Review TechRadar: Phone and communications news 11-07-2013

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Samsung vows to improve its sub-par software Nov 7th 2013, 14:37, by Kate Solomon Samsung's gone for the refreshing approach of telling the truth when it comes to its software prowess - or lack of - with the company's CEO admitting it needs work. Speaking to analysts this week, Kwon Oh-hyun said that the company has been hiring more software experts and founding new overseas research and development centres to improve localised services. In fact, half of Samsung's R&D crew is now focusing on software, and Kwon expects that ratio to shift even further in software's favour in the near future. Relying on a baseball analogy paraphrased by the WSJ, he explained that no team is likely to be equally good at batting and fielding - the implication being that no company should expect to be "equally strong" in hardware and software. "Even though we're doing the software business," he said, "we're not as good as we are in hardware." Truth hurts A rare bit of truth-telling? Perhaps, or perhaps this is a brave new Samsung - Kwon added, "We are quite open. We are quite different. We have changed." Sure, Samsung. Sure. Later in the day, JK Shin, Samsung's head of mobile, added that it is working towards a "fully integrated" software experience across all Samsung devices which could mean big changes afoot for its smart TVs and laptops to bring them in line with the Galaxy Note, Tab and S ranges and perhaps a lessening of Samsung's reliance on Android. The overall plan, Shin says, is to become the world's "most beloved" mobile company, with the game plan being to overtake iPad sales in the tablet world. Want to help Samsung out? Try the Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 Updated: Google Glass: release date, news and features Nov 7th 2013, 12:56, by Stuart Houghton With so much new information surrounding Google Glass, we have completely updated this 'what you need to know' feature. Enjoy! Many of us spend a significant portion of our day glued to our smartphones, or to other connected devices. Reading social media or checking out the weather or otherwise dipping into the wealth of data at our disposal will typically consume all of our attention, making it hard to do anything else. Google Glass might offer a solution to this problem, giving us a way of using the outboard brain of the internet while still being able to do other things. Glass was created, according to Google, to "be there when you need it and get out of your way when you don't." The first Glass units have been with early adopters (who had to sign up to a lottery for the privilege) since April and Google is using this semi-public testing period to fine tune the device for general consumption, as well as get the world used to the idea of wearables. Google Glass features Essentially, Google Glass is a wearable Android-powered computer built into spectacle frames so that you can perch a display in your field of vision, film, take pictures, search and translate on the go as well as run specially-designed apps. Google Glass uses a miniature display to put data in front (or at least, to the upper right) of your vision courtesy of a prism screen. This is designed to be easily seen without obstructing your view. Glass responds to voice commands as well as taps and gestures on the touch-sensitive bar that runs along the side of the frame. You can start a search with "Ok Glass.." and take a photo or launch an app with a command phrase or a tap of your finger. Glass can also be paired with a phone using the My Glass app to allow quick fiddling with settings and customisation. Google Glass runs a version of Android, so developers can easily create apps that take advantage of its unique display and input methods. Developers using Google's Mirror API, which makes it possible for apps to speak directly with a Glass headset, are forbidden from charging for their software or embedding ads in the Glass display. Google has indicated that this policy may change however. The early Google Glass apps provide a neat glimpse into the potential of the headset. You'll be able to use Google Maps to get directions although as there is no built in GPS receiver you'll need to tether Glass to your smartphone. Several third party developers have announced apps for services including Evernote, Skitch and Path. The New York Times has also demoed an app that will pop up news headlines on request and JetBlue has suggested that it could create an app to show how much time was left before you had to board your flight. One developer even created an app (since removed by Google) to allow surreptitious taking of photos simply by blinking when you have something good in your sights. Google has snapped up voice specialists DNNresearch whose voice recognition tech could give Glass the ability to translate words being spoken to you into your own language on the display. Obviously you'll need a WiFi connection or a hefty data plan if you're in another country, but it's certainly a neat trick if it works. Google Glass design Glass is designed to be lightweight and as unobtrusive as possible. The frame will come with adjustable pads for comfort, and is expected to be both light and extremely robust. It will also have a touchpad along one arm for silent interaction. If you already wear glasses, don't worry. Google is trialing several different designs that will enable Glass to be attached to e‌xisting frames. There is also the possibility of designer prescription glasses with Glass functionality built in. This patent might give us a glimpse of a future, more natural looking version of Glass. At the moment Google Glass comes in five colours: Charcoal, Tangerine, Shale, Cotton and Sky. Using Glass's translation ability to turn that list from marketing speak to plain English, that's black, orange, grey, white and blue. Consumer versions of the product could offer a different palette. YouTube : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1uyQZNg2vE Google Glass specifications Current versions of Glass offer a 640 x 360 display. According to Google the display is "the equivalent of a 25-inch high definition screen from eight feet away." There is a 5 megapixel camera built-in to the frame that can also capture video at 720p resolution. The rechargeable battery last for roughly a day, although that's with the standard "typical use" caveat, which probably excludes a lot of video capture or playback. There's 16GB of flash memory built into the device, although only 12GB is currently available for user storage. The device will sync to your Google Drive, giving you both a place to stash your photos and video clips as well as a stash of documents and files you can call up from the