By now you've heard of the Nokia Lumia 1020. OK, to be sure you really heard about it days ago when the first of many leaks started dripping for the new Windows Phone 8 handset.
Tips and slips aside, Nokia officially unveiled the camera that packs a 41MP camera sensor in its rear today, leaning heavily on same said snapper tech.
The Pureview camera packs a world of picture punch, including a Carl Zeiss lens and Xenon flash. Thirty-eight mega-pixels do the work of take a picture for saving and editing, while a 5MP image is also shot for social sharing. Optical image stabilization is achieved with internal ball bearings and motors, believe it or not.
There's a dedicated Pro Camera app on board as well, giving users access to a wider range of settings not available on other WP8 handsets. Lumia 1020 owners will be able to control things like exposure and white balance while also manually controlling the focus.
There's good news for owners of already-released Lumias too: The 920, 925 and 928 are all due to get the Pro app, though the phones will require an update to the latest Amber software.
But how do pictures actually look taken with the 1020's biggest selling point? Nokia posted a few snaps online to highlight its functions, which we've included below.
Pose for your class pictures
Users should find a welcome ease of use when it comes to manual focus - it was our favorite when we tested out the phone - and it's quite easy to choose the focal length of your image thanks to a sliding camera button.
Batter up
The image quality is rather remarkable, considering we're working with a smartphone here. Granted, it's a $299.99 (about £199, AU$327) smartphone, but still..
The world through a Pureview lens
Zooming was a big focus of the phone's press event today, and Nokia CEO Stephen Elop showed just how close a viewer could get to an the ground, literally, with an image taken from on high.
'Hello down there!'
If you decide to take some pics from a helicopter with your Lumia 1020, be sure to hold on tight.
Low light photography is also supposed to be up the 1020's alley, and Nokia provided a few grabs to demo how well photogs can not only capture detail with little illumination, but also with little blur.
Nokia provided a flash comparison during its press conference
And here's two from presumably real life, though we'd bet $5 those girls at the railing are posing with 1020s:
Our friends are always jumping in bars, too! Not bad for a phone
Finally, to show all the fun you can have messing with the 1020's camera settings, Nokia included Mr. Jumpy in a mini-laser light show.
Long exposure
Smashing?
From what we've seen so far, the Lumia 1020's camera is very impressive, though certainly not perfect.
We found lag in the time it took to take and save images instantly when we went hands on with the device, and the fact that the three camera apps - Pro Camera, Cinemagraph and Smart Camera - are indeed three separate camera apps is annoying.
Stay tuned for our full review to get a complete assessment of all things Lumia 1020, including just how its image taker really fairs when we put it through the TechRadar paces.
O2 subscribers can now enjoy the blessings (or curses) of free Wi-Fi on the London Underground after the company opened up access to Virgin Media's network on Thursday.
The roll-out had been expected in June, but earlier this month O2 announced it would be delayed until July 22 while more tests took place.
So, despite being later scheduled, it's earlier than expected, if that makes sense and access is now available to O2 users at 121 stations and platforms around the capital.
To jump on board, subscribers will need to download the O2 Wi-Fi application for iOS and Android and sign in. Each time they enter a Wi-Fi enabled area of the stations they'll be automatically logged in.
Last bastion of freedom?
Virgin initially set-up its underground Wi-Fi network to assist visitors to London during the 2012 Olympic Games, offering free access to all at that time.
As the free period began to wind down, rival networks agreed deals with Virgin to keep the access gratis for their customers. O2 joins Vodafone and EE, both of which had already sealed agreements with Virgin last November.
The arrival of Wi-Fi on the tube has split opinion since its initial roll-out last spring. Some enjoy the extra connectivity, while others viewed a tube journey as the last bastion of freedom from work emails and annoying social networking feeds.
If you're stuck at Baker Street on your way to work on Friday morning, let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
The Lumia 1020 combines the best of Lumia with Nokia's PureView camera
Given today's highly anticipated reveal of the Nokia Lumia 1020, both Microsoft and Nokia have plenty to say about the smartphone with the 41-megapixel camera.
For one thing, Microsoft made some changes to Windows Phone 8 to accommodate the extra-powerful snapper, Windows Phone Vice President Joe Belfiore and Nokia Vice President Kevin Shields said in a discussion on the Windows Blog.
