| Explainer: Android Modding 101: what you need to know about rooting your phone Jan 21st 2014, 15:00, by Chris Mills 
"Just root it" is something you've probably heard said if you've spent any meaningful time hanging around a hardcore Android user. But, unless you've spent too much time lingering in the darker corners of the internet, you probably get lost when people start comparing ROMs. As Android phones have taken off, rooting (the process of getting super access to your phone, and being able to change it as you see fit) has become an increasingly mainstream thing to do. The driving factor behind this is the manufacturers: to stamp their own seal on devices, big Android smartphone makers like Samsung, HTC and Sony put a 'skin' on top of the regular Android OS, changing the look and feel, and often replacing stock Android apps with changed varieties. In the first case, then, some users don't appreciate the 'bloatware' – they'd rather have a clean, unskinned version of Android, as they often run faster, and Google's apps are arguably superior to the manufacturers' offerings. But skinning Android creates a more serious problem – updates. When Google issues a major update for Android, something it sometimes does a few times a year, it takes months for the manufacturers to apply the updates to their Android skins, and then push the update to customers – and for some older handsets, they often don't bother at all, leaving owners high and dry. 
Rooting, and installing custom ROMs, overcomes a lot of that. Not only does messing with the software on your phone allow almost limitless tweaks to the look and feel of the thing, it also brings access to faster, more efficient versions of Android, with more frequent updates to boot. Total control For a prospective modder, the first step on the path is always rooting. To 'root' a device is to get total control over it. Although most people will never run into problems with having control over their phone, if you ever try to delete an in-built app, you'll find that there's a lot of things the normal operating system won't allow you to change or delete – something rooting changes. The difficulty of rooting depends on your handset manufacturer. Rooting requires access to the bootloader, a low-level piece of software on your phone that boots up before the operating system, and tells the phone where on its memory to look for the OS. Some manufacturers unlock the bootloader by default; others offer a tool (not normally exactly user-friendly) on their websites; whilst the worst offenders, by rooting standards, require more complicated (and often warranty-voiding) methods. From there, rooting normally just requires hooking up your handset to a PC, downloading a few pieces of software, and hitting go. The exact method varies from phone to phone – step-by-step instructions can normally be found on XDA forums, a giant internet community dedicated to developing and modding smartphones. 
Getting root access also opens the door to run other, more powerful apps. For example, the most complete backup app, Titanium Backup, needs root to function properly. Other apps, like the power-saving Greenify, also function better when they have complete control; and if you're on a phone plan that charges you extra for tethering your phone's data to your laptop, there are root apps that can get around that too. However, rooting is just the first, rather limited step. If you want to get a completely un-skinned version of Android, are lusting after the most recent version of Google's OS, or just fancy a change of scenery, you'll want to flash a custom ROM. Open source A custom ROM is basically just a different version of the Android OS. Generally, the ROM is developed from the open-source Android code, but tweaked slightly. The modifications vary massively - some just provide you with stock Android, whereas others completely change the look and feel of the phone. Mostly, the ROMs are developed by teams of hobbysists in their spare time, in return for no (or very little) money. Installing a ROM is just a little more complicated than rooting. You have to install a custom recovery – a piece of software separate from Android, kind of like a very limited alternate operating system. To start with. you'll need to boot the phone into 'recovery mode', usually achieved by holding some Konami-code-esque combination of buttons as you boot the phone up. Once in the recovery, you can make system-wide changes like installing ROMs, deleting user data and more. The stock recovery that ships with phones is often very limited, so one of the steps in rooting a phone is normally to install a custom recovery. There are two particularly common custom recoveries, ClockworkMod and TWRP. Just like the custom ROMs, these are freely available bits of software made by hobbyist hackers, not the actual phone makers, and can be every bit as buggy as you'd expect. So, once the recovery is installed, all you have to do is find a custom ROM that'll run on your phone, download the file off the internet, copy it onto your phone, then boot into the recovery and flash away ('flashing' basically meaning installing). 
