PlayStation 4, Yet We Don’t Know What It Looks Like

Sony has officially lifted the lid off the PlayStation 4 during its New York City event today, showing that it wasn’t just gathering journos, developers, and the watching world for the biggest practical joke ever.

The console, which Sony didn’t show once during the 2-hour gathering, should arrive by holiday time 2013. It marks the first major system introduction from the Japan-based company since the PlayStation 3 was launched in 2006.

News.com.au sums up the much hyped PlayStation 4 event perfectly, it was like hosting a gala wedding and not inviting the bride.

[quote]Not surprisingly, Microsoft’s Xbox Live programming director Larry Hryb was quick to mock the Sony event. “Announce a console without actually showing a console? That’s one approach,” he tweeted. [/quote]

However, we do know SOMETHING about the PS4.

With under-the bonnet power considerably in excess of that of the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, it will usher in a new breed of games with startlingly lifelike graphics, set in virtual worlds that operate in a much more believable manner than the current crop. But it will not have that ground to itself: Microsoft is applying the finishing touches to a successor for its Xbox 360 which, it is believed, it will unveil at the E3 Show in Los Angeles in June. That, too, is likely to go on sale this Christmas, unleashing a titanic battle for living room supremacy between Sony and Microsoft.

The console owns an eight core, x86-64 AMD Jaguar CPU.

It houses 8GB of GDDR5 unified high-speed memory, and a “highly advanced” PC GPU with “remarkable longterm potential.”

That processor, also made by AMD and referred to as a “next-generation Radeon based graphics engine” in a post-conference press release, boasts 18 compute units that together produce 1.84 teraflops of processing power.

We’ll also see Blu-ray and DVD support in the PS4, along with HDMI, Analog-AV, and optical digital output.

Sony has inserted a secondary chip completely dedicated to uploading and downloading titles, regardless of whether the system is on or off.

Using Gaikai’s technology, a company which they bought in 2012, to provide backwards compatibility gives the PlayStation 4 an economic edge, too: it means that costly backwards-compatibility chips can be dispensed with, making it cheaper to manufacture.

PlayStation Cloud will let gamers stream games from former PlayStation consoles, including the PS1, PS2 and PS3 to their shiny new Sony PS4 over their home broadband connection, using integrated Gaikai tech.

With Gaikai, the lion’s share of the game processing will take place server-side, rather than within the Sony PS4 console itself, but your PS3 disks will not be compatible with the PS4.

We’ve also been introduced to the all-new DualShock 4, a touchpad-packing controller especially designed for the new system.

The PS4 DualShock 4 controller features two sticks, four triggers, a directional pad, plus triangle, cross, circle, and square buttons, just like a classic PlayStation controller.

But it also has a touchpad across its face, and a PlayStation Move-like “light bar” across the top. The start and select buttons have been moved to the sides to make room for the touchpad, and the DualShock 4 also features a “share” button next to the triggers and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

The touchpad can be used for touch interactions and doubtless other processes that have yet to be revealed or imagined, while the color-changing light bar allows the controller to interact with the PS4’s evolution of the PlayStation Eye, presumably for motion and pointing controls.

The PlayStation controller hasn’t changed much over the years, from the original PS1 DualShock to the PS3’s Sixaxis and DualShock 3 controllers.

The PS4’s DualShock 4 controller is both a huge departure from that formula and more of the same.

No pricing details were revealed at the event, so all we’ve got to go on are various rumours from before the launch – but it might be that Sony has a price point of around $400 in mind for the US release. That translates to around Rs 22,000.

With the PlayStation 4’s incorporation of cloud gaming and power, Sony appears to have launched a convincing first salvo in the impending console showdown with Microsoft. Final pricing, a launch date and the console’s physical design, along with a firm line-up of launch games will surely emerge at the E3 Show in June, along with Microsoft’s rival console. This Christmas could be the most exciting one ever, as far as gamers are concerned.

