Mobile Devices - Page 143

Web company Opera Software has teamed up with Russian Internet company Yandex and Turkish wireless carrier Avea to give away 100,000 weeks of free Internet. The summer celebration will give away one week of free mobile Internet access each, so Opera Mini users on the Avea network will be able to snag their free service.

For Internet users interested, they simply need to be an Avea subscriber, launch Opera Mini, and click on the "web pass" option in Speed Dial. Opera Web Pass gives wireless users without a data plan the opportunity to access the Internet and other Web-based products using a time-metric system instead of megabytes/gigabytes.

"This offering, 100,000 weeks of free Internet to Avea's users, is a pretty exciting way to show what Opera's new web pass technology can offer to operators and adviters," said Jan Standal, Opera Software VP for Product Partnerships, in a statement. "With Opera Web Pass, the relevant ad is associated directly with something very positive - free Internet access. The reach of consumers on Opera Mini is large, about 250 million consumers use Opera Mini every month, and Opera Software works with more than 130 operators on various projects around the world."

Apple rumors float around the web constantly and a new one has turned up this week. This rumor claims that one of the differentiating features between the larger 5.5-inch iPhone 6 and the smaller version of the phone will be optical image stabilization (OIS) for the camera. The rumor comes from analysts at Pacific Crest Securities.

The cost premium for the OIS chip is said to be very small, in the area of $4 to $5, compared to a traditional autofocus solution. The smaller iPhone 6 is believed to have a 4.7-inch screen. OIS is able to reduce shake when an image is taken making the image clearer.

A number of smartphones on the market have OIS integrated into their cameras today. The analysts said: "We believe the 5.5-inch iPhone 6 smartphone camera will support optical image stabilization (OIS) and anticipate that it will represent one of several opportunities at Apple that will benefit InvenSense. In our analysis, we believe Apple chose to only include OIS camera technology in the larger iPhone 6 given that there is still a significant cost premium ($4 to $5) over standard auto focus solutions and that it provides a point of differentiation between the 4.7-inch iPhone 6 and the step-up model (5.5-inch)."

A rumor has hit the web claiming that some of the specs of the new Nexus 9 tablet have been revealed. The specs leaked on the tablet claim that it will be an 8.9-inch unit with a screen resolution of 2048 x 1440 with 281 ppi.

The leak claims that the processor under the hood of the tablet will be an NVIDIA Tegra K1 64-bit unit paired with 2GB of RAM. The tablet's rear camera is pegged at 8MP resolution with a 3MP front facing camera. Other specifications tipped for the tablet include 16GB and 32GB storage options.

The Nexus 9 will have zero gap construction and will be 7.9mm thick with a weight of 418 grams according to the leak; it will also have front facing stereo speakers. Pricing, according to the rumor, is set at $399 for the 16GB version and the 32GB version will start at $499.

Google I/O kicks off in a few days time, but it looks like we've just been introduced to the 8.9-inch Nexus tablet early. It is made by HTC, and is powered by NVIDIA's Tegra K1 processor. This news can't be confirmed until the full unveiling, but Android Police seems pretty confident about it.

We should expect Google to roll this out as the Nexus 9, which features an 8.9-inch 2048x1440 display, NVIDIA's Tegra K1 processor (which is 64-bit capable). It's interesting to note that NVIDIA powers this tablet, and not Qualcomm with one of its Snapdragon SoCs. The full specs of the Nexus 9:

Android Police reports that the price point for the Nexus 9 will be $399 for the 16GB version, and $499 for the 32GB version. The LTE-capable model will cost more, ramping up into the $600+ range. The site believes that the Nexus 9 will launch in Q4 2014, and to not expect it to be released at, or after Google I/O.

We've known for a while now that the new premium Nexus device could be something called the Android Silver experience, but now it looks like this is being confirmed - by the phonemaker behind the Nexus 4 and Nexus 5, LG.

