Tuesday, 28 May 2013

Review TechRadar: Phone and communications news 05-28-2013

TechRadar: Phone and communications news
TechRadar AU latest feeds
Samsung Galaxy S4 mini could get an even bigger brother
May 28th 2013, 12:20

Samsung Galaxy S4 mini could get an even bigger brother

The Samsung Galaxy S4 mini is pretty much nailed to arrive in the next month or so, but Samsung may also be planning a bigger Galaxy S4 to show up with the smaller version.

A render has made its way onto the interweb and apparently shows the Samsung Galaxy S4 flanked by what looks like the S4 mini and another, larger handset going by the name Samsung Galaxy S4 Mega.

Dutch site MobiLeaks posted the render claiming it reveals the Galaxy S4 Mega device, although we're not overly convinced that the unnamed tipster who provided the image isn't trying to pull a fast one with this artist's impression.

Time to take Note

The site claims that the larger handset sports a screen somewhere around the 6-inch mark, which would place it firmly between Samsung's latest giant phones, the Galaxy Mega 5.8 and Galaxy Mega 6.3.

Of course this third device might actually be the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Note 3 which has been heavily tipped for release during IFA 2013 in Berlin towards the start of September.

We could potentially see this new, bigger S4 at Samsung's June 20 event in London where the Galaxy S4 mini is thought to be headlining - and TechRadar will be in attendance to bring you all the latest from the Korean firm's camp.

    


Updated: LG says no to Nexus 5
May 28th 2013, 11:34

Updated: LG says no to Nexus 5

Update: A spokesperson has stated that while LG is indeed not working on a Nexus 5, this doesn't mean it "would turn down the opportunity".

Despite the general belief that LG Mobile will continue its relationship with Google by building the Nexus 5, the company's European VP has strongly suggested that this isn't the case.

During a discussion, Won Kim said that he doesn't believe the company will be building the next Nexus iteration, saying that LG "does not need such a marketing success again".

Oddly, this contradicts a report by The Korea Times earlier this month that LG was working on "another Nexus-branded Google Android smartphone," though of course this could just have been referring to the white Nexus 4, which has just been announced.

As to whether LG would do a Samsung by releasing its own Google-edition phone, Kim said that doing so "has no added value for us without our own skins".

Who's the next contender?

Whether any of this is down to the supply issues that plagued the launch of the Nexus 4, and resulted in both LG and Google blaming one another, is unknown.

However LG has added that even though it is not working on a Nexus 5, it would not turn down the opportunity to work with Google again.

But for now, LG doesn't feel as though it needs the Nexus to survive. But that's ok, because we have a white Nexus 4 that's exactly the same!

    


Is this our first sighting of an Android 4.3 smartphone?
May 28th 2013, 11:21

Is this our first sighting of an Android 4.3 smartphone?

The cat may be out the bag in terms of the Android 4.3 update after a Nexus 4 was snapped supposedly running the latest version of Google's mobile platform.

It was thought that Android 4.3 would make an appearance at Google IO earlier this month after Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie was seemingly distanced from the event, but alas the search giant didn't treat us to a new version of the OS.

However eagle-eyed XDA developers member "chaleen" has apparently spotted a Nexus 4 at Mobile Expo 2013 in Thailand running the updated version of Jelly Bean, and managed to take a few of snaps.

Not all change, but some

Android 4.3 Jelly Bean - LEAK

Now you can't expect a great deal of changes in Android 4.3 because as its name suggests it will be an incremental upgrade, but the images does reveal a couple of things.

First up the options in the camera app are no longer surrounding a circle in the middle of the screen, with an semicircular arch towards the bottom of the display appearing to be the new direction here.

According to the build date on the Nexus 4 in question, the software was last updated on May 14, which seems totally plausible, although thanks to Android's open source nature it's not out the realms of possibility that a dev has just had a bit of fun in an attempt to fool some people.

