| Huawei makes pledge to the future of Windows Phone Sep 13th 2013, 14:10, by Hugh Langley 
Although Microsoft's Nokia purchase raised a few questions about future support from other players, Chinese smartphone manufacturer Huawei has said it will continue to make Windows Phone-running devices. The Huawei Ascend W1, released earlier this year, marked the first Windows Phone 8 device from the company, which traditionally makes phones that run Android. Huawei has a big presence in China so this will be great news for the Windows platform, which will likely be using Nokia to deal more with matters in the west. Who are we?"We will continue to develop devices running Windows Phone, and launch more products," said Huawei executive Richard Ren. "We remain one of Microsoft's strategic partners." HTC and Samsung also design Windows Phone handsets of their own, but it's not certain that they'll both continue to do so into the distant future. Microsoft's Nokia deal will give it more control over the synchronisation of hardware and software although there's understandably some concern that this could negatively affect support from other manufacturers.        |  | Week in Tech: Apple cooks up double iPhone launch Sep 13th 2013, 10:00, by Gary Marshall 
From fanatical fans to hardened haters, everyone wants to know what Tim Cook's been cooking. And this month, he's mostly been cooking... fingers! Yes, this week's big news is the launch of not one, but two new iPhones: the iPhone 5C, which is essentially an iPhone 5 in a brightly coloured plastic body, and the iPhone 5S, which introduces a new processor, a new co-processor and a fingerprint sensor. Two phone trickFirst up, the iPhone 5C. It's "a cheaper iPhone, not a cheap iPhone", says our smartphone sensei Gareth Beavis, and that distinction is important: "With the iPhone 5C Apple's made a phone that feels so different to the iPhone 5S that buyers won't feel like they're buying a rubbish version of that device." 
Where the iPhone 5C is fun and funky, the iPhone 5S promises a more sober experience: while it doesn't look dissimilar to the iPhone 5, it boasts a dramatically improved camera, a faster processor and a new "motion co-processor", the Apple M7. As Beavis explains, "The M7 chip essentially takes the place of the FuelBand from Nike, allowing the iPhone 5S to monitor the gyroscope, accelerometer and compass without disturbing the main chip." The iPhone 5S's fingerprint sensor has already led to excited newspaper headlines about stolen severed fingers and conspiracy theories about it sending your biometric data to the NSA (it doesn't: your print data is stored on the device, and it isn't uploaded to anything). Is it the future? David Nield reckons it just might be. "With its tight iTunes integration, you'll be able to get new apps, movies and music without having to enter your Apple password each time. Further down the line we might see Apple embedding the technology in iCloud, on your Mac or even in high street retail stores to let you prove you are who you say you are. From there, it's obvious how the principle could extend to banking or mobile payments (think Passbook, for example)." "The iPhone is a handset designed to give the best blend of power, sophistication and performance," Gareth says. "The iPhone 5S has taken that message and improved on it once more." If you'd like to know exactly how it compares to the iPhone 5C, Dean Evans has the details right here - and if you can't afford or don't want either, don't forget that you'll be able to give your iPhone or iPad a whole new lease of life on the September 18 when iOS 7 finally ships. We have all the details, of course, and you'll find them here. Fanning the flames
Sometimes there's nothing funner (Apple's word, not ours) than a flame war - and this week, TechRadar is in the unusual situation of having started a flame war with itself, presenting seven reasons why you're going to love the iPhone 5S and then seven reasons why you're going to hate it. As F Scott Fitzgerald once wrote: "Boo! But also, yay!"* Apple wasn't the only news this week, although as ever it did dominate the headlines. We also saw a bunch of new PCs and ultra-portables unveiled at the IDF conference, and Intel showed off its latest, greatest Atom processors, also known as Bay Trail. As Dan Grabham explains, "Bay Trail will obviously slot in underneath the Haswell-generation Core i3, i5 and i7." Remember Yahoo? It might not have regained its crown as Queen of All Internets, but it's got a new logo and its user numbers are up 20% since July 2012. CEO Marissa Mayer is in it for the long haul: she reckons it'll take three or more years to get to "a positive place". It's always nice to end on a positive note, so let's give Yahoo a yahoo. * Fitzgerald actually wrote: "The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in the mind at the same time, and still retain the ability to function." We like our version better.        | | iPhone 5C hits pre-order while iPhone 5S left in the lurch Sep 13th 2013, 08:55, by John McCann 