Shields said that the OS "played a critical role" in the creation of the Lumia 1020.
"It's easy to get fixated on this one feature - this terrific 41-megapixel sensor that we're shipping - but there was a lot of unseen work on the Windows Phone side that went into it: plumbing and UI changes to bring out the best of that component and make the camera experience possible," he said. "Our collaboration with Microsoft was super important to making the Lumia 1020 the great product that it is."
Sharing is caring
"Our goal is to work with our partners as if we were a single organization, designing hardware and software together," Microsoft's Belfiore said.
"Nokia came to us with the idea for building this amazing camera, and we had to find the right ways to improve the platform so they could deliver the best imaging experience on any phone, anywhere," he added.
Microsoft improved the zoom capability in its photo viewer and made other changes that the two execs say are "under the covers" but nonetheless vital.
Belfiore also influenced the development of Nokia's Pro Camera app, which is meant to replicate features found on high-end cameras, and he said that he wrote more than ten pages of feedback for Nokia during development.
But can it beat a DSLR?
Shields also answered another burning question of ours: how is the Lumia 1020 different from Nokia's 808 PureView, a Symbian phone with a 41-megapixel camera that launched in 2012?
He said the Lumia 1020 is a combination of Nokia's past successes; it combines the 808's large sensor with the image stabilization of the Lumia 920.
He added that high-quality DSLR digital cameras, while they may match or surpass the 1020 in some ways, lack the processing power of the Windows Phone.
We check out the simply astounding camera on the new Lumia 1020… but does it forgive Windows Phone 8?
There's no doubt that Nokia knows how to make a phone, and with the 41MP sensor on the Lumia 1020, we're pretty excited.
There's a new level of RAM inside, a decent 32GB of memory (with larger sizes on the way) and the whole device has been slimmed down to an almost impossible level when you consider how much technology has been packed in.
There's the obvious elephant in the room: it's still running Windows Phone 8, which many will see as a negative, thanks to a lack of apps and power compared to its counterparts.
It's a notion that's a little unfair, given that while it does have a processor that graced handsets from last year, Nokia and Microsoft have put a lot of effort into making an OS that plays well with a CPU without requiring the heavy lifting of a quad core option.
It still struggles when taking pictures and saving them instantly, but the time isn't horrendous and seems in keeping with what you'd expect when making photos of around 15MB.
We'll be posting more photos and thoughts on the Nokia Lumia 1020 in the near future, so stay tuned to see if we love, loathe or are thoroughly nonplussed by Nokia's new flagship device.
The Moto X is the big comeback for Motorola, and the company would certainly want the device to reach the hands of millions of people and launch at least on all four major carriers in the US. It seems that’s exactly what Motorola has planned.
The company is reportedly planning to launch the Moto X on Verizon Wireless, AT&T, Sprint, and T-Mobile sometime this fall. The company is also said to have taken steps to keep carrier bloatware to the minimum.
And for making the upcoming handset a success on the market, Google is reportedly planning to spend over $500 million on marketing campaign for the device. That money will be used in the US and some international countries where the device is going to hit.
As for what’s coming, the assembled-in-the-US device is expected to have a 720p display with a size between 4.3 to 4.7 inches and Android 4.2.2. The device is said to be “the first smartphone you can design yourself” and it will be “contextually aware“.
The customizations, as we told you before, will probably allow you to choose colors for the device’s front and back, and they may also engrave a name/message of your choice on it. Choosing a default wallpaper and storage could also be allowed. It is not known whether the customized Moto X will be available through carriers. The device is expected to be priced around $199 with a two-year contract.
While HTC has been buckling down and at least somewhat minimizing their product offerings (focusing mainly on the HTC One) – Samsung seems to be pushing a completely different strategy: one that involves flooding the market with as many phones and variants of existing models as possible.
Case and point: The Samsung Galaxy S4.
While this is one of Samsung’s flagship brands, it isn’t really just one phone anymore. First you have the GS4 in Snapdragon or Exynos, depending on the region. Then you have the S4 Active with waterproof/dustproof capabilities, the S4 Zoom with a better camera but lesser overall specs, and the S4 Mini with weaker specs but a much smaller form factor. There’s also a Korean-only LTE-A GS4 model that has a Snapdragon 800 processor.
