| Samsung Galaxy Alpha release date tipped for August 4 Jul 30th 2014, 14:02, by John McCann 
The Samsung Galaxy Alpha is still somewhat of an enigma, but things may become a lot clearer next week. It seems the Galaxy Alpha will end up being slightly shrunken Galaxy S5 with the body shape of the Galaxy S2, and according to SamMobile it'll be made official on August 5. The site's inside information pegs the Galaxy Alpha release date slightly ahead of the mid-August rumours we've seen from previous leaks. Full metal jacketThe excitement around the Galaxy Alpha stems from claims that it will be the first Samsung smartphone to sport an all-metal chassis, although leaked shots seem to show a polycarbonate rear cover may feature instead. In terms of construction then the Galaxy Alpha may be taking a leaf our the Nokia Lumia 930's book, but it probably won't sport the same high-end specs. Spec wise the Galaxy Alpha is being set up as a mid-ranger with a 4.8-inch 720p display - although it's also said to inherit the fingerprint scanner from the S5. Needless to say, all eyes will be on it on August 4 to see if Samsung really does pull the handset out of its hat.        |  | Interview: How HTML 5 is speeding up apps for iOS and Android Jul 30th 2014, 13:00, by John McCann 
When HTML 5 first arrived on the scene it promised big things for the web and mobile - one app compatible across all platforms without the need for developers to tinker with code sounded great. Thing is, it hasn't worked out that way just yet. Developers are still stuck with the intricacies of iOS, Android and Windows Phone which demand some level of native programming for each platform. Operating systems such as Firefox OS - based entirely on the HTML 5 platform - were promising concepts, but are yet to take the mobile world by storm. Apple's iOS and Google's Android still dominate the market, and both solutions support different code bases. TechRadar spoke to Anthony Odogwu, an app developer and Founder of FutureSpace Technologies, who explained the challenge for developers. "It's challenging to get your mind around the syntaxes and what's needed to compile and run your application [when moving from iOS to Android app development for the first time]." HTML 5 to the rescue?Transitioning between the two operating system is becoming easier however. "With the development of frameworks and software you have the ability to transfer what you've built to an extent between platforms," Odogwu told us. These complexities within app development can result in a slower creation process, and in such a fast-paced industry speed is essential. That's where HTML 5 comes in. "HTML 5 allows us to build a lot of prototypes very quickly before we decide whether certain functions will be natively coded. "These prototypes show us and our clients how the framework of the app will work - when you have a prototype it enables everyone to see the plans clearly." The work done in HTML 5 isn't lost either, as Odogwu explains: "with the new SDKs there are a lot of frameworks and plugins which allow you to quickly transfer the HTML 5 to an iOS or Android format," minimising the amount of coding required to make it a native application. Out of the comfort zoneAnother advantage of HTML 5 is encouraging developers wedded to one particular operating system to branch out and code a single app which will work on a variety of platforms. Odogwu says HTML 5 "gives those who are native development lovers a bridge, enabling them to build an application and make it compatible across different devices with just one framework and design." While there are clear benefits for using HTML 5, Odogwu is remaining grounded when it comes to the future for the language. "I think it's definitely going to be a competitor. With mobile app development there are still native functions which are needed for certain things, and HTML 5 is still limited in that area. "As a cheaper way of creating apps HTML 5 will have a space that it will be dominant in, but I don't think it will overtake iOS and Android."        | | Samsung's next smartwatch may circle the Moto 360 Jul 30th 2014, 12:19, by John McCann 
Smartwatches are cool pieces of tech, but the likes of the Samsung Gear Live, LG G Watch and Sony Smartwatch 2 haven't exactly pushed the boundaries of wearable design and elegance. The Motorola Moto 360 on the other hand - is the smartwatch everyone is talking about. That's mainly because of its circular display, with the more traditional watch shape being more appealing to the masses and it looks like Samsung may follow suit. A recent trio of patents spotted by MobileGeeks seems to depict a range of Samsung smartwatches sporting decidedly more circular displays. Two of the designs clearly have round displays, although the third is more of a square with rounded corners. 