It's official, people: the iPhone 5C pre-orders have opened and we wait to see if those longing for an Apple smartphone are prepared to accept a polycarbonate chassis and slightly chunkier build for what is still a relatively pricey offering. The iPhone 5C was only announced on Wednesday, but in true Apple fashion it's not messing around with getting the handset to market and the first lucky customers will have it in their eager mitts a week today. For those of you who have been living under a rock for the past week, the iPhone 5C is basically a slightly overweight iPhone 5 with a plastic body, larger battery and a slightly lower price tag. Of course you'll need to be in one of the nine countries which Apple is launching the iPhone 5C in first, so if you're currently not residing in the US, UK, Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Japan or Singapore you'll have to wait some more. Want a 5S?Oddly, however, anyone looking to commit to the premium iPhone 5S early will be disappointed, as it's not being offered for pre-order. We're not quite sure why Apple isn't allowing people to give them money ahead of time, but we're chasing an answer to this conundrum. Just one question remains, which colour are you; green, pink, blue, yellow or boring old white?        | | Optus expands its TD-LTE network, calls it 4G Plus Sep 13th 2013, 06:04, by Farrha Khan 
After launching its TD-LTE network in Canberra earlier this year, Optus has dubbed the new network 4G Plus and expanded it into parts of Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney. Optus is currently the only Australian telco offering a TD-LTE network alongside the more widely used FD-LTE technology. Optus' TD-LTE uses the same frequency (2300MHz spectrum band) for uploads and downloads, though at separate times. Alternatively, Optus' FD-LTE technology uses two separate frequency channels on the 1800MHz band for uploads and downloads. "We're effectively adding more lanes to the Optus 4G super highway, letting more people use our 4G network at the same time," said David Epstein, Optus' vice president of regulatory and corporate affairs. "More lanes on the highway can help ease congestion for data hungry consumers." Optus will also be looking to incorporate the 2500MHz band and 700MHz band, bought during the Digital Dividend auction, into its 4G networks when it becomes available for use in 2015. "This strategy of combining 4G technologies – low-band 4G frequency for strong coverage, high-band spectrum to increase network capacity – gives Optus flexibility to meet our customers' need for additional capacity and faster network speeds," said Andrew Smith, Optus' vice president of mobile engineering. Dual-Optus Optus has previously said that it will continue to expand both its FD-LTE and TD-LTE networks and will stock more dual-band devices that can switch between the two 4G network bands as they become available. Soon after it launched its TD-LTE network in Canberra, it made available two dual-band modems. The Samsung Galaxy S4 mini dual-band variant was also recently made available to Optus customers. Optus announced that it will also have the iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C dual-band variants from September 20. While Optus has said that it will offer the dual-band Samsung Galaxy S4, no date has been given for availability, but it has announced that the long-awaited LG G2 will be available in November.        | | Blip: HTC One gold edition gets a glittery leak Sep 13th 2013, 00:43, by Lily Prasuethsut 
It seems like HTC may join the iPhone 5S' auric glow as an image has surfaced purportedly showing off a gold HTC One. Since this is the first, and so far only image leaked, it's safe to say HTC may not actually be following in Apple's footsteps. But if true, the HTC One would join the red and blue handsets, boasting the most flashy color. Though judging from the feedback of the gold iPhone 5S, the hue hasn't been well received ... so maybe HTC should pass on the gold if it's actually considering it? More blips!Our blips are gold (but in a good, non-pretentious way).        | | Updated: Where can I get the iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C? Sep 12th 2013, 23:15, by Michael Rougeau 
