Technology and Gadget: Mobile

Dolphin 7800 Handheld PC By Honeywell Is Coming To Town !

Here’s the news – Mobile computing has just been revolutionized! Honeywell announced the release of their first Android based handheld PC recently which is an enterprise digital assistant (EDA) like no other. This nifty device empowers workers to get a wide variety of tasks done from whichever location they may be in, in a very limited amount of time.

Honeywell left nothing to chance with this launch either. While announcing the release of the new device, the company also informed the public that it had entered into a patent agreement with Microsoft. This agreement would allow it to use Chrome and Android OS without any fear of the legal repercussions that might have been stirred up, had there not been such an understanding. While the complete specs of this agreement were not made public due to its confidentiality, it is clear that Honeywell will be paying royalties to Microsoft.
What about the features then? Well, the Dolphin 7800 is very well built, with the mobile workforce in mind. It is scan intensive and features warehousing and in-premise retail applications. It also features ergonomics that are user-focused. It is a wireless computer that greatly enhances the productivity of the workforce, and is thus the perfect device to help you maximize on your enterprise ROI.
It is a very durable device as well, built on industrial grade specifications. Figure this out – it has been built to be able to withstand the impact of a fall upon concrete from a height of 1.5m and a whole number of tumbles, talk about a hardy device!
Honeywell’s Dolphin 7800 is, in addition, compact and lightweight despite being so hardy. Its VGA 3.5 inch color screen offers high resolution which results in easy visibility even in extreme lighting conditions such as where the sun is shining directly in the device.
When it comes to Wi-Fi capabilities, the device has a built in connection with the added ability to switch between CDMA and GSM networks, thus giving a better assurance of uninterrupted connection as you can easily switch from one cellular carrier to another with a better connection. It also allows for real time access to critical data with its 802.11 a/b/g/n, 3.9G network.
Perhaps what truly sets this device apart is that it gives users the same enjoyment in using it as personal devices do. It boasts of highly sophisticated security features also which can give the organization peace of mind while using it. Be prepared to pay dearly for it though, the device ranges in price depending on the exact specifications as well as the retailer so do expect the rates to be anywhere around $1200 to $1500!

Source: Techzek

Nokia Lumia 710 Review, Specs, Price & Features

The Nokia Lumia 710 is about to launch as we can see the Nokia Lumia 710s page on T-Mobiles site! For those of you who don’t know, the Nokia Lumia series is Nokia’s attempt to get big in the smartphone market and the Nokia Lumia 710, among the two they have launched is the budget phone which is expected to contribute to making the numbers big. Will great specs, good price and Nokia’s name add some extra value to the Windows Phone OS? Or are the smaller app market and the lack of deep levels of customizability spoiling the OS? Let’s find out!

Before we start the comparison, the Nokia Lumia 710 is a Windows Phone running device and Windows Phone is an operating system that competes with the likes of iOS and Android and they are sure as hell giving them some kind of competition. If not now, Windows Phone will make it big as future updates will make the phone more competitive and Microsoft is trying to perfect it by taking it one step at a time. The app market is however not as huge as iOS’ or Androids, but it sure is big enough to consider buying a phone with the OS.
Design & Screen:
The Nokia Lumia 710 may not be as premium looking as the elder Nokia Lumia 800, but it still is a gorgeous phone that is built well and comes with high grade quality materials. The Nokia Lumia comes in two colours – Black and white, but the cover at the back comes with various color choices like black, white, yellow, cyan and fuchsia. When you buy the phone, you get to choose two colours out of the lot! When you pair these colours with the Windows Phone OS, it looks pretty darn cool. Overall, this 3.7 inch phones does look pretty slick when compared to its competition and probably is the best looking out of the lot. Unlike most windows phones, the Lumia 710 come with actual physical buttons than the touch buttons and in a way, it is much better than the touch buttons practically.

Among the 3.7 inch screen under the Windows Phone category, the HTC Mozart (eliminating the Lumia 800 from this list) is topping its list and the Nokia Lumia probably climbed over the Mozart and claimed the title with its gorgeously LCD screen that features Nokia’s ClearBlack display technology that is somewhat like that of an AMOLED screen. The colours come out vibrant with the right amount of contrast and provide great readability under direct sunlight. The small screen does not however feel cramped thanks to the Windows Phone OS’ design!
Hardware Specs & Connectivity:
Most of its competitors feature only a 1 GHz or at max a 1.2 GHz single core processor, but the Nokia Lumia running on the Windows Phone 7.5 comes with a quick 1.4 GHz single core processor that is paired with a 512 MB RAM. Windows phone does not require a dual core processor to run quick as it does pretty darn well with a single core processor and the phone will continue to perform even updates that happen two years later. It is just the way Windows Phone was designed! Use the phone and experience quick, smooth and fluid navigation with a swipe and scroll technique. Instead of icons, the windows phone comes with hubs that are more informative and more fun to use than an Android or an iOS.
The Nokia Lumia 710 supports GSM networks like 2G and 3G. Wifi and Bluetooth are other connectivity features that come along with the phone. However you will not be able to transfer files from one phone to the other via Bluetooth sadly. But if it is a song or a picture, you can however send them with Whatsapp! In the US, T-Mobile is selling their phones with 4G connectivity and is the first Windows Phone to feature 4G! If you are not in the US, then 4G will not be a feature.

Camera & Storage:
We all know how great nokia is with their phone camera and they don’t disappoint with the Lumia 710. Although it comes with only a 5 megapixel camera when compared to the Lumia 800s 8 megapixel camera, the job done by the younger sibling is however pretty awesome. The colours are bright, the contrast is almost perfect and the focus is also impressive. The phone even captures high quality videos at 720p HD and captures at 30 frames per second. Pretty awesome for the price!
This is one area where the Nokia Lumia 710 disappoints – Storage. It comes with an 8 GB internal memory, but the sad part is that you will not be able to extend that memory with a microSD card. But another fact is that you are not permitted to do that with pretty much any other Windows Phone in the market.

Pricing & Performance:
The pricing of the Lumia 710 is pretty competitive at $370 for the unlocked version. You can however get the phone for $49.99 at any T-Mobile store! The sales haven’t started yet, but according to the website, it is to start soon in the first weeks of January! But that news is only for the people in the US as the Nokia Lumia 710 is launched at competitive prices in places like India, Russia, Hong Kong, etc. The pricing is pretty much impressive and we sure as hell can expect the device to boost the Nokia sales.
With a 1.4 GHz processor and 512 MB RAM, the Nokia Lumia does not fail to impress. You can find information stacked in places that Microsoft would like to call “hubs” and this information are storage in slides which is pretty fun to do and is visually impressive. During our entire time with the phone, we have not experienced signs of lag even after doing heavy multi-tasking. After using this phone, I found iOS and the Android pretty plastic! The interface is gorgeous and apps are flowing into the market!

Conclusion:
If you are in search of a good phone at a decent price, then this is it. If you are looking for a completely new perspective in a phone, then this is it. If you are looking for a phone to set you apart from the others, this is it. If you want a phone that gets things done fast and efficiently, then this is it. You have everything you need in the Nokia Lumia 710 and it is embedded in a gorgeous OS. Go for it I would say!

Source: http://www.techzek.com/nokia-lumia-710-review-specs-price-features/

Samsung Galaxy Beam Available in India At Rs. 29,900

About 5 months after it was unveiled, the Samsung Galaxy Beam is now on sale at the Samsung India E-store at a price tag of Rs. 29,900. As was expected, the price is the same as the pre-order price that was quoted earlier in the month.