LG's Communications Director, Ken Hong, has said that Google has not contacted LG regarding a new Nexus smartphone. According to Hong, he is the person at LG that would be contacted if Google were to request a next-gen Nexus. So unless Google is going with another company to make its Nexus 6, I think we can expect the Android Silver program to replace it - something I hope we see at Google I/O next week.

If you've got a spare $21,900 burning a hole in your pocket, you could always slap down that house deposit on Vertu's Signature Touch smartphone - a decent Android-powered handset available for slightly under $22,000.

The Signature Touch features Qualcomm's Snapdragon 801 - so we have a 2.3GHz quad-core processor on-board, a 4.7-inch 1920x1080-pixel display, 64GB of on-board storage, a 13-megapixel rear-facing camera backed up by a 2.1-megapixel selfie-shooter, a 2275mAh battery, Qi wireless charging, NFC and LTE capabilities.

What makes the Signature Touch from Vertu stand out from the rest, and begin to justify its $21,900 price tag? Well, we have Vertu's new Lead Designer, Ignacio Germade, using a masculine "V-spine" design with a D-ring latch for popping the SIM tray open, a ceramic ear pillow that is smaller, with a titanium chin instead of a metallic bezel. Stereo speakers make the cut, thanks to a partnership with Bang & Olufsen.

Popular e-tailer Amazon today officially launched the Fire Phone, marking the company's first foray into a very competitive smartphone market.

The Fire Phone has a 4.7-inch screen, 2.2GHz CPU, 2GB of RAM, and a 12-megapixel camera. Safely enclosed with a rubberized frame and featuring anodized aluminum buttons, Amazon chose Gorilla Glass 3 to help protect the screen from scratches and potential cracks.

"The phone is gorgeous," said Jeff Bezos, Amazon founder and CEO, during the press event. "I can't wait for you to get your hands-on it. Premium materials, rubberized frame. Gorilla Glass on both sides."

Samsung's Galaxy S5 is barely two months old, but the company is ready to unveil an even more powerful flagship, the Galaxy S5 LTE-A. What's different with the Galaxy S5 LTE-A, well starting with the display - which has had its resolution increased from 1920x1080 to 2560x1440 - matching the display found in the G3 smartphone from LG.

The provides the 5.1-inch display with a massive 557 PPI, cramming more pixels into a smaller space compared to LG's 5.5-inch display on the G3. The LTE-A side of the new Galaxy S5 LTE-A is LTE-Advanced, which is capable of an incredible 225 Mbps, in the right country - where right now, this is locked to South Korea.

Inside of the updated Galaxy S5 LTE-A is a better SoC, with Samsung opting for Qualcomm's Snapdragon 805 SoC - but we'll see 3GB of RAM and 32GB of on-board flash, which is expandable right up to 128GB with a microSDXC card. We still have the 16-megapixel rear-facing camera and 2800mAh battery, as well as the water- and dust-resistant goodness.

The movie industry is working to see if they can integrate mobile phones into the movie watching experience, giving viewers the chance for a unique second screen experience. Using the second screen can help viewers instantly share thoughts, receive additional content, and embrace the social aspect of the movie going experience, supporters hope.

Broadcasters and content providers have dabbled with second screen apps and services - but have learned viewers will do whatever they want when using a smartphone or tablet. However, second screens have become popular during live events, such as concerts, sporting events, and political speeches.

The current generation of second screen technologies might not take the world by storm, but increasing popularity of smartphones and tablets will provide a unique opportunity for software developers, advertisers, and other third-party companies.

Apple iPhone owners already pay a steep price to have an iPhone, but according to Raymond James analyst Tavis McCourt, consumers are willing to pay an even higher premium when it comes to the iPhone 6.

We've heard that there will be a 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch version of the next-gen iPhone, but McCourt believes that the larger model will carry a $100 premium, and that consumers are willing to pay the premium for the slightly larger iPhone. He said: "Our June consumer survey points to continued growth in the willingness of iPhone users to pay $100 more for a bigger screened iPhone, with now a full one-third of survey respondents willing to pay a $100 premium".