Sony posted a couple of videos on YouTube for the PS4, check them out below :

[TechRadar]

February 21, 2013
LG Announces The Optimus F5 And Optimus F7

LG has announced the launch of two new F series smartphones, the Optimus F5 and Optimus F7 ahead of Mobile World Congress at the weekend proving the show is becoming less and less significant for launches by the day.

LG is certainly taking a different route this year and leaving no element of surprise for Mobile World Congress next week. We already know of the second generation of the L-Series with the Optimus L3II, Optimus L5II and Optimus L7II.

As is usually the case, the official announcement of these devices didn’t follow far behind leaked renders, which seem to have been spot on.

Both run OS 4.1.2 Jelly Bean and have dual-core processors. The F7 is the bigger beast, while the F5 has respectable specs. Here are the specs for each:

Optimus F5 Specifications:
– Operating System: Android Jelly Bean 4.1.2
– Processor: 1.2 GHz Dual-Core
– Display: 4.3-inch IPS (256 ppi)
– Size: 126.0 x 64.5 x 9.3mm
– Memory: 8 GB / 1 GB RAM / microSD (up to 32GB)
– Camera: 5.0 MP AF / 1.3 MP
– Battery: 2,150mAh

Optimus F7 Specifications:
– Operating System: Android Jelly Bean 4.1.2
– Processor: 1.5 GHz Dual-Core
– Display: 4.7-inch True HD IPS (312 ppi)
– Size: 131.7 x 68.2 x 9.6mm
– Memory: 8 GB / 2 GB RAM /microSD (up to 32GB)
– Camera: 8.0 MP AF / 1.3 MP
– Battery: 2,540mAh

No word on an Indian release and pricing for either smartphone, but LG noted that “Optimus F5 will begin in the second quarter in Europe, followed soon by the Optimus F7 in selected markets.”

[Via Engadget]

February 21, 2013
Apple Releases iOS 6.1.2 Update, Evad3rs Release Evasi0n 1.4 Jailbreak Tool

Apple today released iOS 6.1.2, the latest iteration of the mobile operating system for iPhones, iPads and iPod touch devices, following widespread reports of errors caused by calendars connected to Exchange servers.

The affects of the bug also caused the battery life on the iPhone or iPad to suffer significantly.

Microsoft came up with a few ideas to prevent the overloading, such as switching off the calendar function altogether or simply banning all iOS 6.1 users from accessing the network.

Just a few hours after Apple released its latest iOS update yesterday, the Evad3rs team was out with Evasi0n version 1.4 designed to work with iOS 6.1.2 devices. An Evad3rs team member tweeted the news late yesterday.

Even the prior version of Evasi0n seemed unaffected by the iOS 6.1.2 update, at least according to preliminary testing. But Evasi0n version 1.4 makes it official.

Apple hasn’t spoken out about publicly about the Evasi0n jailbreak. But the company did update its jailbreak warning page a day before the tool was unleashed earlier this month.

The page cautions people about the side effects of the practice, such as instability, security vulnerabilities, shortened battery life, unreliable voice and data, disruption of services, and the inability to apply future software updates.

Unfortunately, Apple failed to address a security vulnerability enabling hackers to bypass an iPhone’s lockscreen and access core device functions.

February 20, 2013
Leaked : LG Optimus F5 and Optimus F7

We stumbled upon two leaked images of two upcoming smartphones that belong to LG’s new F-series. The Optimus F7 and Optimus F5 are a mystery as far as specs go but the F7 design looks like a mix between the Optimus 4X HD and the Optimus G.

LG is planning on announcing four new handsets at MWC, two of which, by the looks of it, will be the F7 and F5.

Posted on Twitter by EV Leaks, the pictures show the slightly larger F7 with a physical home key and the F5, which has a smaller screen, without a physical button. The F5 features a duller-coloured metal, although this could just as easily be plastic.

LG gave us a little little teaser treatment yesterday flaunting the upcoming L, F, V and G series ahead of their imminent Mobile World Congress 2013 unveil.

In a new 48 second teaser video LG shows off several angles of the G, L, V and F. We’ve seen the G with the Optimus G, plus the L-Series and the Optimus Vu, but the F is new. In the video LG highlight that the G stands for “greatness”, L is for “style,” V is for “view” and F for “freedom.”

