| Nokia's Lumia sales are up and its finances aren't quite as bad as before Jul 18th 2013, 13:46, by Kate Solomon 
Nokia has reported its latest financial results and things aren't looking quite so bad as they were a few months ago. The Finnish firm's profits are… well, they're still not in positive figures but the losses are lower than they have been for a while. Nokia says it made a loss of €115 million (around £99m, $150m, AU$165m), which is a big number, sure, but significantly smaller than Q3 2012's losses of €969 million (around £785m, $1.2bn, AU$1.2bn), for example. LumianaryThe reason being that Nokia's big restructuring project is settling down and its Lumia range is picking up pace. Nokia boasts a 32 per cent increase in Lumia volumes compared to the first portion of the year - 7.4 million devices made, to be exact, with Nokia claiming that this is "reflecting strong demand from customers for a broadened Lumia product range". For some context, July to September 2012 saw Nokia shift 2.9 million Lumias, while 4.4 million were boosted in October to December and 5.6 million in the first quarter of 2013. CEO Stephen Elop is pretty happy, saying, "Overall, Lumia volumes grew to 7.4 million in the second quarter, the highest for any quarter so far and showing increasing momentum for the ecosystem. During the third quarter, we expect that our new Lumia products will drive a significant part of our Smart Devices revenue." So there's plenty more to come from the Nokia camp. Stay tuned.     |  | Reaction: TechRadar Reacts: HTC One Mini Jul 18th 2013, 11:00, by TechRadar team 
The relentless march of the Mini Phones continues with the HTC One Mini, a not-so-mini version of the world's best phone, the HTC One. But what do your faithful TechRadar writers think of this dinky new device? Let's find out, complete with knee-jerk scores out of five. Gareth - Phones and Tablets EditorWhat's really different about the One Mini apart from it being smaller? Not a lot – and I'm even a fan of that plastic edging, as it manages to offer differentiation without seeming cheap. Sure, there's a slower processor, lower-res screen and fewer fancy parts on the camera, but HTC has done the right thing and kept the core things that made the One awesome (BoomSound, UltraPixel, aluminium shell) and will be offering them at a lower price. I do think 16GB of internal storage is just too low in this day and age – especially with all the Zoes and video highlights we can expect users to take. But overall, it's a stunning phone that has a real chance of cleaning up the mid-range market… and that's one that will include the 'cheaper' iPhone later this year. Knee-jerk score: 4.5
Follow Gareth on Twitter Patrick - UK Editor in ChiefI'll start with the great big caveat that I'm highly unlikely to ever plump for the 'mini' version of the phone because I actively like a bigger screen, but from the looks of things the HTC One mini has a lot going for it. Making sure that it keeps the cool design of its big brother is a great move and, on the whole, the decision to make this look and feel like a different size option, rather than a class below, is a positive one. Knee-jerk score: 4 Follow Patrick on Twitter Kate - News EditorI don't know if you know this about me, but I am quite small. My hands are quite small and my face isn't much bigger. So when I was using an HTC One in the pub a couple of weeks ago my friends literally laughed in my face when I put it to my ear because the handset is nearly as big as my head. So yeah, I'm in favour of the cut-down screen size. What I'm not in favour of is the cut-down storage size - it doesn't take long to fill up 16GB these days - or the still pretty hefty price tag. I could definitely live without BlinkFeed too, thanks. But it's a gorgeous looking phone and I really like the HTC One, so as long as that dual-core Snapdragon 400 can keep up with me, I'm on board. Knee-jerk score: 4
Follow Kate on Twitter John - Phones and Tablets WriterI was impressed when I picked up the Galaxy S4 Mini last month as it was a great improvement on its predecessor but the HTC One Mini looks like its gone - and pardon the pun here - one further with its lush metal body and classy Sense overlay. For all the good things though I really wish there was a microSD slot as that 16GB of storage is going to fill up fast, especially if you're addicted to the Zoe and Highlights features. Oh, and I'm still not sold on the whole UltraPixel business, just give me an 8MP rear snapper thanks. Knee-jerk score: 4.5