cloud. Bluetooth and WiFi will be built in, but there is no GPS chip - so the Glass will probably work best alongside an Android phone for full Google Maps functionality. You can however pair with any Bluetooth enabled phone and we would expect some support for iOS at least. Sound will be produced through bone conduction transfer - vibrating your skull to transmit to your eardrum. Google recently revealed a new version of the Glass headset that can take an optional mono earbud if you need to wear Glass in a noisy environment where bone conduction just can't give the volume you require. Tech Radar was able to spend some time with the Google Glass Explorer edition and give our verdict on this early model. YouTube : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JpWmGX55a40 Google Glass Controversy Obviously with any new technology there is the potential for misuse - and Google Glass is perhaps a little problematic when it comes to privacy. Of course, Google would say that it is merely taking the functionality that we already have in our portable devices and making it more readily accessible. A lot will come down to personal preference. For many, the prospect of being filmed by someone from their glasses will make them uneasy and having conversations logged and transcribed will be divisive. Google has released some information regarding how you know when people are filming through the device, which should quash some people's fears that the device will be used as a perving mechanism. Google also acted to remove an app that allowed photos to be taken silently via blinking, which could potentially have been abused. Facial recognition apps will also be banned from the Glass equivalent of Google Play following privacy concerns. It's important to note that there may be restrictions on when you use Glass, both legal and social. Indeed, one early adopter has already been arrested for driving while 'distracted' by her Google Glass headset. On the other side of the legal coin, another member of the Google Glass Explorer program became the first Glass user to film an arrest using his headset. Some jurisdictions may frown on this kind of public oversight. A strip club and a bar have already earned cheap publicity by pre-emptively banning Glass, and TechRadar columnist Gary Marshall has had his say on Glass' privacy implications. Gary also looked at just who fears Google Glass and why. Google Glass Competition Much as with the recent fad for Smart Watches, Google Glass is certain to spawn competitors. Apple and Microsoft are Google's most obvious rivals - and both are rumoured to be working on their own equivalents. Samsung could be getting in on the act too with what looks like a sportier take on the concept. Sony has gone so far as to patent a Glass-alike offering with a 'double lens' projecting visuals to both eyes. Vuzix, Oakley, Baidu and Oculon are also said to be working on rival systems. Another project that is attracting attention for mixing screens and glasses is the Oculus Rift, which is currently very much about gaming, but could feasibly - using a camera - show you live video of reality and enable some awesome real time overlays because it's a complete screen. The sheer size and weight of the Oculus Rift headset as it currently exists means it is unlikely to happen soon, however. Google Glass price Google Glass is not yet commercially available but some of those who signed up to the Google Glass Explorer program have been able to purchase a developer edition for $1,500 - around £985 or AU$1,449. Such is the buzz behind Google Glass that there is now a black market in Explorer program invites, with a 'Buy It Now' invite going for as much as $2,999. The consumer versions are expected to be a little cheaper, although any actual prices remain speculative. They are unlikely to be super-cheap - but Google's success with the Nexus 7 tablet may prompt the company to subsidise some of the cost. Google recently unveiled an accessories store, selling Google Glass add-ons and extras at premium prices. A spare pouch for Glass will set you back $50 and a clear eye shield is on sale for $75. Google Glass release date There was speculation that Glass may launch early, before the end of 2013 but no announcement has been forthcoming from Google. Google has however announced that another round of invites will be sent out to those who wish to buy a Google Glass Explorer edition, with existing users able to invite up to three friends. Which could mean that the original 2014 launch is more likely. In short, it will soon be easier to get a developer edition, but those wanting a proper consumer model will have to wait until well into 2014. While waiting for the full release, we had some thoughts about where Google Glass may be headed by the end of the decade. If Google's wearable future comes to pass, just what will the world of tech look like by 2020? Samsung reveals a folding phone-to-tablet prototype Nov 7th 2013, 11:55, by James Rogerson With flexible displays now making their debut in the likes of the Samsung Galaxy Round and theLG G Flex, Samsung is looking ahead to new kinds of foldable devices. In fact, it's already got some prototypes doing the rounds, which it recent showed to investors. Although the press wasn't invited to this demonstration, Phone Arena heard from Jae Lee, a Daiwa Securities analyst, that two prototypes were on show. "The first one they showed us was the size of an S3 smartphone which can be folded in half from top to bottom. So like a compact powder used by women" Lee commented. Shut up and take my money! He went on to say that "there was also one in the size of a lengthy wallet which can be unfolded on both sides into the size of a tablet computer." That's all we have to go on so far and it's likely to be a while yet before we see these displays out in the wild, as during its Analyst Day held yesterday, Samsung estimated that its foldable displays won't hit the market until late 2015 or early 2016. Still, it's an exciting prospect. The idea of a phone sized device which can be folded out into a tablet sounds like more than just a gimmick. At the very least it could make tablets smaller and more portable than ever, but it could also remove the need to have both a phone and a tablet if it can effectively combine the two. Like the sound of a phone/tablet hybrid? Well Asus already makes one. Leaked HTC M8 photos give first glimpse of new flagship Nov 7th 2013, 10:14, by James Rogerson HTC impressed us to the tune of a five star review with the HTC One, but that's starting to feel like old news and we're anxious to see what the Taiwanese company can cook up next. The answer to that appears to be the HTC M8. We first heard about it around a week ago, but now we've got some pictures courtesy of Taiwanese site