Finding a good ROM is probably the most difficult part of the entire operation. One of the most common mistakes for first-time modders is downloading a ROM intended for a slightly different model of smartphone. Owing to the different mobile networks in various countries, there's normally a couple of versions of any one smartphone in circulation at any one time, which are normally visually identical but sufficiently different on the inside, so that trying to install the wrong bit of software will screw them up. Mainstream ROMs That said, there is at least a fair bit of choice. There are a number of 'mainstream' custom ROMs, like CyanogenMod, Android Open Kang Project, and the British attempt, MoDaCo. Some focus on upping the processor speed, whilst others offer a vastly different user interface, or better battery life. If you have a recent, mainstream flagship phone, you'll most likely have all the choice you want; older or less well-known phones don't get the same selection of ROMs, as the demand isn't quite there. Compounding the problems is the bugginess of many ROMs. Remember, these are bits of software written by enthusiasts in their spare time, and tested by internet forums – not quite the same quality control that big manufacturers go through. As a result, the latest releases of software can be buggy, and probably aren't recommended to install. At the very least, make sure you read through forum threads to see what problems others are having before installing – problems like the camera or touchscreen stopping working aren't unheard of. 
If you do screw your handset up when trying to root or flash a custom ROM, chances are it's easily reversible. Because most features relating to uninstalling or reinstalling Android can be controlled via a PC and a microUSB cable, most problems can be solved by plugging your phone back into your computer, and re-flashing the stock software. As a general rule, if you can turn your phone on and get into recovery mode, but not the main operating system, it's 'soft bricked'; this is opposed to 'hard bricked', which is when you can't turn the phone on, and it won't talk to a PC. At that point, your options are pretty limited, beyond sending the phone back to the manufacturer and hoping they don't ask too many questions. Rooting and modding handsets isn't for the faint-hearted – it'll take at least an hour or two to get set up initially, and there's always the outside possibility of bricking your phone – but in many cases, the rewards are worth it. Whether there's a particular feature that drives you crazy on stock software, or you're tired of waiting half a year for an Android update, most every problem can be solved with a bit of modding. Just don't expect everything to work perfectly, all the time.        |  | Sony Xperia Z2 screenshots reveal a glut of new features Jan 21st 2014, 13:34, by James Rogerson 
Not one but two lots of Sony Xperia Z2 screenshots have leaked in the last 24 hours or so. The first set, posted on the XDA Developers forum, is from an old build as it's running Android 4.3 and it mostly just serves to show some changes to the UI. However the second set, revealed by XperiaBlog, claims to be from an Android 4.4.2 KitKat build and is far more revealing. The camera has seen some upgrades since the Sony Xperia Z1, as the screenshots show that the Xperia Z2 supports 4K video recording and a 'Timeshift video' feature, which allows you to record video at a high frame-rate and apply slow motion effects. The screenshots have revealed a bunch of other new features on the Xperia Z2 as well, such as the ability to wake the screen by double tapping it (as you can on the LG G2), use the touchscreen while wearing gloves and adjust the white balance of the display. 
Smarter than your average phoneThen there are a couple of new 'smart' controls. Smart backlight control sounds a lot like Samsung's Smart Stay feature as it ensures that the screen stays on when you're looking at it. While Smart call handling allows you to answer calls by bringing the phone up to your ear, reject them by shaking the device or mute the ringer by flipping the handset over. We've seen other manufacturers implement these features on their handsets and Sony now appears to be following suit. It also looks like the Sony Xperia Z2 will have not one but two home launchers to choose from. There's the standard one, called 'Xperia Home' and another called 'Simple Home', which gives it a simplified layout while increasing the size of fonts and icons. 
