| BBM for Android and iOS: when will I get it? Oct 16th 2013, 13:33, by Thomas Thorn 
The news that BlackBerry's proprietary messaging service is coming across to the two largest mobile ecosystems has been around for a while. The announcement that iOS and Android are both being treated to BBM was made at BlackBerry Live at the beginning of the summer. It seems a little odd that the proprietary messaging systems that was at the heart of reasons why the BlackBerry handsets of old gained popularity, would make it onto other handsets. It all began with BBM's popularity with business users now able to communicate quicker than ever, and more securely thanks to pin based usernames, and BlackBerry's ultra secure servers. Many of BlackBerry's services have gained FIPS 140-2 or FIPS 140-1 validations, leading to use by NATO, as well as UK, US and Australian governments, amongst others. As smartphone purchases became more common amongst younger audiences, BBM then gained popularity as a way to send instant messages and images to each other, without the need to break into their monthly text allowances. Why is BBM going cross OS?Asking why BBM is going cross OS could easily be titled 'where did it all go wrong for BBM?'. As with any of these pieces written about BlackBerry, the rise of the iPhone (now it it's seventh and eighth iterations with the iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C) can be heavily attributed to the demise of, and subsequent rise of cross OS BBM. Being locked into the BlackBerry operating systems meant that users could only access the service if they were wielding one of the many BlackBerry devices, such as the BlackBerry Curve 8520 that became so popular amongst teenagers. As iPhones gained in popularity, the user base for BBM declined rapidly. Consumers were skipping over BlackBerry handset offerings and opting for the iPhone or an Android handset instead. Both the iOS and Android ecosystem thrived, at the expense of the once formidable Canadian company. Varying messaging apps were developed to make use of the mobile web, putting them in direct competition with BBM. WhatsApp rose to fame, and is now one of the most popular and well known apps available for messaging available on iPhone, BlackBerry, Symbian and Windows Phone handsets. Even Apple saw the merit and jumped on the IM bandwagon, integrating its proprietary iMessage service with the SMS app on the iPhone, tying users deeper into the Apple ecosystem. BlackBerry is now looking to somehow regain the slice of the instant messaging pie, by launching across varying mobile operating systems. There are some pitfalls though, as highlighted by Samsung's IM app, ChatOn. This is another cross OS messaging app found on the likes of the Samsung Galaxy S4, that began life solely Samsung devices. It has since struggled a little due to a lack of dedicated users. BlackBerry has with a pre-existing base of users, both consumer and business however, so this could prove a shrewd move. Tempting users into BBM will offer BlackBerry the chance to show just how good their software is. It will also allow them to target the prosumer market that the new BlackBerry handsets are aiming at. For businesses tied into longer contracts on iPhone or Android handsets, the security of the BBM messaging system will once again allow them to again communicate securely without having to fork out for contract upgrades whilst giving BlackBerry some confidence that they might then opt for a new BlackBerry handset when their contracts expire. Of course BlackBerry will hope that this will also rub off on the consumer market as it did before, with users potentially being tempted back into buying a BlackBerry like the BlackBerry Z30. Why has it taken so long?Had BlackBerry not run into the financial difficulties that have dogged it to a point that it is penning letters saying they aren't going anywhere; BBM might not have ever made it cross OS. It was one of the key features and selling points of the BlackBerry ecosystem, one that has come under a lot of fire recently. That said, as many will know, BBM for Android and iOS should already have launched. September 21 was the scheduled launch for the Android app, with the iOS version due to land on the App store a day later. Unfortunately the iOS version went live a day early. Combine that with 1.1 million downloads of a leaked BBM for Android Beta app, and the ensuing chaos led BlackBerry with no choice but to pull both apps. BlackBerry