Note: this is not what the Amazon phone looks like
It's not much to go on, but a report has surfaced claiming that Amazon has ordered batches of camera modules for use in smartphones, indicating an Amazon smartphone may indeed be in the works.
DigiTimes reports that Taiwanese company Primax Electronics received multiple orders from Amazon for compact camera modules to be used in smartphones launching in the first half of 2014.
Each of the Amazon smartphones will feature six of the camera modules, over half of which will be supplied by Primax, according to the site's sources in the supply chain.
The Amazon phones will also feature floating touch technology, the site said.
Catching fire
Ever since the Kindle Fire began thriving in the Android tablet market there's been speculation about an Amazon smartphone, but the bookseller has yet to make anything official.
Other Amazon phone rumors are insubstantial, claiming the phone will arrive between four and five inches and that it will drop next year, with 3D gesture and eye-tracking.
We've been hearing similar tunes for literally years, though, so take it all with a pinch of sodium.
Forward, thousands of pixels at a time (credit: CNET)
Apple may be the envy of the industry thanks to its 64-bit A7 mobile processor, but even the Retina Display will turn green with jealousy over a new Chinese smartphone with a whopping 2K pixel display.
CNET reported today that the opening salvo in the battle for high-resolution smartphone displays has already been fired as a Chinese manufacturer thumbs its nose at 1080p HD by announcing a handset with a 2K screen.
The company in question is Oppo, who revealed plans for a new handset called the Find 7 via Twitter, complete with a 2K display that packs in a whopping 2560 x 1440 pixels in a screen of undisclosed size.
Unfortunately, that's about the extent of what Oppo has disclosed about the Find 7, which will likely arrive sometime early next year running Android 4.3 Jelly Bean or later.
CES or bust!
Just over a year ago, Oppo beat every other smartphone maker to the punch with the Find 5, an Android smartphone that crunched 441 pixels per inch into a thin handset with a five-inch display.
Oppo's teaser image offers little clue as to what the Find 7 might bring to the table, although current rumors point to a Qualcomm Snapdragon 805 processor with 3GB RAM, powered by a 4000mAh battery.
Of course, part of that equation is contingent upon Qualcomm shipping its latest quad-core processor, which isn't expected to power smartphones until sometime in the first half of 2014.
While Oppo may have gotten the jump on 2K smartphone displays, attendees at the upcoming Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas are likely to see competing handsets pop up on the radar in early January.
Also why not check out our video of the top 10 free Android games?
1. Seesmic
There are many Twitter apps on Android - and Twitter itself shook up the scene with the launch of its own-brand app - but we're sticking with Seesmic. Offering support for multiple accounts, a home page widget showing latest tweets and an incredibly slick and professional design, it's one of the finest examples of app development out there today.
Facebook for Android is lacking in features compared to Facebook itself, but a recent update added Inbox support to the Android app, finally allowing its users to communicate in almost real time. The app's fast and stable, with a simplicity that reminds you of the old days when using Facebook used to be bearable.
3. National Rail Enquiries
After the original free, third-party National Rail apps went paid-for, National Rail has finally brought out its own free app. National Rail Enquiries enables you to check live train times, plan your journeys, and get notifications of delays. On first use, the app prompts you to enter a home and work train station, and then you can use the 'Get me home' button to see the next available trains.
4. UK Jobs
Hey, times are hard and you've got to pay for your oppressive monthly mobile phone contract somehow. Offering a fully searchable database of current UK job vacancies, UK Jobs, which pulls in its data from independent employment site 1job.co.uk is, a slightly cumbersome but useful and non-governmental tool.
5. Outlook
Microsoft has teamed up with developer SEVEN to offer an official Hotmail app for Android, which gives users a simple, clean interface, push notification support and even lets you manage multiple Hotmail accounts from within the app. If your email needs haven't yet been assimilated by Google, it's a useful option. It's since been rebranded as the Outlook app, in keeping with Microsoft's changes to its mail site.
A stunning app that uses your phone's orientation tools to give you an accurate representation of the stars and planets on your screen. Point your phone at the sky, then learn what constellations are visible and if that's a UFO or just Venus. Google Sky Map even works indoors, if you're not keen on getting cold.