We’ll “see the difference” unfold on March 25th from Barcelona. We guess there isn’t all that much time to wait – just remember to check back with us on Monday for the latest scoop of LG’s newest devices.

Check out the video below.

[EVLeaks]

February 20, 2013
Here It Is! HTC Launches The HTC One!

After numerous leaks and rumors, the newest member of the HTC One family has been officially introduced.

These haven’t been kind times for HTC. The Taiwanese handset maker’s phones are operating in the shadow of Samsung’s Galaxy devices, not to mention Apple’s popular iPhone.

HTC hopes to change that reality with the brand new flagship HTC One that the company unveiled Tuesday at events staged at the same time in New York and London.

The HTC One is made of a uni-body aluminium that looks incredibly solid and suave. None of this should come as surprise, as HTC is known for its stunning hardware to begin with, and the HTC One takes it above and beyond.

Running the show inside the HTC One is the new Snapdragon 600 SoC, Qualcomm’s new generation of mobile chips, which integrates a quad-core CPU, an Adreno 320 GPU, and an LTE modem. The only other device so far that comes equipped with a Snapdragon 600 processor is the LG Optimus G Pro, due to hit the first markets later this month.

The optical bonded display of the HTC One is super dense. At 468ppi (4.7 inch 1080p display), it easily beats the previous leaders, devices like the Sony Xperia Z and the Droid DNA. From the videos of the HTC One we’ve seen, the display looks breathtakingly sharp.

HTC is betting big on the One’s camera capabilities, which revolve around a custom-developed imaging sensor with enlarged pixels that can absorb roughly three times more light than those inside a conventional 8-megapixel camera. These UltraPixels, as the company calls them, will make for a major leap in low-light performance, however they do limit the resolution of any photos you take with the HTC One to 4 megapixels.

There’s also 2GB of RAM, 32GB of storage as standard (a 64GB variant is planned for the APAC region), a 2300mAh battery, GPS and GLONASS, NFC, Bluetooth 4.0, and even 802.11ac Wi-Fi. And if that’s not enough, the power / lock button atop the phone doubles up as an IR emitter, allowing you to use the HTC One as a TV remote control. That comes with an HTC Sense TV app that will provide interactive programs guides from many of the biggest broadcasters.

The HTC One also brings the new Sense UI along with Android Jelly Bean (4.1.2), which HTC calls a BlinkFeed. HTC has tied up with over 1,400 news organizations to enable an always-live, customized information for the user’s snacking needs. It introduces BoomSound by becoming the first smartphones with stereo speakers on the front.

HTC will be launching the HTC One in Black and White globally starting in March and will tie up with Reliance Communications in India for the sale of the device. Pricing is yet to be revealed.

We will go hands-on with the Indian version of the HTC One in a couple of days so stay tuned!

[toggle_box title=”Press Release” width=”Width of toggle box”]

INTRODUCING THE NEW HTC ONE®, A NEW PERSPECTIVE ON SMARTPHONES

HTC BlinkFeed™, HTC Zoe™ and HTC BoomSound™ Deliver HTC One’s Unprecedented New Smartphone Experience

London and New York City, February 19, 2013 –

HTC, a global leader in mobile innovation and design, today announced its new flagship smartphone, the new HTC One. Crafted with a distinct zero-gap aluminium unibody, the new HTC One introduces HTC BlinkFeed™, HTC Zoe™ and HTC BoomSound™, key new HTC Sense® innovations that reinvent the mobile experience and set a new standard for smartphones.

“People today immerse themselves in a constant stream of updates, news and information. Although smartphones are one of the main ways we stay in touch with the people and information we care about, conventional designs have failed to keep pace with how people are actually using them,” said Peter Chou, CEO of HTC Corporation. “A new, exciting approach to the smartphone is needed and with the new HTC One, we have re-imagined the mobile experience from the ground up to reflect this new reality.”