Follow John on Twitter Hugh - Staff WriterIt's tough to find an argument against the HTC One Mini. By putting its bigger sibling in an even sleeker package - what's not to love? Given HTC's less-than-stellar profits for the second quarter, let's hope the Mini is here to give it a leg-up. Sure, there are still a few niggling issues with the Mini – the sliced storage is particularly annoying if you're a space hoarder like me - but if I ever break out of my iPhone ways, I guarantee this is the handset I'll be reaching for. Knee-jerk score: 4.5 Follow Hugh on Twitter Dan - Associate EditorWOOOOOOOOO! That's pretty much my view of the original HTC One. I think it's a terrific smartphone, and if I wasn't so embedded in iOS, it's the phone I would have. But I feel like the Mini is an unwelcome sullying of the HTC One's supreme wonderment - not to mention the fact I think all this Mini-ing of handsets is a bit of a snoozeworthy idea. The spec sheet just shouts COMPROMISE. In the end though, it will be the (hopefully decent) price that dictates whether the HTC One Mini is a phone you should consider. After all, it still has the great HTC One aluminium unibody, so it looks the part at least. Knee-jerk score: 3.5
Follow Dan on Twitter James - Reviews EditorI don't like this new trend for 'mini' versions of mobile devices. It's a similar phenomenon to Hollywood's sequelitis and assumes that we're all too stupid to choose a midrange phone unless it's equated with a flagship product. But maybe the truth is that we are all that stupid, because if the iPad mini and Samsung Galaxy S Minis hadn't sold well, and if we weren't all gullible enough to go and see predictably terrible Terminator sequels at the cinema, they wouldn't exist. So yeah, the HTC One Mini looks like a pretty great midrange handset – the best, even. But I'd wait for the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Mini if I were you, rumour has it it'll come with free tickets to see Sharknado 2. Knee-jerk score: 3 Follow James on Twitter Total knee-jerk score: 4    | | In Depth: HTC One Mini release date: Where can I get it? Jul 18th 2013, 09:54, by Hugh Langley 
The world's best mobile phone has been through the shrinker and out the other end has popped the HTC One Mini. Classy and compact, the Mini houses a 4.3-inch 720p display, dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor with 1GB of RAM, and 16GB of internal storage. Right now, the phone is expected to arrive on shelves in August and we've been told it will likely be available for free on contacts from £25-£27 per month. But where can you expect to pick one up? Well, let us tell you... Phones 4U - Old faithful Phones 4U confirmed that it will be making the HTC One Mini available when it lands later this year, although it isn't giving any details beyond that for the time being. O2 - O2 took to Twitter to announce that it would also be stocking the HTC One Mini. "You WANT? We GOT. HTC One Mini, coming to O2 soon". That's solid confirmation, right there. It's yet to confirm pricing and tariffs, however. Vodafone - The big red network told us that it will be getting the Mini, and we can expect it to be offered from August. Vodafone also confirmed this over on its blog, in case you needed any reassurance. EE - As the HTC One Mini is 4G capable, it's good news that EE has said it will be offering the handset. It's currently not offering any details on pricing of date of availability - but hold tight, as we're sure to hear more soon. More to follow...     | | HTC One Mini launches as metal-clad Galaxy S4 Mini rival Jul 18th 2013, 08:41, by John McCann 
The HTC One Mini has been officially unveiled as the pint-sized version of the Taiwanese firm's show-stopping HTC One flagship device. Obviously the clear rival to the One Mini is the Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini, and that means you can expect the same level of cut down specs in HTC's latest offering. What you get is a 4.3-inch 720p display, 1.4GHz dual-core processor, 1GB of RAM, 16GB of internal storage, 2um (UltraPixel) rear camera (4MP in old money), 1.6MP front cam and 4G connectivity wrapped in a mainly metallic body with a plastic frame keeping the front and back together. That means it's got a roughly similar look and feel to the HTC One, which is certainly a good thing in our book, and with vital statistics of 132 x 63.2 x 9.25mm and 122g it should fit nicely in your palm. S4 Mini killer?In terms of the other goodies