Need a super-super-sized smartphone? Samsung has the Galaxy Mega 5.8 and 6.3. And let’s not forget rumors suggesting that the Galaxy Note 3 might have as many as 4-8 variants, some with premium bodies and fancier displays, others with cheaper plastic casings.
We are not even going to touch on all of the ‘budget’ Galaxy devices or the non-Galaxy-branded Samsung Android devices.
According to the Korean-based ET News, this is just the beginning. Samsung plans to continue creating new variants that cover all the bases from different sizes to different materials, specs, etc.
At some point you have to ask, is there such thing as TOO many options?
Why Samsung’s multi-option approach makes sense
Part of the beauty of Android is choice. Don’t like a certain app? Change it. Don’t like that default launcher? Find a 3rd party one.
The same can be said for Android phones. From Huawei to Sony to HTC, Samsung, Motorola and countless others – Android users have hundreds upon hundreds of phones to choose from. Again, choice is a good thing.
But what of using the same brand name over and over again and creating crazy names like the Galaxy S Neo Mega Ultra? (ok- that one is made up..) It’s certainly seems a bit ridiculous.
On the positive side, Android users do like customization.
While true PC-like hardware customization doesn’t exist (at least yet?) in the smartphone world, companies like Samsung give us tons of choices so we can find the device that best meets our definition of a ‘dream device’.
In contrast, Apple tells users that they can either have the new iPhone (currently iPhone 5), the old iPhone (iPhone 4S), or the older iPhone (iPhone 4). Not much diversity there.
Same goes for Blackberry where you can choose between a few BB10 devices, or get an aging BB7 handset. Windows Phone 8 has a little bit more customization that Blackberry or Apple, but good luck finding the range that you’ll get with Android – such as a 5+-inch or 6+-inch smartphone.
In short, Samsung has a device for every type of user with any kind of budget. They are able to do this by expanding their ranges to cover all sorts of sizes and specs.
*as disclosure: For those wondering, I currently use an LG Nexus 4 as my main phone. I have an iPad 2 and a Microsoft Pro – so I dabble in all platforms*
Why Samsung’s multi-option approach isn’t so great…
What if you aren’t a techie type that understands specs and features? Is this kind of variance so great then? Yes and no.
The good news is that if you don’t know the difference between an S4 Pro and a Snapdragon 800 – you’ll simply choose the version of a Sammy Galaxy phone that has the lowest price point and it will probably do everything you’ll need while saving you money. It also means that other non-techies won’t care that your S4, Note 3 or Mega isn’t the BEST, only that it is a Galaxy-branded device.
On the downside, it also makes picking out a phone more difficult. Going to the store and asking for a “Galaxy Note 3” or “Galaxy S4” becomes much more complicated when the cashier/service person asks you dozens of questions just to find out what phone you are looking for.
Carrier issues…
Beyond possible consumer confusion, we also can’t forget about carrier issues. I mean, can we really expect every carrier to carry 4+ models of the Note 3, Galaxy S5, Mega, etc? Nope, they’ll choose one or two and we’ll be stuck with it.
This means that if you really want the phone of your dreams, you’ll have to do it by buying it unlocked.
That’s good for Samsung and for those that are against being locked to a carrier.
Unfortunately, it’s not so good for those that can’t afford to buy outright or have a CDMA phone that doesn’t play nicely with the whole unlocked trend.
Brand image issues
Right now, we know that if you buy a Galaxy S4 or Note 2 – you are getting the best of the best from Sammy. We know that if it is anything else from Samsung, it is probably mid-range or lower.
If the future Galaxy S5 has both a low, mid and high-end version – will that affect buyer perception? That’s a good question, and one we really can’t answer until Samsung actually goes out and makes all these variants happen. That said, the Galaxy S4 the variants haven’t seemed to hurt the brand much in the short-term.
Summing it up…
If Samsung is truly serious about spreading out its line-up even further and adding different materials, processor configurations and more, some folks are going to love it. Some folks are going to be confused. Others really won’t care one way or another.
Ultimately though, it doesn’t matter whether you (or I) like the idea of a million Galaxies or not. If it proves profitable for Samsung, it is the right strategy.
