| Samsung Galaxy S5 looks set to go Prime, but S5 Active sounds suspicious May 12th 2014, 13:47, by Hugh Langley 
The Galaxy S5 is here. We like. You should like it. Everyone's happy. But Samsung is planning to go well beyond the flagship by pushing out both an Active and a Prime version, if the latest word is to be believed. The Galaxy S5 Active, spotted by G for Games, is the most curious of the two. According to the Antutu specs, the S5 Active is set to be almost identical to the Galaxy S5 flagship. Where it will likely deviate is in the higher IP rating due to better waterproofing and possibly a more rugged design a la the Galaxy S4 Active. But with the S5 flagship already waterproof and dustproof, we're struggling to see a real need for an Active variant too. Prime time The Galaxy S5 Prime perhaps makes a tad more sense. The mythical QHD-screened device has been popping up here and there for some time now, with hints at a June release if manufacturing woes don't hold it back. The phone just appeared on a Korean website under the codename of SM-G906K, adding further fuel to speculation that it's nearing a launch. Before it was pulled, the device listing was accompanied by a picture, but with the phone sporting a Spigen back cover to conceal its design. A Prime version of the S5 was rumoured well before the flagship's launch so it's sounding more and more likely, though it's worth remembering that "Prime" could just be a codename for now - if the thing exists at all. - Galaxy S5: Samsung goes gor evolution over revolution... again
       |  | iPhone 6 might be bad news for your wallet as Apple reportedly adds NFC May 12th 2014, 12:12, by Hugh Langley 
The iPhone 6 changes might run much deeper than the aesthetic design, with word that Apple could be loading its next phone with NFC. According to a source "close to the matter" speaking to BrightWire, Apple has landed a partnership agreement with China UnionPay to integrate the banking service into Passbook. This could just turn out to be something centred entirely around the app, which currently lets users scan their iPhone or iPad for things like airline boarding passes. But the source says the new partnership will allow users to make mobile payments on China Unionpay's "QuickPass" machines, which use NFC – hinting at some Near Field Communication goodness in the next Apple handset. Is it finally app-ening?The two companies will reportedly also create a payment solution that can be used for purchases in Apple Stores. Tim Cook said earlier in the year that mobile payments are an area of interest to Apple, and with Touch ID already on board for App Store purchases, the company is clearly pushing in that direction. NFC might be next. At least Phil Schiller will be able to conveniently pay for his words before he eats them. - iPhone 6: all the other gossip you need to hear
       | | T-Mobile parent expects a $1 billion payout if Sprint merger falls through May 12th 2014, 00:17, by Michael Rougeau 
It was rumored early in May that Sprint's purchase of T-Mobile is "dead," and if that's the case, then T-Mobile parent company Deutsche Telekom might stand to make a few bucks. Specifically the German company wants $1 billion or more if the deal falls through because of the FCC or otherwise, The Wall Street Journal reported. Deutsche Telekom owns more than two thirds of T-Mobile, and it's reportedly determined to keep the carrier intact should the merger with Sprint actually go through. In fact it seems Deutsche and T-Mobile may ultimately wind up calling the shots, according to this report. And naturally they have a plan in place just in case. Large and in chargeDeutsche Telekom is reportedly determined that T-Mobile should retain its brand and its executives, according to the Journal. That means T-Mobile could operate as Sprint's parent company, or the Sprint name could go away altogether. Current T-Mobile CEO John Legere will likely remain in charge if the deal progresses, according to the report. Just walk awayAnd besides the possibility of the FCC intervening, there's reportedly at least one other major obstacle: Sprint and T-Mobile combined might have too much spectrum for one company. They may have to sell some off, or cancel the deal altogether if that option proves unattractive. All those concerns will be moot, though, if the deal falls through. As Slashgear points out, that's exactly what happened with AT&T's proposed purchase of T-Mobile in 2011 - and T-Mobile wound up walking away with $4 billion.        | | Samsung to unpack first Tizen phone in India, Russia soon, says report May 11th 2014, 18:43, by Michael Rougeau 
Samsung will unveil its first commercial Tizen smartphone at a Samsung Unpacked event in Moscow "in the coming weeks," according to a new report. The phone will launch in India and Russia, said The Wall Street Journal, which spoke with "people familiar with the matter." Apparently the announcement event is taking place around the same time as a Tizen developers conference taking place in San Francisco. Samsung and the Tizen Association both reportedly declined to comment. Taking its timeSome said Samsung would unveil its first Tizen phone way back in January, but for whatever reason that didn't pan out (it's not like it was the OS's first delay). The Journal said it was thanks to "cold feet" among Samsung's carrier partners in Japan, France and Spain. Maybe the Korean company needed an extra few months to work out any remaining kinks, too. Samsung hopes that Tizen will be able to take some market back from Apple's iOS and Google's Android, but not by running on high-end smartphones; instead Samsung is hoping to carve out a niche in which Tizen links multiple kinds of devices, including phones, wearables, appliances, and even vehicles. The Journal speculates that Samsung will launch Tizen phones first in India and Russia to avoid direct competition with its two big rivals and to take advantage of emerging markets there. Watch out for Samsung to announce an event in Moscow soon; meanwhile we'll be watching for more info on Tizen's US debut.        | | Samsung to unpack first Tizen phone in India, Russia soon, says report May 11th 2014, 18:43, by Michael Rougeau
Samsung will unveil its first commercial Tizen smartphone at a Samsung Unpacked event in Moscow "in the coming weeks," according to a new report. The phone will launch in India and Russia, said The Wall Street Journal, which spoke with "people familiar with the matter." Apparently the announcement event is taking place around the same time as a Tizen developers conference taking place in San Francisco. Samsung and the Tizen Association both reportedly declined to comment. Taking its timeSome said Samsung would unveil its first Tizen phone way back in January, but for whatever reason that didn't pan out (it's not like it was the OS's first delay). The Journal said it was thanks to "cold feet" among Samsung's carrier partners in Japan, France and Spain. Maybe the Korean company needed an extra few months to work out any remaining kinks, too. Samsung hopes that Tizen will be able to take some market back from Apple's iOS and Google's Android, but not by running on high-end smartphones; instead Samsung is hoping to carve out a niche in which Tizen links multiple kinds of devices, including phones, wearables, appliances, and even vehicles. The Journal speculates that Samsung will launch Tizen phones first in India and Russia to avoid direct competition with its two big rivals and to take advantage of emerging markets there. Watch out for Samsung to announce an event in Moscow soon; meanwhile we'll be watching for more info on Tizen's Aussie debut.   | |
No comments:
Post a Comment