said at the time that they were "focused on adjusting the system to completely block this unreleased version of the Android app when we go live with the official BBM for Android app" whilst also "making sure that the system is reinforced to handle this kind of scenario in the future". It is pretty easy to imagine that systems were overloaded, with BlackBerry servers unready and unable to handle the large volumes of new users. So I'll get BBM soon?BlackBerry Chief Marketing Officer Franck Boulben told Reuters that the BBM launch for iOS and Android should be coming within the next couple of days. The last reports said that BBM is set to bring messaging and groups across, with voice, screen share, video, and other features being added in later updates. Whether any new features have been added during this downtime has yet to be confirmed, although it looks unlikely. For the moment, the planned launch of BBM on alternate OS' is limited to just iOS and Android, though that doesn't necessarily mean that BBM won't emigrate to other mobile operating systems in the future. Suggestions that Windows Phone might be treated to a BBM app have been fuelled by BBM creator Gary Klassen, who told The Mobile Indian "BBM will not be limited to just Android or iOS. We are open to other platforms also." He added that BlackBerry "want more people to enjoy and experience BBM". Could this be one of the future scenarios that BlackBerry is preparing for? With Windows Phone gaining in popularity across the globe, doubling its share of the European market in a year, this could be a market that BlackBerry can't afford to miss, or maybe we're just hopeful that we're all going to share in the BBM love.   |  | iPhone 5C might be proving a bit of a rotten fruit for Apple Oct 16th 2013, 11:34, by Hugh Langley 
The iPhone 5C has only been on shelves for a few weeks but Apple is reportedly cutting orders for the colourful handset. According to The Wall Street Journal, Apple has told two of its assemblers – Pegatron and Hon Hai Precision (aka Foxconn) – that fourth quarter shipments of the 5C would be getting a cut. Pegatron has reportedly been told that iPhone 5C shipments will be cut 20% while Hon Hai orders will be sliced by a third. In the same report, however, two Hon Hai execs are quotes as saying that Apple is set to increase production of the iPhone 5S. Slicing the AppleAs exact numbers are unknown, it's difficult to tell an awful lot from this. Though it doesn't sound like the 5C is doing phenomenally well, the 5S is clearly proving another hit for Cupertino. So all things considered, we can't see this being too damaging for Apple. And besides, we've got the iPad 5 and iPad mini 2 coming next week, and we suspect just a few people might be picking them up.        | | Windows Phone back button isn't going anywhere Oct 16th 2013, 10:08, by Thomas Thorn 
It seems that one of the identifying features of Windows Phone handsets isn't being killed off in the Windows Phone 8.1 update. There have been rumours milling around that the back button was going to be completely dropped, although it seems more likely that the Redmond-based firm is merely dropping the requirement that manufacturers need to include one. That would pose a few questions, as removing the back button would cause some problems, with many Windows Phone apps built around the functionality. Windows Phone to go Nexus style?In order to combat this, sources talking to The Verge suggest that on screen buttons will replace the current Back, Home and Search keys. This could mean a Nexus style bar at the bottom of the screen. Removing the requirement for a back button is also a way that Microsoft might be looking at reducing the manufacturing costs of future Windows Phone handsets. This isn't the first time that Microsoft has relaxed hardware requirements, with a need for camera's already having been removed.        | | Nexus 5, Google watch may have been delayed by US government shutdown Oct 16th 2013, 09:46, by Hugh Langley 
