Tuesday, 20 August 2013

Review TechRadar: Phone and communications news 08-20-2013

TechRadar: Phone and communications news
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HTC One should nab the Android 4.3 update by the end of September
Aug 20th 2013, 11:20, by Kate Solomon

HTC One should nab the Android 4.3 update by the end of September

HTC has confirmed that it will release the Android 4.3 update for the HTC One just as soon as the software is certified - which it reckons should mean a late September roll-out.

Tweeting in the style of a 13-year-old, HTC president Jason Mackenzie said:

"Lots of questions re 4.3 release for One. We r wrking hard (needs cert) to release 4.3 across all US, Canada skus by end Sept. DNA as well."

Wrking not twrking

We're no scientitians here at TechRadar, but we thought we'd run the tweet through the ol' translationiser for the grown-ups among us. Here's what came out:

"We've had a lot of questions from customers about the Android 4.3 (Jelly Bean) release for the HTC One.

"Here at HTC we are working hard to release the 4.3 update to handsets in the US and Canada by the end of September 2013.

"The software currently needs certification before we can start rolling it out. It's a real pain in the neck getting Android updates to play nice with various carriers' handsets as well as getting Sense working perfectly with it, hence the slight hold-up."

We may have added that last bit. No word on when the rest of the world can expect the Android 4.3 roll-out to hit their HTC Ones but we don't imagine it'd be too far behind the North American launch.

If you're desperate to get your hands on an HTC One with Android 4.3 aboard before autumn rolls round, you can always get the Google edition handset which comes without Sense but with the latest software from the Android camp.


    






QuickRadar: Video: Why would anyone buy BlackBerry?
Aug 20th 2013, 10:54, by Owen Hughes

QuickRadar: Video: Why would anyone buy BlackBerry?

Is it all over for BlackBerry? With word that the company is up for sale, the future looks more uncertain than ever for the iconic smartphone creator.

But with a rich heritage bursting with contacts, patents and products, BlackBerry is ripe for the picking. The question is: does anyone want it?

It's the topic up for debate in this week's QuickRadar. Check it out below, then let us know what you think in the comments.

FutTv : F17M5A1Kp091U

More QuickRadar!

Hungry for more bite-sized bursts of tech? More QuickRadars await...


    






Blip: Instagram outlaws apps with 'Insta' and 'Gram' in their names
Aug 20th 2013, 09:08, by Kate Solomon

Blip: Instagram outlaws apps with 'Insta' and 'Gram' in their names

All powerful, Facebook-owned photo app Instagram has suddenly decided that apps connected to its service can no longer use "insta" or "gram" in their names.

It says that, "use of "insta" and "gram" for an application that works with Instagram is harmful to the Instagram brand".

Of course, being heavy-handed and doing away with a useful short-hand that gives users an idea of what an app does from its name alone are not harmful to the Instagram brand at all.

Fun fact, word fans: the -gram suffix comes from the Ancient Greek word 'gramma' meaning "written character, letter, that which is drawn". We haven't done the math on this but we're pretty sure it was around before Instagram was.

More blips!

We won't stop you using the Blip brand wherever you fancy - pick and choose your favourites from the full line-up.


    






5 best Kogan Mobile alternatives
Aug 20th 2013, 03:00, by Nick Broughall

5 best Kogan Mobile alternatives

The demise of Telstra mobile wholesaler ISPOne this week is bad news for a large number of people, but the biggest losers are no doubt Kogan Mobile customers themselves.

Kogan Mobile customers will be disconnected within 30 days, and have 180 days to port their mobile number over to another provider.

Fortunately, there are plenty of other mobile networks keen to pick up the slack left by ISPOne's downfall. Here are the five best options for disgruntled Kogan Mobile customers.

1. Aldi Mobile

Despite the fact that Aldi Mobile also had a contract with ISPOne, the discount supermarket chain's mobile network has come through the fire relatively unscathed.

While Kogan Mobile customers are left to look for a new home, Aldi Mobile has managed to survive thanks to an interim agreement between Telstra and Aldi's supplier arm, Medion.

Given the similarities between Kogan and Aldi Mobile's pricing before the ISPOne collapse, this may seem like the best option on the market.

The catch though is that the arrangement is an interim agreement, which means things can (and probably will) change after the interim period is over and Medion has to sit down to renegotiate its position with Telstra.