After months of leaks and rumors, Apple finally unveiled the iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C at its Sept. 10 event. The two new Apple handsets will replace the iPhone 5 when they launch on Sept. 20, and with devices at every price point it seems there will be something for everyone. On contract, the iPhone 5C will cost $99 for 16GB or $199 for 32GB, while the iPhone 5S will run you $199, $299 or $399 for 16GB, 32GB and 64GB, respectively. Without a contract the 5C will put you out $549 or $649, with the 5S coming in at $649, $749, or $849. Those are Apple's official prices, and they apply to all carriers - as does the release date of Sept. 20 and the pre-order date (for the 5C, at least) of Sept. 13. Several carriers are opening pre-orders at 12:01 a.m./3:01 a.m. Sept. 13. AT&T - AT&T confirmed separately from Apple that the iPhone 5C will become available for pre-order on its network on Sept. 13 and both the 5C and the iPhone 5S go on sale Sept. 20. Currently you can "pre-register" at att.com/iphone. Verizon - Likewise Verizon confirmed that both the iPhone 5C and the iPhone 5S will become available Sept. 20, and the 5C goes up for pre-order on the 13th. Big Red will start taking pre-orders at 12:01 a.m. PT/3:01 ET that day. T-Mobile - With its contract-free plans T-Mobile will offer the standalone versions of the iPhone 5C and iPhone 5S at higher price points, though qualifying customers should note that the Uncarrier's Simple Choice plans will get them the 16GB iPhone 5C for $0 down. To reach the phone's $528 price tag, customers can spread out payments of $22 a month for 24 months. A $99 down payment will fetch you the 16GB iPhone 5S, though of course 24 monthly payments of $22.91 are needed to hit its $649 retail price. Again, the 5C goes up for pre-order on Sept. 13 and both phones go on sale Sept. 20. Sprint - Sprint too confirmed that the iPhone 5C and iPhone 5S will be available at the above price points and on the same dates. Sprint will open pre-orders for the 5C at 12 a.m. PT/3 a.m. ET on Sept. 13. U.S. Cellular - So far there's been no word on U.S. Cellular carrying the iPhone 5C or 5S. When TechRadar contacted the regional carrier a spokesperson said that although "U.S. Cellular has previously announced that we will be carrying iPhone products," it "[does] not have any additional details at this time." Walmart - Yes, the gigantic retailer plans to sell Apple's latest blockbuster phones. The 16GB iPhone 5C will retail for $79 and the 16GB iPhone 5S for $189. You'll need to pick up a two-year contract with whichever carrier you choose, but you'll save $20 and $10 on each phone respectively. To nab the iPhone 5C, you'll need to pre-order the phone in-store with a requirement to pick up the budget iPhone by Sept. 25. Look for discounts on the older iPhone models as well. RadioShack - Head on over to the Shack Sept. 13 if you want an iPhone 5C and don't want to deal with a carrier (at least not right away). Retail locations will start taking pre-orders of the new phone when they open tomorrow. Each color will be available for Verizon, Sprint and AT&T. SIM-free - Apple's iPhone 5C pre-order page lists a SIM-free version of the budget iPhone from $549 to $649 (the same prices as the contract-free T-Mobile version), though the 5S page only lists the T-Mobile version under contract-free options.        | | Facebook tests auto-play videos as commercial interruptions loom Sep 12th 2013, 22:30, by Chris Smith 
Facebook is testing auto-playing video clips within the News Feeds of a small sample of its iOS and Android app users. Initially, the company said, only videos posted by individuals, musicians and bands would automatically play whether users wish to view them or not. The relevant videos will play silently, unless users tap the clip in order to expand to full screen and, in-turn, activate the audio. The announcement on Facebook's Newsroom blog comes amid speculation the company is plotting to integrate TV-style, 15-second video commercials into the News Feeds of users. Filling the feedsIn the post, the company said it was exploring how to expand the feature to marketers, which is probably code for: "Sorry guys we're going to be filling up your feeds with loads of ads really soon." Facebook Product Manager Kelly Mayes wrote: "We're doing this to make sure we create the best possible experience. Over time, we'll continue to explore how to bring this to marketers in the future."        | | Samsung could enchant its TVs with Tizen OS as soon as next year Sep 12th 2013, 20:41, by Michael Rougeau 