Original rumours suggested that October 15 would be the launch date for the Google Nexus 5. But would you look at that – it's October 16 and the Nexus 4 is still the latest and greatest of its kind. Now there's a rumour flying around the internet claiming that the US government shutdown has caused a delay on Google getting the Nexus 5 and rumoured Google smartwatch through the approval process, which is why the October 15 unveiling never took place. October 31 is the other date we've been hearing, so this possible delay may prove to be a whole load of "no big deal" if Google gets the approval soon. Or it's completely untrue. But if Google did in fact have an October 15 event lined up and ready, and has now had to push it back, we really hope the governmental hijinks don't push it back any further. Android promisesAs more evidence that Google is preparing the launch of something very soon, a new Google display has shown up at a Best Buy store in the US although right now it's empty. However it's been reported by PhoneArena that a Best Buy manager has confirmed this is a display stand for the Nexus 5. Could we even see the Google watch showing its face alongside it? We've been promised that Android 4.4 KitKat will arrive this month and we expect Google is planning to roll it out alongside the Nexus 5 and its smartwatch.        | | Intel's faster, smaller, more efficient Broadwell chip delayed till 2014 Oct 16th 2013, 08:58, by Kate Solomon 
Intel has had to delay its upcoming Broadwell chip until the first three months of 2014 due to a manufacturing hiccup. Brian Krzanich, the company's CEO, explained the issue while going through Intel's finances with analysts, calling it a "defect density issue" - basically, Intel hasn't made too many broken chips and not enough working ones. Happily, Intel has fixed the issues now so manufacturing can go ahead, but it still means an extra three months to wait before the hardware will make it into phones, tablets and other devices. BroadchurchWe saw the Broadwell chip in action back at IDF this year; the 14nm chip ran against its predecessor, Haswell, and blew it out of the water in terms of performance. Benefits of the Broadwell chipset include speed, size and a boost to graphics capabilities. But perhaps the most enticing element is that the Broadwell chip offers increased power efficiency - and anything that means our devices spend fewer hours on charge is all right by us. With January - March 2014 pencilled into Intel's release diary, we should start seeing machines with the new chip hitting the shelves sometime after April 2014.        | | Sony to overhaul camera and battery performance on Z Ultra and Z1 Oct 16th 2013, 08:54, by Thomas Thorn 
Here at TechRadar we love to see phones getting improved with an update, so Sony's announcement that the Xperia Z1 and the Xperia Z Ultra are to receive one is music to our ears. Both devices are having a minor makeover, as the update looks to address problems with the display as well as improving connectivity and camera performance. This should aid the Japanese firm as they pin hopes on their Triluminous display to take on the likes of the Super AMOLED screens found in the Samsung Galaxy S4. Intensive users should be satisfied, as battery life will also be boosted as part of the update. We commented that the Xperia Z1's battery "was easily good for a whole day of use and then some", but we all know you'd all like more life. The love doesn't stop there, as anyone using Microsoft Exchange should also notice that their emails sync and download quicker. But wait, there's moreThere are also some device specific updates, with the Xperia Z1 gaining a camera update. The 20.7MP camera will gain better performance and smoother camera apps on Sony's Smart Social Camera platform. As for the Xperia Z Ultra, touchscreen sensitivity has been adjusted. With a 6.44 inch screen, improved finger and stylus support will be a boon to many. Both handsets launched with Android 4.2 Jelly Bean, with Sony saying the latest update addresses customer feedback. No product launch is ever perfect, even Apple has had to launch updates soon after launch. Anybody remember the iOS7 lockscreen debacle? As the update is now being pushed out by Sony, we hope to see it land on devices soon. As ever, this depends on the market and networks pushing the update themselves.   | | Sony to overhaul camera and battery performance on Z Ultra and Z1 Oct 16th 2013, 08:54, by Thomas Thorn