The screenshots show that the Xperia Z2 will also give users some control over the notifications screen and status bar, as you can pick exactly which apps display notifications and choose which icons to display in the status bar. Then there's a 'What's New' feature, which you seemingly access by swiping up, in much the same way as you'd access Google Now. By the looks of things though it just highlights new features and content from Sony. That covers the big changes, but the screenshots also show an enormous number of small changes and additions, such as a new 'Printing' option under system settings and a built in answering machine with a selection of greetings to choose from. As if we weren't already excited enough about the Sony Xperia Z2 all this suggests an almost overwhelmingly feature packed handset. There shouldn't be long to wait for it now either, as the Xperia Z2 may break cover at MWC 2014.        | | Dubious pre-MWC 2014 launch tipped for Samsung Galaxy S5 Jan 21st 2014, 11:02, by John McCann 
What's this? It's only a Samsung Galaxy S5 release date. Get out your diaries, grab that ballpoint and thumb your way to February 23... wait. What? According to seasoned mobile leaker and blogger about town, Eldar Murtazin, Samsung will apparently launch the Galaxy S5 in Barcelona on the Sunday before MWC 2014 kicks off. The tweet reads "Samsung Galaxy S5 launch - 18.00. Barcelona. 23 February. Price the same. Launch - end of April. Specs - u know them :) new touchwiz ;)", which sounds lovely and all - but we're not convinced. Look at the factsSamsung has steered clear of MWC in previous years, launching the Galaxy S3 and Galaxy S4 at separate events after the show, allowing its products to garner the maximum amount of publicity instead of being lost in the noise of a trade show. Various sources have also tipped the Galaxy S5 launch for March, with an event taking place in either London or New York - not Barcelona. Either way we'll find out in a month's time if Murtazin was on the money, or off the mark.        | | Dubious pre-MWC 2014 launch tipped for Samsung Galaxy S5 Jan 21st 2014, 11:02, by John McCann
What's this? It's only a Samsung Galaxy S5 release date. Get out your diaries, grab that ballpoint and thumb your way to February 23... wait. What? According to seasoned mobile leaker and blogger about town, Eldar Murtazin, Samsung will apparently launch the Galaxy S5 in Barcelona on the Sunday before MWC 2014 kicks off. The tweet reads "Samsung Galaxy S5 launch - 18.00. Barcelona. 23 February. Price the same. Launch - end of April. Specs - u know them :) new touchwiz ;)", which sounds lovely and all - but we're not convinced. Look at the factsSamsung has steered clear of MWC in previous years, launching the Galaxy S3 and Galaxy S4 at separate events after the show, allowing its products to garner the maximum amount of publicity instead of being lost in the noise of a trade show. Various sources have also tipped the Galaxy S5 launch for March, with an event taking place in either London or New York - not Barcelona. Either way we'll find out in a month's time if Murtazin was on the money, or off the mark.        | | Video: Sony Xperia Z2 unmasked? Jan 21st 2014, 10:31, by Owen Hughes 
Have we had our first glimpse of Sony's next flagship smartphone? New leaked images, courtesy of XDA Developers, show off a supposed Xperia Z2 out in the open (or rather, sat on a table). The Xperia Z1 may be only a couple of months old, but that hasn't stopped rumours regarding its successor rearing their head. 2K-OAlleged specs circling the web point to a 5.2-inch, 2K screen, rocking a needle-sharp 506ppi. Naturally, all this pixel power means a bump in juice will be required, so a 3700mAh battery has also been mooted. So is this really the Xperia Z2? Click on the video below and judge for yourself. FutTv : Bogb5S0S4kxsI       | | Beats Music makes its debut on the App Store, launches today Jan 21st 2014, 10:12, by Kate Solomon 