Of course, so long as you don't mind swapping pre-paid suppliers when the terms and conditions change, this option still offers unlimited talk and text plus 5GB of data for $35 a month.

2. Boost Mobile

Boost Mobile is in a rather unique position in the prepaid market. It uses Telstra's 3G network, but because it's owned by Telstra, it doesn't actually have to go through the process of paying a third party wholesaler to access the network.

This means that there's a certain level of security in using its network without fear of being kicked off when the wholesaler packs its bags. That kind of peace of mind is sure to be of comfort to anyone leaving Kogan Mobile.

It's more expensive than Aldi Mobile, to be sure, but it's far from being poor value. $40 a month offers unlimited talk and text, with up to 3GB of data included as well.

So if security in a network is important, this is probably one of the better options.

3. Amaysim

Both Boost and Aldi Mobile use Telstra's 3G network for connectivity, but if you prefer your connection with a more Optus flavour, Amaysim is a very enticing dish.

Bundling unlimited talk and text, plus 4GB of data for $40 a month, its pricing is pretty much on par with the other offerings here.

Amaysim also offers the freedom to choose between prepaid and postpaid with no lock in contracts, which can make life a little bit easier for anyone who forgets to recharge on a regular basis.

It's a solid service that's both affordable and simple, and well worth your money if you're looking for a similar deal to Kogan Mobile.

4. Woolworths Mobile

If you hog the data on your smartphone without needing too much in the way of phone calls, it might be worth considering the other supermarket chain's mobile network, Woolworths Mobile.

Using the Optus Network, Woolworths Mobile offers a $29 prepaid deal which includes 5GB of data and $500 worth of talk and text, including $250 to any Woolworths or Optus number and $250 to any other number, excluding Pivotel.

The other big advantage of this offering is the 45 day expiry, which gives you a longer time frame to use your paid-for data.

It may not be the best option for heavy talkers, but for data drinkers it's hard to beat for pure, unadulterated value for money.

There's also a $49 option that doubles the talk and text, but keeps the 5GB data limit.

5. Optus

Optus was the first major telco to jump on the announcement of Kogan Mobile's demise, by offering a special Optus three month deal to anyone porting their number over to Optus.

Anyone who signs up to Optus prepaid before the end of September gets double the talk allowance and double data for their first three recharges over $30.

That turns Optus' original offerings - which were comparatively pretty average - into a much more competitive offering, for three months at least.

For $50 a month, new Optus customers will get up to 900 minutes of talk time and 5GB of data for those first three recharges. After that, it will drop back down to 450 minutes and 2.5GB of data.

The other benefit of the Optus plan is that unlike all the others mentioned, Optus is offering 4G connectivity as part of the plan, as well as benefits like Qantas frequent flyer points.

  • Need a new phone to accompany your new mobile network? Here are the 20 best mobile phones in the world today.

    






YouTube Android update brings in-app multitasking, playlist searches
Aug 20th 2013, 02:38, by Matt Swider

YouTube Android update brings in-app multitasking, playlist searches

Google refreshed its YouTube Android app today with update v5.0.21, enabling in-app multitasking, playlist searches and expanded Chromecast support.

Multitasking is particularly helpful. It allows users to minimize videos by flicking the screen in a downward motion, putting the still playing YouTube video in the bottom right corner.

With the video out of the way, users can reach all of the menus within the app without having to close what they're watching.

Previously, the search menu partially covered up the running video and closed what was playing as soon as you selected the search term.

Returning the video to its normal full-screen state is just as simple. It requires making the opposite gesture - flicking the video up - from the bottom right corner. Sliding the video to the left closes it.

Android YouTube update

Playlist searches

In-app multitasking is incredibly slick in the new YouTube Android update, and what you can do in the app is now more accessible.

Public playlists can be searched as an option next to sifting through videos and channels.

Accessing your own playlists, history, favorites, uploads and watch later queue is also easier thanks to a slideout menu common among other apps like Google+ and Facebook.

Finally, thumbs up, thumbs down and the flag buttons are below all videos instead of hidden within an annoying downward arrow. Channel owners seeking more thumbs up votes and users looking to rate videos should appreciate this.

Android YouTube update

Google Chromecast Now

Google hasn't beefed up its very limited Chromecast app support just yet, but the company is improving the way YouTube on Android interacts with the media streaming device.