HTC BlinkFeed: A personal live stream right on the home screen At the centre of the new HTC One experience is HTC BlinkFeed. HTC BlinkFeed is a bold new experience that transforms the home screen into a single live stream of personally relevant information such as social updates, entertainment and lifestyle updates, news and photos with immersive images so that people no longer need to go to separate applications to find out what’s happening. HTC BlinkFeed aggregates the freshest content from the most relevant and interesting sources, giving it to people at a glance, all in one place, without the need to jump between multiple applications and web sites.

To enable this new dynamic approach to the smartphone, HTC will provide both local and global content from more than 1,400 media sources with more than 10,000 articles per day from some of the most innovative media companies, such as the AOL family of media properties, ESPN, MTV, Vice Media, CoolHunting, Reuters and many others. For more information on HTC BlinkFeed’s content partners, visit the HTC Blog.

HTC UltraPixel Camera with HTC Zoe
The breakthrough HTC UltraPixel Camera redefines how people capture, relive and share their most precious moments. HTC Zoe gives people the ability to shoot high-res photos that come to life in three-second snippets. These Zoes, photos and videos are then displayed in a unique way that brings the gallery to life and transforms the traditional photo gallery of still images into a motion gallery of memories. It also automatically creates integrated highlight films from each event comprised of Zoes, photos and videos set to music with professionally designed cuts, transitions and effects. These highlight videos can be remixed or set to different themes, and can be easily shared on social networks, email and other services.

To enable this innovative camera experience, HTC developed a custom camera that includes a best-in-class f/2.0 aperture lens and a breakthrough sensor with UltraPixels that gather 300 percent more light than traditional smartphone camera sensors. This new approach also delivers astounding low-light performance and a variety of other improvements to photos and videos. In addition, the perfect self-portrait or video is just a tap away with an ultra-wide angle front-facing camera which supports 1080p video capture. Multi-axis optical image stabilisation for both the front and rear cameras also helps ensure video footage smoother whether stationary or on the move. HTC UltraPixel camera adds many other features and effects such as enhanced 360′ panorama, time sequencing and object removal.

HTC BoomSound
The new HTC One offers the best audio experience of any mobile phone available today. HTC BoomSound introduces for the first time on a phone, front-facing stereo speakers with a dedicated amplifier and an amazing full HD display that immerses people in music, videos, games and the YouTube™ clips they love. Beats™ Audio integration is enabled across the entire experience for rich, authentic sound whether you’re listening to your favorite music, watching a YouTube video or playing a game.

HDR recording uses advanced dual microphones and audio processing to capture clean, rich sound that is worthy of high-definition video footage. Phone calls sound great on HTC One thanks to the addition of HTC Sense Voice™, which boosts the call volume and quality in noisy environments so that conversations come through loud and clear.

HTC Sense TV™
HTC Sense TV transforms the new HTC One into an interactive program guide and remote control for most TVs, set-top boxes and receivers. Tapping the power of the cloud, Sense TV makes it simple and intuitive to see what’s on and find that favourite show.

Metal Unibody Design
Wrapped in a zero-gap aluminium unibody and sporting a brilliant 4.7″, Full HD (1080p) screen, the new HTC One features the latest Android Jelly Bean operating system and LTE network technology to offer blazingly-fast browsing in a package that combines premium design with breakthrough build quality.

Available in stunning silver and beautiful black, the sleek and crafted aluminium unibody sits comfortably in the hand and showcases HTC’s unique antenna technology, which helps people achieve a crystal clear signal. The display also resists scratches and reduces glare, whilst offering incredible 468ppi resolution and rich, natural colours.

Global Availability

The new HTC One will be available globally through more than 185 mobile operators and major retailers in more than 80 regions and countries beginning in March. For more information and to pre-register for the new HTC One, visit www.htc.com.