Despite not being that impressive in terms of specifications, the Galaxy Beam owes both its name and claim to fame to the one feature that sets it apart from other smartphones: The built-in DLP WVGA projector that is able to project images in HD to a size of up to 50 inches and with a brightness of 50 lumens.
Apart from the novelty of having an inbuilt projector, the Galaxy Beam will allow users to share content directly by projecting it onto any available surface. For business users it will mean that there is no need for a projector and presentations can be uploaded and projected directly from the smartphone.
Considering it is a fairly new device, it may come as a surprise that the Galaxy Beam runs on Android 2.3 Gingerbread, although it should be noted that an upgrade to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich is eventually planned. It has a 4 inch WVGA display, a 1 GHz dual core processor, 768 MB of RAM, and 8 GB of internal memory.
As far as cameras go, the Galaxy Beam sports a 5 Megapixel rear camera and a 1.3 Megapixel front camera.
In short, although the Galaxy Beam is a decent smartphone there should be no illusion that the Rs. 29,900 price tag is mainly due to the in-built projector and that is its main selling point. For now it is a one of a kind device that definitely has many practical applications for business users as well as regular consumers.
If the Galaxy Beam is successful, other smartphone manufacturers may even follow suit and include projectors in some of their models.

Kyocera Hydro Waterproof Smartphone Debuts in America

At first glance at its specifications, the Kyocera Hydro may not look all that impressive. However it does have one very unique capability: It is water proof.

This smartphone is certified IPx5 and IPx7 which means that it can withstand water that is sprayed onto it (i.e. rain, or a normal pressure hose), and can also be submerged in up to three feet of water for up to 30 minutes. In short, it won’t withstand a deep sea diving trip, but for most other situations it will effectively be impervious to damage from water.
According to the recent announcement, this device will start to be sold from Boost Mobile from August the 3rd.
Specifications
Despite not breaking any records in terms of specifications, the Kyocera Hydro is no slouch either. It features a 3.5 inch IPS touchscreen that has a 480×320 resolution and will run on Android Ice Cream Sandwich. With WiFi, GPS, and a 3.2 Megapixel camera that includes a flash, it can certainly stand on its own especially with the 1 GHz Snapdragon processor that it runs on.
One of the features that may appeal to users is the ‘Eco-mode’ that claims to be able to conserve battery power, though no further details are forthcoming about how it accomplishes this.
Considering how frequently water causes irreversible damage to smartphones and how much many spend to protect their smartphones with bulky water-proof casings, the Kyocera Hydro offers up a sleek and slim smartphone that you don’t need to worry about protecting from any water.
On August the 3rd it will be available online and in Boost Mobile stores for a price of $129.99 and is expected to then be distributed to other retailers later in the same month. It is certainly affordable, and in the long run it could save you even more money than that.

Source: http://www.techzek.com/kyocera-hydro-waterproof-smartphone-debuts-in-america/

Sony Walkman F800 Announced With Android 4.0 ICS Version

Sony’s last attempt to come up with a series of Walkman devices to compete with the iPod Touch didn’t turn out so well, but they’ve just announced a new MP3 media player that may prove up to the task this time round. The Sony Walkman F800 is being billed as an extreme entertainment on-the-go, web-enabled device.

Unfortunately the announcement didn’t include many details about the specifications of the Walkman F800, but what is known for certain is that it will have a 3.5 inch multi-touch screen and will run on Android Ice Cream Sandwich (and feature full access to the Google Play store and the thousands of apps that are there).
The supported connectivity options are WiFi and Bluetooth.
Of course, since this is a Walkman the focus will be on its ability to reproduce detailed and clear audio, and the F800 doesn’t disappoint in that avenue by including Sony’s S-Master MX Digital Amplifier and 5 Clear Audio technologies. Also, although it comes with a pair of Sony’s MDR-EX0300E earphones, the F800 will also have a xLOUD speaker system.
Reportedly it will come in 3 different models that vary based on their storage capacity. The F800 will feature either 8 GB, 16 GB or 32 GB of internal storage.
Some of the details that are unknown include the processor, screen resolution, RAM, and also the battery that it will run on. Apparently Sony are claiming that the Walkman F800 will provide up to 20 hours of battery life for audio and 4.5 hours for video, but that is unconfirmed.
Furthermore, the announcement of the F800 did not include an release date or estimated retail price.
Based on what is known however, it seems as though the Sony Walkman F800 could very well be a sleek touchscreen MP3 media player that is really capable of being a competitor to the iPod Touch and Samsung Galaxy Player 3.6 if it has the hardware to back up Ice Cream Sandwich.

Source: http://www.techzek.com/sony-walkman-f800-announced-with-android-4-0-ics-version/

LG Cayenne For Sprint Pictures Leaked

Another LG device that has leaked out recently is the LG Cayenne, and it should be making an appearance on the Sprint network fairly soon.

Along with the pictures that were in the leak, there was also a little bit of information provided about the new smartphone. Supposedly it will feature a 4 inch qHD touchscreen display with WVGA resolution and will run on a Snapdragon S4 processor that had previously been said to be a dual core processor that clocks in at 1.2 GHz.
For those unfamiliar with the jargon, qHD basically means a quarter of full HD, and so an approximate resolution of 960 x 540 on a 16:9 aspect ratio. Chances are the LG Cayenne will sport a different aspect ratio hence possess a different resolution.
In addition, the pictures themselves show three Ice Cream Sandwich capacitive keys that tie in with previous rumors that the Cayenne will indeed feature Android 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich.
Other rumors have also suggested a 5.0 Megapixel camera, slide-out QWERTY keyboard, 1 GB RAM, and 4G LTE capability.
Although there are ample rumors about this smartphone, there is still no word from Sprint or LG as to when it will actually see the light of day and be released. Even the name ‘Cayenne’ is supposedly a codename for the LG device and there is a high chance that it may be released under a different moniker.
If certain rumors are true, the LG Cayenne is getting its certifications sorted out and may be released as early as next month. Assuming that is the case, it might be a nice mid-range smartphone that is in line with some of the other mid-range devices from Samsung and other manufacturers that are scheduled to make an appearance soon as well.
Hopefully an announcement will come soon that will furnish everyone with more details regarding what to expect from this new LG device.

Source: http://www.techzek.com/lg-cayenne-for-sprint-pictures-leaked/

Samsung Galaxy Reverb For Sprint Leaked on Twitter

If a leak that is spreading via Twitter pans out, Sprint may soon have a new Samsung smartphone on its shelves that is apparently going to be known as the Samsung Galaxy Reverb. Make no mistake though, this isn’t a high-end smartphone, but rather it is meant to be more of an entry-level mid-range device.

According to the leak, the Galaxy Reverb will sport a 4 inch WVGA screen although there has been no mention of the resolution. Beneath that screen, it will run on a single core Qualcomm 1.4 GHz MSM8655 Snapdragon processor and will have 768 MB of RAM.
Also, the Reverb is supposed to have 4 GB of internal storage, a 5 Megapixel rear camera, and a 1.3 Megapixel front camera. It will be running Android Ice Cream Sandwich, but a future upgrade to Jelly Bean may be on the cards.
Right now there is no mention of whether or not this smartphone will support LTE, and there’s also no word on whether or not its 4GB of internal storage will be expandable via a microSD card. Truth be told, the only other fact that is known is that the Reverb should be coming to Sprint in the near future.
Many have noticed that the leaked picture of the Galaxy Reverb closely resembles the Samsung Jasper that is coming to Verizon. If both leaks are accurate, it may just be that the resemblance is just skin deep, especially seeing as the Jasper is supposed to pack a little bit more punch than this device.
Chances are the Galaxy Reverb isn’t going to hurt anyone’s wallet too much, and it is speculated that it will be sold on contract with Sprint at around $100 or maybe even less. Of course, until official word is out it is best not to read too much into this leak.