7. Layar
The stunning augmented reality app Layar has recently gone commercial, adding an online shop that allows users to buy AR content such as travel guides, local house price apps and much more. But you're still able to use the numerous free Layers to pop data up over real-world locations, delivering a satisfying futuristic experience.
8. Foursquare
The social media darling Foursquare is represented in fine form on Android, with the Google app offering easy one-click check-ins, integrated Google Maps for a seamless Google-branded experience and home page shortcut options to all your favourite places.
9. WordPress for Android
WordPress for Android started out as independent creation wpToGo, before WordPress decided it liked it so much it bought it up - hiring the maker to develop it in-house. It's very feature-packed, with the latest version offering full integration with other apps, letting you spin content and send it directly to the app for easy updating. It could do with more image insertion tools, though.
10. Google Goggles
A bit of a novelty, in that Google Goggles lets you take photos and have Google analyse them and come back with a search results page for what it thinks you're looking at. However, the app's main use is as a QR code reader, which lets you scan barcodes for quick access to apps and whatever data people choose to embed in the odd little data squares.
Yes, the same Winamp from a decade ago. It's had an Android app for some time, with recent updates adding support for iTunes, Mac syncing, plenty of music streaming options, new release lists and Shoutcast integration for radio support. It's a fine, free media player.
12. Samsung ChatOn
There are plenty of messaging tools on Android, but Samsung's beats many of them by offering multi-platform support - with clients even available for older Samsung non-smart feature phones. It could be the ideal way to keep in touch with an out of touch relative. More "with it" users will be able to use its drawing, image sharing and social networking features.
13. Skyfire 3.0
The USP of the Skyfire browser is that it supports Flash content, popping up a little window when it detects an embedded YouTube video or something similar. The actual Flash business is handled by Skyfire's server, which does all the computery stuff, then sends the file to your handset. A bit clunky on slower Android phones, but it works like a dream on models with faster processors.Despite the arrival of Flash with Android 2.2, this is still relevant for those on phones and Android versions not able to support Adobe's Flash Player.
14. BBC News
While the BBC's Android iPlayer app is a bit on the disappointing side, the corporation's BBC News app is much more refined. There's a stylish grid-based front page, plus you're able to swipe from left to right to switch between stories in your chosen specialist category. A recent update also added a couple of Home screen widgets, too, plus the ability to submit your own news tips, as if the BBC was a small blog clamouring for content.
15. RAC Traffic
An official production of the motoring organisation, RAC Traffic is dead simple - it guesstimates your location via the mobile signal, then pops up the current traffic alerts for your area. It's much better than having to listen to the radio for the odd update about arterial blockages.
16. Swype
The odd line-drawing alternate keyboard Swype is a love-it or hate-it kind of thing, with the significant amount of re-learning required to make the most of it quite off-putting to some users.
Once you're familiar with the idea, though, it's genius - with advanced prediction options further speeding your line-typing.
After a long period of availability only through a beta test or having pre-loaded on your phone by the maker, Swype's now available on Google Play - in both free trial and paid options.
17. Evernote
After the Android version of Dropbox, the next best solution for keeping all your 'business' in one place is Evernote - which lets you stash and sync all your text notes, voice memos and files on your phone and access them through a desktop computer.
18. Flickr
As well as supporting Flickr uploading, this app also lets you capture photos from within the app and comes complete with a set of filters, so you can hipsterise your life with ease. It supports sharing with Twitter and Facebook as well, so your other, non-photo-nerd friends can enjoy the results of today's snapping session.
19. Last.fm
The subscription-based thrills of Last.fm open up a world of music streaming on your mobile. You have to 'buy in' to the odd Last.fm way of organising things and suggesting new music, but if you're easily led and not restricted by bandwidth it's a superb tool.
20. Google Maps Navigation
An absolute must-get. As long as you have Android 1.6 or above, the latest update to Google Maps introduces turn-by-turn voice navigation, simultaneously devastating the satnav industry while boosting the in-car dashboard dock/charger accessory scene. Route calculations are done at the outset of your trip, minimising data transfer en route and keeping you on target even when the GPS signal drops. It's amazing, it works, and it's free.
Android 4.3 Jelly Bean is old news, Google has already launches its successor in the form of Android 4.4 KitKat, but most devices are still waiting for 4.3 to arrive on screen.
Manufacturers are slowly getting round to sorting out their Android 4.3 updates and we're keeping tabs on them every step of the way.