Europe, Middle East and Africa: 1&1 Germany, A1 Telekom Austria, AB Poland, Allo Ukraine, AMC (Cosmote) Albania, Avea Turkey, Beeline Kazakhstan, Belcompany Netherlands, BH Telecom Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bite Latvia, Bite Lithuania, Bouygues Telecom France, Carphone Warehouse UK, Cell C RSA, Citrus Ukraine, Cosmote Greece, Cosmote Romania & Global Bulgaria, Cyta, DT Mobile(TS) Latvia, Du UAE, Dustin Sweden, Eagle Mobile Albania, EE UK, Elisa Estonia, Elisa Finland, El-Giganten Denmark, El-Giganten Sweden, Elkjöb Norway, EMT (TS) Estonia, E-Plus Germany, ERC Ukraine, Euroset Russia, Gigantii Finland, Go Malta, H3G Austria, H3G Denmark, H3G Italy, H3G Sweden, H3G UK, HT Eronet Bosnia & Herzegovina, K-Cell Kazakhstan, KPN Belgium, KPN Netherlands, Life Belarus, LuxGSM Luxembourg, Megafon Russia, Melita Malta, Meteor Ireland, Mobilezone Switzerland, Mobilochka Ukraine, Mobily KSA, MSH Belgium, MSH Germany, M-Tel Montenegro, M-Tel Bosnia & Herzegovina, MTI Ukraine, MTN Cyprus, MTS Belarus, MTS Russia, Netcom Norway,
(Telefónica) O2 Czech, (Telefónica) O2 Germany, (Telefónica) O2 Ireland, (Telefónica) O2 UK, Omnitel Lithuania, One Macedonia, Optimus Portugal, Orange France, Orange Maldova, Orange Poland, Orange Romania, Orange Slovakia, Orange Spain, Orange Switzerland, Partner Communications Israel, PhoneHouse France, PhoneHouse Germany, PhoneHouse Netherlands, PhoneHouse Sweden, Phones4U UK, Play Poland, Plus Communication Albania, Polkomtel Poland, Proximus Belgium, SFR France, SiMobil Slovenia, STC KSA, Sunrise Switzerland, Svyaznoy Russia, Swisscom Switzerland, TDC Denmark, Tele2 Croatia, Tele 2 Estonia, Tele2 Latvia, Tele2 Lithuania, Tele2 Russia, Telia Denmark, Telia Sweden, Telekom Slovenija, Telenet Belgium, Telenor Denmark, Telenor Norway, Telenor Sweden, Telenor Hungary, Telenor Serbia, Telkom Serbia, TIM Italy, TMN Portugal, T-Mobile Austria, T-Mobile Croatia, T-Mobile Czech Republic, T-Mobile Germany, T-Mobile Hungary, T-Mobile Macedonia, T-Mobile Montenegro, T-Mobile Netherlands, T-Mobile Poland, T-Mobile Slovakia, Turkcell Turkey, Tus Mobil Slovenia, Velcom (TAG) Belarus, VIP Operator Macedonia, VIP Mobile Serbia, Vipnet Croatia, Vivacom Bulgaria, Vodacom RSA, Vodafone Albania, Vodafone Czech Republic, Vodafone Egypt, Vodafone Germany, Vodafone Greece, Vodafone Hungary, Vodafone Ireland, Vodafone Italy, Vodafone Malta, Vodafone Netherlands, Vodafone Portugal, Vodafone Romania, Vodafone Spain, Vodafone Turkey, Vodafone UK, Wind Greece, Wind Italy, Yoigo Spain, Yug Contract Ukraine, Zain KSA.

Asia-Pacific: China Mobile Hong Kong Company Ltd., ChungHwa Telecom, 3HK, CSL, Fareastone, M1, Mobifone, Optus, PCCW mobile, Reliance Communications, Singapore Telecommunications Ltd., SmarTone, StarHub, Taiwan Mobile, Telecom New Zealand, Telstra, Vodafone Australia, Vodafone New Zealand.

China: China Mobile, China Unicom, China Telecom

North America: AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Cincinnati Bell and Best Buy in the United States and in Canada with Rogers Communications, Bell Mobility, TELUS and Virgin Mobile Canada.

