Motorola X Phone gets papped again

Motorola X Phone gets papped again

And this time it's running 4G (credit: Phone Arena)

The Motorola X Phone seems to have been a long time coming; and it's still not here, emerging only as a spy shot as the handset is tested on the US network Sprint.

Running on the network's 4G network, the handset looks like a fairly standard Android affair, with the screen estimated to be around 4.7 inches.

Previous rumours have pegged its HD at 720p variety, with a 1.7GHz Snapdragon processor under the hood alongside 2GB of RAM and 16GB of storage.

XT C

The pictured device is referred to as the Motorola XT1056, which Phone Arena's source says is indeed the X Phone.

Motorola X Phone
Credit: Phone Arena

This anonymous figure also added that the handset shown is running Android 4.2.2, has the rumoured 16GB of storage and reckons the screen is around 4.5 or 4.6 inches - not too far off the expected 4.7-inch affair.

The handset has been tipped for a launch "by October", although more recent rumours suggest that it could be unveiled as early as August 1.

Motorola and its step-daddy Google are keeping quiet until then; but we'll bring you the news as it's announced, whenever that may be.


Source : techradar[dot]com

Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini release date reveals it's arriving this weekend

Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini release date reveals it's arriving this weekend

Just three more days

We're just days away from the Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini hitting shelves, and you'll be able to get your hands on it starting at £365.

The official Galaxy S4 Mini release date has been set as June 29, which is this Saturday, and Unlocked Mobiles has announced it will be offering it from then at the £365 price tag for SIM-only.

Phones4U, meanwhile, which has priced the phone a bit higher at £420, and won't be shipping preorders until Monday.

Price fight

Handtec, meanwhile, is offering the phone for £390. While Phones4U is pricing itself a little higher than the others, it's likely that it will bring it down in the near future.

The Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini hosts a 1.7GHz dual-core Snapdragon processor with 1.5GB of RAM, a 4.3-inch AMOLED display, 8GB of Storage and an 8-megapixel camera.


Source : techradar[dot]com

LG Optimus G2 photo leak reveals this baby's got back

LG Optimus G2 photo leak reveals this baby's got back

Haven't you heard? Back is the new front (credit: @evleaks)

The LG Optimus G2 hasn't been kept under wraps particularly well, and a quartet of new images appear to further enhance its chances of becoming reality.

These latest photos comes courtesy of @evleaks who received them from an anonymous tipster.

While we can't be sure of the source's credentials the people over at @evleaks seem pretty confident they're legit, and apart from showing a slender device with a relatively large screen, there's something interesting going on round back.

Touch me

On the rear of the Optimus G2 appears to be two buttons just below the camera lens, one with a plus and one with a minus on - with possibly the LED flash sandwiched in between.

LG Optimus G2 - LEAK

The blurry shots seem to suggest that this is a new location for the volume rocker switch, which is a potentially more convenient place to have it - although that's very much up for debate.

According to previous rumours the LG Optimus G2 will pack a 5-inch, full HD display, 2.3GHz quad-core processor, 2GB of RAM and 13MP camera which will really see it take the fight to the Samsung Galaxy S4 and HTC One.

LG Optimus G2 - LEAK

In terms of a LG Optimus G2 release date the Korean firm is expected to announce the handset on August 7 at an event it has planned in New York.


Source : techradar[dot]com

Nokia EOS to be Called the Lumia 1020, Will Feature 41MP Camera

Remember the Nokia Pureview 808, the 41MP smartphone that was powered by Symbian? Ever since it arrived, we’ve been dreaming of a day when Nokia creates a sequel of sorts – this time running the more modern Windows Phone 8 OS.

The wait is nearly over. Reports suggest that the Nokia EOS will launch on July 11th at a special event in New York City and according to @evleaks will arrive under the name “Nokia Lumia 1020″.

The handset will debut the new Nokia Pro Camera software and the phone will feature a polycarbonate body wit ha 4.5-inch 720p display. What really has everyone excited – of course – is the sensor. Like the PureView 808, the Lumia 1020 is believed to feature a 41MP PureView rear camera with a Carl Zeiss lens.

Unfortunately that’s all the details we know for now. No word on when the phone will actually arrive to carriers or even which regions the phone will be sold in. Here’s to hoping it comes stateside to all the carriers, instead of just being locked down to AT&T…

What do you think, would you like to get your hands on a phone with an impressive 41MP camera?



Source : mobilemag[dot]com

Huawei Ascend W2 refuses to stay secret with yet more leaks

Huawei Ascend W2 refuses to stay secret with yet more leaks

As real as it gets

The Huawei Ascend W2 isn't exactly much of a secret after the wealth of leaks and speculation surrounding the handset and we now have our clearest sighting yet.

Apparently the Ascend W2 was found chilling out at Mobile Asia Expo 2012, complete with a full spec sheet and a third colour option, red, to go along with the previously leaked yellow and blue.