The world is still waiting with bated breath for the first Tizen-based phones to appear, but Samsung is already planning the next step in that particularly quiet revolution. Samsung Co-CEO Boo-Keun Yoon told the German publication Die Welt (via CNET) that televisions tuning in on Tizen could debut as soon as 2014. "Tizen is going to be used on some of our smartphones just like on our TVs and on home appliances," Yoon, who's also head of Samsung's consumer electronics business, said. "This way we create an ecosystem in which we are able to connect all Samsung devices," he continued. So that means…If Samsung's goal is to connect all its devices through Tizen, does that mean the Korean company's days using Android really are numbered? Samsung already relies on its own software for its smart TVs, so a switch to Tizen there is more plausible than a complete transition away from Android on mobiles. Almost all of Samsung's mobile business has been built on Android, and a full switch to Tizen on that front might not go so smoothly. Considering the success that Samsung has seen with Android handsets like the Galaxy S and Galaxy Note lines it seems it would be counterproductive at this point to start completely from scratch with a new OS, but Samsung has made it clear that it's committed to Tizen. Tea with TizenOne of the most recent developments in the saga of Tizen came when Samsung delayed the release of the first Tizen smartphone until the fourth quarter of this year. Now we're expecting the first Tizen phone to drop in time for the holidays, whereas before it was expected no later than September. The new mobile OS, spearheaded by Samsung and Intel, may also appear at Samsung's developer conference in October. The companies behind Tizen no doubt want to break free from reliance on Google, but will the cost be worth it? With iOS and Android so well entrenched, will smartphone, and TV, customers be willing to give an unknown a try?        | | Windows Phone 8.1 Siri-like 'Cortana' takes cues from sexy Halo A.I. Sep 12th 2013, 19:33, by Michael Rougeau 
Microsoft is reportedly planning to include a Siri-like personal assistant in the upcoming Windows Phone 8.1 update, and its codename should sound familiar to gamers. According to ZDNet, Microsoft's virtual personal assistant is currently being called "Cortana" after the sexy purple artificial intelligence character in the popular game series Halo. Cortana first popped up in relation to Windows Phone in June when an alleged screenshot from an early update build showed an app called "zCortana." But the name started to appear once again this week, and sources looked to confirm that Cortana is indeed Microsoft's answer to Apple's Siri and Google Now. 'Magical' intelligenceCortana will be more than just a voice command interface for Windows Phone, and like the Halo character will be able to learn and adapt, according to those sources. And it seems Cortana will rely on Microsoft's "Satori" knowledge repository - the same bank behind Bing. The virtual assistant may have been hinted at previously by Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer, who mentioned "a service-enabled shell" for Windows Phone in a July memo posted to the company's news center. "Our UI will be deeply personalized, based on the advanced, almost magical, intelligence in our cloud that learns more and more over time about people and the world," Ballmer wrote. "Our shell will natively support all of our essential services, and will be great at responding seamlessly to what people ask for, and even anticipating what they need before they ask for it." Cortana screenshots
To top it off, The Verge today published screenshots it claimed are from an early test version of the Windows Phone Cortana personal assistant. The images appear to show that Cortana can pull together weather, calendar events, notifications, location information, controls for Bluetooth devices and more. The images also show some of the settings and customizable "rules" for Cortana. Even if this really is a glimpse at Microsoft's take on Siri, the interface and UI will doubtless have changed by the time Cortana actually appears, likely with Windows Phone 8.1. That substantial Windows Phone update could come as late as next year.        | | Likely Nexus 5 flaunts put-together frame in new FCC shots Sep 12th 2013, 18:31, by Michelle Fitzsimmons 
There's little doubt LG is building the Nexus 5, and today we have yet more evidence that the phone is inches away from taking the stage. Thanks to an FCC filling spied by Phone Scoop, we have our clearest look yet at what is likely the next Nexus phone. The model number for this handset is D820, matching another FCC filing we reported on last week. Today's shots, the first D820 images and a phone flaunted in a commercial for Android KitKat all appear to match, indicating that this phone, whether the Nexus 5 or other, is real and increasingly less camera shy. We should note the new FCC images don't have "Nexus" stamped on the back like the device spotted in Google's Android 4.4 ad, but cosmetic differences aside, the large camera and flash orientation are as close as kin. 
