| iPhone fans are most in love with BBM - who saw that coming? Nov 25th 2013, 13:08, by Thomas Thorn 
For those that haven't heard (where have you been?!), BBM has made it to both Android and iOS platforms, and it seems that the latter is proving far more popular. Since the cross-OS launch, BBM has seen a lot of press, albeit much being linked to problems encountered at its first launch attempt. Across both platforms, users have been downloading in droves, although BGR has noticed a distinct trend; BBM consistently ranks higher on the App Store compared to the Play Store equivalent. Despite having to battle it out with the likes of WhatsApp, BBM managed to make it into the top 5 iOS downloads in at least 50 countries, including Canada and the UK. This seems isolated to Apple handsets though as BBM only reaches the Play Store top 10 in 4 countries; Indonesia, South Africa, the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Who's to blame?In Argentina you'll find BBM as the number one download on iPhone, although only number 14 on the Play store. In the Philippines the split is 26th place to 144th. BGR postulates that this could be down the users of BBM, fitting in with an older and more professional clientele. This is highlighted in comparison to the cross-OS app Kik, traditionally used by teens. It consistently ranks higher on Android than iOS; 38 vs 11 and 27 vs 12 in the US and Finland respectively. Should we be surprised though? iPhones and BlackBerrys are more popular amongst business users, the 'prosumer' market that the Canadian firm wants to target. With the success of BBM, we could see BlackBerry pulling back some of the market from California in the future, maybe the Z30 will help.        |  | Samsung Galaxy Grand 2 pops out as Note 3's baby brother Nov 25th 2013, 11:29, by Thomas Thorn 
Not content until it has cornered every sector of the smartphone market, Samsung has announced the sequel to the Galaxy Grand, the aptly named Samsung Galaxy Grand 2. The Galaxy Grand 2 fits neatly between the Galaxy Note 3 and the Samsung Galaxy S4 in terms of screen size, although it comes with less power than both and without the Note's S Pen stylus. It does manage to keep the Note 3's faux leather back, though, along with a 1.2GHz quad-core processor, 1.5GB RAM, 5.25-inch HD screen and 8GB internal memory. In true Samsung tradition, microSD is also supported up to 64GB. This means an upgrade over the 1.2GHz dual-core processor and 1GB RAM that was found in the original Grand. Grand in name, grand in nature?The original Grand's screen has been stretched by 0.25-inches, gaining an improved HD 1280 x 720 resolution in the process. There is no AMOLED tech here though, with the TFT screen sat inside a 146.8 x 75.3 x 8.9mm chassis and weighing 163g. The Galaxy Grand 2 comes running Android 4.3 Jelly Bean, but doesn't pack the same 4G technology that made its way to the Samsung Galaxy Ace 3. Other key specs include dual-SIM, a 2600mAh battery, 8MP rear camera, 1.9MP front camera and Wi-Fi a/b/g/n. We are still waiting for pricing, availability and an official Galaxy Grand 2 release date, but when it lands you'll be able to get your hands on a black, white or maybe even a pick version. Which one would you go for?        | | Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini gets treated to Android 4.3 Nov 25th 2013, 10:26, by Thomas Thorn 
The roll out Android 4.4 KitKat may have just started, but Android 4.3 Jelly Bean is still rolling out to the likes of the Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini. According to MobileSyrup, Canadian networks Bell, Rogers and Telus are reporting that the Samsung Galaxy S4 and Galaxy S4 Mini are getting the latest version of Jelly Bean. We've heard a lot about the Galaxy S4 getting the update to 4.3, but this is the first time we've heard that the S4 Mini will follow suit. Keeping watchGalaxy Gear support was added to the Galaxy S4 Mini via a separate update, with the older flagships, the Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 2, getting the same support from the confirmed 4.3 update. This update could also bring Samsung KNOX, Bluetooth smart technology and OpenGL:ES 3.0 to Galaxy S4 Mini handsets, although we'll have to wait and see. Canadian users will find the update available OTA via the settings menu. We've contacted Samsung for more information, but we'll be keeping our eyes peeled just in case.        | | Eric Schmidt kindly writes essay on switching to Android from iPhone Nov 25th 2013, 02:14, by Chris Smith 
Google's executive chairman Eric Schmidt kindly gave up his weekend to write a lengthy step-by-step guide for iPhone users who are thinking of switching to Android. Big Eric says loads of his friends are making the transition from iOS and enjoying better, larger displays and a 'much more intuitive interface.' In the post on his personal Google+ page, Schmidt said that an Android phone would be "a great Christmas present to an iPhone user!" He said: "Like the people who moved from PCs to Macs and never switched back, you will switch from iPhone to Android and never switch back as everything will be in the cloud, backed up, and there are so many choices for you. 80% of the world, in the latest surveys, agrees on Android." You got me, what?!The series of 'Schmidt tips' advises new Android phone owners on how they can make use of iCloud and Gmail to get iPhone contacts onto the new phone. It also explains how users can get iTunes music onto the Android phone, by using Google Music Manager and syncing to the company's cloud locker. Are you an iPhone user? Would you welcome an Android phone in your stocking this Christmas? Or would be aghast that a loved would even consider it? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section.        | | The Tip Off: Top Black Friday deals we recommend Nov 24th 2013, 00:30, by TechRadar Tip Off 
Black Friday is fast approaching and if you, like so many other Americans, plan on taking advantage of the deals on deeply discounted electronics, you'll need a plan of attack. The TechRadar Tip Off created this handy list of the best Black Friday Deals around so you can get the jump on some post-Thanksgiving shopping without having to aimlessly push and shove too much. Please note: A few prices listed here are still only sneak peaks at upcoming deals from various retailers. Keep checking back as we'll continue to add all the top tech deals we can find. In the meantime, the Tip Off salutes you good luck during your Black Friday shopping spree! Hello, phones on sale
Get the most popular handset (possibly ever?) that's not an Apple device, the HTC One, for only $29.99 on contract from Best Buy. You can also pick up the One from Amazon for only $0.01 on contract with Sprint, Verizon or AT&T. More phone deals to check out: The ever popular tablets
The newest Nexus 7 is already cheap as it is but thanks to Black Friday, these stores went further and made it even cheaper. $199 will get you 16GB and $239 for the 32GB - both of which are $30 less than usual retail prices fromAmazon, Walmart and Best Buy. 