Wrist eruptionThe volcanic shaped camera lens which adorned the original Galaxy Gear appears to make a return on all three patent designs, although it's not quite as in your face this time around. The cameras on the strap are apparently linked to a new gesture recognition system for the smartwatches, but there's precious little detail about this. 
It's not clear whether these designs are meant for the Android Wear ecosystem or Samsung's own Tizen platform which adorns the Gear 2, Gear Fit and co. One thing is for sure, we can expect more wearable tech from the Korean giant in the near future. All eyes are on IFA 2014 at the start of September.        | | Sony Xperia Z3 Compact leak hints at a promising full HD display Jul 30th 2014, 11:05, by John McCann 
We've seen a handful of rumours floating around regarding the Sony Xperia Z3 Compact, and these have now been joined by a few leaked images and a smattering of specs from China. Spotted on Chinese social media site Sina Weibo, the shots were picked up by GforGames and they seem to fall in line with previous leaks surrounding the full-size Xperia Z3 as well as the Z3 Compact. The handset in the photos still carries the distinct Sony design language, although it does seem to be a little more rounded than its predecessors - hopefully meaning it'll sit more comfortably in the hand. According to the leak the Xperia Z3 Compact will sport a 4.6-inch full HD display, Snapdragon 801 processor, 3GB of RAM and the same 20.7MP camera from the Xperia Z1 and Xperia Z2. 
Spec clashThose specs do clash a little with earlier rumours which pegged the screen of the Z3 Compact at 4.5 inches and the RAM at 2GB. The Sony Xperia Z3 and Z3 compact are expected to arrive at IFA 2014 in Berlin, and TechRadar will be reporting live from the show to bring you all the latest.        | | Updated: When is Cortana coming to Windows Phone in the UK? Jul 30th 2014, 10:00, by James Rogerson 
Windows Phone 8.1 is here complete with a raft of improvements and new features, but one of the most exciting additions, Cortana, has so far been absent from the UK version. So why is that? When's it coming? And what will it offer when it arrives? Read on for answers to all those questions. When's it coming?Up until very recently, Microsoft's stance has been: 'we currently don't have any further comment on Cortana.' But that's about to change. On July 18, Marcus Ash (Group Program Manager for Cortana) posted to Twitter that 'barring an unforeseen issue, down to less than 2 weeks.' Two weeks later, the promise came true: Cortana is now here for those that want it. But don't pull out the party poppers yet (and not least because that would be terribly lame) as it's not the final version. What's available is the developer preview, so this isn't the fully localised version. It's meant for developers, as the name suggests, but that doesn't mean everyone else can't grab it too as technically anyone can register as a developer, but bear in mind that doing so may void your warranty. 
As for when we'll see the final, fit for public consumption version that's less clear, with Microsoft claiming that we'll all have access to the 'proper' Cortana in the 'coming months'. However O2 recently announced that it will be arriving in quarter 4 of the year according to ExpertReviews, so in other words sometime between October and December. Why isn't is here yet?Localising Cortana is a big job, despite the fact that the language is more or less the same as the American version. Microsoft needs to make sure it can understand British accents and add localised information. 
