| Blip: Samsung's trademarking spree throws up S Musician and other mysterious names Jul 30th 2013, 14:14, by Kate Solomon 
Over at Samsung HQ, they've just filed for a bunch of new trademarks that could hold clues to future Samsung products. While the fairly boring-sounding Samsung Micro, Samsung Expo and Samsung Pro could be business-type products, we're more interested in a few others. Could the Samsung Fit be a fitness-focused smartwatch? Does the Mobile Samsung 5G name mean Samsung is nearly ready for 5G? Exactly what is an S MUSICIAN? Is that what we should classify Jay-Z as now? More blips!TechRadar's blips are a Magna Carter Holy Grail, of sorts. Not really. They're better.     |  | HTC predicts first loss in years, but One selling better than ever Jul 30th 2013, 11:55, by Kate Solomon 
HTC isn't having the best time of things lately; despite creating what is currently the world's best phone, its finances have taken a hefty knock over the past years and now, for the first time, the Taiwanese company is predicting that it will make a loss by the end of September. It's not the HTC One that's to blame, though; the much-admired handset is selling by the bucketload - better, in fact, than all of last year's hero products, which included the HTC One X, combined. The company's CFO Chialin Chang explained, "If you compare the HTC One - in terms of sell-out, in terms of our internal data - to the combined hero products we had over the same period last year, it's actually performed better." WoeBut it hasn't managed to rescue HTC from financial woes, which the company says are the result of higher costs and the flushing out of "ageing products" from its line-up. Over the next three months, the company expects its revenue to fall by up to 30% - it thinks it will bring in somewhere between NT$50bn ($1.7bn) and NT$60bn ($2bn). That's compared to the second quarter's revenue of NT$70.7 billion ($2.3 bn), and it's quite a dip. However, HTC says it isn't too worried. CEO Peter Chou promises some more mid-range phone launches before the year is out (to supplement the excellent HTC One Mini) and the company is about to pump millions into marketing - can it turn things around? We sure hope so.     | | LG goes crazy and unveils cases for G2... before it's launched Jul 30th 2013, 09:28, by Hugh Langley 
August 7 is the date in our diary for the unveiling of the LG G2, but the South Korean firm has already gone official on a new range of cases for the flagship smartphone. The QuickWindow case is named for its "window" opening that lets you see information on screen without needing to open the cover. As the photo shows, there are a number of things that can be displayed on QuickWindow, including details of incoming calls and messages, and a range of widgets such as a clock, alarm, weather updates and a music player. UndercoverThe covers come in 7 different colours – black, white, pink, purple, blue, mint and yellow. And, as LG tells us, the whole rainbow range will be available with the launch of the LG G2. There's not a great deal more information we can tease out about the phone itself, other than it's shaped, you know, totally normally and exactly how we expected. We will say, however, that it's a bit odd to see a case announced officially before the phone. But hey, LG is a maverick and who are we to question its methods? TechRadar will be at the big event on August 7 to bring you all the news of the G2 as it breaks.   | | Kogan Mobile is hiking up its budget prepaid plans Jul 30th 2013, 04:07, by Farrha Khan 
Kogan Mobile has today announced that it will be increasing the price of its prepaid mobile plans starting from August 1. Launched in December 2012, Kogan Mobile landed in hot water earlier this year when it took ISPOne to court for dumping hundreds of its customers for purportedly violating the air use policy of the "unlimited" data plans. Soon after, it changed parts of its policies and began listing its pricing as a limited time offer valid until July 31. Kogan takes a hikeKogan Mobile's new prices, effective from August 1, sees the lower-tier plans slugged with the most increases, though all the inclusions remain the same. The Data 30 plan jumps from $9.99 to $14.99 per 30 days, while the Access 30 jumps from $29 to $39 per 30 days. Access 90 gets an increase of $20, jumping from $79 to $99 for 90 days use. Kogan Mobile's Access 365 has the lowest price increase, jumping from $299 to $349, which really only works out to be an extra 8 cents per day. "We are proud to continue to offer the best pre-paid deals in the Australian market, and we will work hard to continue to further improve our offering," Kogan wrote on its website, announcing the new prices. You can also check out the changes to its policies on the same page. These changes means that Kogan Mobile's pricing is more in line with Aldi Mobile pricing, but Kogan does still offer higher data inclusions.     | | iOS 7 beta code points to fingerprint scanner landing in future iPhone Jul 29th 2013, 20:37, by Lbrown 
The most recent version of the iOS 7 beta has arrived, prompting plenty of developers to go digging and see what Apple has in store for the latest iteration of its mobile operating system. While there are plenty of fixes and tweaks coming, the biggest surprise came in the discovery of a new folder dubbed "BiometricKitUI." Either undetected or not present in earlier versions of the beta, the new folder includes code strings detailing how the iPhone will be able to recognize a user through a sensor in the home button. Though the code doesn't offer any clues as to whether this feature will be implemented in the iPhone 5S or the iPhone 6, it certainly appears as if all those patents and leaks may pan out sooner rather than later. 