Beats Music is here - sort of, kind of, in a way. The new music streaming service from the headphone-maker now has an iOS app on the Apple App Store but it's not going to be properly available until later today. The new Spotify-baiting service is only available on the US app outlet for now, and there's no sign of the Android equivalent (although we're assured it will be hitting Google Play imminently, as well as the Windows Phone marketplace). Boasting a music library of around 20 million songs, Dre's Beats Music will set you back $9.99 a month after a free seven day trial. The company is yet to confirm international pricing, although we'd expect it to follow Spotify's lead and hit £9.99 in the UK and $11.99 in Australia. Last night a DJ saved my lifeBeats' big thing is using your phone to deliver expert curation and personalised music discovery - basically Beats wants to be your own personal DJ. An introductory blog post explains, "A great DJ picks the right song and knows the only thing more important than the song playing right now is the song that comes next. A great DJ gets bored before you do and knows when to switch gears to keep you listening." The gang behind the app can't remember a "robot" ever found them "magic" rather than obvious choices ("You like Pantera? Have you heard of Black Sabbath?"). The result is a mix of music experts from across the music media and interrogative questions to work out what of these expert picks are right for you right now. Sentencing
As well as highlights, genre options and creating your own playlists, there's also a cool 'sentence' feature which is a bit like that game consequences but instead of an hilarious story you theoretically end up with the perfect playlist for your situation. You fill in the blanks in "The Sentence": I'm [somewhere] and feel like [doing something] with [someone] to [genre]. Then hit play for an infinite playlist. Spotify has been busily preparing for this new player in the music streaming game - it has removed all restrictions on its free service so you can listen online or on your phone for free for as long as you like, and yesterday hit the go button on bands selling their merch commission-free through the Spotify interface.        | | Rumour: 4.7-inch and 5.7-inch iPhone 6 handsets coming as soon as June Jan 21st 2014, 04:10, by Chris Smith 
Despite the success of handsets 5-inches and larger, you felt it was with a certain amount of reluctance that Apple bumped up the iPhone from 3.5-inches to a dinky 4-inches with the iPhone 5. Now, according to reports emerging from China, the company is tossing out its display size inhibitions and plans to launch two much larger iPhone 6 handsets later this year. Chinese tech analyst (yes, we know and are sufficiently sceptical) Sun Changxu told the QQ.com website the smaller model will be 4.7-inches, with a 1136 x 640 resolution and will be unveiled at WWDC in June. If you thought an extra seven-tenths of an inch was a big deal, Changxu reckons the larger of the two will arrive later rocking a massive 5.7-inch higher resolution display, giving Apple a change to make a play in the phablet arena. Break from the normA staggered release for two different screen sizes would be a definite break from the norm, as would a smartphone launch at WWDC, where Apple has traditionally focused on software. Of course, this is just one of a number of rumours circulating at the moment regarding the iPhone 6. As these analysts sure do like to make a name for themselves with their brazen predictions and claims of inside knowledge, we're taking this prediction with the necessary sprinkling of salt. Most of the rumours claim larger screens are on the way, but since September we've heard everything from 4.7- to 6-inches, so don't set your heart on that 5.7-inch screen just yet. Other recent tips have suggested a tougher liquidmetal display or a wraparound flexible screen, while the camera may focus on image stability rather than another megapixel bump.        | | Vodafone drops prepaid call charges to 12 countries Jan 21st 2014, 03:42, by Farrha Khan 
Vodafone is continuing to leverage its global presence, now reducing international call charges to 12 countries for prepaid customers using its Vodafone International recharge. The countries include Bangladesh, Thailand, Lebanon, Indonesia, Egypt, Iraq, Nepal, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Germany, Turkey and Jordan, though a flagfall of 23 cents remains. The international recharge plans come in $10, $20, $30 and $50 varieties, with the telco now offering 250MB of data to customers who recharge $20 or more before March 17. The international angleWith the reductions to the call rates for the above countries, Vodafone's attack on international charges continues. Vodafone's international recharge already offers $1 capped calls to China, India, New Zealand, Singapore, the UK and the US, while calls to mobiles in the UK and NZ drop further to 30 cents per minute plus flag fall. The telco also introduced $5 capped roaming Red plans last year, with Vodafone continually adding to the list of countries it offers the $5 cap in. Optus and Telstra have both followed with their own revisions to international call rates, roaming rates, as well as introducing travel packs, making us interested to see what Vodafone will offer next and if the other two telcos will continue to follow   | | The Flex Express will roll into Europe as LG confirms G Flex arriving next month Jan 21st 2014, 03:23, by Chris Smith 