When extending the YouTube app to Chromecast, selecting a new video will bring about a floating menu with options to play it immediately or add the video to the TV queue.

This Google Now-like card user interface also contains relevant information about the video including a photo, the channel name, how many views it has so far, likes and dislikes, and the description.

Android YouTube update

When can you download update v5.0.21?

Google hasn't pushed its latest YouTube app update out to all Android devices, but the APK has made its rounds for those who can't wait thanks to Android Police.

Even though it isn't fully available in the Google Play store just yet, we can confirm that it works on the new Nexus 7 flawlessly, taking full advantage of the tablet's 7-inch screen and 2.3 million pixels.

We asked Google when we can expect an iOS update with similar functions and we will update this story when we hear back.


    






Samsung Galaxy Gear smartwatch said to 'work with phones,' but phone in calls
Aug 19th 2013, 23:59, by Matt Swider

Samsung Galaxy Gear smartwatch said to 'work with phones,' but phone in calls

Those smartphone-on-a-watch rumors are thought to be phony, as an unconfirmed smartwatch from Samsung only "works with phones," according to a new report today.

That would make the Samsung Galaxy Gear a companion gadget used in conjunction with an existing smartphone and not able to make calls on its own, according to The Verge.

Instead, Bluetooth and NFC could enable this Samsung smartwatch make the wrist-to-handset connection.

Pebble and Sony's forthcoming Smartwatch 2 work much the same way, as they too lack an independent SIM card and cellular radio.

IFA had a Samsung Galaxy Gear

The Samsung Galaxy Gear smartwatch is expected to debut before long, with speculation pointing to IFA 2013 in a few weeks.

Right before the German technology conference begins, Samsung is holding an "Unpacked" event on Sept. 4, asking invitees to "Note the date."

"Note the date" naturally references the expected Samsung Galaxy Note 3 phablet unveiling.

But the company could also debut its smartwatch just in case it fears that Apple will pull a "one more thing" announcement of the iWatch a few days later on Sept. 10.

Every inch of the smartphone market

Samsung's smartwatch may not make calls by itself, but that's OK. The company has plenty of smartphones, including four previously unknown devices that appear in a shipping manifest dug up by a blog dedicated to the manufacturer, SamMobile.

Samsung is literally flooding every inch of the smartphone market, with the list pointing to 4-inch, 4.5-inch, 5-inch and 5.2-inch devices under the respective model numbers SM-G730A, SM-G3815, SM-G9105 and SM-G7102.

The 4-inch version will have a WVGA (800 x 480) resolution, and the 4.5-inch model will sport a qHD (540 x 960) resolution, according to the blog.

If all of these devices end up being surprise announcements at IFA 2013, Samsung's press conference may need to eschew "one more thing" in favor of "five more things."


    






Blip: Nixed messages: Moto X won't offer custom engraving at launch
Aug 19th 2013, 22:38, by Michelle Fitzsimmons

Blip: Nixed messages: Moto X won't offer custom engraving at launch

Have dreams of inscribing a special message on your Moto X?

You'll have to put those on hold, at least if you were planning on ordering the new handset at launch. According to Computerworld and PCWorld's JR Raphael, custom engravings won't be available for the spanking new device when it starts rolling out in the U.S. later this week.

Raphael posted the news on his Google+ profile, explaining that printing quality during beta testing wasn't up to par, causing Motorola to hold off until it could work out the kinks. A spokesperson said the option would be available soon, he wrote, and the company has confirmed the engraving halt to several publications.

We've asked Motorola for more on the situation, and we'll update with more info as it becomes available.

More blips!

Here's one message you won't have issues deciphering: Read more blips!


    






HTC One Developer Edition to update to Android 4.3, leapfrogging 4.2.2
Aug 19th 2013, 22:06, by Matt Swider

HTC One Developer Edition to update to Android 4.3, leapfrogging 4.2.2

The better-late-than-never Verizon HTC One is releasing this month with Android 4.2.2, making many owners of the phone's premium Developer Edition upset that they're stuck with Android 4.1.2.

"How is it possible that the Verizon One will launch with 4.2.2 when us Dev Edition buyers are still stuck on 4.1!? Frustrating!" tweeted one of those irritated owners, Joshua Wein.

Turns out, Jason Mackenzie, president of global sales at HTC, was listening and actually responded with some good news for Wein and all HTC One Developer Edition owners. It'll have stock Android 4.3: Jelly Bean soon.