you can expect to find inside the One Mini it comes running Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean with HTC's Sense UI splashed on top, including the new BlinkFeed news aggregator which debuted on its bigger brother. We're a little worried about the 16GB of internal storage considering there's no microSD slot, something the S4 Mini does have, and the fact HTC has popped its Zoe and Highlights features into the One Mini which are a little storage hungry. As with the flagship model, the HTC One Mini comes with dual front-facing speakers complete with BoomSound technology, plus there's Dr Dre's Beats Audio tech also embedded into the handset allowing you to blast your tunes. In terms of a HTC One Mini release date the handset is expected to go on sale sometime in August, and we've been told, for the UK at least, that it'll probably be available for free on contacts from £25-£27 per month. We've already been lucky enough to spend some time with the handset, so make sure you check out our hands on HTC One Mini review to find out what we make of it.     | | LG G2 moniker official as South Korean firm kills 'Optimus' Jul 18th 2013, 07:51, by Farrha Khan 
The rumour mill has been hot about the next LG Optimus G phone, and now the electronics giant has confirmed that its flagship Optimus G successor will be simply known as G2. "Our vision is to make LG's newest G devices synonymous with excellence, raising the bar even further for the ultimate in user experience," said Dr Jong-seok Park, president and CEO of LG Mobile Communications, according to a Korean newswire. "The new G2 will build upon the excellent reputation established by previous G Series products." LG has also said that its premium 4:3 display smartphones will also be rebranded as "Vu". Mysterious LGWith a firm name in place, not much else has been confirmed about the G2 except that it will be powered by the new Snapdragon 800 processor. Along with other members of the media, TechRadar has been sent a very mysterious invite for an event in New York on August 7, so we're predicting that the phone will be unveiled then. The invite says "Great 2 have you!" – making it rather easy to assume that it will probably be about the G2, though we won't know for sure until then.     | | Telstra bringing a 4G Christmas present to over 200 Aussie towns Jul 18th 2013, 07:00, by Nick Broughall 
Now that Vodafone has joined the 4G race in Australia, Telstra and Optus are lifting their game. Telstra today has promised that by Christmas, 85 per cent of Australians will have 4G coverage. More than 200 additional regional towns are destined to be bathed in LTE goodness by the end of the year, including Batemans Bay in New South Wales, Margaret River in Western Australia and Colac in Victoria, among others. Having launched first Telstra's 4G coverage map is already the widest across the country, with 66 per cent of the nation covered already and more than 2000 4G base stations deployed. But the new announcement will see another 1500 base stations upgraded by the end of the year. Not just the countryResidents of the outer suburbs in capital cities will also see some advantage to the network boost, bringing them up to speed with more than 100 regional centres around the country. ""Last August, we committed to extending our 4G coverage to 66 per cent of Australians by June 30. Having met that target, we are now committing to have superfast services in place for 85 per cent of the population by the end of the year by upgrading another 1500 base stations before Christmas," said Brendon Riley, Telstra's Chief Operations Officer in a statement. "We already offer 4G services in approximately 100 regional locations and this new expansion will take 4G services to more than 200 new towns and increase our capital city footprint across many more suburbs," Mr Riley added. Faster is always betterPerhaps to counter the message of Vodafone's 20MHz of contiguous spectrum around the country, Telstra also drew attention to its own 20MHz in Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth. 4G customers on the network in these locations will be able to experience even faster speeds with Category 4 devices like the recently announced Huawei Ascend P2. For those not wanting the P2, Telstra still has 27 other 4G devices on offer.     | | Blip: If HTC's 'little' news isn't the One Mini, we'll eat a shoe Jul 17th 2013, 23:11, by Michelle Fitzsimmons 