Here at TechRadar we love to see phones getting improved with an update, so Sony's announcement that the Xperia Z1 and the Xperia Z Ultra are to receive one is music to our ears. Both devices are having a minor makeover, as the update looks to address problems with the display as well as improving connectivity and camera performance. This should aid the Japanese firm as they pin hopes on their Triluminous display to take on the likes of the Super AMOLED screens found in the Samsung Galaxy S4. Intensive users should be satisfied, as battery life will also be boosted as part of the update. We commented that the Xperia Z1's battery "was easily good for a whole day of use and then some", but we all know you'd all like more life. The love doesn't stop there, as anyone using Microsoft Exchange should also notice that their emails sync and download quicker. But wait, there's moreThere are also some device specific updates, with the Xperia Z1 gaining a camera update. The 20.7MP camera will gain better performance and smoother camera apps on Sony's Smart Social Camera platform. As for the Xperia Z Ultra, touchscreen sensitivity has been adjusted. With a 6.44 inch screen, improved finger and stylus support will be a boon to many. Both handsets launched with Android 4.2 Jelly Bean, with Sony saying the latest update addresses customer feedback. No product launch is ever perfect, even Apple has had to launch updates soon after launch. Anybody remember the iOS7 lockscreen debacle? As the update is now being pushed out by Sony, we hope to see it land on devices soon. As ever, this depends on the market and networks pushing the update themselves.   | | Nexus 5 price may be higher with a Nexus 4 LTE covering the lower-end Oct 16th 2013, 00:06, by Matt Swider 
Even though the Nexus 5 wasn't announced today as it was once rumored, Google's new smartphone is still expected to be here before the end of the month And now we may know how much it'll cost. The Nexus 5 price is $399 (about £250, AU$420) for the 16GB model, according to an anonymous source cited by Android Geeks. The cost of the 32GB version of the Nexus 5 is said to be slightly higher at $449 (about £280, AU$472). That's $100 (about £63, AU$105) more expensive than the contract-free version of the Nexus 4, but it backs up a previous report about the higher price and bigger battery for the Nexus 5. Nexus 4 LTE-enabled?There may be a reason that the LG-manufactured Nexus 5 is priced higher besides the superior technology and 5-inch screen. The Nexus 4 is said to be sticking around, according to the report, and adding LTE capabilities. The price of the Nexus 4 LTE is rumored to carry the same launch prices as before - $299 (about £187, AU$315) for 16GB and $349 (about £218, AU$367) for 32GB. Note, these prices for the original Nexus 4 were discounted in August. Since the Nexus 4 has a disabled LTE chip inside of it that Google reportedly blocked from use, LG wouldn't have to change much between the original and new version of the phone. It would certainly need a tweaked LTE radio, however, to support more bands of the high-speed wireless standard. Current Nexus 4 owners shouldn't get their hopes up for a speed boost via an Android KitKat 4.4 software fix.        | | Yahoo focuses on mobile user growth, other bright spots as plenty else drops Oct 15th 2013, 22:36, by Michelle Fitzsimmons 
Putting a positive spin on so-so news is a skill any CEO should possess, and Marissa Mayer has it in spades. In another newscast-style earnings report, the Yahoo chief exec and CFO Ken Goldman laid out Q3 2013 figures for investors and the viewing public, highlighting the positives in a quarter that, as expected, wasn't so hot. Piggy-backing off of an announcement she made at TechCrunch Disrupt last month, Mayer revealed Yahoo now has over 390 million monthly active users on mobile, up from the 350 million she previously touted. That's a 15% jump quarter on quarter, according to Mayer. "Our future is mobile, and we are committed to delivering great mobile ad formats," she would say later in the earnings webcast, clearly referencing ads this time. Alright quarter, even better AlibabaMayer called the last quarter an unprecedented one in terms of product launches (she counted 15 in all) and as a turnaround following years of global search traffic decline. But as for the stuff investors and Yahoo detractors care about, the company was down 1% year-on-year in revenue to $1.08 billion (about £675m, AU$1.13b), down 7% in price per ad, up only 1% in number of ads sold and down 7% in display ad revenue (not counting acquisition costs). Search revenue did jump 3%, a bright spot only overshadowed by its $3.2 billion (about £2b, AU$3.36b) in cash and securities and a little thing called Alibaba. Turns out Yahoo is now off the hook for selling as much of its stake in the Chinese e-commerce company as was previously required ahead of Alibaba's IPO. Yahoo owns a 23% stake in the firm, and where before it would have had to give up about half of its shares (261.5 million), it now only needs to dump 208 million. Why does this matter to Yahoo? Because Alibaba, according to the New York Times, is valued at over $75 billion (about £46.8b, AU$78.8b), so Yahoo can keep riding this cash cow until it starts to having better earnings of its own.        | | BBM for iOS and BBM for Android just days away, says exec Oct 15th 2013, 20:59, by Michael Rougeau