Can you digit?The files were uncovered by Hamza Sood, whose screengrabs showed in greater detail just how this new biometric scanner would work. Though there were rumors the fingerprint scanning tech would be used in conjunction with a virtual wallet, the details present in the iOS 7 beta seem to hint at less grand schemes. According to 9to5Mac's sources, the scanner will be merely used for unlocking the iPhone, and the coding gave no indication there would be more depth to the functionality. As this is just a beta though, it's still entirely possible Apple will implement payment functions tied to biometrics at some point, however the Cupertino company may be waiting until all the kinks are worked out to introduce such a security intensive feature. 
Tweaks a leakFortunately, even if you're not upgrading to a new iPhone, iOS 7's latest beta also included a host of improvements to the existing interface. As 9to5Mac also reported, the phone call and answer buttons have been retooled a bit, with clearer instructions on how to answer or avoid an incoming call. A search bar can now be found in Reminders, AirPlay will have new icons, and the HDR function for the camera is now on the main screen instead of hidden away in options. Siri, too, joins the update parade with a new Q&A feature, but it's not really clear how it works just based on the screenshots. There will be a new button to change the resolution for iPhone-only apps on the iPad, and there will be new notifications you can choose for completed uploads as well. 
iTunes Radio readying broadcastThe latest iteration of the mobile OS wasn't the only beta pushed out this week by Apple, as developers also got their hands on iTunes 11.1. Though we already believed iTunes Radio's launch would be synonymous with iOS 7's, the latest iTunes beta features a fully-integrated version of the streaming service, meaning it shouldn't be long until everyone can enjoy Apple's answer to Spotify and other competitors. All-in-all, it's sounding quite like iOS 7 could be a major step forward for Apple, and could help the company close the gap on Android even further, or at the least give it a bit more distance from the rest of the pack.     | | Nokia prepping Treasure Tag sensor to hunt down errant items? Jul 29th 2013, 19:41, by Chris Smith 
Nokia is reportedly plotting a new Bluetooth 4.0 and NFC-based accessory that users can attach to their valuables in order to make them easily trackable through an app on their Lumia Windows Phone devices. The Verge reported on Monday plans for a small 'Treasure Tag' sensor that can be strapped to keys, applied to laptops, tablets, cameras or other household items in order to keep tabs on them. According to the sources familiar with Nokia's plans, an accompanying app would show the item on a map, informing users when they're honing in on the errant item and even use the sensor to find the phone too. The report states: "You'll also be able to locate a phone that's paired to the sensor by holding down a key on the device. The sensor will trigger a notification sound on a phone, but only if it's within range." Like 'Tile' but for Lumia?The Treasure Tag accessory will go on sale in the next few weeks, once a forthcoming firmware update for Nokia Lumia phones to support low-powered Bluetooth 4.0 arrives. The app will, presumably, follow. However the idea, although useful, isn't exactly new. The Kickstarter-funded Tile device will perform a similar task for iPhone users and will also be powered by Bluetooth. The Verge's report also says the Finns are planning more Bluetooth-based accessories once its phones are equipped with the Bluetooth 4.0 support. Are you a Lumia user with a disposition for misplacing your keys and desperate to snap up a Treasure Tag? Anyone...?     | | O2 promises to be 'Fit for 4G' with Rocky training montage-inspired teaser Jul 29th 2013, 18:30, by Chris Smith 