McCourt continued: "data seems to suggest meaningful demand for a larger screen, which should logically mean the iPhone 6-cycle will be strong for upgrade sales, which combined with modest contribution from wearables should cause a modest acceleration in revenue growth in fiscal 2015". With the iPhone 5S still selling for $600+, the new 4.7-inch iPhone 6 would have to debut at the same price of around $600-$700, meaning that the 5.5-inch version would be hitting the $800 mark - if Apple doesn't debut the new iPhone models at a cheaper price. Are you willing to pay that much for the new, bigger iPhone?

Samsung has been trying to shake that plastic feel from its smartphones and tablets for a little while now, but the South Korean giant has just made its premium line of tablets official - welcome to the Galaxy Tab S, people.

The new Galaxy Tab S series of slates from Samsung come in two sizes: 8.4- and 10.5-inch models, both featuring Samsung's Super AMOLED displays with a massive 2560x1600 resolution on each tablet. The 10.5-inch model features the largest Super AMOLED display that Samsung has ever used in a mobile device, but the 8.4-inch model knocks it down to a PenTile subpixel matrix, but keeps the 2560x1600 resolution.

Both of the new Galaxy Tab S slates are just 6.6mm thin, which is thinner than both of Apple's slates, the iPad Air or iPad Mini with Retina, and they're also lighter, too. Even with this lightweight design, the new S slates feature massive batteries, with the 10.5-inch model packing a 7,900mAh battery, while the 8.4-inch still crams in a respectable 4,900mAh battery.

Popular etailer Amazon.com is expected to launch its very own smartphone sometime this summer, and it could become official during a Seattle media event on June 18. Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos is expected to unveil the device, which is a unique effort to jump into the smartphone market controlled by Apple and Samsung.

The rumored Amazon device is expected to have 3D viewing capabilities, but it is still uncertain how it would be integrated into the phone. The Amazon device is expected to run using Google Android, with Foxconn and other well-known hardware OEMs also expected to play a role. Meanwhile, Amazon continues to diversify its product and service offering, with the company already offering an e-reader - and providing music, books, video and other digital content.

"There is a very big hill for Amazon to climb, but if they are successful, the opportunity can be huge," said Jeff Kagan, wireless industry analyst, in a statement. "Remember, Amazon.com does not appear to make a profit on their devices like the Kindle. They look at these devices like the shaver and the razor. They give devices like the Kindle and perhaps this new smartphone away almost at cost, and make their profits on the products they buy with it."

We only just reported that Mario Kart 8 is spinning up some good sales for Nintendo, selling 1.2 million copies in a week, but the game is so successful in Japan that it is hurting Sony's PS4 sales.

Between May 25 and June 1, the Wii U was the top-selling console in Japan pushing 19,312 units. The PS4 on the other hand, sold only 6,508 units in its home country. When it comes to Mario Kart 8 sales, it was the the leader of the top 20 games sales chart, selling 325,892 units in Japan, for a total of 1.2 million worldwide so far.

The PS4 continues to dominate in the US, but it isn't doing so well back in its home country of Japan. Sony has sold just 500,000 or so units in Japan, so if Nintendo can unveil some exciting new titles at E3 next week, Nintendo could soon take control of its home country and put a nail in Sony's coffin - in Japan at least.

Popular electronics maker Samsung will team up with Barnes & Noble to create co-branded Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 Nook tablets. The Samsung tablets will come pre-loaded with Nook software, so users will have full-featured devices as Barnes & Noble pulls the plug on trying to develop its own hardware. The Galaxy Tab 4 7" model will be available in early August.

This is a strong partnership for Barnes & Noble, the last remaining major book retailer in the United States, as the company tries to revamp its struggling e-reader. Barnes & Noble will continue to provide customer support for previous e-reader versions,

"Samsung has had a strong relationship with Barnes & Noble, offering the company's award-winning reading experience to users of Galaxy Tab products," said Tim Baxter, Samsung Electronics America President, in a statement. "Samsung is dedicated to providing consumers with choices that best fit their lifestyle. So, we are excited to be taking this next step with Barnes & Noble to offer Galaxy Tab 4 devices that are tailored to the needs of their customers and enhance the Nook reading experience."