BBM for Android and BBM for iOS are coming later than we expected, but at least they're still coming, according to BlackBerry. BlackBerry Chief Marketing Officer Frank Boulben told Reuters that the BlackBerry Messenger apps for iOS and Android will launch "within days." The BBM app was supposed to make the jump off of BlackBerry and onto other platforms by the end of summer, and a launch was expected toward the end of September. It suffered delays after an unofficial Android version was leaked, but Boulben said the issues that caused it have been fixed. 'Best in class'Lately BlackBerry's had its lips sealed when it comes to BBM for iOS and Android, but Boulben's willingness to open up a little could mean that it really is almost here. His hint came after BlackBerry published a letter on social media and in 30 newspapers around the world assuring customers, "You can continue to count on us." In the letter BlackBerry called BlackBerry Messenger a "best in class mobile social network." "There are already around six million customers pre-registered to be notified of our roll out," the letter said. "This number is growing every day, and speaks to the tremendous opportunity we have to expand BBM beyond BlackBerry smartphones to make it the world's largest mobile social network." Last we heard, the Android and iOS BBM app is expected to initially feature messaging and groups, with voice, screen share, video, and other features being added in later updates. It's unknown whether that's still the case, but it sounds like we'll find out soon.        | | HTC may be lending helping hand for Amazon's first phone Oct 15th 2013, 20:31, by Matt Swider 
HTC has a long history of making smartphones for other companies before striking out on its own with critically acclaimed devices, the newest of which include the HTC One and HTC One Mini. It may be back in the sidekick saddle, as Amazon is reportedly working with HTC on the online retailer's first smartphone, according to the Financial Times' unnamed sources. The two companies are said to be at an "advanced stage of development" on one of three devices being proposed. At least one of the sources warned that the project has been postponed before and Amazon could end up shelving the phone in the end. This is the same cautionary language used when sources have discussed Amazon's rumored Firetube media streaming gadget that is expected to launch before the end of this year. Not this yearAmazon smartphone rumors are at a two-year high following a report this month that it's planning two phones, one of which has four cameras for a 3D user interface. The retailer said it has "no plans to offer a phone this year," according to a statement sent to the Financial Times. Of course, that doesn't mean an Amazon phone made by HTC isn't being planned with a release date in 2014. Open Handset Alliance violation?HTC has designed and manufactured white-label smartphones for other companies, but Amazon's forked Android operating system presents a unique dilemma. HTC is bound by the Open Handset Alliance guidelines, signed by a total of 84 companies led by Google, that ensure Android remains open source and compatible across all devices. If the Amazon phone with Fire OS were to run a forked version of Android like its Kindle Fire HDX does right now, it could spell trouble for HTC's role in the alliance. We asked HTC for more clarification on this and its greater role regarding Amazon's smartphone plans. We will update this story when we receive a comment.        | | Updated: Where you can get the HTC One Max Oct 15th 2013, 17:47, by Michelle Fitzsimmons 