Nexus family treeThe filing picked up by Phone Scoop is for a "class 2 permissive change" for Verizon's version of the LG G2. LG may base the new Nexus on the G2 - the Nexus 4 stemmed from the Optimus G, so the pattern could continue with the Nexus 5. Rumored specs for the Nexus 5 include Bluetooth 4.0, NFC, dual-band 802.11 b/g/n/ac and 7-band LTE support. We could see two variants of the phone, one supported by AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile and one by Verizon, but for now we have nothing more than filings and inadvertent (?) guest appearances to go by. Catch up with the latest Nexus 5 rumours below: FutTv : XMsUw1y46Ppiz       | | Apple dives into new M7 chip's powers, but even more could be on the way Sep 12th 2013, 17:45, by Chris Smith 
Apple is offering up further insight into what the new M7 'motion co-processor' within the iPhone 5S can do, including its integration with the iOS Maps app. The new processor harvests all of the data from the iPhone's compass, accelerometer and gyro motion sensors and aims to power a new generation of fitness and wellness apps such as Nike Move. However, in a post on its website, spotted by 9to5Mac, Apple explained how the M7 chip also plays nice with the Maps app because it can discern when you're in a moving vehicle and when you're walking. Bestowed with that information, once you park the car and continue on foot, the Maps app will handily switch from turn-by-turn driving directions to walking directions. Also, when you're driving in your car or riding on public transport, the iPhone 5S will ignore public Wi-Fi networks. If the phone hasn't moved for a while, M7 will save battery by pinging for updates less often. Saves your battery, while you sleepApple's description read: "M7 knows when you're walking, running or even driving. For example, Maps switches from driving to walking turn-by-turn navigation if, say, you park and continue on foot. Since M7 can tell when you're in a moving vehicle, iPhone 5S won't ask you to join Wi-Fi networks you pass by. "And if your phone hasn't moved for a while, like when you're asleep, M7 reduces network pinging to spare your battery." Apple is also plotting further Maps integration in forthcoming iOS updates, according to 9to5Mac, and we could see significant Maps updates in iOS 8. Soon it will be able to remember where you parked your car, making finding it after a day's shopping much easier. Battery boostMeanwhile, in other iPhone 5S and 5C related news, the devices' stop off at the U.S. FCC appears to have revealed their respective battery sizes. The iPhone 5S is a reported 1570mAh, while the iPhone 5C reportedly packs a 1507mAh battery. That equates to a 10% and 5% increase over the iPhone 5's 1440mAh cell. The company has promised an extra two hours of talk time for the iPhone 5S (10 compared to the iPhone 5's eight), with the improvements thanks largely to the efficiency of the new A7 and M7 processing team.        | | Updated: Nokia Lumia 1020 release date: where can I get it? Sep 12th 2013, 15:22, by John McCann 
Nokia has made its oft-leaked Lumia 1020 all official, bringing a souped up 41MP camera to the smartphone party. As the Lumia 1020 is a 4G enabled smartphone you'll be able to take advantage of the superfast speeds currently offered by EE, O2 and Vodafone - but don't forget Three will launch its LTE service in December. The Nokia Lumia 1020 is now available to pre-order in the UK with the release date set for September 25. So where can you get your hands on this Windows Phone 8-toting handset? Well luckily we've been around the various networks and retailers to find out who's offering it, and for how much - just for you. O2The oxygen-loving network will be ranging the artist formerly known as the Nokia EOS. No word on exactly how much you'll be paying yet, but we'll keep you posted. ThreeNext to hop aboard the Lumia 1020 bandwagon was Three, who has confirmed the presence of the Lumia 1020 in its ranks some time ago. You can pre-order the handset from Three ready for delivery on September 25. Prices start from £69 upfront on a £34/month contract over 24-months. Vodafone & EEBoth Vodafone and EE are ranging the handset but keeping quite on pricing for now - we're badgering them constantly for more information. Phones 4 UThe high street retailer has confirmed that it