Other reports have highlighted than Google is planning something for June 10, with an Android 4.3 release seeming the most likely thing at this point, so make sure you keep your eyes peeled for more in a couple of weeks.

    


What are Foxconn and Mozilla announcing on June 3?
May 28th 2013, 10:40

What are Foxconn and Mozilla announcing on June 3?

Mozilla and Foxconn have announced that the two will be pairing up to debut a new Firefox OS device on June 3.

As for what it might be, Focus Taiwan, which cites an anonymous insider, reckons the new device will be a tablet that could see a budget slate enter the Apple-Android dominated arena.

Of course, Hon Hai (better known here as Foxconn) is Apple's favourite manufacturer for its mobile devices. The new partnership between Foxconn and Mozilla will be announced officially at the announcement next Monday.

A challenger appears

Spanish company Geeksphone released two Firefox phone handsets in April - and we also know that Huawei and LG are working on their own Firefox-running handsets - so a tablet to follow would obviously make a lot of sense.

Firefox OS offers a whole load of customisation options to manufacturers. And with Firefox not allowed on iOS, Mozilla's decision to be more proactive in the mobile market is unsurprising.

Foxconn will be the 19th company to get on board then Firefox OS project bandwagon when the official announcement happens. Could a more appealing budget tablet be on the horizon?

    

Buying Guide: Best Google Nexus 4 case: 10 to choose from
May 28th 2013, 10:15

Buying Guide: Best Google Nexus 4 case: 10 to choose from

It was one of the hardest smartphones to get hold of, but with its brilliantly vibrant 4.7-inch display, quad-core power and wireless charging capabilities, the Google Nexus 4 was worth the wait.

With glass on the back and Gorilla glass up front, it's definitely a wise move to add a last line of smartphone defence.

So to make sure your LG-built Android smartphone stays in one piece, here are 10 of the best Google Nexus 4 cases to buy.

1. Flexishield Frost Skin - £9/AU$11/US$11.50

Best Google Nexus 4 case: 10 to choose from

A budget-friendly solution that doesn't entirely hide away the sleek glass body, this durable silicone gel case wraps around the back of the phone and should provide everyday protection against bumps and scratches, all while adding just a few millimetres of thickness. Add in a raised bezel and you've got less to worry about if it drops screen-side up.

2. Poetic Borderline - £10/US$20 (around AU$21)

Best Google Nexus 4 case: 10 to choose from

An alternative to the official Nexus 4 bumper, the TPU plastic Borderline adds a layer of security and keeps the back and front of the Android smartphone raised and away from surfaces. Buttons for the power and volume control are built into the design that still leaves that glossy glass back on show.

3. Rearth Ringke Fusion Case - £15/AU$18.50/US$19

Best Google Nexus 4 case: 10 to choose from

Guarding the back and sides of the Nexus 4 with a crystal clear back leaving the glass back on show, the slip-on case is built with polycarbonate and flexible rubber providing the added grip and a snug fit. The raised bezel keeps the screen off of surfaces, and the edges of the display are in no way impeded, ensuring you have completely unobstructed access to the display.

4. Nexus 4 Bumper - £16/US$20 (around AU$25)

Best Google Nexus 4 case: 10 to choose from

The official case keeps things relatively simple in the looks department, guarding the edges of your smartphone and adding built-in volume rocker and standby buttons. You've still got have access to charging and headphone ports, while its slightly raised design will also protect that glass chassis when it's on a table in public display.

5. Spigen Ultra Thin Air - £16/US$20 (around AU$25)

Best Google Nexus 4 case: 10 to choose from

Offering a handset-hugging fit, this snap-on case is easy to snap back out again, is built from a tough, durable polycarbonate and sports a glossy matt design. In the box it comes with an Ultra Crystal screen protector and a micro fibre cloth so you can guard that 4.7-inch display and give it a buff to get rid of those fingerprints.