HTC UK is teasing the announcement of a silver something that can fit in your pocket. Yes, we know most phones can fit in your pocket, but the line "We have a 'little' bit of news tomorrow" that accompanies the photo you see above is a not-so-hard-to-read hint that we're likely in for the HTC One Mini. The corner coyly peeking out is reminiscent of the phone from whence the Mini takes its name. Other leaks have indicated we're in for a black model too, but today's twit pic shows only a silver back. Spec wise, the HTC One Mini is expected to house a 4.3-inch display with 720p, Android 4.2.2 and a 1.4GHz Snapgragon processor, among other parts, of course. The good news? We need only wait until Thursday to see what HTC has in store. More blips!Take a peek at our little bits of blips below.     | | The iPhone 5S might be suffering from a, er, size problem Jul 17th 2013, 20:40, by Michael Rougeau 
Apple upped the iPhone screen to 4 inches with the iPhone 5, and now it may enlarge it once again with the iPhone 5S. A report from Taiwanese newspaper Commercial Times (via Bloomberg) this week claimed that the iPhone 5S will feature a display stretching...wait for it...4.3 inches. It's not an earth shattering growth spurt, but that change has reportedly caused delays that could see the phone's launch pushed back to the end of the year. This latest claim contradicts previous reports that the iPhone 5S will maintain the iPhone 5's 4-inch display and debut in September or October. Delays, it seems, are striking a few iDevices. Cheap iPhone strikes again While we're eagerly awaiting more news of the next iPhone, whispers of Apple's rumored cheap iPhone continue to whir through the interwebs.
Today BGR published photos picked up by way of Sonny Dickson that purportedly show the chassis of a light green budget iPhone next to the iPhone 5. The two devices appear to be of a similar size, though the cheaper, plastic iPhone shell looks slightly thicker. The site claims that the cheap iPhone will launch alongside the iPhone 5S this fall, an assertion we've heard before. But if the iPhone 5S really is delayed until the end of 2013, where does that leave the budget iPhone? Will Apple delay that too or will they launch the cheap version in the fall, giving it some breathing room before unleashing the 5S? We're clearly facing an existential crisis over this, so please Apple, could you hurry up? - The next iOS is almost here - check out TechRadar's iOS 7 hub for all the latest on new system.
    | | Blip: Google is treating press to breakfast July 24, will Android 4.3 be on the menu? Jul 17th 2013, 16:54, by Michelle Fitzsimmons 
Mmm, breakfast. Google is shipping out press invites to a morning meal with Android and Chrome Chief Sundar Pinchai next Wednesday, or July 24 for you calendar nuts. While breaking bread with Mr. Pinchai sounds pleasant enough, we're honestly more interested in what Mountain View has in store. We know you are too. The convergence of circumstances point to the unveiling of Android 4.3, the next flavor of Jelly Bean. Everything we've heard about 4.3 says that it won't be a major update, but it sounds like we can expect serious camera app attention, extra Bluetooth support and a fluffing of the notifications system. Whoot. There are plenty of hardware rumors humming around Google as well, and while it seems a little too early for the Moto X to take a bow, we won't rule out that possibility (or the Nexus 7 2) until we've finished our orange juice. The 9 a.m. event will be streamed via YouTube, so grab a scone and munch along. More blips!Blips, they're what's for breakfast. And lunch. And dinner. And Fourth Meal.     | | iPhone graphics designer: photorealism on smartphones just a few years away Jul 17th 2013, 15:26, by Hugh Langley 
If photorealism is the ultimate goal for gaming, then we could be nearing end times. According to the head of Imagination Technologies, the company behind the iPhone 5's PowerVR GPU, ray tracing technology is about to completely revolutionise graphics in the mobile space. Ray tracing is able to recognise and interpret the way light interacts with objects, calculating how much is absorbed by the surface, and resulting in a highly-defined level of realism. "Ultimately this technology is destined for mobile," said Sir Hossein Yassaie. "I think you'll begin to see that technology in a couple of years. "It will just go from here to higher performance, smaller and better [devices]." Yassaie added that while we could be enjoying the benefits in two years, the technology may not reach its full