LG has officially confirmed the intriguing G Flex smartphone will go on sale in 20 European countries, starting next month. The handset, which was announced in October for the Korean market, will go on sale in the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Sweden, Austria and others. Although the 6-inch 720p curved device has been available to pre-order from the likes of Carphone Warehouse during January, this is the first time LG has officially acknowledged plans to launch in Europe. So far it has only been available in the company's Korean homeland, while a U.S. launch was recently confirmed at the CES tech show at the beginning of the month in Las Vegas. Face huggerFor what's likely to be a considerable expenditure (CPW wants £689 up front), those wishing to try a curved handset on for size, will also benefit from a 2.26GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 chipset, 2GB of RAM and an embedded 3500mAh battery. Only sitting within the G Flex is a 13-megapixel camera and a 2-megapixel front-facing webcam. The device will arrive out of the box with Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean. It also boasts of a Wolverine-like self-healing coating that makes it impervious to scratches and nicks, according to the company.        | | Updated: Lumia 1320 joins the pack as cheaper Nokia offering Jan 21st 2014, 01:10, by Michelle Fitzsimmons and Farrha Khan -470-75.JPG)
Nokia's Lumia 1320, a low-end smartphone which was bandied about previously with the codename "Batman", will finally makes its way to Australian stores on February 4. The device arrived during Nokia World last October, shown off as part of the Nokia Beamer app which allows Nokia users to share screens between one another. As expected, it's specs are comparable to the Lumia 625. The biggest selling point of the low-end device is it's screen, which like the 625 before it, tips the scale on the larger end, coming with a 6-inch display that's pegged at 720p. Despite the 720p display, you've still got the necessary space on the 6 inch screen to have the extra column of Live Tiles on the home screen a la the Lumia 1520 - happy face. Under the hood, the Lumia 1320 houses a 1.7GHz dual-core processor, 1GB of RAM, 8GB of internal storage, a handy microSD slot and 4G connectivity. Not so fancyIn the camera department, the Lumia 1320 is no where near as well equipped as the 20MP-toting Lumia 1520, as this budget offering is lumped with a 5MP rear snapper which Nokia claims will shoot 1080p video, although we're wary of the quality. There's also a 0.3MP front-facing camera, although bar the odd video call it's probably worth avoiding. It also features a removable back cover and comes in yellow, black and white - no sign of the orange cover Down Under. Under that rear cover lives a sizable 3400mAh battery, and the plastic housing is a rather chunky 164.5 x 85.9 x 9.79mm, with a wrist crippling 220g weight. As a Windows Phone 8 offering, you also get the full Office suit, Nokia's Here navigation app and integration with Xbox, while SkyDrive gives you 7GB of cloud storage. The Lumia 1320 will be coming to Vodafone and Telstra from February 4, and you'll be able to get it outright from most retailers for $449. No word yet if Optus will be stocking the phone yet.   | | China unveils COS to tackle Android 'monopoly' Jan 20th 2014, 19:32, by Dean Wilson 
The Chinese government has unveiled a new operating system aimed at breaking the "foreign monopoly" of Microsoft's Windows, Google's Android and ChromeOS, and Apple's iOS and MacOS platforms. The China Operating System or COS, is being jointly developed by the Institute of Software at the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Shanghai Alliance Tong Network Communications Technology in Beijing. State-run Chinese newspaper The People's Daily cited security issues in Ubuntu and Android open source operating systems as a major reason for the emergence of COS. It claims that COS will have improved security, but no details were given. However, a picture on the COS website suggests it might come with built-in antivirus protection. Aiming at AndroidThe newspaper states that only 380 million people in China had access to domestic 3G in 2013, and that many smart terminals, tablet computers and appliances use Android. Google's mobile operating system accounted for 66 per cent of the Chinese market in the first half of 2013, according to Chinese research firm Umeng. COS won't just be for the smartphone and tablet market, however. It will also be aimed at PCs, smart terminals, set-top boxes and "other fields," suggesting China is hoping to dominate all sectors of its lucrative domestic market. With COS, China is looking for "full autonomy and independence." It is likely that China distrusts the primarily US-based firms that rule the operating system market, fears that have probably been fuelled by the revelations of widespread NSA snooping.        | | Nokia to add Lumia 1520 and 2520 models to trial scheme Jan 20th 2014, 17:30, by Stu Robarts -470-75.JPG)