Source: http://www.techzek.com/samsung-galaxy-reverb-for-sprint-leaked-on-twitter/

Samsung Galaxy S3 London Olympics 2012 Premium Edition launched in Taiwan

Being one of the official sponsored of the London Olympics 2012, Samsung has already been running several advertisements in conjunction with the event. In fact, a limited edition Samsung Galaxy S III is to be distributed to athletes attending the games and select partners.

For the general public however, Samsung has now launched an official Premium Edition Olympics Accessories Pack for the Galaxy S III in Taiwan.
Essentially, this Premium Edition Olympics pack consists of a phone holder, a custom back casing, and a tiny figurine of a British royal guard that can be placed into the 3.5 mm audio jack of the phone. The tiny figurine is purely decorative and is merely there to add to the overall effect.

From what information is available, it appears as if there are three different types of phone holders, each of which features either a figurine of a weightlifter, a Taekwondo exponent, or a cyclist. The figurine props up the phone when it is placed into a slot on the base of the phone holder, which has the design of a portion of the British flag.
Additionally, there are also two different types of custom back casings for the device, one of which is based on the design of the British flag and another which has a faceless British royal guard.
Very few details are available about the pricing and availability of these premium accessory packs, but it is known that the custom back casings are being sold for $299 Taiwan Dollars (approximately $10 USD). This suggests that there may be a choice to purchase the entire pack or just purchase the back casings separately.
Whether or not this pack is exclusive to Taiwan or will be available elsewhere is also currently unknown but perhaps over the course of the Olympic Games more such memorabilia will be released.

Source: http://www.techzek.com/samsung-galaxy-s3-london-olympics-2012-premium-edition-launched-in-taiwan/

Toshiba Regza T-02D Launched Exclusively in Japan

The announcement today that the Toshiba Regza T-02D would be released as a Japan-only smartphone has been met with quite a bit of enthusiasm. Based on the pictures released, the Regza T-02D seems to be a brightly colored and rather stylish device – but it is the specifications that are raising eyebrows across the world.

For starters the screen on the Toshiba Regza T-02D is said to be a ’4.3 Inch AMOLED Plus display with a 540 x 960 qHD resolution’. In itself that is strange especially considering the T-01D sported a 720p HD resolution.
Still, Toshiba have come out strongly in defense of the display and said that although the resolution is qHD (i.e. a quarter of full HD), the AMOLED Plus technology will result in clearer images on the screen. While this may be true, there is no way to know for certain until people actually manage to get their hands on the smartphone itself.
On a more positive note however, the Regza T02-D has a very impressive 13.1 Megapixel camera that utilizes the Sony Exmor R sensor. This sensor is the same as the one that can be found in Sony’s compact cameras (i.e. the Cybershot series) and so the expectation is that it will be able to capture some truly impressive snaps.
Other specifications that have been released include the fact that it will run on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon S4 1.5 GHz processor, feature 1 GB of RAM, be LTE capable, and will operate a modified version of Android 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich that promises to be more ‘human centric’.
No official price is available yet, but the release date has been set as the 26th of July in Japan. Chances are this smartphone won’t make an appearance elsewhere just like many other Japan-only devices.
Upon launch, the Toshiba Regza T-02D will be available in blue, pink, and black.

Source: http://www.techzek.com/toshiba-regza-t-02d-launched-exclusively-in-japan/

Android 4.0 (ICS) Ice Cream Sandwich Powered Smartphone List

If we speak of smartphones with Android 4.0 (ICS) Ice Cream Sandwich OS, we are implying of the latest phones that you can get with jam-packed features and specs. Some of them are even powered with quad-core chipsets such as the HTC One X. And while you are waiting for the Samsung Galaxy S III to be made available in the market, you might as well be aware that there are lots of ICS-powered handsets that could definitely tempt you to take your cash out from your wallet.