Strictly speaking there shouldn't be any need for Microsoft to totally re-voice it but apparently it has anyway, giving the British version a British accent, which must have been a huge job in itself. That presumably means a voice fit for a BBC newscaster but you never know, we might get a Cortana with a thick Scottish accent. What's so good about it?Cortana finally gives Microsoft an answer to Siri and Google Now providing a hands free, voice operated personal assistant which can both find information from the internet and carry out tasks, such as setting reminders. Cortana can even learn from you, automatically giving you relevant travel alerts for example, or silencing your phone at the times that you would normally do so. So Cortana in the UK will give UK Windows Phone users access to all of these features and more, and because Microsoft has fully localised it right down to the accent it should understand you and be easy to understand in turn, as well as providing relevant, local information, not to mention ignoring the NFL when you ask for football scores.        | | Windows Phone 8.1 edges closer to iOS and Android as Cortana breaks out of US Jul 30th 2014, 09:30, by John McCann 
Microsoft has officially unveiled its first major update to Windows Phone 8.1 since it launched the latest version of its mobile platform. The big news is that the update will see Cortana - Microsoft's answer to Siri - break out of the US, with the Beta version hitting China and the UK, while an Alpha opt-in version of the personal assistant will touch down in Canada, India and Australia. Cortana herself is also been given a few extra features in the update, and Microsoft is encouraging US users to ask her to "do an impersonation" once they've updated. Another feature coming with the Windows Phone 8.1 update is the inclusion of "Live Folders" allowing users to group apps together on their homescreens. The lack of folders is something which has been a bug bear since the arrival of Windows Phone 7, and it's good to see Microsoft finally providing this functionality. More, more, moreMicrosoft is also promising a faster, better performing Xbox Music application with the WP 8.1 update, plus it's added more features to it including Kids Corner support and a new "quickplay" function of recent activity. There's a range of other additions in this update including enhanced security, a new Apps Corner for businesses to lock down various applications and new functionality for the Store Live Tile providing updates on the latest apps. Developers will be able to get their mitts on the new Windows Phone 8.1 update from next week, while any of you currently rocking a WP 8.1 device can expect it to land on your phone "in the coming months."        | | Instagram's Snapchat rival is very real, but its initial availability is very limited Jul 29th 2014, 22:55, by Michael Rougeau 
It seemed inevitable that Instagram would eventually launch its own Snapchat competitor, and today the company proved the rumors true with the announcement of Instagram Bolt. The new iOS and Android app lets users send photos and videos to their friends with a single tap. Much like in Snapchat and other apps like Taptalk and Facebook Slingshot, the content then disappears as soon as it's viewed. There's just one problem if you want to get your hands on Instagram Bolt right now: it's only available in three countries. PromisesInstagram Bolt has launched in New Zealand, Singapore and South Africa, and an Instagram spokesperson told TechRadar that the company expects to release it elsewhere "soon." "We decided to start small with Bolt, in just a handful of countries, to make sure we can scale while maintaining a great experience," the spokesperson said. In additio, The Verge received a statement noting that 65% of Instagram users live outside the US, "so an international launch, while different, is actually not all that out of order with what we do." "This isn't a side project," that spokesperson promised. "We are totally behind this thing." How Bolt worksThe Bolt app appeared first in a banner ad inside the Instagram app for Android on July 24, but now we get to see its features fleshed out. Using the app is dead simple: tap on a friend's face to open the camera, shoot and send them a photo, or long-tap to send a video. You can add overlay text, or reply to content you've received. Content disappears once it's viewed and swiped away. 
Despite Instagram being owned by Facebook, Bolt will only import friends from your phone contacts, not from your Facebook friends. And users can set up to four favorites that will stay on the app's main page, though Bolt only lets users send content to one friend at a time. It's a pretty app, but time will tell whether Instagram Bolt has what it needs to compete with the glut of other quick-and-dirty photo messaging apps popping up.        | | Verizon's Moto X gets a taste of Android KitKat Jul 29th 2014, 21:33, by Kevin Lee 