The widely expected HTC One Max was made official today, complete with a full HD 5.9-inch screen and questionably placed fingerprint scanner. The device sports a disappointing Snapdragon 600 chip but starts to make up for it with 2GB of RAM, 3300mAh battery (non-removable), Android 4.3 and the latest Sense 5.5 overlay. Only two U.S. carriers have so far signed on for the device, and in HTC's words the phablet will be available "this holiday season." As for pricing, that's even more of a mystery, but expect to pay top dollar for this meaty machine. Read on for more on where you can pick up the HTC One Max, info we'll keep updating as more details become available. Verizon: Big Red may have been slow on the uptake with the HTC One, but it won't be caught sleeping when it comes to the Max. HTC said customers can expect its new phablet to hit Verizon when the phone launches. Update: @VZWnews piped up with a tweet on Oct. 15 that the HTC One Max will land on its 4G LTE network "this holiday season." Sprint: The nation's No. 3 issued a statement noting it will offer the HTC One Max "later this year." A spokeswoman had no pricing or availability info to share "quite yet." What we do know is that Sprint never misses the chance to talk about its unlimited data plans, and today was no different: "Sprint customers will have the peace of mind of not having to worry about data caps or overage charges," David Owens, head of product at Sprint, said in the statement. Peace of mind for a phone with an unknown release date - priceless. The other guys: So far the word from AT&T and T-Mobile is that there is no word. "T-Mobile does not have anything to share," said a spokeswoman for the Un-carrier. "Re: Max, nothing to share at this time," echoed an AT&T representative. The "at this time" line gives us hope we could see the device land on Ma Bell at some point, though for now mum's the word. We've reached out to large regional carrier US Cellular and will update this story if it has anything to share.        | | Sony delivers SmartWatch 2, waterproof Xperia smartphones to US Oct 15th 2013, 16:41, by JR Bookwalter 
You've peeped the leaks, pored over the announcements, then read the reviews and now it's finally time for US buyers to get their hands on the latest and greatest Android smartphones (plus a wearable!) from Sony. Sony Mobile today announced US availability for three of its highly anticipated gadgets, including the SmartWatch 2 and a pair of water-resistant Android smartphones sold unlocked and contract-free for use with AT&T or T-Mobile US. First up is the SmartWatch 2, the manufacturer's second stab at a wearable smart watch capable of being paired with an Android smartphone, complete with an app ecosystem of its very own. The Sony SmartWatch 2 is now available from the Sony online store as well as other online retailers with a $199.95 retail price, and can also be purchased from "select Sony stores" nationwide. Unlocked and unleashedShould you also be in the market for a new unlocked smartphone to accompany your SmartWatch 2, Sony just so happens to have a pair of such devices also making their way to store shelves. Priced at $649.99 (HSPA+) or $679.99 (LTE) and available in black, white or purple, the Sony Xperia Z Ultra features an absolutely mammoth 6.4-inch Full HD display in an ultra-slim form factor capable of warding off dust or water. For buyers who can live with a mere five-inch display, the Sony Xperia Z1 is also now available in the same black, white or purple color schemes, priced at $669.99 for an HSPA+ only model. All three models are now available to order from Sony's US store and select e-tailers, but only the LTE-equipped Z Ultra is in stock at this writing; the company has yet to announce any carrier partnerships.        | | In Depth: Verizon CDMA explained Oct 15th 2013, 03:42, by Marc Flores 
As many of us adopt smartphones, like the hot HTC One or Droid Ultra, and take a more keen interest in wireless technology, we start to wonder about our networks. Verizon's CDMA network, for example, seems to come up in discussion often. How is it different from AT&T's network, or from Sprint? AT&T uses GSM technology, just like T-Mobile. Verizon and Sprint, on the other hand, use CDMA, which stands for Code Division Multiple Access. All it means is that Verizon can pile on several people to use its network at once. After all, there are millions of us sending messages, checking Facebook and making phone calls on Verizon's network every day. We all need to get on it at the same time somehow! Verizon CDMA historyOf the four major carriers in the United States, two of them run CDMA technology - those would be Verizon and Sprint. The other two, AT&T and T-Mobile, use GSM technology. Although it seems antiquated now, CDMA was the new technology on the block in the 1990s. That's why Verizon went with it. 