Samsung Galaxy Nexus
The Samsung Galaxy Nexus is the very first Android smartphone to be powered by Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. It highlights its 4.65 inch Super AMOLED display with Oleophobic coating. The phone can also take pride of its 5 mega pixel rear camera, 1.3 mega pixel front facing camera and 1.2GHz dual core chipset.
Samsung Galaxy S II
This phone may not come with a built-in Android 4.0 ICS operating system but thanks to Samsung’s prompt firmware update, Galaxy S II users can now enjoy the new features of Ice Cream Sandwich. As for those who are late with the news, you’d better not miss this opportunity to get your phone running on the latest Android firmware version. For sure, you won’t ever regret your decision.
HTC One X
Packed with a powerful quad core processor, the Android 4.0 OS of the HTC One X can definitely function to its fullest. Plus, you’ll get a stunning 8MP rear camera that you can use to simultaneously record your HD videos and images. That’s if you’re cool with the handset’s large Super IPS LCD2 display that’s been set at 4.7 inches.
HTC One S
The HTC One S may not be as powerful as the HTC One X but it can surely attract your interest. Aside from its Android Ice Cream Sandwich OS, the smartphone can be your ideal partner for school, work and business. It’s affordably priced and it comes with Beats Audio and HTC Sense UI. And just like its brother, the phone’s 8MP shooter can record videos while taking a bunch of stunning images.
HTC One V
If you still can’t manage to find the phone that would best suit your needs and your budget, you might as well take a look at the HTC One V. Apparently, it doesn’t have any chance to win against its cousins but it is very affordable and you can even get one for as low as 300 US Dollars. Aside from that, you will also be able to rely on the phone’s 1GHz Snapdragon processor and Ice Cream Sandwich OS.
Huawei Ascend P1
If you’re looking for a decent Android device, you can consider the Huawei Ascend P1. Apart from running with Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, the smartphone can also take pride of its 1.5GHz dual core processor, 4.3 inch Super AMOLED display and 1GB RAM. But that’s not all. The phone also flaunts its 8MP camera that you can use to take photos and record HD videos.
Huawei Ascend P1 S
This phone is the slimmer counterpart of the Huawei Ascend P1, hence the ‘S’ stands for slim. When it comes to specs, you can’t really tell the difference. Just like its thicker twin, the phone runs on Android ICS and also boasts its 4.3 inch Super AMOLED Display. It’s just that this phone does not go any thicker than 6.7mm. Thin enough to be tucked inside your purse or pocket.
But we’re not done yet. What we have below are the phones that will soon be made available in the market and will come with Android Ice Cream Sandwich 4.0. No need for you to wait for an update to get these phones running on the latest Android OS.
Asus PadFone
If you like the concept of having a hybrid phone that can be transformed into a netbook or tablet; you’d better not miss the Asus PadFone. It’s a one of a kind mobile device with a 4.3 inch Super AMOLED qHD Display and a Snapdragon S4 Processor. Most importantly, the phone will run on the latest Android Ice Cream Sandwich and that’s version 4.0.
Sony Xperia Neo L
The Sony Xperia Neo L is a modern-looking smartphone that will soon be made available for the Chinese market. There’s no official word as to when this device will be sold on some other parts of the globe. Anyways, you can be assured that you will be getting a 4.0 inch handset with a LED-backlit LCD display that will be powered by Android 4.0.3 Ice Cream Sandwich. The phone will flaunt its TimeScape UI.
Huawei Ascend D1
The Huawei Ascend D1 was officially unveiled at the 2012 Mobile World Congress. This phone is yet to be released but it won’t be long before you will be able to get one. The phone’s release is slated for this quarter and it will be packed with a 4.5 inch Super IPS+ LCD display and dual core TI OMAP processor. Of course, the default OS will be Android 4.0.
Samsung Galaxy S III
A few more hours to go before this revolutionary smartphone will be launched. Samsung fanboys and fangirls are eagerly waiting for the upcoming release of this new device. So if you are currently eyeing for a new high-end smartphone with Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, you’d better not skip this handset. This phone is a must have for Samsung fanatics!
Lumigon T2
Officially announced last February, this phone has already been set to be released sometime within the first half of this year. The specs of this phone are yet to be confirmed but one thing is for sure – the Lumigon T2 will be running on Android 4.0. The phone will also flaunt its glass and stainless steel form factor.
HTC Evo 4G LTE
Officially announced last month, the HTC Evo 4G LTE will most likely be made available in the second quarter of this year. It will be equipped with a 4.7 inch Super LCD 2 Display and will be relying on its 1.5 GHz dual core Krait processor. In addition, the phone will also flaunt its 8MP primary camera, 2000 mAh of non-removable battery and Android 4.0 ICS with HTC Sense 4.0.
What goes beyond this line is our list of Android smartphones that will soon be upgraded to Android 4.0 ICS. Of course, the date as to when these phones will be upgraded will vary and that will basically depend upon your phone model, carrier and location.
Lava XOLO X900
It’s a pleasure to have this phone included in our list of Android powered handsets. That’s because the Lava XOLO X900 is the world’s first Android handset to be powered by Intel’s Medfield platform. As of now, the phone runs on Android 2.3 Gingerbread but its firmware will soon be upgraded to Android 4.0. Just don’t ask us when because we still don’t know.
Samsung Galaxy Note
The Samsung Galaxy Note will delight you with its unique S-Pen technology. Using the phone’s handy and revolutionary pen, you can easily doodle on your notes, multimedia messages and memos. Right now, the phone runs on Android 2.3.5 Gingerbread but the promised ICS update will eventually be rolled out in the next few weeks or months.
Sony Xperia S
The design of this smartphone can be considered as unique and elegant. Plus, who would’ve ever thought that Sony would make use of NFC to customize the phone’s user profiles? The phone may be running with Android Gingerbread but you don’t have to wait for long as its firmware will eventually be upgraded to ICS.
Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc S
Fortunately, those with Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc S smartphones will finally be able to upgrade their handsets to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. You can already check for any available firmware upgrade. Just in case you can’t find any, just remember that the said upgrade will initially be made available to those who are in the Nordic areas such as Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Norway.
HTC Rezound
Also known as the HTC Droid Incredible HD, users have received a couple of rumors regarding the phone’s possible date of firmware upgrade. There were reports stating that the phone will be updated to ICS by April 2012 but at least it did pass the upgrade list. Now, HTC Rezound users can happily check their handsets for any available firmware update.
Samsung Nexus S
Those with Samsung Nexus S smartphones can gladly say that they have already upgraded their phone to Android 4.0. But it’s not just the OS that makes this phone reliable. As a matter of fact, you can still rely on this phone’s 5MP camera and 1GHz Cortex A8 Processor.
As you can see from our list, we have sorted the phones into three categories. The first category is for the smartphones that you can already get or purchase at your local mobile retail store while the second category is for the newly announced smartphones. These are the phones that you are about to get in the next few weeks or months. Meanwhile, the third category is for the smartphones that will soon be upgraded to Android Ice Cream Sandwich 4.0. So we are leaving the rest to you. Of course, you have to choose the phone that you think would suit your needs without sacrificing your reserved dough.

Nokia PureView 808 (41 MP) Will Be Releasing In India & Russia First

Nokia PureView 808 will be released in India and Russia first before it will make its debut in other countries. PureView 808 became one of the most anticipated handsets this year because even if it does not operate on iOS, Android or Windows Phone it comes with a powerful 41-megapixel camera sensore which has never been seen in any mobile phones before. The fact is, its resolution is even better than other DSLR cameras nowadays and the most amazing thing is that it is a palm-size device that you can use to make some calls or send messages and photos.

Nokia PureView 808 runs on Symbian S60 or Nokia Belle platform which is in the midst of extinction as Nokia is trying to focus on producing devices to run on Windows Phone. The Finnish manufacturer is the first ever to produce a device with very high camera sensor and its technology has also become among the sought after imagery technologies of the 21st century. Thus, you can expect that in the following months or years, you will be able to use the PureView technology on a Windows Phone. The truth is, there have already been rumors that Nokia is working to produce another flagship that would feature the latest Windows Phone OS as well as the PureView technology.
So, are you wondering how Nokia have come up with a device or technology that offers so high image resolution? Here is an overview what Nokia PureView technology does. Basically, Nokia uses the technology called “pixel oversampling” which condenses a 7 image pixel information into one resulting to an image with deeper depth, richer in color and more vivid than any ordinary high-end camera can capture. This technology already existed and Nokia was the first to produce a device to carry on the more enhanced PureView technology. When you see a picture taken by Nokia PureView 808, you will say that it really freezes time and space, literally.
Nokia PureView 808 smartphone does not really come with high specs. I could say that Nokia gave it the specs just enough to provide the service it is built to do. It sports a 1.3 GHz ARM 11 processor paired with 512 MB of Random Access Memory (RAM) and 16 GB or storage. To keep up with a powerful 41-megapixel camera, PureView 808 was given an AMOLED capacitive touchscreen stretched into 360 x 640 pixels resolution which is actually high for a 4-inch screen. There is no information as to the specific date this smartphone would be released in India and Russia but reports say it would be later this month, so we can actually see this device in action by then.
Also, there is no further information as to how much the price would be. But it seems like this is going to be a budget-friendly phone considering the OS and the specs. But it is apparently targeting photographers as well as the people who want to share their photos online. The only thing tech enthusiasts are looking for this device is the camera because basically, the specs and the OS are among the most explored things as far as technology is concerned.

Samsung Galaxy S3 Rumors Compiled, A Day Before London Launch

A day before the much anticipated London launch (dubbed as Samsung Unpacked) of Samsung Galaxy S3, it is just right for us to compile all the rumors we’ve heard since the first quarter this year. For those who haven’t known yet, Samsung will be launching its newest flagship in the form of Samsung Galaxy S3 on May 3rd in London. It is during this time that all the necessary information we need to know about the handset will be revealed. Hopefully, the Korean manufacturer would also reveal the real release date and the suggested retail price. Those who cannot come to the launch can stream the even through the official Facebook page of Samsung.