Nokia is set to add the Lumia 1520 and 2520 models to its business trial scheme. The scheme, open to IT decision makers in the UK, gives organisations the chance to test a variety of Nokia handsets for 30 days. Businesses can apply to trial the phones on the Nokia website. Those that qualify will currently receive a Nokia Lumia 520, 625 and 925 to test. Along with the phones, testers receive a built-in video player on which a preloaded video provides an introduction to the scheme, a variety of peripherals and tools for converting SIM cards to microSIM size and vice-versa. Progressing in B2BTalking to Mobile Magazine, Nokia Director of Business Sales for UK and Europe Adrian Williams said, "We have made good progress in 2013 and we now plan to scale our activities across all channels." Nokia's share of the B2B market reportedly grew from 5 per cent in 2012 Q3 to 12 per cent in 2013 Q3. Williams explained whilst this is in part due to BlackBerry's poor performance, a dynamic market and Nokia's use of the Microsoft operating system were also both factors in its recent success. "BlackBerry's situation does not change the fact that in the current economic climate all businesses are regularly considering their mobile strategy based on the need for best cost operation," he said. "For Nokia, having products that natively support the vast majority of company IT infrastructures this presents an accelerated opportunity, not to mention a more cost effective and simple upgrade path for our customers." Williams also reportedly discussed a shift in focus for Nokia away from large businesses and towards SME and smaller organisations: "The smaller businesses represent the largest opportunity in the UK market and this is where we will be placing much more focus, to build awareness and demand. We have some very focused initiatives to engage with these customers."        | | HTC M8 looks set to shun QHD display Jan 20th 2014, 12:58, by Thomas Thorn 
Unable to be kept quiet before a possible MWC 2014 launch, more specifications of the upcoming HTC M8 have made their way onto the worldwide web. A User Agent Profile (UAprof), highlighted by Twitter tipster @evleaks, reveals the upcoming HTC flagship will ship with a full HD 1920 x 1080 screen, as well as the latest version of Android. This latest leak appears to confirm that the HTC M8 may already lag behind the impending Samsung Galaxy S5, a handset that is heavily rumoured to launch with a 2K QHD (2560 x 1440) display. It makes SenseFutTv : 7aJ0chO3V2478This all corroborates with previous leaks, with an AnTuTu benchmark showing off the M8 running Android KitKat on a 5-inch full HD display, as well as a previous evleaks tweet. HTC is highly expected to customise the M8 with its all new Sense 6.0 UI, bringing over an improved version of BlinkFeed.        | | Nokia Lumia 1520 Mini may destroy competition with full HD display Jan 20th 2014, 12:05, by Thomas Thorn 
With mini versions of flagship handsets now flooding the market, it seems that Nokia isn't keen on missing out on a slice of this quite lucrative pie. Specifications passed to WPBar.cn indicate that the Finnish manufacturer may be ready to launch a cut down Lumia 1520, the Nokia Lumia 1520V. Amongst these specifications is a 4.3-inch full HD AMOLED screen, which would blow the HTC One Mini and Galaxy S4 Mini (720p and qHD respectively) way out of the Baltic sea. Crystal clearWe're taking all this with a pinch of salt though, as these specs would mean the screen on the Lumia 1520V would be boasting a 513ppi - figures we've seen quoted for upcoming 2K flagships models. The Lumia 1520V is also tipped to pack 2GB RAM, a Qualcomm Xiaolong (the Chinese branding for the Snapdragon) 800 CPU, 32GB of internal storage (with no microSD support) and a 3000mAh battery that can be charged wirelessly. Don't expect to see the Lumia 1520V just yet though, as it may well be one of the first handsets to launch with Windows Phone 8.1, due out in April.   | | ZTE Geek could be first Tizen smartphone at MWC 2014 Jan 20th 2014, 11:11, by John McCann 