It was also more powerful and flexible than GSM at the time, so it made sense for Verizon and Sprint to jump on it. Once 3G came around, Verizon's CDMA network used EV-DO, which carried the disadvantage of being limited to data or voice calls only - never both. Verizon CDMA vs. GSMAs a consumer, there are just a few things you need to be concerned with when it comes to the big differences between CDMA and GSM devices. Historically, Verizon CDMA devices didn't have the same battery life as GSM devices on AT&T or T-Mobile. However, with new smartphones and monster batteries inside them, it's not as big an issue anymore. Another concern is that Verizon phones weren't that great for traveling abroad. The majority of the rest of the world was using GSM technology, and the countries and regions that used CDMA weren't always compatible with Verizon's devices. The biggest difference for consumers is the inability to easily swap phones on Verizon's CDMA network. To this day, you can't just go out and buy an unlocked device and expect to use it immediately on Verizon, if at all. With unlocked GSM devices, you can hop back and forth between AT&T and T-Mobile freely, or any other GSM carrier in the world - prepaid or post-paid. On Verizon, your phone has to be compatible with the carrier's network. If you break or lose your device, for example, you're probably going to have to have a headache getting a new one to use because there's a chance you'll have to pay full retail price for the device (unless you have insurance or some other deal worked out). Verizon CDMA and the coming of LTEWhen 4G LTE made its way to the U.S., it was great news for Verizon subscribers. LTE, which stands for Long Term Evolution, is what most consider to be "real" 4G, versus the speedier 3G that T-Mobile and AT&T tried to pawn off as legitimate 4G. A marketing scheme that worked, sadly, and even forced the ITU, or International Telecommunications Union, to stretch its rules on what is and isn't 4G. 
LTE, in an unscientific and completely subjective experience, is a gazillion times faster than Verizon's 3G EV-DO technology. Moreover, it now allows you to make phone calls and use data on the same handset. Another advantage of Verizon's 4G LTE devices is that they support the use of SIM cards, and some Verizon devices have their SIM cards unlocked. What does that mean for you? When you're traveling overseas, you can use prepaid SIM cards in your Verizon smartphone as long as it is SIM unlocked. This still doesn't change the fact that your device is chained to Verizon. You still won't enjoy the benefits of swapping devices easily or changing carriers like you would with GSM technology. Verizon CDMA's futureIn short, Verizon may no longer use CDMA technology for its smartphones as early as 2014. With the advantages of LTE, and perhaps VoLTE, or Voice Over LTE, it might make more sense for the carrier to switch over completely. It's likely that the smartphones Verizon launches in 2014 will still have CDMA chips in them to handle voice calls until VoLTE evolves to better handle calling. However, there is a good chance that in just a year or two from now, CDMA will have gone the way of Wi-Max. Remember Wi-Max? Boy, that was awful. One thing is almost certain, though, and that is Verizon CDMA being dead and gone by 2021.   | | Early view: HTC One Max vs Samsung Galaxy Note 3 vs Sony Xperia Z Ultra Oct 14th 2013, 22:42, by Thomas Thorn 
So, today is the day that we have all been sat waiting for. The talk of trios and leaked imagery are now behind us as the HTC One Max has been officially announced, joining the HTC One and the HTC One Mini. The HTC One Max is launching into an ever increasingly crowded market, one that was arguably started by the original Samsung Galaxy Note. With the latest iteration the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 having recently been launched, and the Sony Xperia Z Ultra just around the corner, where does that leave the HTC One Max? HTC One Max vs Samsung Galaxy Note 3 vs Sony Xperia Z Ultra: OSWith there being little other OS to speak of in the phablet market, the OS of choice for all three phablets is Android. The HTC One Max manages to sneak alongside the Galaxy Note 3, as it comes packing Android 4.3 with Sense 5.5 laid over the top, giving access to the likes of the revamped HTC BlinkFeed. The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 comes with Samsung's proprietary TouchWiz overlay, and as for the Sony Xperia Z Ultra, it comes with Android 4.2 and Sony's TimeScape overlain. HTC One Max vs Samsung Galaxy Note 3 vs Sony Xperia Z Ultra: ScreenThe screen of any phablet is bound to be the talking point, if only for the sheer size