The S4 hasn’t quite meet the expectations that Samsung set for it, but Samsung is still doing very well. If Sammy really seems to think that there is a future in creating an even wider range of devices and product tiers – they might be right.
What do you think, do you like the idea of multiple variants of Samsung’s flagship phones? Or do you feel that the massive amounts of different Galaxy and non-Galaxy Samsung phones add enough consumer confusion as it is?
We knew the Lumia 1020 was on its way as it was the phone world's worst kept secret, but CEO Stephen Elop left us with word that we're due for a new Nokia product later this year.
During the Q&A following the 1020 press event, Elop casually let drop that the company has more to show during its "next major launch later this year."
"Major" is worth noting as this won't be a simple refresh and we should expect another destination shindig such as we have for the Lumia 1020.
We'll of course keep an eye out for more on whatever this product holds, and if the leaks leading up to the new Lumia's launch are any indication, we'll have plenty to go by pre-announcement.
What could it be??
Nokia's unleashed a veritable army of Lumia's as of late, among them the Lumia 920, 925 and 928.
We've been told by Microsoft that there's no real fear of over saturating the market with Windows Phone 8 devices, and with Nokia's steadfast (some would say stubborn) commitment to the platform, we're surely in for more.
But with a recent set of images purportedly showing the long-expected Lumia tablet, perhaps Nokia will decide it's time to do and show something different?
Nokia has made its oft-leaked Lumia 1020 all official, bringing a souped up 41MP camera to the smartphone party.
It's confirmed to be exclusive to AT&T in the US, for the hefty sum of $300 - that's about £199.
But when and where can you get your hands on this Windows Phone 8-toting handset in the UK? Nokia says it should hit Europe by the end of September. And what networks? Let's find out...
O2 - The oxygen-loving network will be ranging the artist formerly known as the Nokia EOS. No word on exactly when, nor how much you'll be paying, yet. All we know is that it will land "later in the year". Stay tuned.
Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer has announced that the company is set to work differently, promising one single experience across its broad range of devices and services.
All Microsoft devices, from desktops to Xboxes via Windows Phones, are set to fall under the same division in the brave new world, with the company promising "a complete family of Windows-powered devices".
It goes on to say that Microsoft plans to "strive for a single experience for everything in a person's life that matters" - taking in phones, tablets, televisions, Xboxes and even "a small wearable".
"One experience, one company, one set of learnings, one set of apps, and one personal library of entertainment, photos and information everywhere. One store for everything," it explains, although it hasn't mentioned the one ring to rule them all and in the darkness bind them at this point.
One love
So it sounds at this point as though we're looking at a unified Microsoft software experience, with Windows, Windows Phone and Xbox interfaces all coming together under one umbrella, with one app store selling apps that work across all platforms.
As for hardware, Microsoft plans to put equal focus on that side of things, speaking of "a full spectrum of both partner and first-party devices" - meaning those rumours of multiple Surface tablets on their way may not be too outlandish, nor, either, those currently-quiet whispers of a Microsoft-made Windows Phone handset.
Indeed, "our family will include phones, tablets, PCs, 2-in-1s, TV-attached devices and other devices to be imagined and developed" - like those "small wearables", perhaps?
Ballmer's note promises a "nimble, communicative, collaborative, decisive and motivated" company. Doesn't sound much like the Microsoft we currently know; but as Ballmer signs off, "Let's go."
Today was supposed to be Nokia’s big day – the day they announced the Lumia 1020. While the company will no doubt still announce the 1020, at least part of the magic is now gone. Why’s that? Because just about every source on the net seems to have went ahead with last minute leaks for the 1020, including AT&T.
One of the leaks comes to us from Gizmodo, giving us a better look at the Lumia 1020′s specs.
The device is said to be equipped with a 1.5Ghz dual-core Snapdragon chipset, a 4.5-inch 1280 x 768 display, 2GB RAM, 32GB of internal storage, and a 2000 mAh battery. It will also feature an impressive 41-Megapixel PureView sensor with optical image stabilisation. And then there is a camera grip accessory that even comes with its own internal battery.
The leak also suggests that the device will be bulky with a thickness of 10.4mm and weighing in at 158g. We can’t say for sure whether all these specs belong to the Lumia 1020, but of course we will only have to wait for a few more hours to get the confirmed features.