Samsung Galaxy S3 Processor. Just like all the rest, we are also expecting high specs to come with this handset. And so far, what we’ve known about Galaxy S3 is that it will sport Samsung’s trademarked quad-core Exynos processor (CPU). Although, we have already heard that originally, it was nVidia Tegra 3 quad-core CPU that the company was eyeing. In fact, the prototype device uses it as revealed by the people who have had their hands on it. And just recently, there was a rumor suggesting that Galaxy S3 LTE for the United States will be using a dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon due compatibility issues.
Samsung Galaxy S3 Key Features. With a powerful CPU, it follows that the handset will be sporting a 1 GB random access memory (RAM) to ensure smooth operation. It always has been the practice of the manufacturers and it seems the having 1 GB RAM is the highest smart phones today could ever achieve. The display was rumored to be 4.6 or 4.8 inches featuring the Super AMOLED display technology by Samsung. It will also be adorned with TouchWiz interface on top of the native Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich design and flexibility.
Galaxy S3 As Official Olympics Device. Samsung is pushing its new flagship to become the 2012 London Summer Olympics official device. It is one of the biggest marketing strategies and popularity stunts done by the company to ensure people would know a new high-end smart phone has just been released. This is probably the reason why the company chose London as the venue for the launching of this powerful handset. The fact is, it is not the first time that Samsung would be sponsoring this big event. One of the ways the company gets revenue is sponsoring big sports events around the globe.
Samsung Galaxy S3 Photos. Of course, photos have been leaked online. Since the first quarter, there have already been photos claimed to be the official photographs of the handset. Others claimed they have taken it from a friend who works at Samsung. However, they all end up being criticized for being bogus. Most of them are photoshopped and others are just imitations. We’ve been hearing reports that a company in China has been manufacturing smartphones based on the rumored specs of Samsung Galaxy S3; the same size, the same attributes and all that. So, unless we can see photos from the company itself, we don’t have to believe what we can find online.
So far, every rumor we’ve heard have been compiled in this post. The reason why we publish this is so that people would be able to know how true are the rumors once the official device is launched less than a day from now in London. You may have known some other rumors or claims from other people about Samsung Galaxy S3 but with the launch happening in the following hours, you cannot afford to believe on those things. Let’s wait and see what Samsung has in store for us who were intently waiting for the real revelation.

Sony Xperia ST26i First Photos Leaked

There’s good news for all Xperia fans out there because Sony would be releasing another member of its Android lineup, the Sony Xperia ST26i. Didn’t we say that Sony has become aggressive in releasing new Android devices starting the first quarter of this year? In fact, we just reported yesterday the existence of LTE-capable Xperia GX and Xperia SX. What kno now is that Sony is currently working on another Android handset with model number LT29i whose photos have also been leaked yesterday before the formal announcement. But today, another leaked photos emerged which allegedly came from ‘a person close to the production line’ of the company. The leaked graphics were showing off another model that goes by the model number ST26i.

Fortunately, the tipster didn’t just leaked the photos, he had the specs go with them. So, we really have something to talk about here. Rumors prior to the leakage of the photos and specs suggested that Sony Xperia ST26i will not come with capacitive buttons in front of the screen, instead a green globe logo will be put in lieu of those buttons. The photos however, did not show the logo but the capacitive buttons so we can speculate that those rumors were false. But we’ll see about that if the company will make slight changes prior to the release. Meanwhile, below are the specs of Sony Xperia ST26i.
The leaked information indicated that Xony Xperia ST26i will come with ST-Ericsson U8500 chipset clocked at 1 GHz frequency with complementary DB8500 graphics processor. Since it is targeted to land on mid-level market, the handset was given 512MB of RAM which I believe is more than enough to make the operations smoother and faster. It has 8GB of built-in memory and does not support microSD card, but so far, these are the specs you can expect from a mid-level handset, although it has an almost impressive resolution at 540 x 960 pixels stretched on a 4-inch screen.
We haven’t got information about its camera but it seems to me that Sony would continue releasing devices that would also promote its digital camera technologies just like what it did with its Cybershot. So, we can almost expect we’d be getting high pixel camera in this handset. And considering it sports an L.E.D. flash it is almost tantamount to saying Sony Xperia ST26i has a camera with higher and better sensor. This device could actually become successful and be put in line with other success Xperia mobiles in the market today.
The downside that I can see in this handset, however, is the fact that Sony will be releasing it with Android 2.3 Gingerbread. It seems to me that Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich is too much for Sony to give to its new devices. Basically, we wouldn’t be able to enjoy the full functionality of this phone if we cannot upgrade it to ICS. But we are hoping that update would soon be rolled out after the release. Otherwise, the company would lose the potential buyers of this device. Anyway, we didn’t get information whether or not this handset would be offered outside the Japanese market

HTC EVO 4G LTE vs EVO 3D: Smart Comparison

HTC has finally launched the company’s latest flagship smartphone, the HTC Evo 4G LTE, under Sprint. Sprint has chosen its nameplate as it would be the true successor of the HTC Evo 4G. HTC Evo 4G LTE is much closely related with the HTC One X in terms of its hardware and specifications. In addition, it also relived the Evo-style design of HTC with the presence of a decent looking kickstand.
On the other hand, the HTC Evo 3D was released two years ago and was considered as a variant of the HTC Evo 4G rather than its successor. Evo 3D shared several similarities with the Evo 4G in terms of its specifications but the Evo 3D offers more appealing features, especially its 3D capabilities and its ability to let the users to experience 3D viewing without the use of 3D glasses through its stereoscopic view technology.