ePrice. Based on these images it looks as though the HTC M8 will have a similar form factor to the HTC One, with a metal body and a rounded back; however, there are a few differences. First up there's the fact that there doesn't seem to be any break in the metal along the edges, so instead it's totally wrapped in metal. Mystery marking The back of the device is also a bit different as there's what looks like a hole or lens above the main camera lens. It could be a fingerprint sensor, but it's in a rather awkward position for that. One alternative is that it might be another camera lens, though if so it's unclear why HTC would opt for two rear cameras. The final thing to take away from the images is that while the body mostly looks quite dark it does seem to have a slight blueish hue to it, though whether this will be the final colour of the handset is unknown. As well as posting these images ePrice is also reporting that the HTC M8 will have a Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor, 3GB of RAM, the Sense 6.0 interface and an estimated screen size of 5-5.2 inches. If those specs are true then, along with the even more metal-icious form factor, HTC's new flagship could actually be a worthy successor to the HTC One. Not sold on HTC? Samsung makes some pretty good phones too. Leaked HTC M8 photos give first glimpse of new flagship Nov 7th 2013, 10:14, by James Rogerson HTC impressed us to the tune of a five star review with the HTC One, but that's starting to feel like old news and we're anxious to see what the Taiwanese company can cook up next. The answer to that appears to be the HTC M8. We first heard about it around a week ago, but now we've got some pictures courtesy of Taiwanese site ePrice. Based on these images it looks as though the HTC M8 will have a similar form factor to the HTC One, with a metal body and a rounded back; however, there are a few differences. First up there's the fact that there doesn't seem to be any break in the metal along the edges, so instead it's totally wrapped in metal. Mystery marking The back of the device is also a bit different as there's what looks like a hole or lens above the main camera lens. It could be a fingerprint sensor, but it's in a rather awkward position for that. One alternative is that it might be another camera lens, though if so it's unclear why HTC would opt for two rear cameras. The final thing to take away from the images is that while the body mostly looks quite dark it does seem to have a slight blueish hue to it, though whether this will be the final colour of the handset is unknown. As well as posting these images ePrice is also reporting that the HTC M8 will have a Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor, 3GB of RAM, the Sense 6.0 interface and an estimated screen size of 5-5.2 inches. If those specs are true then, along with the even more metal-icious form factor, HTC's new flagship could actually be a worthy successor to the HTC One. Not sold on HTC? Samsung makes some pretty good phones too. Apple adds new suppliers to make sure you get that iPhone for Christmas Nov 7th 2013, 10:04, by Kate Solomon Apple has reportedly invested in some new supplier relationships as it struggles to meet demand for iPhones and iPads with its current lot. The word comes from 'supply chain sources' over in Asia, who told the WSJ that Apple is scrambling to meet the public's insatiable demand for iPads and iPhones. The iPhone 5S is apparently in short supply because Apple's main manufacturer keeps messing up and building defective models. Yield The iPad mini 2, which isn't even out yet, is also facing supply problems with many eager tablet fans worried that there won't be a Retina display-toting 7-inch iPad under their trees this Christmas. And Apple's go-to plant Foxconn is still under a lot of scrutiny over its largely questionable working conditions. Little wonder, then, that Apple would be looking to widen its supply net - although the company itself will not comment on the manufacturing situation. Still, if all goes to plan, we should see fewer iPhone and iPad shortages in 2014 as Apple broadens its product ranges. New product ranges, you say? iWatch? iTV? iSomething else entirely? Roll on 2014 Updated: 20 best mobile phones in the world today Nov 7th 2013, 05:03, by TechRadar Best mobile phone: Overview What's the best mobile phone? Our verdict on the best smartphone/best phones - constantly updated The last few months have been phenomenal for smartphone lovers. There have been so many great phones released that deciding which one is best for you can be even more exhausting than running the Tough Mudder. Well, this is where we here at TechRadar make it easy. Because here, we have our continually updated comparison of the top 20 best smartphones you can get in Australia. The last update saw the HTC One shoot to the top of the pack like a bullet, with the Galaxy S4 coming in second. But now the competition has really started to heat up. FutTv : X07b7PVMTE6VW Apple launched two new iPhones, with the beast 5S coming in very close to the top. The 5C, an iPhone 5 replacement, also made its way onto our list, but it isn't nearly as enticing as some other devices. Speaking of other devices, the LG G2 looks like an impressive option, though it seems to be a little late to the race in Australia. Samsung on the other hand has a strong contender in its Galaxy Note 3, but the S4 remains a wonderful option. Sony also has its Xperia Z1 hanging about on the list, while Nokia has its Windows 8 option sitting in there as well. Make sure you make your way through the whole list to find the best phone for you If that still doesn't help, well, there's always our extensive mobile phone reviews pages as well - or check out our personally crafted smartphone buyer's guides: By OS: Best Android phone - which should you buy? Best Windows Phone - which should you buy? Best BlackBerry phone - which should you buy? Here are our rankings for the best mobile phones around, currently available in Australia. FutTv : uST651wdM1VK5 Number 20: iPhone 4S 20. iPhone 4S When Apple announced this phone, it was testament to the power of the rumour mill that people were angry it wasn't called the iPhone 5, but it has given birth to the trend of semi-phone updates being given the "S" addition. Predictably the iPhone 4S is no longer the iOS handset we recommend, but it's still a very worthy choice in the smartphone game thanks to some decent upgrades through iOS 6 (although the newer iOS 7 may struggle on it a little bit). But, if you want to stick to iOS 6 or upgrade to iOS 7, things will still run perfectly fine. When the phone came out, though, we were hoping for a larger display (which finally appeared on the iPhone 5), and things such as a lack of Bluetooth transfer, no Flash