will be selling the Lumia 1020 as part of its "huge" range of 4G phones. Frustratingly, still no word on the networks it'll offer it on or pricing. All you can do is register your interest. Carphone WarehouseAs with Phones 4 U, Carphone Warehouse will be stocking the Nokia Lumia 1020, but apart from a registration page a "coming September 2013" details are scarce. Online RetailersThe folks over at Unlocked Mobiles have the Nokia Lumia 1020 up for pre-order for the princely sum of £549.99, which makes the handset one of the most expensive around. Interestingly though it has a Lumia 1020 release date of September 30 listed on the product page. Expansys initially had the Lumia 1020 up for pre-order at a wallet stretching £599.99, but that has now been removed for basic pre-order listings without a price attached, with the choice of black, white and yellow for you to pick from. The price over on Clove is no better with the black and white versions of the Nokia Lumia 1020 listed at £588 a pop, while the yellow version remains at £0.00 for now. The site does state "official price and availability to be confirmed" - so this could change. FutTv : H7BPJARXdGdiE  | | Updated: Nokia Lumia 1020 release date confirmed as September 24 Sep 12th 2013, 14:53, by John McCann 
Update: It looks as though Nokia Lumia 1020 pre-orders are opening in the UK on September 12, with the handset scheduled for delivery on September 24. At least, that's the word from Three which has opened its pre-orders for the device now with various tariffs available. The 64GB model will be available only through O2. Original story below... It's official: the Nokia Lumia 1020 will touch down in the UK on September 12 bringing its huge 41MP snapper to the British masses. The Lumia 1020 release date was confirmed on the Nokia UK twitter page in a simple message which reads "#Lumia1020 + UK = this Thursday" - because maths is a great way to say when a phone goes on sale. When prompted by other Twitter users for more information Nokia candidly replied "you'll know all about the what/when/where on Thursday", which isn't overly helpful. What, when, where?Luckily for you here at TechRadar we've done the hard graft to discover who will actually be selling the Nokia Lumia 1020. Previously some retail sites suggested we may get hold of the Lumia 1020 at the start of September, but that's clearly not the case. Is Nokia looking to steal a bit of Apple's thunder with the timing of this release? Probably not. As well as that massive camera the Lumia 1020 also sports 4.5-inch display, 1.5GHz dual-core processor, 2GB of RAM, 32GB internal storage, 2000mAh battery and comes running Windows Phone 8.   | | In Depth: Uncovered: the best time to upgrade your smartphone Sep 12th 2013, 08:00, by Gary Marshall 
It isn't easy being a smartphone fan, especially if your timing's bad: no sooner has the ink dried on that two-year contract for the Uber Mega X than it's rendered obsolete by the slightly thinner, slightly faster Uber Mega Y. And that got us thinking: are there patterns here? Should we be buying Samsungs in Spring and Nokias in November? Is August ever a good time to buy an iPhone? Let's look at the history and see what patterns emerge. The most obvious pattern that emerges is the dwindling power of trade shows. The big one for mobiles was always Mobile World Congress, which many manufacturers use to launch their most exciting products. Increasingly, though, smartphone manufacturers prefer to host their own, separate events for their flagship phones to maximise publicity. Shows such as MWC and IFA are still important, but the biggest hitters are usually announced elsewhere. The other pattern that you'll see is annual releases, so if you're a keen early adopter it's a good idea to get your existing handset on eBay or sent to a reputable trade-in firm a month or so before. Leave it too late and you may see the value of your phone plummet as it goes from next big thing to last year's model. Apple