potential for "three to five years". "Within five years it will be in everything that matters," he said. Imagining the possibilitiesOf course, it won't just be about mobile. Ray tracing will be huge across all areas, including tablets and games consoles where Yassaie believes the technology will take off first. Imagination acquired Caustic Graphics, the developer of real-time ray tracing technology, back in 2010, and has already started shipping the technology on chipsets. Imagination's designs currently appear in a wide range of products on the consumer market, from phones and tablets to TVs and radios. You can read TechRadar's full interview with Sir Hossein Yassaie about ray tracing technology right here.     | | Fingerprint reader for iPhone 5S, Liquidmetal for iPhone 6? Jul 17th 2013, 15:01, by Hugh Langley 
The leaks are picking up as we edge closer to the expected launch of the iPhone 5S, and some new leaked production shots, along with some juicy info, might start to give us a clearer idea of what's behind the veil. While it doesn't look like there's a lot new happening on the outside of the phone, information provided alongside the pictures claims that the iPhone will have an NFC chip, a fingerprint reader, and a 4-inch 1136x640 Sharp IGZO display. A 12-megapixel camera was also touted, alongside that dual LED flash that we clocked a little while ago. The new display should not only provide a sharper quality image but also be a lot less intense on the battery. We wouldn't take any of this as gospel, of course, but nothing here is beyond what we're already been hearing about the phone. "Pssht, we're over it. What about iPhone 6?"And while we're on the subject, Apple might be looking to use Liquidmetal on future iPhones and iPads - or perhaps even an iWatch.  A patent awarded to Crucible Intellectual Property, the company that represents Apple's licensing deal with Liquidmetal Technologies, describes a new production approach that could see the material used to produce sheets up to 3 meters wide and between 0.1mm and 25mm thick. Right now, the material has only been used in the SIM-ejector tool as its use for anything bigger has been restricted by production-based issues. The iPhone 5S is rumoured to begin the production process this month, with an expectation that we might see it around the September/October time so long as no spanners get thrown in the works. Via 9to5Mac and Engadget     | | Brit Week: Three and Vodafone's 4G ads branded 'confusing' and 'not the truth' Jul 17th 2013, 12:00, by John McCann 
In a week where we're celebrating the great and good of British technology, warning shots have been fired by the boss of EE who fears consumers risk being confused about 4G. At the end of June Vodafone and EE came to blows over the former's decision to brand McLaren F1 cars with "Ultrafast 4G" livery at the British Grand Prix - and TechRadar has spoken to Olaf Swantee, EE CEO about the whole shebang. "It think it was very bad that Vodafone did that. Why would you put on a car that 4G has arrived? It's the British GP, they have 4G in some other places. It's really confusing customers if you do that," he said. Who does that?"I would not do that. I would not say today we have this, but it's only actually there in six months or a year from now. I would not do that." It's not just Vodafone who Swantee has a bone to pick with, as Three has also stepped into the EE boss' firing line. "I think Vodafone's ad is confusing, it's frankly not the truth. It's confusing the customers, similar to the Three advertising. Have you seen the Three advertising? 3.9, blah blah blah, 3.9 it's close to 4G. What is that?" There's a deeper ethical issue at play here and it's something that Swantee doesn't believe some of its rivals are considering. Very, very, very unclear"We have an obligation now to be authentic, you have to be in the UK market nowadays. You probably could've got away with it 10 years ago, but not today. "Nowadays I think brands have to be authentic at what they do and I think Vodafone and Three have that obligation as well. I think they are, with their advertising, very, very, very unclear and they are not authentic and real to what they really have." EE is obviously defending its position as the only carrier to offer 4G in the UK at the moment and it's eager to build up its superfast reputation as much as it can before its rivals launch their own LTE services in the coming months.     | |
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