Meanwhile, another leak (this one brought to us by Ubergizmo) suggests that the Lumia 1020 will also have a 64GB version. Unfortunately, that model will apparently be an exclusive for Telefonica, which owns O2, Movistar, and Vivo, in the European and Latin American markets.
Then there’s AT&T, which released not one but THREE videos online today, showing off the Lumia 1020. One of these vids can be seen directly below:
So, excited for the arrival of the Nokia Lumia 1020 yet? Let us know what you think in the comments below.
We're just hours away from the Nokia Lumia 1020's unveiling but some trigger-fingered person in charge of AT&T's YouTube channel just hit the switch early and posted an advert for the phone.
Of course, the advert's all about the photo features - the 41-megapixel camera, 6x zoom and 720p. See it all for yourself below.
There aren't many more details given beyond that but a full leak of the phone's spec sheet has seemingly filled in the gaps. Nokia might as well call the whole event off.
Wherever you're going and whatever you're doing, we have the tech for your travels
Even when you're getting away from it all, there are some things you want to take with you. But how do you know which gadgets are worthy of taking up your valuable packing space?
These are our 10 picks for the technological traveller: everything on this lists has been designed for travel.
From smaller, lighter, luggage friendly versions of your must-have gadgets to life-savers for your life on the road, we've got your packing covered.
1. Sennheiser PXC 250-II
Noise cancelling cans in a hand-luggage friendly size? Perfect
A pair of bulky noise-cancelling headphones come somewhere near the kitchen sink on most people's packing list, which makes these dinky Sennheisers something of a revelation.
The headband has two comfy skull pads while the ear-cups press themselves effectively to close the gaps.Most impressively, the NoiseGard noise cancelling function (which can be toggled on and off) works almost as well as models four times the size (and three times the price).
The only drawback is an AA battery compartment on the audio cable, but it's a small price to pay on these expensive, but good value headphones.
You need a tripod to get your best shot, and this Vanguard is superbly portable
You need a tripod to get your best shot, so it's a pity that when you're on holiday and most likely to have exotic scenes and great adventures to record, you're
Made from carbon fibre and weighing-in at just 810g (that's less than the smallest Macbook Air), this three-legged, five-section tripod from Vanguard stretches from 42cm to a mighty 115cm.
It sits easily in the side pocket of most small backpack, and its built-in spirit level means you can always be confident of shooting straight.
Walking is thirsty work, so a good job these sandals come with built in bottle opener
Picture the scene: you're on the beach, sunset's drawing near and you've a bag full of beer to get stuck into … but did anyone pack a bottle opener?
Probably not, but if you're sporting a pair of Quencha TQT (which stands for Thirst Quenching Technology) sandals from Reef there's a nice surprise in the sole, where a bottle opener has been cleverly stashed away.
Also featuring an airbag in the heel and a comfy nubuck strap, these Reefs come in black and lime green.
With this bombproof backpack, your possessions will make it on holiday even if you don't
Looking more like futuristic body armour than a simple gadget bag, this tough aircraft cabin-sized backpack from LAT56 keeps your gadgets protected as you barge through the world airports, bus stations and hotels.
The secret is the use of specially moulded EVA foam that's got a bit of give in it, but only a bit; cue zip-up side-pockets that are sturdy enough to take a pair of sunglasses (though also perfect for chargers and cables) and a slightly bulging front that's there to protect your gear, but also happens to be the shape of a folded-up shirt.
At the back behind some unusually comfy shoulder straps is a bombproof NASA-spec memory foam laptop compartment for models up to 15.6 inches, while inside are some dividers that can be flattened for full access to its 15-litre capacity.
This sturdy Panasonic camera really can go anywhere - even underwater
The fact that it's got built-in GPS tells you straight away that the Panasonic DMC-FT5 is built for roaming. It can geotag images as you go, so you'll never be left wondering exactly which picturesque mountain you decided to photograph.
It could also probably survive a fall down that mountain, thanks to its orange battle armour. Although it suffered a few scars when we dropped it during our tests, it carried on working perfectly and delivering clear images.
Some will miss optical zoom, though the flip-side of its 'no moving parts' design is a totally waterproof, underwater mode that makes this portable a great candidate for snorkelling or diving.