Today, we will reminisce of the features of the opt successor of the Evo 4G, the HTC Evo 3D, and compare it with the latest HTC handset that takes the seat as the true successor of the well renowned Evo 4G, the HTC Evo 4G LTE.
Design
Though the HTC Evo 4G LTE shares several similar specifications with the HTC One X, RIM took emphasis on its design and build to set it apart from other high-end smartphones in the market today. HTC Evo 4G LTE is built with an anodized aluminum body that provides it with a premium look and makes it comfortable to hold. It is also 8.9mm thick which makes it even easier to slip in pockets.
HTC Evo 4G LTE retains the design similar to the One series of having only three capacitive touch sensitive keys to provide more screen space. Along the right side of the device are the volume rocker and the dedicated camera shutter button. The 3.5mm audio jack and the power button is placed on the top of the phone and the microUSB port is placed at the left side of the device to allow the user to charge the phone or connect it to an HDTV even when the kickstand is popped out. Evo 4G LTE has an aluminum body casing which also includes the natural aluminum finish edges of the device that provides contrast to the matte black color.
On the rear of the HTC Evo 4G LTE, it can be noticed that there two tones of black. The upper part is a glossy black sturdy plastic casing that houses the microSD slot and the SIM card slot. It is also said that the NFC chip is placed within this part of the device. The lower portion is made with an anodized aluminum and has a matte black finish. A quarter inch red stripe separates the two portions and also houses the kickstand of the Evo 4G LTE. The kickstand was a trademark feature of the Evo 4G and was it relived in the design of its successor. Improvements were also made with the kickstand wherein the user has the option to change the angle of the device while it sits.
On the other hand, the HTC Evo 3D have made some marked improvements as compared with its sibling, the HTC Evo 4G as it was made thinner and made slightly longer to make it feel less bulky while holding the device. The soft rear matte finish of the Evo 3D slightly improves grip and the red linings on camera makes its distinguishable as an Evo series device. Along the left side of the phone is the microUSB port for charging and transferring data, it also possible to have a high definition output since the port support MHL. On the right side, the volume rocker, 2D/3D camera switch, and the bulky dedicated camera shutter button is placed. The 3.5mm audio jack and the power button can be seen on the top edge of the phone. The rear side of the device presents the dual camera of the device which allows it to take stereoscopic images. It also has dual LED flash placed between the cameras.
While the HTC Evo 3D offers an interesting look with its dual camera, the HTC Evo 4G offers a stunning design and the Evo trademark feature, the kickstand. The downside of the Evo 3D is its capacitive touch keys below the screen which quite crowded. Though it retains the circular ring around the touch keys, placing four keys as compared to the three keys of the Evo 4G LTE often leads to accidentally hitting the home and search keys more often. The aluminum casing of the HTC Evo 4G LTE also provides added protection to everyday wear and tear of daily usage. Thus, the HTC Evo 4G LTE offers more design advantages than the HTC Evo 3G making it the winner of this round.
Display
The HTC Evo 4G LTE houses a 4.7 inch Super IPS LCD2 screen display that is one of the best displays that we have seen so far. It is capable of a display resolution of 720 x 1280p and has a pixel density of 312 PPI which makes it nearly impossible to spot individual pixels. The display also suffers from oversaturation similar to AMOLED screens but at lesser degree to a point that is not that noticeable. It also offers a wider viewing angle due to its IPS technology and it performs well on the outdoors. The screen is also protected with the latest Gorilla Glass 2 technology by Corning.
On the other hand, the HTC Evo 3D uses a 4.3 inch qHD Super LCD display with a resolution of 540 x 960p and a pixel density of 256 PPI. There is marked improvement over other HTC devices however it is inferior over the Evo 4G LTE due to its lack of the IPS technology and often washes out at extreme angles. What makes the HTC Evo 3D unique is its parallax barrier overlay that offers a 3D viewing experience without the need of 3D glasses. However, based on some reviews extended 3D viewing with the phone causes mild headaches but nonetheless the device can perform well on 2D.
By comparing both devices in terms of its 2D HD viewing experience, the HTC Evo 4G LTE provides a better performance than the HTC Evo 3D and the fact that the Evo 4G LTE has an IPS display screen makes it far more superior than the qHD screen. Thus, the HTC Evo 4G LTE is the winner of this round.
Processor
The HTC Evo 4G LTE is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Krait dual-core processor clocked at 1.5 GHz with 1 GB of installed RAM. The chipset also includes an Adreno 225 GPU that provides superb performance on graphic intensive processes. It scored 5099 in Quadrand standard benchmark test and 6995 on AnTuTu which very impressive, though not as powerful as the Samsung Galaxy S III.
On the other hand, the HTC Evo 3D runs with a Qualcomm Snapdragon MSM8660 dual-core processor clocked at 1.2 GHz and also has a 1GB RAM that helps well with the extensive needs of the device to run 3D videos and games. The chipset also includes an Adreno 220.
The HTC Evo 4G LTE clearly provides greater performance capability than the HTC Evo 3D with its newer chipset. Thus, the Evo 4G LTE is the winner of this round.
Camera
The HTC Evo 4G LTE has an 8 megapixel camera that can produce 3264 x 2448p resolution photos and features an LED flash. It also features simultaneous HD video recording and image recording similar to the HTC One X and Samsung Galaxy S III. HD videos are recorded 1080p and its 1.3 megapixel front-facing camera can also record 720p HD videos.
On the other hand, the HTC Evo 3D is installed with two 5 megapixel cameras that can capture images at 2560 x 1920p resolution. The set cameras of the Evo 3D is capable of capturing stereoscopic images and videos, though only at 2 megapixels. HD videos are recorded at 720p resolution and it also has a 1.3 megapixel front-facing camera.
Though the HTC Evo 3D is capable of capturing and recording 2D and 3D videos and images, the HTC Evo 4G LTE offers better resolution and photo quality. To some, the 3D feature is not that relevant on a day-to-day basis of usage. With that in mind, we prefer the 8 megapixel camera of the HTC Evo 4G LTE making the smartphone the winner of this round.
Software
HTC Evo 4G LTE runs the latest Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich with an overlay of HTC’s latest Sense 4.0 UI. On the other hand, the HTC Evo 3D runs the Android 2.3 Gingerbread OS out of the box and is said to be capable of an OTA update to Android 4.0 OS. Evo 3D also has an overlay of HTC Sense 3.0. In this criterion, we choose the HTC Evo 4G LTE as the winner since it runs the on ICS and Sense 4.0. This means less bugs and hassle on the users end.
Data Connectivity
HTC Evo 4G LTE supports LTE network as well as Rev A, Cat3 with speeds up to 50 mbps, and UL that can reach speeds up to 100 mbps. It also supports DLNA, Wi-FI direct, and Wi-FI hotspot. Along with its advanced connectivity features is its NFC support, Bluetooth 3.0, microUSB with MHL.
On the other hand, the HTC Evo 3D supports HSDPA and HSUPA networks, but its lacks the LTE support that Evo 4G LTE has. It also has DLNA and Wi-Fi hotspot feature but lacks the Wi-Fi direct and NFC support. HTC Evo 3D has the same Bluetooth and microUSB as the Evo 4G LTE.
LTE network support have been a major trend nowadays due to its high data speeds, thus the HTC Evo 4G LTE has the advantage making the device the winner of this round.
Memory
HTC Evo 4G LTE comes with an internal memory of 16 GB which a huge advantage over the 1GB storage of the Evo 3D. Both devices also support microSD expansion up to 32 GB. The HTC Evo 3D comes with an 8GB SD card out of the box which smaller than the other device. However, the HTC Evo 4G LTE still has the edge especially when fully maximizing the storage expansion of both devices, the Evo 4G LTE will provide a large storage space. Thus, the HTC Evo 4G LTE the winner of this round.
Battery
HTC Evo 4G LTE is equipped with a 2000 mAh as compared with the 1730 mAh standard battery of the HTC Evo 3D. The stronger battery of the Evo 4G LTE provides its users with increased mobility and longer hours of video and gaming hours which will surely get the interest of consumers. HTC Evo 4G LTE wins this round with ease.
Price
Reports indicate that the HTC Evo 4G LTE will be offered at $199.99 with a contract with Sprint. When the HTC Evo 3D was released two years ago, it also had the same price with the Evo 4G LTE today. With the same price and duration of the contract, the HTC Evo 4G LTE will provide more advanced features, functionality, and performance. HTC Evo 4G LTE wins this round.
Conclusion
Sprint will again cater its subscribers and soon-to-be subscribers one of the most advanced smartphones in the market today as they did in the past years. Its release of bundled packages with the HTC Evo 4G and HTC Evo 3D were a success and had gained popularity for the last two years will again offer an impressive device, the HTC Evo 4G LTE, that dominates over other HTC devices and predecessor. The HTC Evo 4G LTE will provide its users with the top-of-the-line features and performance, though it may come a bit pricey for the common individual. However, we can say that the Evo 4G LTE is a good buy especially when considering the overall package of this device.

What Made Samsung Galaxy S3 Different From Other Smartphones?

The name Samsung Galaxy S3 may not sound so different. In fact, it is just the third generation Galaxy S from Samsung and people have already known what these things can do. Besides, it is still a smartphone which everyone can use to call a friend, send a text message, browse the net, watch movies, listen to music, etc. But millions of people believe that Samsung Galaxy S3 is just different from other smartphones. In other words, there are things that make it different in a good way. So, what are these things that make Samsung Galaxy S3 different? We don’t have to look for unusual things but the typical ones and most of them can be found through the features. There are a lot of things that can be found in Samsung Galaxy S3 but not in other devices and they are as follows;