Ostendo Technologies has quietly created a projector, the same size of a Tic Tac, and the tiny chip will still be able to project a 48" diagonal image. Ostendo is a smaller, lesser known company, but has generated $90 million in venture-capitalist funding, in addition to $38 million in R&D funds from the U.S. federal government.

Ostendo hopes to have its pico projector ready for use by smartphones in 2015-2016, which means it shouldn't be too much longer before we have smartphone-powered 3D floating images. The chip could be available for $30 and has been in development for more than nine years - and will be improved to include higher resolution projected images.

"Display is the last frontier," said Dr. El-Ghoroury, Ostendo founder and CEO. "Over the years, processing power has improved and networks have more bandwidth, but what is missing is comparable advancement in display."

Another year, another WWDC, and Apple has gone ahead and announced a fairly extensive update, iOS 8, that's packed with features - some more standout than others.

Most strikingly is the thorough integration between OS X Yosemite. Your Mac and your iPhone are now complementary devices capable of auto-syncing, whether that is in receiving SMS or sending pages between one another.

In fact, integration seems to be something of a theme. Safari is now extension-enabled, meaning better browser integration among social apps, for example.

We've already seen the Galaxy Tab S 10.5 tablet, but now we're seeing the press renders of its smaller sibling, the Galaxy Tab S 8.4. You can tell from the name that it is an 8.4-inch tablet, that continues the style of the Galaxy S5 smartphone from Samsung.

There's already the Galaxy Tab 4 series on sale, but these new Galaxy Tab S tablets are Samsung's new premium line of slates, sporting the company's AMOLED displays versus the LCD panels in previous tablets. We can see the perforated faux leather texturing on the rear of the Galaxy Tab S 8.4, something that is found on the Galaxy S5 smartphone.

We should also see the fingerprint sensor make its way over from Samsung's flagship handset, and you'll also notice there are two circles on the right edge of the Galaxy Tab S 8.4, which are reportedly for a new Book Cover type of flip cover for the slate.

Computex 2014: Computex is about to kick off here in Taipei, with the latest rumor that Intel will show off a new Broadwell-based 2-in-1 device at the trade show. The new device will be a laptop-tablet hybrid, based on its next-generation processor - something the company delayed not too long ago.

Why should you be excited about Broadwell? Intel's new processor will reportedly be 30% more power efficient when compared to their Haswell-based counterparts, and it will also feature better graphics. The desktop side of Broadwell will deliver DDR4 technology, and new graphics cores. Right now, we've only heard about a single Broadwell-based processor, so it'll be interesting to see what materializes over the next couple of days at Computex.

A few days away from its Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC), Apple iOS 7 reaches almost 90 percent of iPhone market share in North America, according to online advertising firm Chitika. There was significant iOS 7 usage share growth for both the iPhone and iPads - with iOS 7 also capturing nearly 85 percent of the iPad market.

Here is what Chitika said in its blog post: "For some additional historical perspective, when Chitika Insights examined iOS version distribution prior to WWDC 2013, iOS 6 represented 92.7% of iPhone Web traffic, while this percentage was 82.9% for iPads. At that time and for this most recent report, the last major iOS version had been released for slightly over eight months during the dates studied."

Apple is expected to unveil iOS 8 on Monday during its WWDC event, but the OS probably wouldn't be available until later this year.

NVIDIA's Tegra K1 is a serious chip, with 192 CUDA cores, NVIDIA's 4-Plus-1 quad-core ARM Cortex-A15 processor clocked at 2.3GHz, support for both DDR3L and LPDDR3 memory - up to 8GB of it actually, 4K output support, all on a 28nm process. This is something we spotted during our tour of the NVIDIA HQ in Santa Clara, California.

Well, this is now available as a Development Kit through NVIDIA's website for just $192. The Jetson TK1 development kit can be used to build devices and solutions for "computer vision, robotics, medicine, security, and automotive". For $192, you get the Jetson TK1 development board, AC adapter with power cord, USB Micro-B to USB A adapter, and a quick start guide.