We've been waiting and waiting for a Tizen phone to emerge and finally we may get one at MWC 2014, but perhaps not from the source we were expecting. Samsung is a major player in the Tizen project and the Korean firm has been heavily linked with smartphones running the alternative software for a while, but it could be beaten to the punch by Chinese manufacturer ZTE. On the official Tizen website, details of its presence at MWC 2014 include a mention of a "ZTE Geek demo." Going GeekThe ZTE Geek launched as a middle of the road Android 4.3 Jelly Bean smartphone in April 2013, but it could be able to make a comeback with an all new OS on board. Questions are being raised over Tizen's appeal however, after Japanese network NTT DoCoMo opted not to range a Tizen handset due to its small market. TechRadar will be at the Barcelona show to bring you all the latest mobile news, included developments in the Tizen arena.   | | Fate of Samsung Galaxy S5 retina scanner still unclear Jan 20th 2014, 10:54, by Thomas Thorn 
As the launch of the Samsung Galaxy S5 edges closer, more specs are making their way onto the web. Unfortunately, that eye-scanner that we keep hearing about looks to have been omitted from the upcoming flagship, or has it? According to industry sources talking to the Korea Herald "the tech giant will go for fingerprint authentication rather than unintuitive user experience of iris recognition". This is in part due to a necessary redesign of the Galaxy S range, as well a current need to hold the phone to your eye in order to have it accurately scanned. "Since iris recognition requires a long range camera, the smartphone, if fitted with the camera, needs a completely different design from previous models" said the unnamed source. Now you see me..?All is not lost for the eye-scanning tech though, with a tip passed to Phone Arena claiming that the Galaxy S5 will come with a refreshed design and a retina scanner - leaving us scratching our heads as to who is right. Given that one of the biggest gripes with the Galaxy S4 was that it was so close in design to the Galaxy S3, an all new look for the S5 will be well received, yet Samsung will apparently stick to an all plastic construction. The same leak also claims that the Galaxy S5 will come with that 2K QHD screen (1440 x 2560 pixels) we keep hearing about, as well as a 2900mAh battery. Could this be the fast-charging power pack that we heard about last week? A 20MP camera has also been touted, contradicting rumours of a 16MP lens and putting it in the same league as the 20.7MP Sony Xperia Z1. It will record in 4K (like the Note 3) as well as simultaneously snap photos. Given that all previous leaks have pointed towards a 16MP sensor, we'd advise taking this with a smidgeon of salt, and as far as eye scanners go, your guess is as good as ours.   | | Samsung's new TouchWiz UI leaks as a prettier Google Now Jan 20th 2014, 10:01, by John McCann 
It's that time of year where Samsung Galaxy S5 rumours are flying in thick and fast, and further leaks point towards a new user interface (UI) and "multi-hovering" controls. First up is a screen leak from @evleaks - a usually reliable source of mobile slips - revealing a potentially revamped homescreen with large, Windows Phone-esque tiles with information you'd commonly find in the Google Now. This isn't the first time we've seen screens along this theme, with the same Twitter leaker revealing some similar shots earlier this year. It also resembles the design of the Magazine UI found on the new Galaxy Tab Pro tablets - although function appears to be different for the smartphone version. 
The Samsung Galaxy S5 is expected to be the next flagship device to make its way out of the South Korean firm, and this new TouchWiz UI is tipped to feature on the handset. Touch is so last yearThat's not the only Samsung/Galaxy S5 related leak we have for your though, oh no, there's word from ETNews that the smartphone will take its Air View to the next level with multi-hovering. A Samsung insider for the Korean publication claims the Galaxy S5 will off enhanced touch-free gestures, allowing users to hover not one, but two fingers above the screen to perform various tasks, with the system also boasting greater accuracy. We weren't overly impressed with the Air View on the Galaxy S4, so unless Samsung has totally reinvented the system we're not getting particularly excited about this potential feature.   | |
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