The details which accompanied the Ascend W2 at the show revealed that it's running a 1.4GHz dual-core processor and 512MB of RAM which is responsible for churning through Windows Phone 8 on the 4.3-inch WVGA display.

Low-cost WP8

There's also apparently 8GB of storage inside the handset which measures a reasonable 134 x 66.7 x 9.9 mm, and Huawei reckons its got a long lasting battery too.

Huawei Ascend W2 - LEAK

According to the paraphernalia which was snapped at the Expo, the Ascend W2 is being touted as "the first low-cost smartphone with Windows Phone 8 for TD".

However the Nokia Lumia 520 and less-powerful Ascend W1 are both cheap WP8 devices, but the "for TD" part may refer to a specific frequency used in China which the other two handset may not currently support.

The Chinese firm is yet to officially announce the handset, but it's probably only a matter of time before we see the Huawei Ascend W2 confirmed.


Source : techradar[dot]com

What to consider in choosing a 4G provider

What to consider in choosing a 4G provider

Decision time is approaching

Shared data bundles and increased speeds on the move make 4G a good option for many SMBs. It's a fairly new technology, only available on the EE mobile network so far, but adoption is ramping up.

After launching 4G last year, EE now covers more than 50% of the UK. But by 2014, SMBs will be able to choose from a range of targeted options from many more providers, including solutions from Vodafone, O2, BT and others, who will launch packages alongside additional services such as broadband.

Interesting 4G business options are already appearing. 'Shared data' tariffs, aimed specifically at SMBs, allow you to buy a large bundle of 4G to share between devices such as iPads, mobile phones and mobile Wi-Fi.

With more options appearing all the time, it's tempting to dive into 4G immediately; and SMBs with a specific need - such as the ability to transfer large files on the move – could find it worth looking at a plan with EE now. For a more tentative or less urgent requirement, a minimal pay-as-you-go consumer option might be better; leaving you free to move your contract next year.

Making the choice

Businesses that need to send data back and forth, such as those in insurance, estate agents and construction, would benefit from early 4G opportunities using EE, says Chris Nicoll, Principal Analyst, Wireless Networks at Analysys Mason.

But SMBs should research 4G coverage in their area before taking out a lengthy contract, especially if they are based in a remote location. This is because it takes up to two years to roll out a wireless network entirely, says Nicoll.

London is the starting point for 4G roll out, with the nearby suburbs and other big cities coming next. Networks are currently on their way from all the 4G operators, who plan to come close to catching up with EE's coverage by next year.

However, it is thought EE's 4G network - which runs off re-farmed mobile spectrum - will not work as well inside buildings as those of some of its rivals. "And you could soon end up with offerings from BT, which has also bought spectrum, as well as from Three, O2 Vodafone and others," Nicoll says.

4G in action

Faster 4G technology can become a replacement for broadband if you can't get a good connection in your area, or as backup if your fixed line goes down.

One UK SMB, digital marketing firm TopLine Communications, is using a consumer 4G option for working on the move, and as a back up solution. Heather Baker, Managing Director, says the company has 4G dongles for use when people are out of the office or as a "plan B" for when broadband goes down.

Baker is currently looking at expanding to a full 4G business solution. "We use a number of cloud services, so fast internet is a necessity," she says. "When you have 10 people in the office, if the broadband goes down for an hour, that's 10 hours of downtime."

4G is also good for office moves or initial set-up as it makes it easier to implement an internet connection in the first place.

"For the first time, we have genuine choice," Baker says. "Previously, a small business that needed an internet connection had to go through a complex application process and then wait for eight weeks for BT to install a line.

"Now, you can just walk in to an EE store, buy a bunch of dongles, and be up and running within an hour. This makes starting up, moving office and taking your business mobile dramatically easier."

Types of solutions

Vodafone's upcoming 4G offering, expected to launch to businesses in early 2014, could suit SMBs looking for a combination of broadband and LTE. It's likely the operator will package 4G with fixed broadband through last year's acquisition of Cable & Wireless Worldwide - a solution well suited to firms with staff travelling in and out of the office.

This type of a package could also be offered by other operators in the future, including BT which already has a business-ready broadband solution.

Meanwhile, shared data plans could provide the ability to buy upwards of 50GB of data to use across multiple devices. This allows SMBs to control expenses by buying one plan and sharing it across employees' smartphones, tablets and laptops.

The US market, which launched 4G two years ago, is likely to be the model for the UK, according to Nicoll, who says: "In the US, 4G started with unlimited data, then it went to shared data plans."

In the US, operators including Verizon Wireless and AT&T have launched 30, 40 and 50GB shared data plans starting at $300 per month, aimed at SMBs. "It's ideal as you have one fixed cost so you can control your expenses," says Nicoll.

Faster 4G services can benefit many SMBs, and the options are already starting to grow. But Nicoll advises to proceed with caution and assess the options, rather than entering a long term contract just yet.

He says: "I would caution SMBs not to jump in too soon and don't enter into a long term plan, so you can keep your options open if a better offer comes up."

Check out the business productivity potential for 4G.


Source : techradar[dot]com

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