integration with the internet browser and an uninspiring contacts app still grate. Quick verdict Two 2 generations on, however, and it's still a great phone that you can pick up on a cheap plan. It's also a nice entry level iPhone for those who want the Apple experience without the Apple price tag. iPhone 4S review Compare iPhone 4S plans Number 19: Huawei Ascend P6 19. Huawei Ascend P6 Huawei is something of a dark horse in the mobile phone world at the moment, thanks to the fact that it's one of the largest manufacturers but nowhere near the minds of most consumers when thinking about their next smartphone. That changed slightly with the launch of the Huawei Ascend P6, a super-super-slim Android device priced toward the low end, comes with a quad core processor and generally looks the business in smartphone terms. Huawei has taken an alternative approach to its Android overlay by scrapping the menu section, leading to a dump of widgets and apps all in one easy set of screens. It's got a rather nice display and lightning quick operation, and has certainly turned some heads in the smartphone world. YouTube : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZHUDdOaHpU Quick verdict The Huawei P6 isn't the kind of phone that's going to challenge at the sharp end of our ranking, but it is a phone worth considering if you want top-end features at a reasonable price. It's got a lot going for it, and the customisable themes are impressive too - we suggest you hold it in your hand before dismissing it as the design is just almost inexplicably thin. Huawei P6 review See the best Huawei P6 deals Number 18: Nokia Lumia 820 18. Nokia Lumia 820 The Nokia Lumia 820 sits nicely at the crossroads between value and power. While it doesn't have the processor, camera or larger screen of its big brother the Lumia 920, it does have microSD storage, removable covers and a more attractive price tag - multiple reasons why you should like it. New to Windows Phone? This is an affordable option for you. Don't want a Full HD screen? The Super AMOLED option on this is battery-friendly but still rather good. Want a fun camera? Multiple lenses are your friend here. This is a well constructed, colourful handset with some excellent technological features, and it's got a really palatable price point to boot. It's been overshadowed by others in the range, but that doesn't mean it isn't still a class act. FutTv : 3FP854f3jXv0s Quick verdict OK, it's not the best Windows Phone device out there. Many have better specs, and others have lower price points. But the Lumia 820 can take a knock, has a decent battery and more importantly: doesn't cost the earth each month on contract. A perfect device for those thinking about getting a mid-term smartphone before upgrading to something with a little more grunt in the future. Nokia Lumia 820 review Number 17: BlackBerry Z10 17. BlackBerry Z10 The Z10 was meant to be the phone that brought BlackBerry back from the brink of annihilation and made the Canadian smartphone company relevant in a world of iPhone 5s and Galaxy S3s Running the brand new BlackBerry 10 operating system, the Z10 is a lovely piece of hardware that offers plenty of fresh and exciting features to the BlackBerry stable. The peek and flow UI is intuitive, although a fundamental shift from both iOS and Android, so expect a learning curve. FutTv : u34wWHXa32v0w It's not the only BlackBerry 10 handset due out this year - the company also brought the QWERTY keypad Q10 to market, although it went back on its promise of an update to the Playbook tablet to BB10. The biggest challenge the company faces is the availability of apps. While there has been plenty of pushing for developers to jump over to the platform, at this early stage there is still a lack of truly premium, must have applications available to purchase. Quick verdict BlackBerry is definitely in a race for third with Microsoft at this stage of the platform's release, but it has certainly delivered a well-featured functioning product in the Z10. The problem is that after five years, Android devices are finally reaching a comfortable level of maturity in both performance and usability, which BlackBerry doesn't have. And given the Z10 costs around the same as the Sony Xperia Z, iPhone 5 and Samsung Galaxy S3, it's hard to recommend over those rivals. BlackBerry Z10 review Compare BlackBerry Z10 plans Number 16: Samsung Galaxy S4 Active 16. Samsung Galaxy S4 Active Want the Samsung Galaxy S4 but are too worried about dropping it in the bath or flinging it into a sand dune? Well, you can either not do either of those things, or buy the Samsung Galaxy S4. With a powerful IP67 water and dust proof case the Active is far more hardy than a lot of the top end devices currently on the market. The only other handset which can match the rugged credentials of the S4 Active is the Sony Xperia Z, (and Z1 successor, of course) although those being covered in glass front and back makes them feel far more fragile. While the 5-inch display may not sport the Super AMOLED technology of the S4, the full HD resolution still makes for an excellent visual experience which is only really bettered by its namesake and the HTC One. FutTv : O96wZlt9iG4ZY Quick verdict If you're in the market for a super powerful smartphone which you can take on extreme activities, swimming and in the bath then sure the Galaxy S4 Active is the best around, although that's a pretty limited market. And hey, chuck it in a bucket of water and your mates will be seriously impressed (honest). We've only got this phone so far down on the list as we don't think huge amounts of users will be desperate to add the heft to an S4 to make it a bit more life proof, and that isn't going to be something most people will worry about. But if you want the security of a phone that can withstand a few knocks but doesn't scrimp on the specs or usability, then you could do a lot worse than checking out the S4 Active. Samsung Galaxy S4 Active review Compare Samsung Galaxy S4 Active plans Number 15: Samsung Galaxy S3 15. Samsung Galaxy S3 With the Samsung Galaxy S4 now launched, the S3 has predictably fallen down the rankings thanks to there being a better phone to recommend. But don't worry: the S3 is still a wondrous phone: it's got every kind of feature we could ask for and more, and raised the bar once again in terms of what consumers should be expecting in terms of battery life, processor speed and media management. Would we recommend you buy one if you're hankering for a spot of Samsung? Yes, but only if you're trying to save a lot of money, as the S4 is a much better version of this phone indeed, and not too expensive itself any more. FutTv : 7LZ1JV2TAJ3sY Price isn't the only reason the Samsung Galaxy S3 is worthy of consideration though. Smart