The Geneva Model XS offers a mighty sound quality for its size
Travel speakers are routinely sold with tall stories of turning tables into speakers and hotel rooms into discos. Ignore all that and go straight for the best-sounding by size: this Swiss-made speaker system that doubles as an alarm clock.
Connecting to a smartphone or laptop via Bluetooth, the Model XS also throws in a DAB+ radio. And it all snaps shut in a travel-friendly clamshell case.
It's also really useful for business trips, able to act as an impressive hands-free speaker for conference calls.
This powerful headtorch from Petzl will light your way
You'll see Maglite torches in the gift sets on the plane, but it's an LED head torch from Petzl that you really need.
Powered by three AAA batteries and comfy to wear, the biggest beam is powerful enough for upcountry hiking in the pre-dawn darkness while a less powerful setting is just right for finding your hotel room late at night.
It also features flashing modes, and red light setting for stargazers trying to preserve their night-vision while dodging guy ropes on campsites.
Thule's waterproof backpack will keep your possessions safe and dry
Is this the finest outdoorsy camera bag available? If you're taking your DSLR on holiday, this backpack from Thule with easy-vis bright blue compartments galore can take a camera and multiple lenses. It's ideal as both cabin baggage and for day trips, but that's not what makes it special.
Though its undercarriage is pleasingly tough and strong, it rather unexpectedly hides a useful rain cover, which covers the entire (and already water-resistant - even the zips and seams) daypack in the event of a downpour.
There's even a totally waterproof section for storing SD cards, a stash pocket and a clever tripod clip on the front, and - best of all - it's comfy to wear on a hike around town or up a mountain.
9. Goal Zero Yeti 1250
This Goal generator can supply enough power to charge a laptop 20 times over
For long-term campers and caravanners headed off to remote parts with gadgetry in tow, a generator is a noisy necessity.
But there is a less intrusive option: this silent (if heavy at 54kg) option from Goal Zero, which stores a mighty 1500W of power within. That's enough to recharge a laptop twenty times over.
About 15 hours refuels it from a wall outlet, or even via a USB cable, but if you're off on a long trip to (say) the Australian Outback you'd be a fool not to add the optional solar panel that recharges the Yeti inside 20 hours.
10. SATcase for Android
For the real adventurers out there, this case transforms any Android smartphone into a satelite phone
Probably overkill for two weeks in the Med (unless you own a yacht), but adventurous types take note. Aimed at hikers, sailors and aviators, the SATcase (due to be launched later this year) transforms any Android smartphone into a satellite phone - thereby bypassing the globe's patchy 3G network.
SATcase is the first satellite phone kit that swaps a bulky receiver unit for a smartphone app, and comes in a rugged case. It also contains a 406 beacon that search and rescue teams can find using the COSPAS-SARSAT system.
LG has been one of the spearheads of the display revolution, and when it comes to smartphones it's just put everyone else to shame by unveiling whats it claims to be the world's slimmest full HD panel for handsets.
The panel is a crazy 2.2mm slim with a 2.3mm bezel, and measures 5.2-inches diagonally. All of which arrives conveniently in time for the Optimus G2, which looks to be sporting a barely-there bezel in the leaked images we've seen.
The display also features a full HD 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution and LG Display claims that the screen will provide good visibility under strong sunlight. The screen can also manage 535 nits of brightness.
Out of thin air
So how did LG manage to slim down so much? It's all thanks to a special new technology called Advanced One-Glass-Solution in which dual flexible circuits sit between the panel and touch film and reduce the lines on the panel by 30 per cent.
The Optimus G2 is rumoured to have a Snapdragon 800 clocked at 2.3GHz, 2GB RAM, a 16-megapixel camera and - hint, hint - a 5.2-inch display.
We're prepared for the LG Optimus G2 to go official at the press event on August 7, and we'll be there to give you the news as it breaks.
The latest Google Maps app arrived yesterday and it was an all-singing, all-dancing tablet-friendly update but for one notable exception: instead of hitting a simple button to make maps available offline, Google wanted you to waste tedious seconds typing in the command "OK Maps" into the search box.
We were confused, you were confused, everyone was confused. In what world was this a sensible development?
In no world, apparently, as Google has now made a "Make this map area available offline" clickable boxout for the app. Revolutionary stuff.
More blips!
Don't get lost in the forests of tech news - let our handy little blips be your guide.