The iPad Air is just as hot as that Nexus (probably even more) but watch out for that steep price tag. However, it looks like you can pick up a 16GB Wi-Fi only Air from Best Buy for $499, and from bothWalmart and Target for $479. More tablets deals to check out: Don't worry, laptops are still cool
Apple's 15-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display remains ever pricey but it seems like Best Buy has made it slightly more affordable - you can now get the 2012 model for $250 off the regular list price. More laptop deals to check out: TVs and TV related goodies
This little dongle sold out quite fast when it first launched, forcing Google to replenish its stock ASAP. Like the company's other products, it's also already super affordable but Amazon and Best Buy have lowered the price even more to $29.99. More TVs and TV related deals to check out: - Vizio 60-inch 1080p 120Hz HDTV, $688 (Amazon)
- Vizio E550i-A0 55-Inch 1080p 120Hz Smart HDTV, $479.99 (Amazon)
- Seiki 50-Inch 1080p 60Hz LED HDTV, $229 (Amazon)
- Samsung 65-Inch 1080p 120Hz LED HDTV (Black), $999 (Amazon)
- Samsung 55-Inch 1080p 240Hz 3D Ultra Slim Smart LED HDTV, $1297.99 (Amazon)
- Sony BDP-S3100 Blu-ray Disc Player with Wi-Fi, $54.99 (Amazon)
- Pioneer SP-FS51-LR Floorstanding Speakers, $100 after $50 rebate (Newegg)
Can't forget games
There are decent sized game lists for both the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One meaning plenty of slashed Black Friday game prices to choose from. But don't count out their brethren, the PS3 and the Xbox 360 - with all the next-gen stuff, there's even more "old" gen games going on sale too, which is great if you plan on sticking with the older consoles for awhile. Amazon game deals: Walmart PlayStation 4 and Xbox One game deals: PC parts on sale
Like laptops being shown up by tablets, PCs have competition from the aforementioned next-gen consoles. But to a PC, "next-gen" was five plus years ago and current gen components will be console fodder in ten years. Building your own rig can break the bank sometimes, so Black Friday is the perfect time to stock up on parts. - RAIDMAX Altas ATX-295WB Black Steel / Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case, $15 after rebate and promo code PREBLKFR55 (Newegg)
- MSI LGA1155/Intel Z77 motherboard, $60 after $10 rebate (Amazon)
- ADATA USA Premier Pro 2.5-Inch 128GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive, $80 (Amazon)
Stay tuned for more from the TechRadar Tip Off.        | | Unlocked, SIM-free iPhone 5S now available from Apple Nov 22nd 2013, 19:09, by Michelle Fitzsimmons 
As stealthy as its iPad mini with Retina display release, Apple has launched a new flavor of the iPhone 5S. The flagship is now available unlocked and SIM-free, but only for GSM compatible networks. In other words, you'll need a SIM for either AT&T or T-Mobile to use your new contract-free iPhone. Priced at full-tag levels - $649, $749 and $849 for each storage variant - the unlocked iPhone 5S will ship in 1-2 weeks. iPhone 5S SIM-free spectacularApple has always sold an unlocked iPhone 5S for T-Mobile, however the device came with a SIM card for the network and stood the chance of being tied to a T-Mo account. Now the phone is free and clear of any carrier; all customers have to do is provide their own SIMs. Once the unlocked iPhone 5S is powered up, it's on like Donkey Kong. Users can even use it on any GSM network globally, no contract required. An unlocked iPhone 5C has been on sale since September, and it too requires a GSM-compatible SIM. The $549/$649 cheaper iPhone can perch on your stoop within 24 hours.   | |
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