Stay, Super AMOLED HD screen, up to 128GB storage, Music Hub, removable battery, quick camera... we're getting tired listing all the great things it does. The design didn't impress us as much as when we first laid eyes on the S2, but that's the only big issue we could find - and it's proven popular enough for MILLIONS of you to have bought it thus far, showing that it's still a cutting edge smartphone for some. With Android 4.2 on the way as well, there's still life in this once-leading phone - just make sure you check out the S4 first. Quick verdict If you waited feverishly for the Samsung Galaxy S3, you won't be disappointed. It's fast, it's sleek and it packs the latest technology that will get your pulse racing. Samsung faced an almost impossible task in trying to create a worthy sequel to the Galaxy S2, and while it's not longer top dog, it's at least getting more palatable in terms of price - plus is nimble enough to take down a number of newer phones too. Samsung Galaxy S3 review Compare Galaxy S3 plans Number 14: Nokia Lumia 1020 14. Nokia Lumia 1020 The Nokia Lumia 1020 is basically a compact camera that happens to have some phone features tacked onto it. Essentially, you would only buy this thing for its 41MP PureView camera with Xenon flash, as its camera is the best there is on any smartphone in the market. It's a shame then that the Windows 8 operating system seems to get in the way of all the shooting features than enhance them. YouTube : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIj5SIkHGMc But at the same time, the spec sheet isn't sparse, touting a Qualcomm Snapdragon dual-core 1.5GHz processor, 2GB RAM, 32GB on-board storage and a 2,000 mAh battery. Thankfully, with these decent specs, you also get a body that looks good as well - even if bumblebee yellow isn't your favourite choice. Coupled with the PureView camera with Xenon flash, it's great for someone who spends more time on Instagram than using a multitude of other apps. Quick Verdict Despite Windows 8 being a let down, the Lumia 1020 is a worthy Windows alternative for a camera-focused smartphone, as the iPhone 5S and Sony Xperia Z1 still have decent shooters But if the camera isn't your main priority in a phone, then you might want to look to the better built Nokia 925, which comes in next on our top 20. Nokia Lumia 1020 review Compare Nokia Lumia 1020 plans Number 13: Nokia Lumia 925 13. Nokia Lumia 925 What's better than a top Windows Phone 7 handset? A Windows Phone 8 one, and we've got no qualms about telling you this is the best high-end Windows Phone out there. Simplicity is the key here, the Lumia 925 does the basics well, from contact integration and calling, to web browsing and messaging. The camera is market-leading, and offers excellent performance from low-light to jumpy videos. The 8.7MP PureView camera on the back of the Lumia 925 is actually one of the best we've used, and for anyone looking to get a top end cameraphone: you need to seriously consider this Nokia, although the recent glut of handsets (Nokia 1020, Sony Xperia Z1, HTC One, LG G2 and iPhone 5S) have all stepped up their game significantly to offer strong camera experiences too. The 4.5-inch display is also a good'un, crisp and clear it makes watching movies, surfing the web or Facebook stalking an enjoyable experience, thanks to the PureMotion HD technology on offer. And you can even use it with gloves on... what more could you want? You're right: hologram messages. But they don't exist yet. YouTube : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzSPAaYCh_w Quick verdict The Nokia Lumia 925 is a worthy ambassador for Windows Phone 8 and probably a strong part of the reason Microsoft decided to acquire the Finnish handset division. It's not got the clout to take on the likes of the HTC One and Galaxy S4 just yet, but it's still a great choice if you're not sold on Android or iOS but don't want to give up a powerful phone. Nokia Lumia 925 review Compare Nokia Lumia 925 plans Number 12: Samsung Galaxy Note 2 12. Samsung Galaxy Note 2 When the original Samsung Galaxy Note launched, many (including us, we admit) were not convinced. Who on earth would want something so big to make their calls and surf the internet, even with a glorified stylus? Cue awkward silence. Millions of you, it would appear. The Galaxy Note sold by the bucketload, so how do you follow that up? With something better, of course - the Samsung Galaxy Note 2. Samsung has achieved something special here, because it has made the Galaxy Note 2 bigger than the original, but pulls it off so that you don't notice it too much and the fact that it launches running Android Jelly Bean and has such grunt with that quad-core processor makes this a class-leading phone. YouTube : youtubeurlv=HRA9EsH9-Co Faster, stronger, better looking, and more functional, the Galaxy Note 2 is better connected than ever, and thanks to that increased screen size (up to an eye-bulging 5.5-inches), now takes the crown in our eyes as the perfect media player. Quick verdict As a phone, it's big, but once you get over that, if you can, it's great. As a media player, it really does excel, and as a web communicator, it is almost second to none (though we can't fully get the taste of Flash absence out of our mouth). Ultimately, there's no getting away from the fact that the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 is a niche device. But it does almost everything it sets out to do perfectly, with grace, class and maximum functionality. And if you're in the market for a larger smartphone or a small tablet, this will be going much cheaper than the newly released Galaxy Note 3. Samsung Galaxy Note 2 review Compare Galaxy Note 2 plans Number 11: Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini 11. Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini Samsung has created a mid-range handset, putting itself right against the 4G-toting Nokia Lumia 820 - but most importantly, now in a war with the HTC One Mini too. The Galaxy S4 Mini takes the design language of the full-fat S4, and does well to shrink it down without losing the same 'atmosphere'. A vibrant screen, bright and clear enough, added to the fact it's only 4.3-inches large, mean the S4 Mini is a lot easier to hold in the hand, and the camera is as powerful as we'd expect on a phone of this size and price point. FutTv : 6Rpz9oI037JQ3 Quick verdict What you get with the Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini is a far better trade off of price and features than you got with the Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini, and a phone that sits very comfortably within the S4 range. It's got a lot of the S4 power at a lower price point, and while the S3 to S3 Mini divide was just too great in our eyes, the S4 Mini is a lot closer to its bigger brother. It lacks the power of the main version, but strips out the right amount of stuff to still be desirable. Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini review Compare Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini plans Number 10: Nokia Lumia 520 9. Nokia Lumia 520 The Nokia Lumia 520, much like its big brother the Nokia Lumia 620, is a jack of all trades and a master of none - although it really manages to make a good fist of everything it tries, for the price. It looks good, it's got a decent screen both in terms of size and resolution, it rarely stutters or slows down, it's great for calls and messaging, reasonable for media and okay for photos. To achieve a lower price point the 520 has had to strip away a few things - there's no NFC, compass, camera flash or front facing camera here. But on the other hand it's also got a bigger screen, a larger battery, a sleeker, slimmer, lighter build and the same processor and RAM as the Nokia Lumia 620, so in many ways it's actually better. Combine that with a lower price tag and we reckon that this just might be the best entry level Windows Phone 8 handset that you can buy and certainly the best value. FutTv : lh6uRAmepOjL6 Quick verdict The Nokia Lumia 520 certainly isn't an iPhone or Samsung Galaxy beater - but it's a superb Windows Phone device that you can pick up cheaply. If you're a fan of a simple interface with some quality add-ons, then you should definitely look at Nokia's latest attempt to win over the smartphone naysayers. Nokia Lumia 520 review Compare Nokia Lumia 520 plans Number 9: Google Nexus 4 9. Google Nexus 4 Though the Nexus 5 is out, we haven't yet finished rating it, and Google and LG's Nexus 4 is still worth talking about. The fact of the matter is that this is a handset with solid specs – yet it's at a price you'd expect to get a budget phone for. Sure, there are a few things that could have been done better, but the positives definitely outweigh the negatives. FutTv : hkHeYD9QgbS9G The Nexus 4 is beautifully designed with a stunning display and rocking the latest version of Android. It has more connectivity than a Telstra phone exchange and even excels in the simple matter of making telephone calls. We're not fans of the lower memory allowance, and it's not got the best screen on the market. But that doesn't mean it's not a fantastic handset - it would have competed even without the stupidly low price tag, and it will be getting an AndroidKit Kat update. Quick verdict With the Nexus 5 just released, the Nexus 4 is even cheaper, and with specs that should still be considered world class, this has become a very good offer at just $299. Google Nexus 4 review Number 8: iPhone 5C 8. iPhone 5C Though it's pretty much a dressed up, slightly nicer version of the iPhone 5, the iPhone 5C at least has decent improvements and a slightly low price tag - thought you maybe able to find the iPhone 5 for much cheaper now. The bright colors make the iPhone 5C look a bit childish, but look beyond that and the 5C does feel structurally sound in the hand, no doubt helped by the steel frame hidden under the polycarbonate exterior, which makes us less concerned about it smashing. While the screen size might not be anything special, the 1136 x 640 Retina display is present and correct on the 5C, meaning it has the same offering as both the iPhone 5 (and 5S). You'll even find the same A6 processor, 8MP rear camera, 1.9 MP front camera, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0. Verdict Well, the iPhone 5C is a slightly overweight iPhone 5 with a plastic body, larger battery and a slightly lower price tag than the 5S - meaning it's a great mobile device, but don't expect it to be the 5S. Read the full iPhone 5C review Compare iPhone 5C plans Number 7: Sony Xperia Z1 7. Sony Xperia Z1 The Sony Xperia Z1 is another powerhouse of a phone. With a 20.7MP camera with G Lens technology, the ability to withstand rain, snow and sand and a superfast Snapdragon 800 processor running the show, it's clearly a great handset to have around. It also comes in a variety of funky colours, has a pleasing build quality that helps justify the higher price to a degree and basically offers the best of the Sony brand in a smartphone. YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sX6MNT3Tb-c We do have a few reservations insofar as the Z1 doesn't really carry the mantle the Xperia Z created; it's got a massively uprated camera and screen technology, but neither particularly wow. Quick verdict But don't think that this is anything less than a leading phone from Sony. It's just that the added thickness to accommodate the camera doesn't impress enough to plop it into the top five, and after the really great showing from the Xperia Z, we were a little disappointed. However, the slick interface that make Android feel more simple, the fun Walkman and Movies app and the overall power and battery life make this a really nice phone that once again shows Sony knows how to make a smartphone. Sony Xperia Z1 review Compare Xperia Z1 plans Number 6: HTC One Mini 6. HTC One Mini We're excited about the HTC One Mini, as it's a handset with all the best bits of the HTC One without as much of the cost. That's got to be hitting a new segment of the market, right? We love that the functionality of the One Mini isn't compromised from its larger relative, with the likes of UltraPixels and BoomSound all involved without being watered down. YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZnSCqjg-aU HTC has been very clever in the design of this phone by bringing nearly every great element of the One to the smaller version, and packaging it in a way that still makes it very attractive. Speaking of attractive, it also keep's the larger One's good looks, without the bulk. Quick verdict The issues with the battery and storage do rankle somewhat, and do detract from an otherwise flawless performance from one of HTC's best phones out there. But they're more caveats on an otherwise top-end phone rather than reasons not to buy it, and placing it two price tiers below the HTC One is a great move indeed. Read the full HTC One Mini review Compare HTC One Mini plans Number 5: Samsung Galaxy S4 5. Samsung Galaxy S4 All change at the top! Samsung managed to hold off HTC at the top in 2012, but this year the supreme stylings of the HTC One proved too strong against a phone that's a slightly-better-version of its predecessor. Well, that's not really fair - it's only in looks that it's too similar, and sadly that was one of the biggest issues most users had with the S3. It's not the world's biggest smartphone crime, but it's enough to keep it from the top spot. FutTv : m6h0uCeL8z0kO There's a lot, a lot, to love with the Samsung Galaxy S4 though: whether it's a