Predicting a new iPhone launch is easy: for the first four years we saw new iPhones every summer, but in 2011 that schedule changed from summer to autumn and Apple's stuck to it ever since. The iPhone 4S shipped in October 2011, the iPhone 5 shipped in September 2012, and Apple launched the iPhone 5S and 5C this week. It's a pretty safe bet we'll see the iPhone 6 this time next year. It's worth remembering that Apple is on a major/minor release schedule now: major revisions of the iPhone happen every two years, with relatively minor upgrades - the S models - in between. Current flagship: iPhone 5S Launched: September 2013 Current estimated price (SIM free): £529 Expected iPhone 6 release date: September 2014 HTC
The HTC Desire was launched in February 2010, the Desire S in February 2011, the One X in February 2012 and the newest flagship, the HTC One, in February 2013. HTC is one of the few companies that still likes to do things around MWC, although this year it decided to hold its own launch before the big trade show. It still took a while to get the thing onto shop shelves though, so a launch date doesn't necessarily mean a new phone will be in your hands any time soon after. There's also the fun issue of the name: HTC seems to think it will be able to call all its flagship phones the HTC One. We prefer to think it will be called the 'Old HTC One Two', in homage to boxing parlance. But if we were betting people, we'd be sticking a portion of our wages on a new HTC flagship the next time the month rhymes with "mebruary". Current flagship: HTC One Launched: February 2013 Current price: £489 Expected HTC One 2 release date: February 2014 Samsung
Samsung loves variants - for every Galaxy there are eleventy-three variations to cover niches such as "smartphone owners who live under the sea" and "smartphone owners who don't believe Mars exists" - but the big ones follow a fairly predictable pattern. All given the 'S' suffix, the Samsung Galaxy S was announced in March 2010.shipped in June, the Galaxy S2 was announced in February 2011 and shipped in May, the Galaxy S3 shipped in May 2012, and the Samsung Galaxy S4 was announced in March 2013 and shipped the following month. Samsung's clearly working to an annual upgrade cycle here, with its launches timed for shortly after Mobile World Congress is over to ensure it gets the headlines all to itself. Current flagship: Samsung Galaxy S4 Launched: March 2013 Current price: £549 Expected Samsung Galaxy S5 release date: March 2014 Nokia
If there's a pattern to Nokia's release schedule it's the kind of pattern only Jackson Pollock could divine: since betting the farm on Windows Phone the Finnish firm has apparently been planning launch dates by throwing darts in the vague direction of a calendar. The Lumia 800 and 710, Nokia's first Windows Phones, were unveiled in November 2011; their successors, the 900 and 610, turned up the following April - and their successors appeared in September 2012. Since then we've seen launches in December (the Lumia 620), May (the Lumia 925) and July (the Lumia 1020 and 625). Microsoft's purchase of Nokia's phone business could mean price cuts, even on flagships: the Lumia 1020 has just dropped by $100 in the US. Current flagship: Nokia Lumia 1020 Launched: July 2013 (UK release expected September 2013) Current price: £550 (estimated) Expected Nokia Lumia 930 release date: Your guess is as good as ours Google
Do you prefer your Android unadorned, its skin unsullied by TouchWiz or Sense? If the answer is yes then it's Google's Nexus range for you, and so far that appears to be sticking to a reasonably predictable schedule. The first Nexus, the Nexus One, may have been a January launch back in 2010, but since then Google has aimed to launch its Nexus phones early enough for the lucrative Christmas shopping season. The Samsung-made Nexus S was launched in December 2010, the (Samsung again) Galaxy Nexus was unveiled in November 2011 and the LG Nexus 4 was released in November 2012. That annual release schedule may be changing, however, or at least moving forward a little bit: in late August the Nexus 4 got a massive price cut, bringing it down to just £159 for the 8GB version. That and the Nexus's sudden disappearance from UK retailers such as Carphone Warehouse suggests that the shelves are being cleared for a newer version, and the timing indicates that it might be coming much sooner than November – although don't be surprised if Google holds off to make the most of the holiday season rush. Current flagship: Nexus 4 Launched: November 2012 Current price: £159 Expected Nexus 5 release date: October / November 2013   | |
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