Everyone knows Rocky Balboa is the world's favourite underdog, so what better way for O2 to garner support for its somewhat overdue 4G LTE network launch than to channel the spirit of the Italian Stallion. In its first ad promoting the impending launch of 4G on the network 'this summer,' O2 claimed it is fighting fit and ready to challenge the UK's undisputed LTE champ Everything Everywhere. The Eye of the Tiger-style "Fit for 4G" teaser showcases an eager thumb (at least we think its a thumb...), lifting weights, running up stairs, and punching chicken nuggets before stepping into the ring. The fight sees the O2-coloured blue thumb, knock out his rival in the red corner, who could possibly represent the Vodafone network, also scheduled to debut its next-gen mobile speeds before the leaves start to drop. Just around the cornerThe video, posted to the official O2 YouTube account is "unlisted" meaning only those with the link can view it, suggesting a wider release will be coming soon as part of a larger campaign. The ad is also the first time we've seen O2's new Thumbells (dumbells for thumbs. Get it?), which are real things, aimed at improving dexterity and cutting down injuries related to smartphone use. Yes, really. David Johnson, O2's General Manager for Devices, said: "We know our customers are using their thumbs more than ever. "Data use is experiencing exponential growth and with 4G just around the corner, we want to make sure our customers are ready to make the most of what 4G will offer them." YouTube : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0opauGoRtc    | | Updated: Apple watchdog attack may have let the cheap iPhone cat out the bag Jul 29th 2013, 16:22, by Hugh Langley 
Update: Apple issued a lengthy statement to the Wall Street Journal, claiming it has conducted 15 "comprehensive audits at Pegatron facilities since 2007," tracked working hours and has been in "close contact with China Labor Watch for several months, investigating issues they've raised and sharing our findings." The company said that while it's addressed the issue of worker IDs being withheld, other claims are "new to us." It plans on sending auditors immediately to investigate. Unsurprisingly, the company doesn't address any specific product in its statement. Original article... Apple's facing more criticism over worker conditions as a watchdog report, published today, says that things just aren't too great over at the factory of supplier Pegatron. China Labor Watch reports labour violations galore, including poor working and living conditions, and the use of underage employees, following similar previous criticisms of Apple's other major supplier, Foxconn. However, in the details of the CLW report, there's also some explicit acknowledgement of Apple's fabled budget iPhone which is currently putting the rumour mill into overdrive. "During the period of our investigation, Pegatron Shanghai had begun producing the cheap iPhone," says the report. "This iPhone model with a plastic cover will soon be released on the market by Apple." Devil in the detailsWhile we certainly wouldn't call this cold hard evidence, it's probably more credible than the barrage of pictures claiming to be of the budget iPhone. The plastic handset is referenced multiple times through the report. Speaking to VentureBeat, China Labor Watch comfirmed that the report was written in July, but had been compiled starting from March. On the weekend even saw a photo claiming to be the phone's packaging, outing the handset as the iPhone 5C. If you don't buy that though, you can see what the TechRadar team reckons Apple's cheaper handset might be called when it arrives.     | | Prediction: TechRadar Predicts: What will Apple call the budget iPhone? Jul 29th 2013, 14:03, by TechRadar team 