6. Incipio Feather - US$25 (around £16.50/AU$26)

Best Google Nexus 4 case: 10 to choose from

Adding just over 1mm of thickness, the ultra-thin Plextonium case clips onto the back of your Nexus 4, adding a subtle yet effective layer of protection. You can take your pick from a more complementary colour or go for a brighter neon shade and, crucially, all of the snap-on cases leave access to all key ports and the rear-facing snapper.

7. Zenus Masstige Colour Edge Diary case - £25/AU$31/US$35

Best Google Nexus 4 case: 10 to choose from

The chocolate brown folio case with a diary-style body is made from synthetic leather and will hide away your Nexus 4 with a button fastener keeping it secure on the move. There's a pocket inside to hold a few cards and some emergency cash, plus a key cut-out for the rear-facing camera so you don't need to take it out to fire off a snap.

8. Seidio Active - £25/US35 (around AU$39)

Best Google Nexus 4 case: 10 to choose from

Covering both protective and hands-free viewing bases, the slimline case features a dual layer of shock-absorbing polymer to help soften the blow when dropped. The rubberised coating should make it nicer to grip in the hand, and with a kickstand at the back you can watch films and browse the web in landscape orientation.

9. Ballistic Shell Gel SG Series - £30/AU$40/US$35

Best Google Nexus 4 case: 10 to choose from

Offering high grade levels of smartphone defence from all angles, the triple layered Ballistic Shell Gel SG Series case combines a silicone layer, durable polycarbonate and a Ballistic shock-absorbent polymer to offer more than sufficient armour for the back, sides and corners of the Nexus 4. Up front the lay-on-table design will keep the screen away from harm, which means you have all-round Nexus 4 protection.

10. BoxWave Nero Leather Flip - £30/US$40 (around AU$47)

Best Google Nexus 4 case: 10 to choose from

Offering rugged, shock-absorbing leather surroundings for your Nexus 4, the vertical flip-style cover opens from the bottom with a latch keeping the device in place. A microsuede interior lining provides soft surroundings for your smartphone, as well as added screen protection when not in use.

    

Blip: White Google Nexus 4 officially arrives, but nothing's changed
May 28th 2013, 08:30

Blip: White Google Nexus 4 officially arrives, but nothing's changed

Well looky here, the much-rumoured Google Nexus 4 has finally been announced by LG, but those hoping for an upgraded handset will be sorely disappointed.

It was hoped that the white Nexus 4 may pop up with a newer version of Google's operating system, with reports suggesting it may be running Android 4.3, but alas it's stuck on the same Android 4.2.2 as its black brother.

On the plus side you shouldn't have too long to wait to get your mitts on it, with the white Nexus 4 hitting shelves in Hong Kong on May 29, while the likes of Asia, North America, Europe and the Middle East following in the next few weeks. We just hope LG has its production sorted out.

More blips!

While you wait for the white LG Nexus 4 to land in a store near you, check out some of our colour-neutral blips.

    


Press shots of white LG Nexus 4 leaked, but will it bring Android 4.3?
May 27th 2013, 20:00

Press shots of white LG Nexus 4 leaked, but will it bring Android 4.3?

The Google-branded, white LG Nexus 4 smartphone has made another appearance, this time in the form of rather official-looking press shots.

AndroidPolice has obtained the snaps, which it posted over the weekend, showing the device with a black front plate, but a white rear.

The device appeared at Google I/O last week, where it was not officially announced, while rumours have been swirling since January that it may be on the horizon.

Previous reports have suggested that Google may drop the device on June 10, which is the same date Apple has earmarked for its WWDC keynote.

Android 4.3 on board?

With the device now appearing in the flesh and in press shots, the only questions left are the exact specs.

It is hoped that the white Nexus 4, whenever it arrives, will pack v.4.3 of the Android operating system, although a June 10 arrival date would make that possibility a little less likely.

The other piece of major speculation has centred around whether the device will get a 32GB iteration. The black Nexus 4 only came in 8GB and 16GB iterations.

The tipster who leaked the press shots to Android Police will only come with 8GB and 16GB of storage.

    


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