While Google's fleet of Nexus devices were the first to receive the Android 4.3 upgrade, they have now been moved onto KitKat so our focus lies with the likes of Samsung, Sony, HTC and LG.
HTC
The five star HTC One has already been pushed the Android 4.3 update (plus a bump to Sense 5.5), so if you're still slumming it on Android 4.2 head over to the settings menu and check for a software update, meanwhile the Google Edition of the handset (that's the one running pure Android) is already rocking KitKat.
If you picked up the mammoth 5.9-inch HTC One Max you'll have been enjoying the fruits of Android 4.3 since you took the phone out of its box, as it shipped with the latest version already installed.
For any HTC One Mini owners out there you've had to wait a little longer for an Android 4.3 upgrade, but HTC has finally started to push it out, so if you're not on it yet it should be arriving soon.
Sadly there's currently no information on whether the budget focussed HTC Desire 500 will be upgraded to Android 4.3, but considering it's still running Android 4.1.2 we're not overly hopeful.
Samsung
Samsung has been having a bit of a tough time with the Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update, with issues arising on both the Galaxy S4 and Galaxy S3 when it tried to roll it out the first time, which led to the Korean firm pulling it for a short while.
The good news is that the roll out has recommenced, hopefully with a more stable version of Android 4.3, so if you're rocking a S4, S3, Galaxy S4 Mini or Galaxy Note 2 check out software updates in the settings menu.
Global software roll outs can take a while, so you may not see Android 4.3 appear for a few weeks, or even a couple of months - so be patient!
For those of you wondering where the Galaxy Note 3 support is don't fret, the phablet already comes running Android 4.3 as standard.
Sony
Sony is yet to start rolling out Android 4.3 to handsets, but the Japanese firm has at least announced which devices will be treated to it, and given us a clue as to when it will start to arrive.
This isn't a complete list of devices which may be treated to the latest version of Jelly Bean however, with Sony also revealing that it was planning on "uplifting some of our other devices running 4.1 direct to 4.3" - so watch this space.
LG
We expect the LG G2 and G Pad 8.3 to both be boosted to Android 4.3, but the Korean firm is not giving too much away with a spokesperson telling TechRadar: "LG is keen to ensure that its handsets run on the latest software, but at this time cannot confirm which handsets will support Android 4.3."
We're chasing all the other manufacturers to find out what their plans are for the latest version of Jelly Bean and we'll update this article once we find out.
Motorola
Motorola is sitting pretty when it comes to the Android 4.3 update, with the incredibly good value Moto G already rocking the software as well as having a KitKat boost lined up in early 2014.
The US-only (for now, at least) Moto X isn't getting an Android 4.3 update, but that's because Motorola has decided to jump straight to KitKat - nice!
EE has confirmed that it will be displaying (yes displaying, not selling) the curved LG G Flex in the UK from December 20 in a handful of stores.
The rather odd move from the network will allow customers to go to one of 10 EE stores to get hands on with the G Flex ahead of its official European launch in 2014 - but you won't actually be able to take one home, so put your money away.
The LG G Flex will work with EE's 4G and double-speed 4G network, while the unique elastic coating on the back of the handset sports self-healing properties allowing it to absorb minor scratches and nicks.
When, where, how much?
For those of you screaming "shut up and take my money", EE has confirmed the LG G Flex release date as February 2014 for the UK, although pricing will be revealed nearer the time.
The LG G Flex is already available in certain other countries, so the delayed release in the UK is already a little disappointing and the teasing of the phone in a handful of stores may only infuriate those desperately seeking a bendy handset further.
If you fancy checking out the G Flex before it goes on sale then you'll need to head to Bluewater Shopping Centre, Kent; The Trafford Centre, Manchester; The Merryhill Centre, Merry Hill; Meadowhall Centre, Sheffield; 40-41 Lions Yard, Cambridge; 209-210 Western Road, Brighton; 16 Clumber Street, Nottingham or one of three EE stores in London - Westfield Shopping Centre, Stratford; Westfield Shopping Centre, White City or 155/157 Oxford Street.
The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has served a penalty of £175,000 ($285,000, AU$319,000) to pay day loans company First Financial. An investigation discovered that the company was responsible for sending millions of unlawful spam texts.
Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PERC), which govern electronic marketing, require organisations to have an individual's permission before sending marketing content by text. 4,301 complaints were made against messages from First Financial, which the ICO found to have been sent without consent.
The messages claimed to be sent by one the recipient's friends, saying that they had been given substantial amounts of money by First Financial, before adding a link to their website. This act also prompted separate action from the Advertising Standards Agency.
The spam texts were sent using un-registered SIM cards, a common method used to avoid detection. The fact that the content of the messages were similar and all pointed at a trading name owned by First Financial meant that the responsible firm could be found without much effort.
Blight
ICO director of operations, Simon Entwisle, said "We will continue to target these companies that continue to blight the daily lives of people across the UK. We are also currently speaking with the government to get the legal bar lowered, allowing us to take action at a much earlier stage."
The company's former director, Hamed Shabani, was prosecuted in October this year after failing to notify the ICO of First Financial's processing of personal information, a legal requirement under the Data Protection Act. Despite claiming to have no affiliation with the company, he was fined £1,180 ($1,900, AU$2,100).
Entwisle said: "The fact that this individual tried to distance himself from the unlawful activities of his company shows the kind of individuals we're dealing with here."
The ICO previously fined Tetrus Telecoms £440,000 ($717,000 AU$802,000) for sending millions of unsolicited texts in November 2012.
Microsoft is remaining bullish about the Windows Phone store, and has confirmed that it now boasts over 200,000 applications.
That may sound like an impressive figure, but take a quick glance at the competition and you'll see both Android and iOS are hovering around the one million apps mark.
Of course both Google's and Apple's offerings have been around longer, but Joe Belfiore, VP and manager for Windows Phone Program Management, said back in November that Microsoft will close the app gap by the end of 2014.
Mind the gap
Considering it's taken the Windows Phone store a year and a half to go from 100,000 to 200,000 we find it unlikely that in 12 months time it'll be comfortably riding alongside its Android iOS rivals.
Both the Apple App Store and Google Play took six months to jump from 100,000 to 200,000 apps, and growth since they hit the latter has ramped up significantly.
There have been some big names joining the Windows Phone ranks in 2013, with the likes of Vine and Instagram helping to boost the store's offering and providing some hope for the future.
Last week word broke that Nokia was working on an Android phone code-named Normandy - but now the rumour mill says the Nokia prototypes have been shelved.
Chinese site CTech now says the cheap Android devices that Nokia has been experimenting with over the past couple of years will not see the light of day - supposedly this has nothing to do with Nokia's devices sale to Microsoft but we can't imagine that will have helped.
Big on the graphene scene
Instead, the R&D department that was working on the Android project will be working on wireless power, low power energy generation, flexible displays, graphene sensors and augmented reality tech.
Because the office in question is not being sold to Microsoft, it seems as though Nokia may launch some wearable tech using these exciting new components independently of the Redmond-based company in the coming years.
That could mean smart glasses like Google Glass, but probably not a smartwatch that's already in development because that's gone as part of the Microsoft deal.
We first caught sight of Samsung's GamePad back around the launch of the Samsung Galaxy S4 only for it to go AWOL, but now, finally, it's heading to stores and should be available in the UK within weeks.
The Samsung Smartphone GamePad has changed a little in the months since we last saw it. It's now black rather than white and the button layout and design has been changed slightly, but its purpose (allowing users to play mobile games with console like controls) remains the same.
The GamePad is optimised for Samsung devices running Android 4.3 or above, but it works with any phone or tablet running Android 4.1 or higher and it connects through Bluetooth pairing. It can even be clipped on to any handset that's between 4 and 6.3 inches.
Go large
Plus with the addition an HDMI cable or AllShare Screen Mirroring you can connect your phone to a TV screen and get something approaching a true console experience.
At launch 35 games are optimised for use with the Smartphone GamePad, including Asphalt 8 and Virtua Tennis Challenge, but many more are promised for 2014.
Mobile gaming has grown substantially over the years and with a big name like Samsung supporting it there's every chance that it will become even more popular.
Having said that, if you're looking into buying a smartphone game pad Samsung's offering isn't the only one out there. MOGA for example have been on the scene for quite a while and have several such devices to their name.
Only time will tell whether Samsung's brand power will make it the leader of the pack, and without a price to go on thus far we're left wondering just how many GamePads will sell.