powerful camera, a brilliant screen, a long-lasting battery or just a fluid experience, there's everything you could want in a smartphone right here. The cost is a tad higher than on other smartphones, but thankfully still cheaper than iPhone level. If only it was made out of something a little more premium... Quick verdict There's no doubt that this is one of the best smartphone ever made - it's clear, powerful and does everything we'd expect a flagship phone from Samsung to do. It's just a shame that the perceived 'innovation' doesn't really add anything: motion gestures, smart scroll and it's other non-contact bedfellows didn't take smartphones to the next level, which is what we needed in the face of Ultrapixels and BoomSound. Make no mistake though: you'll love the Samsung Galaxy S4 if you choose to go for it, as it's an amazing phone with some really cutting-edge features. Samsung Galaxy S4 review Compare Galaxy S4 plans Number 4: LG G2 4. LG G2 Believe it people; LG has made a phone that not only impressed us but found itself in the top 5 spot. We don't know where to start in terms of extolling the virtues of this new handset from the South Korean firm: it's got an insanely good screen and a quality camera YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xOSgYUGoR0 It also has the best audio pumping out from its speakers and headphone jack, as well as a large battery, powerful chipset... the list goes on. We even came to tolerate, then love, the power and volume buttons being placed on the rear. These aren't ideal, but the ability to knock on the screen makes it really easy to interact with this impressive device. Quick verdict There's so much on offer here that we can't help but recommend it to anyone looking for the best smartphone powerhouse. The only things that we dislike are the cluttered UI (pull down the notifications bar and you'll see why) and the plastic casing, which drops the premium feel of the phone. LG G2 review Compare LG G2 plans Number 3: Samsung Galaxy Note 3 3. Samsung Galaxy Note 3 The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 is quite similar to its predecessors, the Galaxy Note and Galaxy Note 2; you're going to get something that looks like a giant phone and a small tablet meaning it's definitely not a device a lot of people will be clamoring for. But that doesn't mean it's a bad phone - in fact, it's a really great phablet. The Galaxy Note 3 has grown again since the 5.5-inch offering on the Note 2 to a palm busting 5.7 inches complete with a full HD, 1080 x 1920 Super AMOLED display. YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S92tzpCMh80 The Note 3 has also retained the metal frame from the Galaxy S4, which runs around the edge of the device providing a rigid body and a more premium look. The leathery texture adds to the idea of high quality, though it could look a bit tacky to some. But it actually does give the phone a nice grip and solid feel. Quick verdict The Note 3 is the best and most powerful Galaxy Note smartphone to date, and if you're a fan of the range then you'll love it - but it isn't quite the best smartphone in the world. But in saying that, the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 is still a great phone and if you were to own one, you wouldn't be disappointed. It provides a great onscreen experience - as long as your hands are big enough to reach across it - and all the tech its stuffed with almost warrants its lofty price tag. Read the full Samsung Galaxy Note 3 review Compare Galaxy Note 3 plans Number 2: iPhone 5S 2. iPhone 5S The iPhone 5S is a phone that takes everything Apple has learned over the last six and a half years and put it together in an incredibly cohesive manner. There's always an apathy with any kind of "S" device from Apple, as it's historically just the same thing made a little bit better, and it's true the advances on the iPhone 5S are few - but the ones that are there are very impressive indeed. YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=irlB81LwAQM Below the surface, Apple has put together one of the most cutting-edge smartphones around, imbued with a top-end camera and a really innovative feature with TouchID. There's only so much that smartphone manufacturers can do to differentiate these days, and while Apple can't expect consumers to be wowed by the same shell, it can expect to get some interest in the sharp camera and gives a sense of relief with the new A7 chip. Quick verdict To say this is the best iPhone yet is relatively pointless, as of course it was going to be, being the latest. But the combination of iOS 7 to freshen things up with a powerful core and great camera mean that this phone should be considered on its own merits. The high price will put many off, especially considering the now comparatively very cheap HTC One, but for any one who can afford it will find very little to fault the newest iPhone. Read the full iPhone 5S review Compare iPhone 5S plans Number 1: HTC One 1. HTC One With a less than stellar past couple of years, HTC has pulled out all the stops with this flagship device, though the name seems a little confusing given it has dropped a letter from last year's One X And while One is a little old now having come out earlier this year, inside it is still a phone packed full of awesome features designed and hardware. From Zoe, the camera function that creates video highlight reels, and BoomSound, for better speaker performance. Sense has been given a complete overhaul as well. FutTv : 4v6C66qvQigcV It's not perfect - battery life is still rather lacking, as is the lack of expandable memory. Given these things were issues in the One X last year, we really hoped HTC would learn from its mistakes. But the strength of the HTC One is that it still manages to overcome those obstacles to still be the best phone currently on the market. Quick verdict The iPhone 5S may be a little more Apple-friendly and the Galaxy Note 3 may be a little more powerful, but ultimately, the HTC One combines its strengths into a package that stands above all the others, earning it 5 stars. HTC One review Compare HTC One plans Vodafone's new promo will give you double the mobile data Nov 7th 2013, 03:44, by Farrha Khan While you may have been getting used to hearing news that your telco has slashed your mobile data allowance, Vodafone is bucking the trend with its new promo that doubles your data allowance. This has mainly been in the realm of MVNO's like Aldi and TPG, but earlier this year, Optus had also cut data allowances for its new plans, though they did introduce $10 automatic top up payments for increased data use. "There is an unfortunate industry trend to cut data allowances as a way of exploiting greater consumption, but we're not going to run with the pack," said Vodafone's