Latin America: Claro Argentina (América Movil), Telecom Personal Argentina, Entel Chile, Iusacell México, Telcel México (América Movil), Claro Perú (América Movil), Claro Puerto Rico (América Movil), Movistar Venezuela (Telefonica)

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February 19, 2013
Outlook.com Passes 60m Users, Exits Preview
Microsoft’s webmail, Outlook.com, has exited its preview stage with 60m users. According to Engadget, a third of those users have skipped over from Gmail, although they may still be using Google’s service as well.

As part of the process, all users of Microsoft’s Hotmail and other email services operating under different domains such as MSN.com will be automatically converted to Outlook.com by the summer, if they don’t voluntarily switch before then. All the old messages, contacts and settings in the old inboxes will be exported to Outlook.com. Users will also be able to keep their old addresses.

In short, Outlook.com is leaving its early days behind, as in the eyes of Microsoft it is ready for full-time usage, and thus the firm can finally ax the Hotmail product as a relic from a previous era.

Here are the key usership milestones for Outlook.com, to put the 60 million figure into perspective:
- August 1, 2012: 1 million users
- August 14, 2012: 10 million users
- November 27, 2012: 25 million users
- February 18, 2013: 60 million users
To welcome new users, Microsoft is financing what it believes to be the biggest marketing blitz in the history of email. Outlook.com will be featured in ads running on US primetime TV, radio stations, websites, billboards and buses. Microsoft expects to spend somewhere between $30 million to $90 million on the Outlook campaign, which will run for at least three months.

The Outlook ads will overlap with an anti-Gmail marketing campaign that Microsoft launched earlier this month. The “Scroogled” attacks depict Gmail as a snoopy service that scans the contents of messages to deliver ads related to topics being discussed.

[Fox News]
February 19, 2013
Rumour : HTC To Announce Surprise Ubuntu Tablet Today

In what is clearly a countdown to a product unveiling, Ubuntu looks to be coinciding a tablet product with HTC’s One launch event today.

This rumour came largely from HTC posting a mysterious picture to its Instagram account, with the image showing a number of covered smartphones as well as one larger model, which could well be an 8-inch or 10-inch tablet.

Intrigue on this grew when Ubuntu developer Canonical started a countdown to the event under the tagline of ‘tick, tock, tablet time’ and then sent out invites to a media conference for later today. The conference is to discuss Ubuntu “on new form factors including some of the most rapidly growing consumer electronics device categories”. Whether the announcement has anything to do with HTC’s new product line remains to be seen, but we can’t see the timing as anything other than a collaboration.

Hardware running on Ubuntu’s mobile operating system isn’t going to be available until October or November, so the tease looks like more of a concept demo than an actual product launch. We also expect developer versions of Ubuntu touch to be available for the Galaxy Nexus and Nexus 4 on Thursday, February 21st, so this week is gearing up to be something of a marquee week for Canonical.

[TabTimes]

February 19, 2013
HTC One Press Shots Leak To Confirm Black and White Colours

There are still a few hours left before HTC officially announces the flagship Android device, the HTC One, so that means there’s time for last minutes leaks and rumors.

Many leaked rendering have surfaced online, as were a few still images and videos from HTC. We’ve also seen the front of the One appear in a white and black sporting its dual stereo speakers, but never a solid image of the back. Today, just hours before the HTC announcement, a new press photo of the HTC One has leaked online.

The picture above confirms the two color versions of the upcoming HTC One. The image reveals the same thin bezel and two capacitive touch buttons, Back and Home, instead of the usual three or even four buttons that are found on typical Android phones, identical speaker grills on the top and bottom with the top also having two noise-cancellation microphones on the left and the front-facing camera on the right with curved corners in an all metal body.

The hardware looks attractive, and likely won’t have a removable back battery cover judging by the apparent SIM slot visible on the right-hand edge of the white vertical HTC One. The image also shows we’ll be seeing HTC’s now familiar Beats audio integration on the new handset.

The HTC One will most likely have a 4.7-inch screen capable of 1080p output, making for a massive 468ppi display density, should have a quad-core Snapdragon S4 1.7GHz processor with 2GB of RAM, and a 13 megapixel camera with a 2,300 mAh battery and either 32 or 64GB storage options.

February 19, 2013