Processor. Samsung’s Exynos 4 Quad was specifically built for Samsung Galaxy S3 and other powerful devices to follow. Thus, it couldn’t be found in any other smart phones today except GS3. There have been reports indicating that the Korean company tried to use nVidia Tegra 3 but then the company built a processor as powerful but more reliable in many aspects. This is the reason why the company was able to stuff as many cool features as possible into its newest flagship. Samsung Exynos 4212 processor is clocked at fairly high frequency, 1.8GHz. It is 300MHz ahead of Tegra 3 and way better in handling graphics giving it 50% overall performance boost. With it especially built for Galaxy S3, there are a few inconsistencies which means the battery use is optimized.
Display. Galaxy S3′s design is similar to the designs of its predecessors and I believe Samsung doesn’t want to drift away from traditional look of Galaxy S series. However, it enhanced the size as well as the technology of the device’s display. GS3 got 4.8 inches size with 1280 x 720 pixels resolution featuring Samsung’s HD Super AMOLED technology making the display more vivid, deeper and has realistic colors. When you think about it, it is really amazing how the engineers have made the device so slim yet so powerful. Basically, when you buy GS3, you will be getting a device with slimmer built, wider screen, and powerful hardware.
S-Beam. The technology behind this feature is never new for anyone using Android device. An app called Android Beam works the same as this feature. However, what makes this feature new is the speed of file transfer. Samsung boasts that a 1GB movie could be transferred between two Galaxy S3 for just three minutes while a 10MB file for just two seconds. While it does work like NFC transfer, it actually uses Wi-Fi Direct which is a hundred times faster than NFC and most likely the one you would want to use for big file transfers. And to prove it is smart enough, S-Beam automatically turns itself off when the transfer is done. The thing is, it is also exclusive to Samsung Galaxy S3 so it’s absolutely one of the things that made the device different from others.
Smart Stay. It is typical to most smartphones today that when they become idle for quite some time, the screen will turn dim and others will automatically dies off; it is inconvenient especially when you are reading a long note. But Samsung Galaxy S3 doesn’t do that, it has a tracking sensor that tracks your face. So, as long as it senses you are in front of its sensor, it won’t just die out. Basically, even if it’s idle for many hours but as long as it’s in front of your face, the back lighting continues to illuminate the screen allowing you to do the things you wanted to do with it.
Best Photo Selection. Not all smart phones have burst shooting mode but Samsung Galaxy S3 has it. Although it is not new to everyone, GS3 offers something that other smart phones don’t and that’s the best photo selection. It’s burst mode captures 20 photos in a matter of seconds and while it takes minutes for you to choose which of those photos looks better, the handset will pick the best capture for you. So, you don’t have to basically scan and examine all those pictures and that’s just one of the things that would make you say that Galaxy S3 is a smart phone and is different from others.
Samsung Galaxy S3 is packed with tons of features but majority of them can also be found in other devices especially Samsung products. Some of the features I’ve mentioned here may also be common to other devices, however, Samsung added something to them that make those features exclusive for Galaxy S3 alone. There could be some things I haven’t included in this list and if you happen to know some, do let me know and I will add them to this post.

Will You Buy Galaxy S3 OR Wait For iPhone 5 ?

One of the questions often asked by people planning on getting a premium smartphone this year is whether to buy Samsung Galaxy S3 or wait for Apple iPhone 5. Basically, both of these devices belong to the same category and while it is normal for us to compare them, their usage is still the determining factor to choose the one that really fits your lifestyle and budget. That being said it is safe to assume that both will have really close price margin because both Samsung and Apple know that offering their respective device higher than the other would push people to go for the one which is cheaper, and going too low would simply hurt the reputation of their devices.

With all the hype that was built around Samsung Galaxy S3, many people were actually attracted to it considering it is one of the most powerful smart phones today. Its specs are definitely the most attractive factor, then the features come after. Samsung has put everything in this device to make it as powerful as possible but also as attractive to both tech enthusiasts and typical smart phone users. But that’s just about Samsung Galaxy S3 which just recently made a statement during its launching on May 3rd. Apple’s next generation iPhone (5) hasn’t made any appearance to the public yet. All we have right now are rumors and reports, but if you were to choose between these two devices and are looking for things to help you decide which one to spend money on, then you might consider the following.
Processor. If you are a tech enthusiast and you think you’d be happy if you can get a powerful device, then you should go for the one that could satisfy your thirst for powerful specs. The launching of Samsung Galaxy S3 provided us all the information we need about the device that there would be two models as far as the CPU is concerned–the quad-core and the dual-core. Apple however, is not going for a quad-core CPU for now so it would still be stuck with the dual-core processor which is, of course, more than enough for iPhone 5′s operations. Majority of the people who choose high-end Android devices over iOS are the ones looking for really powerful handset to use. If you are one of those, then I suggest you go for the Galaxy S3.
Features. Samsung Galaxy S3 has tons of features included on top of the already feature-packed mobile operating system; some of those are S-Voice, Smart Stay, Direct Dial, etc. In other words, it has almost everything that you are looking for in a device. Of course, don’t forget the new components that Samsung has put into it like the tracking sensor that tracks eye movements and proximity. Since iPhone 5 is yet to make its public appearance in the following months, we cannot possibly make an assumption about its features only the assurance that Apple has never failed to please its loyal patrons. The strongest rumor we’ve heard so far is the possibility that iPhone 5 might come with iOS 6 pre-installed. New features which could never be found in previous iPhone releases would surely make their debut.
Brand. Everybody knows that the brand matters. Everyone wants to use a popular smart phone or the one that is unique in every way. If there’s one thing Apple has advantage over other devices, that would be its brand. iPhone 5 would always sound better than other devices irrespective of the specs and price. If you care so much about having to use a very popular and rare device, then you should wait for the release of iPhone this year. Apple’s iPhone brand always comes with prestige and popularity while Samsung’s line of Galaxy S smart phones comes with the reputation of having fairly high specs.
Now, choosing between Samsung Galaxy S3 and Apple iPhone 5 could be a very difficult decision to make. Everything depends on your needs, really. One thing is for sure though, you will never regret choosing one of them. Also, you can show both of them off to your friends and when it comes to functionality and usability, both have what it takes to be called high-end devices.

HTC Windows Phone 8 Smartphones All Set (Roadmap Leaked)

We have seen how promising Windows Phone 8 is and after the official unveiling we are almost convince to get a device which would run it natively. There are four manufacturers that confirmed to release devices to feature Microsoft’s newest mobile operating system, namely: Nokia, HTC, Samsung and Huawei. We don’t have sufficient information about the three but a roadmap on HTC’s plan has been leaked just recently to show us that there are three devices all set to come with Windows Phone 8 upon release. Our friends over at The Verge were the first to publish that HTC will have three devices to play in three different market levels.

HTC Rio (Entry Level)
Starting from the entry level we have HTC Rio. It may be normal to think that entry level smartphones are naturally cheaper with lower specs. However, that might change when you get to hold one unit of Rio. According to the source, Rio will be sporting Qualcomm MSM8227 Snapdragon processor paired with 512MB RAM. MSM8227 belongs to the S4 lines of system on chip (SOC), which means it will have two cores and will clocked at 1GHz. It also supports HSPA so we are almost certain it will head straight to AT&T in the US or any operator that offers the same service. Rio will feature a 4-inch display and 5-megapixel camera. Basically, it has higher specs than most of us would think knowing it’s an entry-level device.
HTC Accord (Midrange)
The one in the middle is HTC Accord. We have been hearing rumors about this device for a while but now it seems clearer to us that HTC is actually planning to release it to feature Windows Phone 8 OS. Unlike Rio, this device will be competing is a somewhat congested market where specs play a significant role to be noticed. While there is no information as to the model of the processor to be used, reports say it will come with a dual-core CPU. That said, we are certain it would be from Qualcomm. It’s a bit larger than Rio with 4.3 inches display, and has more powerful camera with 8 megapixels. It supports HSPA+ so you can have an internet connection which could possible reach 42Mbps in speed. Aside from that, it has all the hardware and software necessary for near-field communication (NFC). Once source said it might have Qualcomm MSM8260A Snapdragon, but it may not be true.
HTC Zenith (Flagship)
Now, this is going to be HTC’s pride in the Windows Phone 8 market. According to the source, it is going to sport a quad-core processor, although the name and model hasn’t been revealed yet. That said, we are almost certain that this device won’t go for 4G LTE market. So, HSPA+ would still be your best bet for this. There is no information whether HTC would go for the LTE market, if it will then the four cores would be reduced to a dual-core CPU that supports or is compatible with the network. Being the flagship, Zenith is the largest of the three with 4.7 inches display feature Super LCD 2 that offers HD display. The primary camera has 8 megapixels, the same as with the Accord. But basically, it will be competing toe-to-toe with flagships of other manufacturers and HTC has never been left behind before.