Verizon has finally approved Android 4.4.4 for the Moto X, making it as an over-the-air download for devices on its network. Users looking to nab the update should check Settings and dig into About Phone, then System Updates. One of the KitKat update's most apparent fixes is improving the Moto X camera's overall image quality. Originally the Moto X's camera struggled with some fairly bad dynamic range, but the update will help exposures look better without overblown highlights or murky shadows. The improvements also extend to any images users take in fluorescent lighting. What's more, Moto X owners can finally pause video recordings. Lastly, the update revamps the Moto X's built-in dialer by introducing a new graphical layout and colors to the interface. The +1 sequelThis time around the Android updates is a bit late, hitting just over a month after 4.4.4 started leaking onto Nexus devices. We expect this might be last update Moto X users will see until the official release of Android L. On top of Google working on a new mobile operating system, rumor on the internet street says Motorola is preparing a Moto X successor called the Moto X+1. The purported Moto X follow-up could feature a bigger 5.2-inch screen with a full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080. The new handset is said to be upgraded internally as well with a Snapdragon 800 processor, 2GB of RAM and 24GB of storage. The styling has also been changed but recent leaks show the smartphone's faux wood panels will make a comeback.        | | Spotify for iPhone and iPad revives the boombox glory days with an equalizer Jul 29th 2014, 20:42, by Chris Smith 
Music streaming giant Spotify has updated its iOS app to include an equalizer that allows users to fine-tune music selections according their precise aural sensitivities. The new equalizer gives users plenty of genre-based presets, such as Latin, Rock, Dance, etc., but the most useful may be the Small Speakers setting, to optimize sound for users without headphones. For true audiophiles, Spotify patrons can also manually alter the various bass, middle and treble frequencies by moving a finger up and down on a visual EQ graph. The equalizer, which Spotify says is its most requested feature on iOS, can be accessed through Settings > Playback rather than the regular options on the Play screen. iOS only for nowElsewhere in the update, the Discover section has been moved within the Browse tab and iPad users will have redesigned artist pages to peruse. Those pages will now include the latest release and the chance to snap up merchandise. No word yet on if and when the update will land on Android (which already has a very basic equalizer), but we'll keep you posted.   | | Spotify for iPhone and iPad revives the boombox glory days with new equaliser Jul 29th 2014, 20:42, by Chris Smith
Music streaming giant Spotify has updated its iOS app to include an equaliser that allows users to fine tune musical selections according their precise aural sensitivities. The new equaliser gives users plenty of genre-based presets, such as Latin, Rock, Dance, etc., but the most useful may be the Small Speakers setting, to optimise the audio for users without headphones. For true audiophiles, Spotify patrons can also manually alter the various bass, middle and treble frequencies by moving a finger up and down on a visual EQ graph. The equaliser, which Spotify says is its most requested feature on iOS, can be accessed through Settings > Playback rather than the regular options on the Play screen. iOS only for nowElsewhere in the update, the Discover section has been moved within the Browse tab and iPad users will have redesigned artist pages to peruse. Those pages will now include the latest release and the chance to snap up merchandise. No word yet on if and when the update will land on Android (which already has a very basic equaliser), but we don't see why not.        | | The next Windows Phone 8.1 handset may be all about selfies Jul 29th 2014, 18:12, by JR Bookwalter 
Could the world be ready for a (another) smartphone dedicated to the act of taking better selfies? Microsoft apparently thinks so, but just in case it's also got an improved midrange handset on the way. Never a bad idea to cover your bases. The Verge has word Microsoft plans to leave no stone unturned with its next pair of Windows Phone 8.1 devices, with a big wig showing off smartphones on both ends of the spectrum at an annual internal meeting this week. According to unnamed insider sources, Microsoft Vice President of Devices & Services Stephen Elop debuted an upcoming handset he referred to as a "selfie phone," presumably the same device teased back in April under the code name Superman. Intended for the lower end of the pricing spectrum, the budget handset has previously been described as featuring a 4.7-inch display with a selfie-friendly 5MP front-facing camera. Launching very soon?Sources claimed a second handset code named Tesla is also in the cards, and it's described as a "thinner" and "less bulky" version of the Nokia Lumia 930. The goal with Tesla appears to be pushing Nokia's PureView camera technology further down the pricing food chain, with Elop describing the device as an "affordable high-end phone" during the presentation and in an accompanying video teaser. The report claims Tesla is likely positioned as a replacement for the Lumia 720. A leak earlier this month suggested Tesla could drive into our lives under the name Lumia 830. Windows Phone fans may not have to wait long to see what Microsoft has up its sleeve: An internal memo leaked less than two weeks ago claimed the company was gearing up for "other high-end products... very soon," suggesting an imminent launch could be in the cards. - Does the Fire Phone spark or fizzle out? Find out in our hands-on review!
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