Chief Marketing Officer Kim Clarke. "We have increased our data allowances this year while the others have sat on their hands or gone backwards." With Voda's new promo, if you sign up for a month-to-month voice plan of $45 and above, or a 12-month or 24-month plan at $60 or above (including Red plans), you'll be eligible for double the data allowance that the plans initially give. "We know our customers are using 61 percent more data than they did a year ago and that's 50 percent more than the national average," Clarke said. "Our customers have a huge appetite for social media, photo sharing, watching videos and streaming music and we want to give them the freedom to do that." Voda doubled up This means that its Red plans, which offers $5 caps for Roam Like Home use in the US, UK, NZ and Europe will now give you 3GB of data on the AU$65 per month plan, 5GBs on the $80 plan, and a whopping 10GB on the $100 plan. Those on a 24- or 12-month plan will have double the data for the life of the plan, while month-to-month plans will be eligible for the doubled data for 24 months. The offer is not only for new customers, as existing customers who upgrade to this plan starting from today will also be eligible for double the data. "We are super keen for new customers to try out our brand-new 4G network and take advantage of the amazing data speeds on offer, and give our existing customers the freedom to surf the web to their heart's content – without worrying about receiving a massive bill," said Clarke. The promo starts from today and runs until January 3, so you'll have to sign up within the next 2 months to make the most of this. Of course, if you're stuck in a contract with another telco until after January 3, or have just recently upgraded your Voda plan, you'd have just missed out on the promo and will not get double the data allowance. The telco sure has had a lot of announcements this year, and it looks like it isn't done yet with Vodafone revealing that it has data sharing on the horizon too. Three customers: No more sales or upgrades from Carphone Warehouse Nov 6th 2013, 20:09, by Chris Smith Three UK customers will no longer be able to do their shopping at Carphone Warehouse, after the network decided to cut ties with the high street retailer. From earlier December, the UK's smallest major mobile network will no longer sell devices, service plans or upgrades through Carphone's website or brick and mortar stores. Instead, those wishing to sign up or extend their relationship with Three will need to do so through its own 348 stores and online portals, or from other smaller independent retailers. The decision to ditch CPW follows the curtailing of Three's relationship with Phones 4U last year. Both decisions are believed to be attributed to the extra costs of selling through third-party retailers. Impact A Carphone Warehouse spokesperson informed TechRadar: "From early December we will no longer be selling or upgrading Three propositions through our channels. This will not impact our commitment to provide customers with choice and value: no one else offers customers a wider range of networks and tariffs." The Times (subscription) reports that Carphone has already shrugged off Three's decision, with an internal memo calling it "a very small part of the business." It is focused on relationships with "major networks," it reportedly said. Going forward, it will be very interesting to see whether Three's bottom line is affected now users no longer have the option of signing up for tariffs and SIMs at either of the UK's major independent retailers. Quite often Three's contracts stack up very well against the likes of O2, Vodafone and EE, especially in the unlimited data department. It seems the other major players will be happy to see Three depart from those arenas given the network's plans to offer 4G LTE data plans at no extra cost. Android 4.4 will soon use your Google+ profile pic for caller ID Nov 6th 2013, 19:25, by JR Bookwalter Time to freshen up those Google+ profile photos, because the latest flavor of Android will start using them to identify users as part of the new caller ID by Google service. Google Engineering Director Attila Bodis announced November 5 on his Google+ page that the company's caller ID will be getting a little more personal early next year. In an effort to help make it easier to identify who's calling, Google will start using Google profile photos in early 2014, which will be displayed on incoming and outgoing calls on phones with Android 4.4 KitKat. Caller ID by Google is part of the new phone app included with the latest version of Android, which now matches Google Places listings for businesses as well as looking up contacts from Google Apps domains. Are you verified? "Coming in early 2014, users who have verified their phone number and have discovery turned on will have their names and Google profile photos display whenever they call you, or you call them," Bodis explained. Google claimed the feature is "great if a new friend who hasn't been saved in your contacts yet calls you," but not everyone will be thrilled to have their profile image broadcast with every call. Google+ users are encouraged to "make sure you are happy with how you appear on caller ID" by visiting your Google Account - especially since the only opt-out seems to be removing verified numbers and/or turning discovery off. Check out our review of Microsoft's new Surface Pro 2! Free games and movies for Xperia Z1, Z Ultra and Tablet Z owners Nov 6th 2013, 12:24, by Thomas Thorn It seems the folks over at Sony are getting into the Christmas spirit a little early, announcing that owners of the Xperia Z1, Xperia Z Ultra and Tablet Z can get their mitts on a range of digital goodies. In this digital party bag comes access to 10 games and 5 movies, all completely free. Sony's offer also includes a 60 day free trial to its Music Unlimited service, available to those that have yet to sign up. As with any promotion, there are obviously some stipulations, like owning one of the three aforementioned devices. Sony Xperia Z owners need not apply This means that those with the older Sony Xperia Z handset in their pockets miss out on the digital love sharing. If, however, you are lucky enough to own an Xperia Z1, Xperia Z Ultra or Tablet Z, picking up the offer is as simple as going through the Xperia Privilege app. There are a few games titles from PlayStation Mobile, such as Hungry Giraffe, Tokyo Jungle Mobile and Ten By Eight, and some movie blockbusters including Elysium and The Amazing Spider-Man. With a lot of competition coming from the five-star iPad Air and the superb HTC One and Samsung Galaxy Note 3, this could give Sony a much needed edge in the run up to December 25.

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