"We definitely care and want you to have a great experience. [4.]2.2 is minor update so decided to go straight to 4.3," tweeted Mackenzie.

Giving extra reason for skipping Android 4.2.2, he added "because 4.3 is so close. And 2.2 offered limited customer benefit."

HTC One 4.3 update release date

HTC One Google Developer Edition owners are missing out on features like Photosphere, Daydream screensavers, Swype-like gesture typing and multiple user profiles.

However, these features will soon be joined by the benefits of Android 4.3 including Bluetooth low energy support, restricted profiles and autocomplete on dialpad.

The wait won't be too long, either.

"Our plan/target (since certification is necessary) is that all U.S. skus will be updated before September end," announced Mackenzie on Twitter.

"Our target is before Sept end. I am pushing this one and hope it can be earlier. But sometimes unknowns can arise."

Paying a premium for the HTC One Dev Edition smartphone does have its perks... eventually.

  • Read our review of the Nexus 7 tablet, which launched with Android 4.3.

    






Could the HTC One Max come carrying a fingerprint scanner?
Aug 19th 2013, 21:06, by Michelle Fitzsimmons

Could the HTC One Max come carrying a fingerprint scanner?

Robert Downey Jr. didn't herald its arrival (yet), but a new leak may give us a peak at something we've yet to hear about on the HTC One Max.

Some pictures posted to Chinese website ePrice purportedly show the One Max towering over the HTC One Mini and HTC One. Average enough for a leak, but smack on the back of the Max is a previously unseen black square.

Sitting below the camera, ePrice noted the blotch might be a fingerprint scanner. It carries inklings of the one found on the Motorola Atrix, though that device's scanner sat at the top at an angle, whereas this finger reader (if that's what it is) lies flat on the rear casing.

As reported by Android Community, ePrice's source makes mention that the black box is a fingerprint scanner, but beyond taking this person's word for it, there's not a whole lot to stand on.

Yeah, so...

ePrice previously leaked photos of what it contended was the HTC One Max, though those images only captured the front of the phone. We've also seen an alleged blueprint design of the larger One, and that draw-up is devoid of anything reminiscent of a reader.

As TechRadar U.S. Mobile Devices Editor Marc Flores put it, the "scanner" in today's leak is "big and ugly," and doesn't seem like something HTC would include, especially following the HTC One's generally loved design.

However, while this photo could be nothing more than a fake, there are a few pieces of contextual evidence that give us pause in thinking HTC may just pack the Max with more than a rumored 5.9-inch display and 3300mAh battery.

For one, Apple is heavily reported to include a fingerprint scanner in the upcoming iPhone 5S. HTC may have caught wind of the development (or vice versa) and decided the Max could do with one, too.

Additionally, the scanner we're seeing here looks very much like the one belonging to the just-launched Pantech Vega LTE-A. In other words, it's not a total outlier, if indeed the real deal.

With IFA around the corner, we could find the HTC One Max marching through the show's halls in just a few weeks time. Whether it treks to Berlin with a fingerprint scanner, we'll just have to wait and see.

  • Think you're caught up with all there is to know about the iPhone 6?

    






Nokia to steal a march on rivals with 6-inch Windows Phone handset?
Aug 19th 2013, 20:22, by Chris Smith

Nokia to steal a march on rivals with 6-inch Windows Phone handset?

There's been plenty of talk about a Nokia Windows Phone phablet in recent months, but things just got a little more serious thanks to some reportedly leaked specs that surfaced on Monday.

According to The Verge, the Finnish manufacturer plans to launch the 6-inch handset, currently codenamed 'Bandit' later this year, in an already release-heavy 2013 for the company.

The report claimed the device will have a Full HD 1080p display, which will enable an extra column of Windows Phone live tiles on the home screen.

On top of that, Nokia may look to include a 20-megapixel camera (which a Lumia 925-like 'hump' on the rear) and a Qualcomm quad-core processor.

1080p wave

According to the report, it'll be the first of a wave of 1080p Windows Phone devices, with Microsoft currently making adjustments to the OS to facilitate the changing of the guard.

The Verge claimed the 'Bandit' will feature a polycarbonate body and will retain a thin and light build.

Late last week, Nokia seemed to confirm a phablet is indeed on the way when Chris Weber, Nokia's executive VP of sales and marketing, took a thinly veiled dig at Samsung on Twitter.