that these devices offer. The HTC One Max comes packing a 5.9-inch Full HD screen with 367ppi, making it a whole 0.2 inches larger than the Korean offering. The Samsung Galaxy Note coming in at only 5.7 inches, with a 1080 x 1920 Full HD Super AMOLED display. This means that it comes with 386ppi. By far the biggest of the bunch though, is the 6.44-inch screen that comes on the face of the Xperia Z Ultra. That does mean that the pixel density comes in at 342ppi, but is backed up with Sony's Triluminous display. HTC One Max vs Samsung Galaxy Note 3 vs Sony Xperia Z Ultra: ProcessorOut of all the three processors on offer, the HTC One Max comes in at the smallest. Qualcomm's older Snapdragon 600 processor is sat underneath, giving the One Max a respectable 1.7GHz quad-core inside. To aid this, HTC has put in 2GB of RAM. The Galaxy Note 3 and the Xperia Z Ultra are both packing larger processors, the upgraded Snapdragon 800 chip. This is clocked at 2.2GHz in the Sony, with the Koreans edging out the Japanese by a whole 0.1GHz, at 2.3. The Galaxy Note 3 also packs in the largest amount of RAM, with a whopping 3GB making it the most powerful smartphone in the world. This dwarfs both the 2GB found in the One Max and Xperia Z Ultra. HTC One Max vs Samsung Galaxy Note 3 vs Sony Xperia Z Ultra: CameraOne of the hottest topics when it comes to modern smartphones is the camera tech sat inside them. Of the most interesting was probably the UltraPixel technology that first graced the HTC One. Thankfully this has also made its way over to the HTC One Max. HTC Zoe is also on the HTC One Max, coming with Sequence Shot, Always Smile and Object removal. You'll be pleased to know that the HTC One max does also come with a forward facing camera, although it would be sacrilege not to, measured at 2.1MP. Both cameras are able to record in Full HD. The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 comes with a whopping 13MP, technically making it the biggest camera out of the three, although the front facing camera is only 2MP, making it the joint smallest with the Sony. Samsung's many photo modes are included in the Galaxy Note 3, with Beauty Face, Best Photo and Drama modes being included. The interesting Sound and Shot mode is also popped on. Again, recording can be done in Full HD. The Sony Xperia Z only packs in an 8MP camera, although that is backed up with the Exmore RS sensor that has made its way onto many Sony Xperia handsets of late. As with both the HTC and the Samsung, Full HD video recording is supported. HTC One Max vs Samsung Galaxy Note 3 vs Sony Xperia Z Ultra: Battery LifeBattery life is also something that is looked at quite heavily these days. Out of the three, the HTC One Max comes in with a fairly respectable 3300mAh battery. This means that there is a quoted 3G talk time of 25 hours, with 585 hours of 3G standby time. Samsung's Note 3 comes in with a whole 3200mAh battery, making it slightly smaller. This is also reflected in the call time, giving it only 21 hours 3G talk and 420 hours standby. As for the Sony Xperia Z Ultra, it comes in with the smallest battery size. This is measured at only 3000mAh, giving it the smallest talk time at only 16 hours. However, the standby time is far more impressive, measured at 820 hours. That's over 34 day, apparently. HTC One Max vs Samsung Galaxy Note 3 vs Sony Xperia Z Ultra: StorageComing in 16 and 32GB options, the HTC One Max comes with a fair amount of storage. It also differs from the HTC One in one key feature, microSD support. HTC has said that there will be support for up to 64GB, meaning a whopping 96GB is potentially on offer. Samsung has long supported microSD, meaning that the 16 and 32GB that is on offer is also backed up by another 64GB. The Sony Xperia Z Ultra comes with only 16GB of storage, putting it in line with the lowest storage options of the HTC and the Samsung. There is no 32GB model, however. Thankfully, 64GB of microSD is supported, so you're not left wanting. HTC One Max vs Samsung Galaxy Note 3 vs Sony Xperia Z Ultra: Dimensions and WeightSize wise, the HTC One Max comes in at 164.5 x 82.5 x 10.29mm, weighing 217g. This makes it the heaviest of the three, although some of that heft can be put down to the fact that is the only phablet of the three with an aluminum chassis. The lightest and smallest of the three is the Samsung Galaxy Note 3, with a weight of only 168g. Vital statistics put it at 151.2 x 79.2 x 8.3mm. With the largest screen, it is unsurprising that the Sony Xperia Ultra is the largest of the three. Measuring in at 179.4 x 92.2 x 6.5mm, it also manages to keep the weight lower than the HTC, at 212g   | |
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