Apple's budget iPhone cometh and every man and his dog is weighing in with rumours, predictions, speculation and badly mocked up Chinese fakes. Specs are one thing, but what the people really want to know is what Apple will call the thing - will it be the iPhone nano? The iPhone mini? The iPhone 5C? Or simply just the iPhone to confound casual Googlers? The TechRadar team has had a little think about all the possible monickers and weighed in with their two cents. What do you mean, slow news day? Gareth - Phones and Tablets EditorI'd be gobsmacked if the new phone was called the iPhone 5C, as it would need a really strong and obvious reason from Apple to make it that way. I think there's an outside chance the C could reference a variant of the phone for certain Chinese networks, such are Apple's efforts to make it in that vast nation. In truth, I just think the iPhone 5C is another blatant copy of other internet rumours that are being sold from street stalls – if Apple was (and it will) to launch a cheaper iPhone, I think something along the lines of iPhone Colo(u)r would make sense, as it wouldn't make the new handset sound cheap or nasty. Crap. That's the iPhone C, isn't it? Follow Gareth on Twitter Dan - Associate EditorJust like one of Apple's overblown launches I'm here to disappoint! If Apple is going to do a cheap iPhone, it will surely inhabit the same nameosphere as the iPad mini and be called the iPhone Mini. Despite its shiny reputation, the reality of Apple's naming conventions is really rather dull - with the possible exception of the new OS X Mavericks. After all, in iPhone Land so far we've had the iPhone, the iPhone 3G, the 3GS, the iPhone 4, the 4S and the iPhone 5 - so sorry, but a cheaper iPhone isn't likely to have an inspired title. Follow Dan on Twitter Kate - News EditorAs someone whose name is technically Catherine, I think C is a very strong letter and Apple could do a lot worse. That said, I'd be surprised if Apple goes with the iPhone 5C as a product name for two reasons: 1. C is also the first letter of the word cheap and, even when it releases a cheap-ish product, Apple doesn't want you to think of it as anything less than the best of the best. 2. It kind of sounds like a bra size. That said, iPhone 5K? I'm into that in a big way. Follow Kate on Twitter Patrick - UK Editor in ChiefAfter failing to guess the name of the new iPad and the Xbox One I'm going to hedge my bets and say none of the touted names seems all that likely. Mini/Lite and Nano all feel a bit 2010, iPhone 5C would beg the question for many consumers as to what the iPhone 5B is like and iPhone Color is going to annoy us Brits (not that that would necessarily stop Apple). iPhone AwesomeS perhaps? Follow Patrick on Twitter Hugh - Staff WriterRemember when the iPhone 3GS was announced? Nobody really knew what that S business was all about. We all assumed it stood for "speed" but Apple hasn't been crystal clear about it – even with the 4S. It's because of this that I don't think the 5C name is absurd. While Apple will probably expect us to think of it as the "iPhone Colour", it might also hope that by leaving us guessing, we'll subconsciously read it as the "iPhone Cheap". That could be subliminal advertising at its finest, folks. I call conspiracy. Follow Hugh on Twitter Marc - Deputy EditorApple won't want to mention anything about price or cheapness when it comes to the new budget-friendly iPhone, so I reckon it will go with something vanilla like iPhone Color or iPhone mini. It would be nice to see them go a little crazy and use something new like iPhone U or iPhone Pure (given that seems to be its iOS 7 ethos) but Apple is all about simplicity and usually that means going down the obvious route. Follow Marc on Twitter Wil - US Editor in ChiefAs a recent convert to the iPhone 5 (sorry Windows Phone and Android) I'm finally coming up to speed with this whole iOS thing. That said, having been a Windows Phone and Android user in the past, I do appreciate the variety of styles and colors that the iPhone's competitors boast. And while Gareth seems to think that the "C" in the iPhone 5C's name implies either "color" or "cheapness" I don't see why those two have to be mutually exclusive. Maybe the iPhone 5C is both cheap and colorful! Follow Wil on Twitter When we're not busy predicting, the TechRadar team amuses itself by reacting. Check out our knee-jerk opinions on the latest tech:     | |
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