Nokia Lumia 900 Dark Knight Rises Limited Edition Price Revealed

Nokia will be releasing another Caped Crusader inspired smartphone with its latest Nokia Lumia 900 Dark Knight Rises special edition. The design follows the recent release of a special edition Lumia 800 that also has a Batman-inspired design. Just yesterday, more details have emerged about the latest Nokia special edition smartphone. It was confirmed that the high street retailer Phones4u will be selling the device in UK. However, the exact number of units that will be offered was not determined. Phones4u is now offering the said device for pre-order which will also include a free cinema ticket to the Dark Knight Rises, plus a chance to win a VIP experience to the premier.

In addition, buyers of the regular Nokia Lumia 900 will also be receiving a pair of tickets for the upcoming Batman movie that is scheduled to come up on cinemas this coming on the 20th of July and have the chance, as well, to have a VIP experience to the Premier. This limited edition device is offered by Phones4u at a price of £599.95 (around $937) for the SIM-free device and free for a £31 per month contract.
The Dark Knight Rises Nokia Lumia 900 has the iconic Batman logo etched into the jet black polycarbonate rear case of the device, giving it that ultra stylish look. It will also feature a limited edition black and grey skin that allows users to experience that shadowy ambience of Gotham City. It includes an exclusive character wallpaper, ringtones, and packaging which further complete the Batman experience.
Nokia Lumia 900 Dark Knight Rises limited edition houses a 4.3-inch Super AMOLED ClearBlack Glass display screen with a resolution of 480 x 800p Gorilla Glass display that is durable and stunningly clear. The device will run the latest Windows Phone 7.5 Mango with the renowned stylish features that includes a fully customizable Live Tile homescreen, Internet Explorer 9, and apps such as Nokia Drive and Nokia Music. It has an 8 megapixel camera at the rear, with a Carl Zeiss optics, dual LED flash, and autofocus feature. It will be powered by a 1.4 GHz single-core Qualcomm APQ8055 with a MDM9200 that supports WCDMA. The processor will be complemented with 512 MB of RAM and 16 GB of internal storage plus Skydrive cloud storage and can be expanded via its microSD slot.
According to some sources, there were only 40 Batman edition Lumia 800 handsets that were created worldwide. For the Dark Knight Rises Nokia Lumia 900 limited edition, it is expected that a few more of the device will be offered to the consumers. So, if you are really looking forward to own this limited edition smartphone, don’t waste any more time and pre-order a device now.

Sony Xperia Go & Acro S Waterproof Android Smartphones Announced

Sony fans who might have been waiting for devices that are more versatile have the reason to be happy as the Japanese Electronics Company just recently announced yet another pair of smart phones. This time, these devices are built to prevent water and dust penetration and withstand pressures from bumps and fallouts. Sony Xperia Go and Acro S could be the most robust and versatile smartphones Sony could ever release. Let’s talk about the respective specs of these devices, although I will be basing the facts on the press release Sony sent to us.
Sony Mobile has already launched separate pages for these two devices in its official website. Xperia Go stresses on being waterproof; it is reported that this device can carry on commands even if the user has wet fingers. Capacitive touchscreen display doesn’t really like wet fingers that much but Sony has a solution to such problem. While this is not the first waterproof smart phone we’ve seen, it is amazing to know that it will operate normally even if the commands were initiated by wet fingers. With this, we can say that you can bring this device under water and make a call, send message or view multimedia files while being submerged. The thing is, you wouldn’t worry so much about your phone getting fried because Xperia go met the IP67 dust and water resistance standard. It could even be the first ever smart phone to get such standard and that’s something you could be thankful for if you are a hopeful owner of this device.

Xperia go sports a 1GHz dual-core processor paired with 512MB of RAM. Basically, Sony doesn’t what this device to compete in terms of specs and performance but in terms of versatility and under water operation. This smartphone best suits the lifestyle of beach bums or people who often walk in the rain. Being waterproof means you can use this smartphone outdoor irrespective whether it is raining or not. With 5-megapixel camera, I am left thinking how good the capture would be if you’re taking photos under water. With 3.5 inches screen, for sure this device is pocket-sized and portable and you can always bring it with you in your pocket anywhere. There is no information as to the price of this device but Sony said it will be made available in Q3 2012 in black, white and yellow colors.

Sony Xperia acro S basically comes with a little advantage over Xperia go as far as specs are concerned. It sports 1.5GHz dual-core CPU and 512MB RAM. It also stresses on the fact that it can operate without problems under water or if a user’s hands are wet. Compared to Xperia Go, Xperia Acro S comes with a bigger screen of 4.3 inches and has a Full HD resolution at 1280 x 720 pixels. While its little brother will come with Android 2.3 Gingerbread pre-installed, this handset will come with Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich so there wouldn’t be any update-related problems. Amazingly, it will also sport a way better camera with 12 megapixels leaving an impression that it might have better photo captures when submerged.
The specs are apparently competitive and many would be attracted to it for such reason. But its versatility and capacity to work under water just made this handset even more attractive. You should also not forget its being bump-resistant as it is actually one of the things that could make this handset safe. It will be made available in the third quarter this year in black, white and pink colors. There is no information as to how much this device would be marketed.

Windows 8 Release Preview Leaked Ahead of Release

While everybody is waiting for Windows 8 Release Preview to be set loose for those who have been waiting for the operating system for a long time, it seems like the excitement has already died out as an ISO of the 8400 build started circulating in some Chinese forums and torrent sites as downloadable file. The most exciting part is that majority of the users who have downloaded the ISO file were able to complete the installation without any problems whatsoever leaving us to speculate if it is really safe to use and install in on our computers.

Some screenshots posted by users who have successfully installed Windows 8 on their computers indicated that the operating system comes with the updated Metro Style Sports, News and Travel apps as rumored a few weeks ago. Microsoft was gearing up for use of portable apps in its newest OS so we are already expecting about this, although the leak is terribly anti-climactic. Windows 8 Release Preview is expected to hit the tech market in the first week of June and millions of people are actually waiting for it but it seems that their interest in the OS was affected by the most recent leakages.
Microsoft also announced a few months ago that Windows 8 will sport new sets of cursors, boot screen, wallpapers and Aero. These elements are actually among the things that make the new OS more interesting. Of course, Windows 8 will have tons of features which couldn’t be found in Windows 7 and many would say that it is going to be Microsoft’s most stable OS to date as it is based on the stable Windows 7. The fact that it is new and that Microsoft has dedicated more resources to develop it is good enough for us to believe we are getting the best the company can offer.
Microsoft’s Windows 8 is its key to acquire more customers this year. The company focused on performance and interactivity for its new OS thus, there is more to expect than what we think. As of now, only the Chinese version of the OS is circulating online. While the leakage could have reduced the interest of the people, there are still million of people who want to know the capabilities of the OS, for sure people will still be tempted to download the OS and experience it first-hand. It’s just a matter of time now before we can download the English Release Preview.