He wrote: "Samsung take note, next generation Lumia coming soon," he tweeted. Not so cryptic.


    






Double duty: Key Apple supplier pegged to ship two iPhone models this fall
Aug 19th 2013, 20:04, by Lbrown

Double duty: Key Apple supplier pegged to ship two iPhone models this fall

We've heard so much about the rumored-to-be-released iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C that it feels like the devices are already available. Alas, here's a bit more news about Apple's still-fabled devices.

The good news is with Apple's supposed Sept. 10 unveiling event just a few weeks away, it sounds like both phones will become a reality.

According to the Wall Street Journal, sources have revealed the Cupertino-based company has tasked its supplier, Hon Hai Precision (a.k.a. Foxconn) with delivering two different iPhones next month.

It's a bit of a change in how Apple has done things in the past, but with Apple, Samsung, Sony, HTC and Google all vying for a cut of that smartphone userbase, a change just might do the fruity firm some good.

Two is better than one

Apple has traditionally stuck with just the one model of iPhone per year since the device launched, while competitors have recently opted to double-, triple-, or even quadruple-down with mobile phones.

Samsung has already released the Galaxy S4, S4 Mini, S4 Active, S4 Zoom and has the Galaxy Mega dropping before the end of the month.

The same could be said for HTC and Sony, which have each delivered standard versions of flagship phones (HTC One, Xperia Z) and variants designed to capture more of the market (HTC One Mini, Xperia L).

Apple's rumored plans have been poorly guarded, with both the flagship iPhone 5S and budget-friendly iPhone 5C making waves for months.

While other manufacturers have seemingly been pumping out phone after phone after phone, Apple has been content to stick with its annual releases, though that slow pace has drawn some concerned looks from Apple's board.

Still, while Samsung is reportedly readying its Galaxy Gear smartwatch for a September debut, Apple's focus on phones rather than hybrid devices may actually give the company a bit of a focused edge.

Gilded age

Of course, adding a second iPhone to the slate isn't the only way Apple is believed to be dramatically adjusting its smartphone strategy.

AllThingsD is reporting the golden iPhone 5S is going to make its grand debut during Apple's September event, which will give the device a new color scheme for the first time since white was added to the mix with the iPhone 3G.

There is plenty of support for this rumored device, including how the design will actually look, and that the golden hue will resemble a champagne color more than the mineral.

The side and rear of the iPhone 5S will sport a golden frame, while the front will remain the now standard white, with the top and bottom edges of the rear also featuring white highlights.

According to the site's report, gold is being added for multiple reasons, with its ease in anodizing and the recent uptick in gold jewelery sales in China among the leading factors.

Even if adding a new color scheme and a budget model aren't terribly innovative decisions, Apple is banking on these small differences to help boost slowing smartphone sales.


    






'Honami'-snapped photos leak amid rumors of September launch
Aug 19th 2013, 18:55, by Michael Rougeau

'Honami'-snapped photos leak amid rumors of September launch

It's been a long and leaky road for the Sony "Honami," rumored to be the Xperia i1, but it could finally arrive in the coming weeks.

Mark your calendars - according to Bloomberg, Sony's next Xperia flagship will launch at an event on Sept. 4, just before IFA 2013 kicks off in Berlin.

The site says the Xperia Honami will feature tech borrowed from both Sony televisions and Sony cameras, including Bravia TV picture enhancement chips and sensors from Cyber-shots.

That falls right in line with rumors that the Xperia i1 will sport advanced features like 4K video and a powerful 20-megapixel camera.

Say 'cheese'

Meanwhile, some photos allegedly taken with the Honami appeared online over the weekend at RBMen (via Xperia blog), providing a hint of what that camera can do.

A beach shot at sunset shows off some impressively deep blacks and vibrant hues, while photos of some friends apparently at dinner look more like your standard camera phone shots.

Honami leak photo

The photos reportedly appeared on Picasa, the Google photo app that revealed they were taken with the Sony C6903, Honami's rumored model number.

But they weren't even shot with the device's full 20 megapixels - these were apparently taken with the Honami's camera set at just 8 megapixels.

With all the leaks, it may feel like there's nothing left to learn about the next Sony Xperia phone, but we'll keep an eye out for announcements in the coming weeks anyway. That's our job, after all.


    






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